Coin & Candor

Source: Opentable

I visited Coin & Candor, a restaurant located inside the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village, CA, to dine in. The restaurant offered a luxurious atmosphere and attentive services. The menu featured various dishes, ranging from salads to apple tart tatin. I particularly enjoyed the freshness and quality of ingredients in dishes but was a little unsatisfied with the unharmonic flavors. The atmosphere of the restaurant was perfect for formal dining occasions or a romantic date night, with prices ranging from $50 to $100 per person. Overall, they provided an agreeable dining experience with decent food.

I ordered a mocktail Garden Crush to drink, sourdough, and beef tartare as a starter. Garden Crush was refreshing with a tangy flavor, which taste was a combination of citrus, cucumber, and egg white. It seemed great to pair with some buttery or creamy dishes. Sourdough served hot right out of the oven, tasted great with the salty butter provided. The Steak tartare had a delicate taste; extra virgin olive oil and herbs added a rich flavor. However, the waffles served with the dish were too greasy, so I got tired of the dish after just a few bites.

For the main dish, I ordered duck leg confit. Confit refers to the process of cooking meat (mostly duck) with its own fat. By submerging and boiling the leg into its own fat, then cooling it in the fridge for some time, the duck leg becomes extremely tender and rich in buttery flavor. However, when I had duck leg confit, the leg was very salty and dry, and the risotto was very sweet. They may have intended to harmonize the two, but the risotto was too sweet that it almost felt like eating dessert. Also, the leg was a bit tough compared to other confit I had before. Considering the price, I think the confit needs some improvement.

I ordered passion fruit Tres Leches for dessert. The cream made out of coconut meat is embedded under passion fruits. I particularly enjoyed this dish because the dish was not too sweet or heavy. Passion fruit adds a burst of tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the creamy richness of coconut. The contrast of flavor keeps you coming back for more with each bite.

Overall, Coin & Candor has various dishes, with guaranteed quality of service and food. The price range will be approximately $50 ~ 150 per person, but more if you order wine. Also, if you sit on the outside tables, you can enjoy the view of an authentic pond and landscape. I would strongly recommend this place for a special event like an anniversary or a romantic date night.