APRIL 2013 WHERELA.COM
Los Angeles
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12 TRENDS YOU HAVE TO TRY
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HOT DINING
HOT GAME
DODGERS OPENING DAY
HOT WHEELS
L.A. LIVE
DOWNTOWN'S BIKE-SHARING PROGRAM
FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS, COOL CONCERTS, TOP VENUES AND ROCKIN' NEW BANDS
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the passion of the masters
Albrecht Durer (1471-1528), Samson Fighting with the Lion (detail), c. 1496-1528, Woodcut on watermarked laid paper. 15 1/8 x 10 3/4 inches.
interpretations of the bible D u r er, Re mbrandt, Cha g al l , Da l Ă March 28 through April 19, 2013
GALERIE
MICHAEL
Building Museum Quality Collections One Work at a Time
224 North Via Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 T: 310.273.3377 www.galeriemichael.com F: 310.273.0879 Old Masters | Modern Masters | 19th Century Painting | Barbizon School | Florence Academy
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THE music ISSUE april
where Los Angeles 04.13 the guide 68 Dining
Restaurants by cuisine and neighborhood
88 Entertainment
Special events, performing arts and sports
90 Attractions + Museums Sights, parks, studio tours and exhibitions
94 Shopping
The best in retail destinations
95 Nightlife
Hottest clubs, lounges and bars
96 TOURS + TRANSPORT Getting out, getting around
99 Maps
Navigate the county
20
Hot as Sun, based in Glassell Park
where now
features
12 Dining South Bay hospitality magnate Michael Zislis and toques Octavio Becerra and Bryon Freeze join forces at Circa in Manhattan Beach.
20 Sounds of L.A. Learn about the buzziest new bands bursting onto the L.A. scene, plus the local music venues most likely to break the next next big things. By Katie mccarthy
14 Arts Pacific Standard Time Presents: Modern Architecture in L.A. celebrates post- WWII design; Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at the Music Center gets down at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.
24 Hot Stuff Eat ‘em while they’re hot! Trends are constantly in flux on the L.A. dining scene. Here are 39 places to get a taste of the latest, coolest crop. By roger grody
16 Entertainment The Dodgers open their season against the Giants; Bike Nation rolls out its rental bikes downtown.
whereabouts 34 38 42 46 50 54 60 62
Beverly Hills Santa Monica West Hollywood Hollywood Downtown Pasadena The Valley South Bay
ALSO INSIDE 8 11 18 104
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Hot Dates Brooklyn Festival Q+A Michael “Fitz” Fitzpatrick 30 Things We Love
ON THE COVER Fitz and the Tantrums is one of many notable bands in the L.A. music scene. Photo by Joseph Cultice.
Connect with us online
Get the buzz on the go! Find hundreds of L.A. destinations with the Where USA iPhone app, available in the App Store.
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Artist Series No. 2 Paula Sanz Caballero
INtroDucINg the ruNWAy collectIoN Topshop Topman Vince Madewell J.Crew Mens Shop Michael Kors Nordstrom Styleha端s
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On the Web: WhereLA.com
IMAGES OF ARMED CONFLICT AND ITS AFTERMATH
publisher Jeff Levy EDITOR Katie McCarthy ART DIRECTOR Carol Wakano MARKETING DIRECTOR
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Beth Moline, Jordan Fraser, Leanne Killian, Stephanie Reid Vice President of National Sales Rick Mollineaux 202.463.4550 WEST COAST NATIONAL SALES Tiffany Reinhold 714.813.6600 Unknown photographer, presumed American, Operation Buster Jangle — Dog Test, Desert Rock I, Nevada Nuclear Test Site, November 1, 1951 Courtesy of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Director of national digital sales Bridget Cody 706.821.6663 honorary president
WAR/PHOTOGRAPHY encompasses over 170 images from 1887 through present-day, presenting both the military and civilian point of view. From Iwo Jima to Times Square, from Crimea to Kosovo, the most iconic images of war and wartime life are gathered into a single exhibit. This exhibit was organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Exclusive to the Annenberg Space for Photography will be an original short documentary featuring interviews with six contemporary conflict photographers.
Ted Levy
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Another colorful day.
THE AMERICANA AT BRAND Anthropologie Apple Barnes & Noble Barneys New York CO-OP Cole Haan Crewcuts Deluca’s Italian Deli Disney Baby Gilly Hicks H&M Ilori J.Crew Kate Spade Katsuya Kiehl’s Since 1851 Lululemon Athletica Madewell Pacific Theatres 18-Plex Sephora Sony Sur La Table Tiffany & Co. Tumi Urban Outfitters XXI Forever and so much more!
JEANA SOHN
Fashion Photographer | closetvisit.com
My day at The Americana at Brand is all about discovery. I’m always searching for a new look, a new angle – something that feels different. At Barneys New York CO-OP I find a colorful blazer from Rag & Bone’s spring collection – romantic, effortless with an urban edge. I love browsing the cookbooks for inspiration at Barnes and Noble. The Edible Selby is a fascinating look at the creative forces in the culinary world.
✳ THE AMERICANA AT BRAND OFF BRAND BOULEVARD IN GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
Next I pick up soothing Fresh Rose Floral Toner at Sephora and my favorite shampoo at Kiehl’s. Finally, it’s soup
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and salad at Deluca’s Itailan Deli. I always find something unique and totally me at The Americana at Brand.
Tel. 818.637.8982
The Americana at Brand
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Welcome A note from the editor
SHOW ON THE ROAD “Are you going to Coachella?” That’s the question on seemingly every Angeleno’s lips when winter shows signs of turning into spring—probably because they’re thinking about the next occasion they can appropriately wear denim cut-offs. i tell them i went to Coachella (also known as the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, but not to cool kids) once, in 2004. Seeing some of my favorite bands back-to-back was an unforgettable experience; the sunburn was even harder to forget. But i look forward to this time of year nevertheless: l.A. traffic is easy-breezy when half of its population is 130 miles away, all the better to access the thriving music scene that’s right in my backyard. i’ve seen some of the best shows in my life at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, where it’s possible to watch your musical idols rock from five feet away without a ViP pass. i love the Wiltern, an ornately decorated art deco theater with a tiered standing-room section that makes concert-going possible for short people. i could hardly call myself an Angeleno if i didn’t go to the
Los Angeles, CA singlestone.com t 213.892.0772
Hollywood Bowl at least once a summer. For those l.A. denizens who enjoy the Coachella ritual of the trek to the desert, the teeming hotel pool scene, the sun-up-to-sundown-to-sun-up routine: i salute you. But i think i’ll stay here. if you care to join me, see Sounds of L.A. on page 20 for the best local live-music spots. i promise it’s a coincidence that they’re all indoors. —KatiE mccarthy
eDWiN SANTiAGO
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SHOPPING AT ITS FINEST Find the latest styles and hottest trends at your favorite shops. Enjoy one of 10 restaurants or dine al fresco at the Dining Terrace with 16 express eateries. Pick up a VIP Visitor Card filled with special offers for our out-of town guests at the Westfield Concierge.
10250 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90067 310.277.3898 Westfield.com
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Hot Dates 04.13 Chairlift, performing at Walt Disney Concert Hall for the Brooklyn Festival
WHAT’S SIZZLING IN SECONDS FLAT
APRIL 7 CLIPPERS VS. LAKERS They share a hometown and an arena, but the Clippers and the Lakers don’t share a fan base. The (mostly) friendly rivalry between the two Los Angeles NBA teams means high energy when the teams go toe-to-toe. Catch their final showdown of the regular season at the Staples Center downtown. p. 90 APRIL 8 RIHANNA Six-time Grammy Award winner Rihanna brings her Diamonds World Tour to the Staples Center downtown. The “We Found Love” chanteuse is riding the wave of her latest album, Unapologetic, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Rapper A$AP Rocky opens. p. 88 APRIL 12–14, 19–21 COACHELLA The annual Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival heats up the desert with dual weekends of performances by legendary acts and indie up-and-comers alike. The Stone Roses, Blur, Phoenix and the Red Hot Chili Peppers headline this year’s event, held in Indio. p. 88 APRIL 20–21 L.A. TIMES FESTIVAL OF BOOKS More than 150,000 book lovers are expected to converge at the University of Southern California campus for this Los Angeles Times–sponsored festival. The free event, which brings together readers, authors, publishers and booksellers, is considered the largest and most prestigious book fair in the country. p. 88
APRIL 16–22
L.A. Hearts Brooklyn An L.A. bias may be common in these parts, but that’s not stopping the Los Angeles Philharmonic from applauding the contributions of Brooklyn artists with the Brooklyn Festival at Walt Disney Concert Hall downtown. The celebration kicks off with Brooklyn Philharmonic artistic director Alan Pierson conducting a program of the borough’s most adventurous new music, including the world premiere of the musical drama Strip Mall by Matt Marks and composer/performer Tyondai Braxton’s Central Market. Other performances include the West Coast premiere of Planetarium by the National’s Bryce Dessner, singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens and composer Nico Muhly; a Cameron Carpenter organ recital; Disney Hall debuts from Chairlift and the Antlers; and the world premiere of Stem by composer Ted Hearn. p. 88 NEARBY See if L.A. pizza matches New York’s pies at Soleto Trattoria & Pizza Bar (p. 73) or go for French bistro fare at new Figaro (213.622.2116). Across the street from the Music Center, Grand Park (p. 91) offers enticements such as afternoon yoga classes and a farmers market. Take in the latest exhibiton at MOCA’s (p. 94) Geffen Contemporary.
Y
APRIL 21 CICLAVIA TO THE SEA Los Angeles without cars? It’s not CGI—it’s CicLAvia, a free public event that temporarily removes cars from city streets to make way for tens of thousands of joggers, cyclists, skaters and pedestrians. This first CicLAvia of 2013 stretches 15 miles from downtown to Venice Beach. p. 88 APRIL 25 GARY BASEMAN: THE DOOR IS ALWAYS OPEN The Skirball Cultural Center contemplates the influence of Jewish heritage and pop culture on the fantastical work of lowbrow artist Gary Baseman. The exhibit, which recalls Baseman’s family home in the Fairfax District, includes Baseman’s personal artifacts and boundary-crossing artwork. p. 94 APRIL 28 TASTE OF THE EASTSIDE Enjoy music, food and wine tastings and local craft beer when the third annual foodie event takes over the sculpture garden at Barnsdall Art Park in Los Feliz. More than 30 restaurants showcase their dishes at the festival, including Little Dom’s, Canalé and Mohawk Bend. p. 88 HERE FOR THE WEEKEND? Go to WhereLA.com for our Weekend Roundup, where you can get the lowdown on the coolest festivals, performing arts events, dining promotions and more.
Shortly after Walt Disney Concert Hall was constructed in 2003, its shiny, stainless-steel exterior panels had to be sanded down due to excessive glare and reflected heat.
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The best in dining, arts and entertainment
» DInInG Foodie Dream Team Manhattan Beach continues to heat up as a dining and nightlife destination thanks in no small part to Michael Zislis, the entrepreneur behind the Shade Hotel and the Strand House. With new Circa, Zislis joins the considerable forces of chef Octavio Becerra (from the former Palate Food + Wine), executive chef Bryon Freeze and executive beverage directors Julian Cox and Josh Goldman to create another see-and-be-seen eatery with expertly executed food and drink. Inspired by the array of international flavors in L.A., the menu includes dishes such as whole crispy Baja sea bass with pea tendrils, peanuts and Sichuan pepper sauce, and charred octopus with gigante beans, chorizo, wild broccolini and purple mustard. The space’s “vintage industrial” interior and steps-fromthe-beach location promise a casual, breezy atmosphere. (Pictured: Circa’s skewered prawns.) 903 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.374.4422
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8320 MELROSE AVENUE LOS ANGELES 323.951.0021
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where now Los
Angeles ArTS
Land of Mod
TOE TO TOE the 10th anniversary season of Glorya Kaufman presents Dance at the Music center continues at the Dorothy chandler pavilion downtown. the celebrated troupe Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater offers three different programs of mixed repertory April 17–21, returning to los Angeles for the first time under its new artistic director, Robert Battle. Repertory includes company classics, Battle’s own work and new works such as ohad Naharin’s Minus 16. each program culminates with Alvin Ailey’s own timeless masterpiece, Revelations. Alvin Ailey Ameri-
can Dance theater is one of the series’ most popular dance ensembles, with four appearances since 1998. Fusing the energy of street performance with the traditions of circus, the artists of Traces (April 26–28) employ music, dance, illustration, skateboarding, basketball and acrobatics to fashion what could be thought of as a spectacular anti-spectacle: the performers, members of the Montreal-based troupe 7 Fingers, appear to be nothing more than a group of friends, easygoing and potentially clumsy—until they unleash 90 minutes of unbridled energy. p. 88
Traces perform at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion downtown
pAGe 12: RYAN tANAKA
Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, Rail Rapid Transit Now! (1948), on view at the Getty Center
Calling all architecture buffs: Through July, 11 exhibitions and related projects across Greater Los Angeles are celebrating the Southland’s rich post–World War II architectural heritage and legacy as part of the Getty Research Institute initiative Pacific Standard Time Presents: Modern Architecture in L.A. In the collaborative spirit of last year’s Pacific Standard Time: Art in L.A., 1945–1980, area cultural institutions including the Hammer Museum and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art showcase the region’s innovative and iconic modernist residential and commercial architecture and urban planning, as well as many of its most influential practitioners, such as Frank Gehry and Richard Neutra. Among the wide-ranging exhibits are the Getty Center’s Overdrive: L.A. Constructs the Future, 1940-1990 and In Focus: Ed Ruscha, on view beginning April 9. p. 88
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where now Los
Angeles Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers
» enTerTAInMenT Root for the Home Team There’s no fooling around when the Los Angeles Dodgers kick off the 2013 season at Dodger Stadium. Expectations are high for the Boys in Blue: For starters, the team is packed with expensive talent, including returning players Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier and newer additions such as Adrian Gonzalez and pitcher Zack Greinke. Furthermore, Hall of Famer, four-time World Series champion and beloved Dodger alum Sandy Koufax has signed on as special adviser. Add the energy boost from the new ownership team, including basketball great Magic Johnson, and fans are asking if 2013 will finally be the Dodgers’ year. See for yourself at Dodgers Stadium in Chavez Ravine when the home team hosts the San Francisco Giants (April 1–3), the Pittsburgh Pirates (April 5–7), the San Diego Padres (April 15–17), the Milwaukee Brewers (April 26–28) and the Colorado Rockies (April 29–May 1). p. 90
Bike Nation bike-sharing program downtown
to get from point A to a nearby B in a jiffy, bicycles beat cars hands-down (witness the wily urban bike messenger). in fact, bikes trump cars in myriad ways, from their fitness benefits to their green cred. the privately funded bike-sharing program Bike Nation eases the shift from four wheels to two, thanks to a service launching this month downtown and then expanding to service areas including Westwood, hollywood and Venice Beach. the city of l.A. project envisions
up to 400 self-service, solar-powered rental kiosks stocked with a fleet of 4,000 chainless bicycles kitted out with Gps technology and airless tires, designed to ease short commutes, errands and city exploration. After registering and purchasing a membership for as little as $6 for 24 hours, you can rent, ride and then return the bike to any of the stations in the network. (Rentals under 30 minutes are free.) safety note: the service is BYo helmet. 800.980.7942, bikenationusa.com
top, joN soohoo/lA DoDGeRs
REnT-A-RIDE
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Angeles Troubadour. that place is legendary. Whenever you and the band go out for a midday break, where do you head? i am a coffee fanatic, so i require a latte made by a snobby hipster ... because i know it’s going to be good. i like going to Intelligentsia ... those real coffeehouses that are not about mass production. Favorite store to shop for old records or sheet msic? Origami in echo park is great for vinyl. Amoeba Music also.
Success in the music industry is, at least partially, about being able to predict trends. Michael Fitzpatrick—better known by his showbiz moniker Fitz—has had his finger on the pulse for quite some time. The Los Angeles musician, who is the lead vocalist and songwriter for soul– indie pop band Fitz and the Tantrums, has resided in bohemian Silver Lake since “before it was the hip place to live,” he insists. “It has so much character and vibe, and is just a real, downto-earth part of L.A.” The band released its breakthrough album, Pickin’ Up The Pieces, in 2010, and was named by Rolling Stone as a “band to watch” shortly thereafter. As the band gets ready to release its follow-up record, Fitz sat down with Where Los Angeles to talk career highlights, industry challenges and L.A.’s hip and happening places. —Jessica Radloff Where did the name the Tantrums come from? My friends threw it out, and i thought it perfectly captured the vibe of the band and what we were trying to do, and the energy we bring to the live show. it was actually one of the easiest parts! Who were your biggest musical influences growing up? i love everything from Radiohead to Zeppelin to all the old-school Motown artists. i’ve always been pretty diverse and eclectic in my taste. What would you say is one of your career highlights? Definitely getting to do the Live
from Daryl’s House [web series]. i’ve been a huge fan of Daryl hall’s forever, so that is one of the top five moments ever.
of the things we’ve tried to do is put on an amazing live show, and have that be one of the major focus points of our band.
Your sophomore LP, More Than Just a Dream, will be released in May. What can fans expect? the new record is about us taking new chances and not resting on our laurels. that meant being fearless and experimenting. every song is going to make you want to dance.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten about the industry? i’ve been doing this for a very long time and have had many failed attempts, but what i realized is to stop waiting for the music industry to take notice, and just go out and make your own best stuff. You have to work harder than ever with the way that the music business is now.
What’s the biggest challenge you face in today’s musical landscape? there’s just so much good music out there that it’s hard to get people to pay attention. one
What is your favorite L.A. venue for seeing a concert? i’ve always loved going to The
Where do you go to grab a bite after a show? the 101 diner is a mainstay for me. i went there so many times when i was younger that they actually put an item on the menu named for me, called the Mikey Fitz! DETAILS Amoeba Music 6400 sunset Blvd., hollywood, 323.245.6400 Confederacy 4661 hollywood Blvd., los Feliz, 323.913.3040 Intelligentsia Coffee 3922 W. sunset Blvd., l.A., 323.663.6173 John Varvatos 8800 Melrose Ave., West hollywood, 310.859.2791 101 Coffee Shop 6145 Franklin Ave., hollywood, 323.467.1175 Opening Ceremony 451 N. la cienega Blvd., l.A., 310.652.1120 Origami Vinyl 1816 W. sunset Blvd., echo park, 213.413.3030 The Troubadour 9081 santa Monica Blvd., West hollywood, 310.276.1158
joseph cultice
» Q+A FITZ In
What stores do you hit to fill out your stage wardrobe? i like Opening Ceremony for a piece that no one else will ever have. i can always find some great stage, rock ‘n’ roll gear at John Varvatos. there’s a store on the east side called Confederacy, and they always have great men’s clothing.
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SOUNDS OF L.A.
Now hear this: Five L.A. bands are poised to dominate your Spotify playlist with brand-new debut albums. A sister act, a band of brothers, two eclectically inspired duos and a trio born out of a sound bath in Joshua Tree—these are the bands to know. BY KATIE MCCARTHY HAIM
they have at home; NME went so far as to proclaim "Forever" the No. 4 song of 2012. Haim releases its as-yet-untitled debut album this summer via Columbia Records. In the meantime, they've put out two more hypercatchy singles—"Don't Save Me" and "Falling."
CAPITAL CITIES Relationships formed on Craigslist don't usually turn out as auspiciously as that of Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian, the frontmen of Capital Cities. They met cute in 2008 when Merchant, a University of Southern California graduate, replied to an ad posted by Simonian offering his assistance with music production. The altdance duo's first songs were actually jingles, and they worked together on several major commercials. Writing pop songs together was a natural progression from their day job. Capital Cities' breakout first single— "Safe and Sound," with a buoyancy akin to the songs of MGMT and the Limousines, and memorable for its earworm-y trumpet loops—has the kind of polish one would expect from a major-label effort. So it's all the more impressive that Merchant and Simonian originally released it by themselves—last year, on a five-song, self-titled EP featuring other poppy jams such as "Love Away" and "Patience Gets Us Nowhere Fast." Likewise, their radio campaign and international tour
was an entirely DIY effort. The investment paid off when a deal with Capitol Records came through at the end of 2012. Now the pair can look forward to the debut of its first LP this summer and the Dancing With Strangers North American tour, which has the band on the road until August with two hometown shows in June at the El Rey Theatre.
HOT AS SUN The women of Hot as Sun, Jamie Jackson and Deborah Stoll, met and bonded at a destination far from their L.A. home—at the Integratron, a New Age-y destination in Joshua Tree touted for its rejuvenating "sound baths." Those sonic-healing sessions must have made a deep impression on them, because Jackson, a composer, and Stoll, a journalist, decided to form a band, becoming Hot as Sun. After independently releasing a self-titled EP in 2010 and playing gigs at small venues such as the Satellite in Silver Lake, singer Jackson and "megaphonist" Stoll rounded out their spunky, dance-y girl group with a guy, songwriter and guitarist WAZ. The band's first full-length record, Night Time Sound Desire—self-produced by Jackson, and recorded in the band's basement in Glassell Park—was released on Last Gang Records last month. Hot as Sun claims influences as diverse as the Chordettes, Harry
CARA ROBBINS
Most teenagers would regard playing in a classic rock band with their parents as some form of punishment, or at least humiliation. But that's just how Este, Danielle and Alana Haim honed their musical stylings growing up in Studio City—playing covers of "Mustang Sally" with Mom and Dad at area festivals for the majority of their adolescence. If that conjures an innocent, Partridge Family-esque image of the sisters behind Haim, think edgier. The siblings (plus drummer Dash Hutton) emerged in 2012 with their EP Forever, a confident mishmash of folk rock and nostalgic pop. Lead guitarist/singer Danielle's deep, throaty vocal style grounds four songs that are throwbacks to '90s pop, generously sprinkled with beats straight out of an '80s R&B song. Eldest sister Este (bass) and youngest sis Alana (rhythm guitar, keyboard and percussion) contribute harmonies. Haim's experience isn't limited to the family band; Danielle has toured with Julian Casablancas and Jenny Lewis, and Haim has already supported outfits including Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Ke$ha and Cold War Kids. More recently, Haim opened for Mumford & Sons and Florence and the Machine. Perhaps due to their association with U.K.-based Polydor Records, so far Haim has probably gotten more attention overseas than
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Studio City-based sister act Haim. Opposite: Santa Monica's Cayucas
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IN THE TUNE “CAYUCOS,” CAYUCAS VOCALIST/ LEAD GUITARIST ZACH YUDIN SINGS ABOUT THE LITTLE COMMUNITY “PAST MORRO BAY” WITH THE NOSTALGIA OF A NATIVE.
PYYRAMIDS
From top: Capital Cities performs; Glassell Park trio Hot as Sun; Tim Nordwind and Drea Smith of Pyyramids
Tim Nordwind was accustomed to putting out radio-friendly pop-rock (and some truly impressive homemade music videos) with his longtime indie rock band, OK Go, practically L.A. rock royalty. Then an email introduction by a mutual friend to Drea Smith—of Brooklyn electro-pop group He Say, She Say—led to a surprisingly fruitful long-distance musical relationship. Interestingly, the two musicians traded beats and lyrics over the internet and wrote several songs before they ever met in person. Darker, less-commercial sounds made their way into Nordwind and Smith's first EP as Pyyramids, Human Beings, released in 2011 on Paracadute, OK Go's label. Nordwind and Smith bonded over their love of British post-punk and Mancunian bands of the '80s, and that same flavor of catchy dreariness seeps into songs such as "That Ain't Right" and "Don't Go," built on a simple drum loop and a synthesizer melody that sounds ripped from an early Cure album. Smith's sultry and seductive vocal delivery (described by one critic as Billie Holiday meets the Smiths, in a fitting metaphor) heightens the beautiful moodiness of the tracks. Riding high on blogger buzz, Pyyramids honed their chops at live shows in major cities and got to work on its first full-length, Brightest Darkest Day, featuring "Don't Go"
and other standout tracks such as "Smoke and Mirrors." The tight record has the distinction of being mixed by two proven hit-makers, OK Go's Dan Konopka and Dave Fridmann, known for his efforts with the Flaming Lips. Brightest Darkest Day drops on Paracadute on April 9.
CAYUCAS Formerly dubbed Oregon Bike Trails, Cayucas doesn't hail from the Beaver State, nor from the small beach town of Cayucos in San Luis Obispo County, Calif.; its members hail from another coastal city, Santa Monica. But in the tune "Cayucos," Cayucas vocalist/ lead guitarist Zach Yudin sings about the little comunity "past Morro Bay" with the nostalgia of a native, remembering long-ago days in the surf riding a "big fat wave" and chasing a girl. Cayucas (kah-YOO-kis) has released only three songs to date, but the tunes have been getting plenty of alternative radio play, and its surf-pop vibe makes a strong impression. Think the breeziness and laid-back vocals of Foster the People mixed with the sweet, simpler-times lyrics and beachy melodies of Best Coast, and you get the idea. Yudin began in 2011 as the one-man band Bike Trails, and under that name he recorded early versions of "Cayucos" and "High School Lover," Cayucas' latest single in which Yudin reminisces about a comely classmate he failed to pursue. Turns at South by Southwest and appearances at smaller venues such as the Echo in Echo Park built industry and local buzz, leading to a record deal with Secretly Canadian last fall. Now Yudin tours with a full band including bassist Ben Yudin (Zach's twin brother), keyboardist Banah Winn, drummer Casey Wojtalewicz and guitarist Christian Koons. And the (very) small stages Cayucas has been accustomed to playing on are getting much bigger; it recently opened for Ra Ra Riot at venues including the Fillmore in San Francisco. The buzz should hit fever pitch when the album Bigfoot drops on April 30.
CAPITAL CITIES, JAKE HAGOPIAN; OPPOSITE: WILTERN, RANDALL MICHELSON
Nilsson, the Beastie Boys and gospel music (Jackson, who hails from Mississippi, has roots in the genre), and fans of femalepowered bands such as Dum Dum Girls and Metric should find something to sing about on Night Time Sound Desire. The infectious, sing-songy, hand-clap-ridden "Dahnce to the Beat" is the record's first single. For being launched on a small label, Hot as Sun appears to be getting plenty of industry attention. It has already opened for Australian superstar Gotye, Phantogram and L.A. hometown heroes Foster the People. They also took the stage at Art Basel in Miami Beach and Concept L.A. Fashion Week.
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Velvet Revolver at the Wiltern. Below, from top: The Troubadour in West Hollywood; Catalina Bar & Grill in Hollywood; Nokia Theatre L.A. Live downtown
L.A. LIVE
Whatever your musical preference, you can find your groove in one of L.A.’s diverse music venues.
CLASSICAL
ALTERNATIVE
Frank Gehry's Walt Disney Concert Hall (p. 88) is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, one of the world's most innovative orchestras. The 499-seat Broad Stage (1310 11th St., Santa Monica, 310.434.3200) is an intimate experience.
The Pitchfork-reading set appreciates the El Rey Theatre (p. 88) for booking indie and alternative acts on the cusp of mainstream stardom. When they get their first hit single, they play The Wiltern (p. 90).
POP JAZZ Dinner shows featuring contemporary jazz bands can be found at Vibrato Grill Jazz (2930 N. Beverly Glen Circle, BelAir, 310.474.9400), co-owned by Herb Alpert, and Catalina Bar & Grill (p. 95).
For radio favorites and chart-toppers, Staples Center (p. 88) downtown is a must stop on their international tours. Nearby, Nokia Theatre L.A. Live (p. 91) holds more than 7,000 people, but no seat is farther than 220 feet from the stage.
FOLK + ACOUSTIC For local singersongwriters, playing at Hollywood's Hotel Café (p. 95) is a rite of passage—just ask Rachael Yamagata. There's also a local vibe at The Satellite (p. 96), which has hosted folksy natives such as Harper Simon, son of Paul.
ROCK Head-bangers head to West Hollywood's House of Blues (p. 95) for the best in metal. East on Sunset Boulevard, party like a rock star at the Whisky a Go-Go (p. 96), which once hosted the Doors.
HOUSE Dance your face off to internationally renowned DJs at the huge Avalon (p. 95) theater in Hollywood. Get down to bootleg mash-ups on Bootie L.A. nights at the divey Echoplex (p. 95) in Echo Park.
LATIN + ECLECTIC L.A. Live's Conga Room (p. 95) offers Latin bands on Thursday nights and dance lessons on Saturday nights with live "música tropical." Steps away, at Club Nokia (p. 88), Tokyo pop stars perform one night, R&B chanteuses or Irish punk bands the next.
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HOT STUFF MessHall in Los Feliz. Left: Tropical macarons from 'Lette Macarons
➺
Angelenos are a notoriously fickle bunch, so trends are constantly in flux on the L.A. dining scene. Herewith, a snapshot of the culinary obsessions du jour, from smallbatch coffee roasting to pseudo foie gras, fried chicken with waffles to French fries with gravy. Eat 'em while they're hot! By ROGER GRODY
Hot Dessert
A signature of every Parisian pâtisserie, from the ChampsÉlysées to working-class neighborhoods in the 20th arrondissement, are rainbowlike rows of macarons. These delicate ganache-filled almond meringue cookies—not to be confused with what we call macaroons on this side of the Atlantic—are suddenly popping up everywhere in L.A. Beverly Hills–based ’Lette Macarons is the biggest pusher, opening macaron boutiques all over Southern California. Downtown’s Bottega Louie features an impressive display of quality macarons, and Euro Pane, a Pasadena bakery, has mastered them. You
can also find these treats on the petit four tray at high-end restaurants such as Providence.
Hot Spirit
For decades, clear liquor ruled in L.A., from the gin that made infamous three-martini lunches so potent to the vodka incorporated into the flavored martinis that enjoyed popularity in the ’90s. Fueled in part by increased interest in pre-Prohibition cocktails, brown liquor has made a huge comeback, and some of the city’s top bars now specialize in them. Among those featured at Hollywood’s Wood & Vine is the Black Mountain (Maker's Mark bourbon, Amaro Averna and Luxardo cherries). At MessHall, the Brown Derby (Buffalo Trace
bourbon, grapefruit, honey) honors the Los Feliz building’s heritage as a Brown Derby restaurant. The Blind Donkey, with a limited food menu but impressive roster of premium whiskeys—and cocktails created from them—recently popped up in Old Pasadena.
Hot Combo
One version of the birth of the chicken-and-waffles combination traces its beginnings to Harlem during the Jazz Age, when musicians finishing up a late set combined midnight snack and breakfast. In L.A., the minichain Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles makes it a winning combo, but the dish is also popping up at hip eateries and even fine dining spots. Chef
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Hot District
Outside of a hot dog stand on Santee Alley, you probably never thought about dining in downtown's Fashion District, a neighborhood with little value to most outsiders after sunset. Suddenly, however, some trendy restaurants are making an appearance here as the downtown renaissance continues unabated. Among them is The Parish, the gastropub from young chef Casey Lane, who arrived from Portland, Ore., a few years ago to open Venice’s the Tasting Kitchen. Ready to open on Spring Street at time of publication is the new L.A. flagship of Terroni, a Torontobased chain whose Beverly Boulevard pizzeria is always packed. The restaurant will occupy a 6,000-square-foot space in an architecturally splendid 1924 bank building. Just around the corner on Broadway—another onceforgotten street now turning into a dining destination—is Umamicatessen.
