by Derek W. on First visit to XIV was during Dine LA. We typically like to try new restaurants during this time as you can get a sense of whether or not you'll return. Nicely decorated and definitely had a casual atmosphere. During the Dine LA special, I ordered the Wagyu skirt steak, Jidori chicken, and their Nutella custard. After being seated the waitress brought over water and nan bread with cheese like dip. Tasty... Next was the Wagyu skirt steak with some pickled vegetables. Also tasty...had maybe 8 or so thinly sliced pieces. Jidori chicken....very moist with a crispy skin. Mac and cheese was also good. Nutella custard...another good dessert. All in all dishes were good and the price was definitely easy on the wallet. Didn't leave overly stuffed or hungry at the end of the night. Went back the following week (thanks to Dine LA having extended the deal) with friends and noticed that the portions were even smaller. Skirt steak only had about 4 slices. What the hell happened to the rest??? The rest of the menu was similar though they did change out a few items. Valet parking available or you can park on the street behind (I think 10pm is when you'll need to move your car).
by Pierre Chorney on The Improv is really hit or miss - usually a hit, though. I've been here COUNTLESS times, yet EVERY SINGLE TIME I drive past it's incredibly obvious signage. Why? I don't know. I may be grossly mistaken, but I THINK it's only visible from one side of the street. Going towards the freeway, it's impossible to see. Why, why, why? Anyways, I love their VIP email program. So many times, I've gotten free (well, aside from the ~$2 service charge online) tickets to check out a bunch of peeps. This is a really good deal because I don't like shelling out dough on unknowns (with no guarantee of making me laugh). Anyone can sign up on their websites. Another cool deal is to schmooze with the bouncers or staff. They give out free passes for any show of your choice. I have a handy dandy collection in my sock drawer~ ^^ The bar area is really small so it can get really crowded just before and just after a show. It's really important to get there early, though, because if you go right on time or a little late, you might not get a good spot. Granted, there are no good spots inside (it's really small, so every spot is a good spot), but I hate sitting behind giants or morbidly obese people. Also, if you're going in a big group, you have to make sure that all members of your party are present, or else sometimes, they won't seat you. If even a few people come a bit late, you might have to sit all separately. There is a two drink minimum, but oftentimes, we take care of that by getting food instead. Sometimes, if you get lucky, you might get a server who doesn't really care if you order the requisite two drinks or not. Always a plus! I love the Improv because you can socialize with the comedians before and after the show. It's just a really cool experience to interact with people you just saw on stage. If you enjoy heckling, make sure to sit in front of the stage - they won't leave you alone! You don't have to dress up (dress code is fairly casual), but take care not to wear something too dumpy or too outlandish because your funky clothes will be reasons enough to entertain a bit of heckling! Some of the comedians are BLEH. I've been bored to tears before. But more often than not, you get to laugh at some HILARIOUS lines! Once, I was really really sick and I started getting super woozy during the show. At some point, I was half-dozing when the comedian on stage said the funniest thing.. and I literally fell off my chair from laughing so hard and unexpectedly. Ah, I love the Improv.
