August 2015 whereLA.com
Los Angeles
®
Over the Moon
The Astronaut Wives Club’s JoAnna Garcia Swisher
Fresh Picks
New floral boutiques and Mexican eats
Getting Around
Handy neighborhood guides
essential l.a. 10 terrific tours take you inside l.a.’s most iconic attractions
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GALERIE W H E R E
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MICHAEL
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On Rodeo Drive For Thirty Years 224 North Rodeo Drive | 2 Rodeo Drive Building | Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310.273.3377 | art@galeriemichael.com | /galeriemichael.com Monday to Saturday 10 am - 7 pm | Sunday 11 am - 5 pm OLD MASTERS | MODERN MASTERS | 19th CENTURY PAINTING | CONTEMPORARY
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CONTENTS
THE ESSENTIAL L.A. ISSUE
departments
the guide
6 Editor’s Note
62 DINING Restaurants by cuisine and neighborhood
Get real.
8 Hot Dates
78 ENTERTAINMENT Special events, performing arts and sports
Los Angeles Food & Wine caters to culinary cravings, while two craft-brew events beckon beer lovers. Outdoor concerts and a car show round out an awesome August.
82 ATTRACTIONS + MUSEUMS Theme parks, activities, studio tapings, exhibitions and more 91 SHOPPING The county’s major retail destinations
104 30 Things We Love Summer seafood and spicy sips provide the perfect accompaniment to sunny L.A. excursions.
94 NIGHTLIFE Buzzy bars and cool clubs
where now
95 BEACHES Sandy stops along L.A.’s coastline
10 Dining
96 TOURS + TRANSPORT Getting out, getting around and getting to know Los Angeles
Seasonal fare satisfies at Santa Monica’s Aestus; Plant Food and Wine brings plant-based cuisine to Venice; and modern steakhouse The Arthur J hits Manhattan Beach.
CITY TOURS 30 34 38 42 46 50 54 56
12 Shopping + Nightlife
22
Chef Ray Garcia at B.S. Taqueria, downtown
14 Q+A JoAnna Garcia Swisher spills about The Astronaut Wives Club, ’90s shows and shopping.
features 16 10 Top L.A. Tours
ON THE COVER Dodger Stadium, yours to tour (see page 16). Photo Jill Weisleder/Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles’ tour offerings give guests a peek inside beloved local attractions, from the classic to the offbeat. BY MARINA CHETNER
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22 North of the Border With the county’s Mexican heritage, you’d expect L.A. to offer extraordinary opportunities to enjoy Mexican cuisine. Thanks to a new wave of talented chefs, it doesn’t disappoint. BY ROGER GRODY
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DYLAN+JENI
A field of flower boutiques blooms across the county, and Pig ’n Whistle’s exclusive cocktail lounge, Confession, tends to souls in Hollywood.
Beverly Hills Santa Monica West Hollywood Hollywood Downtown Pasadena The Valley South Bay
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A note from the editor
GET REAL
Some people call L.A. a beach town. Others, Tinseltown. Few, if any, call it a river town. But, in fact, the city bloomed around the 51-mile-long Los Angeles River, only to almost be washed away by its floodwaters several times before the Army Corps of Engineers strongarmed the waterway into submission by lining it with concrete. The stark channel that resulted is the L.A. River most people know, but it’s not the real river—at least, it’s not the only one. Last month, I took a 1.5-mile kayak trip on one of the few natural-bottom stretches of the river, at the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area in the San Fernando Valley. All summer long, the L.A. Conservation Corps, which employs at-risk youth in a variety of environmental projects, runs these trips for the public (learn more at paddlethelariver.org). As I paddled, I saw a lush, untamed side of L.A. that people rarely get to see: a reminder that many of the city’s most fascinating and beautiful features are visible only when you do a little digging or find an experienced guide to lead
Precious talismans rich in symbolism. Handmade from heraldic wax seals, reclaimed sterling silver, bronze and 14K gold.
the way. Which brings me to this “Essential L.A.” issue. In addition to all of our usual great introductions to the month’s must-visit restaurants, shows, shops and more, our feature “10 Top L.A. Tours” (p. 16) tells you how to get an inside look at the city’s most iconic attractions and treasures. What makes L.A. L.A.? These tours will reveal that, yes, it’s surf and celebrity, but it’s also farmers markets and historic architecture. It’s that concrete-lined channel and that verdant waterway. The cultivated and the wild, the glossy and the gritty, all mixed together: That’s the essence—and the beauty—of Los Angeles. —SUZANNE ENNIS
DANIEL ENNIS
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WHERE CALENDAR AUGUST 2015 Search the full calendar at wherela.com
Top Stops
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN ARTS AND CULTURE
THROUGH AUG. 2, 28-29 ONE-WOMAN SHOWS The Broad Stage bookends August with funny ladies Sandra Tsing Loh (below) and Whitney Cummings. p. 80 AUG. 5 SKY BLUE SKY Wilco provides the breezy sounds for a perfect summer night at the Greek Theatre. p. 80
HOT DATES
AUG. 7, 21 GARDEN VARIETY Summer Nights in the Garden provides botanical tours—and cocktails—at the Natural History Museum. p. 78
7
FUN EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED
1 DOWNTOWN BURBANK CAR CLASSIC > AUG. 1 Burbank’s main drag fills with classic cars (see left)—many of which you’ve seen on TV or in movies—for this family-friendly event. p. 78
HERE FOR THE WEEKEND? Go to WhereLA.com for the Weekend Roundup, where you can get the lowdown on the coolest festivals, performingarts events, dining promotions and more.
2 GRAND PERFORMANCES > AUG. 1-2, 7-8, 14-15, 22-23 This series brings an eclectic roster of acts—including Aloe Blacc, Gaby Moreno and even poetry—to downtown’s California Plaza. p. 78 3 TWILIGHT CONCERTS > AUG. 6, 13, 20, 27 The Santa Monica Pier’s free summer concert series is in full swing. This month kicks off with a special Australia Rocks the Pier show, and other highlights include L.A.-based Ariel Pink and Jefferson Starship. p. 78
BREW AT THE L.A. ZOO > AUG. 7 Grownups will enjoy this boozy zoo night, complete with local craft-beer samples, grub, live music, DJs and close-up animal encounters. p. 83 4
5 SUNDANCE NEXT FEST > AUG. 7-9 This outpost of the Sundance Film Festival presents the Los Angeles premieres of five indie films, paired with sets by hip musical acts and filmmaker talks, at the Theatre at Ace Hotel. p. 78
6 TASTE OF BREWS > AUG. 22 This beer festival at Long Beach’s Lighthouse Park toasts its fifth anniversary oceanside with pours from a record 60-plus participating craft breweries. p. 78
7 FYF FEST > AUG. 22-23 L.A.’s top indiemusic fest returns to downtown’s L.A. Sports Arena & Exposition Park with headliners Frank Ocean (Saturday) and Morrissey (Sunday). p. 78
AUG. 17-18 LITTLE LION MEN Mumford & Sons bring bluegrass and a banjo to the Forum. p. 80 THROUGH AUG. 30 SIGH NO MORE Independent Shakespeare Co. reimagines Much Ado About Nothing as a World War II-era drama. In Griffith Park. p. 80
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: JAKE AHLES; BEN GIBBS; COURTESY DOWNTOWN BURBANK PARTNERSHIP
AUG. 27-30 WINING AND DINING Foodie-beloved event Los Angeles Food & Wine features an impressive who’s who of culinary talent including Food Network faces and local favorites such as Michael Fiorelli (Love & Salt), Ray Garcia (Broken Spanish) and Neal Fraser (Redbird). Now in its fifth year, the epicurean festival offers an unmatched lineup of tastings, cooking demos, live music and exclusive chef-collaboration meals at top dining destinations across the city. The festival is headquartered in the heart of downtown L.A., and main events take place in front of Walt Disney Concert Hall. p. 78
AUG. 8 FROM TIME TO TIME LACMA hosts a 24-hour screening of Christian Marclay’s The Clock—a heady montage of a full day passing in real time that’s constructed from thousands of TV and cinema moments. p. 90
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THE BEST IN DINING, SHOPPING AND NIGHTLIFE
DINING
Open Season As you zip down Wilshire Boulevard, blink and you might miss Aestus, a seasonally driven restaurant that recently opened in the ground-floor space of an apartment building. But trust us: This is one dining destination you shouldn’t overlook. Executive chef Alex Ageneau crafts, cures and pickles all of his ingredients in-house and executes his New American fare with classic French and Italian techniques. His dinner menu features signature dishes like beef tartare with smoked beets and horseradish, while weekday lunch offerings might include squid-ink capellini with red crab, pomodoro and basil. The handsome dining room proves a classy setting for a business meeting, but if it’s of the sober variety, a return trip to sample bar director Marissa Grasmick’s cocktails (like the Pink Lady, pictured here) and owner-sommelier Kevin O’Connor’s Old and New World wine selections will be in order. 507 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 424.268.4433, aestusrestaurant.com
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Whole lobster at the Arthur J
OPPOSITE: ANDREA BRICCO, COURTESY AESTUS. FROM TOP: MARIE BUCK; CAMILLA BOTELHO
ALL IN THE FAMILY The man who helped turn Manhattan Beach into a hub for fine cuisine presents his latest restaurant: The Arthur J. Chefowner David LeFevre’s highly anticipated modern steakhouse opened in the seaside city in June, joining its successful older siblings, Manhattan Beach Post and Fishing With Dynamite. The restaurant’s namesake is Arthur J. Simms, the grandfather of LeFevre’s partners and a restaurateur behind the Kettle and Mimi’s Cafe. Simms was beloved for his warmth and hospitality, and his grandsons and LeFevre seem to be following in his footsteps. Served in a swanky midcentury-inspired dining room, the Arthur J’s dishes draw from an extensive selection of wet- and dry-aged USDA Prime and certified Angus beef, masterfully prepared on the kitchen’s massive wood-fired grill and accompanied by creative and classic appetizers and sides such as a chilled jumbo-shrimp cocktail and Swedish meatballs. 903 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.878.9620, thearthurj.com
Veggie-might One of plant-based cuisine’s biggest proponents (and talents), restaurateur Matthew Kenney brings uncommon sophistication to the plate with his new Venice restaurant, Plant Food and Wine. Boasting a chef’s garden growing alongside a beautiful secluded patio sheltered