Eric Greenspan’s idea of a lounge snack at The Foundry on Melrose is fried chicken paired with a goat-cheese waffle and drizzled with bourbon-maple syrup. A more elegant version is found at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon in Beverly Hills, on the brunch menu. There, perfectly roasted chicken is paired with a baconchive waffle, Tahitian vanilla bean butter and sauce chasseur.
Hot Fries
Poutine, the French-Canadian dish of pommes frites and cheese curds bathed in gravy— the Québécois equivalent to the Windy City’s cheese fries—is so popular it’s even on the menu at McDonald’s north of the border. Now it’s turning up on some of
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Grilled trout at the Parish downtown. Below right: Blaze Pizza in Pasadena
the trendiest menus in L.A. At the Parish, variations include fried oysters or pig’s feet with Taleggio cheese. Poutine is a specialty of the house at Westwood’s P’tit Soleil, where cognac cream and Bolognese sauces are among the many options. And check your Twitter feed for the location of Gravy Train Poutinerie, a bona fide poutine truck!
Hot Meat
Starlets picking at salads or vegetarians obsessed with tofu are outdated stereotypes of diners in L.A., who are consuming pork at record levels. Every part of the pig, from nose to tail, is now celebrated on menus. Pigg, one of five eateries sharing space at burger guru Adam Fleischman’s Umamicatessen downtown, features riffs on everything from pig’s ears to tails to brains. Acclaimed San Francisco chef Chris Cosentino, a proud porkophile, is at the helm, and quality is high. With new restaurants such as Black Hogg and
Flying Pig Café opening around town, you know the theme has really caught on. With advance notice, a party of 14 can feast on a whole suckling pig at Pasadena’s Haven Gastropub + Brewery. And at Bierbeisl in Beverly Hills, pure lard is served with a delicious pretzel bread, under the guise of authentic Austrian cuisine. It’s the latest reminder of how sexy pork fat can be.
Hot Cocktail
Craft beers remain popular in L.A., but that trend is a bit 2012. Now, beer cocktails are all the rage. Find a selection of the gastropub specialty at chef Brooke Williamson’s The Tripel in Playa del Rey, including a concoction of Hefeweizen, pear cider and pear puree called the Bavarian Pear. Slater’s 50/50, an upscale burger joint from Orange County with a new location in Pasadena, also offers a selection of beer cocktails to pair with an intense burger that’s half ground beef and half ground bacon. The new
Hot Concept
Nobody thought much about assembly-line cuisine, as long as it was relegated to fastfood joints such as Subway. But when some of the best pizzas in L.A. started rolling off the line at Westwood’s 800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza, the assembly-line pizza became a cult favorite. The founders of Wetzel’s Pretzels and some high-profile investors launched a new chain called Blaze Pizza, employing the same concept at its first outpost in Pasadena. While the pies don’t quite approach the quality of 800 Degrees, they’re more than respectable thanks to corporate chef Bradford Kent of L.A.’s highly regarded Olio Pizzeria & Café.
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House-cured smoked salmon from Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air. Below right: Coldpressed juice from Pressed Juicery
Hot Chef
Considering the many acclaimed chefs younger than 30, it would be easy to conclude that professional cooking has become a young person’s sport. So why is Wolfgang Puck, who’s about one year shy of being eligible for Social Security, still one of the hottest chefs in L.A.? After opening WP24 downtown a few years ago, Puck was selected to retool the restaurant at one of the city’s most legendary hotels, and Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air reinforced his enduring relevance. Six months ago, Puck reopened Spago after giving his Beverly Hills flagship a spiffy makeover and new menu. A perennial favorite of critics and celebs, Spago remains an iconic L.A. eatery, perhaps the dining equivalent of shopping on Rodeo Drive.
Superba Snack Bar pairs beer cocktails including a beer sangría with dishes such as pheasant rillettes, fried chicken and chocolate (yes, chocolate) pappardelle. At Silver Lake’s Diablo Taco, your glass of beer arrives with a popsicle laid across the top, a deconstructed beer cocktail of sorts. The pop features a blend of organic tomato juice, lime, chiles and spices for dunking into the brew. And for a beer–ice cream float, head to The Federal Bar in North Hollywood.
Hot Faux Foie
Foie gras—surely one of the most decadent items in culinary history—is now illegal in California. How a city can claim world-class
dining status without serving foie gras is hard to fathom, but L.A. manages. Chefs soldiering on in a post-foie world are turning from ducks and geese to the common chicken liver. Chef Rémi Lauvand hails from France’s Périgord region, the epicenter of the foie gras industry. But his menu at Le Ka, a new downtown hot spot, features chicken “faux gras,” a canning jar packed with chickenliver mousse and topped with a layer of quince gelée. Wood & Vine and The Pikey, also in Hollywood, have also turned to chicken-liver mousse to satisfy the despondent foie gras crowd. For those who insist on the real thing, there's yet another reason they call Las Vegas “Sin City.”
Hot Caffeine Fix
There was a time not so long ago when Starbucks was the coolest place in town to grab a latte. While nobody questions the business model of this pioneering company, the emerging hot trend in coffee is local roasting, which has spawned some noteworthy boutique coffeehouses. Downtown’s Handsome Coffee Roasters was founded by veterans of Intelligentsia Coffee, including a world-champion barista. The beans used are sourced with care and roasted on the premises, a luxury unburdened by the demands of satisfying millions of customers. After generating a cult following at tiny Proof Bakery in Atwater Village,
Fresh juices, a natural progression from those home juicers featured on infomercials and pseudo-healthy chains such as Jamba Juice, have found an audience with fitness buffs, hipsters and health-conscious foodies alike. The cold-pressed juices at Pressed Juicery (now in Brentwood, downtown and Studio City) include a dark green kale-spinach-romaineparsley-cucumber-celery concoction and a purplish beet-apple-lemon-ginger variety. A doctored-up chocolate almond milk is available for novices. Similar concepts include Moon Juice in Venice and Melrose Avenue’s Liquid Juice Bar, whose beverage names include Blood, Detox Power-Ade, and a hangoverhelper called the Cure.
TOP, COURTESY HOTEL BEL-AIR
Hot Sips
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Try Kerry Simon’s burger from his appearance on Food Network’s Iron Chef
EAT
Enjoy world-class mixology and innovative small plates Savor Puck’s signature cuisine with a variety of inventive dishes Explore 4 floors of cutting edge exhibits and interactive experiences
PLAY
See Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters at the state-of-the-art 14 auditorium cinema Enjoy the ultimate sports fan viewing experience on 150 large-screen HD TVs Steps away from STAPLES Center, Nokia Theatre, and the GRAMMY Museum®
STAY
Above the JW Marriott, relax at The Ritz-Carlton and indulge with The Ritz-Carlton Spa
HOME OF THE
JUNE 13-23 For a complete listing of L.A. LIVE restaurants and event information, please visit lalive.com
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JUNE 28-30
JUNE 28-30
The most entertaining place on the planet.
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Cafecito Organico coffees
Cognoscenti Coffee proprietor Yeekai Lim has found a more permanent home in Culver City’s Arts District, tucked into the offices of an architectural firm. Cafecito Organico, whose secret is local, small-batch roasting, now has several cafes scattered around town. It’s the perfect antidote for people who are just too cool to be seen at Starbucks.
DETAILS
CITADEL OUTLETS
LA’S CHOICE FOR OUTLET SHOPPING Find out what’s behind the wall at Citadel Outlets and save 30-70% off full retail from over 120 of your favorite brand names. Visit citadeloutlets.com for a complete store listing and exclusive offers.
Citadel Outlets now offers round-trip shuttle service seven days a week from select area hotels. Visit citadeloutlets.com for shuttle times and additional transportation information.
BEHIND THE WALL. BEYOND EXPECTATIONS. Just minutes from Downtown LA on I-5 at the Atlantic Blvd. Exit.
Bierbiesl 9669 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.271.7274 Black Hogg 2852 W. Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake, 323.953.2820 Blaze Pizza 667 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626.440.7358 The Blind Donkey 53 E. Union St., Pasadena, 626.792.1833 Cafecito Organico 29169 Heathercliff Road, Malibu; more locations at cafecitoorganico.com Cognoscenti Coffee 6114 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213.986.6624 Diablo Taco 3129 W. Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake, 323.666.4666 800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria 10889 Lindbrook Drive, Westwood, 424.239.5010 Euro Pane 345 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626.844.8804 The Federal Bar 5303 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, 818.980.2555 Flying Pig Café 141 S. Central Ave., downtown, 213.621.0300 The Foundry on Melrose 7465 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.651.0915 Gravy Train Poutinerie gravytrainpoutinerie.com Handsome Coffee Roasters 582 Mateo St., downtown, 213.621.4194 Intelligentsia Coffee 3922 W. Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake, 323.663.6173 ’Lette Macarons 9466 Charleville Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.275.0023; more locations at lettemacarons. com Liquid Juice Bar 8180 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.300.8070 MessHall 4500 Los Feliz Blvd., Los Feliz, 323.660.6377 Moon Juice 507 Rose Ave., Venice, 310.399.2929 The Pikey 7617 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, 323.850.5400 Pressed Juicery 13050 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, 310.451.1010; more locations at pressedjuicery.com P'tit Soleil 1386 Westwood Blvd., Westwood, 310.441.5384 Roscoe's House of Chicken & Waffles 1514 N. Gower St., Hollywood, 323.466.7453; more locations Terroni 7605 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.954.0300; 810 S. Spring St., downtown The Tripel 333 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey, 310.821.0333 Wood & Vine 6280 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.334.3360
For other restaurants included in this story, see listings in the where guide.
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SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT
Downtown Burbank Welcome to
Buffalo Wild Wings
127 E Palm Avenue (on the AMC Walkway) (818) 524-2373 There are only three things you need to know about B-Dubs: Wings, Beer and Sports -- because it’s about hanging out with friends, eating wings, drinking beer, and watching sports. Winner of scores of awards, B-Dubs delivers a sensational environment with wall-to-wall screens for the ultimate in event and sports viewing.
RA Organic Spa
119 N San Fernando Boulevard (818) 848-4772 A Zen sanctuary blending supreme relaxation with eco-friendly design. Enjoy a day of renewal amid falling water and organic scents, and indulge in the massages of your choice: Thai, shiatsu, Swedish, deep tissue or hot stone. Your cares will dissolve inside this tranquil day spa.
Flappers Comedy Club Burbank Bar and Grille
Downtown BurBank Eventful.com recently ranked Burbank as having the top nightlife scene in the country. Experience the buzz firsthand by checking out the city’s endless entertainment options. Whether it’s about dining, cocktail lounges, comedy clubs, theaters, cinemas or star sightings, Downtown Burbank is your destination for an unforgettable night on the town. Check out the wide selection for every taste and budget, and discover for yourself how this Hollywood legend turns up the heat when the sun goes down. 818.238.5180 www.Downtown-BurBank.org
112 N San Fernando Boulevard (818) 848-9611 Enjoy tasty California cuisine with entrees such as sesame ahi tuna and frutti di mare pasta, along with salads, prime steaks, pizzas, sandwiches and much more. It’s all here with great food, amazing entertainment and live sports, along with the best fire-lit rooftop patio in the Valley.
102 E Magnolia Boulevard (818) 845-9721 Laugh with tinsel town’s top talent at Flappers Comedy Club, where they’re still celebrating the repeal of Prohibition. Sizzling cuisine and intense cocktails pair up with first-rate comedic performances in three dining and show areas.
Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant
145 S San Fernando Boulevard (818) 569-5240 Gordon Biersch took home two bronze medals at the 2011 Great American Beer Festival for the flagship dark lager Schwarzbier, and for Goze, a sour beer with Bavarian origins. Now’s your chance to sample these and other award winning beers brewed in-house along with fresh, California-inspired cuisine made-from-scratch.
Barney’s Beanery
250 N First Street (818) 524-2912 Famous as “Home of the 2nd Best Chili in Los Angeles,” Barney’s is about pure American comfort food. This legendary watering hole attracts Hollywood celebrities and a glittery cross section of tinsel town life. For sports fans, the bar features stadium seating, 40 beers on draft and 160 bottled beers.
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SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT
Granville
121 N San Fernando Boulevard (818) 848-4726 This casual gourmet cafe has been picked “Best of Burbank” by the Burbank Leader and been rated as the #2 restaurant in Burbank by Trip Advisor. Granville’s butternut squash soup has made the LA Weekly Top 10 list, and the Uptown Mac and Cheese, Bacon and Blue burger, bloody marys and hotcakes continue to wow customers far and wide.
Chadaka
310 N San Fernando Boulevard (818) 848-8520 For a first-rate dining experience, Chadaka offers modern twists on Thai favorites, such as Crying Tiger Beef and Curry Dumplings. Happy hour in the stylish bar makes for an elegant start to the evening, complete with delicious appetizers, martinis, cocktails, beers, wines and sakes.
Market City Caffe
164 E Palm Avenue (818) 840-7036 Famous for its homemade ravioli, thincrust pizzas and generous antipasto bar, Market City Caffe’s outdoor patio is also the ultimate place to people watch. The restaurant’s cozy bar has achieved the coveted Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for four consecutive years.
PF Chang’s China Bistro
201 E Magnolia Boulevard (at Burbank Town Center) (818) 391-1070 Traditional Chinese cuisine and American hospitality are combined in a high energy contemporary bistro setting. A full service bar offering a wide selection of wines, Asian beers, and sake accompanies memorable culinary creations prepared from the freshest of ingredients.
Colony Theatre
555 N Third Street (818) 558-7000 A vibrant center of L.A. theater life, the Colony’s current season presents the Los Angeles premiere of I’ll Be Back Before Midnight by Peter Colley and the world premiere of Falling for Make Believe by Rodgers and Hart. Make it a night on the town by visiting www.colonytheatre.org
Don Cuco Mexican Restaurant
218 E Orange Grove (818) 955-8895 Don Cuco delivers a fabulous menu, full service bar, and casual dining in a festive atmosphere. With shrimp tacos, unlimited free corn chips, spicy salsa and Cadillac margaritas with buzz-inducing amounts of liquor, you’re guaranteed to enjoy the best Mexican food this side of the border.
Wokcano Asian Restaurant and Lounge
150 S San Fernando Boulevard (818) 524-2288 Featuring fresh sushi and creative maki rolls as well as modern riffs on traditional fare, Wokcano offers a savory tasting tour of Asian cuisine. Happy hour in the chic and relaxing Lounge is the perfect beginning or end to a fashionable night out.
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where abouts The City of Angels is the most vibrant city in the Western Hemisphere and one of its most diverse. The area generally referred to as L.A. is actually made up of numerous cities and neighborhoods. Here’s our guide to the most visited among them.
IAN WHITE
CITY INDEX
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BEVERLY HILLS SANTA MONICA WEST HOLLYWOOD HOLLYWOOD DOWNTOWN PASADENA THE VALLEY SOUTH BAY MAPS
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exploring
Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills is a luxury lover’s mecca: designer shopping, fine dining, mansions. Century City, Westwood and Culver City are pockets with their own draws.
Few neighborhoods match Beverly Hills’ grip on the popular imagination, thanks to a history studded with more celebrity and excess than an Aaron Spelling TV series. Today, luxury juggernauts lure well-heeled shoppers to Rodeo Drive, while the mansions of famous locals past and present draw busloads of lookyloos. Nearby cities and neighborhoods stake their own claims to L.A.’s affections, including skyscraper-speckled Century City, known for business and high-end shopping; Westwood, home to UCLA; and Culver City, an emerging dining and cultural destination steeped in entertainment-industry history.
THE MANSIONS
The launch of Beverly Hills’ glamorous reputation dates to the early 20th century, when the then-new Beverly Hills Hotel ushered in a frenzy of movie-star mansion-building in the hills north of Sunset Boulevard. Today, the population of 35,000 is more economically diverse than Tinseltown might suggest. Nonetheless, the triumvirate of Beverly Hills, Holmby Hills and Bel-Air still attracts its share of famous residents, including the Stefani-Rossdale and Beckham families. Hop on the Beverly Hills Trolley Tour or book ahead with Starline Tours to see notable homes in the ‘hood, along with other local landmarks packed into the city’s nearly six square miles. Among the more storied and oft-filmed estates nestled in the hills is the 19th-century English Revival-style Greystone Mansion & Park, whose graceful cityowned grounds are open for strolling.
RODEO DRIVE + GOLDEN TRIANGLE
From Greystone, head west on Sunset Boulevard, then hang on to your wallet as you turn south onto Rodeo Drive. After passing through a tony residential neighborhood, you enter the shopping district known as the Golden Triangle, bounded by Santa Monica and Wilshire
RUSH STREET AND KIRK DOUGLAS THEATRE, EDWIN SANTIAGO; TWO RODEO, BJARNE G. JENSEN. OPPOSITE: ian white
From left: Rush Street bar and Kirk Douglas Theatre, both in Culver City; Two Rodeo in Beverly Hills
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new in town
Chanel on Rodeo Drive
Beauty Bar
The Spa Montage introduces a one-stop shop for makeup applications, waxing, Braid Luxe by Kim Vo braid bar and more. Montage Beverly Hills, 225 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.860.7840
Cognoscenti Coffee
Coffee bar offers small-batch roasts by brands such as Wrecking Ball and Ritual Coffee in Culver City’s Arts District. 6114 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 323.319.6459
Hinoki & the Bird
Lauded chef-owner David Myers (Sona, Comme Ça) opens a Cal-Asian fusion spot in the Century residential tower. 10 W. Century Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.552.1200
The Phoenix
Beer-focused, country-hip cocktail bar from Ryan Sweeney, Brandon Bradford and Alan Aivazian of the Surly Goat. 14 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.289.5925
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boulevards and Cañon Drive. David Yurman and Tom Ford each recently opened flagships on Rodeo, reminding retailers that 90210 is still the most prestigious ZIP code in the States. Ascend the Italian-esque side street to Tiffany & Co., perched atop Two Rodeo. Pause for the quintessential Beverly Hills snapshot before continuing on to the Beverly Wilshire Hotel (of Pretty Woman fame) at the south end of Rodeo. Continuing west, pass Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys New York, the reigning luxury retail titans along this stretch of Wilshire. At Santa Monica Boulevard, you hit the Beverly Hilton Hotel, which rolls out 30,000 square feet of red carpet annually to host the Golden Globe Awards.
THE INDUSTRY + THE ARTS
Beverly Hills isn’t all shopping sprees and gated estates: Talent agencies William Morris, Endeavor and United Talent Agency are just three of the entertainment business powerhouses based here. Witness fierce negotiations and wooing over Cobb salads at Scarpetta at the Montage Beverly Hills and newly revamped Spago across the street. The city’s cultural treasure-troves include the Paley Center for Media and the Samuel Goldwyn Theater at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, both of which hold screenings. Promising even more cultural programming is the forthcoming Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, which will transform the historic Beverly Hills Post Office into an entertainment destination.
CENTURY CITY
Heading west from Beverly Hills on Santa Monica Boulevard, you enter the 0.3-squaremile modern acropolis of Century City. International Creative Management and Creative Artists Association are located here, as is a
Fox Studio lot and countless legal, financial, entertainment and hospitality firms. But those outside the biz won’t be excluded. Just past Avenue of the Stars, you hit the upscale Westfield Century City shopping center, with luxury boutiques and dining venues to rival those of Beverly Hills. Nearby on Constellation Boulevard, Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio draws epicures to his acclaimed restaurant Craft and lower-priced Craftbar. Steps away, The Annenberg Space for Photography displays cutting-edge exhibits of digital and print photography.
UCLA
A few miles northeast of Century City is the University of California, Los Angeles, one of the top public universities in the country. Visitors are welcome at several university attractions, including the Fowler Museum of Cultural History and the outdoor Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden in the north campus, the planetarium on the south campus and the seven-acre Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Gardens (100 Stein Plaza Driveway). The Hammer Museum is nearby and houses works by Degas and Rembrandt as well as contemporary works and installations. Paid parking is available in UCLA lots and structures throughout the 419-acre campus.
WESTWOOD VILLAGE
Just south of the campus, the pedestrianfriendly Westwood Village features independent shops and cafes among its art deco and Mediterranean Revival buildings, as well as two landmark movie theaters at the intersection of Broxton and Weyburn avenues: the 1936 marquee-wrapped Bruin Theater, and the Village Theater across the street. Built circa 1931, the Village Theater is a favorite for movie premieres and thus prime starspotting territory. Another don’t-miss venue is the award-winning Geffen Playhouse,
located on LeConte Avenue in one of the oldest buildings in Westwood.
CULVER CITY
Covering five square miles about four miles southeast of Westwood, Culver City has benefited from a polish in the past few years, and now boasts a thriving downtown. The Kirk Douglas Theatre and the Ivy Substation, home to the Actors’ Gang, bookend the downtown area and stage excellent live productions throughout the year. Traveling east on Washington Boulevard, don’t miss the sprawling Helms Bakery complex, which contains dozens of high-end furniture showrooms. Moving along Washington, the scene-y Arts District has more than 30 art galleries and exhibition spaces clustered along Washington and La Cienega boulevards. At the intersection of Washington and National boulevards is one end of the anticipated new Expo Line, a Metro light rail that traverses from Culver City to Exposition Park and the University of Southern California to the heart of downtown. Hollywood gets all the attention, but it’s Culver City that claims the official motto “The Heart of Screenland.” In 1915, Ince/ Triangle Studios, today Sony Pictures Studios, opened at 10202 W. Washington Blvd. Classics including The Wizard of Oz would eventually be filmed on the lots of the pioneering movie studio. The stately Thomas H. Ince Studio opened in 1918. Today, Culver City’s screen culture is still going strong, with the TV series Cougar Town among the productions filming at Culver Studios, and the Spider-Man franchise among the hits produced on the historic lots at Sony. Fully experience Culver City’s screen heritage by taking a studio tour at Sony. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see pages 108–109.
great find
CHARMED, I’M SURE The Helen Ficalora boutique in Beverly Hills is beloved for offering delicate jewelry designs such as signet rings, alphabet charms and inspirational angel charms, all destined to become deeply personal to their owners. Our favorite charm necklaces, however, are pretty, personal and philanthropic. A percentage of the proceeds from the gorgeous, diamond- and pinksapphire-studded Linda Mancuso Award Replica Charm, for example, supports breast cancer initiatives, while a portion of the sales from the Jennifer Garner Tulip Necklace benefits Cedars-Sinai Ovarian Cancer Research. Purchase the Project Sunshine Charm (seen here), and you help to support volunteers who brighten the days of hospitalized children. Talk about a win-win. 9632 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.777.0098, helenficalora.com
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exploring
Santa Monica
From left: Parker Mesa Overlook in Pacific Palisades; the Venice canals; Pacific Park at Santa Monica Pier
pubs such as Ye Olde King’s Head that hint at the city’s large population of British expats. Anchoring the promenade at Broadway is Santa Monica Place, a pristine open-air shopping center with Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, 80 boutiques and a top-level Dining Deck with a food court, upscale restaurants and a gourmet marketplace. East on Broadway is the legendary Fred Segal, an emporium of high-end shops on each side of 5th Street. Santa Monica Pier, built in 1909, is at the end of Colorado Avenue and features Pacific Park, a miniamusement park with food stands and rides, including a solar-powered, LED-lit Ferris wheel.
MORE HOT BLOCKS
Northeast of Third Street Promenade, the stretch of tree-lined Montana Avenue between 6th and 17th streets is busy, but still pleasant. Its boutiques, including Ruti, Planet Blue and Roseark, are of a more independent variety than those lining the promenade. Father’s Office,
this page and opposite: ian white
In the 1800s, a real estate agent called Santa Monica “the Santa Monica has Zenith City by the Sunset Sea.” The 21st-century version of the approachable vibe of a beach town Santa Monica fulfills its early promise with a bustling downtown and beach that draw millions of visitors per year. By the shore with the benefits are athletic activities and the West Coast’s most famous pier; of a major city— on dry land are shops that suit a variety of tastes and hundreds nightlife, dining, of dining options. Pacific Coast Highway connects SaMo with entertainment and destinations such as Malibu and Topanga. shopping galore. Malibu, Venice tHIRD STREET + THE PIER Third Street Promenade, three pedestrian-only blocks on 3rd Street between Broadway and and Brentwood Wilshire Boulevard, is perpetually teeming with people. Visitors can hit dozens of boutiques, watch movies at three cinemas or gawk at the myriad street artists. are appealing If they don’t refuel at the eateries along 3rd, visitors can venture to the surrounding blocks options nearby. to Blue Plate Oysterette or Sugarfish, and imbibe at the Hotel Shangri-La’s rooftop bar or
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Robert Irwin’s Central Garden at the Getty Center in Brentwood
new in town Barnyard
At this rustic eatery, ex-French Laundry chef Jesse Barber serves small plates cooked with produce from the restaurant’s Malibu farm. 1715 Pacific Ave., Venice, 310.581.1015
Coquette
Owner Aries Milan brings her boho-chic, boldly feminine taste to this womenswear boutique. 1230 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, 310.451.5100
Madison T
Boutique for teens and tweens offers inventory already adored by fashion-forward grown-ups, including Alice + Olivia and Splendid. 1017 Swarthmore Ave., Pacific Palisades, 310.454.5087
Nobu Malibu
Malibu’s premier Japanese restaurant relocates to a stunning seaside space. 22706 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.317.9140
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known for its stellar burger, Locanda Portofino and R+D Kitchen are tops for dining; dessert lovers might venture to Sweet Lady Jane for its famous cakes, adored by celebs. Just minutes south of downtown Santa Monica, Main Street is a quieter destination that still retains Santa Monica’s beachyupscale vibe. The long stretch between Pico Boulevard and Rose Avenue contains a number of galleries, restaurants, British pubs and boutiques (mostly femme-friendly) such as Mindfulnest, Goga and Hip’tique. The California Heritage Museum is in a transplanted Victorian-era home, as is the Victorian, adjacent to the museum, which features a cool downstairs speak-easy, Basement Tavern.
THE ARTS
Visitors can take in plays at Main Street’s Edgemar Center for the Arts, housed in an angular concrete structure designed by Frank Gehry. An even wider variety of entertainment is at the Broad Stage, Santa Monica College’s first-rate, 499-seat performing arts center that hosts pop and classical music concerts, film, dance and theater. As L.A. has emerged as a fine-arts capital, the campuslike Bergamot Station (2525 Michigan Ave.) has become an important destination. It’s home to 30 galleries, the Santa Monica Museum of Art and a cafe.
MALIBU
Twenty miles north of Santa Monica on Pacific Coast Highway is Malibu. Stars have made their homes here since the 1920s when May Rindge, the eccentric wife of an heir who once owned all of Malibu, began inviting celebs to live in Malibu Colony to pay the legal bills she had racked up from fighting developers. Much of Malibu’s best destinations are visible from PCH, such as the many restaurants with ocean views, from the casual (Malibu Seafood) to the upscale (Nobu Malibu).
Adjacent to the Malibu Lagoon and Bird Sanctuary, the Adamson House is filled with historic tile. The celebrity-frequented Malibu Country Mart serves as the area’s town square. Together with adjacent Malibu Village and Malibu Lumber Yard shopping centers, there are enough trendy shops and restaurants to while away an afternoon. Inland, nearing Calabasas, are many wineries such as Malibu Family Wines and Sip Malibu, which offer tastings. Malibu Discovery Tours hosts tours of the region.
TOPANGA + PACIFIC PALISADES
In the counterculture 1960s, hippies and musicians such as Neil Young hid out in idyllic Topanga, accessed by long, winding Topanga Canyon Boulevard from PCH. Removed from urban activity, it retains its bohemian vibe and independently owned businesses. Hiking trails allow visitors to bask in Topanga’s woodsy beauty. Dining is best by the burbling creek at restaurants such as Abuelitas and Inn of the Seventh Ray. Pine Tree Circle has a lovely bistro and a few boutiques and galleries. There’s more than initially meets the eye in seemingly sleepy, family-friendly Pacific Palisades, south of Topanga on PCH and accessed from Temescal Canyon Road. Hikers love the shady trails in Temescal Gateway Park. Cafes such as Maison Giraud and upscale mom-and-pop shops such as Elyse Walker and Madison can be found between Via de la Paz and Monument Street near Sunset Boulevard. One relatively unknown gem is the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine on Sunset, a breathtaking oasis on 10 acres with a lush garden and koi- and swan-filled lake. Also, the resplendent Getty Villa, often mistakenly identified as being in Malibu, is in Pacific Palisades. Styled as a Julius Caesarera villa, it’s filled with Greco-Roman antiquities. Advance timed tickets are required.
VENICE
Abbot Kinney famously won the land that would become Venice in a coin toss. He sought to develop it as an American version of the Italian city; the canals are still there, today lined with sleek modern homes and milliondollar bungalows. His namesake Abbot Kinney Boulevard is Venice’s coolest section, where The Tasting Kitchen, Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea and boutiques such as Steven Alan, Linus Bikes, Satine and Jack Spade are the main attractions. Looky-loos love to stroll Ocean Front Walk to ogle the street vendors and performers, or bodybuilders at Muscle Beach.
BRENTWOOD
Reese Witherspoon, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner are some of the celebrities who live in this affluent enclave northeast of Santa Monica. San Vicente Boulevard functions as the neighborhood’s main street, with copious independent shops, bakeries, cafes and restaurants between Bundy Drive and where San Vicente becomes Federal Avenue. The petite Brentwood Country Mart, a unique open-air shopping center built in 1948, maintains a retro farmhouse charm but keeps retail offerings contemporary and upscale. The area’s biggest draw is the Getty Center, the hilltop museum that houses J. Paul Getty’s spectacular art collection.
MARINA DEL REY
Marina del Rey’s main attraction is the marina, the largest manmade small-craft harbor in the world. Restaurants in the fisherman’s wharf are positioned to take advantage of the views. You can rent kayaks from UCLA Marina Aquatic Center (14001 Fiji Way), or shop and dine at Waterside at the Marina, located at Lincoln Boulevard and Fiji Way. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see page 108.
great find
STARR-STRUCK The refreshingly pretty (and slightly New Age-y) The Quest by Hayley Starr just joined a coterie of new indie shops breathing life into a low-key stretch of Lincoln Boulevard in Venice. The creation of artist, designer, entrepreneur and “winged creature of the cosmos” Hayley Starr, the Quest is a shape-shifter of sorts: It serves as Starr’s studio, a gallery and gathering space for classes and projects (including astrology classes and tarot-card readings), and a retail boutique open Thursdays through Sundays and by appointment for Starr’s clothing lines, original art, inspirational charms and uplifting illustrated children’s books, plus a smattering of other Starr favorites from like-minded designers. We see shopping in your future. 2122 Lincoln Blvd., Venice, 310.360.9711, hayleystarr.com
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c t c la
M V
AT THE INTERSECTION OF PAST & PRESENT.
ince 1934, the Original Farmers Market has stood at the crossroads of Los Angeles history and culture. Today, it remains one of the last of the Hollywood legends, attracting people from all over the world to enjoy its eclectic mix of restaurants, grocers, shops and the best people watching the city has to offer. In a world ruled by change, the Original Farmers Market stands as an enduring landmark, steadfast at the junction of then and now, on the corner of Third and Fairfax.
