I’ve been relentlessly teased with pictures of some of the most delicious looking desserts and tasty beverages for what seems like months on end from fellow Angelenos enjoying said items at LA’s latest and greatest hot spot: Republique (pronounced: rey-pooh-bleak – say it with me now). Really though, the teasing never began and ended with just desserts and drinks… somewhere along the way there were baked goods thrown into the mix, shots of the fabulous geometric colored tiles that pave the interior, gorgeous lights that hang from the high vaulted ceiling, a chic almost medieval long family dining table, and not to mention images of dishes featuring cheeses and meats on more cheeses on meats. I’m not entirely sure how I managed to hold out for so long from trying the new spot on the block, it possibly had something to do with the fact that quick reservations proved to be as difficult as expected, but needless to say I finally made it LA’s new favorite spot and it was as fucking glorious as I knew it would be.
I have a weird obsession with anything and everything French. French food, French inspired decor, French films, France in general, and I’m very much so drawn to anything that seems to share my appreciation. In the case of Republique, Republique pretty much had me at “Republique”. Then the rest of the world at least in Los Angeles helped solidify my new-found love with plenty of more reasons to obsess over its French-ness. First impression starts with the incredible space: from the tall floor to ceiling windows, the gothic stonework, geometric mosaic tiles, the one and only picture of a young Marco Pierre White, to the warmly lit interior, it’s a space that is so beyond magnificent and grand that it’s almost impossible to explain and give it the justice it truly deserves. One thing that’s for sure is you truly feel transported: whether that’s to a movie set, a place in another time, or a city somewhere in France, it’s undoubtedly an exceptionally unique space.
What they serve in unparalleled ambiance they match in actual eating department. Prepare though, because dinner at Republique is definitely your cheat meal for the week. You will not be able to escape cheese, butter, bread, and meat and truth be told you won’t want to. The menu is classically French inspired, surprise!, with updated seasonal twists that will have you craving seconds. I myself have a new-found obsession for what Republique calls “Normandy Butter”; I’d love to try to explain this properly, but I’m afraid all I heard was “it’s like butter-cheese”. I don’t know about you… but that’s kinda all I needed to know anyway – go ahead and pass that butter-cheese and bread.
Besides the buzz and the whole “French” thing, admittedly what was really drawing me in to Republique, as mentioned previously, was pictures of their incredible desserts. I am the dessert Queen, as some of you may already be aware of, so the true test to winning my affection begins and ends at the end of my meal. Fortunately I’d like to share with you all that Republique passed the taste test with flying colors – Gold. Fucking. Star. I knew it was a good sign that the menu was twice the size as a normal dessert menu and had a variety that would leave me with no choice but to order more than one. I personally ordered the Meyer Lemon Tart and the Salted Carmel Chocolate Cake but I tell you, if I hadn’t shared two salads, two loaves of bread, a strip loin, french fries, and a whole lotta fish, there’s a pretty good chance I would have tried to order the whole damn menu. Good news is Republique ain’t goin’ no where any time soon and I cannot wait to revisit to feed the rest of my curiosities.
Republique is quite the show stopper all the way around and us Angelenos are quite pleased with what the Republique team has brought to the table thus far, literally and figuratively. If you are in need of a place to impress your company this is certainly the place to go. Or if you’re like me and simply happen to be a fan of craft cocktails, sugar, great food, and everything “French”, Republique should be next on your list too.
Leave a Reply