by olive trees, the restaurant serves raw and cooked vegan fare such as cashew-macadamia nut cheeses and sprouted farro risotto with watercress, fava beans, radishes and sumac. Pair with a glass from an extensive organic and biodynamic selection, which is housed in a wine
room that’s also available for private parties. Hungry for more? Find a fast-casual iteration of Kenney’s concept, Make Out (p. 31), in Culver City—the first of many that Kenney’s planting across SoCal. 1009 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.450.1009, matthewkenneycuisine.com
Plant Food and Wine
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SHOPPING
Coming Up Roses When Paul McCartney, Gwyneth Paltrow and the British royal family need perfectly primped bouquets, they turn to floral mastermind Eric Buterbaugh, who earned a loyal following for his exquisite taste and careful attention to detail while running a floral-design business at L.A.’s Four Seasons Hotel. Now, the florist-to-the-stars has a fresh flagship boutique in West Hollywood: Eric Buterbaugh Florals. The whimsical new space boasts an art gallery and a garden blooming with violets, jasmine and gardenias. Also on offer? Buterbaugh and fragrance-industry expert Fabrice Croisé’s alluring new line of unisex, floral-inspired fragrances, which include Velvet Lavender and Regal Tuberose. 8271 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.651.9844, ebflorals.com
MORE NEW BLOOMS FLOWERBOY PROJECT Pictured above, from the Line Hotel designer Sean Knibb: a hybrid café, boutique (with Alchemy Works’ Lindsay and Raan Parton) and flower shop in Venice. 824 Lincoln Blvd., L.A., 310.452.3900 ISAROSE FLOWERS In Pacific Palisades, Scandal’s Joshua Malina and wife Melissa offer hostess-perfect floral arrangements and other gifts at their new boutique. 863 Swarthmore Ave., Ste. E, Pacific Palisades, 310.310.2802 LUNA GARDENS Luna Gardens caters to awards shows’ and film festivals’ floral needs; now it has a DIY flower bar in Westlake Village, too. 966 S. Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village, 805.230.1010
WELCOME, SAINTS AND SINNERS The Pig ‘n Whistle is a Hollywood institution; its front doors open wide to weary passers-by on the Walk of Fame. Until 9 pm every Friday, that is, when the locks click, and the space transforms into an exclusive new cocktail lounge, Confession. A discreet side entrance leads to a cozy back bar and
patio, where you can enjoy comfort-food bites and a cocktail menu by Frederic Vial (Mozza, Ysabel). Downstairs is a tiny speakeasy accessible strictly via invitation and password spoken through a slot in a door. No password? Travel down a candlelit corridor to the front Pig ‘n Whistle space, now
a dance club with an upstairs DJ booth, VIP seating and an actual confession booth (turned Twitter-friendly photo booth). The last feature seems fitting, since, at least in our experience, confessions and cocktails go hand in hand. 1666 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood, 323.463.0000, confessionla.com
BOTTOM LEFT: ROHELLE BRODIN PHOTOGRAPHY
NIGHTLIFE
Celestial Jasmine perfume at Eric Buterbaugh Florals
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angeles were just excited to have a few hours together. Of all the iconic ’90s shows that you were on, which one meant the most to you? Clarissa Explains It All was supermonumental for me because it was my first real guest-starring role. I love Melissa Joan Hart so much. We used to have slumber parties, and it was so awesome. Party of Five was my first job here, and I was meeting people like Lacey Chabert, who is still my friend. ... I’ve been very lucky. After Party of Five, you played Reba McEntire’s daughter on the WB’s Reba. What did you learn from her? She was so incredibly kind. Back then, I was 22 years old and broke up with my boyfriend every other day. She set a tone on set of incredible love and respect. She was even a bridesmaid at my wedding.
Q+A
FLYING HIGH Once upon a time, a girl from Tampa, Florida, knew she was destined to be an actress. Following appearances in commercials and on Nickelodeon, JoAnna Garcia Swisher departed for L.A. and “never looked back.” Today it seems as if the 35-yearold actress has always appeared on fan-favorite shows, including Gossip Girl and Once Upon a Time, and we predict similar success as she portrays Betty Grissom, wife of astronaut Gus Grissom, on ABC’s The Astronaut Wives Club. In real life, she’s married to baseball player Nick Swisher and is mom to 2-yearold daughter Emerson. The family travels between homes, social lives and careers in Cleveland, Tampa, Scottsdale and the Hollywood Hills, which makes us think we’ve found Garcia Swisher’s next project: modern-day fairy tale. —Jessica Radloff You had to cut your long hair for The Astronaut Wives Club. Difficult? I had a dark moment, but now I really like it. Any big look change I’ve ever had has been because of a job, so that and a bottle of wine have given me the courage!
You met the real Betty Grissom. What was that like? Amazing. I told her, “I want you to know that all I cared about was telling the story that you would want to be told.” She didn’t seem too terribly concerned about anything. We
Your husband, Nick Swisher, plays for the Cleveland Indians. As a baseball fan, what’s your ballpark preference: Dodger Stadium or Angel Stadium? Dodger Stadium is closer to my house, but I think Angel Stadium, because I’ve been there more—although I love a night out with my friends, which is usually Dodger Stadium. Proximity usually wins out. In your free time, where do you love to shop? Switch Beverly Hills, both locations: Bel-Air and Beverly Drive. My best girlfriends own it, and they just have this eye for fashion and make me take chances. What are your restaurant staples? Nobu is one of my favorites. I love Cuvée for lunch. Sunset Tower is great—anywhere I can get a nice glass of wine and some fresh food.
You have a horse, Dixie. Where do you love to go riding? I love riding the hills at Sunset Ranch. ... Dixie is, like, 400 years old and lives near Beachwood [Canyon]—she’s so awesome. Where do you take Emerson to play? We love Coldwater Canyon Park. All my girlfriends and their kids have playdates there. I love to go to The Grove on Friday nights for live music. The kids run around like chickens with their heads cut off, so it’s a fun time. We get out a lot—my child is uber-active! You’re incredibly passionate about animals. Tell us more. We rescued two of our dogs from Spot!, which is on La Cienega, but there’s so many [rescue organizations] that are doing a lot of great work. I also work with a lot of local vets because they see a lot of animals in need. If there’s a family that brings in a pet and they can’t afford the surgery, Nick and I are on the list to possibly pay for those surgeries. If we can do that, that’s something that we’re happy to do. DETAILS Angel Stadium 2000 E. Gene Autry Way, Anaheim, 714.940.2000 Coldwater Canyon Park 1100 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.285.6820 Cuvée 145 S. Robertson Blvd., L.A., 310.271.4333 Dodger Stadium 1000 Elysian Park Ave., L.A., 323.224.1507 The Grove 189 The Grove Drive, L.A., 323.900.8080 Nobu 22706 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.317.9140 Spot! 534 N. La Cienega Blvd., L.A., 310.275.2820 Sunset Ranch 3400 N. Beachwood Drive, L.A., 323.469.5450 Sunset Tower Hotel 8358 Sunset Blvd., L.A., 323.654.7100 Switch 238 S. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.860.1650; 2954 Beverly Glen Circle, Bel-Air, 424.832.3184
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Los Angeles may be the capital of entertainment, but it’s also a city that thrives on sports, the arts and a multicultural food scene. Plus, it has a fascinating history backed by an ever-evolving skyline and swaying fan palms. We’ve rounded up 10 top tours in L.A., from the new to the updated classics, that explore parts of Los Angeles hidden from plain sight. Draw back the curtain to discover a culturally rich city worthy of its own standing ovation. /// BY MARI NA CH ETN ER > Hollywood Hills Hiking Tour
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When in L.A., do as Angelenos do: Take a hike. If you’re not sure which of the county’s myriad trails to tackle, a good first step is to sign up for the Hollywood Hills Sunset Hike. An expert guide from Bikes and Hikes L.A. gets the group going from the Greek Theatre box office toward Griffith Park’s highest point, Mount Hollywood, while explaining the intriguing story of philanthropist Griffith J. Griffith, donor of the land. Continue on the 3-mile trail through the Berlin Forest, a gift from L.A.’s German sister city; wave to the Hollywood sign; see locations from Back to the Future and Who Framed Roger Rabbit?; and explore Griffith Observatory as the sun sets. Rated TripAdvisor’s No. 1 Outdoor Activity in L.A., BHLA’s tours also include bike tours of Hollywood and movie-star homes, as well as L.A. in a Day, which covers 32 miles. (Repeat customers score a 20 percent discount on any tour.) There are plenty of photo-perfect views along the way; tag photos with #BikesandHikesLA. Fun for everyone: solo travelers, families and groups. Cost: $52. 8743 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.796.8555, bikesandhikesla.com
> Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
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Take the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood to get an exclusive look at the studio’s backlot and soundstages, which house The Big Bang Theory and The Ellen DeGeneres Show’s sets. Guides chauffeur small groups in tour carts and stop at the Warner Bros. archive to show Batman and
Harry Potter memorabilia, the popping-atthe-seams Prop Department and the Picture Car Vault (aka Batcave)—a showcase of vehicles from all seven Batman movies. New this summer: interactive attraction Stage 48: Script to Screen, offered at the end of the two-hour tour. Allow at least an additional hour to immerse yourself in the full film- and television-production process. You can reenact a Friends scene on the iconic Central Perk set, design a Batmobile and “fly” on Harry’s broomstick for a photo op. Tour reservations are made in 30-minute blocks, seven days a week, starting at 8 am. Tickets: $62 (under 8 not admitted). Deluxe tours are also available. See p. 86.