Market events and activities throughout the year. Visit www.farmersmarketla.com for calendars and updates.
®
“MEET ME AT THIRD
&
FAIRFAX”
6333 W. THIRD ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90036 • 323.933.9211 OR 866.993.9211 MONDAY–FRIDAY 9AM–9PM • SATURDAY 9AM–8PM • SUNDAY 10AM–7PM 038-041_SM_WLA.indd 41
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exploring
West Hollywood
Trends in fashion, design and food often begin in L.A., and many of those innovations can be traced to the pioneering community of West Hollywood.
For a municipality measuring less than two square miles and with fewer than 35,000 residents, West Hollywood wields enormous influence over the L.A. lifestyle. With a disproportionate number of world-class art galleries, fashion boutiques, restaurants, nightclubs and theaters, it’s a frequent destination for locals and tourists alike. The city, often referred to as WeHo, is home to a large and influential gay community, protective of the city’s cultural development and quality of life. West Hollywood and the adjacent Mid-City West area celebrate diversity, as hipsters live in harmony with senior citizens and immigrants.
Sunset Strip
After dark, this iconic stretch of Sunset Boulevard between Doheny Drive and Crescent Heights Avenue becomes the hottest stretch of asphalt in L.A. County. The club scene rocks here with many legendary establishments. The Roxy, Whisky a Go-Go and Rainbow Bar have a long history of hosting performances from rock ‘n’ roll’s finest. Other Sunset Strip nightclubs include the Viper Room and the Key Club. The Comedy Store continues to showcase the leading names in standup as well as emerging stars. During the day, boutiques such as Live! on Sunset and beloved Book Soup draw traffic. Hotels are an integral part of the Sunset Strip scene. Chateau Marmont, a glorious and notorious celebrity hangout throughout the decades, remains a discreet local getaway. Skybar, at the style-conscious Mondrian, retains its aura of exclusivity. At the Sunset Tower Hotel, Bugsy Siegel’s former suite has been converted into the Tower Bar.
SUNSET PLAZA
Sunset Plaza, between La Cienega and San Vicente Boulevards on Sunset Boulevard, is a collection of tony shops and bistros with an international flavor and free parking, a novelty
the grove, christopher ian smith; mel’s drive-in, ian White. opposite: monica nouwens
From left: The Grove; Farmers Market; Mel’s Drive-In on the Sunset Strip
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The Broad Contemporary Art Museum at Los Angeles County Museum of Art
new in town Dash
the Kardashian sisters relocate their women’s clothing boutique to trendy Melrose Avenue. 8420 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.782.6822
Sarar
turkish men’s brand arrives in Sunset plaza with sharp suiting and ready-towear. 8710 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.657.2100
Topshop Topman
London’s favorite high-street fashion brand comes to the Grove with a 30,000-square-foot boutique. 189 the Grove drive, L.A., 323.938.1085
Z Zegna
the Beverly Center gets the first standalone north American store of ermenegildo Zegna’s modern diffusion men’s line. 8500 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 310.855.9619
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MELROSE AVENUE
Melrose Avenue has become virtually synonymous with trendiness, and new expressions in fashion, art and food continue to percolate up and down this street with multiple personalities. One stretch of Melrose, east of Fairfax Avenue, has an eclectic mix of indie boutiques, cafes and coffeehouses interspersed with tattoo parlors and vintage shops. Stores such as Wasteland and Ed Hardy have wild façades and vibrant signage that add energy to the scene. Farther west, Melrose becomes très sophistiqué, showcasing upscale tastes at Ron Herman, Kelly Wearstler, TenOverSix and Vivienne Westwood. Just off Melrose is the quiet, fashionable three-block street of Melrose Place, where Bentleys line up for chic salons such as Frédéric Fekkai and cutting-edge boutiques such as Zero + Maria Cornejo, Monique Lhuillier or Marni.
THE AVENUES
Melrose Avenue’s massive Pacific Design Center is the hub of L.A.’s flourishing art, fashion and design district known as the Avenues, which runs along Melrose Avenue and Beverly and Robertson boulevards. The complex itself—monolithic blue, green and red buildings designed by celebrated architect Cesar Pelli—is itself noteworthy (you’ll either love it or hate it), but its 1.2 million square feet houses more than 130 showrooms catering to professional designers and luxury homeowners. PDC is also home to a
satellite of downtown’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and a stylish Wolfgang Puck eatery, Red Seven.
BEVERLY + WEST 3rd
Beverly Boulevard and West 3rd Street are major east-west streets running through West Hollywood, filled with trendy restaurants, design showrooms and boutiques from some of the hottest up-and-coming clothing designers. The two streets bracket the landmark eight-level Beverly Center, whose design is reminiscent of Paris’ Pompidou Center. Bloomingdale’s, Henri Bendel, Fendi, Gucci, Stuart Weitzman and the Capital Grille are among more than 160 establishments drawing consumers. On West 3rd Street east of Beverly Center, you’ll find favorite boutiques such as Shareen, BedHead for chic pajamas and Duncan Quinn for bespoke tailored suits. There are many dining options such as Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo’s Son of a Gun, plus a branch of Magnolia Bakery. On Beverly Boulevard, you can browse vintage Lanvin at Beige, or score handcrafted shoes at Calleen Cordero. Afterward, you can experience market-fresh American cuisine at Cooks County or hearty Italian on the romantic patio at Dominick’s.
ROBERTSON BOULEVARD
Beverly Hills may be the toniest shopping district in L.A., but West Hollywood’s Robertson Boulevard is not far behind, particularly if you’re young and hot and have your own reality show. The celebutante set hits Curve for designer womenswear, Zimmermann for haute swimwear and Kitson for trendy accessories. A cutting-edge Chanel concept store illustrates the difference between Robertson Boulevard and more staid Rodeo Drive. For a breather between boutique-hopping, consider a cocktail with crab cakes on the picket-
fenced patio of Ivy Restaurant, where famous faces practically outnumber those of civilians.
FAIRFAX DISTRICT
Technically part of the city of Los Angeles, the Fairfax District is one of the most culturally diverse and artsy neighborhoods in the West Hollywood area. At Fairfax Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard is the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), a renowned multifaceted facility with more than 100,000 works from around the world. The Broad Contemporary Art Museum, designed by architect Renzo Piano, showcases art from the contemporary and modern eras, while the latest additions to the LACMA campus include the Lynda and Stewart Resnick Exhibition Pavilion and Ray’s & Stark Bar. Adjacent to LACMA is the Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits. Additional venues at this formidable Museum Row include the Petersen Automotive Museum and the Architecture and Design Museum. South of the museums is a surprise for curious foodies: a neighborhood known as Little Ethiopia, where acclaimed Ethiopian restaurants are located. Be prepared to eat with your hands! One of the district’s anchors is the historic Farmers Market, with more than 100 open-air produce stalls, shops and eateries. There are spots to satisfy virtually any craving, including a wine bar, taquería and stands with authentic Louisiana gumbo and Korean barbecue. Adjacent and connected by a vintage trolley is The Grove, an outdoor, pedestrian-only shopping center. The Grove has the character of an old-fashioned village square, with stained-glass street lamps and central fountain. Nordstrom, a movie theater and stores such as Athleta and Splendid are joined by eateries and restaurants. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of West Hollywood, see pages 108–109.
great find
DIY DESSERT At Charm City Cakes West, Ace of Cakes star Duff Goldman creates extraordinary confections resembling a Pac-Man arcade game, a scene from Jaws—you name it. Custom 3-D, sculptural cakes might set you back $1,000 or more, and like the original Baltimore bakery, the West Coast outpost, located on Melrose Avenue, is closed to the public. But don’t go home hungry. Step next door to Duff’s Cakemix to purchase a finished cake, cake slice or cupcake, or better yet, channel your inner Duff by painting, frosting, airbrushing and goodie-embellishing your own tasty masterpiece. Stop in for first-come, first-served studio time, or grab five or more friends and reserve space for one sweet party. 8302 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.650.5555, duffscakemix.com
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in this neighborhood. This is the city’s Euro Zone, where you’re apt to hear more French and Italian than Valley Girl. For up-to-theminute fashion, check out the collections at Oliver Peoples or either of the two H. Lorenzo shops. Pamper yourself with a facial and massage at Ole Henriksen Face/Body Spa, a blowout at Drybar or a makeover at Blushington.
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3rdStre
Beverly Hills and the Farmers Market, WEST 3RD STREET is a shopping and dining experience unlike any other in Los Angeles. Each store and restaurant offers an exciting and unique vision, making West 3rd one of the most highquality and well-edited collections of merchandise and fine food anywhere in the city. Whether you are looking for fashion, furniture, gifts or food, chances are you will be inspired by what you find on West 3rd Street.
Handmade sterling silver and 14k gold jewelry cast from 19th-century wax seals rich in inspirational imagery.
PYrrHa
8315 West 3rd Street (323) 424-4807 pyrrha.com
Couture loungewear and pajamas designed by Renee Claire and made in L.A. Also featuring fine bedding and gifts. Mention ad for a free gift with purchase.
BedHead PaJaMaS 8336 West 3rd Street (323) 653-8336 bedheadpjs.com
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Nestled between West Hollywood,
CresCent HeigHts BLvd CresCent HeigHts BLvd CresCent HeigHts BLvd CresCent HeigHts BLvd
WELCOME TO THIRD STREET!
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WEST 3RD STREET
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The Orlando on Third, a fashionable, boutique hotel in a vibrant, urban neighborhood. Enjoy a taste of living L.A.!
OrlandO HOtel 8384 West 3rd Street (800) 624-6835 theorlando.com
Contemporary children’s clothing, toys and accessories.
eGGY
8365 West 3rd Street (323) 658-8882 shopeggy.com
West 3rd Street’s premier blow dry salon! Offering affordable, luxury styling for every day and every occasion in your life!
BlOW Me aWaY-drY Bar 8223 West 3rd Street (323) 655-0316 blowmeawayla.com
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exploring
Hollywood
From left: The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Hollyhock House; Hollywood Walk of Fame; carousel in Griffith Park in Los Feliz
“Hollywood is a state of mind” was a popular refrain when this part of Los Angeles was in the midst of its decline not long ago. But with hot new boutiques, restaurants, hotels and condos sprouting up, it has reemerged as a bona fide destination. Amid a spirit of transformation, the neon lights on Hollywood Boulevard’s landmark movie palaces are fired up again, as waves of international visitors mingle with colorful locals. This new Golden Age of Hollywood marks the best time to visit in decades.
Hollywood + Highland
The Hollywood & Highland Center has been a catalyst for the rebirth of Hollywood Boulevard. Its Dolby Theatre is the home of the Academy Awards. The center’s shops are varied, including Lucky Brand and Louis Vuitton, and it boasts nightclub Level 3. The central Babylon Court frames views of the iconic Hollywood sign. Built in 1923 to advertise a housing development, the 45-foot-high letters originally read “Hollywoodland.” Next door to Hollywood & Highland is the TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman’s Chinese Theatre) famous for its celebrity handprints embedded in the cement out front.
SHOWTIME
Just across the street from Hollywood & Highland is the ornate, lavishly illuminated El Capitan Theatre. Masterfully restored by Disney, it offers special presentations of the studio’s animated releases combined with performances using an antique Wurlitzer pipe organ and children-pleasing stage shows. Jimmy Kimmel Live! tapes in an ABC studio next door. The Egyptian Theatre—built in 1922 around the time that King Tut’s tomb was discovered— screens eclectic artsy fare. The landmark Pantages Theatre has staged megahit musicals including The Book of Mormon, and the Hollywood Palladium has a rich history of showcasing headlining musicians.
THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE: IAN WHITE
Hollywood is reclaiming its legendary glamour, and once-bohemian Los Feliz and Silver Lake are sharing in Tinseltown’s new Golden Age.
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new in town Allumette
diners at exec chef Miles Thompson’s first solo venture compose their own tasting menus from a selection of small plates. 1320 Echo Park ave., Echo Park, 213.935.8787
Aventine
a magical alfresco patio is the centerpiece of this restaurant and lounge. 1607 n. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, 323.466.1400
Sassafras
ginger beer, barrel-aged cocktails and Southern-inspired libations in a Savannahstyle townhouse. 1233 n. Vine St., l.a., 323.467.2800
Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park
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Walk of Fame
The sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard (La Brea Avenue to Gower Street) and three blocks of Vine Street (Yucca Street to Sunset Boulevard) are inlaid with the legendary brass-and-terrazzo stars honoring celebrities from the entertainment industry. More than 2,400 stars are enshrined beneath the feet of tourists, but the roster is not without its quirks—Pee-wee Herman has one but Clint Eastwood doesn’t. Marilyn Monroe’s star is steps from Hollywood & Highland, and John Lennon’s is appropriately located in front of the Capitol Records Building, the structure designed to resemble a stack of records.
Museums, HOLLYWOOD-STYLE
Hollywood has its museums, but don’t expect to encounter Picasso or Monet, or even a T. rex skeleton. Next to Grauman’s Chinese Theatre is Madame Tussauds Hollywood, filled with more than 100 wax figures ranging from legends Clark Gable and Audrey Hepburn to contemporary icons such as Justin Timberlake and Lady Gaga. You can ponder some zany accomplishments at the Guinness World Records Museum, while the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum offers bizarre exhibitions on double-headed animals and shrunken human heads. Serious movie buffs, however, head to the Hollywood Museum, which occupies four floors of the historic Max Factor Building. Among the 10,000 costumes and artifacts on display are Indiana Jones’ whip, Rocky Balboa’s boxing gloves and W.C. Fields’ top hat.
AROUND VINE
The storied intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, the epicenter of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, boasted a large concentration of entertainment industry companies in the 1920s. It’s a different Hol-
lywood today, but the magic of this location endures in the soaring W Hollywood Hotel & Residences, which boasts Delphine brasserie and Drai’s rooftop club. A Metro station is integrated into the hotel; Hollywood is particularly well served by mass transit. Across the street is boutique hotel the Redbury and its stylish Middle Eastern restaurant, Cleo. Sunset Boulevard and Vine is in transition, but dance clubs and eateries give this corner plenty of character. Serious cinephiles catch their flicks at ArcLight Cinemas, where it’s easy to spot a celeb. Close by is Amoeba Music, where music fans and collectors browse the aisles through 31,000 square feet of space packed with rare vinyl records, CDs and memorabilia. A couple of blocks west is the stylish minicomplex Space 15 Twenty, catering to shoppers well into the evening. The center is anchored by a supersize Urban Outfitters and complemented by other hip boutiques.
NIGHTCRAWLING
The revival of Hollywood has only enhanced its endless nightlife opportunities, and a lively bar and club scene permeates the district. On Hollywood Boulevard, you can party under the guise of literary advancement at library-themed Hemingway’s, or attempt to get past the velvet rope at Playhouse or Lure on Ivar Avenue. Cahuenga Boulevard also hosts dozens of clubs. Quintessentially L.A. but a galaxy removed from Hollywood Boulevard is the Hollywood Bowl, the largest outdoor amphitheater in the U.S., where the Los Angeles Philharmonic takes up residence from June to October. Picnicking under the stars here is among the most memorable experiences in L.A. Nearby is the Ford Amphitheatre, featuring a more intimate environment for international music, dance and family fare.
LOS FELIZ + SILVER LAKE
These neighborhoods are among the bestkept secrets in the county. Vermont Avenue, the main drag in Los Feliz, presents a collection of shops and restaurants that range from bohemian to chic. Skylight Books and 24/7 diner Fred 62 are popular hangouts. Newer lounges such as Rockwell represent the neighborhood’s increasing sophistication. A once-forgotten stretch of Hollywood Boulevard in Los Feliz now hosts trendy boutiques such as Confederacy and restaurants including cult fave Umami Burger. Fully transformed is Silver Lake Boulevard, now crowded with eateries and upscale retailers. At Sunset Junction, where Sunset and Santa Monica Boulevards intersect and the eponymous music festival takes place in summer, is where Los Feliz transitions into Silver Lake. Foodies hang at casual Forage or the Cheese Store of Silverlake, while aspiring screenwriters hammer at their laptops and sip lattes at Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea.
GRIFFITH PARK
The largest urban park in America, this sprawling swath is an ideal place to hike, picnic, golf, ride horses and more. The Charlie Turner Trailhead begins at the Griffith Observatory, one of the great planetariums in the world and a frequent filming location. The hike up Mount Hollywood (three miles round trip) provides views of the Hollywood sign, and the nearby Greek Theatre, a 5,700-seat amphitheater, is a legendary music venue. Also located in Griffith Park is the underrated Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens and the Western heritage-oriented Autry National Center, both accessible from the Ventura (SR 134) or Golden State (I-5) freeways. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see pages 109–110.
great find
WHAT KIDS WANT As pretty as that starched, frilly dress straight from Paris may be, it’s useless on the playground. Tomboy in Silver Lake gets that fashionable parents want their kids to look adorable, but just as important, they get what kids want to wear, too. The adolescent and babies’ clothes in this small but impeccably stocked shop include Saint James nautical striped tees, soft vintage Tibetan wrap jackets and made-in-L.A. Nico Nico canvas suspender skirts and organic cotton henleys. The pieces are age-appropriate, beautifully made, updated classics in soft, high-quality fabrics and wearable shapes that let kids be kids (albeit well-dressed ones). Gifts, books and toys such as Yellow Owl Workshop stamp sets are equally parent- and kid-pleasing. 1406 Micheltorena St., Silver Lake, 323.644.1475, tomboykidsla.com
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© 2013 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved. © 2013 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights Reserved. ©2013 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. 12-ADV-12838
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exploring
Downtown
From left: City Hall; signage in Grand Central Market; the Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall
Beverly Hills and Venice Beach may be favorite tourist attractions, but downtown should not be overlooked. Historic art deco structures share the street-scape with glass- or titaniumclad masterpieces, and even movie stars are snapping up hip lofts carved out of turn-of-the-century structures. The city’s arts scene roars to life in downtown, a place where the usual image of L.A. as “laid-back” hardly applies.
Union Station
The ornate Union Station was the last of the grand railroad terminals built in the U.S. Its importance faded as the automobile began to dominate life in L.A., but Union Station has staged a comeback, thanks to a renovation and downtown’s new energy. From Union Station, the hub of the Metro system, you can board the Red Line to Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley or the light rail Gold Line to Pasadena, Blue Line to Long Beach and Expo Line to Culver City. Nonstop bus service to LAX is available 24/7. Metrolink commuter trains connect distant suburbs, and you can jump on an Amtrak train for a scenic journey along the coast.
Grand Avenue + MUSIC CENTER
The heart of L.A.’s performing-arts scene and the site of its most dramatic architecture, Grand Avenue is beginning to live up to its name. On Bunker Hill, once filled with Victorian mansions, four venues make up a formidable collection of stages at The Music Center. The 3,200-seat Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is home to L.A. Opera, and the Ahmanson Theatre and the Mark Taper Forum host theatrical productions. The flashiest venue is architect Frank Gehry’s curvaceous Walt Disney Concert Hall, home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Its music director, Gustavo Dudamel, exudes an energy that rivals the building’s audacious design. Also housed at Disney Hall is REDCAT, which offers performance and visual arts productions. After a show, take a stroll through the new 12-acre Grand Park, between Grand Avenue and Hill Street and First and Temple streets.
from left: sarah hadley; ian white; ashok sinha. opposite: ian white
L.A.’s urban center reflects the cultural diversity, worldclass architecture and dynamic commerce that make the city a superstar on the global stage.
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new in town Angel City Brewery
Local brewery relaunches in the space of a former toy factory. 216 S. Alameda St., downtown, 213.622.1261
Denim Refinery
Boutique offers vintage clothing and jeans plus a denim customization service. 527 W. 7th St., downtown, 310.800.6135
Juicy Lucy Acclaimed fine-dining chef Paul Shoemaker brings his burger joint to the new Taste collection of casual restaurants at Fig at 7th. 735 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.683.1030
The Bradbury Building is an iconic example of Italian Renaissance Revival architecture.
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DESCENDING BUNKER HILL
Steps from the Music Center is the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, designed by Spanish architect José Rafael Moneo. A short walk south on Grand is the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Southern California’s premier contemporary art museum. The Omni Hotel and California Plaza are adjacent. Nearby Angels Knoll is a welcome patch of greenery amid the concrete jungle. Angels Flight, a vintage funicular that climbs to California Plaza from Hill Street below, is billed as “The Shortest Railway in the World” (just 298 feet!); a ride costs 25 cents. At the foot of the hill, the Bunker Hill Steps rise five stories at the U.S. Bank Tower, the tallest building west of the Mississippi. Across the street is the Los Angeles Public Library, an art deco masterpiece.
OLVERA STREET
The origin of the city of Los Angeles, dating back to 1781, is El Pueblo de Los Angeles, a collection of 27 buildings along festive pedestrian concourse Olvera Street. The city’s oldest building, Avila Adobe (circa 1818), is located here, along with Mexican restaurants, mariachi bands and merchants offering arts and crafts. A few blocks away is the city’s oldest restaurant, Philippe the Original (1908), where a cup of joe is just 45 cents.
HISTORIC DISTRICTS
Often overlooked by tourists is the Broadway Theatre District, home to once-opulent movie palaces. A few, such as the Orpheum Theatre, have been restored to their original grandeur. Historic structures are being converted into lofts; Johnny Depp owns a condo in Broadway’s Eastern Columbia Building. The Bradbury Building (304 S. Broadway), built in 1893 in the Italian Renaissance Revival style, was featured in the film Blade Runner.
Spring Street from 4th to 7th streets is a rapidly awakening area once referred to as the “Wall Street of the West.” Steps from this historic district is a row of hip bars on 6th Street (between Main and Los Angeles streets) that includes The Varnish.
SHOPPING DISTRICTS
Downtown’s heritage as a mercantile center can still be experienced in its historic shopping districts, popular with bargain hunters. The Jewelry District draws shoppers to markets such as St. Vincent Jewelry Center (650 S. Hill St.), where 500 merchants offer gold, diamonds and baubles. In the neighboring Fashion District, 115 blocks centered around the California Market Center, you can find designer clothing items. At Santee Alley, an open-air bargain bazaar, designer trends breed low-priced knockoffs. The Flower District offers blooms at wholesale prices. And for an awesome array of produce and international foods, Grand Central Market, near the foot of Angels Flight, is the place to go. Many vendors here deal in cash only.
CHINATOWN
Chinatown remains a great destination for sampling dim sum or browsing for authentic clothing, tea or home furnishings. Cultural highlights include the ornate Thien Hau Temple (750 Yale St.) and the Chinese American Museum. Pedestrian-oriented Chung King Road and Gin Ling Way are now home to galleries, while Broadway boasts cool boutiques. Dodger Stadium is a short drive away, as is San Antonio Winery, which offers tours and tastings.
LITTLE TOKYO
Little Tokyo is still a proud ethnic enclave, but it, too, is emerging as an up-and-coming hipster ’hood. The dining scene is popping, led by newer restaurants such as The Spice
Table, and you can still nibble on traditional sushi prepared by veteran chefs at Japanese Village Plaza. Just a few steps down 1st Street is the sleek, glass-ensconced Japanese American National Museum. The Geffen Contemporary, a Frank Gehry-renovated branch of MOCA, is next door. At 2nd and Main streets is the historic Cathedral of Saint Vibiana, formerly home of the Los Angeles Archdiocese.
L.A. LIVE
The $2.5 billion L.A. Live project has been called the epicenter of the downtown renaissance. Staples Center, home to the Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers and Kings, hosts top pop acts, as does Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, which boasts state-of-the-art acoustics. The adjoining Grammy Museum honors myriad music genres with videos, artifacts and interactive exhibits. A dozen restaurants and nightlife venues—WP24, Trader Vic’s and Lucky Strike Lanes, to name a few—face a massive urban plaza lined with towering LED screens. The Los Angeles Convention Center, encompassing 16-plus acres of exhibition space, is also here.
EXPOSITION PARK
Just south of downtown is Exposition Park, whose grounds hold major museums and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The sevenacre Exposition Park Rose Garden is legendary, and the Beaux-Arts-style Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County offers insight into prehistoric giants. The California Science Center has a 3-D IMAX theater and is the home of a new exhibit featuring the retired NASA space shuttle Endeavour, which was recently flown to L.A. on the back of a Boeing 747. Farther west of Exposition Park is the jazz and blues capital of Leimert Park; south is Watts, home of the Watts Towers. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of downtown, see page 109.
great find
PINGPONG PARTY Pingpong, table tennis ... potato, po-tah-to … whatever you call it, the lightning-fast game has moved up from your parents’ garage to the second floor of downtown’s swanky the Standard, Downtown L.A. hotel. Spin Standard is one of a growing constellation of social clubs in the Spin Galactic organization, one of whose founders is Academy Award– winning actress and unlikely pingpong aficionado Susan Sarandon. Non-members can just walk in, while hard-core players (or those who just want to mingle with them) invest in the annual membership, which comes with perks including discounts, club reciprocity and the requisite Spin L.A. headband/wristband set. (BYO tube socks.) 550 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.439.3065, losangeles.spingalactic.com
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hollywood on hollywood blvd. • +1-323-464-7625 at universal citywalk • +1-818-622-7625 hardrock.com ©2011 Hard Rock International (USA), Inc. All rights reserved. SeeTheShow™
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exploring
Pasadena
Pasadena, aka the Crown City, brings a blend of small-town charm and cosmopolitan energy. Eagle Rock, Glendale and the San Gabriel Valley are also worth discovering.
Just minutes from downtown via the historic Arroyo Seco Parkway or the Metro Gold Line train, Pasadena is no ordinary bedroom community. The Craftsman-style bungalows in its leafy neighborhoods hint of a world-renowned architectural heritage, and institutions such as the Tournament of Roses, Caltech and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, nearby, give the community a gravitas far beyond its size. In neighboring San Gabriel Valley communities, additional treasures await.
Old Pasadena
A tribute to foresighted urban planning is the 22-square block shopping district known as Old Pasadena, roughly bounded by Walnut Street and Del Mar Boulevard, Arroyo Parkway and Pasadena Avenue. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the once-neglected district contains restored buildings and the city’s trendiest boutiques, nightclubs and restaurants such as Cheval Bistro and Haven Gastropub + Brewery. Pedestrian-only alleys meander through One Colorado, where an eclectic collection of restaurants have alfresco dining overlooking a sculpture-strewn square. A few steps east of Old Pasadena lies Paseo Colorado, an inviting shopping center with ArcLight Cinemas and upscale shops such as Coach and BCBG Max Azria lining garden promenades. A variety of dining options is offered at this mixed-use development, whose open-air design frames views of such historic structures as Pasadena City Hall (100 N. Garfield Ave.).
Playhouse District
Anchored by the Mission-style Pasadena Playhouse, this district is filled with upscale antique shops, boutiques and dining rooms with ornate façades. Also present is the Le Cordon Bleu-affiliated College of Culinary Arts, with a restaurant open to the public, and the famed Ice House comedy club. The neighboring Boston Court Performing Arts Center presents dramas and musicals. The pagoda-crowned Pacific Asia Museum features exotic
from left: amy k. fellows; edwin santiago; bjarne g. jensen. opposite: edwin santiago
From left: The streets of Old Pasadena; Pasadena City Hall; Colorado Street Bridge
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new in town The Blind Donkey
Whiskey and craft cocktail den from the minds behind surly Goat beer bar. 53 e. union st., Pasadena, 626.792.1833
Drybar
Pioneering blowouts-only salon opens in Old town. 146 s. lake ave., Pasadena, 626.376.4480
La Monarca Bakery
traditional Mexican sweets, savories and cold-brewed coffees. 1001 Mission st., Pasadena, 626.403.6860
Lorna Jane
australian activewear and swimwear brand arrives at the Glendale Galleria. 2108 Glendale Galleria, Glendale, 818.956.7505
The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino
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OranGe GrOVe BOuleVard
This wide boulevard, once called Millionaire’s Row, is still lined with splendid estates, including the former Wrigley Mansion, which now houses the Tournament of Roses Association and is open for tours. The immediate neighborhood features the legacy of architects frank Lloyd Wright, Wallace Neff and Paul Williams. The genius of Greene & Greene, pioneers of the Arts & Crafts movement, is evident at the Gamble House, also open to the public. just around the corner on Colorado Boulevard is the Norton Simon Museum, home to one of the finest art collections in America. The galleries at this small museum are filled with masterpieces from the Renaissance to the 20th century, and its repertoire of Impressionist masters (Monet, Cézanne, van Gogh) is impressive. It also features extensive art from India and a tribute to Degas in a lovely sculpture garden.
san MarinO + sOuth Pasadena
In the exclusive residential community of San Marino is the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, one of the most remarkable pieces of real estate in Southern California. Here the beautifully restored Itali-
anate mansion of railroad magnate Henry Huntington is packed with 18th- and 19thcentury art including Thomas Gainsborough’s Blue Boy and Sir Thomas Lawrence’s Pinkie. A library with 600,000 rare books and manuscripts occupies another structure. Throughout the 200-acre property are more than one dozen distinct botanical environments, re-creating native habitats from england, China and elsewhere. Tea service is offered in a cottage amid a formal rose garden. Directly south of Old Pasadena is the independent municipality of South Pasadena, a shady, tranquil community. The Mission West historic district, particularly Mission Street, is packed with antique shops, galleries and cafes. The town is particularly kidfriendly, thanks to adorable shops such as the Dinosaur farm and fair Oaks Pharmacy, a 1915 restored drugstore with a soda fountain.
eaGle rOcK + Glendale
just west of Pasadena is eagle Rock, a quiet college town that is reinventing itself as a hip neighborhood with an understated bohochic vibe. Students from Occidental College, where a young Barack Obama studied, mingle with young couples who have snapped up the hillside real estate. Its main drag of Colorado Boulevard is suddenly lined with one trendy cafe after another, from Vietnamese to french to vegetarian—plus Casa Bianca, a venerable old-school pizza joint. On the other side of eagle Rock is Glendale. Office workers pour out of high-rises for happy hour at The Americana at Brand, an open-air shopping, residential and entertainment development. Here, find value at H&M or splurge at boutiques such as kate Spade. It’s a great place for a movie followed by a snack from Crumbs Bake Shop or sushi and cocktails at Katsuya. The trilevel indoor shopping center Glendale Galleria is adjacent. Its
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decorative arts from every corner of Asia, and the Pasadena Museum of California Art celebrates Golden State painters and sculptors from 1850 to the present. Dining choices include Pie ’n Burger, a favorite Caltech dive. just east of the Playhouse District, South Lake Avenue provides a vibrant shopping environment. At the Commons and Burlington Arcade, charming boutiques are set around european-style courtyards. A drive farther south on Lake Avenue reveals the opulent, historic Langham Huntington Hotel.
department stores include Nordstrom, Macy’s and Target, and specialty boutiques include Banana Republic, Coach and Tilly’s. Glendale’s diverse population—it’s home to one of the largest Armenian communities in America—provides plenty of flavor, including elaborate restaurants. Marked by a towering neon obelisk is the Alex Theatre (216 N. Brand Blvd.), an art deco masterpiece that hosts concerts and musicals. just north of downtown Glendale is the delightful community of Montrose, with its homespun shops and all-American diners. Nearby is sprawling Descanso Gardens, home to North America’s largest camellia collection—an awesome sight when fully in bloom during january and february.
san GaBriel Valley
kissing Pasadena’s eastern border is Sierra Madre, a quaint community that refuses to be paved over. Arcadia is home to Santa Anita Park, one of the most storied thoroughbred horse racing venues in the world. Adjacent to the racetrack is Westfield Santa Anita, an ever-expanding shopping center. Arcadia is also home to the 127-acre Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden, whose natural Southern California habitat is famous for its wild peafowl; you might see a flock crossing nearby streets. The 1771 San Gabriel Mission is a notable landmark in the neighboring city of San Gabriel. The San Gabriel Valley cities of San Gabriel, Temple City, Alhambra and Monterey Park have drawn large numbers of Chinese and Vietnamese immigrants in recent decades, and some of the best Chinese restaurants in America are found here, including Hong kong-style seafood houses that are great fun for dim sum brunches. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see page 110.
