Vaca is right next to an office building, an apartment building, and above a small shopping center. It’s actually a bit hidden, but as you walk closer, you’ll start to smell the meat! I have heard about how tasty (and expensive) Vaca is, but I have yet to try it for myself. Dine LA was the perfect opportunity to do so! The Dine LA lunch menu had three courses for $35.
Our party was able to get a seat without a reservation. This place was actually quite busy during lunch, and other tables were ordering items from the regular menu as well!
Appetizer
Bay Scallop Crudo – passionfruit-brown butter vinaigrette, cilantro – When this appetizer first arrived in front of me, I was a bit disappointed. I thought the scallops were going to show up in a shell, like the other tables! Instead, it came in a bowl. I picked up the small spoon and starting eating. Each bite felt so precious because it was such a small portion! The ingredients sprinkled on top reminded me of the parmesan cheese that you sprinkle on top of pizza. I did like the sauce though – I made sure to include it with every scoop. These bay scallops were fresh. I just wish there was more!
Main
Steak Frites – prime hanger steak, chimichurri, fries – My prime hanger steak was cooked medium rare. I really enjoyed the steak, but I do prefer the steak I had at Yang’s Kitchen more. I wasn’t a fan of the charred edges. The fries and sauce were good. Overall, this was delicious and the flavors were there.
Dessert
Date Cake – warm date cake, sherry butterscotch, vanilla ice cream – This date cake took a really long time to be served. Was the wait worth it? I think the wait definitely kept us curious. The first bite was very satisfying, with the cold ice cream mixing in with the warm date cake in your mouth. After a few bites though, I wasn’t sure I was a fan of the date cake. There was an interesting aftertaste! I really liked the vanilla ice cream though.
Food wise, it was good. Portion wise, this place is definitely pricey for the amount you get! I do want to check out the tapas on their regular menu though. I’ll probably check it out again with a bigger group so we could try more items!
Food Ranking: 3.5/5