And what about corkage’s close relative - the cakeage fee? 
We got decent service last night even though we got seated 30 minutes past our reservation time but I couldn’t hold it against them-it was Valencraps of course. The waiter was nice, he seemed really tired but the water glass was filled, the food didn’t take too long…what more could you ask for. Poor chap had probably been on his feet for yonks.
I thought the food was really mediocre, I had the Wild Alaskan salmon and it wasn’t anything to write home about. The appetizers were the best, actually. It wasn’t anything I’d go back for but the atmosphere was really nice for Valenfucks and all. Actually, the next time I eat French I think I might go to that Taix French place in Echo Park/Silverlake. But boy’s b-day is coming up so I think for that I’m thinking caribbean/cuban food…I guess there’s a decent place in Alhambra that also has dancing or something.
Don’t get me started on the attitudes you get when you’re eating alone…I wrote a bitter blog post about it…a blog address I am perfectly happy to send you!
And if Taix is full up you can always go to the Brite Spot across the street. That’s a high class place. 
There’s a French bistro place over on Hillhurst called La Belle Epoque or somesuch; I’ve only had sandwiches there but it seems pretty decent. If you’re going to go all dressed up for dinner, though, might I recommend The Pacific Dining Car Steakhouse? The steak is okay–as good as you’re going to get in LA, I guess–but the atmosphere is too cool for McQueen. I didn’t realize that it was open 24 hours; I may have to hit it up one of those sleepless nights instead of alternating between Fred 62 and Swingers.
There’s a Jamacian place over on Fair Oaks; I can’t vouch for it, but it might be a nearby option for Caribbean dining. There’s always Akbar, naturally; I love their lunch specials and wish they offered combined plates in addition to a la carte at dinner.
Stranger
Those snooty bastards and their “corking” fees. I brought a fine box of wine to this Bistro on Valentines Day. Not only did they charge me a $10 fee, but the waiter didn’t even know how to work it.
Do you mean a thali? I’m not a big fan of thalis, actually because I often suspect that they come out of a big-batch of pre-made items that they’re just slopping together.
Akbar is really good, my fave in Pasadena, actually, but both the boy and I happen to be Indian (and I can cook) so I really don’t enjoy going out as much for Indian…unless it’s Diwali and everyone’s being lazy again or something.
Thanks for the recommendations on the other places-driving here is a pain in the ass but I’m willing to stomp out of Pas on special occasions. I was actually thinking of taking him out to Ethiopian in that neighbourhood on Fairfax and then to a play. There was a David Mamet one playing late last year but I bet it has ended it’s run.
Bear: that sucks man. Ten dollars for a box wine. Not to rag on the boxed wine because you can get some decent ones and my engineer dad insists that actually they’re supposed to keep better.
There are a couple of Mamet plays playing right now, and the excellent Oscar Wilde play The Importance of Being Earnest is downtown. If you haven’t already, check out GoldstarEvents.com, which sells half-price tickets to events in the LA area. You might find an interesting play, and the prices are good.
And I ditto Stranger’s Pacific Dining Car suggestion, and will add Valentino in Santa Monica, or, if downtown, Roy’sHawaiian fusion place. Not only is the food great, but they are very sensitive to getting you out in time for theater (and free limo up the hill to the Music Center).