> Melting Pot Food Tours’ Original Farmers Market Food & History Tour
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It’s easy to attribute L.A.’s flurry of farmers markets to today’s farm-totable trend, but they actually trace back to the Original Farmers Market near the Grove shopping complex. Back in 1934, the location was simply referred to as “3rd and Fairfax,” named for the intersection where farmers sold their produce from the backs of trucks. The area grew to include restaurants and boutiques, and today, remaining stalwarts include Patsy D’Amore’s Pizza, which recently celebrated its 75th anniversary, and Bob’s Coffee & Doughnuts, which boasts a perpetual line. This is where the Melting Pot Food Tours’ Farmers Market Tour starts, and not only do you get to taste a selection of treats, but you’ll also bypass those queues. The 2.5-hour walk provides an excellent
introduction to some of the 100-plus merchants and ample opportunities to meet their owners. Standouts include Loteria Grill tacos, Pampas Grill churrasco and Moishe’s Restaurant falafel. A scoop of homemade Bennett’s Ice Cream makes for a sweet endnote. Make sure to come with an empty stomach! Cost: $45-$59, under 5 free. See p. 97.
>Hollywood Forever Cemetery Walking Tour
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The most visited graves at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, says guide Karie Bible, are those of Italian-born actor Rudolph Valentino and guitarist Johnny Ramone. Most renowned celebrity? Toto, from The Wizard of Oz. There are plenty of other fascinating sights to see and factoids to learn while traversing the cemetery on a two-hour walk that Bible has been leading for 13 years. More mysterious than morbid, the tour peels back years of history and rumors to reveal intriguing details about these Hollywood stars—stories Bible gleaned from years of research. Want to know more about Virginia Rappe’s death, which led to the Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle scandal? Take the tour. Also available: The Jewish Heritage and Hidden Hollywood tours. Cost: $16. 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, 818.517.5988, cemeterytour.com
>The Dodger Stadium Tour
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Dodgers fans—OK, all sports fans—will love touring the landmark stadium that has borne witness to baseball milestones from Sandy Koufax’s
OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: COURTESY GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY; DEISSY FLORES; ROBERT ZIMIGA; COURTESY METRO; COURTESY WARNER BROS.; JON SOOHOO/L.A. DODGERS (2)
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TOP L.A. TOURS
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Clockwise from top left: Dodger Stadium’s giant bobbleheads; Griffith Observatory; a sight along the L.A. Conservancy’s Art Deco tour; Karie Bible, tour guide at Hollywood Forever Cemetery; the former Fred Harvey restaurant at Union Station; behind the scenes on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour; awards on display at Dodger Stadium
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>Starline Movie Locations Tour Presented With TCM
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Those more impressed with movie locations than celebrity homes will love this Starline tour, offered in partnership with Turner Classic Movies. The glassenclosed bus is customized with stadium seating and a mounted 65-inch TV showing video segments featuring TCM host Ben Mankiewicz. A live onboard guide synchronizes movie scenes with surrounding sights while adding colorful anecdotes throughout the three-hour drive. The 50-plus locations include Paramount Studios (remember
its Bronson Gate in the classic film Sunset Boulevard?); Hollywood Center Studios, where Mister Ed, Get Smart and I Love Lucy were filmed; popular movie settings like Park Plaza Hotel and Angelino Heights, seen in Fast & Furious, and downtown Los Angeles (a stand-in for Chicago, New York and Tokyo); and the site of L.A.’s first silent-film studios. Stretch your legs at the Bradbury Building (Blade Runner) and the 1939-built Union Station (The Dark Knight Rises, Catch Me If You Can and classic noir film Cry Danger). Tickets: $60-$75, including pickup from one of 250 hotels ($45-$60 without pickup). See p. 97.
> Art & Architecture Tour of Union Station
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Union Station, one of L.A.’s most glorious examples of Spanish Missionstyle architecture, celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2014, and, luckily, Metro continues to lead walking tours at the transportation hub. Metro Art Docent Council representatives meet groups at the information booth by the Alameda Street entrance before showing spaces not ordinarily accessed by the public: the historic ticketing area; the former Fred Harvey restaurant, designed by architect Mary Colter and still resplendent in travertine marble and decorated tiles; and the Metro Gateway Headquarters Building, whose murals by James Doolin depict how Los Angeles came to be. You’ll discover mosaics by metro entrances and even an
Clockwise from left: L.A. Conservancy’s Modern Skyline Walking Tour in downtown’s Central Business District; “Iron Man” at TCL Chinese Theatre on Starline’s Movie Locations Tour; Universal Studio Hollywood’s Nighttime Studio Tour
aquarium. Who knew there were alcoves with waterfalls hidden within this bustling expanse? Union Station tours run on the second Sunday and third Saturday of the month. Additionally, public tours of the art in the Metro Rail system are available on the first Saturday and Sunday of every month. Check website for schedule. Reservations not necessary. Free. 800 N. Alameda St., downtown, metro.net/about/art
>Universal Studios Nighttime Studio Tour
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Universal’s popular Studio Tour just got a revamp. Not only is it being offered at night this summer, but the ride also has an all-new high-tech grand finale: Fast & Furious—Supercharged. As with the day tour, you’ll drive through the backlot of the largest working movie studio and see Wisteria Lane from Desperate Housewives and Peter Jackson’s King Kong in 3D, as well as the attractions that come alive at night: Jaws’ scare factor goes from a 5 to
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: LARRY UNDERHILL; COURTESY TCM STARLINE; COURTESY UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD
perfect game in 1965 to Clayton Kershaw’s recent no-hitter. The 80-minute tour starts at the Top of the Park, set against a panoramic view of L.A., then continues to the Tommy Lasorda room, where a highlight reel celebrates moments leading up to the Dodgers’ 10,000 wins. Channel your inner Vin Scully in the Press Box, named for the famous sportscaster; check out a VIP suite (available to rent starting at $4,000); peek inside the historic visitors’ clubhouse; and prepare to be awed by the team’s collection of World Series trophies, as well as Most Valuable Player, Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards, in the memorabilia hall. The best part: hanging out in the dugout. The Stadium Tour is offered three times daily, year-round. Check dodgers.com/tours for more tour options. Tickets: $15-$20, under 4 free. See p. 96.
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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: LARRY UNDERHILL; COURTESY TCM STARLINE; COURTESY UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD
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a 10; Frankenstein’s monster haunts the dark streets of Little Europe; projection technology enlivens building facades; and War of the Worlds is a mess of steam and flashing police lights. The real buzz comes at the end, when Fast & Furious—Supercharged brings you face-to-face with Vin Diesel’s hologram before you’re swept up in a high-speed chase. The Nighttime Studio Tour transitions from the daytime tour at 6:30 pm and runs nightly through Aug. 17 then on weekends through Labor Day (Sept. 7). Pricing varies. See p. 86.
