I just spent the past 30 minutes reading all the bad reviews of First and Hope on Yelp. Sheesh! Serves me right for not doing my research!

This meal was certainly NOT worth $70 a person!

Not as awful as all the reviews, but would definitely NOT come here again.

The only reason we did in the first place was to see the Uncabaret show in the adjoining lounge.

I don’t know how this place stays in business. Possibly mob connections.

SOME HIGHLIGHTS:

To be honest, the Short Ribs were very tasty. Nothing mindblowing or unique, but quite solid. Juicy, tender and not fatty.

The Cheese and Crackers were fine. A bit elementary, but I enjoyed each cheese.

Our server was very friendly and attentive. Well, we were one of only two diners in the entire restaurant, so he’d better damn well be!

SOME LOWLIGHTS:

The food was pricey and not worth said price.

The place was dead, I felt bad for it. Like an abandoned puppy that charged people too much money to pet it.

The Truffle Mac and Cheese was less cheesy and more saucey. Managed to be both bland and too Truffley at the same time. What an amazing feat!

The Chicken Consommé Matzoh Balls & Soba Noodles was hella bland. Yes, so bland it made me say “hella”. They also spelled Matzoh wrong on the menu. Which I copied onto my blog directly from the website and I refuse to correct it.

The Creme Brulee was just ok.

The Beet Salad was dreadful. If I were Lucy and Charlie Brown served this to me, I woudl call him a blockhead. The beets were stringy and the stringy parts were just not chewable, i had to spit them out! I’ve never had beets like that. Maybe that’s what happens when they’re undercooked? Not sure.

First and Hope is a supperclub but I think they should get rid of the supper and focus more on the club.

I would HOPE that you would try to eat somewhere else FIRST before or after your downtown theater excursion if you wish to enjoy a nice meal.

710 W 1st St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 617-8555
http://www.firstandhope.com