The Dakota is decorated in a style that harmonizes with the old Hollywood glamour of the Roosevelt Hotel, but without the creepiness. The rich chocolate tones keep the room hip and dark but much warmer than the usual black and white decor. The suede chairs are comfortable, although I am still pondering the leather tablecloths. The room is divided by large columns that break up the vastness and give each area a sense of privacy.
The DineLA menu is displayed at the entrance, but was not presented with our menus. The options are appealing, and for the most part, impressive. The Dakota served the best overall menu thus far with one glaring exception. Sometimes you have to wonder if there is a new chef in the kitchen that they are allowing to oversee one dish when one plate is such a colossal failure in a restaurant that is usually dependable.
The Dakota is a place for steaks, and the pastry chef is outstanding. This is definitely the place to impress visiting relatives after hitting the Hollywood tourist attractions. Just make sure the spirit of Marilyn Monroe doesn't swipe your tiramisu.
Many of the participating restaurants will be extending their DineLA menus until the end of the month.
More DineLA 2009 on LAist: The First Bite, SimonLA, Campanile, Locanda del Lago., Thousand Cranes, Asia de Cuba and Water Grill.