>San Antonio Winery Tour
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There’s nothing wrong with indulging in a tipple or two in the afternoon, especially if it’s in this downtown L.A. gem. Founded in 1917, San Antonio Winery is the oldest producing winery in the city and continues to be run by four generations of the Riboli family, which over the years has expanded the space to cover an entire block of Lamar Street. Complimentary tours
More to Explore
take wine lovers behind the scenes to see reams of wine-filled French oak barrels, the Heritage cellar and the bottling plant, which churns out 38,000 wine bottles per week. Popular wines include Maddalena, named after the wife of the owner, Steve; top-rated Opaque Darkness; and the 2010 San Simeon cabernet sauvignon, included by Wine Enthusiast in its top 100 wines of 2014. End the tour in the tasting room with three complimentary samples ($3 on Sundays) or an artisan tasting for $15. There’s also a large gift shop, a casual bistro and the old-school Italian-inspired Maddalena Restaurant (p. 67)—a nice option for brunch, lunch or dinner. 737 Lamar St., downtown, 323.223.1401, sanantoniowinery.com
> Los Angeles Conservancy Walking Tours
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The L.A. Conservancy was formed in the 1970s by loyalists fighting to save the Los Angeles Central Library from demolition (they won!). You might see this landmark, among many
others, as part of its walking tour program, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary. Of the eight docent-led walks, the two that bookend downtown’s legacy are the Downtown Renaissance and Modern Skyline tours, which explore architecture from the first and second half of the 20th century, respectively. Take advantage of the warmer weather with the Modern by Moonlight Tour (the evening version of Modern Skyline, 7 pm), and explore Bunker Hill’s illuminated plazas and skyscrapers before ending at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel’s sky-high lounge for cocktails with a glittery view. Downtown Renaissance and Art Deco tours run on alternate Wednesdays as part of the Downtown at Sunset Tours program (5:30 pm). Other tours include Angelino Heights, Broadway Historic Theatre and Commercial District, Historic Downtown, Millennium Biltmore Hotel and Union Station. Check website for tours and times, and share your photos using #walkDTLA. Cost: $5-$10. See p. 97.
BEEN THERE, SEEN THAT? CHECK OUT THESE OTHER GREAT L.A. TOURS
TCL Chinese Theatres Tour
See costumes from The Wizard of Oz, Gone With the Wind and more on this walking tour as a guide whisks you into a world of movie premieres and tells stories behind the forecourt’s famous hand and footprints (left). Cost: $6.50-$13.50. 6925 Hollywood Blvd., L.A., 323. 463.9576, tclchinesetheatres.com
Paramount After Dark Tour
Toast dusk with Champagne before setting off, flashlight in hand, on a guided tour that explores historic soundstages, vintage-film vaults and hidden passageways in Paramount Pictures Studios, the oldest operating—and only remaining—major studio in Hollywood. Cost: $78. See p. 86.
Malibu Wine Trail Tour
Malibu Discovery’s marquee tour takes you through Malibu’s vineyards, stopping at three tasting rooms where you can sample locally produced wines and capping off the afternoon with lunch by the ocean. Cost: $169. See p. 97.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: COURTESY ERICK MARTINEZ; COURTESY SAN ANTONIO WINERY; COURTESY MELTING POT FOOD TOURS; ISTOCK.COM/KARANDAEV; COURTESY TCL CHINESE THEATRE
Clockwise from left: The Hollywood Hills Hiking Tour offers impressive views of L.A.; downtown’s San Antonio Winery; a dish sampled during Melting Pot Food Tours’ tour of the Original Farmers Market
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NORTH THE BORDER OF
Lobster tacos at Cascabel
Though hardly new to L.A.’s dining scene, Mexican food is being touted as “the next big thing.” Joining the county’s perennial favorites is a fresh crop of restaurants where talented young chefs are drawing from Mexico’s traditional and contemporary cuisine to create sophisticated dishes that blend authenticity and innovation. by ROGER GRODY
recently referred to Los Angeles as the “northern capital of Latin America.” But despite its history and geography—and having the largest Mexican-American community in the United States—L.A. long had a reputation for producing Mexican fare targeted to Anglo Angelenos’ restricted comfort zone. The county’s Mexican food is evolving as talented local chefs seek inspiration south of the border. Still popular, however, are comforting old-school haunts like El Coyote, where regulars have been lining up for strong margaritas and pork enchiladas since 1931. Casa Vega, a 60-year-old San Fernando Valley institution, is beloved for its tortilla soup and lobster enchiladas. And El Cholo (whose original location debuted when Calvin Coolidge was president) remains a crowd-pleaser, especially for its seasonal green-corn tamales.
BRIDGING THE GAP Josef Centeno, a major player on downtown’s dining scene, presents a more contemporary take on Mexican cooking at Bar Amá, a hip eatery named after his great-grandmother. Here,
Centeno offers his modern interpretation of the Tex-Mex food he grew up with: cashewpoblano queso, steak ranchero and fried baby-back ribs. Shuttering after 40 years of operation was El Conquistador in Silver Lake, its kitschloaded space transformed into trendier El Cóndor. Operated by the folks behind L&E Oyster Bar, El Cóndor features a menu that blends El Conquistador’s Tex-Mex style with a more adventuresome take on Mexican cuisine. Crimini mushrooms and cuitlacoche (a corn fungus sometimes referred to as “Mexican truffles”) are folded into quesadillas or stuffed into tacos with housemade salsa and squash blossoms, paired with pricy mezcals or La Llorona cocktails (mezcal, ginger beer, hibiscus and pineapple).
AUTHENTICITY THRIVES Despite the liberties taken with Mexican cooking in L.A., traditional regional cuisine is also appreciated. Guelaguetza is where Angelenos get their fix of authentic mole, the signature sauce of Oaxaca. Some moles require manipulation of as many as 50 ingredients, and this Koreatown restaurant has not only
earned citywide acclaim, but a James Beard Award as well. Another Oaxacan specialist is West L.A.’s Monte Alban, which turns out soulful moles and tlayudas, the region’s version of a pizza. In Boyle Heights, La Serenata has been serving regional favorites from Puebla, the Yucatán Peninsula and Mexico City for 30 years.
A MODERN APPROACH The recent uptick in contemporary, upscale venues is changing local perceptions of Mexican cuisine. Former Top Chef contestant Alex Eusebio, who operates a charming Toluca Lake café called Sweetsalt, has opened Cascabel down the street, where the chef turns out a modern Latin cuisine with influences from Mérida to Madrid. Tacos are stuffed with the likes of duck confit, Brussels sprouts with artichoke hearts and slaw, and lobster with citrus, crème fraîche and caviar. Eusebio also prepares ceviches, Veracruzstyle snapper and mussels spiked with pisco. Part of the burgeoning Blackhouse Hospitality family of restaurants—the predominantly South Bay-centric collection includes Little Sister, Abigaile and Steak & Whisky— Día de Campo showcases an exciting,
JON VISCOTT
OLD SCHOOL Mayor Eric Garcetti
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Día de Campo
WHERE TO GO Bar Amá, 118 W. 4th St., downtown, 213.687.8002 Broken Spanish, 1050 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.749.1460 B.S. Taqueria, 514 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.622.3744 Casa Vega, 13301 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, 818.788.4868 Cascabel, 10717 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake, 818.927.4210 Día de Campo, 1238 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach, 310.379.1829 El Cholo, 1121 S. Western Ave., L.A., 323.734.2773; other locations El Cóndor, 3701 Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake, 323.660.4500 El Coyote, 7312 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.939.2255 Guelaguetza, 3014 W. Olympic Blvd., L.A., 213.427.0608 La Casita Mexicana, 4030 E. Gage Ave., Bell, 323.773.1898 La Serenata, 1842 E. 1st St., L.A., 323.265.2887; 10924 W. Pico Blvd., West L.A., 310.441.9667 Mexicano, Baldwin Hills Crenshaw shopping center, 3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., L.A., 323.296.0798 Monte Alban, 11929 Santa Monica Blvd., West L.A., 310.444.7736 Pez Cantina, 401 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.258.2280 Solita Tacos & Margaritas, 24201 Valencia Blvd., Valencia, 661.291.1399 Toca Madera, 8450 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.852.9400
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innovative brand of Mexican cooking in nolonger-sleepy Hermosa Beach. The trendy spot, which features cushy red-leather club chairs and sofas draped in Mexican blankets, is ideal for sampling chocolate-duck quesadillas with salsa negra and tamarind, a wide selection of ceviches and queso fundido with chunks of pork belly and pineapple. Wash it all down with wine from the Baja Peninsula, sangria or well-crafted margaritas, then finish with churros or a potted tres leches cake with sea salt and chili powder. Recently opened near the Beverly Center is Toca Madera, where chef Raymond Alvarez (formerly of Border Grill) offers “barriostyle fine dining” that adds modern twists to rustic, traditional dishes. Sustainable seafood and organic, locally sourced ingredients are incorporated into a menu that features cochinita pibil or Ensenada-style fish tacos, sashimi with habanero-lime jelly, adobo steak and dulce de leche fondue. Like its menu, Toca Madera’s setting combines rusticity and sex appeal, with a 100-foot crystal-quartz bar, plush banquettes and tables spilling out onto a patio that has a retractable roof. Relatively new to downtown’s Bunker Hill is Pez Cantina, a sleek eatery specializing in Mexican coastal cuisines. Begin with “pez and chips,” a Mexican take on the British staple coated with a Pacifico beer batter, or a chilled shrimp-and-octopus cocktail. For coastally themed tacos, tortillas are topped with scallops, shrimp or oysters, but landfall beckons with carne asada and crispy sweetbreads. The restaurant—a soaring, azure space—features contemporary lighting fixtures that include a chandelier from which a massive school of fish swims through the air. Also downtown is the highly anticipated Broken Spanish, which opened near Staples Center in June. In an elegant atmosphere, classically trained native-Angeleno chef Ray Garcia offers his interpretation of Mexican cuisine, pairing traditional preparations with contemporary approaches and local flavors. You might begin with the corazón asado (duck hearts, orange and spring onion) then follow with a fava bean, Swiss chard and hoja santa tamale served with Sungold salsa, or a whole red snapper with leeks, green Clamato, clams and avocado. Nearby, Garcia also helms new B.S. Taqueria, whose casual, colorful setting offers the right vibe for lemon-pepper chicken chicharrones, clam-and-lardo
tacos or cactus salad. Masa-ball soup brings some deli fun into the equation, and traditional churros are dipped into chile de árbol-spiked chocolate sauce for dessert. For dinner, rotating “plus size” dishes include guajillo chicken, mushroom tamales and birria (goat). The two venues suddenly give young Garcia, formerly at the Fairmont Miramar’s Fig in Santa Monica, a major presence in DTLA.
