La Residence

La Residence Review

This fine-dining enclave has always had the setting—Spanish-colonial architecture, with pillars and archways overlooking a courtyard—but only with Chef Denis Schetrit, who serves classically grounded yet innovative cuisine, has it really grown into a destination. He cleverly utilizes local produce and offers many moderately priced choices. An amuse-bouche arrives before your meal, and there is an excellent bread service. The three-course daily menu de chef is less than $28, including tax. It could be brochettes of spit-roasted duck, chicken au poivre, or vegetable risotto. You could start with a salad of pan-fried young squid and leave room for a luscious French pastry. Veer from the daily specials menu, and prices can go higher, but they remain fair; even the grilled Angus fillet and braised oxtail with foie-gras sauce and wild mushrooms is reasonable. Often, musicians romantically serenade diners.