By Vanessa VanderZanden
Daily Bruin Contributor
Appropriately located next door to a strip joint and across the
street from the Trashy Lingerie shop, the Cadillac Cafe wallows in
campy charm.
Orange plastic Star Trek-like chevrons hang from the ceiling
while green wall lights create a soothing ambiance. You get the
sense that Barbarella wouldn’t feel at all out of place here, as
the motif conjures images of a sleek ’50s lounge. With gold flecked
rubber seat covers on orange fur-lined booths, it becomes apparent
that you’ve entered the upscale vintage clothing store of
restaurants. However, the prices are more Salvation Army style.
Wearing silver latex shirts and aprons cut from the upholstery,
the waiters deliver the affordable, gourmet menu with charm and
charisma.
Although the cafe’s name implies a palate caked with diner
grease, a pleasant surprise comes in the abundance of specialty
appetizers and obscure entrees. In fact, only two burger plates are
offered, one consisting of farm-raised ostrich meat. A large
variety of well-seasoned pastas are available, along with a
multitude of delicious-sounding salads. And, anyone who can’t quite
decide what to order will be happy picking at the Cadillac Cafe
Picnic Plate, which gives you the option of nibbling on three
distinct dishes out of a list of 13. Served with a side of salad
and bread, tasting rich delicacies such as roasted sweet pepper
with feta cheese and fresh basil has never felt more gourmet. Even
the dalmas (tabouleh stuffed grape leaves) are prepared with the
right amount of olive oil and Greek seasonings. Old standards, for
those less willing to dine on the edge, provide a well-balanced
menu. Both the Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp and the Grilled Chicken
Broccoli Checca make fine use of the kitchen’s spice rack. While
the former hits hard on the Asian palate, with sesame, soy and
ginger sauces, the latter spices it up with mediterranean basil,
tomatoes and garlic. The walnut/spinach pate with honey-raspberry
aioli can’t be beat, and where else can you get a good, stiff latte
served with a dish of mini M & M’s? Even the Cadillac American
Blend provides a smooth yet solid caffeine jolt. However, if you
prefer your caffeine in a more sugary form, you’ll be pleased to
learn that the Coca-Cola is served by the bottle.
Though the entrees may overwhelm you, it’s important to leave
room for dessert. The Tarte Tatin is a thick caramelized apple
torte which demands a few minutes of ecstatic moaning as it glides
down your thankful throat. The Chocolate Decadence, however, may
just outdo the sinful apple treasure in its cakey richness. Both
come with whipped cream and a side of sliced strawberries.
The trendy joint’s funky appeal, with its delectable cuisine and
outdoor seating comprised of ’50s kitchen chairs and tables,
radiates hip, L.A. vibes. Adding to its avante-garde aura is the
collection of chaotic artwork screaming from the walls. Before you
leave, you may want to pick up a bio on the artist and his list of
work titles. A favorite of all is his piece entitled, "Hungry
Platacamelpussy Sorry Ass Son of a Fuck You Then!" With an art
collection as vibrant as this, the Cadillac Cafe proves itself to
be one of the more interesting spots in all of L.A.