FAR-AND-WIDE Off the radar of most Westside diners, but worth a drive, is La Casita Mexicana in the blue-collar community of Bell. There, chefs Jaime Martin Del Campo and Ramiro Arvizu—“Jaime and Ramiro” to friends and regulars—turn out a beguiling cuisine that includes pistachio mole and fish enchiladas with pumpkin-seed sauce. The partners have now opened Mexicano at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw shopping center, which is already home to celebrity chef Govind Armstrong’s Post & Beam. The Mexicano dining room’s modernhacienda design features Mexican tile, wrought iron and an expansive folk mural over the bar. Starters from the two chefs— who met as airline executives 20 years ago and can almost pass as twin brothers— include items like Nayarit cod ceviche and cooked-to-order tamales. Shredded chicken, poblano chilies, cream and mushrooms go into pechugas de pollo, a simmering dish that combines elements of Mexican and French cuisines. On weekends, the house specialty of chile en nogada (a poblano chili overstuffed with ground pork, dried fruit, walnuts and candied cactus) is presented, bathed in pecan cream with pomegranate seeds. The bar, whose own menu offers everything from tequila-infused guacamole to miniature shrimp-stuffed peppers, serves traditional margaritas, mezcal cocktails and raspado allegre (alcoholic, flavored shaved ice). Most L.A. foodies rarely step foot in the 661 area code, but the expansion of Orange County’s highly respected Solita Tacos & Margaritas is a good reason to make the trek north on the I-5 to Valencia. Check out its tacos and fresh-made guacamole, as well as smoked and grilled chipotle-rubbed beef ribs with a special house glaze. On Taco & Tequila Tuesdays, guests can opt for a flight of exotically flavored margaritas or enjoy a snifter of 1942 Don Julio tequila with a housemade “sangrita.”
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experience world-famous Hollywood Hollywood & Highland features the Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards®, and is steps away from landmarks such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame. With world-class shopping and dining, red carpet movie premieres, and celebrated live theater, it’s the ultimate entertainment destination.
CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN DAVE & BUSTER'S | FOREVER 21 HARD ROCK CAFE | LOUIS VUITTON L’OCCITANE | LUCKY STRIKE LANES MAC | OHM NIGHTCLUB | SEPHORA S TARBUCKS | TCL CHINESE THEATRES VICTORIA’S SECRET
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where abouts
ca
Los Angeles is the most populous county in the nation and among the most culturally diverse. Its 4,000 square miles encompass dozens of cities and more than 200 neighborhoods, each with its own vibe. The pages that follow will guide you through the most visited among them, pointing out starring attractions and uncovering hidden gems along the way.
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NEIGHBORHOOD INDEX
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BEVERLY HILLS
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HOLLYWOOD
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PASADENA
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SANTA MONICA
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DOWNTOWN
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THE VALLEY
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WEST HOLLYWOOD
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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.
➺It’s only five square miles, but Beverly Hills looms large in pop culture as a posh locale that boasts 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 mansionbuilding 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. 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 5 square miles. Among the more storied and oft-filmed estates nestled in the hills is the 19th-century English Revival-style Greystone Park & Mansion, whose graceful city-owned 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 boulevards and Cañon Drive. Burberry, Saint Laurent and Gucci each recently debuted new or renovated flagships on Rodeo, reminding retailers that 90210 is still the most prestigious ZIP code in the States. Ascend the Italian-esque side street to fine-art destination Galerie Michael and 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 Drive. Continuing west, pass Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and recently revamped 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 two of the entertainment businesses based
here. Rub shoulders with the power-lunchers at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon or Wolfgang Puck’s legendary Spago on Cañon, or grab dinner and a jazz performance at Spaghettini & the Dave Koz Lounge just up 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. There is even more cultural programming at the new Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, which transforms the historic Beverly Hills Post Office into an entertainment destination.
Century City
Heading west from Beverly Hills on Santa Monica Boulevard, you enter the 0.7-squaremile modern acropolis of Century City. ICM Partners and Creative Artists Agency are located here, as is a Fox Studios lot and countless legal, financial, entertainment and hospitality firms. But those outside the biz won’t be excluded. 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.
from left: courtesy beverly hills cvb; edwin santiago. opposite: matt hartman
some of the priciest mansions in L.A. County, not to mention the world’s most recognizable ZIP code. Rodeo Drive, perhaps the world’s most famous shopping street, offers virtually every label worth its logo.
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new in town Diptyque
The French fragrance brand opens an olfactory paradise in the 90210. 312 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.385.5941
Drybar
The beauty-bar pioneer brings its blowouts to beauty lovers at its 42nd location. 452 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.359.6419
Edward Cella Art + Architecture
The contemporary art gallery moves from Miracle Mile to Blum & Poe’s former space in Culver City’s Arts District. 2754 S. La Cienega Blvd., L.A., 323.525.0053
Make Out
Plant-based chef Matthew Kenney brings healthy fastcasual cuisine to Culver City diners on-the-go. 9426 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, 310.280.9355
Storefronts along North Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Opposite, from left: welcome to Beverly Hills; the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
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The pedestrian-friendly Westwood Village features independent shops and cafés among its Mediterranean Revival and art deco buildings.
The Culver City station on the Metro Expo Line
Nearby on Constellation Boulevard, epicures are drawn to Tom Colicchio’s Craft and Hinoki & the Bird, inside the towering residential complex the Century. (Candy Spelling claims the top two floors.) 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 at UCLA and the outdoor Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden in the north campus, the planetarium on the south campus and the 7-acre Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Gardens. The free Hammer Museum is nearby and houses Impressionist paintings as well as cutting-edge contemporary works. Paid parking is available in UCLA lots and structures throughout the 419-acre campus.
Just south of the campus, the pedestrianfriendly Westwood Village features independent shops and cafés among its Mediterranean Revival and art deco buildings, as well as two landmark movie theaters at the intersection of Broxton and Weyburn avenues: the 1936 marquee-wrapped Bruin theater, and the Fox theater across the street. Built circa 1931, the Fox is a favorite for movie premieres and thus prime star-spotting territory. Another don’t-miss venue is the award-winning Geffen Playhouse, located on Le Conte Avenue in one of the oldest buildings in Westwood.
Culver City
Covering 5 square miles about 4 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
/city slickers
➺Less Rodeo Drive, more “rodeo,” Beverly Hills’ new leather-goods boutique has brought the spirit of Manifest Destiny to the Golden Triangle. West is a Westerninspired store for luxe-loving cowboys. The new shop carries iconic American and Italian brands—including Lucchese, Stallion and Alberto Fasciani—some of which have roots stretching back to the 1800s. Saunter in and you’ll find an impressive selection of handmade leather boots, sterling-silver belt buckles and high-end rustic jewelry. Many of the exquisitely made products in stock are exclusive to West. And we’d venture a guess that it’s the only shop in the 90210 where you’ll find pocket knives made from fossilized woolly-mammoth teeth and brain coral. 9528 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.470.9063, westbh.com —G.G.
matt hartman
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Westwood Village
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 Expo Line, a Metro light rail that traverses from Culver City to Exposition Park and the University of Southern California to 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 on Washington. In 1924, the site became Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios. Classics including The Wizard of Oz would eventually be filmed on its movie lots. (News reports of the time indicate that the “Munchkins” partied hard during their stay at the Culver Hotel.) Today, Culver City’s screen culture is still going strong, with the TV series Cougar Town among the productions recently filmed 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 the Sony Pictures Studio Tour. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see page 100.
