Valette

"If you enjoy shouting at your dining companions over upscale California cuisine, Valette will deliver exactly the kind of volume level you're looking for. The dining room can get seriously loud, but fortunately, the service is friendly and efficient enough to keep the night moving smoothly despite the noise. The meal started as a bit of a mixed bag. The burrata and focaccia arrived looking the part but was sadly lacking in actual flavor. Things turned around with the steak tartare, which was genuinely delicious, though the portion size was small enough to make you wonder if it was designed for a toddler. If you're looking for better value in the starter department, the lamb appetizer can actually be upgraded to a full entree portion, or you can opt for the gem salad, which was very good. For the mains, the duck was a sizable and well-enjoyed portion, and the NY strip arrived perfectly cooked to temp. It comes with a horseradish sauce that you can honestly take or leave—the meat itself has enough flavor that the sauce is entirely optional. Whatever you do, make sure to save room for dessert because the pastry department is carrying its weight. The "Not a Snickers" bar is absolutely amazing and worth the trip alone. If you prefer a less sugary end to your evening, the carrot cake comes with a sour cream element that gives it a nice, unexpected kick. It’s a solid spot, provided you bring your earplugs and skip the bread course."