Dateline Los Feliz – If you are scouting for a semi-quiet landing place on Saturday night, we discovered it. A laid-back jazz venue, easy accessible — a charming exclamation point in a funky-fun neighborhood.
Just beyond the reach of Hollywood.
We were gently reminded that elegant old Los Feliz is not so subtly commercial as its understated majestic residential homes.
When One of Us captured a simple glass of water with the click of her cell phone, with such attention to detail that the artistry jumped out at both of us, we knew we were in for a warm evening with a frosty wit.
Planned excursions into jazz clubs often begin with both One of Us and the Other of Us wondering if we will be able to converse while a trio performs in (hopefully) the background.
Sailing Smoothly
So far, that has not been a problem. This venue seemed to have a knack for calibration of music tones to just ride under low conversation, making it easy to enjoy the fare, fellowship and vibes without obstruction
At the Desert Rose, 1700 Hillhurst, not far from where Sunset Boulevard shanks a turn toward Dodger Stadium and downtown, the answer is a resounding yes.
Conversation, both intimate and across the table, is an ingrained social staple.
Strategically last Saturday evening, One of Us reserved a table nearest the delightful jazz trio of Mark Z. Stevens. We got there a bit late. Yet without a moment’s wait, we were placed in the center of the room, usually a definite no for the Other of Us. As in most surprises, it was one of the best seats in the house, dead-center in front of the trio, making it a delight to connect with the music. Confirming, there is no bad seat in the house.
If you know the Other of Us or One of Us, we schmoozed the night away, without Mr. Stevens’s band or Us interfering with the Other.
The setting was so euphonically ideal it could have been sculpted. As is the very large red rose at the entrance.
Blending and weaving the most desirable aspects of large and small, intimate and brawny, Desert Rose offers sparkling architectural contrasts, fire pits and hookah. We were told even large umbrellas are available on the patio for patrons who wish to dine in the rain.
The sprawling outdoors patio serves as a handsome, pragmatic analogue to the decidedly cozy indoors, just what unmarried and marrieds are pursuing on a special night out
