"As a type of personality I must admit that I was a bit nervous to my new friends, Daniel L and Tony Y, last Friday night, because Westside did not reservations. Parking was ridiculous in their underground multi-stage park structure that they share with the landmark and, I'm sure to share other Pavilion shoppers. There were sooo many cars that captured two spaces in the clearly marked “compact” spaces!! People, if you can't fit, move with!!! Ah! But I'm sorry. This is not a Westside Tavern/Landmark Theater Park Structure Review. But WT earns props for free parking in WLA – its MAJOR and much appreciated plus!! SERVICE: We sat relatively fast. I think our wait was, maybe 15 minutes? Tracy was our waitress who took care of us very well. Our glasses were never empty, and our empty dishes were always deleted. Your recommendations were also on site. FOOD: Chicken Liver Mousse Jar Appetizer – We shared this on Tracy's recommendation. The liver mousse was a fine stroke like Concoction covered with a thin layer of Port flavor gel. It was interesting to see it coming in a glass. We just didn't know how to attack it? Thank God Tracy was there to advise us, it was simply on the roasted crustinis along with the apple chutney dress that came with the dish. We discovered that the mousse really needs to be lubricated generously to really enjoy its creamy taste. The Applechutney delivered a really intelligent combination of tart and subtle sweetness to contrast the riches of the mousse. Bravo on originality Westside! (Confession: If I had not been in the company of two fine Gentleman this evening, I would have tasted this spoon shamelessly as I have with nut or peanut butter. It was good THAT mmmmmmmm! However, I personally was not a fan of the Crustinis spiced with olive oil and herbs. The Crustini simple were too hard as a biscotti that exaggerated me the fine creamy texture and the taste of the liver mousse. I would have preferred a softer, flat bread alternative. Seared Scallops with sawed spinach, beaded onions and persimmons in blood orange vinaigrette – this was the special in the evening. It comes with 4 very large plump/dense scallop medallions that fill incredible. I found it a little too salty for my taste. The persimmons was a surprising turn to this dish for an occasional burst of sweetness. Warm Sticky Toffee Cake with Mascarpone Cream – It was interesting to lose these cakes and cream NIE their shape while we chat in the evening. Yes Sirree, the cream is never melted. Both cakes and cream were too rich for me texture wise, and was also tasteless so that I polish it up to Tony and Daniel. A wonderful semi-upscale ambience that reminds me of many Houstons. I really enjoyed the vibe of WT and would like to come back/to others quite heartily – and I will take another one of these Chicken Liver Mousse Appetizers."