S w
IMAGINATION DEPOT What to do when your little darlings are feeling crafty, and you’re plumb out of ideas (and glitter)? Drop in to the Little Junebugs studio, where for $10 per hour, the kiddos have all of the fun supplies, space, instruction and inspiration they need to create one of two weekly projects or bring their own fantastical vision to life. This much-beloved Pasadena retail boutique and craft studio, geared to 3- to 10-year-olds and their parents, is also a happy spot to shop for gifts, toys, books and all array of whimsical goodies, as well as an ideal place throw a kid’s birthday party or host an event for adults. After all, you’re never too old to let your imagination run wild. 27 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena, 626.440.7300, littlejunebugs.com
ORIGINAL kIDS By TANyA ALeXIS
great find
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S O U T H PA S A D E N A • S A N TA M O N I C A • PA L M D E S E R T • C O S TA M E S A www . missiontilewest .com • proudly serving you since 1984
CABINETRY H A R D WA R E LIGHTING PLUMBING
905 mission street • south pasadena • ca 9103o • 626-799-3503 • www.missionwest.biz
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J
ust 15 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, and conveniently
situated along the Metro Gold Line, Old Pasadena is a vibrant hub of world-class shopping, dining, arts, and entertainment. Comprised of 22 blocks of nationally-registered historic architecture, Old Pasadena is widely recognized as a premier destination and one of the few truly
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walkable urban districts in California. Come explore more than 300 specialty boutiques, exclusive retailers, sidewalk cafĂŠs, and fine restaurants in this authentic main street experience.
A contemporary cabinet of curiosities with a museum perspective on current artists, jewelers, and designers.
Voted Best Specialty Food Store, Beyond the Olive features the largest selection of California EVOO and gourmet vinegars in LA.
The only hotel located within Old Pasadena. Walking distance to 300 shops and restaurants. Full-service accommodations.
Gold Bug
Beyond the Olive
Courtyard by Marriott
22 E. Union St. 626.744.9963 goldbugpasadena.com
10 N. Raymond Ave. 626.844.3866 beyondtheolive.com
180 N. Fair Oaks Ave. 626.403.7600 marriott.com/laxot
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p
a.
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Famous for their 50% ground bacon and 50% ground beef burger, as well as a passion for gourmet comfort food and craft beer.
Slater’s 50/50
Discover your color inspiration! Our coastalinspired prints and easy-to-wear clothes will put a spring in your step and a smile on your face.
Shopping is fun at this high-end designer resale store, offering the best of recent and vintage Chanel, Vuitton, Prada and more!
Fresh Produce
Clothes Heaven
60 N. Raymond Ave. 626.765.9700 slaters5050.com
32 E. Colorado Blvd. 626.795.5760 freshproduceclothes.com
111 E. Union St. 626.440.0929 clothesheaven.com
A top shelf full bar and more than 400 wines, 70 available by the glass, to be paired with seasonal American Bistro fare.
An eclectic blend of fresh ingredients and creative eats, in a cool, hip scene, where ‘The Art of Eating Healthy’ is the order of the day!
Artful living boutique that mixes new upscale furnishings with vintage and renovated second-hand treasures.
Vertical Wine Bistro
Pita Jungle
Maude Woods
43 E. Colorado Blvd. 626.432.7482 pitajungle.com
55 E. Holly St. 626.577.3400 maudewoods.com
70 N. Raymond Ave. 626.795.3999 verticalwinebistro.com
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exploring
The Valley
The San Fernando Valley, aka “the other side of the hill,” celebrates the Hollywood spirit.
The Valley is a sprawling collection of bedroom communities whose population approaches 2 million. Immortalized in movies as diverse as Chinatown and Valley Girl, the area derives its name from Mission San Fernando Rey de España, the historic landmark on the Valley’s northernmost edge. Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk hug a hillside above the Hollywood Freeway, marking the southeastern gateway to the Valley.
Universal City
Just a couple of Metro stops north of the heart of Hollywood is Universal City, a major entertainment industry outpost. Universal Studios Hollywood offers a behind-the-scenes peek into moviemaking and high-tech action rides such as the new Transformers Ride and King Kong 360 3-D, created by film director Peter Jackson. Guests who splurge for Universal’s VIP Experience are pampered like stars and can cut to the front of the line for every ride. Among the wide-ranging attractions next door at pedestrian-only Universal CityWalk are sky-diving simulations at iFLY Hollywood, an exhilarating wind tunnel, mechanical bull riding at Saddle Ranch Chop House, stand-up performances at Jon Lovitz Comedy Club and rock-and-roll bowling at Jillian’s Hi Life Lanes. Boutiques such as Abercrombie & Fitch and Guess Accessories will loosen your wallet before you take in such diverse acts as Ke$ha and Judas Priest at the neighboring Gibson Amphitheatre.
Burbank
The “beautiful downtown Burbank” that Johnny Carson used to poke fun at has grown up into a cosmopolitan hub with 80 restaurants, 200 shops and 30 movie screens. Burbank Town Center (201 E. Magnolia Blvd.) offers a major mall shopping experience, but surrounding streets, such as historic San Fernando Boulevard, have a more homegrown feel with hip shops and trendy bistros such as Granville Café. Magnolia Park, a quaint
FAR LEFT AND FAR RIGHT, EDWIN SANTIAGO; center, rick meyer. OPPOSITE: mark lipski
From left: The NoHo Arts Center in North Hollywood; AMC Walkway in Burbank; Universal CityWalk in Universal City
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commercial district centered at Magnolia Boulevard and Hollywood Way, offers cafes, antique shops and boutiques including Encore Nouveau and Swift. Porto’s Bakery is renowned for its Cuban confections and sandwiches, and the iconic Bob’s Big Boy hosts a classic car show every Friday. DeBell Golf Club is open to the public and offers a challenging 18-hole course and a par-three course. If you’re jetting into or out of L.A., you can escape the hassles of LAX by opting for convenient, uncongested Bob Hope Airport in Burbank. It offers nonstop flights to many cities across the country and reduces stress, especially for visitors to the San Fernando Valley, Pasadena or San Gabriel Valley communities.
BURBANK’S STUDIOS
While the Valley may be dismissed by Westside hipsters, there’s as much Hollywood going on here as in Hollywood itself, thanks to the presence of several studios in Burbank. Warner Bros. Studios and NBC Studios offer back-lot tours similar to those at Universal, and all of the studios recruit audience members for tapings of sitcoms and talk shows. Audiences Unlimited is among the ticketing agencies offering the best opportunities to score free tickets to tapings. For The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, contact NBC directly.
Petty, the boulevard is an integral part of L.A. culture. As it stretches through Studio City, it’s lined with an eclectic mix of eateries, from entertainment-industry-favored Art’s Deli to elegant Bistro Garden, not to mention a greater concentration of acclaimed sushi bars (Katsu-ya, Asanebo) than Little Tokyo. For shopping, there are hip boutiques including Dari and stylish retreats such as Belle Visage Day Spa, owned by Kirsten Dunst’s mother. Hip bars and supper clubs including Firefly have helped to launch a nightlife scene. You’ll see plenty of famous faces in the Valley, where celebrities treasure its more family-oriented lifestyle. Farther west, as the boulevard winds its way through Sherman Oaks, you’ll encounter laid-back trattorias and bistros as well as shops such as Abundance, a boutique showcasing plus-size designer fashions. Sherman Oaks is also home to Westfield Fashion Square, anchored by Bloomingdale’s and featuring Betsey Johnson, BCBG Max Azria and Lucky Brand boutiques in a particularly pleasant, upscale environment. Sherman Oaks Galleria is near the junction of the 405 and 101 freeways; draws include ArcLight Cinemas.
DeeP IN THe VALLeY
Warner Center is a high-rise mixed-use development in Woodland Hills with restaurants such as Roy’s. Neighboring Westfield Topanga shopping center is loaded with exclusive designer boutiques, including Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, Cartier and Hugo Boss, plus anchoring department stores Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Macy’s. Farther westbound on the Ventura Freeway (U.S. 101) is Calabasas, where celebrities move for clean air and elbow room. Upscale shopping and casual eateries live at the Commons at Calabasas (4799 Commons Way). A few exits beyond that is Westlake Village, where locals hit the spa or do lunch at the Four Seasons. Air Force One is permanently grounded at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum in neighboring Simi Valley. North on the Golden State Freeway (I-5) in Valencia, coaster enthusiasts gather at Six Flags Magic Mountain for rides too wild for Disneyland. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see page 110.
The Commons at Calabasas
NORTH HOLLYWOOD
North Hollywood wasn’t much of a tourist destination until the community transformed its commercial core into the NoHo Arts District, now filled with nearly two dozen professional theaters, including the landmark El Portal Theatre. These venues present some of the most innovative stage performances in L.A., as neighboring dance studios and art galleries contribute to the scene. With the addition of new restaurants like the Federal Bar, a lively gastropub with a full calendar of music and comedy, the momentum continues for this transit-linked urban village. From NoHo’s Metro station, you can access central Hollywood and downtown via the Red Line subway, or board the Orange Line, a surprisingly sleek express bus that traverses the entire San Fernando Valley.
VeNTURA BOULeVARD This iconic, palm-lined boulevard stretches 20 miles from one end of the San Fernando Valley to the other. Immortalized in music by the Everly Brothers, Frank Zappa and Tom
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exploring
South Bay
The South Bay’s beaches and harbors are actionpacked, but the living is easy. Look for ocean-view dining, mom-andpop shops and seaside attractions.
In the South Bay, the cities of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach occupy an idyllic coastal stretch renowned for surfing, volleyball and expensive real estate. Farther south beckon the rugged bluffs of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and beyond them, the bustling waterfronts of San Pedro and Long Beach. Longing for a laid-back vibe? Scenic beaches? Premier shopping and dining? Outdoor adventure? You’ll find all of them—and more—here.
Manhattan Beach
Nineteen miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach boasts two miles of beaches with sand so fine that developers from Waikiki Beach in Honolulu imported it in the 1920s. One of the more affluent cities in the county, Manhattan Beach is home to many professional athletes: You may spot an L.A. Kings player as you walk along the Strand, the pedestrian promenade sandwiched between multimillion-dollar homes and the beachfront bike trail. At the end of the 928-foot-long Manhattan Beach Pier, the Roundhouse Aquarium delights with touch tanks and terrifies with a lifesize replica of a great white shark. The pier features bronze plaques commemorating winners of the Manhattan Beach Open—the South Bay is die-hard beach-volleyball country. It’s also a playground for water-sports enthusiasts, including boogie-boarders and surfers who congregate near the pier. East of the pier, casual cafes, laid-back bars and upscale boutiques radiate from the intersection of Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Manhattan Avenue. Metlox plaza is a popular gathering spot, with such shops as Bloume Baby and the Beehive and hot spots such as Zinc at the Shade Hotel.
Hermosa Beach
Heading south on Manhattan Avenue brings you to Pier Avenue, the heart of Hermosa Beach. Hermosa shares many characteristics of Manhattan Beach, including a scenic twomile stretch of beachfront punctuated by volleyball nets, fitness buffs weaving along the
far left and center, bjarne g. jensen; far right, edwin santiago. opposite: christopher ian smith
From left: The Korean Bell of Friendship in San Pedro; Shoreline Village in Long Beach; Maison Riz restaurant on Redondo Beach Pier
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Lions Lighthouse for Sight in Long Beach
new in town Catalina Coffee & Cafe
Family-owned extension of catalina coffee company serves coffee, beer, wine and a small selection of lunch and dinner items. 2810 artesia Blvd., redondo Beach, 310.598.3951
Circa restaurateur Michael Zislis and acclaimed consulting chef octavio Becerra (ex-Patina Group) join forces at this globally inspired restaurant. 903 Manhattan ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.374.4422
Pitfire Pizza Family-friendly, design-conscious artisan pizza joint adds another outpost to its minichain. 401 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, 310.359.9555
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Strand (here merged with the bike path), and a pier studded with bronze plaques commemorating surfing legends. Come late afternoon, the pedestrian plaza at Pier Avenue west of Hermosa Avenue becomes a different kind of South Bay scene, thanks to spillover from hopping bars and restaurants such as Hennessey’s and Mediterraneo. Beyond Pier Plaza to the south, on Hermosa Avenue, Jay Leno draws crowds to the Comedy & Magic Club with Sunday night shows. To the plaza’s east, the ecofriendly cafe/boutique Gum Tree is a charming standout among the specialty shops and bistros that line Pier Avenue. Across the street, Becker’s carries surfboards and beachwear apropos for the town’s reigning pastimes.
Redondo Beach
The largest of L.A. County’s beach cities, Redondo Beach is home to the 1,457-seat Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center and a recreational waterfront featuring two miles of sandy beaches, the popular Redondo Beach Pier and King Harbor. Sepulveda Boulevard becomes Pacific Coast Highway as it enters town; signs point west to King Harbor’s Redondo Beach Marina, one of four marinas in the harbor. Here, you find businesses such as Redondo Sportfishing offering recreational fishing excursions and whale-watching tours, while other local outfitters rent kayaks, paddle boats, bicycles and wave runners. South of the harbor, the historic Redondo Beach Pier has had its ups and downs, but it keeps rising from the ashes to attract locals and visitors to quick eats, amusements and souvenir shops. South of the pier, the gentle waves and somewhat narrow beach of Redondo State Beach draw crowds during the summer, while the bike path meanders by on its way to its terminus at Torrance State Beach. One block east of the beach, the Riviera Village shopping district has a small-town feel, with restaurants
and specialty boutiques such as Lisa Z. and MPressions covering a six-block radius.
PALOS VERDES PENINSULA
Beyond Redondo Beach rises the Palos Verdes Peninsula, a rugged 26-square-mile area known for majestic bluffs that afford sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Catalina Island. Hugging the coast on Palos Verdes Drive West brings you to Rancho Palos Verdes’ Point Vicente Interpretive Center, a marine museum and popular gray-whale-watching site during the annual northbound migration. Eight miles inland on Crenshaw Boulevard sprawls the 87-acre South Coast Botanic Garden in tony Palos Verdes Estates. Just beyond the interpretive center on Palos Verdes Drive West is the Wayfarers Chapel, designed by Lloyd Wright, son of Frank. The impressive Swedenborgian “glass church” is a popular wedding venue. Golfers, take note: The Mediterraneanstyle Terranea Resort, just south of the chapel, has a public nine-hole course. A couple of miles south, the 18-hole public golf course at Trump National Golf Club is top-ranked.
SAN PEDRO
The multicultural city of San Pedro, on the southeastern side of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, was once the largest commercial fishing port in the nation. Today, it’s home to the Port of Los Angeles, a major container port that also serves travelers on the Catalina Express and more than 1 million cruise passengers annually. From the port’s World Cruise Center, a vintage trolley takes visitors downtown to the waterfront restaurants and shops of the New England-style Ports O’ Call Village, and then to the marina, part of the Cabrillo Beach Recreational Complex. The complex includes a historic bathhouse and the Frank Gehry-designed Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, located next to Cabrillo Beach. Windsurfers
of all abilities congregate here, with outfitters including Captain Kirk’s (525 N. Harbor Blvd.) offering rentals and lessons.
LONG BEACH
Covering 50 square miles in the southwest corner of L.A. County, Long Beach boasts a busy commercial port, an attraction-packed waterfront and more than five miles of beaches. Among its most popular draws is the 1,020-foot-long Queen Mary, a historic, supposedly haunted ship-turned-hotel, dining and shopping attraction permanently moored in Long Beach Harbor. Alongside it is the Cold War-era Russian Foxtrot Submarine. The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center and the Pike at Rainbow Harbor entertainment complex are nearby, as is the Aquarium of the Pacific and the familyfriendly Shoreline Village. From the village, you can rent bicycles and follow the Shoreline pedestrian bike path 3.1 miles along the water, passing the Long Beach Museum of Art. The path ends at the tony Belmont Shore neighborhood. Here you’ll find restaurants and shops along 2nd street, Bay Shore Beach, the Belmont Pier, windsurfing and kite-surfing lessons, and even gondola rides through the canals of Naples, a neighborhood situated on islands in Alamitos Bay. Downtown, along 4th Street between Junipero and Cherry avenues, vintage furniture and clothing shops such as the Vintage Collective make up funky “Retro Row.” In the emergent East Village Arts District, hip galleries and boutiques are sprouting where Linden Avenue meets Broadway, while farther east, an impressive collection of modern and contemporary works decks the walls of the Museum of Latin American Art. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see page 109.
great find
SPRING KLEANING Maybe it’s the bikinis or just the invigorating ocean air, but there’s something about a beach town that inspires fresh starts and clean living. Kreation Juicery, the minichain of L.A. juiceries from the folks at Santa Monica’s Kreation Kafe, capitalizes on the juice craze and a primed audience with two locations on Highland Avenue in Manhattan Beach. Find various cold-pressed juices, pressed nut milks and “better-than-water” concoctions available a la carte or as multi-day cleanses that are said to detoxify, nourish, invigorate, and taste great to boot. Need more help with your resolutions? The North End location connects to Elegance Spa and is steps from two yoga studios. 1300 and 3516 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.545.3919 and 310 545.7040, kreationjuice.com
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where
the guide SPRING 2013
ART
Portraits of War War/Photography, an exhibit organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, presents war in all its visual power, including Eddie Adams’ indelible image of the execution of a Viet Cong prisoner in Saigon and Alfred Eisenstaedt’s V-J Day, Times Square, New York. These iconic photos are among 170 print images captured over the past 126 years on view at the Annenberg Space for Photography in Century City. Exclusive to the admission-free venue are an additional 500 photographs comprising an original documentary film, digital image presentation, courtyard exhibit and Voice of the Photographer slide show featuring the work of six contemporary conflict photographers. (Pictured, Louie Palu, U.S. Marine Gysgt. Carlos “OJ” Orjuela, age 31, Garmsir District, Helmland Province, Afghanistan, 2008.) p. 90
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Dining SPOTLIGHT
American
Guidelines
a/k/a an american bistro Menu inspired by California wine country cuisine; 40 wines by the glass. Emphasis on house-made and house-cured ingredients in dishes such as PEI mussels with smoked Manila clams and house-made chorizo. L, D (daily). One Colorado, 24 E. Union St., Pasadena, 626.564.8111 $$ Map Q19
Index
animaL Bare-bones eatery, from the guys known as the “Two Dudes” to Food Network fans, is a carnivore’s dream. Think delectable takes on offal (such as crispy pig’s ear) and a bacon-chocolate crunch bar for dessert. D (nightly). 435 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A., 323.782.9225 $$$ Map I13 artisan house Restaurant-bar-market-deli under one roof emphasizes products from local farms and artisan producers. Seasonal entrees include egg tartine, crispy grilled saltwater trout, various flatbreads; molecular mixology at the bar. Br (Sa–Su), L, D (M–Sa). 600 S. Main St., downtown, 213.622.6333 $$$ Map I6
innovative italian A Tuscan farmhouse was the design inspiration at Innovative Dining Group’s new RivaBella in West Hollywood. Fittingly, the Italian menu also shares some rustic inflections courtesy of chef-partner Gino Angelini, chef-owner of L.A. mainstay Angelini Osteria. Angelini’s fans may recognize signature dishes such as the lasagna Nonna Elvira, based on a recipe from his grandmother. But unlike Angelini’s minimal first restaurant, this eatery bears the stamp of the design-oriented restaurant group responsible for Sushi Roku and Boa Steakhouse:a 2,800-squarefoot alfresco patio with lush greenery and a spacious wine cave. (Pictured: nidi di rondine with ham and parmesan cream.) p. 73
craFt New York chef Tom Colicchio of TV’s Top Chef brings his signature concept to L.A. The restaurant delivers an endless, contemporary American à la carte menu, with fun, shareable dishes including roasted octopus with romesco and diver scallops with vermouth butter. L (M–F), D (M–Sa). 10100 Constellation Blvd., L.A., 310.279.4180 $$$$ Map K11 eveLeigh With a menu chockablock with farm-fresh veggies and meats and a country-chic space, Eveleigh projects an image of cool rusticity. The kitchen endeavors to use house-made ingredients right down to the apple gomme syrup in your cocktail and the brioche toast slices with your Jidori chicken liver pâté. Br (Sa–Su), D (nightly). 8752 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 424.239.1630 $$ Map H12 hard rock caFe Hard Rock can be counted on for fun, indulgent fare such as pulled pork sandwiches, twisted mac, chicken & cheese and barbecued ribs. Memorabilia, artifacts and souvenirs from the onsite gift shop celebrate rock ‘n’ roll’s legends. L, D (daily). Universal CityWalk, 1000 Universal Studios Blvd., Universal City, 818.622.7625; Hollywood & Highland Center, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.464.7625 $$ Map U19, H13 hinoki & the bird New. Inside luxury residential tower the Century, David Myers (Comme Ça) shows his admiration of Japanese and Southeast Asian flavors in dishes such as lobster rolls with green curry and Thai basil and black cod scented with the smoke of the namesake hinoki wood. D (Tu–Sa). 10 W. Century Drive, Century City, 310.552.1200 $$$ Map J10 ink. L.A.’s culinary darling du jour, Top Chef winner Michael Voltaggio, showcases daring, thoughtful molecular gastronomy at his first restaurant. Get a five-course tasting menu or explore à la carte small plates including tuna with dashi “sponge,” poutine with lamb neck gravy and chickpea fries, and brussels sprouts with pig ears and cuttlefish. D (nightly). 8360 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.651.5866 $$$ Map I12 ivY restaurant This is one of the entertainment industry’s favorite gathering spots; if your face isn’t well known, be prepared for a cool reception. American comfort food is often deconstructed to suit the celebrity clientele. L.A.: L, D (daily). Ivy at the Shore: B, L, D (daily), Br (Su). 113 N. Robertson Blvd., L.A., 310.274.8303; Ivy at the Shore, 1535 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.393.3113 $$$ Map I11, L8 Jar Chef Suzanne Tracht presents an L.A. take on traditional, comforting American fare in a chic interpretation of an old-school chophouse. A meal might begin with
Restaurants are listed by city on page 86. Map locators at the end of each listing (Map A3; Map H10, etc.) refer to maps in the back of this issue. Compendium includes editors’ recommendations and advertisers.
American .............................. 68 Breweries/Gastropubs.... 70 British...................................... 70 California............................... 70 Chinese....................................71 Eclectic/Fusion.....................71 French......................................72 Italian .......................................72 Japanese ................................74
Korean .....................................74 Mediterranean.....................74 Mexican/Latin .....................74 Pan-Asian ..............................75 Quick Bites ............................76 Seafood...................................77 Spanish ...................................78 Steak ........................................78 Thai...........................................79
crab-deviled eggs before moving on to the signature pot roast. Br (Su), D (nightly). 8225 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.655.6566 $$$ Map I12 Josie This inviting restaurant is dignified without being pretentious. Owner-chef Josie LeBalch’s talents with game—venison in pear-Burgundy sauce, buffalo burger with foie gras, wild boar tenderloin—are renowned. Other options include “campfire trout,” served in a castiron skillet. D (nightly). 2424 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.581.9888 $$$ Map L9 m.b. post Small plates of seafood, fresh-baked breads, cured meats and more in the space of a former post office. “Eat Your Vegetables” menu makes green beans, brussels sprouts and cauliflower look tantalizing. Br (Sa– Su), L (F), D (nightly). 1142 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.545.5405 $$$ Map L13 musso & Frank griLL Hollywood’s oldest (1919). Enjoy flannel cakes, lobster Thermidor and Welsh rarebit with the martini; legend has it that this place invented the drink. B, L, D (Tu–Sa). 6667 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.467.7788 $$ Map H13 noé Visitors heading to the Museum of Contemporary Art or Walt Disney Concert Hall find Noé a convenient spot for a classy repaste. Noé executive chef Glen Ishii serves “neo-bistro” menu with Mediterranean turbot meunière with sauteed watercress and rigatoni with house-cured sausage. D (nightly). Omni Hotel, 251 S. Olive St., downtown, 213.356.4100 $$ Map H16 saddLe peak Lodge Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, this hunt-lodge-themed spot is a study in romantic rusticity, with moose heads overlooking candlelit tables. The menu focuses on game dishes such as seared New Zealand elk tenderloin or grilled Texas nilgai antelope. Br (Su), D (W–Su). 419 Cold Canyon Road, Calabasas, 818.222.3888 $$$$ Map northwest of A1 sLater’s 50/50 New. Slater’s legacy is the 50/50 burger, featuring a patty with 50 percent ground beef and 50 percent bacon. There are other bacon-inflected dishes including bacon brownies and bacon mac ‘n’ cheese balls in addition to a Pop Rocks milkshake, plus more than 100 craft, imported and domestic beers. L, D (daily). 61 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, 626.765.9700 $ Map Q20 smittY’s griLL Soul-warming American classics round out the menu here. Market-fresh fish, braised short rib and roast chicken are favorites. L (M–F), D (nightly). 110 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, 626.792.9999 $$ Map R21 the strand house This South Bay new-comer with awesome ocean views is sophisticated enough to compete with any restaurant in L.A. County’s hipper parts. House-made charcuterie precedes dishes
The 2013 Zagat Restaurants Survey named Urasawa (p. 74) in Beverly Hills tops for food. Other winners were Providence (p. 77) for best service and Ink. (this page) for top newcomer.
