In L.A.’s Arts District lies a culinary gem that has swiftly climbed the ranks to secure its spot in the Michelin-starred haven. Camphor, a creation birthed from the genius of chefs Max Boonthanakit and Lijo George, encapsulates the essence of modern French bistro with a touch of personal heritage. My brother and I had the pleasure of stepping into this world, a fine dining experience that weaved professionalism with a serene calm, crafting an evening to remember.
The Entrance: First Impressions
Walking into Camphor felt like crossing the threshold into another realm, where the bustling streets of Los Angeles faded into a backdrop of culinary anticipation. The ambiance struck a perfect balance between professional meticulousness and a calming welcome that put us at ease. Greeted by servers who mirrored the restaurant’s elegance, we took our seats at the bar, the stage set for one fun eventful night.
The Ensemble: A Symphony of Coordination
Camphor’s team moved with precision and grace, a well-orchestrated symphony of culinary artisans dedicated to creating an immersive dining experience. Each dish introduced was a story told by our servers, who guided us on how to best enjoy the flavors awaiting our palates. This wasn’t just service; it was a meticulous art form, ensuring every guest felt the passion and dedication poured into each course.
A Tapestry of Tastes
Our journey began with a playful beef tartare, a dish that broke the mold with its citrus-infused meat and an unconventional array of deep-fried tempura leaves. This dish, while challenging traditional presentation, encapsulated Camphor’s willingness to push boundaries and delight in the unexpected.
The lobster with saffron risotto followed, a dish that that justified every penny with its balanced blend of textures and flavors. The risotto, rich in saffron’s pungent aroma, complemented the lobster’s delicate balance of sweet and saline notes, creating a symphony of tastes that lingered long after the last bite.
Our culinary adventure continued with the scallop demi lune, a favorite that highlighted the natural sweetness of bay scallops, perfectly accented with a peppery undertone. The pasta’s slick texture added a layer of complexity, elevating the dishes overall flavor, that many would miss.
No culinary experience is complete without the perfect side, and for us it was the Camphor’s french fries – crisp, golden and irresistible, they were a testament to the simple pleasure of well-executed classics, enhanced further by a choice of dips that ranged from spicy aioli to honey mustard.
Our final courses, the classic ribeye and lentils & lamb, served as a comforting embrace of familiar yet refined flavors. The ribeye, cooked medium rare, boasted a juicy texture and a rich, buttery flavor that melted in the mouth. Complementing this was the lentils & lamb dish, whose unassuming appearance belied its complex depth. Here, nutty lentils and tender lamb were masterfully combined with hints of Indian spices, offering a comforting nod to the chefs’ heritage. Together, these dishes rounded off the night, perfectly encapsulating the blend of tradition and innovation that defines Camphor.
To conclude our dining experience at Camphor, we chose the bread pudding for dessert, a choice that did not disappoint. This dish was crafted from house-made brioche, baked in a delicate vanilla custard with both milk and dark chocolate—offering a nuanced blend of flavors. The addition of vanilla ice cream on the side provided a cool, creamy complement to the warmth of the pudding. Accompanied by a cup of coffee, this dessert offered a refined balance of sweetness and richness, encapsulating the thoughtful culinary craftsmanship that Camphor prides itself on. It was a fitting end to our meal, leaving us with a lasting impression of the restaurant’s commitment to quality and creativity.
Reflections: A Night to Remember
As the evening drew to a close, my brother and I reflected on the journey we had just undertaken. Camphor, with its blend of professionalism, innovation and serene ambiance, had provided us with not just a meal, but an experience—a celebration of culinary excellence and cultural heritage. This Michelin-starred haven, nestled in the vibrant Arts District, is more than a restaurant; it’s a destination for those in search of culinary adventures that resonate long after the last bite.
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Address: 923 E. 3rd St #109, Los Angeles
Hours: Closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays • Hours 5:00pm – 10pm
Photo credits: Courtesy of Frank Won and MMGY Global
