I was sipping a cappuccino under an olive tree, looking onward towards a pool that was calling my attention. French music played in the distance while a cool breeze graced the back of my neck. I am sitting al fresco at the restaurant within the Cara Hotel, also called Cara, where one can be momentarily whisked away from the chaos that is Los Angeles. As I continue to chase the feeling of forever being on vacation I forget for just a moment that we’re suffering through a global pandemic.

Alfresco is the only way I dine these days and it is done at the minimum compared to what life used to be like. I don’t feel particularly safe but when I make the choice to go out on rare occasions, patios are my only choice. Beautiful patios, preferably. Because of this, I’ve been scouring Los Angeles for the best relaxed outdoor dining options. With age and experience, I find myself drawn to quieter places that have the potential to be filled with romance. Intimate is ideal. I was enveloped in that feeling at Cara Restaurant thanks to their close attention to design. The Cara Hotel is Loz Feliz chic, tan-toned and off-white abundant, with 100-year-old olive trees lining the patio. It has an international vibration pulling inspiration from Morocco, Italy, and other countries along the Mediterranean. The restaurant maintains loyal to California ingredients offering a hyper-seasonal menu where produce is sourced from a biodynamic farm in the San Gabriel Valley. [source]

My expectations aren’t typically high for restaurants found inside trendy boutique hotels but I have witnessed the pendulum swing and have taken note of the effort to change hotel gastronomy options. The lunch menu offerings at Cara were diverse albeit I wish they had more light offerings like a variety of salads or bowls. I was delighted by my plate of pickled white asparagus, both grilled and raw, paired with burrata and Heritage prosciutto. Accompanying the savory selection was a plate of freshly toasted bread from local baker Friends and Family. I must emphasize again how incredible the pickled white asparagus was as it’s not a commonly found menu item in Los Angeles even when in season. It reminded me of a 12-course dinner prepared by Chef Curtis Stone that I reveled in at Pebble Beach Food & Wine 2015; each course was made of asparagus.

I ordered a side of fries as well, as I am always on the prowl for the best fries in Los Angeles. Although they were steak fries (not my favorite), I enjoyed dipping them in their house-made sauce reminiscent of the special sauce at California classic In-n-Out but elevated of course. Any charming boutique hotel should offer smaller cut fries as they’re easier to eat by the pool and feel more delicate alongside a natural wine. Steak fries are too heavy and aggressive. Standard-cut fries would go a long way on this gorgeous patio. I’d advise this to anyone serving food in any airy elegant outdoor environment.

As with all my dining experiences, I paid close attention to service and hospitality. Although the hostess was sour and lacked any kind of hospitable warmth upon our entry, the server Chris was superb in every way. His kind face, voice, and approach to the dining experience were an appreciated welcome. He was knowledgeable about the menu, where items were sourced, and took his time ensuring our meal was a pleasant one. When I sit down at a restaurant, I seek a memorable experience, one that I hope is filled with positivity, consideration, and fun. I also had a chance to chat with Alex, the woman who so excellently was holding down the espresso bar and cocktail menu. We briefly shared our experiences about growing up Latina in L.A. and what changes we’re currently witnessing in our city. It was genuinely cool connecting with her about the realities we’re both facing in our lives especially as this pandemic is seemingly ripping our city apart. Alex makes a superb cappuccino if you’re searching for a good one in the area. They’re not always easy to find.

The Cara is perfect for coffee, wine, and a light bite to eat if you’re looking to escape the streets of Los Angeles. I was impressed a hotelier could create such an urban oasis just a block north of Hollywood Blvd. It is an ideal spot for those seeking fresh air and beauty, whether you’re a local enjoying a pied-à-terre or an out of owner who desires a slower pace. Both the hotel and restaurant are low-key while maintaining a down-to-earth elegance. It’s an ideal spot to get away when you can’t leave the city for an actual getaway.

Location

The Cara Hotel
1730 N Western Ave
Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA 90027-4830
Phone: +1 323 467 5141