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L.A.’S PREMIER RESTAURANTS INNOVATIVE DINING GROUP
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Dining Frito burger from Slater’s 50/50 in Pasadena
LaZY ox canteen With winning dishes such as crispy pig ear chicarrónes and fried Jidori hen, Lazy Ox’s cross-cultural gastropub-style offerings are always interesting. Br (Sa–Su), L (M–F), D (nightly). 241 S. San Pedro St., Little Tokyo, 213.626.5299 $$ Map H17 pubLic kitchen & bar Meat-heavy but still refined menu includes chicken liver terrine with strawberry-rhubarb marmalade sweetbreads; bar serves cured meats, cheeses and fresh, hand-crafted cocktails. Br (Su), L (M–F), D (nightly). Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.466.7000 $$$ Map G13
British
such as hamachi crudo and lobster cavatelli. Blueberry glazed doughnuts end the meal with a bang. Br (Sa– Su), L (Tu–F), D (Tu–Su). 117 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, 310.545.7470 $$$ Map L13 true Food kitchen Restaurant at Santa Monica Place offers health-conscious menu inspired by Dr. Andrew Weil’s diet principles. Several vegan and glutenfree options. Br (Sa–Su), L, D (daily). 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, 310.593.8300 $ Map M8 umami burger Hot specialty burger joint; try the signature Umami Burger with tempura onion rings. (No alcohol served at La Brea Avenue location.) L, D (daily). 4655 Hollywood Blvd., Los Feliz, 323.669.3922; 1520 Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, 323.469.3100; Fred Segal, 500 Broadway, Santa Monica, 310.451.1300; 12159 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 818.286.9004; additional locations at umami.com $ Map W22, H14, L8, A2 verticaL wine bistro Seventy wines by the glass, more than 400 on the list. New American menu plus fun small plates, cheeses and charcuterie. D (Tu–Su). 70 N. Raymond Ave. (upstairs), Pasadena, 626.795.3999 $$$ Map Q19 wiLshire The woodsy, romantic deck is a coveted spot to hang out; the candle-laden bar inside is one of the Westside’s hottest. Market-driven California fare includes roasted half chicken with porcini mushroom risotto. L (M–F), D (M–Sa). 2454 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.586.1707 $$$ Map L8 woLFgang puck at the hoteL beL-air A favorite hideaway of Hollywood elite, the Hotel Bel-Air offers an indoor-outdoor retreat helmed by the father of California cuisine. Puck’s Cantonese roasted duck gets an L.A. twist with figs and fresh pea tendrils, while his take on wiener schnitzel with a marinated fingerling potato salad reminds diners of his Austrian heritage. B, D (daily), L (M–Sa), Br (Su), tea (F–Sa). 701 Stone Canyon Road, Bel-Air, 310.909.1644 $$$$ Map I10
Breweries/Gastropubs Father’s oFFice Microbrew mecca; one of L.A.’s best burgers. Santa Monica: L (Sa–Su), D (nightly). Culver City: L (F–Su), D (nightly). 1018 Montana Ave., Santa Monica; Father’s Office 2, 3229 Helms Ave., Culver City. 310.736.2224 $$ Map L8, L11 haven gastropub + brewerY L.A. importing an Orange County restaurant is rare, and so are the animals and exotic parts on Chef Greg Daniels’ menu, a love letter to meat. Begin with an appetizer of pork rillettes and end with red velvet beet cake. Many ingredients are house-made—even the truffle salt! L, D (daily). 42 S. De Lacey Ave., Pasadena, 626.768.9555 $$ Map Q19
the parish Chef Casey Lane, the 29-year-old wunderkind of the Tasting Kitchen and James Beard Award nominee, imagines a contemporary English gastropub with quality, seasonal ingredients. Small plates include poutine pigs’ feet, roasted bone marrow, fried frogs legs with jalapeño slaw, and stout grilled sausages with pickled cherries. D (nightly). 840 S. Spring St., downtown, 213.225.2400 $$$ Map I16 rose tree cottage Sweet, homey spot for English afternoon tea with gracious service from husband-andwife owners. Seatings at 1, 2:30 and 4 pm. Adjacent gift shop. High tea (Tu–Su). 801 S. Pasadena Ave., Pasadena, 626.793.3337 $$ Map R19 waterLoo & citY Located on an unremarkable strip in Culver City is this surprisingly hip English gastropub dishing out house-made charcuterie, gourmet pizzas topped with green chorizo and Indian butter chicken, and spot-on cocktails. It’s certainly L.A.’s most sophisticated pub grub. D (nightly). 12517 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, 310.391.4222 $$ Map M10 Ye oLde king’s head Pub/restaurant with cozy dining rooms, fish and chips, high tea, gift shop. B, L, D (daily), high tea (Sa). 116 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.451.1402 $ Map L8
California Cuisine akasha Chef-owner Akasha Richmond takes ecoconsciousness to new heights with sustainable décor and organic food ingredients “whenever possible.” The menu of comfort food includes humanely raised meats (e.g. Niman Ranch pork chops), but Richmond also does intriguing vegetarian plates. B, L (M–F), D (nightly). 9543 Culver Blvd., Culver City, 310.845.1700 $$ Map L11 breeZe Creative “grill cuisine,” plus sushi bar. Fabulous desserts; distinctive décor. Reservation recommended. B, L, D (daily). Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel & Spa, 2025 Avenue of the Stars, Century City, 310.551.3334 $$$ Map J11 caFe 140 south California cuisine gets hearty at the redesigned and renamed Crocodile Cafe. Woodfired oven pizzas, thick hand-formed bugers, oakwoodgrilled meats. L, D (daily). 140 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, 626.449.9900 $$ Map R21 chaYa The original Chaya in Japan remains open after 390 years, and Chaya’s popularity endures in Los Angeles, too. The Japanese-accented French/ Italian menus are accomplished and innovative. L (M–F), D (nightly). 8741 Alden Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.859.8833; 525 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.236.9577; 110 Navy St., Venice, 310.396.1179 $$ Map I11, H16, M8 cooks countY The owners of Silver Lake’s beloved Barbrix open another winner. An edited menu of pastas, seafood, braised and slow-roasted meats, and simple starters lists the dozens of family farms from which the restaurant sources. The kitchen makes many of its own
ingredients, down to condiments and cured meats. Br (Sa–Su), L (M–F), D (nightly). 8009 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.653.8009 $$ Map I12 eva restaurant Patina Group alum Mark Gold graciously serves creative, affordable Cal fare in intimate dining room. Family-style, prix fixe dinner on Sundays. Br (Su), L (F), D (W–Sa). 7458 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.634.0700 $$ Map I13 Farmshop Cheery bakery and restaurant with a killer brunch—try salmon rillettes with caper berries and toasted rye. Three-course family-style dinners are served nightly, with the restaurant’s famous fried chicken the star of the meal on Sundays. B, L (M–F), Br (Sa–Su), D (nightly). Brentwood Country Mart, 225 26th St., Santa Monica, 310.566.2400 $$ Map K8 geoFFreY’s Prettiest patio in paradise? Offers 180-degree Pacific views; creative seafood. Br (Sa–Su), L (M–F), D (nightly). 27400 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.457.1519 $$$ Map northwest of K7 hatFieLd’s Husband-and-wife chef team Quinn and Karen Hatfield combine their talents in the savory and sweet departments, respectively. Guests might dine on Quinn’s reinvented croque madame with yellowtail sashimi, prosciutto and quail egg, or Karen’s heavenly sugar-and-spice beignets. D (nightly). 6703 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.935.2977 $$$ Map I13 mar’seL Sustainable menu with produce and herbs from chef’s on-site garden. Overlooks sparkling peninsula. D (W–Su). Terranea Resort, 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, 310.265.2836 $$$$ Map O13 miLo & oLive The husband-and-wife team behind Rustic Canyon opens a tiny, casual pizzeria and bakery. Expect to make friends with your neighbors; seating is communal tables and bar only. Zoe Nathan’s desserts and pastries shouldn’t be missed. B, L, D (daily). 2723 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.453.6776 $$ Map K9 nic’s Sleek restaurant with glass-walled VodBox kept at 10 degrees for vodka and caviar sampling (furs provided), millions of martinis. D (nightly). 453 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.443.8211 $$ Map I11 parkwaY griLL Handsome dining room; one of Pasadena’s best restaurants. Diverse menu includes tiger shrimp corndogs, prosciutto-and-arugula pizza, duck breast with cherry reduction. L (M–F), D (nightly). 510 S. Arroyo Pkwy., Pasadena, 626.795.1001 $$$ Map N16 poLo Lounge Legendary celeb watering hole. McCarthy salad is a perennial favorite; great people watching. Reservation recommended. B, D (daily), L (M–Sa), Br (Su). Beverly Hills Hotel, 9641 Sunset Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.887.2777 $$$ Map I11 restaurant at the gettY center Chic room, spectacular views of the Santa Monica Mountains and progressive fare at the hilltop museum. Br (Su), L (Tu–Sa), D (Sa). 1200 Getty Center Drive, L.A., 310.440.6810 $$$ Map H9 rustic canYon Discover boutique wines while sampling small plates of market-driven, Mediterraneaninspired dishes. Farro salad with roasted quince, papardelle with braised beef cheeks and pumpkin polenta are just a few of the winners. Hide in a cozy booth or mingle at the communal table. D (nightly). 1119 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.393.7050 $$$ Map L8 spago Wolfgang Puck’s flagship restaurant is remodeled and reimagined on the heels of its 30th anniversary. Among changes are a refreshingly modern dining room and small-plate offerings of barbecued sting ray with spicy sambal, and Santa Barbara spot prawns with suckling pig and hachiya persimmons. Glimpse some of the 30,000 wine bottles on offer in a glass-ensconced “wine wall.” L (M–Sa), D (nightly). 176 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.385.0880 $$$ Map I11
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Dining TAR & ROSES Ex-Wilshire Restaurant chef Andrew Kirschner’s first restaurant focuses on small, rustic shareable plates cooked in his wood-burning oven, but with a few days’ notice he can also whip up large, lavish familystyle suppers of Moroccan-spiced goat or standing rib rack. D (Tu–Su). 602 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.587.0700 $$$ Map L8 THE TASTING KITCHEN Hipster foodies come for the daily changing menu of innovative yet unpretentious cuisine from new culinary darling chef Casey Lane: small or large plates of cured meats, artisan cheeses, vegetables, seafood and pastas. Br (Sa–Su), D (nightly). 1633 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.392.6644 $$$ Map M9 TAVERN Chef Suzanne Goin’s third L.A. restaurant explores rustic Cal fare in chic environs, including a popular sunlit indoor patio. The frequently changing menu might include “devil’s chicken” with leeks and mustard breadcrumbs or Arctic char with orange-fennel salad. B, L, D (daily), Br (Sa–Su). 11648 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, 310.806.6464 $$$ Map J9 208 RODEO Café spills onto cobblestone via at luxe Two Rodeo. A gem. Pan-Asian, French influences. B, L, D (daily). Two Rodeo, 208 Via Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.275.2428 $$ Map J11
Chinese CBS SEAFOOD Fine dim sum in a setting not quite so huge as others in Chinatown or Monterey Park. B, L, D (daily). 700 N. Spring St., Chinatown, 213.617.2323 $$ Map G17
Experience a FRESH APPROACH
MR. CHOW L.A. edition of sceney restaurants in New York and London. Imperial Beijing cuisine. L (M–F), D (nightly). 344 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.278.9911 $$$ Map I11 OCEAN SEAFOOD Vast and boisterous spot serves amazing array of traditional dishes, superfresh seafood, top-of-the-line dim sum. B, L, D (daily). 750 N. Hill St., Chinatown, 213.687.3088 $$ Map G17
Eclectic/Fusion A-FRAME Roy Choi, whose Kogi launched a thousand food trucks, offers a bizarro comfort-food menu (beer-can chicken, furikake kettle corn) with Korean influences. List of craft beers and signature cocktails. L (Sa–Su), D (nightly). 12565 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 310.398.7700 $$ Map M10 ASIA DE CUBA Innovative Pan-Asian/Cuban menu at Mondrian hotel. Beautiful patio outside, chic white-onwhite décor inside. Artisan cocktails, ceviches and other raw bar dishes are new to the menu. B, L, D (daily), Br (Sa–Su). 8440 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.650.8999 $$$ Map H12
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BÄCO MERCAT Sizzling hot chef Josef Centeno has drawn international praise for his uniquely inspired creations. The bäco, a flatbread sandwich filled with ingredients such as oxtail hash or chicken escabeche, is his signature dish. Other selections on the diverse menu include buttermilk-fried quail and spicy hamachi crudo. L, D (daily). 408 S. Main St., downtown, 213.687.8808 $$ Map I16 CAFE SIERRA Cal–Continental-Chinese menu, Vegasstyle dinner buffet and entertainment. B, L, D (daily), Br (Sa–Su). Hilton Universal City, 555 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, 818.509.2030 $$ Map U19 THE GORBALS It’s low on ambience, with a shabbyquirky dining room, but the Gorbals’ Scottish/Jewish/ Spanish/American fare—from Top Chef winner Ilan Hall—is supercreative. D (M–Sa). Alexandria Hotel, 501 S. Spring St., downtown, 213.488.3408 $$ Map I16
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Dining deLphine Just off the soaring lobby of the chic W Hollywood Hotel & Residences, demure Delphine establishes a laid-back ambience with vintage photo murals and wood barreled ceilings. Chef Sascha Lyon’s entrees include braised short ribs with roasted root vegetables. B, L, D (daily), Br (Sa–Su). W Hollywood, 6250 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.798.1355 $$$ Map H13 kendaLL’s brasserie Located at the Music Center, Kendall’s is a convenient spot before or after a performance. In addition to dishes with a contemporary flair, all the brasserie favorites are here: fruits de mer, moules frites and braised lamb shank. L (daily), D (Tu–Su; M varies). 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.7322 $$ Map H16
Mexican Bonfire cocktail at Le Ka downtown
gordon ramsaY The tyrant from TV’s Hell’s Kitchen arrives in L.A. to demonstrate why he has racked up more than a dozen Michelin stars. The restaurant is a hip setting in which to enjoy eclectically inspired dishes. Boxwood Café is adjacent. D (nightly). London West Hollywood, 1020 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.358.7788 $$$$ Map H11 maison akira Fine French cuisine with Japanese flair (such as a bento box with Kobe beef, miso sea bass and chawanmushi) in Pasadena’s playhouse district. Tencourse omakase available. Br (Su), L (F), D (Tu–Su). 713 E. Green St., Pasadena, 626.796.9501 $$$ Map Q20 sunnY spot Food-truck pioneer Roy Choi interprets Carribbean cuisine with explosive flavors and global influences. Playful small plates include “What a Jerk” chicken wings and the “We Be Yammin’ ” sweet-potato tart plus sweet-and-salty fried plantains and a pineapple pork chop with Red Stripe beer glaze. Br (Sa–Su), D (nightly). 822 Washington Blvd., Venice, 310.448.8884 $$ Map N9 umamicatessen The minds behind Umami Burger have created a dining-hall-style format with six eateries under one roof. Aside from Umami Burger are the Cure, inspired by kosher deli fare; chef Chris Cosentino’s Pigg, shilling all things pork; Spring for Coffee espresso bar; & a Doughnut, serving made-to-order doughnuts; and the Back Bar, serving cocktails and beers. L, D (daily). 852 S. Broadway, downtown, 213.413.8626 $ Map I16
French bouchon The Bouchon bistros from chef Thomas Keller (the French Laundry, Per Se) have become popular for their authentic good looks and superbly executed cuisine. One might begin with salmon rillettes followed by poulet rôti or a croque madame. Br (Sa–Su), L (M–F), D (daily). 235 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.271.9910 $$$ Map J11 chevaL bistro The Smith Brothers (Smitty’s Grill, Arroyo Chophouse) take on the classics of French bistro fare—bouillabaisse, steak frites, coq au vin. Br (Su), D (Wu–Su). 41 S. DeLacey Ave., Pasadena, 626.577.4141 $$$ Map Q19 church & state Located in the historic Biscuit Co. Lofts, this downtown eatery has a hip clientele—downtown residents and commuters waiting out rush hour—who crowd the dining room or linger on the patio to soak up the vibe of an authentic French brasserie. L (M–F), D (nightly). 1850 Industrial St., downtown, 213.405.1434 $$ Map J17 comme Ça Chef David Myers has turned his attention to more casual French fare at this inviting brasserie with a sophisticated modern aesthetic. All the classics are here, including tarte flambé, escargot, coq au vin, bouillabaisse and duck confit. Br (Sa–Su), L, D (daily). 8479 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.782.1104 $$ Map I12
Le ka New. Chef Rémi Lauvand, a Périgord, France, native, sprinkles global touches into his bill of fare, such as house-cured salmon with a dash of jalapeño dressing and Spanish albondigas of wild boar. Some of his charcuterie offerings (including the chicken “faux gras”) are house-made. L (M–F), D (nightly). 800 W. 6th St., downtown, 213.688.3000 $$ Map I16 maison giraud Alain Giraud’s simple neighborhood restaurant dishes out classic bistro fare and specialties influenced by Alsace and his native Provence; wife Catherine runs the adjacent home-goods boutique, Lavender Blue. B, L, D (daily). 1032 Swarthmore Ave., Pacific Palisades, 310.459.7561 $$$ Map K7 méLisse At Mélisse, consistently among L.A.’s highest-rated restaurants, chef-owner Josiah Citrin executes a sophisticated modern French menu filled with luxe ingredients. Start with lobster bolognese with black truffles before superb game dishes and selections from a nonpareil cheese cart. D (Tu–Sa). 1104 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.395.0881 $$$$ Map M8 patina The Walt Disney Concert Hall is a winning composition of impressive classical music offerings and fine dining at its in-house restaurant, Patina. Game dishes are a frequent presence on the menu, such as wood pigeon with yams, celeriac and pear. D (Tu–Sa). 141 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.3331 $$$$ Map H17 petrossian Chef Giselle Wellman works with the brand’s signature caviar in creative ways. Highlights include caviar- and roe-topped blinis, vanilla panna cotta with espresso “caviar” (actually tapioca). B, L (daily), D (M–Sa). 321 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.271.6300 $$$ Map J12
Italian angeLini osteria Hardly elegant or romantic, this is nonetheless one of L.A.’s premier Italian restaurants. Chef-owner Gino Angelini demonstrates remarkable range and finesse, from sea-salt-crusted whole branzino to the heavenly lasagna in herb sauce he inherited from his grandmother. Reservation required for dinner, recommended for lunch. L (Tu–F), D (Tu–Su). 7313 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.297.0070 $$$ Map I13 bestia New. Multiregional Italian restaurant in the hip Arts District. The former executive chef at Angelini Osteria serves up such “beast”-focused dishes as handrolled fusilli and braised goat with housemade ricotta salata and pistachio oil, and a selection of house-cured meats. D (Tu–Su). 2121 E. 7th Place, downtown, 213.514.5724 $$$ Map east of J17 bottega Louie This palatial Italian restaurant, decked out in minimalist white marble, is a hip, noisy hall where young professionals and downtown hipsters convene over brick-oven-cooked pizzas and share small plates of portobello fries and clams casino. There’s a wee gourmet market and patisserie, too. Br (Sa–Su), L (M–F), D (nightly). 700 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.802.1470 $$ Map I16
buca di beppo Heaping, family-style portions. Call for hours. 80 W. Green St., Pasadena, 626.792.7272; 17500 Ventura Blvd., Encino, 818.995.3288; 1670 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., Redondo Beach, 310.540.3246; 1000 Universal Studios Blvd., Universal City, 818.509.9463; bucadibeppo.com for more locations. $$ Map Q21, A1, M14, U20 capo Restaurateur Bruce Marder’s intimate treasure on the coast, near Santa Monica Pier. Fabulous wine list. D (Tu–Sa). 1810 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.394.5550 $$$$ Map L8 cecconi’s This London-based restaurant caters to a well-heeled clientele who come to schmooze over bellinis and ciccheti (small plates). Pastas including a beautiful artichoke tortelli and seafood such as grilled octopus with capers are well executed. B, L, D (daily), Br (Sa–Su). 8764 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 310.432.2000 $$$ Map I12 cicada This art deco jewel is a perfect specialoccasion spot. Diners enter through magnificent Lalique doors into a room with gold-leaf ceilings and a grand staircase. The modern Italian cooking includes creations such as grilled lamb with apple tempura and horseradish sauce. D (W–F). 617 S. Olive St., downtown, 213.488.9488 $$$ Map I16 cuLina A contemporary take on regional Italian cuisine is the theme at Culina, where ample coastal inspirations are evident on the menu. The modern design includes a sleek crudo bar and an impressive 25-foot chandelier. B (daily), L (M–Sa), D (nightly), Br (Su). Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, 300 S. Doheny Drive, L.A., 310.860.4000 $$$ Map J12 dominick’s Retro Rat Pack vibe inside, airy brick patio with herb garden outside. Intriguing takes on the old favorites: linguine with lemon and chanterelles, wood-grilled burger with crispy speck and burrata. D (nightly). 8715 Beverly Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.652.2335 $$ Map I12 drago centro Celestino Drago’s executed Italian fare—garganelli with pork sausage and fennel seeds, truffle-crusted Jidori chicken—and extensive wine list in a contemporary and handsome space. L (M–F), D (nightly). 525 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.228.8998 $$$ Map H16 gusto Former Culina chef Vic Casanova opens an intimate neighborhood ristorante with a look and feel remniscent of his native Bronx. Dishes such as polpette (pork meatballs) plated over chilled whipped ricotta, baccalà (salt cod) croquettes and fresh-made pastas deserve praise. D (nightly). 8432 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.782.1778 $$ Map I12 enoteca drago Sicilian chef Celestino Drago, whose family has built an Italian dining dynasty in L.A., offers an enoteca menu and wine bar dispensing 50 labels by the glass. Dishes include miniature ravioli in foie gras-truffle sauce and whole striped bass in salmoriglio sauce. L (M–Sa), D (daily). 410 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.786.8236 $$ Map J11 iL Fornaio Trattoria-style favorites; adjoining bakeries offer pastries, sandwiches to take out. Beverly Hills: B, L, D (daily). Manhattan Beach: Br (Sa–Su), L, D (daily). Santa Monica: Br (Sa–Su), L, D (daily). Pasadena: Br (Su), L, D (daily). 301 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.550.8330; 1800 Rosecrans Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.725.9555; 1 Colorado, Pasadena, 626.683.9797 $$ Map J11, L13, Q19 iL grano Elegant Il Grano has emerged as one of L.A.’s finest Italian restaurants. Its menu emphasizes superb seafood, from crudo—sashimi-grade raw dishes—to squid-ink pasta with sea urchin sauce. The wine program matches the high standards of the kitchen. L (M–F), D (M–Sa). 11359 Santa Monica Blvd., West L.A., 310.477.7886 $$$ Map K9Il
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Dining 1043 Westwood Boulevard P 310 208 0444 tanino.com
Just steps from the Geffen Playhouse– perfect for pre- or post-theatre.
matteo’s An old favorite of the Rat Pack endures. Burrata campana salad, mussels in white wine, ossobuco Milanese. D (Tu–Su). 2321 Westwood Blvd., L.A., 310.475.4521 $$ Map K10 mr. c restaurant From the Cipriani family, which founded Venice’s legendary Harry’s Bar, Mr. C Restaurant features a timeless, sophisticated setting with Venetian chandeliers, travertine floors and rich rosewood. The menu offers classic Cipriani dishes such as beef carpaccio and baked tagliolini, plus the bellini made famous at Harry’s. B, L, D (daily). 1224 S. Beverwil Drive, L.A., 310.226.6245 $$$$ Map K11 OSTERIA DRAGO Prolific restaurateur/chef and Sicilian native Celestino Drago opens another outpost serving his reliably delicious and comforting cuisine. Shellfish with a citrus vinaigrette is served atop a smooth sea urchin panna cotta, while a raviolo stuffed with ricotta and egg yolk is topped with truffles. L (M–F), D (nightly). 8741 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A., 310.657.1182 $$$ Map H12
benvenuti
Tanino Ristorante Bar is a shimmering pearl of Italian life located in the heart of Westwood Village. Executive Chef/Owner Tanino Drago welcomes you to experience his restaurant rich in culture, exquisite architecture and to savor the delicious flavors of his home country.
OSTERIA MOZZA Famed L.A.-based bread maker Nancy Silverton teamed up with affable Mario Batali on Mozza’s duo of contemporary Italian restaurants. Osteria Mozza is a more sophisticated dining room in which to experience the repertoire of these great transcontinental talents. D (nightly). 6602 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.297.0100 $$$ Map H13 paparazzi ristorante Contemporary Italian, steaks and comforting sides. D (M–Sa). Sheraton Gateway Hotel, 6101 Century Blvd., Westchester, 310.642.4820 $$ Map O11 Pizzeria Mozza The other half of Nancy Silverton and Mario Batali’s Mozza, Pizzeria Mozza is a more relaxed dining experience, and it’s far easier to get a table than at its sibling, Osteria Mozza, next door. It features pizzas with Mediterranean ingredients, cheeses and salumi plates, and rustic daily specials. L, D (daily). 641 N. Highland Ave., L.A., 323.297.0101 $$ Map H13 rivabella New. Beloved Gino Angelini (Angelini Osteria) steps in as chef-partner of this rustic Italian concept from Innovative Dining Group. L (M–F), D (nightly). 9201 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.278.2060 $$$$ Map I12 scarpetta Scott Conant’s much-lauded NYC-based concept is replicated at the Montage Beverly Hills hotel. Conant is deservedly famous for dishes such as a simple, unbeatable spaghetti with tomato and basil. Br (Su), D (nightly). 225 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.860.7970 $$$ Map I11 soleto trattoria & PIZZA BAR New. Contemporary Southern Italian in spacious, warehouse-chic environs. Antipasti such as grilled oyster mushrooms sprinkled white with truffle oil precede gourmet pizzas (potatoand-bacon, spicy smoked speck) and pastas accented with house-made sausages. L (M–F), D (M–Sa). 801 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.622.3255 $$ Map I16 SOTTO Contemporary southern Italian in a subterranean space. Start with the blistered Little Gem lettuce with breadcrumbs and aged caprino sardo; move on to whole grilled orata or house-made casarecce with soft-boiled egg and lamb ragù. A half-dozen pizzas, too. L (W–F), D (Tu–Su). 9575 W. Pico Blvd., West L.A., 310.277.0210 $$$ Map J11 superba snack bar New. At Jason Neroni and Paul Hibler’s pastaria, house-made noodles are given the most attention, occasionally smoked and infused for maximum flavor. A short wine list includes only California labels, and a selection of beer- and wine-based cocktails is available. Reservations available for parties of six or more only. Br (Sa–Su), L (F), D (nightly). 533 Rose Ave., Venice, 310.399.6400 $$$ Map M8
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Dining Spaghetti bottarga at Bestia downtown
caviar and Chilean sea bass with truffles are just a couple of his creations. L (M–F), D (nightly). 129 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.659.9639 $$$$ Map I12 NOBU The glitzy flagship of Nobu Matsuhisa attracts celebrities as well as serious foodies. An extensive menu of traditional and avant-garde sushi includes many dishes with beguiling Peruvian accents. Sakes and omakase feasts result in soaring tabs, but the cuisine measures up. D (nightly). 903 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.657.5711; Nobu Malibu, 22706 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.317.9140 $$$$ Map H12, east of A1 R23 Gem hidden among warehouses in the Arts District serves excellent sushi. Contemporary art and Frank Gehrydesigned décor lend a hip vibe. L (M–F), D (nightly). 923 E. 2nd St., downtown, 213.687.7178 $$$ Map I17
Tra di noi Mainstay restaurant at the Malibu Country Mart; pastas made in-house daily. L, D (daily). 3835 Cross Creek Road, Malibu, 310.456.0169 $$$ Map K7 Valentino For more than 30 years, Piero Selvaggio has maintained his flagship’s status as a preeminent temple of Italian gastronomy. A telephone-book-sized wine list— often cited as America’s best—is supported by a cellar containing more than 100,000 bottles. L (F), D (M–Sa). 3115 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.829.4313 $$$$ Map L9 Vincenti Ristorante Trattoria with exhibition kitchen turns out Northern Italian specialties from a wood-burning oven. Upscale pizza menu on Mondays. L (F), D (M–Sa). 11930 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, 310.207.0127 $$ Map J9
Japanese aburiya toranoko Sushi and izakaya. Noodles, sumiyaki; daring fare such as monkfish-liver pâté and grilled whole squid. L (M-F), D (nightly). 243 S. San Pedro St., Little Tokyo, 213.621.9500 $$ Map H17 ASANEBO Hidden in a minimall but Michelin-rated, this cozy sushi bar and restaurant offers memorable sushi, seared toro in garlic cream and uni tempura in shiso leaf. L (Tu–F), D (Tu-Su). 11941 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 818.760.3348 $$ Map A1 Benihana This restaurant sees teppanyaki chefs slicing and dicing at each table and grilling up simple fare such as tender steak and chicken, savory vegetables, and shrimp and lobster, which is delivered sizzling to diners’ plates. Encino: L, D (daily). Beverly Hills: L, D (daily). Torrance: L, D (daily). Santa Monica: L, D (daily). 38 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 323.655.7311; 1447 4th St., Santa Monica, 310.260.1423; Encino, 818.788.7121; Torrance, 310.316.7777 $$ Map I12, L8, G9, M14 Katsuya Sushi chef Katsuya Uechi turns out exotic delicacies in sultry spaces by designer Philippe Starck. From signature cocktails to king crab cooked over the robata grill to exotically flavored crème brûlées, Katsuya is never boring. L (varies by location), D (nightly). Downtown: D (nightly). 11777 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, 310.207.8744; 6300 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.871.8777; 702 Americana Way, Glendale, 818.244.5900; L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.747.9797 $$$ Map K9, H14, northeast of T23, I15
SUGARFISH Kazunori Nozawa—aka the “Sushi Nazi,” chef/owner of Studio City’s famed former Sushi Nozawa—opens a cheery, casual spot offering preset menus. Tips are included, but prices are about half those at the original. L, D (daily). 47221/4 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, 310.306.6300; 11640 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, 310.820.4477; 600 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.627.3000; 1345 2nd St., Santa Monica, 310.393.3338 $$ Map N9, K9, I16, L8 Sushi Roku Nouvelle Japanese, sleek décor. Creative menu includes albacore tacos, salmon sashimi with black truffles shaved tableside. L.A.: L (M–Sa), D (nightly). Santa Monica and Pasadena: L, D (daily). 8445 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.655.6767; 1401 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.458.4771; 33 Miller Alley, Pasadena, 626.683.3000 $$$ Map I12, L8, Q19 sushi sasabune Don’t ask for a California or spicy tuna roll—you’ll be swiftly denied—but do expect incredibly fresh, authentically prepared sushi. The impressive omakase is recommended. L (M–F), D (M–Sa). 12400 Wilshire Blvd., West L.A., 310.820.3596 $$$$ Map K9 TAKAMI SUSHI & ROBATA Takami occupies the 21st floor of a downtown high-rise, and its wraparound veranda enhances the illusion of floating in air. Dine at the sushi bar or the robata bar, where skewers of seafood, vegetables and meats are grilled. L (M–F), D (nightly). 811 Wilshire Blvd., 21st floor, downtown, 213.236.9600 $$ Map I16 Urasawa If you’re serious about sushi, make a date to sit at the maple bar of Urasawa. Here you’ll be treated to an incredible omakase dinner—don’t even ask about price—that features the freshest, most artfully presented sushi, sashimi and shabu-shabu dishes. Reservation required. D (Tu–Sa). 218 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.247.8939 $$$$ Map I11
Korean chosun galbee Korean barbecue restaurant offers a more upscale ambience than most, with an elegant open-air patio. L, D (daily) 3330 W. Olympic Blvd., Koreatown, 323.734.3330 $$$ Map soot bull jeep One of K-Town’s best, with all manner of savory meats cooked on tabletop grills. L, D (daily). 3136 W. 8th St., Koreatown, 213.387.3865 $$ Map east of J14
Mediterranean
Katsu-ya Top sushi bar along the Valley’s Sushi Row; no-frills décor. Expect a crowd. Studio City: L (M–Sa), D (nightly). Encino: L (M–Sa), D (nightly). 11680 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 818.985.6976; 16542 Ventura Blvd., Encino, 818.788.2396 $$ Map U18, A1
AOC Explore a Mediterranean-inspired menu at the eatery that pioneered two L.A. culinary trends: the smallplates format and the wine bar. Chef-owner Suzanne Goin offers addictive bacon-wrapped, Parmesan-stuffed dates and an excellent selection of cheeses and cured meats from a charcuterie bar. Br (Sa–Su), D (nightly). 8700 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.653.6359 $$ Map I12
Matsuhisa Superchef Nobu Matsuhisa’s more modest original flagship incorporates luxurious Western ingredients and Latin American spices. Monkfish liver pâté with
barbrix Of the small-plate eateries, this restaurant, in a converted schoolhouse, is one of the best. Solo diners eat at the bar while couples relax on a charming patio
and revelers toast near an exhibition kitchen. Among the standouts are pappardelle with pork and pancetta ragú. D (nightly). 2442 Hyperion Ave., Silver Lake, 323.662.2442 $$$ Map east of W23 CA’BREA Chef-owner Antonio Tommasi offers excellent Northern Italian fare. L (M–F), D (M–Sa). 346 S. La Brea Ave., L.A., 323.938.2863 $$$ Map J13 cafe del rey Ogle impressive pleasure boats in the marina at this waterfront restaurant with plentiful fresh catch and a raw bar. Br (Su), L (M–Sa), D (nightly). 4451 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, 310.823.6395 $$$ Map N9 cleo The SBE group’s noisy mezze bar is an unquestionable high point of the Hollywood dining scene. Chef Daniel Elmaleh’s eastern and southern Mediterranean small plates include kebabs of pork belly and blood sausage and wood-burned flatbreads. Cocktails are expensive but irresistible. D (nightly). The Redbury, 1717 Vine St., Hollywood, 323.962.1711 $$$ Map H14 fig & Olive New York-based restaurant’s cuisine is an ode to olive oil: pumpkin sage ravioli drizzled with porcini olive oil, grilled branzino glazed with fig and picholine olive oil. Br (Sa–Su), L (M–F), D (nightly). 8490 Melrose Place, L.A., 310.360.9100 $$$ Map I12 GJELINA Under the direction of talented young chef Travis Lett, hipster servers in T-shirts and newsboy caps serve seasonal Cal-Med small plates and pizzas to chic Westsiders. It’s one of Venice’s most popular restaurants and the neighborhood’s most lively patio. Br (Sa–Su), L (M–F), D (nightly). 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.450.1429 $$ Map N9 Lucques Chef-owner Suzanne Goin delivers the next generation of California cuisine, which includes dishes such as turmeric-spiced root vegetable tagine, and grilled club steak for two with potatoes parisienne. Nowhere do vegetables taste as good! L (Tu–Sa), D (nightly). 8474 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.655.6277 $$$ Map I13 PETROS Fine contemporary Greek fare in a cool white dining room or on the covered patio. Dress code for indoor diners. L, D (daily). 451 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, 310.545.4100 $$$ Map L13 ray’s & Stark bar Petite, Renzo Piano–designed eatery at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Contemporary Med-inspired cuisine including vegetables cooked in wood-burning oven. Adjacent Stark Bar offers designer cocktails on an outdoor patio. L, D (Th–Tu). 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.857.6180 $$ Map J13
Mexican/Latin Abuelitas Nestled in Topanga Canyon is this charming eatery where excellent margaritas are enjoyed on a creek-side patio. The dining room is cozy and festive, but the food—lentil spinach soup, grilled tilapia with butter cream sauce—keeps diners’ attention. Br (Su), L (F–Sa), D (nightly). 137 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, 310.455.8788 $$ Map west of K7 Border Grill At Border Grill, chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger combine their unabashed love for Mexico’s market vendors, home cooks and taco stands. The result: bold, fresh and innovative Mexican cuisine. The downtown location offers a free shuttle to L.A. Live and the Music Center. Santa Monica: Br (Sa– Su), L, D (daily). Downtown: L (M–F), D (nightly). 1445 4th St., Santa Monica, 310.451.1655; 445 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.486.5171 $$ Map L8, H16 1810 An eclectic menu features specialties from the Americas and Italy—everything from Argentine sausage to sauteed zucchini, plus some reasonably priced steaks—in casual, brick-clad environs. L, D (daily). 121 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626.795.5658 $$ Map Q20
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Dining Frida Stylish alta cocina Mexicana. Highlights include a mole tasting platter, a multitude of tacos and traditional cochinita pibil. L, D (daily). 236 S. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.278.7666; 750 Americana Way, Glendale, 818.551.1666 $$$ Map I11, southeast of T23
Visit Spain Tonight!
