I tried out L'Assiette Steak Frites for the first time the other day and I was quickly reminded that I had been to this exact location several times before. It's predessesor, The Colonial Wine Bar, served up a great wine selection and happy hour, but once again this Melrose based restaurant was undergoing another culinary metamorphosis - remember TiroVino, too? L'Assiette (French for "dish") is the new dining vision of Jacques Fiorentino, whom has partnered up with Mary Anne Reyes, the previous owner of The Colonial, meant to express his heritage and passion for Parisian food in a more focused concept of….yup, Steak Frites.
If you had frequented The Colonial Wine Bar in the past, you may notice that structurally, the new L'Assiette Steak Frites is extremely similar, however the polish of white paint, a new bar back splash and French accents have spruced up the bistro-esque look inside. Chalkboard specials greet you on the left when you walk in and the place still has that great, intimate patio. The West Hollywood eatery has also launched a new late night menu, served until midnight, to entice more locals to stop in and experience their cuisine.
Of course I had to try out their signature dish, the Steak Frites, which is prime Nebraska beef, Coulotte cut, prepared sous-vide and presented in two servings, so even if you slow down with intense conversation at the table (guilty as charged), your plate in replenished with more hot and ever so tender meat. They do the same with their fries. Their frites are hand cut from Kennebec potatoes and cooked in beef tallow, but you can request them cooked in peanut oil if preferred. Back to the steak, though, because it was crazy tender, seared and delicious and the sauce was the icing on the cake for me. Fiorentino's sauce was perfectly seasoned and a great pairing for my pommes frites. It's a good amount of food for only $25...I could seriously get used to this type of Parisian treatment. If you're not in a meaty mood, L'Assiette also serves some dishes du jour like grilled salmon or a vegetarian option - just ask your server or check the chalkboard.
I sipped on some French wines that evening suggested by my server, a Sancerre and French blend, but L'Assiette also serves many other wine varietals and regional varieties. A selection of artisanal cheeses are available for $5 an ounce. And don't think about skipping dessert. Our table tried the Beignet-style Profiteroles (filled with ice cream) and the L'Assiette Fudge Brownie. My only advice with the profiteroles is to eat them right as they are served, otherwise that conversation I mentioned earlier will having them melting away on the plate. The brownie was built from dark chocolate, with bitter sweet flavors and an extremely rich texture. Word is, the Amaretto Cake is one of their sweet stars. Next time.
(323) 274-2319
7166 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood, CA 90046
