photo: Carl Anderson

Imagine an ode to a lover taking shape in the form of a restaurant. It's an idea brought to life in a lush nook called Between Boutique Cafe and Lounge. After years of working in the upper echelon of Wolfgang Puck's catering division, Carl Anderson decided to break away and pay homage to his wife, Lu Lu, with the help of internationally inspired chef Radhika Desai (who will be a contestant on Season 5 of Bravo's popular "Top Chef."

Lu Lu selected just about every inch of Between's decor—frosted silver chandeliers, soft red barstools and feathered light fixtures—from her hometown of Beijing, China. Carved white walls complement the exposed brick, painted mauve to match the color of her dyed hair.

Swept away by the sentiment? Lounge with your own lover on the plush couches, where you might end up sharing more than Desai’s Lobster Trifecta (including a maki roll, bisque and risotto cakes made from the shellfish) or Sweet Heat Shrimp with honey, garlic and curry sauce. A lone candle tops each low-slung table, while the light from a red velvet fixture hovers above, making these semi-private sections a favorite for couples.

Between is not just a place for lovers, though. It's also a place where friends can bring a bottle of wine or champagne and enjoy a few trip-hop selections as they dine, family-style, on "global comfort food." These tapas-size portions ($5-$18) promise bold flavors to bring guests coming back for more.

Centerstage Reviewer: Nola Akiwowo