City Hall + Bottega Louie's

The trip to Los Angeles City Hall was a rip roaring success! We drove into downtown planning to park at Union Station and then take the Metro Red Line to our various destinations. I'd read online that parking was $10 for all day, but when we got there is was actually $14. That was too steep for me, so it was fortunate that Karen had seen a sign for a $5/a day lot right next door at the United States Post Office. The parking attendant was a toothless old black man with a cheeky grin and helpful attitude. The perfect start to our adventure.

We walked to City Hall from the Civic Center metro stop. After passing through security we were left alone to do as we pleased. Kind of strange to be allowed to wander about unattended in this hyper secure mode we now live in.

We rode up in ancient elevators switching at the 22nd floor to get the express elevator to the 26th floor. From there we took the stairs (though an elevator is available) to the 27th floor. Not a soul was about except us. And you get all of this for FREE! I highly recommend adding this destination to any tour of Los Angeles. Below is a view of the city skyline. The above picture is from the third floor Rotunda.


From there we walked down Broadway, passing the Grand Market and the Bradbury building, to get to the newly opened Bottega Louie restaurant. It's located at the corner of 7th /Grand conveniently close to the 7th street Metro station. I'd heard about Bottega Louie a couple months ago before it opened and wanted to check it out from the way it was described. Dark wood and gilt, but with high ceilings and clean white walls. A mix between modern and European bistro in my mind. The restaurant seats around 185 people so that gives you an idea of the size. I was planning on just eating in their cafe since Thorne was with us. As we were standing in the entry way deciding what to do the hostess approached us and asked if we'd like to be seated in the restaurant. Since the place was enormous and there was quite a din from all the talking, I thought even if Thorne got fussy no one would hear her. So we dined in. No one batted an eye that I was bringing a baby into such a fine dining area. Everyone was so personable and helpful. Looking back I wonder if they thought I was a food blogger since I was taking so many photos.

The food was tasty and they serve complimentary sparkling water. That little detail alone made me happy. We had a yummy salad soused in a balsamic vinaigrette giving it a dirty appearance, thus no photo. We split that and a club sandwich. I thought the mustard spread on the sandwich to be a touch salty, but otherwise a good standard club. After that we splurged on dessert and got the oh so fabulous, swoon inducing, let me sing a song about it, Peanut Butter and Chocolate terrine. Layers of chocolate then peanut butter and then more chocolate with a drizzle of caramel and chocolate sauce. SO GOOD! Even Thorne was drooling over the concoction.


This Wednesday I'm heading to the opera to hear Wagner's Die Valkyrie and we'll be dining at Bottega Louie's beforehand. I'm sure their dinner service will be as accommodating as their lunch service. All in all a delightful day!