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exploring
Santa Monica Santa Monica has the approachable vibe of a beach town with the attractions of a major city. Malibu, Venice and marina del rey are appealing options nearby.
➺In the 1800s, a real estate agent called Santa Monica “the Zenith City by the Sunset Sea.” The 21st-century
version of Santa Monica fulfills its early promise with a bustling downtown and beach that attract millions of visitors per year. Pacific Coast Highway connects SaMo with draws such as Malibu and Marina del Rey. Third Street Promenade, three pedestrianonly blocks on 3rd Street between Broadway and 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. If they don’t refuel at the many eateries along the Promenade, visitors can venture to the surrounding blocks to Mercado or the Misfit, and enjoy drinks at The Bungalow or the many pubs such as Ye Olde King’s Head that hint at Santa Monica’s large population of British expats. Anchoring the promenade at Broadway is Santa Monica Place, a beautiful open-air shopping center with Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, 80 boutiques and the 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 such as JET John Eshaya. Santa Monica Pier, built in 1909, is at the end of Colorado Avenue and features Pacific Park, a mini amusement park with food stands and rides, including a solar-powered, LED-lit Ferris wheel.
Main Street + Montana Avenue
Compared with the hustle and bustle of Third Street Promenade, Montana Avenue is downright tranquil. Between 6th and 17th streets are plenty of fashionable boutiques, including Moondance and Clare V. Father’s Office is known for its stellar burger, new Ox & Son is tops for dining; dessert lovers might venture to Sweet Lady Jane for its famous cakes. Just minutes south of downtown Santa Monica, Main Street exudes a beachyupscale vibe. The long stretch between Pico Boulevard and Rose Avenue contains a number of galleries, pubs, restaurants including Chinois on Main, and shops such as Lost & Found and Planet Blue. The California Heritage Museum is in a transplanted Victorianera 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 entertain-
ment is at the Broad Stage, Santa Monica College’s first-rate, 499-seat performing arts, film, dance and theater venue. As L.A. has emerged as a fine-arts capital, the campuslike Bergamot Station arts center on Michigan Avenue has become an important destination. It’s home to some 30 galleries and a café.
Malibu
Twenty miles north of Santa Monica on Pacific Coast Highway is Malibu. Formerly known as Rancho Malibu, Malibu’s land was once so coveted that May K. Rindge, who took ownership of it in 1905 after the death of her scion husband, used armed guards to defend it from trespassers. In the 1920s, Rindge’s hefty legal bills, racked up from fighting developers, forced her to invite stars to live in Malibu Colony in the 1920s, and the legacy of Malibu as celebrity-home central continues today. Many of Malibu’s best destinations are visible from PCH, including renowned 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
top left and opposite: dale berman
Third Street + the Pier
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new in town Nasty Gal
The trendy, fashionforward e-tailer opens its second—and biggest—brick-andmortar location. 1254 3rd St. Promenade, Santa Monica, 310.566.1700
Baltaire
Chicago chef Travis Strickland is behind this classy reimagining of a steakhouse in Brentwood. 11647 San Vicente Blvd., L.A., 424.273.1660
Christian Louboutin
The French designer brings his red-soled shoes to the Brentwood Country Mart’s chic barn. 225 26th St., Santa Monica, 424.354.4199
. The Getty Center in Brentwood. Opposite, from left: Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica; Santa Monica State Beach
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Malibu’s land was once so coveted that heiress May K. Rindge, who took ownership of it in 1905, used armed guards to defend it from trespassers.
is also coming up, thanks to the emergence of hot restaurants such as Superba Snack Bar, a smattering of hip shops and industrial-chic lofts. Looky-loos stroll Ocean Front Walk to ogle the vendors and performers, or bodybuilders at Muscle Beach.
Brentwood
Skateboarders take a break at Venice Beach
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, is wine country. Malibu Discovery offers tours of the region, with stops at tasting rooms such as Malibu Wines and Sip Malibu.
Topanga + Pacific Palisades
In the 1960s, hippies and musicians such as Neil Young hid out in idyllic Topanga, accessed by Topanga Canyon Boulevard from Pacific Coast Highway. Removed from urban activity, it retains its bohemian vibe and independently owned businesses. Hiking trails allow visitors to bask in Topanga’s woodsy beauty, and restaurants such as Inn of the Seventh Ray accommodate creekside dining. There’s more than initially meets the eye in seemingly sleepy, family-friendly Pacific
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Palisades, south of Topanga on PCH and accessed from Temescal Canyon Road. Hikers love the shady trails in Temescal Gateway Park, and cafés and upscale momand-pop shops can be found between Via de la Paz and Monument Street near Sunset Boulevard. The Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine on Sunset is a 10-acre oasis with a lush garden and koi- and swan-filled lake. The crown jewel of “the Palisades” is the Getty Villa. Styled as a Julius Caesar-era villa, it’s filled with Greco-Roman antiquities.
Venice
Abbot Kinney 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 million-dollar bungalows. His namesake Abbot Kinney Boulevard is Venice’s coolest section, where Gjelina, Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea and boutiques such as Alexis Bittar and Huset are the main attractions. Rose Avenue
Reese Witherspoon, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner are some of the celebrities said to live in this affluent enclave northeast of Santa Monica. San Vicente Boulevard functions as the neighborhood’s main street, with copious independent shops, bakeries, cafés 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, 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 celebrates its 50th birthday this year. Its main attraction is the marina, the largest man-made small-craft harbor in the world. Restaurants such as Cast & Plow and casual Tony P’s are positioned to take advantage of the views. For an up-close look at the harbor’s marine life, rent kayaks from Marina del Rey Boat Rentals. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see page 100.
/ unwind and unplug
Unplug Meditation, a Brentwood studio with a modern take on guided meditation. During 30- or 45-minute classes, teachers employ such techniques as breath work and visualization to lead you to a state of harmonious bliss. Pre-register or simply drop in—you need only arrive in comfortable clothes (mats are provided), and first-timers are welcome. And don’t worry about showering afterward, since you’ll get all the relaxation of a yoga workout without the sweat. Founded by Suze Yalof Schwartz, a former fashion editor who wanted to create the “Drybar of meditation,” Unplug is a tranquil retreat in the middle of a busy city. 12401 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 101, 310.826.8899, L.A., unplugmeditation.com —L.W.
top: Angela DeCenzo
➺Are you harried? Drained? Always on the go? Recharge your mind and body at
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L.A.’s quintessentiAL
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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 number of world-class art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, nightclubs and theaters, it’s a frequent destination for locals and tourists alike. 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 here rocks with many legendary establishments. The Roxy, the Whisky a Go Go and the Viper Room have a long history of hosting performances from rock ‘n’ roll’s finest. Other Sunset Strip nightclubs include Rock & Reilly’s and newer 1 OAK. The Comedy Store continues to showcase the leading names in stand-up as well as emerging stars. During the day, boutiques such as 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 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-the-minute fashion, check out the collections at Zadig & Voltaire 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.
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, cafés and coffeehouses interspersed with tattoo parlors and vintage shops. Stores such as Wasteland have wild facades 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 the Row, Monique Lhuillier and Isabel Marant.
West Hollywood Design District Melrose Avenue’s massive Pacific Design Center is the hub of L.A.’s flourishing art, fashion and design district, formerly known as the Avenues, which runs along the pedestrian-friendly retail corridors of Melrose and Beverly and Robertson boulevards. The complex itself—monolithic blue, green and red buildings designed by celebrated architect Cesar Pelli—is itself noteworthy, and its 1.2 million square feet house 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 restau-
dale berman (2). opposite: dave lauridsen
Sunset Strip
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NEW IN TOWN Clare V.
The hip L.A.-based accessories designer opens her third local spot, selling her signature clutches, totes and fanny packs. 619 N. Croft Ave., West Hollywood, 323.592.3115
The Barrel Room The Lore Group’s new venture on the Sunset Strip is a Wild West-themed, whiskey-happy man cave. 8913 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.360.1400
Jon & Vinny’s
The renowned duo behind Animal branch out with a familyfriendly Italian restaurant offering pasta, pizza and even breakfast. 412 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A., 323.334.3369
Chris Burden’s installation Urban Light at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Opposite, from left: Farmers Market; Topshop at the Grove
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M
The Row on Melrose Place, one of Los Angeles’ most exclusive shopping areas
rants, 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, Giuseppe Zanotti, True Religion Brand Jeans, Uniqlo, Maje and Sandro boutiques are among more than 160 establishments drawing consumers. On West 3rd Street east of Beverly Center, you’ll find favorite boutiques such as BedHead for chic pajamas, OK for designminded gifts and Duncan Quinn for bespoke tailored suits. The many great dining options include Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo’s Son of a Gun, plus a branch of Magnolia Bakery. On Beverly Boulevard, you can browse vintage couture at Beige or high-end home decor and accessories at Garde. Afterward, you can experience market-fresh American cuisine at Cooks County or hearty Italian on the romantic patio at Dominick’s.
