BLT Steak almost ready for L.A.

BLT Steak is still waiting for final sign-off on permits to open, but we got a taste of what's to come at last night's opening party. L.A. chefs including Alain Giraud and Nancy Silverton were among those checking out the scene. We had a few nice bites of steak, but although that's the main focus of the menu, the raw seafood bar was attracting the most attention at the opening, with langoustine, luscious Kumamato oysters and wonderfully meaty clams. I was impressed by the small but cool draft beer selection -- Alesmith's Anvil is one of my very favorite beers and you don't often see it on tap. Specialty cocktails ran the gamut -- guests gave thumbs down on the strawberry fennel margarita, a cautious thumbs up on the gin/cucumber/sherry concoction, and raves for the rhubarb/vodka/ginger beer cooler with an entire rhubarb stalk stirrer in the tall glass. We also loved desserts like the crêpe soufflé with passion fruit sauce and the peanut butter chocolate mousse/banana ice cream number. Sure to attract the same industry crowd as Le Dome did years ago, this place looks like it's got all the attention to details (house-made pickles!) to please more serious eaters, as well as a pleasantly open design and great patio along Sunset for smoking scenesters.
Bad news for Le Dome's former power lunchers, though: for now, BLT Steak will be open just for dinner, seven days a week.