BY ALISON FREEBAIRN-SMITH
Excessive holiday eating and spending has led many of us to tighten our wallets and watch our diets, so we’re eating more meals at home. But, what if I told you I know a place where you can dine in style, eat gourmet food in a resort-like atmosphere—and it will cost less than it would to make the same dinner at home? Moreover, it’s right here in the 818, and more specifically, at a gym — but not your ordinary gym.
The bar at Ramsey's is just one of three spots to catch the Tuesday through Sunday dining special. Photo: Courtesy Ramsey's
Ramsey’s at the Club, the restaurant at the Toluca Lake Tennis Club and Sports Center, on Forest Lawn Drive right behind Warner Bros. Studios, is now serving dinner Tuesday through Thursday nights. Choose to dine in one of three places — the swanky bar, fireside in the banquet room, or outside overlooking the tennis courts (with a backdrop of Griffith Park as well as views of local mountains) on comfortable lounge seating under Moroccan-style tents with plenty of heaters. Most importantly, the food is superb — at a cost that can’t be beat.
Entrees, labeled “Proteins” are just $7, and “Sides” are only $4. For $15 (plus tax and tip, of course), you can get a healthy portion of Grilled Salmon with a side of Celery Root and Roasted Apple Mashed Potatoes (and they are out of this world!), and an organic Poached Beet and Butter Lettuce Salad. There many other choices like a Pan Seared Sole Filet with Truffle Butter Sauce and Fresh Herbs, Ahi Tuna with Soy Ginger Glaze and Chives, a Barley and Butternut Squash Salad, Quinoa and Winter Vegetable Salad, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, and House Cut French Fries or Maui Onion Rings with Lemon Aioli, just to mention a few, all at the same low prices.
Proteins, such as this salmon a la carte entree, are $7. Photo: Alison Freebairn-Smith
For meat eaters, there is a Miso Marinated and Grilled Skirt Steak, Marinated and Roasted Pork Tenderloin with a Bing Cherry-Port Wine Reduction Sauce, among other selections, and a Grilled Angus Beef Burger for an additional $5.
Ramsey’s at the Club has a full bar and a friendly, accommodating staff. The restaurant is also available for private parties and special events. Co-owner/Chef Jesse Genovese loves to cook with seasonal, healthy ingredients. He graduated from the masters program at Le Cordon Bleu London Culinary Arts Institute at the top of his class and has traveled the world to learn Asian and Mediterranean cooking styles which greatly influence his creations. Genovese is partners in this venture with Jay Sadofsky, owner of nearby Mo’s Restaurant.
Sides, such as this Barley and Butternut Squash Salad, are $4. Photo: Alison Freebairn-Smith
Ramsey’s is the place to go for a delicious, healthy and affordable dining experience in a truly beautiful Southern California setting. See you there!
Co-owner/Chef Jesse Genovese graduated from the masters program at Le Cordon Bleu London Culinary Arts Institute and has worked at top restaurants in New York and Los Angeles. Photo: Courtesy Ramsey's
NOTE: Call before you go to make sure the restaurant isn’t closed for a private party. Dress is anything from business attire to gym clothes.
Ramsey’s the Club at the Toluca Lake Tennis Club and Sports Center, 6711 Forest Lawn Drive, Toluca Lake, (323) 512-4170. Special dinners are Tuesday-Thursday nights only.
Alison Freebairn-Smith is a freelance writer/songwriter and second generation native Los Angelean who grew up in Sherman Oaks where she once owned her own boutique and currently resides in Valley Village.
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