Happy Hour: �n� \ha�pē\ \au���r\ Social Hour at Sevilla is every day from 5pm to 7pm. 50� off select menu items
La Serenata de Garibaldi La Serenata is an eyeopener for diners used to consuming clichéd Tex-Mex cooking. Discover the sophistication of Mexican cuisine with dishes such as green corn tamales. West L.A.: B (Sa–Su), L, D (daily). East L.A.: B (Su), L, D (daily). 10924 W. Pico Blvd., West L.A., 310.441.9667; 1842 E. 1st St., Boyle Heights, 323.265.2887 $$ Map K10, east of H17 malo Más Malo combines architectural splendor—it’s in a restored 1920s building—with 21st-century, Mexico Citymeets-L.A. décor and cuisine. The original Malo in Silver Lake is less glam, but also hip. Malo: Br (Sa–Su), D (nightly). Más Malo: Br (Sa-Su), L (M–F), D (nightly). 4326 W. Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake, 323.664.1011; 515 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.985.4332 $$ Map south of W23, I16 mo-chica The Peruvian food-court stand that earned Ricardo Zarate the title of Best New Chef from Food & Wine is reinvented as a fine-dining destination. Comfort-food small plates populate the menu; check out the traditional lomo saltado or the alpaca stew topped with a fried egg. D (M–Sa). 514 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.622.3744 Map I16
Restaurant & Tapas Bar
Bleu cheese filled dates wrapped in bacon. �3.50 during happy hour
picca Ricardo Zarate’s second Peruvian restaurant has grand ambitions and a Japanese twist, with a more dressed-up dining room and larger menu featuring small plates of ceviches, tiraditos, anticuchos and Peruvian-style sushi. Mezzanine bar serves pisco cocktails. D (M–Su). 9575 W. Pico Blvd., West L.A., 310.277.0133 $$ Map J11 playa “Urban Latin” small plates from chef John Sedlar. Tapas include maize cakes with fillings such as shrimp, Napa cabbage and mustard ice cream; flower-inlaid tortillas are a Sedlar signature. Br (Sa–Su), D (nightly). 7360 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.933.5300 $$ Map I13 red o Rick Bayless, one of the leading authorities on Mexican cuisine in America, is consulting chef at this sexy, transporting Melrose eatery. Many of his thoughtful dishes are grounded in tradition, such as Pacific sole and Mazatlan blue shrimp ceviches and cochinita pibil. Br (Su), D (nightly). 8155 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.655.5009 $$$ Map I12 rivera Chef John Sedlar showcases his flair for pan-Latin flavors and attention to detail; consider the housemade nixtamal tortillas inlaid with edible flowers or plates with designs stenciled in spices. A pioneer of the cocktail movement, Rivera has an unbeatable tequila bar. L (M–F), D (nightly). 1050 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.749.1460 $$$ Map I16
Pan-Asian lukshon Sang Yoon of Father’s Office opens a slick Southeast Asian eatery with a selection of craft beers and Far East-inspired cocktail program. L (Tu–F), D (M–Sa). 3239 Helms Ave., Culver City, 310.202.6808 $$$ Map K12 red medicine The progressive Vietnamese restaurant doesn’t hew to traditions, but the results are intriguing—and visually delicious—presentations. The menu also includes some Pan-Asian dishes such as chicken dumplings, green papaya salad and lamb belly with hoisin sauce. Open late. D (nightly). 8400 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 323.651.5500 $$$ Map J12 the spice table Dishes inspired by Singaporean and Vietnamese traditions: satays, noodle soups, clay pot catfish, grilled or wood-burned vegetables. Br (Su), L, D (M–Sa). 114 S. Central Ave., Little Tokyo, 213.620.1840 $$ Map H17
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Dining
Ye Olde King’s Head
wp24 From its 24th-floor roost, WP24 proves that Wolfgang Puck, who pioneered Asian fusion, has still got the goods. The restaurant might offer downtown’s best skyline views. Highlights include “Not Too Classic” hot and sour soup and steamed bao filled with pork belly. D (nightly). The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, 900 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.743.8824 $$$$ Map I15 Yamashiro This restaurant occupies a replica of a Kyoto palace with a garden court and city views, making it special before you even look at the menu. Cal-Asian fare includes miso salmon with lemon mashed potatoes and yuzu-avocado jumbo prawns. D (nightly). 1999 N. Sycamore Ave., Hollywood, 323.466.5125 $$$ Map G13
Quick Bites The apple pan Move quickly to grab a seat at the counter of this tiny joint, open since 1927. Burger aficionados wax on about the classic, drippy Steakburger and Hickoryburger. Cash only. Open late. L, D (Tu–Su). 10801 W. Pico Blvd., West L.A., 310.475.3585 $ Map K10
World Famous British Pub, Restaurant, Shoppe & Bakery
British Fare, imported beers and world famous Fish & Chips. Open for breakfast weekends at 8am, Fabulous happy hour Mon–Fri 4-7pm. Traditional Afternoon Tea is served Mon-Sat 11:30am-4:30pm. Karaoke Sundays at 9pm. Heated patio. Quiz shows every Wednesday. Call for soccer schedule. Stop by the gift shoppe for food and collectibles from the British Isles, including bone china, teapots, souvenir items, tea, candy, wine, freshly baked goods and much more.
in-n-out SoCal’s iconic burgers, cooked to order—try the off-menu “animal style”—plus fries and shakes. Seating and drive-through. Open late. B, L, D (daily). 7009 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, 800.786.1000 and 10 other locations $ Map H13 M CAFÉ DE CHAYA Macrobiotic cuisine that actually tastes good. Oh-so-L.A.! B, L, D (daily), Br (Sa–Su). 7119 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, 323.525.0588; 9433 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills, 310.858.8459 $ Map H13, J11 native foods Vegan restaurant that appeals to non-vegetarians, too, with creative tempeh burgers and seitan buffalo wings. L, D (daily). 9343 Culver Blvd., Culver City, 310.559.3601; 1114 Gayley Ave., Westwood, 310.209.1055 $ Map L11, J10
New Location Now Open in Studio City 12969 Ventura Blvd. (818) 990-9055
116 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica (310) 451-1402 www.yeoldekingshead.com
1/23/13 4:43 PM Be magically transported to colorful Morocco and the beginning of a never ending feast. Babouch serves exquisite, authentic Moroccan cuisine in a tent like atmosphere with belly dancing nightly. Specialties include lamb, brochette of beef, cous cous, seafood and shrimp.
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Philippe the Original The purported birthplace of French dip sandwich, this down-home cafeteria is an L.A. institution, established in 1908. Try the 45-cent coffee. Cash only. B, L, D (daily). 1001 N. Alameda St., downtown, 213.628.3781 $ Map G17
pita Jungle Light, fast-casual Mediterranean staples such as dolmades and gyros mixed with Mexican, Italian and even Caribbean fare. 43 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626.432.7482 $ Map Q19 pink’s hot dogs There’s a perpetual queue in front of this hot dog stand, open since 1939, which serves 30 kinds of dogs and chili cheeseburgers, too. Open late. B, L, D (daily). 709 N. La Brea Ave., L.A., 323.931.4223 $ Map I13 Tender Greens Cafeterialike concept serves tasty BabouchRestaurant.com salads and comforting “hot plates” with proteins, greens and buttery mashed potatoes. L, D (daily). 9523 Culver Blvd., Culver City, 310.842.8300; 8759 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.358.1919; 6290 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, 323.382.0380; 201 Arizona Ave., Santa babouch_0712v1.indd 1 Monica, 310.587.2777 $ Map L11, I12, H14, L8
• 810 S. Gaffey St., San Pedro • 310 831 0246 5/31/12 1:33 PM ZAGAT RATED 2013Excellent
the veggie grill Cheery, fast-casual vegan restaurant that even carnivores can enjoy. Addictive veggie burgers and sandwiches. Soy- and gluten-free options. L, D (daily). 8000 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.822.7575; 2025 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.829.1155; Plaza El Segundo, 720 Allied Way, El Segundo, 310.535.0025; Rolling Hills Plaza, 2533 Pacific Coast Hwy., Torrance, 310.325.6689; additional locations at veggiegrill.com $ Map H12, L8, C2, N14
french cuisine with a japanese flair
713 east gr een str eet pasadena 626 796 9501 m a i s o n a k i r a . n e t
wurstkÜche Don’t even try to pronounce it—”the sausage place” will do. Arts District bar/restaurant offers thick-cut Belgian fries and a repertory of exotic franks: rattlesnake and rabbit, alligator and pork andouille. Open late. L, D (daily). 800 E. 3rd St., downtown; 625 Lincoln Blvd., Venice. 213.687.4444 $ Map I17, M9
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Dining Seafood Blue Plate oysterette Oceanfront cafe offers a very respectable lobster roll (served with mayo or butter) and other New England specialties, plus a variety of seasonal oysters. L, D (daily). 1355 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.576.3474 $$ Map L8 CATCH Minimalist Catch’s centerpiece is a beautiful, mother-of-pearl sushi bar, but raw fish is just the beginning. Try exquisite cooked preparations such as skate wing and braised pork cheeks with an extraordinary view of the Pacific Ocean. B, L, D (daily). 1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, 310.581.7714 $$$ Map M8 Duke’s Malibu Named after the father of international surfing, Duke Kahanamoku, this oceanfront restaurant captures the spirit of aloha. Not to be outshone by the spectacular views is the cuisine, which features a daily selection of fresh fish and tropical cocktails. Br (Su), L (M–Sa), D (nightly). 21150 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.317.0777 $$ Map west of K7 Gladstone’s Malibu One of SoCal’s biggest hits with a million visitors each year. Dramatic ocean views. B (Sa–Su), L, D (daily). 17300 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades, 310.454.3474 $$ Map west of K7 THE Hungry Cat East Coast fare in hip little spots. Dungeness crab benedict; you-peel or they-peel shrimp by the half-pound. Hollywood: Br (Sa–Su), L (M–F), D (nightly). Santa Monica: D (nightly). Sunset+Vine, 1535 N. Vine St., Hollywood, 323.462.2155; 100 W. Channel Road, Santa Monica, 310.459.3337 $$ Map H14, L7
Rose Tree Cottage A Regal English Afternoon Tea by reservation
Exclusively British — Barbour Clothing • AGA Cookers • Teas • Foods • China 1 7/22/11 11:50 AM 801 S. Pasadena Ave. • Pasadena
TAIX_1-6h.pdf
626-793-3337
•
www.rosetreecottage.com
Country French Restaurant Family Owned & Operated Since 1927 Lunch • Dinner • Lounge • Banquets 7 days
Open Late Wed-Sat ‘til 1:00 am
Five Minutes from the Music Center 1911 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, Ca 90026 (213) 484-1265
www.taixfrench.com
The Lobster Enjoy a view of the Pacific while indulging in superlative seafood from this Santa Monica Pier-adjacent restaurant. The outdoor patio is most coveted for sampling the eponymous crustacean in various iterations. Chef Collin Crannell does a fine job with other seafood dishes, too. L, D (daily). 1602 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.458.9294 $$$ Map L8 McCormick & Schmick’s Classy wood, glass and brass space; seafood any way you like it. Happy hour. L (varies by location), D (nightly). 206 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.859.0434; 111 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, 626.405.0064; 633 W. 5th St., downtown, 213.629.1929; 2101 Rosecrans Ave., El Segundo, 310.416.1123 $$ Map Q19, I11, H16, L13 Parkers’ Lighthouse This casually elegant restaurant’s waterfront location affords 360-degree views of Long Beach Harbor. Menu offerings include a wide selection of seafood—stuffed Atlantic salmon, Alaskan king crab legs, inventive sushi—plus traditional chophouse fare such as USDA Prime steaks. L, D (daily). 435 Shoreline Village Drive, Long Beach, 562.432.6500 $$ Map N16 Providence Chef-owner Michael Cimarusti transforms seafood from the world’s most pristine waters into inventive dishes such as kampachi with miso, buttermilk and green grapes, and striped bass with bacon and Bordelaise sauce. Outstanding cocktails complement Michelin-recognized cuisine. L (F), D (nightly). 5955 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.460.4170 $$$$ Map I14 son of a gun Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, the meatloving chefs at Animal, turn to the sea for new inspiration. They cook up small shareable plates such as salmon collar, miniature lobster rolls and shrimp toast sandwiches in a nautically themed space. L (M–F), D (nightly). 8370 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.782.9033 $$$ Map I12 Water Grill Downtown’s premier seafood restaurant is famed for its huge platters of fruits de mer from the oyster bar. Low-temperature cooking methods are used in dishes such as sauteed Columbia River sturgeon, yielding sensational results. There’s no corkage fee, so why not BYOB? L (M–F), D (nightly). 544 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.891.0900 $$$$ Map H16
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Dining Spanish bar pintxo Prominent California chef Joe Miller (Joe’s) offers authentic tortilla Española, bacalao and croquetas de jamón and Spanish wines. L, D (daily). 109 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.458.2012 $$ Map M8 the baZaar bY José andrés Star chef José Andrés brings whimsical set of Spanish-style dining experiences to the eminently stylish SLS Hotel. Cuisine ranges from rustic fare to the molecular gastronomy creations that have made Spain a culinary leader. Tasting room Saam offers an unforgettable 22-course prix fixe menu. D (nightly). 465 S. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.246.5555 $$$ Map H16
Steak arroYo chophouse Exclusively USDA Prime at handsome spot from the Smith Brothers. D (nightly). 536 S. Arroyo Pkwy., Pasadena, 626.577.7463 $$$$ Map R20 bLt steak This winning formula on the Sunset Strip proves that the French bistro and the American steakhouse can be seamlessly blended. After appetizers such as tuna tartare or the complimentary Gruyère cheese popovers, steaks are the main attraction, ranging from ultrapricey Kobe to domestic Angus beef. D (Tu–Sa). 8720 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.360.1950 $$$$ Map H12 boa Way hip, way fine steakhouse. Steak rubs and dips; out-there cocktails. Santa Monica: L, D (daily). West Hollywood: L (M–F), D (nightly). 101 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.899.4466; 9200 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.278.2050 $$$ Map M8, H11 cut A collaboration between Getty Center architect Richard Meier and celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, Cut is the place to savor genuine Kobe beef steaks ($120plus) or dry-aged Nebraska beef. Puck’s menu is short on nostalgia but long on flavor. D (M–Sa). Beverly Wilshire Hotel, 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.276.8500 $$$$ Map J11 Fogo de chÃo The city’s best churrascaria—those Brazilian steakhouse-barbecue restaurants—is this restaurant with muraled walls and soaring ceilings. After a trip to a massive salad-appetizer bar, guests are treated to an endless procession of meats carved right onto their plates. L (M–F), D (nightly). 133 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.289.7755 $$$ Map J12 the griLL on the aLLeY The Grill is a venerable industry hangout, where the maître d’ juggles Hollywood heavyweights, each demanding his favorite table for deal-making lunches. Polished waiters deliver steaks, Cobb salads and chicken pot pies in a dining room with classic good looks. Beverly Hills: L (M–Sa), D (nightly). Hollywood: L, D (daily), Br (Su). Thousand Oaks: L, D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). 9560 Dayton Way, Beverly Hills, 310.276.0615; The Grill on Hollywood, Hollywood & Highland Center, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.856.5530; 120 E. Promenade Way, Thousand Oaks, 805.418.1760 $$$ Map I11, H13, north of A10 L.a. prime Dine in high style 35 floors up. Aged USDA certified Prime beef from Chicago. D (nightly). Westin Bonaventure, 404 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.624.1000 $$$ Map H16 LawrY’s the prime rib A Restaurant Row classic. Prime rib, to-die-for creamed corn and spinach served with showmanship from table-side carts. D (nightly). 100 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.652.2827 $$$ Map I12
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Dining mastro’s steakhouse Swanky “steakhouse with personality.” Bone-in-filet reigns; warm butter cake melts in your mouth. New Penthouse at Mastro’s is an upstairs lounge. D (nightly). 246 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.888.8782 $$$ Map J11 morton’s Clubby ambience, show-and-tell menu, huge portions. L (M–F), D (nightly). 435 S. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.246.1501;735 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.553.4566; The Pinnacle, 3400 W. Olive Ave., Burbank, 818.238.0424 $$$ Map I11, I16, T20 nick & steF’s A modern interpretation of the classic American steakhouse, Nick & Stef’s offers architecturally exciting dining rooms and a wraparound patio lounge that’s a favorite of downtown workers waiting out traffic. USDA Prime beef is aged on-site in a glass-encased aging chamber. L (M–F), D (nightly). Wells Fargo Building, 330 S. Hope St., downtown, 213.680.0330 $$$ Map H16 the paLm Big in The Biz. Sketches of famous customers adorn the walls. L (M–F), D (nightly). 9001 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.550.8811; 1100 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.763.4600 $$$ Map I12, J16 queensview steakhouse High-end steaks and seafood, libations and live music above Parkers’ Lighthouse. D (Tu–Sa). 435 Shoreline Drive, Long Beach, 562.432.6500 $$$$ Map D3 ruth’s chris steak house Ruth’s Chris Steak House serves superfine Midwestern corn-fed beef, broiled in 1,800-degree ovens and served sizzling on 500-degree plates. Although steak is king, the menu also includes expertly executed seafood, lamb, pork and poultry dishes. L (varies), D (nightly). 224 S. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.859.8741; 369 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626.583.8122 $$$ Map I11, Q20 the stinking rose “We season our garlic with food,” from Gartini cocktail to garlic ice cream. 40-Clove Garlic Chicken, Silence of the Lamb Shank, Vladimir’s Garlic “Stakes” menu with six steak options. L, D (daily). 55 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.652.7673 $$ Map I12 stk Sultry steakhouse for the young crowd, with fun appetizers such as shrimp “rice krispies” and Wagyu beef sliders. Open-air lounge with DJ. D (nightly). 755 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.659.3535 $$$$ Map I12 woLFgang’s steakhouse Chef Wolfgang Zwiener opens outpost of his New York steakhouse. Try the dry-aged porterhouse steak for two, three or four. L (M–F), D (nightly). 445 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.385.0640 $$$$ Map J11
Thai nataLee thai Traditional Thai dishes are served amid edgy, modern décor. Among entrees are Nutty Chicken (a spicy combo of chicken, onion and dried chili) and a sole filet in red curry sauce. Veggie lovers favor the spicy maha jumlong curry. L, D (daily). 10101 Venice Blvd., Culver City, 310.202.7003; 998 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.855.9380 $ Map L11, I11 paLms thai This spot near the Pantages Theater is more known for its entertainment than its cooking, but both are worth the trip. Kavee Thongprecha, “the Thai Elvis,” does campy interpretations of the King’s repertory. Unusual menu items include frog legs with chili and basil. L, D (daily). 5900 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.462.5073 $ Map H14
where?
Log on anywhere. WhereLA.com WHERE LOS ANGELES 79
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Restaurants City Index Our superguide by area, with cross reference to listings by cuisine. BEVERLY HILLS
father’s office 2 (Brew/Pub)......................70
THE BAZAAR (Spanish).............................................. 78
lukshon (Pan-Asian)................................................... 75
LA CIENEGA boulevard RESTAURANT ROW
bouchon (French)....................................................... 72
NATALEE THAI (Thai)................................................ 79
fig & olive (Mediterranean).................................... 74
chaya (California)............................................................ 70
native foods (Quick Bites).................................. 76
MATSUHISA (Japanese)............................................... 74
Culina (Italian)............................................................... 72
tender greens (Quick Bites).............................. 76
NOBU (Japanese)............................................................... 74
CUT (Steak).......................................................................... 78
Waterloo & City (British)..............................70
THE STINKING ROSE (Steak)............................... 79
downtown
LONG BEACH
aburiya toranoko (Japanese)..................... 74
PARKERs’ LIGHTHOUSE (Seafood).................. 77
PETROS (Mediterranean)............................................... 74
artisan house (American)................................. 68
queensview steakhouse (Steak).......... 79
the strand house (American)....................... 68
enoteca drago (Italian).................................... 72 fogo de chao (Steak).......................................... 78 FRIDA (Mexican)................................................................ 75 the grill on the alley (Steak)................ 78 il fornaio (Italian).................................................... 72
SOUTH BAY BENIHANA (Japanese).................................................. 74 buca di beppo (Italian)......................................... 72 il fornaio (Italian).................................................... 72 MAR’SEL (California)....................................................... 70 m.b. post (American)................................................... 68
bÄco mercat (Eclectic)............................................71
lawry’s the prime rib (Steak)................... 78
bestia (Italian)................................................................. 72
MALIBU
bottega louie (Italian)........................................ 72
duke’s malibu (Seafood)...................................... 77
mccormick & schmick’s (Seafood)............ 77
the veggie grill (Quick Bites)......................... 76
MASTRO’S STEAKHOUSE (Steak)................... 79
cbs seafood (Chinese)............................................71
geoffrey’s (California)............................................ 70
UNIVERSAL CITY
m cafe de chaya (Quick Bites)......................... 76
chaya (California)............................................................ 70
buca di beppo (Italian)......................................... 72
McCORMICK & SCHMICK’S (Seafood)............ 77
gladstone’s malibu (Seafood).................... 77
chosun galbee (Korean).................................... 74
CAFE SIERRA (Eclectic)...............................................71
morton’s (Steak)........................................................ 79
maison giraud (French)...................................... 72
church & State (French)..................................... 72
NOBU MALIBU (Japanese)........................................ 74
MR. CHOW (Chinese)......................................................71
cicada (Italian)............................................................... 72
HARD ROCK CAFE (American)............................. 68
saddle peak lodge (American)................... 68
mr. c restaurant (Italian)............................... 73
drago centro (Italian)........................................ 72
tra di noi (Italian)...................................................... 74
NATALEE THAI (Thai)................................................ 79
the gorbals (Eclectic).............................................71
Valley
nic’s (California)................................................................ 70
katsuya (Japanese)...................................................... 74
abuelitas (Mexican).................................................. 74
POLO LOUNGE (California)....................................... 70
kendall’s brasserie (French)..................... 72
MArina del rey
asanebo (Japanese).................................................... 74
l.a. prime (Steak)......................................................... 78
cafe del rey (Mediterranean)............................. 74
red medicine (Pan-Asian)...................................... 75 ruth’s chris steak house (Steak)........ 79 Scarpetta (Italian).................................................... 73 SPAGO (California)............................................................ 70 208 Rodeo (California)................................................71 URasawa (Japanese)................................................... 74 wolfgang puck (American)............................. 70 wolfgang’s steakhouse (Steak)......... 79
la serenata (Mexican)........................................... 75 lazy ox canteen (Brew/Pub)......................... 70 le ka (French)................................................................... 72 más malo (Mexican)................................................... 75 McCORMICK & SCHMICK’S (Seafood)............ 77 mo-chica (Latin).......................................................... 75 nick and stef’s (Steak)...................................... 79 NOÉ (American).................................................................. 68 OCEAN SEAFOOD (Chinese)...................................71
BEVERLY Boulevard 3RD street MELROSE avenue
The parish (British).................................................... 70
Angelini osteria (Italian). ............................. 72
Philippe the original (Quick Bites).......... 76
aoc (Mediterranean).................................................... 74
rivera (Latin).................................................................. 75
Comme çA (French)..................................................... 72
r23 (Japanese)..................................................................... 74
COOKS COUNTY (California).................................. 70
soleto trattoria (Italian).............................. 73
eva restaurant (California)................................... 70 Gusto (Italian)................................................................. 72 hatfield’s (California)............................................70 ink. (American)................................................................... 68 jar (American).................................................................... 68 lucques (Mediterranean)........................................... 74 OSTERIA MOZZA (Italian)....................................... 73 Pizzeria Mozza (Italian)..................................... 73
the palm (Steak).......................................................... 79 patina (French)................................................................ 72
soot bull jeep (Korean)..................................... 74 the spice table (Pan-Asian).............................. 75 SUGARFISH (Japanese)................................................ 74 takami sushi & robata (Japanese)........... 74 UMAMICATESSEN (Eclectic)................................... 72 water grill (Seafood)............................................ 77 WP24 (Pan-Asian)............................................................. 76 wurstkÜche (Quick Bites).................................... 76
SUGARFISH (Japanese)................................................ 74
BENIHANA (Japanese).................................................. 74 buca di beppo (Italian)......................................... 72
pasAdena a/k/a bistro (American)........................................ 68 arroyo chophouse (Steak).......................... 78 buca di beppo (Italian)......................................... 72 cafe 140 south (California)................................ 70
KATSU-YA (Japanese).................................................... 74 morton’s (Steak)........................................................ 79 umami burger (American)................................... 70
cheval bistro (French)........................................ 72
VENICE
1810 (Latin)........................................................................... 74
chaya (California)............................................................ 70
FRIDA (Mexican)................................................................ 75
GJELINA (Mediterranean)............................................. 74
haven gastropub (Brew/Pub)....................... 70
sunny spot (Eclectic)............................................... 72
il fornaio (Italian).................................................... 72 KATSUYA (Japanese)...................................................... 74 maison akira (Eclectic)......................................... 72 mccormick & schmick’s (Seafood)............ 77
superba snack bar (Italian)......................... 73 the tasting kitchen (California)...................71 wurstkÜche (Quick Bites).................................... 76
parkway grill (California).................................. 70 pita jungle (Quick Bites)........................................ 76
WEST HOLLYWOOD
rose tree cottage (British).......................... 70
ASIA DE CUBA (Eclectic).............................................71
ruth’s chris steak house (Steak)........ 79 slater’s 50/50 (American)................................... 68 smitty’s grill (American).................................... 68 sushi roku (Japanese)............................................. 74 vertical wine bistro (American)............. 70
BLT STEAK (Steak)........................................................ 78 BOA (Steak).......................................................................... 78 cecconi’s (Italian)....................................................... 72 dominick’s (Italian).................................................... 72 EVELEIGH (American)................................................... 68
santa monica
Gordon Ramsay (Eclectic)................................. 72
bar pintxo (Spanish)................................................ 78
the ivy (American)............................................. ..........68
playa (Latin)..................................................................... 75
HOLLYWOOD/EASTSIDE
providence (Seafood)............................................. 77
barbrix (Mediterranean)............................................ 74
blue plate oysterette (Seafood)............ 77
red o (Mexican)............................................................... 75
cleo (Mediterranean)...................................................... 74
boa (Steak).......................................................................... 78
osteria drago (Italian)....................................... 73 the palm (Steak).......................................................... 79
son of a gun (Seafood)........................................ 77
delphine (French)........................................................ 72
Border Grill (Mexican)........................................ 74
sushi roku (Japanese)............................................. 74
the grill on hollywood (Steak)......... 78
capo (Italian).................................................................... 72
petrossian (French)............................................... 72 rivabella (Italian)...................................................... 73
HARD ROCK CAFE (American)............................. 68
catch (Seafood)............................................................... 77
Brentwood
the HUNGRY CAT (Seafood)................................. 77
farmshop (California)................................................ 70
STK (Steak)........................................................................... 79
KATSUYA (Japanese)...................................................... 74
in-n-out BURGER (Quick Bites)......................... 76
father’s office (Brew/Pub)...........................70
tender greens (Quick Bites).............................. 76
restaurant at getty (California).............. 70 sugarfish (Japanese)................................................ 74 TAVERN (California)........................................................ 71 viNcenti ristorante (Italian)...................... 74
CENTURY CITY BREEZE (California)......................................................... 70 CRAFT (American)............................................................ 68 hinoki & the bird (American).......................... 68
KATSUYA (Japanese)...................................................... 74
the hungry cat (Seafood)................................. 77
malo (Mexican)................................................................ 75
il fornaio (Italian).................................................... 72
the veggie grill (Quick Bites)......................... 76
m cafÉ de chaya (Quick Bites)......................... 76
ivy at the shore (American).........................68
MUSSO & FRANK (American)................................. 68
josie (American).............................................................. 68
PaLMS THAI (Thai)..................................................... 79
THE LOBSTER (Seafood)............................................ 77
public kitchen + Bar (Brew/Pub).............. 70
MÉLISSE (French)............................................................. 72
il grano (Italian)......................................................... 72
umami burger (American)................................... 70
MILO & OLIVE (California)......................................... 70
la serenata (Mexican)........................................... 75
yamashiro (Pan-Asian)............................................ 76
rustic canyon (California)................................. 70
matteo’s (Italian)....................................................... 73
sushi roku (Japanese)............................................. 74
WESTSIDE the apple pan (Quick Bites)................................ 76
native foods (Quick Bites).................................. 76
LA BREA/MIDTOWN
TAR & ROSES (California)........................................... 70
ANIMAL (American)........................................................ 68
true food kitchen (American).................... 70
ca’brea (Mediterranean)............................................. 74
VALENTIno (Italian)..................................................... 74
picca (Latin)...................................................................... 75
a-Frame (Eclectic)...........................................................71
pink’s hot dogs (Quick Bites)........................... 76
wilshire (California)................................................... 70
sotto (Italian).................................................................. 73
akasha (California)....................................................... 70
ray’s & stark bar (Mediterranean)............... 74
YE OLDE KING’S HEAD (British)....................... 70
sushi sasabune (Japanese)............................. 74
Culver City
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208 RODEO Set atop the stairs on Via Rodeo’s cobblestone street, 208 Rodeo serves up luxury and bistro fare in a unique, romantic setting. Exuding Rodeo Drive elegance, the restaurant’s flagstone patio overlooks the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, setting of the film Pretty Woman. 208 Rodeo is a gem among the ritzy shops of Two Rodeo. Whether it is for breakfast, lunch, happy hour or dinner, for a quick bite or a full meal, 208 Rodeo offers it all amid warm regency décor. Offering California cuisine with pan-Asian and French influences, the eatery serves dishes that are beautifully presented and imaginatively prepared with seasonal ingredients. Menu highlights include tomato roasted salmon and grilled steak. 208 Rodeo also serves cocktails, wines and beers, delectable desserts such as chocolate Florentine and tiramisu, and Illy coffee drinks. A children’s menu is available for all meals. B, L, D (daily).
