Your senses awaken the moment you step through the curtained entryway promptly greeted by a statue of Hindu goddess Shiva. The exotic West Hollywood eatery's décor is the product of managing partners Guillermo and Nathalie Zapata's multi-cultural backgrounds and worldly experiences. Candle lit rooms, incense fragrances, and intimate seating are just some of the many amenities that have kept Sur at the forefront for 10 successful years. "Nathalie and I travel to the south of France every summer to visit her native country, to relax, and to soak in the culture," said Zapata. "That's where we get inspiration to continuously improve Sur." Beginning as an Argentinean steakhouse, the restaurant survived several renovations from the days when Zapata was sole owner.

Today Sur's dinning room is often saturated with celebrities. On this particular afternoon Angelina Jolie sits in the next booth, relaxed, with two friends casually having lunch, a complete change of pace for Guillermo who at 23 ambitiously came to Los Angeles from Argentina and was completely unable to speak English. His days as a dishwasher at Café Luna on Melrose helped him evolve and learn the restaurant business. It's only fitting that he eventually would own one, "If you work for somebody and you don't like it, change it. Pursue your dreams," said Zapata.

Zapata's mantra also transpires to the way he treats his employees. Nathalie prepares the schedule each week to accommodate any potential modeling or acting jobs their workers may have, understanding that their passion should still have life. When they come to work, they are expected to be the best professional servers in the city. When they're away from work, pursuing a career, they should be able to do so.

In a city where restaurants and nightclub turnovers is common, it certainly makes some wonder if anyone at all has the magic touch of longevity. However, Zapata's principals are clearly rooted in his business, "...when you work for me, you learn something else - you grow," he said. "For me everybody who walks into the restaurant is important, is special, is a celebrity. I feel grateful for every customer and grateful they have come to dine here."

If you haven't already experience it, call Sur for a reservation. You'll find the food, service, and atmosphere to be the perfect magic touch.

Don't miss Sur "Happy Mondays" Specials 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Salad or Soup

+1 Entrée

Glass of Sangria

$20 

SUR | 606 N. Robertson Blvd. | West Hollywood, CA | 310.289.2824