Inn of the 7th Ray - Los Angeles - Romantic
Apr 02 '01
The Bottom Line Romantic, intimate, outdoor dining. Highly recommended for couples and special occasions.
The Inn of the Seventh Ray is a very unique and cozy restaurant located in Topanga Canyon halfway between Malibu and the western San Fernando Valley. The drive there on a warm summer evening is just the beginning of a unique experience.
When you arrive, don't be surprised to see a few Porshes, Mercedes, Ferraris, or other trendy and expensive cars in the valet parking lot. You'll most likely want to use the valet service as well, because parking is difficult to find.
As you enter the restaurant along a winding garden path, you soon get the idea this is a different place. The focus is on the natural beauty of the location rather than man-made decor. The host or hostess will greet you at an outdoor garden trellis, and you'll have the opportunity to browse the New Age book store while you wait to be seated. The restaurant is operated by a New Age group, but it is all very low key and you will not be offended in any way. It is just a part of the unique experience. Everyone I have taken there has enjoyed the opportunity to browse in the bookstore, and we often wished there was more time before dinner.
Seating is outdoors at small round tables under trees lit up with tiny Christmas lights. There is a small amount of indoor seating, but most of the restaurant is outdoors. There are no lights other than the Christmas lights in the trees and the candle on your table. There are gas heaters among the tables, to take the chill away if it is a cool evening. Because the tables are very small, the seating is best suited for two. They will accomodate larger parties, but this is really intended to be an intimate or romantic destination.
The Inn of the Seventh Ray is located beside a creek that runs through the canyon, and some of the tables are perched on a terrace that overlooks the flowing water. You will dine to the sound of frogs and crickets, and the soothing sound of running water in the background. If you like, you can descend a stone pathway to the edge of the water. It's not well lit, so be careful. But the lack of lighting adds to the romantic ambiance. You may find that you and your guest are walking the path alone with only the moonlight to light your way and then ... well this is where you get to use your imagination!
The cuisine is as unique as the location, and prices range from about 18 to 36 dollars per plate. Portions are fairly small but very tasty, and the presentation is consistent with the decor. As you might imagine, the focus is on light, healthy dishes. Although you may find chicken, duck, and a seafood dish on the menu, you will get the impression that the specialty is vegetarian. The menu offers a limited selection of quality dishes - perhaps no more than 8 or 10 selections. I haven't sampled the wine, but I have been told the selection is limited but excellent.
The service is attentive but unobtrusive. You will find it easy to focus your attention on your guest rather than your server. It is likely you will remember the ambiance of the place and the time you spent together long after you forget the staff and the cuisine.
When you leave, you can't help feeling tranquil and serene. Couples often depart arm in arm, even if they didn't arrive that way. And many times a look passes between them that confirms the magic of the experience.
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Epinions.com ID:
shurie
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Location: Southern California
Reviews written: 36
Trusted by: 99 members
About Me:
Computer nut with lots of interests - and always an opinion!
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