208 Via Rodeo, Beverly Hills
310.275.2428 208rodeo.com
Breakfast Organic oatmeal Almond-and-berry French toast Eggs Benedict Eggs Florentine Huevos rancheros Omelet Frittata Fruit salad and yogurt Starters Dungeness crab cake Crispy calamari French onion soup Spicy tuna tartare Roasted baby beet Truffled and sweet fries Tomato bisque Sesame prawns Cheese platter Entrees Gourmet grilled cheese sandwich Seafood salad Seared ahi sandwich Chicken-and-goat-cheese salad Kobe beef burger Chicken sandwich Niçoise salad Penne arrabiata Grilled filet mignon Mushroom and salmon pasta Diver scallops Roasted miso salmon Grilled striped bass Pork chop Chicken schnitzel Desserts Chocolate Florentine cannoli Mix berry rolada Caramel napoleon Tiramisu Triple-layer chocolate mousse White chocolate cheesecake Fruit tart
208 RODEO RESTAURANT
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BENIHANA At the heart of the Benihana experience lies the teppanyaki table, where masterful chefs expertly prepare fine Japanese cuisine on hibachi grills. Favorites such as filet mignon, New York strip steak, colossal shrimp with butter and lemon, cold-water lobster and the signature hibachi chicken fried rice are cooked to order right in front of guests. Patrons are sure to enjoy the show by Benihana chefs, who are as well known for their culinary theatrics as they are for their outstanding cooking. The appetizer menu includes sushi and tempura selections. Interesting wines, premium imported sake, colorful cocktails and deliciously flavored iced teas are featured on the beverage menu as well as non-alcoholic frozen specialties. Children 12 and under can choose from the Kabuki Kids menu. L, D (daily).
Starters Assorted maki (sushi rolls) Hand roll combination Sushi sampler Sashimi sampler Calamari, shrimp or scallop tempura Beef sashimi Shrimp, scallop or calamari sautÊ Edamame Miso soup Hibachi chicken rice Spicy seafood soup Entrees Filet mignon Hibachi steak Hibachi lemon chicken Colossal mango shrimp Spicy hibachi chicken Hibachi Chateaubriand Hibachi mango salmon Hibachi tuna steak Hibachi scallops Hibachi shrimp Twin lobster tails Spicy tofu steak Seafood Diablo with udon noodles Yakisoba Emperors salad Desserts Häagen-Dazs ice cream Green tea ice cream Fresh pineapple boat Banana tempura
38 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills
323.655.7311 benihana.com
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MENU HIGHLIGHTS Starters Flatbreads Tuna carpaccio Tomato terrine Escargot Bouillon Soupe Marseillaise Kale Caesar salad Niçoise salad Lola Rosa lettuce with poached egg
ESTéREL Located at the Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, Estérel’s inventive and innovative Mediterranean menu offers contemporary French-style soups, salads, flatbreads, entrees and desserts. Naming his restaurant after a coastal region of southeast France where mountains overlook the sea, chef Marius Blin’s layered flavors reflect a true taste of the south of France. Blin’s conscientiously selected ingredients are the result of intimate partnerships with boutique purveyors and California farms. Mary’s Farm free-range chicken, Maria petite Lola Rosa lettuce, El Monte fresh burrata and Santa Barbara chanterelle mushrooms, among other items, can be found in his repertoire. The De-Light 30-minute lunch is a menu highlight for nutritional purists, foodies and harried executives alike. This four-course prix fixe is reasonably priced and includes a variety of daily market-fresh selections, each fewer than 500 calories. B,L,D (daily).
Entrees Halibut Diver scallops Chicken roulade Beef tenderloin lamb Sea bass escabeche Chanterelle Sole Linguini Desserts Pumpkin silken cheesecake Strawberry cobbler
Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, 8555 Beverly Blvd., L.A.
310.358.3979 esterelrestaurant.com
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MENU HIGHLIGHTS Starters Little Gem Caesar salad Burrata cheese and heirloom tomatoes Roasted organic artichokes
paparazzI rISToraNTE Paparazzi Ristorante in the Sheraton Gateway Hotel near LAX delights diners with fresh pasta in authentic sauces as well as artistically prepared seafood, poultry and steaks. Start with a tasty salad such as the Little Gem Caesar, or choose from appetizers including eggplant parmigiana or tuna tartar with blood orange vinaigrette and an artichoke puree. The house specialty is il cioppino dei Paparazzi. an enticing combination of seafood in a fennel pomodoro broth served with a classic garlic ciabatta. Or try the terra e mare, an Angus filet mignon served alongside wild Pacific prawns, asparagus and gorgonzola mashed potatoes. Pasta lovers can also find comfort with the robust flavorings of the garganelli alla salsiccia, lasagna al brasato or spaghetti alla chitarra. Dine in crisp, clean and classy dÊcor. An elegant private dining room accommodates 40 guests and is equipped for entertainment and audio-visual needs. Ranked as one of the top 10 Italian restaurants in Los Angeles by gayot.com. Chef Orazio Parisi has been awarded the Chef of the Year 2011 by Southern California Food Writer Association while inspiring the senses with his simple, classic Italian cuisine with a gentle nod to southern Italy. D (M–Sa).
Entrees Spaghetti alla chitarra Tagliatelle alla bolognese Garganelli con salsiccia Lasagna al brasato Il cioppino dei Paparazzi Filetto alla griglia Bistecca al pepe verde La bistecca del vaccaro Ossobuco Organic lamb chops Pan-seared branzino al salmoriglio Sicilian pistachio-crusted Alaskan halibut Desserts Crema fredda al limoncello Profiteroles Tiramisu
6101 W. Century Blvd., Westchester
310.642.4820 sheratonlax.com/paparazzi
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MENU HIGHLIGHTS Starters Jumbo lump crab cake Pacific Coast steamers Spicy seared ahi tuna New England-style clam chowder Diver scallops Sashimi sampler
ParkErS’ LIGHTHoUSE With its signature seafood and steaks, warm service and breathtaking views of Long Beach Harbor and the Queen Mary, Parkers’ Lighthouse— now featuring Queensview Steakhouse on the third floor—is a perennial favorite of locals and visitors alike. Located in a fully operational lighthouse that has become the landmark for Shoreline Village, Parkers’ has long been the place to go for the freshest, locally sourced seafood, sushi or steaks. Guests may dine in the soaring, casually elegant dining room or on a romantic waterfront patio. The recently introduced Queensview Steakhouse, which boasts 360-degree views of the harbor, Pacific Ocean and sparkling city skyline, is the South Bay’s newest special-occasion spot, specializing in premium steaks and chops. Its exclusive supper club experience includes live jazz in an inviting lounge with club chairs and a bar turning out old classics and innovative specialty cocktails. L, D (daily).
Entrees Macadamia nut-crusted mahi mahi Chilean sea bass Daily selection of grilled fresh fish Crab- and shrimp-crusted salmon Prime New York strip steak Alaskan king crab Shelton Farms boneless half-chicken Surf & turf Maple-glazed prime pork loin Desserts Fuji apple cobbler Godiva Swiss chocolate cake Warm Tollhouse pie Trio of fresh seasonal fruit sorbets New York-style cheesecake
435 Shoreline Village Drive, Long Beach
562.432.6500 parkerslighthouse.com
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la dining
Cafe Sierra
Within walking distance of Universal Studios Entertainment Center, Café Sierra offers an extravagant, Vegasstyle seafood, lobster and prime rib dinner buffet with entertainment. On the weekend, they feature a delectable champagne brunch, voted best in Los Angeles. Signature American international breakfast buffet is perfect for early morning power meetings with Wi-Fi capabilities. A la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner menus offer a wide selection of continental cuisine with an array of award winning wines. The Atrium Lounge features great appetizers and happy hour special cocktails. Alfresco dining is available at pool and cabanas (weather permitting). 10% discount on dinner buffet with hotel key. B, L, D (daily).
555 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City 818.509.2030 cafesierrahilton.com
Matteo’s Restaurant Frequented in its early days by celebs including Frank Sinatra and the rest of the Rat Pack, Matteo’s Restaurant has redefined its look and cuisine while maintaining status as the epitome of classic cool. A unique menu that changes with the seasons and an upscale supper club atmosphere form a winning combination of homey and hip. Executive chef Antonio Orlando’s menu feature sumptuous, cosmopolitan Italian fare like veal tartufato, lamb and weekly game specials. Happy hour specials Tuesday through Friday and on Sunday include half-off drinks and a $7 and under bar menu. For lunch, visit adjacent cafe Hoboken, open weekdays. D (Tu-Su).
2321 Westwood Blvd., L.A. 310.475.4521 matteosla.com
The Stinking Rose
Located on Beverly Hills’ famed Restaurant Row, The Stinking Rose has made a name for itself, and its popularity is evident—people fill the unique dining rooms to partake of the tasty food enhanced by the fragrant bulb. Specialties include two pounds of whole, garlic-roasted Dungeness crab in a secret garlic sauce and the ever-popular forty-clove garlic chicken. “The Best Steak I Ever Tasted was in a Garlic Restaurant—The Stinking Rose in Beverly Hills”—Vladimir. L, D (daily).
55 N. La Cienega Blvd. (near Wilshire Blvd.), Beverly Hills 310.652.7673 thestinkingrose.com special advertising section
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la dining
iL Fornaio
il Fornaio’s award-winning authentic italian cuisine is a favorite in los angeles. Specialties include house-made pastas, wood-fired pizza, grilled fish, authentic risotto, and rotisserie meats. artisan breads and pasta are made fresh daily. Each month a special menu from a different region of italy is featured. With an event coordinator on-site to handle all of your needs, il Fornaio is the perfect location for special events and business functions. Winner of the Wine Spectator award of Excellence 2008.
301 n. Beverly drive, Beverly hills, 310.550.8330 1800 rosecrans ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.725.9555 1551 ocean ave., santa Monica, 310.451.7800 1 Colorado, Pasadena, 626.683.9797 ilfornaio.com
Crossroads KitChen located on trendy Melrose avenue, Crossroads Kitchen is a new restaurant highlighting small plates with Mediterranean influences. Culinary trailblazer Tal Ronnen’s plant-based dishes are flavorful and innovative. Entrepreneur and film producer Steve Bing and epicurean curator Parnell F. delcham teamed up with Ronnen to create this landmark dining destination with a luxurious setting. Rotating chefinspired cocktail creations are by las Vegas–based awardwinning mixologist gastin Martinez. d (nightly).
8284 Melrose ave., L.a. 323.782.9245 crossroadskitchen.com
noé restaurant & Bar
located in the heart of the downtown theater district, minutes from Walt disney Concert Hall and the ahmanson Theatre, noé Restaurant and Bar at the Omni los angeles Hotel at California Plaza features executive chef glen ishii’s frequently changing, market-driven menu. His contemporary american cuisine emphasizes fresh seasonal ingredients and an exciting selection including seafood and farm-raised meats and poultry. Popular with downtown residents and visitors alike, noé features both indoor dining and an outdoor patio with intimate fire pits that showcases the stunning downtown skyline. look for an extensive beverage list with wines and hand-crafted cocktails, pre-theater menus, happy hour specials and seasonal chef-driven events. d (nightly).
omni Los angeles hotel, 251 s. olive st., downtown 213.356.4100 noerestaurant.com special advertising section
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Entertainment coachella April 12–14, 19–21. Music and arts festival. Headliners include the Stone Roses, Blur, Phoenix and Red Hot Chili Peppers. $349 for each three-day weekend pass. Camping pass, $85. Empire Polo Field, 81–800 Avenue 51, Indio, 800.745.3000 toyota grand prix of long beach April 19–21. Car races, concerts, exotic sports car displays, a family fun zone and more at this annual event. Ticket prices, hours vary; visit gplb.com. Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, 562.981.2600 Map O16 l.a. times festival of books April 20–21. Author panels, readings, entertainment, and books for sale. Call for hours. Free. Parking $10. University of Southern California, Exposition Boulevard and Figueroa Street, L.A., 213.237.2665 Map southeast of K15 ciclavia to the sea April 21. Fifteen miles of streets from downtown to Venice Beach are blocked off for massive bicycle and pedestrian event. 10 am– 3 pm. Free. See website for map. 213.365.0605, ciclavia.org Maps page 99
Local Natives
Beloved L.A. musicians mark their long-awaited albums with performances at the Fox Theater in Pomona this month. The Postal Service, comprising Death Cab for Cutie frontman Ben Gibbard and Angelenos Jimmy Tamborello (also of Dntel) and Jenny Lewis (of the erstwhile Rilo Kiley), release the 10th anniversary edition of their sole record, Give Up, on April 9 via Sub Pop Records. The trio performs with opening act Baths on April 15. Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor returns to the stage on April 10 with his new band How to Destroy Angels, alongside wife Mariqueen Maandig, Rob Sheridan and Atticus Ross; DIIV opens the show. The quartet’s new LP, Welcome Oblivion, was released on Columbia Records. (See listings at right.)
pacific standard time presents: modern architecture in l.a. All month. Nine cultural institutions offer exhibitions on L.A.’s midcentury architecture for this initiative sponsored by the Getty Research Institute. Venues include the Getty Center, Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Hammer Museum. All participating venues listed online. pacificstandardtime.org taste of the eastside April 28. Festival showcases bites and sips from restaurant and beverage purveyors of East L.A., plus entertainment including children’s activities, live music. VIP ticket includes educational demonstrations and seminars. 1–5 pm; VIP entry at noon. $5–$60; VIP, $65–$75; under 2 free. Barnsdall Art Park, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., L.A., tasteoftheeastside.com Map east of H14
Theater american buffalo Opening April 2. David Mamet’s play about thieves pursuing a rare-coin collection is reinvented by Geffen Playhouse artistic director Randall Arney. Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood, 310.208.5454 Map J10 the nether Through April 14. In the future, a virtual reality lets people live out their fantasies, but a cyberdetective uncovers heinous crimes there. Playwright Jennifer Haley won the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize for this drama. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213.628.2772 Map L11 tribes Through April 14. When a deaf man, Billy, falls in love with Sylvia, a woman who is going deaf, the couple conflicts with Billy’s family, who never learned sign language. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772 Map H16 end of the rainbow Through April 21. Tracie Bennett plays Judy Garland as she prepares for a 1968 show in London that the actress hopes will revive her career. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772 Map H16 joe turner’s come and gone Opening April 24. The Great Migration brings a revolving band of strangers to Seth and Berta Holly’s Pittsburgh boarding house. Phylicia Rashad directs. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772 Map H16
Guidelines
Map locators at the end of each listing (map a3; map h10, etc.) refer to maps in the back of this issue. Compendium includes editors’ recommendations and advertisers.
Index Special Events ...................88 Theater ................................88 Music + Dance...................88 Sports...................................90 Attractions .........................90 Studio Tours .......................92
Studio Tapings...................93 Museums ...........................93 Shopping..............................94 Nightlife...............................95 Tours + Transport.............96
fela! Opening April 26. Singer Michelle Williams stars as Sandra in this musical about Nigerian Fela Kuti, a musical dynamo and political powder keg. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772 Map H16
Music + Dance club nokia April 4 Dark Star Orchestra. April 5 The Dan Band. April 6 Justin Willman. April 11 Passion Pit. April 12 Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. April 17 Dropkick Murphys, Skinny Lister & the Insurgence. April 18 Modestep, Mimosa, Dirtyphonics. April 19 Keyshia Cole, Chrisette Michele. April 20 Queensryche. April 25 Rodney Atkins, Maggie Rose. April 26 Soja, the Lions, Rootz Underground, Los Rakas. April 27 Katchafire, Maoli. 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.480.3232 Map I15 dorothy chandler pavilion April 3, 7, 13 Los Angeles Opera, Cinderella. April 17–21 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. April 26–28 Traces. 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.7211 Map H16 el rey theatre April 5 Sammy Adams, T Mills. April 7 Livan. April 8 Eddie Jobson. April 9 Kip Moore, the Wild Feathers. April 15 Ghost B.C., Ides of Gemini. April 16 Foals, the Neighbourhood. April 17 Youth Lagoon, Lady Lazarus. April 18 Purity Ring, Blue Hawaii. April 23 Chuck Rahan, Dave Hause, Tim McIlrath, Jenny O. April 24 Viza, Heibert, Hotel Sleep, Blackmore, the Dirty Diamond, Hooshere, Ayline. April 25 Jeff Bridges & the Abiders. April 27 Shuggie Otis, Jesca Hoop. 5515 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.936.6400 Map J13 fox theater April 10 How to Destroy Angels, DIIV. April 15 The Postal Service, Baths. April 16 Modest Mouse, Survival Knife. April 17 The XX, Nite Jewel. April 18 Vampire Weekend, Tanlines. April 19 Bullet for My Valentine, Halestorm, Young Guns, Stars in Stereo. April 21 A Day to Remember, Of Mice and Men, Issues. April 25 Crystal Castles, Doldrums. April 27 Danzig, Corrosion of Conformity, the Agonist. 301 S. Garey Ave., Pomona, 909.784.3671 Map east of B6 staples center April 8 Rihanna, A$AP Rocky. April 19 Bon Jovi. L.A. Live, 1111 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 800.745.3000 Map I15 walt disney concert hall April 3 Bobby McFerrin. April 5–7 Los Angeles Philharmonic, conductor David Robertson, pianist Orli Shaham. April 7 Scottish Ensemble, trumpeter Alison Balsom. April 9 Members of the L.A. Philharmonic. April 10 Max Raabe & Palast Orchester. April 12–14 L.A. Philharmonic, conductor Susanna Mälkki, violinist Leila Josefowicz. April 13 Toyota Symphonies for Youth, Pictures at an Exhibition. April 14 Los Angeles Master Chorale. April 16 LA Phil New Music Group, conductor Alan Pierson, guitarist Tyondai Braxton, soprano Lauren Worsham,
One of the oldest existing music venues in L.A. is the Orpheum Theatre downtown, originally a vaudeville house. A Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ is still in house. 877.677.4386
brian tamborello
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Attractions + Museums tenor Timur Bekbosunov, tenor Michael Marcotte. April 17 Pianist András Schiff. April 18, 20–21 Los Angeles Philharmonic, conductor Joshua Weilerstein, organist Cameron Carpenter. April 19 The Antlers, Chairlift. April 20 Toyota Symphonies for Youth. April 22 Sufjan Stevens, Bryce Dessner, Nico Muhly. April 23 Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Marcus Miller, Vinnie Colaiuta, Sean Jones. April 26–28 L.A. Philharmonic, conductor Lionel Bringuier, pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet. April 30 Handel and Haydn Society, conductor Harry Christophers, tenor Rob Murray, mezzo-soprano Catherine Wyn-Rogers, soprano Joélle Harvey, countertenor William Purefoy. 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 323.850.2000 Map H16 the wiltern April 13 Jamel Debbouze. April 17 A Day to Remember. 3790 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 877.598.8698 Map J13
Sports dodger stadium April 1–3 Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Francisco Giants. April 5–7 Dodgers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates. April 15–17 Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres. April 26–28 Dodgers vs. Milwaukee Brewers. April 29–30 Dodgers vs. Colorado Rockies. Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave., L.A., 323.224.1507 Map G17 staples center April 1 Los Angeles Clippers vs. Indiana Pacers. April 2 Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks. April 3 Clippers vs. Phoenix Suns. April 4 Los Angeles Kings vs. Minnesota Wild. April 5 Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies. April 6 Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers. April 7 Clippers vs. Lakers. April 9 Lakers vs. New Orleans Hornets. April 10 Clippers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves. April 11 Kings vs. Colorado Avalanche. April 12 Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors. April 13 Kings vs. Anaheim Ducks. April 14 Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs. April 16 Clippers vs. Portland Trail Blazers. April 17 Lakers vs. Houston Rockets; Kings vs. Columbus Blue Jackets. April 18 Kings vs. Columbus Blue Jackets. April 21 Kings vs. Dallas Stars. April 27 Kings vs. San Jose Sharks. 1111 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 800.745.3000 Map I15
MUSEUM OF TOLERANCE www.museumoftolerance.com
9786 west pico boulevard los angeles, ca 90035 t: 310.553.8403
Attractions aQuarium of the pacific Focus is on Pacific Ocean sea life. Pet the sharks at Shark Lagoon; Lorikeet Forest, Turtle Vision 4-D. The June Keyes Penguin Habitat is new. Daily 9 am–6 pm. $13.95–$24.95, under 3 free. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, 562.590.3100 Map O16
CALIFORNIA AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM 600 State Drive Exposition Park Los Angeles, CA 90037 www.caamuseum.org
catalina express Year-round boat service to Catalina Island; daily departures from Long Beach, Dana Point, San Pedro. Reservation recommended. Call for hours. San Pedro, Long Beach: $27.50–$35.25 one-way, $55–$70.50 round-trip; Dana Point: $28.50–$35.25 one-way, $57–$72.50 round-trip; under 2 $2.50–$5. 800.995.4386, catalinaexpress.com
213-744-7432 ............................... Admission to CAAM is Always FREE
chinatown Ornate architecture, dim sum, shops with Eastern wares. Art and antiques on Chung King Road. Between Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and Bernard Street, Yale and Spring streets, downtown Map G17 isneyland Mickey Mouse’s theme park. Recent d additions include Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. Updated Star Tours, Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain. Fireworks, fantastic Fantasmic! continues. Call for hours. Admission (includes all rides and attractions): $74–$80, under 2 free. 1600 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map I10
Manuel Mendive, Mito de la Creacion, 1985
disney california adventure park Soarin’ Over California, A Bug’s Land, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Toy Story Mania!. Ariel’s Undersea Adventure is newest attraction. Call for hours. Admission (includes all rides and attractions): $74–$80, under 2 free. 1600 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map I10
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Attractions + Museums dolby theatre Tour the home of the Academy Awards formerly named the Kodak Theatre. M–F 10:30 am–4 pm; Sa–Su 8:30–10:30 am. $10–$15, under 4 free. 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.308.6300 Map H13 xposition rose garden Grassy pathways e bisect 20,000 rose bushes of nearly 200 varieties. Daily 9 am to sunset. Free. 701 State Drive, downtown, 213.763.0114 Map K15 farmers market Local landmark with 120 produce stalls, restaurants and gift shops in open-air setting. M–F 9 am–9 pm; Sa 9 am–8 pm; Su 10 am–7 pm. 6333 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.933.9211 Map I13
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fig at 7th New. Center features hip, casual eateries and food purveyors such as Juicy Lucy, Lotería Grill, Mendocino Farms and Sprinkles Cupcakes, plus City Target and Gold’s Gym. M–F 10 am–7 pm, Sa 10 am–6 pm, Su noon–5 pm. Restaurant hours vary. 735 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.955.7150 Map H16
8570 W. Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood CA www.tags.com
rand park Pleasant new urban park positioned g between the Music Center and City Hall offers draws such as a farmers market, lunchtime yoga classes, concerts and more community entertainment. Splash pad for kids. Check website for schedule. grandparkla.org. 5:30 am–10 pm. Free. Entrances at 200 N. Grand Ave., 221 N. Hill St., 221 N. Broadway and 227 N. Spring St., downtown, 213.972.8080 Map H17 riffith observatory Iconic attraction overlooking g Hollywood. Hourly shows at planetarium. W–F noon– 10 pm; Sa–Su 10 am–10 pm. Free; donations accepted. 2800 E. Observatory Road, L.A., 213.473.0800 Map U23 ollywood walk of fame Celebs’ names h are enshrined in bronze-and-terrazzo stars. Free. Hollywood Boulevard from Gower Street to La Brea Avenue and Vine Street from Yucca Street to Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, 323.469.8311 Map H13 1 speed Indoor electric go-kart racing with snack bars k and an arcade. M–Th noon–10 pm, F 11 am–11 pm, Sa 10 am–11 pm, Su 10 am–7 pm. $20 per race. 19038 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, 310.532.2478 Map L15 l.a. live Burgeoning entertainment center is home to the Grammy Museum, Nokia Theatre and Club Nokia; restaurants, high-tech bowling lanes and nightspots such as the Conga Room. 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.763.5483 Map I15 l.a. Zoo and botanical gardens Wildlife in parklike setting. Daily 10 am–5 pm. $9–$14, under 2 free. Golden State (5) and Ventura (134) freeways, 5333 Zoo Drive, L.A., 323.644.4200 Map T23 los angeles county arboretum & botanic garden Peafowl roam the grounds and roost overhead at 127-acre garden. Make your own idyllic route or take the tram tour. Daily 9 am–5 pm (last admission 4:30 pm). Free third Tuesday of the month. $3–$8, under 5 free. 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, 626.821.3222 Map Q22 madame tussauds hollywood Wax museum with some 115 likenesses of celebrities in music, film, sports and more. Costumes provided for photo ops with figures. Call for hours. $18–$25, under 4 free. 6933 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.798.1670 Map H13
Depar tures from:
800.622.2083
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Catalina Express Where LA / 4.625” x 4.875” / 4-color March 2011
the music center The 90-minute Symphonian Music Center Tour includes history, architecture. Also see listing for Walt Disney Concert Hall. First come, first served. Tu–Sa 10:30 am–12:30 pm. Free. 151 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.4399 Map H16 ocean front walk Boardwalk with street performers, souvenir vendors. Muscle Beach–adjacent. Along beach between Marine Street and Grand Boulevard, Venice Map N9
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Attractions + Museums pacific park Amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier with rides including a solar-powered Ferris wheel, plus midway games, food vendors, specialty shops. Su–Th 11 am–11 pm, F–Sa 11 am–12:30 am. Admission free; rides $3–$5, unlimited pass $15.95–$21.95. 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, 310.260.8744 Map L8
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Queen Mary Ship and Seaport Historic ocean liner—bigger than the Titanic!—permanently berthed in Long Beach Harbor. Shops, dining, art deco lounge and restaurant Sir Winston’s. The Russian Foxtrot Submarine is adjacent. Continuing Diana: Legacy of a Princess. Su–Th 10 am–6 pm, F–Sa 10 am–7 pm for self-guided and guided tours. $13.95–$24.95, under 5 free. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 562.435.3511 Map O16
4 Walk of Fame attractions
san antonio winery Complimentary tastings and tour of the only producing winery in L.A., which celebrates its 95th anniversary this year. Restaurant and wine shop on site. Daily 9 am–7 pm. 737 Lamar St., downtown, 323.223.1401 Map G17 Six Flags Magic Mountain Theme park has 17 coasters; dozens of attractions; rides including world’s tallest, fastest and longest flying coaster, Tatsu, and the world’s tallest vertical drop, Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom. Call for hours. $36.99–$61.99, under 3 free. 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy., Valencia, 661.255.4111 Map A2 TCL Chinese Theatre Historic Hollywood venue (formerly Grauman’s Chinese Theatre) with walkway of stars’ hand- and footprints in the forecourt. Call for movie schedule. 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.464.8111 Map H13 TOURNAMENT HOUSE Tours of Rose Parade headquarters in Wrigley Mansion, Italian Renaissance-style home featuring Centennial Rose Garden and Wrigley Gardens. Th 2 and 3 pm. Free. 391 S. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena, 626.449.4100 Map R19
LONDON SOLE London Sole offers the world’s largest collection of ballet flats, ballerina pumps, classic driving loafers and other exquisite traditional flat footwear from designer Jane Winkworth. The Montana and San Francisco boutiques are hot spots for celebrities who have fallen in love with the simple, sophisticated and sometimes bold designs.
Madame Tussauds Hollywood
Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes Tour
1331 Montana Ave, 310.255.0937 londonsole.com
Universal CityWalk Eye-popping dining, shopping and entertainment promenade includes boutiques such as Fossil, Guess? and Abercrombie & Fitch, novelty stores and state-of-the-art cinema and IMAX theater. iFLY Hollywood is a simulated sky-diving wind tunnel. Call for hours. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 818.622.4455 Map U20 Universal Studios Hollywood World’s biggest motion picture/TV studio. Rides include new Transformers: The Ride 3-D, Jurassic Park, the Simpsons Ride and Revenge of the Mummy—the Ride. Tram studio tour includes King Kong 360 3-D and film and TV sets. VIP Experience is private guided tour through prop warehouse, working movie sets, soundstages. Call for hours. $72–$80, under 3 free. Front-of-line pass, $139–$149. VIP Experience $269. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 800.864.8377 Map U20 Walt Disney Concert Hall Frank Gehry-designed architectural landmark at the Music Center. Tour options include 45-minute self-guided audio tour narrated by John Lithgow; guided tours at noon and 1 pm; prematinee guided tours. Guided tours for 15 or more by reservation. 10 am–2 pm most days. Free. 151 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.4399 Map H16
Studio Tours Sony Pictures Studios tour Two-hour walking tour of working motion picture studio includes sets of television shows and films including Spider-Man. Reservation, photo ID required. M–F 9:30 am–2:30 pm. $33; under 12 not admitted. Parking free. 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, 310.244.8687 Map L11 Universal Studios Hollywood See listing under Attractions. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 818.622.3801 Map U20
Your choice of Starline Movie Stars’ Homes Tour OR CitySightseeing Hop-on, Hop-off Multilingual City Tour
MONTANA EYES Do you accessorize with eyewear? Or, are you in the market for that perfect new pair of prescription glasses? Montana Eyes has showcased high-end eyewear for twenty years. This special boutique has any style to suit your needs: from the hottest trends to custom-frames and vintage specs. Come see for yourself why Hollywood stars shop at Montana Eyes. 709 Montana Ave, 310.917.4474
Your choice of Dolby Theatre Guided Tour OR The Hollywood Museum
Buy at these attractions
- Good for 9 days
ONLY
Ages 3-11
59 $39
$
Connect with CityPASS
(888) 330-5008 or citypass.com
montanaave.com
Estimated prices for the 2013 program year. Prices and programs subject to change.