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Robertson Boulevard
Beverly Hills may be the county’s toniest shopping district, but Robertson Boulevard is not far behind, particularly if you’re young and hot and have your own reality show. The celebutante set hits Rebecca Taylor for 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
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 mul-
/ purely pretty
➺Touted as “where Parisian chic meets green California,” West Hollywood beauty
boutique The Detox Market stocks only eco-friendly and nontoxic products—and all offerings have been rigorously tested both for integrity and quality. A passion project for organic skin-care line Odacite founders Valérie Grandury and Romain Gaillard, the market came to be when Grandury, a breast cancer survivor, set about detoxifying her life and sharing her findings with those around her. The resulting store’s shelves display a bevy of high-end indulgences: luxurious Kjaer Weis makeup; handmade-in-Soho Lurk perfumes; Moon Juice magic “dust” supplements; and much more. Finally, you don’t have to choose between looking good and good-foryou. 8380 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.782.0421, thedetoxmarket.com —G.G.
tifaceted 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 more recent 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 on 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 traditional 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, taqueria 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 a central fountain. Nordstrom, a movie theater and stores such as Topshop Topman are joined by myriad restaurants. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of West Hollywood, see pages 100-101.
from top: courtesy the row; courtesy the detox market
Beverly Hills may be the toniest shopping district in L.A., but Robertson Boulevard is not far behind.
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MEMORIES MADE FRESH DAILY FROM AN 81 YEAR–OLD FAMILY RECIPE.
LOS ANGELES’ FAVORITE SHOPPING & DINING DESTINATION SINCE 1934 Since its inception, The Original Farmers Market has delivered exceptional shopping, fresh food and fond memories. This Southern California landmark features open-air ambiance and an ecletic mix of over 100 specialty shops, artisan grocers, and world-class restaurants — many of which are still owned and operated by generations-old family merchants. We invite you to visit one of the city’s most iconic destinations, made from the timeless ingredients of family, friends and fun.
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EXPLORING
Hollywood HOLLYWOOD IS IN THE MIDST OF A NEW GOLDEN AGE, AND ITS HIP, UP-AND-COMING NEIGHBORS LOS FELIZ, SILVER LAKE AND ECHO PARK SHARE IN THE LIMELIGHT.
➺“Hollywood is a state of mind” was a popular refrain when this part of Los Angeles was in the midst of Hollywood + Highland
Hollywood & Highland has been a catalyst for the rebirth of Hollywood Boulevard. Its Dolby Theatre is the home of the Academy Awards, and 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”). Other draws include Ohm nightclub, fun dining spots and shops such as Sweet! candy store and Louis Vuitton. Next door to Hollywood & Highland is the TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman’s Chinese Theatre), famous for its celebrity handprints embedded in the concrete 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 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 and classic fare. The landmark Pantages Theatre has staged megahit musicals including The Book of Mormon and Wicked, and the Hollywood Palladium has a rich history of showcasing headlining musicians.
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 museums, but don’t expect to encounter Picasso or Monet. Next to TCL Chinese Theatre is Madame Tussauds
Hollywood, filled with more than 100 wax figures ranging from legends Clark Gable and Audrey Hepburn to contemporary stars such as Taylor Swift and Jimmy Fallon. You can ponder some zany accomplishments at the Guinness World Record Museum, while the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium offers bizarre exhibitions on double-headed animals and shrunken human heads. Movie buffs head to the Hollywood Museum in the historic Max Factor Building, which displays 10,000 artifacts showcasing 100 years of showbiz history, including Indiana Jones’ whip and the honeymoon dress worn by Marilyn Monroe after she married Joe DiMaggio.
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 Hollywood today, but the magic of this location endures in the soaring W Hollywood Hotel & Residences, which boasts Delphine brasserie. A Metro station is integrated into the hotel; Hollywood is particularly well served by mass
FROM LEFT: LISA ROMEREIN; DALE BERMAN. OPPOSITE: EDWIN SANTIAGO
its decline not long ago. But with hot new boutiques, restaurants, hotels and condos sprouting up, it has re-emerged as a bona fide destination, and waves of international visitors mingle with colorful locals.
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NEW IN TOWN Birch
Chef Brendan Collins’ new flagship pairs eclectic small plates with pictureperfect cocktails in the Cahuenga Corridor. 1634 N. Cahuenga Blvd., L.A., 323.960.3369
Knuckle & Claw
Fresh East Coast lobster rolls are the stars at this new Silver Lake eatery. 3112 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A., 323.407.6142
SoulCycle
The indoor-cycling hot spot adds a new studio for spinning enthusiasts—its seventh L.A. location. 6201 Hollywood Blvd., L.A., 323.462.7685
Hollywood Pantages Theatre. Opposite, from left: eclectic gifts at Soap Plant/ Wacko in Los Feliz; performers and onlookers on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
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The largest urban park in America, sprawling Griffith Park is an ideal place to hike, picnic, golf, ride horses and more.
Visitors ride a miniature train on the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad
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 cool 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
Los Feliz + Silver Lake
These neighborhoods are among the hippest 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
Griffith Park
Among the largest urban parks in America, Griffith Park is an ideal place to hike, take a train ride, picnic, golf and more. The Charlie Turner Trailhead begins at Griffith Observatory, one of the great planetariums in the world and a frequent film location. The hike up Mount Hollywood provides views of the Hollywood sign, and the Greek Theatre, a 5,700-seat amphitheater, is a legendary music venue. Also located here are the 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 page 101.
/ surf’s up
➺ Silver Lake’s leafy hills are some 20 miles removed from L.A.’s sandy coastline, but they’re home to one of the West’s top beach-bum outfitters: Mollusk Surf Shop. Founded by surfer and designer John McCambridge and his wife, Johanna St. Clair, the brand expanded from its San Francisco base to Venice and, last fall, a third outpost, on Sunset Boulevard. Like its brethren, the new shop offers surfers and other free spirits a spot to hang out and shop for boards by premier shapers; Cali-made, ‘60s-inspired men’s and women’s beachwear and gear (mostly under the Mollusk label); and works by its friends, including musician and artist Kyle Field and renowned surf photographer Thomas Campbell. Grab a board—Mollusk’s making waves. 3511 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A., 323.928.2735, mollusksurfshop.com —S.E.
FROM TOP: DALE BERMAN; WILL ADLER
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the guise of literary advancement at librarythemed Hemingway’s and attempt to get past the velvet rope at Playhouse (or try 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 September. Picnicking under the stars here is among the most memorable experiences in L.A. Nearby is the historic Ford Amphitheatre, which is closed for the 2015 summer season as it undergoes major renovations.
as Rockwell represent the neighborhood’s increasing sophistication. A once-forgotten stretch of Hollywood Boulevard in Los Feliz now houses boutiques such as Paper Moon Vintage 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, 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. Farther east on Sunset Boulevard, chic handbags at the Clare V. flagship beckon.
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©2014 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. 14-ADV-15836
©2014 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. 14-ADV-15836
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EXPLORING
Downtown L.A.’S URBAN CENTER REFLECTS THE CULTURAL DIVERSITY, WORLD-CLASS ARCHITECTURE AND DYNAMIC COMMERCE THAT MAKE THE CITY A SUPERSTAR ON THE GLOBAL STAGE.
➺Downtown Los Angeles could not be hotter, with new restaurants and shops opening daily. Historic art
deco structures share the streetscape with glass-clad towers, and even movie stars are snapping up lofts in century-old buildings. The arts scene roars to life here, where the image of L.A. as “laid-back” hardly applies. 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 the station, which celebrated its 75th anniversary last year, 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 connect to the Blue Line to Long Beach or Expo Line to Culver City. The Gold Line runs to Pasadena. Nonstop bus service to LAX is available 24/7. Metrolink commuter trains connect distant suburbs, and Amtrak trains offer scenic coastal journeys.
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 lauded Walt Disney Concert Hall, winter 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 visual, media and performing 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.
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 (dormant at press time) that climbs to California Plaza from Hill Street below, is billed as “The Shortest Railway in the World.” 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 art deco-style Los Angeles Public Library.
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 49 cents.
Historic Districts
Undergoing a renaissance is the Broadway Theatre District, home to once-opulent movie palaces. Several, such as the United Artists theater (now the stylish Theatre at Ace Hotel), have been revived or restored to their original grandeur. Hip shops such as Acne Studios and Aesop lend cachet to the area. The Bradbury Building, built in 1893 in the Italian Renaissance Revival style, was featured in the film Blade Runner.
FROM LEFT: MATT HARTMAN; LISA ROMEREIN. OPPOSITE: DALE BERMAN
Union Station
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NEW IN TOWN
Café Gratitude
The popular café brings its organic, plant-based cuisine to the Arts District. 300 S. Santa Fe Ave., downtown, 213.929.5580
Grand Central Market
Bombo’s broth-based seafood dishes and La Tostadería’s gourmet ceviche debut at the historic market. 317 S. Broadway, downtown, 213.624.2378
A.P.C.
