Every year, three of my friends throw a crazy birthday bash at the Bonaventure Hotel, downtown.

We’d have the event at the hotel’s restaurant and then head back up to the large hotel suite we had rented and continue until we passed out on the floor.

Passed out from all the chamomile tea, mom. We especially enjoyed Celestial Seasoning’s Sleepytime.

Until one year when it all came to an abrupt stop.

The final year of the infamous party, I decided to get my own room. Actually have my own bed to not remember falling into.

The following morning, I awoke in my hotel room, head in a fog. I started sending texts to folks asking about where we were meeting for breakfast.

Silence, of course.

Finally, Captain responded. “Uh, we’re home. Security kicked everyone out last night!”

Oh.

I couldn’t wait to hear the story on this one.

Later, I found out one of our friends was escorted out in a wheelchair as he had temporarily lost the ability to walk or keep liquids (alcohol) in his stomach. What a sudden and unexplained affliction!

I guess I’ll just sell the shirt off my back for the taxi ride home and hope that my car was even there.

Well, the Bonaventure days are over, we’re all adults now. Many of us have married, Captain is even with child!

This year, we all met at a new restaurant in West LA where we knew the pastry chef. They gave us a set menu, highlighting many of the favorite dishes from the regular menu (and some additional).

While trying to pay attention (let alone photograph) all the food that comes out can be difficult when you’re visiting with 15 people, I still managed to shoot everything we ate.

Flores stands out as one of the nice, non-Asian themed dinner spots on Sawtelle so it should do well in that respect.

Some standouts were all the starters. Loved the Deviled Eggs and the Pig Cheek Croquetes. Both are fairly rich, so great for sharing.

The mac and cheese was very simply prepared (which I always appreciate) and the Kale Caesar was absolutely delicious. The kale was steamed just enough (I think) so it was easy to chew and I loved the dressing.

Chicken was creatively prepared (but, still chicken) but the Hanger Steak was my favorite of the main dishes.

My favorite dessert was the unique and pretty Chocolate and Olive Oil cake, I kept wanting to sneak bites of it.

Flores, like most small plate restaruants, can add up in price if you’re not careful but luckily the food was tasty enough to not hate yourself the next morning.

Unless your friends all get kicked out for being too loud or for setting the place on fire.

2024 Sawtelle Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(424) 273-6469
floreslosangeles.com

2024 Sawtelle Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(424) 273-6469
floreslosangeles.com