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Attractions + Museums
Sizes 12 & up
WARNER BROS. STUDIOS Two-hour VIP tour of working movie and TV studio includes backlots, enormous soundstages and costume department, memorabilia museum and observation of filming when possible. VIP tours available. Reservation recommended; photo ID required. M–F 8:20 am–4 pm, limited availability Sa–Su. $49, under 8 not admitted. 3400 Riverside Drive, Burbank, 818.972.8087 Map U20
Studio Tapings AUDIENCES UNLIMITED Free tickets to live tapings of TV shows on CBS, FOX, NBC and CW. Minimum age 10–18, varies by show. Satellite TV Ticket Booth, Universal Studios Hollywood, 818.260.0041, Ext. 1. tvtickets.com JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE Free tickets for live tapings of late-night ABC show. Minimum age 18. Phone line open M–F 1–4 pm. El Capitan Entertainment Center, 6840 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 866.546.6984 Map H13
Museums THE ANNENBERG SPACE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY Ten thousand square feet with digital projection gallery, print exhibit area. Continuing War/Photography: Images of Armed Conflict and Its Aftermath. W–F 11 am–6 pm, Sa 11 am–9 pm, Su 11 am–6 pm. Parking $3.50, $1 after 4:30 pm and all day Sa–Su. Admission free. 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Century City, 310.209.4560 Map J11
The only upscale boutique in greater Los Angeles for women size 12 and up. From comfortable to casual or dressy— classic to funky or fun: Abundance has it all! 13604 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks
818.990.6128
AbundancePlusSizes.com Kuba, Artist: Leon Applebaum
CALIFORNIA AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM History, culture, art. Through April 7 Go Tell It on the Mountain. Through April 14 African American Military Portraits From the American Civil War: Selected Images From the Library of Congress Collections. Opening April 25 Things That Cannot Be Seen in Any Other Way: The Art of Manuel Mendive. Continuing The Legacy of the Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Company: More Than a Business.Ongoing Gallery of Discovery. Tu–Sa 10 am–5 pm; Su 11 am–5 pm. Free. Parking $10. 600 State Drive, Exposition Park, 213.744.7432 Map M8 CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER Interactive exhibits for budding scientists. Through April 7 Wild Minds. Continuing Science in Toyland; Mission 26: The Big Endeavour. Daily 10 am–5 pm. Permanent exhibition gallery, free; admission for other exhibits and Imax varies. Parking $8. 700 State Drive, Exposition Park, downtown, 323.724.3623 Map K15 GETTY CENTER Beautiful travertine-clad hilltop facility houses stunning collections of paintings, drawings, antiquities, photographs and decorative arts. Fabulous Central Garden and city views. Through April 7 Drama and Devotion: Heemskerck’s Ecce Homo Altarpiece From Warsaw. Opening April 9 Overdrive: L.A. Constructs the Future, 1940–1990; In Focus: Ed Ruscha. Through April 14 Farewell to Surrealism: The Dyn Circle in Mexico. Continuing Looking East: Rubens’s Encounter With Asia; Japan’s Modern Divide: The Photographs of Hiroshi Hamaya and Kansuke Yamamoto; Untold Stories: Collecting and Transforming Medieval Manuscripts. Ongoing The Life of Art: Context, Collecting and Display. Tu–Th, Su 10 am–5:30 pm; F–Sa 10 am–9 pm. Free. Parking $15, $10 F–Sa after 5 pm. 1200 Getty Center Drive, L.A., 310.440.7300 Map K7 GETTY VILLA Getty Center’s exquisite coastal counterpart features Roman and Greek antiquities. Opening April 3 Sicily: Art and Invention Between Greece and Rome. Continuing Lion Attacking a Horse From the Capitoline Museums, Rome. Ongoing Molten Color: Glassmaking in Antiquity; Roman Ephebe From Naples. Th–M 10 am–5 pm. Free. Parking $15. Advance timed tickets required. 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades, 310.440.7300 Map K7
REWARD YOURSELF
S TA I N E D G L A S S & G A L L E RY “Largest Selection of Artglass in Los Angeles”
1426 4th St • Santa Monica, CA 90401 310.451.9390 • www.adammsgallery.com
GRAMMY MUSEUM Museum on L.A. Live campus explores music, the creative and recording processes, and Grammy Award history. Continuing 360 Sound:
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alvin ailey american dance theater, performing at dorothy chandler pavilion The Columbia Records Story; Herman Leonard: Documenting the Giants of Jazz; Whitney! Celebrating the Musical Legacy of Whitney Houston; Good Vibrations: 50 Years of the Beach Boys; Golden Gods: The History of Heavy Metal. Ongoing Michael Jackson. M–F 11:30 am–7:30 pm; Sa–Su 10 am–7:30 pm. $10.95–$12.95, under 6 free. 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.765.6800 Map I15 hammer museum Traveling shows and installations and permanent collection. Through April 14 Dara Friedman. Opening April 20 Cyprien Gaillard. Through April 28 Selections From the Grunwald Center and the Hammer Contemporary Collection; Trisha Brown: Floor of the Forest. Continuing Llyn Foulkes; Latifa Echakhch; Enrico David; A Selection From the Hammer Contemporary Collection: Katie Grinnan. Tu–F 11 am–8 pm, Sa–Su 11 am–5 pm. $5–$10, free on Thursdays. 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood, 310.443.7000 Map J10 hollywood museum Ten thousand artifacts on four floors: costumes such as Robert Pattinson’s and Taylor Lautner’s in Twilight; sets including Hannibal Lecter’s cell, props, photos, movie posters, scripts; and Max Factor’s makeup rooms, where Marilyn Monroe became a blonde and Lucille Ball a redhead. In restored Max Factor Building. Continuing Loretta Young: Hollywood Legend. W–Su 10 am–5 pm. $12–$15. 1660 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 323.464.7776 Map H13 huntington library, art collections, and botanical gardens Stellar art, buildings and grounds, with more than a dozen themed gardens. Gallery includes Pinkie and The Blue Boy. Through April 15 Maurice Merlin and the American Scene, 1930–1947. Continuing When They Were Wild: Recapturing California’s Wildflower Heritage; Cultivating California: Founding Families of the San Marino Ranch. W–M 10:30 am–4:30 pm. $8–$23, under 5 free. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, 626.405.2141 Map R21 los angeles county museum of art Diverse premier collections; Broad Contemporary Art Museum and Resnick Pavilion are latest additions. LACMA West nearby. Through April 1 Walter De Maria: The 2000 Sculpture. Opening April 7 Stephen Prina: As He Remembered It. Opening April 13 Japanese Prints: Hokusai at LACMA. Opening April 21 Henri Matisse: La Gerbe. Continuing Ming Masterpieces From the Shanghai Museum; Shinique Smith: Firsthand; Ends and Exits: Picturing Art From the Collections of LACMA and the Broad Art Foundation; Stanley Kubrick; Between Art and Politics: Hans Richter’s Germany. Ongoing Levitated Mass; Metropolis II, 1962–2012. M–Tu, Th 11 am–5 pm, F until 8 pm; Sa–Su 10 am–7 pm. $10–$15, under 18 free. LACMA West free. LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd.; LACMA West, 6067 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.857.6000 Map J13 museum of contemporary art Premier contemporary art venue. Opening April 21 Urs Fischer (GA). Continuing Stefan Sagmeister: The Happy Show (PDC); Selections From the Permanent Collection (GA).
useum of tolerance Exhibits examine prejum dice and discrimination, legacy of the Holocaust and human-rights issues. Continuing Para Todos Los Niños: For All the Children. M–F 10 am–5 pm; Su 11 am–5 pm. $11.50–$15.50, under 5 free. 9786 W. Pico Blvd., West L.A., 310.553.8403 Map J11 natural history museum of los angeles county Thirty-three million objects from dino fossils to fish. See paleontologists preparing fossil specimens at Dino Lab. Age of Mammals is the permanent exhibition. The Dinosaur Hall is new; a highlight is the Tyrannosaurus rex growth series. First Fridays music series continues on the first Friday of each month. Daily 9:30 am–5 pm. $5–$12, under 5 free. 900 Exposition Blvd., downtown, 213.763.3466 Map K15 norton simon museum Stellar collection of Renaissance to 20th-century masterworks and sculpture garden. Opening April 26 Beyond Brancusi: The Space of Sculpture. Continuing “Monument” on the Survival of Mrs. Reppin: An Artwork by Dan Flavin. W–M noon–6 pm, F until 9 pm. $7–$10; students with photo ID, under 18 free. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626.449.6840 Map Q19 etersen automotive museum Continuing Fins: p Form Without Function; Art Wall: Theodore W. Pietsch II; Aerodynamics: From Art to Science. Ongoing Bruce Meyer Gallery: Hot Rods; Otis Chandler Gallery: Motorcycles; The Streetscape: The Car and the City in Southern California; Hollywood Gallery: Cars of Film & Television; Alternative Power; Hot Wheels; Discovery Center. Tu–Su 10 am–6 pm. $3–$10, under 5 free. 6060 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.930.2277 Map J13 skirball cultural center The American Jewish experience. Opening April 4 Let Me Show You Around: A Project by Antje Schiffers and Thomas Sprenger. Opening April 25 Gary Baseman: The Door is Always Open. Ongoing Noah’s Ark at the Skirball. Tu–F noon–5 pm; Sa–Su 10 am–5 pm. $5–10, children under 2 free. 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A., 310.440.4500 Map G9
Shopping Destinations the americana at brand Huge downtown Glendale hot spot with Main Street, U.S.A., atmosphere and trolley from the creators of the Grove. Ninety stores and dining options. Boutiques include a Tiffany & Co. concept store, Kate Spade and Kiehl’s; other draws include H&M, Barneys CO-OP and Pacific Theatre cinema. Brand Boulevard and Americana Way, Glendale, 818.637.8900 Map southeast of T23 beverly center Trend-setting mall near West Hollywood has 160 boutiques (Tiffany & Co., Versace Collection, Fendi, Henri Bendel, Prada) and restaurants including the Capital Grille. Anchors include Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s. La Cienega and Beverly boulevards, L.A., 310.854.0070 Map I12 citadel outlets Assyrian architecture south of downtown stands out along the Golden State (5) Freeway; the center offers discount duds from BCBG, Banana Republic, Levi’s and Converse, to name just a few. 100 Citadel Drive, Commerce, 323.888.1724 Map B4 fashion district This downtown neighborhood is a bargain hunter’s paradise. More than 1,000 stores sell to the public at 30%–70% discounts on apparel, accessories, textiles and flowers. Between Main and San Pedro streets; Olympic Boulevard and 7th Street, downtown, 213.488.1153 Map J16
fred segal A multitude of international trends since 1968 began in what may be L.A.’s most famous store, an emporium of individually owned boutiques. Cafe and salon are popular for shoppers and drop-ins. 8100 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 310.394.1271; 420 and 500 Broadway, Santa Monica, 323.651.1935 Map I13, L8 glendale galleria Family-oriented mall with department stores and boutiques including Nordstrom, Crabtree & Evelyn and Vans. Colorado Boulevard and Central Avenue, Glendale, 818.240.9481 Map U23 the grove Popular outdoor center has more than 50 shops, a Barneys CO-OP, Nordstrom and nine restaurants in a setting that suggests a grand old downtown. Movie theater, trolley and dancing fountain are draws. The Wall Street Journal rates concierge services No. 1 in the nation. Adjacent to Farmers Market. 3rd Street and Fairfax Avenue, L.A., 323.900.8080 Map I13 hollywood & highland center Home of the Academy Awards’ Dolby Theatre. Tinseltown-themed retail, dining and entertainment center features several restaurants, cinema, high-tech bowling lanes and stores such as Louis Vuitton and Lucky Brand Jeans. Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, Hollywood, 323.467.6412 Map H13 alibu country mart Outdoor center tucked m away in beach town with upscale boutiques such as Ron Herman, James Perse, Madison; galleries, spas, children’s play area. Restaurants include Tra di Noi. 3835 and 3900 Cross Creek Road, Malibu, 310.456.7300 Map northwest of K7 ne colorado Outdoor plaza with boutiques o such as Gold Bug, Kate Spade, Juicy Couture, Papyrus, Armani A/X and deluxe movie theater Ipic Theaters. Refuel after retail therapy at Italian restaurant Il Fornaio or Sushi Roku. 41 Hugus Alley, Old Pasadena, 626.564.1066 Map Q19 ontario mills outlets California’s largest outlet shopping destination. Among 200 stores are Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss Factory Store, DKNY, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Last Call by Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom Rack. Thirty-screen cineplex. 1 Mills Circle, Ontario, 909.484.8300 Map east of B6 anta monica place Sleek outdoor mall at one s end of Third Street Promenade, two blocks from Santa Monica State Beach. Anchored by Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s. More than 80 boutiques including 7 for All Mankind, CB2 and Barneys CO-OP. Rooftop Dining Deck with food court, nine restaurants and gourmet market. 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, 310.394.1049 Map L8 south coast plaZa High-end center boasts nearly 300 boutiques, 30 restaurants and several spas. Stores include Chanel, Gucci, Valentino, Chloé, Jimmy Choo, Christian Dior. Concierge at five locations. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 800.782.8888 Map 6E sunset plaZa Upscale row of boutiques and sidewalk cafes is L.A.’s Euro hang. Calypso, Ole Henriksen spa and H. Lorenzo stores. 8600–8700 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood Map H12 third street promenade Pedestrian-only shopping zone includes Zara, Cotton On, Converse, Anthropologie, kiosks and a wide array of very entertaining street performers. 3rd Street between Broadway and Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica Map L8 two rodeo Center with cobblestones in the heart of Beverly Hills features Versace, Stephen Webster and other high-end boutiques, plus restaurants including 208 Rodeo. At Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, 310.247.7040 Map J11
anDreW eCCleS
GA and GC: M, F 11 am–5 pm; Th 11 am–8 pm; Sa–Su 11 am–6 pm. PDC: Tu–F 11 am–5 pm, Sa–Su until 6 pm. $7–$12, under 12 free, Th 5–8 pm free; free at PDC. MOCA Grand Avenue (GA), 250 S. Grand Ave., downtown; Geffen Contemporary (GC), 152 N. Central Ave., downtown; MOCA Gallery at Pacific Design Center (PDC), 8687 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 213.626.6222 Map H16, H17, I12
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Nightlife Westfield Century City Sleek open-air mall with more than 175 stores, including Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and Tiffany & Co. Luxe AMC multiplex with Imax screen, beautifully designed food court atrium and terrace and fine dining including Seasons 52 and Toscanova. 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Century City, 310.277.3898 Map J11
Nightlife THE ABBEY Fixture of the WeHo gay scene. 692 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.289.8410 Map H12 Avalon Dance club and concert venue. 1735 Vine St., Hollywood, 323.462.8900 Map H14
LA’s hottest, upscale, funky, trendy children’s boutique!
BAR MARMONT Dreamy bar next door to historic Chateau Marmont. 8171 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.650.0575 Map H12 basement tavern Underground speakeasy in a Victorian abode; live music. The Victorian, 2640 Main St., Santa Monica, 310.392.4956 Map M8 CATALINA BAR & GRILL Top club for jazz and jazz fusion. 6725 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, 323.466.2210 Map H13 city tavern Brews, California wines and cocktails. Booths outfitted with computerized craft brew taps; patrons pour their own. 9739 Culver Blvd., Culver City, 310.838.9739 Map L11 the conga room Live Latin music, and salsa lessons on Saturday nights. L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.745.0162 Map I16 copa d’oro Design-your-own cocktails from a list of farmers-market ingredients. 217 Broadway, Santa Monica, 310.576.3030 Map L8 THE ECHO Hip Echo Park dance club books local and indie bands. DJs, dancing; Echoplex is downstairs. 1822 Sunset Blvd., Echo Park, 213.413.8200; Echoplex, 1154 Glendale Blvd., Echo Park, 213.413.8200 Map G16 THE EDISON Posh renovated power plant. Get there early. Dress code. 108 W. 2nd St., downtown, 213.613.0000 Map H17 1886 Artisan cocktails inside retro restaurant the Raymond. 1250 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, 626.441.3136 Map S19 EL REY THEATRE Hot indie bands play art deco theater on Miracle Mile. 5515 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.936.6400 Map J13
312 North Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills • 310 385 7110 M-F 10am-7pm • Sa-Su 10am-5pm
LOS ANGELES ART GALLERY TOURS illuminating the los angeles art scene
Greystone Manor supperclub Neo-Gothic dance club with entertainment from aerialists and other performers. 643 N. La Cienega Blvd., L.A., 310.652.2012 Map I12 harvard & stone Fine cocktails in a grittychic industrial space. 5221 Hollywood Blvd., L.A., 323.466.6063 Map W22 Hemingway’s Sumptuous library-styled lounge. 6356 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.469.0040 Map H14 high Boutique hotel’s rooftop bar with 360-degree views of Venice Beach. Hotel Erwin, 1697 Pacific Ave., Venice, 310.452.1111 Map N9 Hotel CafE Tiny gem offers live rock music. 16231/2 Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, 323.461.2040 Map I14
Private, curated tours of one of the world’s hottest gallery scenes - come see what’s happening on the cutting edge of LA’s contemporary art. lagallerytours.com
310.650.9384
bill@lagallerytours.com
House of Blues Name bands in faux bayou setting. 8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.848.5100 Map H12 Hyde SBE lounge that spawned offshoots around the country. Reservation recommended. 8029 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.525.2444;
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Tours +Transport Hyde at Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 323.330.8018 Map I14, I15 la descarga Cuban-inspired rum bar. Live band and dance performances. Reservation recommended; upscale dress code. 1159 N. Western Ave., Hollywood, 323.466.1324 Map east of H14 Mohawk bend Hipster bar in the shell of an art deco theater with more than 70 craft beers on tap. 2141 W. Sunset Blvd., Echo Park, 213.483.2337 Map south of W23 one-eyed gypsy Lounge is styled as a retro carnival with 1930s decor and midway games; tickets are redeemable for food and drink at the bar. 901 E. 1st St., downtown, one-eyedgypsy.com Map I17 The Otheroom Microbrews and wines by the glass, New York City-style. 1201 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.396.6230 Map N9 perch Open-air roost in a historic building; indoor cabaret lounge Bar Thirteen is underneath. 448 S. Hill St., downtown, 213.802.1770 Map I16 THE roger room Hidden speakeasy with creative cocktails. 370 N. La Cienega Blvd., L.A., 310.854.1300 Map J12 The Satellite Alt-music venue (formerly known as Spaceland) books under-the-radar indie bands. 1717 Silver Lake Blvd., Silver Lake, 323.661.4380 Map W23 The Standard DOWNTOWN Rooftop bar with panoramic city views, pool, vibrating red waterbeds. 550 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.892.8080 Map I16 THE STANDARD HOLLYWOOD Lounge with swinging seats, glowing purple walls. 8300 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.650.9090 Map H12 £10 Pronounced “ten pound,” this whisky bar in the Montage Beverly Hills specializes in single-malt whisky from the Macallan. 225 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.860.7800 Map J11 thirsty crow Whisky and bourbon bar. 2939 W. Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake, 323.661.6007 Map south of W23 TROUBADOUR Historic spot books up-and-coming alt-rock and local bands. 9081 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.276.6168 Map H12 the varnish The mixing of Prohibition-era cocktails is an art form at this bar in the back of Cole’s diner. 118 E. 6th St., downtown, 213.622.9999 Map I17
Your Source for quality seating
Whisky a Go Go Rock and Roll Hall of Famer still rocks. 8901 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.652.4202 Map H12 the writers room The refurbished “back room” of Musso & Frank does mixology. 6685 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.491.4148 Map H16 WurstKÜCHE Exotic sausage and beer hall is a popular, boisterous neighborhood hangout. Try the duck-bacon-jalapeño frank. 800 E. Third St., downtown; 625 Lincoln Blvd., Venice. 213.687.4444 Map I17, M9 X BAR Indoor-outdoor playpen for CAA and ICM talent agents. Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, 2025 Avenue of the Stars, Century City, 310.228.1234 Map J11
Tours + Transport another side OF LOS ANGELES tours A wide variety of focused tours, organized by interest—whale watching, shopping, celebrity homes—or mode of transportation (kayak, Segway, horseback, helicopter). 1102 S. La Cienega Blvd., L.A., 310.289.8687
YOUR PRIVATE RIDE
Local Hotel Delivery All Major Credit Cards Accepted Open 7 Days a Week Any Event 20 Years of Personal Service
310-207-1226
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Tours +Transport beverly hills rent-a-car Luxury and exotic rentals with pickup service. Hollywood, 310.659.5555; Beverly Hills, 310.274.6969; LAX, 310.670.2020; Marina del Rey, 310.862.1900 citypass Hollywood CityPass offers discounted admission to Starline Movie Stars Homes Tour, Behindthe-Scenes Hollywood walking tour with Red Line Tours, Hollyood Wax Museum and either the Dolby Theatre tour or Hollywood Museum access. $59, ages 3–11 $39, under 3 free. Purchase pass at attractions. Southern California CityPass ($279) includes admission to theme parks from L.A. to San Diego. 888.330.5008, citypass.com
Movie StarS HoMeS tour The Original & Best
lite adventure tours Unique, upscale tours, e including helicopter and wine tours, with first class service. Includes pick-up and drop off at hotel or airport. Reservations Required. 888.328.6871, eliteadventuretours.com
Includes over 40 celebrity Homes, views of Hollywood Sign, Sunset Strip, Walk of Fame, Chinese Theatre and Rodeo Drive.
enterprise rent-a-car Dependable car rental service. 1944 S. Figueroa Blvd., downtown; 1234 S. La Brea Ave., L.A.; 8367 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood; 265 N. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills. 866.458.9227, enterprise.com Map J15, J13, H12, J12
Los Angeles World’s Largest New 2013 MuLTILINguaL
Open-Top double-decker narrated city tour. Over 50 stops including Hollywood, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and Downtown LA. Tickets valid for 24 or 48 hours.
Hollywood as only TMZ can show you! Inside info about celebrities & hotspots.
Grand City tour of La 5½ Hour Escorted City Tour This Multilingual Tour is available in: English
Spanish
Portuguese
Korean
Japanese
Chinese
German
French
Italian
Tel: 1-800-959-3131 or 1-323-463-3333
5
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PEr PErSON FOr ANY TOUr TICKETS*
sunset ranch Horseback riding in the Hollywood Hills and Griffith Park daily. Sunset rides through Griffith Park to Burbank include dinner at Mexican restaurant and nighttime ride back to ranch (reservation required except for on Fridays). $40–$100. 3400 N. Beachwood Drive, Hollywood, 323.469.5450 Map V21
take my mother please Enthusiastic, “curly headed” Arkansas native packs up to five of your visiting relatives (or other VIPs) in a new hybrid SUV for customized tour of “gloriously unusual” sights. 323.737.2200
citysightseeinglosangeles.com
Main Starline Terminal is at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, 6925 Hollywood Blvd. Santa Monica Office is on Santa Monica Pier Anaheim Terminal is at Jolly Roger Hotel, 640 West Katella Ave.
$
tarline tours Movie Stars’ Home Tour, Trolley s Fun Tour, Grand Tour of L.A. Prices vary. Tours begin at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 800.959.3131 Map H13
supershuttle Shared-ride shuttle service to and from airport. Group rates, charters, and frequent-flier points and miles with select airlines. 800.258.3826, supershuttle.com
1-hour Hollywood Fun Tours, Beach Tours, Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, Warner Bros VIP Tour, Six Flags, San Diego and Tijuana
starlinetours.com
malibu discovery tours Themed tours in and around Malibu include the six-hour Malibu Wine Trail Tour with wine tastings, Sunrise Hiking Tour, Malibu Movie and Celebrity Tour, Twilight Wine and Dine Tour and Spectacular Santa Monica Tour. 310.393.6555, malibudiscovery.com etro City bus, light rail and subway. Rail lines m connect downtown, Hollywood, Pasadena, Long Beach. Underground Red Line from Union Station through Hollywood to San Fernando Valley; Gold Line from Union Station to Pasadena; Blue Line from Union Station to Long Beach; Green Line from Norwalk to Redondo Beach; Expo Line from Culver City to downtown. $6 day pass. 323.466.3876, metro.net
More than a Tour...It’s a Show on Wheels!
otHer tourS inCLude:
execucar Premier luxury sedan service. Sedan and SUV service, flat rates, special group services, and frequent-flier points and miles with select airlines. 800.410.4444, execucar.com
SPECIAL WHErE OFFEr *VALID FOR ANY STARLINE TOUR EXCLUDING “SPECIALS”. HOTEL PICK-UPS AVAILABLE. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER DISCOUNT. NOT VALID FOR ONLINE RESERVATIONS OR PRIOR BOOKINGS. VALID ONLY FOR CUSTOMERS WHO PURCHASE TICKETS DIRECTLY AT STARLINE KIOSK AT CHINESE THEATRE OR CONTACT STARLINE DIRECTLY AT 1-323-463-3333 OR 1-800-959-3131. VALID THROUGH 5/15/13.
tmZ hollywood tour Bus tour with state-of-theart audio/video system explores celebrity haunts and sites of famous scandals. TMZ Guides are at the ready to interview celebrities and send footage back to the newsroom. $53–$63. Starline Tours, 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 855.486.9868 Map H13
where?
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GO METRO Despite what you may have heard, you can get to many Los Angeles attractions without a car. Metro is the nation’s second-largest public transportation agency, operating 2,200 buses and six rail lines, including a subway that can take you from downtown to Hollywood in about 15 minutes. Whether you’re interested in seeing stars along the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame, catching rays at Santa Monica Beach or touring any number of L.A. landmarks, Metro can take you there.
Where to Start
Use the Trip Planner at metro.net or call 323.GO.METRO for customized travel itineraries. Note that some popular attractions served by Metro Rail are listed to the right.
Fares
Metro’s base fare is $1.50. Pay each time you board a Metro bus (drivers don’t carry change, so you’ll need exact fare) or at a self-service ticket vending machine when entering Metro Rail stations. For complete information, check metro.net. Two children under the age of 5 may travel free with each fare-paying adult. Eating and drinking is not permitted on any Metro bus or train. Note: Metro has installed turnstiles at many Metro Rail stations; others simply operate on the honor system. However, fare inspectors randomly check passengers for valid tickets or passes. You may never be checked, but if you are and you don’t have proof of valid fare, the inspector may issue a citation and you may be fined.
Hours
Most bus and rail lines start around 4 a.m. and keep running past midnight. But they’re less frequent in the late evening, so check the timetables at metro.net regarding your return trip.
Metro Rail Destinations
Here’s a sampling of attractions that are within easy walking distance of Metro Rail stations: METRO RED/PURPLE LINE Union Station • Olvera Street
Civic Center • Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels • Museum of Contemporary Art • Music Center • Walt Disney Concert Hall 7th Street/Metro Center • Macy’s Plaza (dining, shops) Hollywood/Vine • Capitol Records Tower • Hollywood Walk of Fame • Pantages Theatre Hollywood/Highland • TCL Chinese Theatre • Hollywood & Highland (dining, shops) Universal City • Gibson Amphitheater • Universal CityWalk (dining, shops) • Universal Studios Hollywood North Hollywood • El Portal Center for the Arts • NoHo Arts District (dining, shops, theatres)
METRO BLUE LINE
Pico • Los Angeles Convention Center • STAPLES Center/L.A. LIVE 103rd Street • Watts Towers Transit Mall • Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific • Pine Avenue (dining, shops) • Queen Mary
METRO GOLD LINE
Little Tokyo/Arts District • Japanese American National Museum Memorial Park • Norton Simon Museum Lake Avenue • Pasadena Playhouse
METRO EXPO LINE
Expo Park/USC Station • California Science Center SEE THE METRO ROUTE MAP ON PAGE 103
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30 things we love Los Angeles
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Seasonal macarons from ‘Lette Macarons in Beverly Hills. p. 24
Tasting wine flights at Rosenthal—the Malibu Estate in Malibu. 310.456.1392
Organic Moon Milk (raw almond milk) from Moon Juice in Venice. 310.399.2929
“Drunken” duck breast at Hinoki & the Bird in Century City. p. 68
Craft cocktails at Emerson Theatre in Hollywood. 323.525.2453
Tuesday matinees of Hollywood classics at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. p. 94
The house-label pinot noir at Fig in Santa Monica. 310.319.3111
Whale-watching cruises on The Voyager, departing from Redondo Beach Marina. 310.944.1219
The biggest bookstore in L.A., The Last Bookstore downtown. 213.488.0599
Scented candles at D.L. & Company in Beverly Hills. 310.205.0025
Brass and enamel jewelry at Dream Collective in Silver Lake. 323.660.2000
Grafton cheddar cheese biscuits at Bedford & Burns in Beverly Hills. 310.273.8585
Sunset gondola harbor cruises with Gondola Amore in Redondo Beach. 310.376.6977
Custom tailored suits and barber services at Duncan Quinn on West 3rd Street. 323.782.9205
Shrimp and grits at MessHall in Los Feliz. 323.660.6377 Walking the loop around the pond at Franklin Canyon Park in Beverly Hills. lamountains.com Bespoke shoe “tattooing” at Christian Louboutin in West Hollywood. 310.247.9300
where in the world
Viewing the Pacific gray whale migration at Point Vicente Interpretive Center in Rancho Palos Verdes. 310.377.5370 The “maple egg” at Littlefork in Hollywood. 323.465.3675
Where is an international network of magazines first published in 1936 and distributed in 4,000 leading hotels in more than 50 places around the world. Look for us when you visit any of the following cities, or plan ahead for your next trip by visiting us online at wheretraveler.com UNITED STATES Alaska, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charleston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Georgia, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Maui, Minneapolis/St. Paul,
Sandals and silk shorts from Joie on Melrose Avenue. 323.330.1255 Colorful Provençal housewares at new Monsieur Marcel in Beverly Hills. 310.274.7300 Food tours of the Farmers Market with Melting Pot Tours. 424.247.9666 Big ideas in a small space at El Segundo Museum of Art in El Segundo. 424.277.1020 The classic alpargata slip-on from Toms in Venice. 310.314.9700 The blooming flora at Exposition Rose Garden downtown. p. 91
Watching baristas at work at Handsome Coffee Roasters downtown. p. 24 Jay Leno on Sunday nights at the Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa Beach. 310.372.1193 Shopping and celeb-spotting at the Malibu Country Mart. p. 94 Hiking to the waterfall in La Tuna Canyon Park in Santa Monica. lamountains.com Sharp suits at the new Topshop Topman boutique at The Grove. p. 94
New Orleans, New York, Northern Virginia, Oahu, Orange County (CA), Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix/Scottsdale, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, South Florida, St. Louis, Washington, D.C. ASIA Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore CANADA Calgary, Canadian Rockies, Edmonton, Halifax, Muskoka/Parry Sound, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler, Winnipeg EUROPE Budapest, London, Milan, Moscow, Paris, Rome, St. Petersburg
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