Never in my life has waiting for a table for 50 minutes been so enjoyable. The casual elegance of Bottega Louie and it’s Downtown Los Angeles location make it a hipsters paradise. When we arrived at 8pm, we quickly registered our names with the hostess, were told it would be thirty to forty minutes and so quickly proceeded to the bar. The restaurant/patisserie/gourmet market, with lofty ceilings and white-washed walls, exposes everything. The cooks can be seen behind pellucid glass – chopping the onions, preparing Capreze, stuffing the artichoke; while distant ovens advertise fire cooked Italian pizzas. The crowd is eclectic. Charming in its fashionable sensibility, a conglomerate of the high-end and casual; t-shirts and jeans, short shorts and low tops aka club gear, colorful eccentric vintage and designer suits. There are no rules (especially in L.A., especially Downtown L.A.). On the shelves in the Gourmet market, I find Squid Ink spaghetti, canned Octopus and a variety of imported goods. Though the Bottega is largely Italian, it’s patisserie and comestible fare speaks to its European neighbor, France. While I sip my Vodka in the shop, a waitress offers a complimentary appetizer of delectable white or chocolate chipped bread.
When we are called to the Hostess’ table, she introduces herself as Erica, and Erica politely lets us know it will be just a moment. When we sit down, our waiter promptly attends our table and also makes his introduction. His name is Will. Will serves us perfectly. He takes our order, fills our glasses, brings our food and wine and delivers the check when asked without any vexatious hovering or leaving us elaborately gesturing for his attention. I am thrilled and the food is delicious, our bill manageable. Bottega Louie was recommended to me by a friend, and after our inviting experience, I would do the same.
NO SAINTS IN L.A. 
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