Last night, I had a sister date at Nightshade in the Arts District DTLA. It is an Asian fusion and Szechuan restaurant that also features creative cocktails. My sister and I opted out of the drinks because we wanted to be responsible driving back home yesterday, but we still had a good time trying the foods we wanted to try.
The restaurant is located on a small alleyway that is barely visible with the small neon sign. There is valet parking right in front that utilizes the alleyway as parking spots. I circled around twice, could not find parking and gave into paying $12 for valet.
The decor is cute. I like the rounded rectangular plates. The glasses have thin rims.
Hokkaido scallops, coconut vinaigrette, crispy ginger, coriander. My sister and I really wanted to try this one. It sounded silky and smooth. In fact, the quality and texture of the scallops itself was very soft and smooth and delicate, but the sauce flavors served with it was too strong for the delicate scallops. I only like the scallops itself. The ginger, not so much!!
Tamarind glazed baby carrots, toasted coconut, carrot top emulsion. I ordered this more for the look than the vegetable itself. The presentation is cool. They used black and orange carrots. I think the sauce is a bit too sweet for me. I really like my vegetables more savory.
Lasagna, pork ragu, tofu cream, prickly ash. This was both of our favorites!! The Asian mabo tofu flavors is captured very well with the Italian pork ragu. The tofu cream tasted just like tofu. This was well done. We decided that this alone makes the popularity of the restaurant. They can just turn into a small deli and make this; it would be a hit in itself! Well worth the try.
Happy Birthday Candle, edible. We “celebrated” my sisters belated birthday. They surprised us with a cinnamon-tasting edible candle that was firm and crunchy.
Thomcord grape, almond sorbet, ice. The presentation and creativity of the form of this sorbet was amazing! It did taste like almond! The sour grapes contrasted well. The bed of ice the sorbet laid on was a nice addition to the strong sour tastes.
Coconut mousse, pineapple, coconut lime granita, nata de coco. I loved this dessert!! The coconut mousse inside was so fluffy and light and creamy. I felt like I was eating air!!! The light taste of coconut was brought out more with the mild lime and pineapple. This was just so good.
My sister and I have decided that this place is worth the try, but not to go back to. The highlights were the lasagna and the desserts, but both were still very pricey. Each dessert was $16-18!!!! The service was very attentive thought; they were constantly refilling our waters and taking away dirty plates! I would still recommend the lasagna to anyone who asks!
