Dish It: Oriel's Steak Tartare

A FRENCH WINE BAR THAT'S SUPER HIP AND GREAT FOR DATE NIGHT

Steps away from the Chinatown L.A. Metro stop, underneath the train tracks, is a French bistro/ wine bar. In a vintage scene practically lending itself as a double escape, Oriel offers a remarkable Steak Tartare worthy of dishing.

Bordeaux Rogue, Chateau Des Combes

The cozy, candlelit bar has an excellent collection of French wine and intriguing dishes like: escargots, bone marrow and duck pâté; making it fun to try something new, to share and/or to pair.

Steak Tartare ($19)

The Steak Tartare makes a nice gateway to exploring new food options. It can serve as a gentle nudge in the direction of delectable or exotic foods you never thought you'd try. On the other hand, it can simply be an alternative to the proverbial steak dinner. Although intended as an appetizer, it became the star at wine night.

Asparagus ($9)

Finely chopped, well seasoned, raw steak is plated with classic accouterments. The presentation is striking and the steak as tender as the soft egg topping. There were no tough patches—literally melts in your mouth! The lightly toasted multi-grain, French baguette makes a scrumptious vessel for this savory "butter-meat."