Providence***

I’ve been wanting to try Providence since we came to LA in 2024 for a layover on the way to Sydney. With 7 people, mostly uninterested in fine dining, it was not an option. However, now that I’m in school here, I finally made it out. That strict cancellation policy combined with the lofty menu prices deterred me for a while but I finally got to go for the first time (and yes, this implies there will be more times).

The amuse-bouche were delectable- a smoked salmon cylinder reminiscent of TFL Salmon cigars, the most delicious uni & uni butter tart, and a mound of Kaluga caviar with a nori tuile, spritzed with an edible herb perfume. Next was the “Nori-O”, rich A5 Japanese Wagyu tartare in between two nori round crackers (hence the name) dusted in crushed black truffle. All of these were a home run for me, the flavors worked so well together and even overdone things like caviar and a5 Wagyu were refreshed. The first course was another, far more sizeable mound of Kaluga caviar on a potato crisp with crème fraiche and slices of white country ham, all over a sort of jelly which I don’t remember the details of. I’m not the fondest of jelly textures but I got through most of this, it just gets to a point where it feels like I’m shoveling slime in my mouth, no matter how good it tastes (personal opinion). Next was a yellowtail sashimi with salted cherry leaves and nori oil in crème fraiche. This was really good and the fish was so fresh, the standout of the dish truly was the fish (rhyme unintended). Following the sashimi was the scallop, on a bed of scallop XO sauce and froth with a cauliflower moment going on to the side. This giant Hokkaido sea scallop was the most tender, delicious scallop I’ve ever had. With its size, I was nervous about the consistency as I tend to lean a little stand-offish when it comes to seafood (hence why I chose Providence over, say, Mori Nozomi or Hayato with unwritten menus) but it was delightful. With the scallop came their famous red fife sourdough, and it truly did not disappoint. I took it home and shared it with some friends and it lasted about 5 minutes. I was lucky enough to be the first one at the bar to receive their newest dish, debuted the night I dined- the caramelle. This incredible pasta was stuffed with the most delicious spiny lobster and topped with Dungeness crab, all in a delicious frothy uni butter. Need I say more? Truly excellence in seafood here. The Kinmedai was rich and flaky, with crispy skin and plated with an artichoke puree and red pearl onions. At this point, I was honestly getting full (mind the ozempic prescription, though) but I was more excited than I was full for the next course, their liberty farms duck. Unfathomably decadent, this was the richest duck I have ever had, and the sauce paired wonderfully. The duck was plated with 4 different preparations of quince which were all different and unique. Finally, we made it to desserts. A red fruit and shiso sorbet in the shape of a Michelin star, house made Hawaiian chocolate, and petit fours closed out one of the best meals I’ve had in LA. To make it even better, I got to try their non-alcoholic pairing which was innovative and thoughtfully done. This is a spectacular place and I hope to get the full experience in the dining room next time.