Due open at press time, the French fashion brand’s DTLA shop joins hip neighbors Aesop and Acne Studios near Ace Hotel. 125 W. 9th St., downtown
K.G. Louie Co.’s storefront in Chinatown. Opposite, from left: Grand Park and City Hall; sweets from Bottega Louie on South Grand Avenue
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Downtown’s heritage as a mercantile center can still be experienced in its historic shopping districts, popular with bargain hunters.
Geffen Contemporary, a branch of MOCA, is next door. At 2nd and Main streets is the former St. Vibiana’s cathedral, now home to stylish Redbird restaurant. To Little Tokyo’s east is the rapidly gentrifying Arts District.
L.A. Live
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 trendy 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. The Jewelry District draws shoppers to markets such as St. Vincent Jewelry Center; in the neighboring Fashion District, 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. For an awesome mix of old-school produce vendors and lunch counters and new, upscale specialty stalls, Grand Central Market, near the foot of Angels Flight, is the place to go. And the burgeoning
G R E AT F I N D
Figat7th shopping center boasts trendy new boutiques and eateries.
Chinatown
Chinatown remains a great destination for sampling dim sum or browsing for clothing, tea or home goods. Cultural highlights include the ornate Thien Hau Temple and the Chinese American Museum. Pedestrian-oriented Chung King Road and Gin Ling Way are home to galleries; Broadway boasts 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 bar scene is popping, and you can nibble on traditional sushi prepared by veteran chefs at Japanese Village Plaza. Just a few steps down 1st Street is the sleek Japanese American National Museum. The
/ font of well-being
➺ If good health had a playground, it’d look a lot like The Springs, a multifaceted “urban oasis” in downtown’s trendy Arts District. Co-founder Jared Stein says the idea came to him after searching for one collective celebrating wellness: organic juice bar, yoga studio, massage center with infrared sauna and raw vegan restaurant and wine bar. You’ll find all that and more at the Springs (chef Michael Falso contributes the intoxicating plant-based fare; try the mouth-watering spicy “tuna” roll), as well as that other feel-good therapy: shopping. This summer, the Springs hosts a pop-up store curated by M Dot Design Studio, offering fashionable and sustainable pieces from wardrobe to home decor. 608 Mateo St., downtown, 213.223.6226, thespringsla.com —J.H.
Exposition Park
Just south of downtown is Exposition Park, whose grounds hold major museums and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The California African American Museum touches on African American history, 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 exhibits the retired NASA space shuttle Endeavour. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of downtown, see page 101.
FROM TOP: DANIEL ENNIS; COURTESY THE SPRINGS
A mural in downtown’s burgeoning Arts District—one of Los Angeles’ best places to see street art
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 Grammy Museum honors myriad music genres with videos, artifacts and interactive exhibits. A dozen restaurants and nightlife venues—WP24, Rock’n Fish and Lucky Strike Lanes, to name a few—face a massive urban plaza lined with LED screens. The Los Angeles Convention Center, encompassing 16-plus acres of exhibition space, is also here.
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EXPLORING
Pasadena THE BLOOM OF PASADENA DOESN’T FADE AFTER NEW YEAR’S DAY, AS A BLEND OF SMALL-TOWN CHARM AND COSMOPOLITAN ENERGY MAKES THE CROWN CITY A YEAR-ROUND DESTINATION.
➺Minutes from downtown L.A. via the Arroyo Seco Parkway (Pasadena Freeway) or the Metro Gold Line Old Pasadena
A tribute to foresighted urban planning is the 22-square block shopping district known as Old Pasadena, roughly bounded by Walnut and Green streets, Arroyo Parkway and Pasadena Avenue. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s a collection of restored buildings filled with trendy boutiques, bistros and nightclubs. Merchants range from Tesla Motors to Urban Outfitters, and eateries include Union, a top-rated Italian restaurant. Pedestrian-only alleys meander through the One Colorado project in the heart of Old Pasadena, where restaurants offer alfresco dining overlooking a sculpture-strewn square. iPic Theaters reimagines the moviegoing experience with state-of-the-art technology, plush seats and a bar/café, while boutiques such as Vince and Cop. Copine draw shoppers. Nearby is the Norton Simon Museum, home to one of the finest art collections in the West. The galleries are filled with works dating from the Renaissance to the 20th century, and its repertoire of Impressionist masters (e.g., Monet, Cézanne, Van Gogh) is formidable. A sculpture garden features a major tribute to Degas.
East of Old Pasadena is Paseo Colorado, a shopping center with ArcLight movie theaters, restaurants and shops lining garden promenades. Its open-air design frames views of Pasadena City Hall, a majestic landmark restored to its original Beaux Arts grandeur.
Playhouse District + South Lake Avenue
Anchored by the Mission-style Pasadena Playhouse, this district offers art-house cinema, antique shops, boutiques and bookstores, as well as the Le Cordon Bleu-affiliated College of Culinary Arts and the famed Ice House comedy club, whose stage has hosted George Carlin and Jerry Seinfeld. Other cultural attractions include the Boston Court Performing Arts Center and the USC Pacific Asia Museum, featuring decorative arts from every corner of Asia. The Pasadena Museum of California Art celebrates Golden State painters and sculptors from 1850 to the present. East of the Playhouse District, South Lake Avenue provides a vibrant shopping environment. Inviting boutiques are set around European-style courtyards at the Commons
and Burlington Arcade. A drive south on Lake Avenue through one of the city’s most opulent residential neighborhoods leads to the Langham Huntington. Consider this grand, historic hotel for high tea, Japanese Kobe beef at the Royce steakhouse or pampering at Chuan Spa.
San Marino + San Gabriel Valley
South of the Langham is San Marino and its primary attraction, The Huntington, whose library, art collections and botanical gardens occupy one of the most remarkable pieces of real estate in Southern California. Here, the Italianate mansion of railroad magnate Henry Huntington houses an extraordinary collection of 18th and 19th century art, and a library with nearly 9 million rare books, photographs and manuscripts occupies another structure. Throughout the 200-acre property are more than a dozen distinct botanical environments, the Helen & Peter Bing Children’s Garden and a formal rose garden boasting more than 1,400 varieties. Sharing Pasadena’s eastern border are the communities of Sierra Madre and Arcadia,
FROM LEFT: DALE BERMAN; COURTESY THE NORTON SIMON ART FOUNDATION. OPPOSITE: LISA ROMEREIN
commuter train is Pasadena. Its architectural pedigree is world-class, and renowned institutions including the Tournament of Roses and Caltech lend it cachet. The city’s diverse neighbors are also worth discovering.
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NEW IN TOWN Bacchus’ Kitchen
Chef Claud Beltran is behind this refined dinner spot with a standout wine list close to his eclectic the Eatery. 1384 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena, 626.594.6377
Neon Retro Arcade
This arcade lets you play all the classic video games you want— from Ms. Pac-Man to Donkey Kong—for a low hourly rate. 28 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, 626.568.2924
Education and Visitor Center
The Huntington welcomes guests with a new structure that houses a café, a revamped store and an enlightening orientation gallery. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, 626.405.2141
The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens. Opposite, from left: windowshoppers in Old Pasadena; a gallery at the Norton Simon Museum
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The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden’s natural Southern California habitat is famous for its wild peafowl.
home to Santa Anita Park, a storied thoroughbred horse racing venue. Arcadia is also home to the 127-acre Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, whose natural Southern California habitat is famous for its wild peacocks. Farther east, scattered along the San Bernardino Freeway (I-10), are the communities of San Gabriel, Temple City, Monterey Park and Alhambra, which have attracted large numbers of Chinese and Vietnamese immigrants, so the opportunity for enjoying Asian cuisine is virtually unrivaled in Southern California. Tourists passionate about history, architecture or faith explore the 1771 San Gabriel Mission, and the San Gabriel Mountains present hiking opportunities for nature lovers.
The Road to South Pasadena
The scenic route to South Pasadena on Orange Grove Boulevard passes through a stretch once known as “Millionaire’s Row.” Some splendid homes remain, including the
G R E AT F I N D
former Wrigley Mansion that now houses the Tournament of Roses Association (open for tours). North of Old Pasadena, the boulevard leads to the Gamble House. This, the most famous achievement of architects Greene & Greene, is a classic representation of the Arts and Crafts movement that left its imprint on Pasadena. South Pasadena is a tranquil community whose Craftsman homes range from bungalows to mansions, and its Mission West Historic District is lined with antique shops, art galleries, casual cafés and kid-friendly spots like Fair Oaks Pharmacy, a restored drugstore from 1915 whose vintage soda fountain is straight from a Norman Rockwell painting.
Eagle Rock + Glendale
West of Pasadena is Eagle Rock, a quiet college town reinventing itself as a trendy L.A. neighborhood. Its main drag of Colorado Boulevard is lined with a diverse collection of restaurants including Casa Bianca, a ven-
/ ice-breaker
➺ Former fine-dining pastry chef John Park expands his ice cream empire to the
San Gabriel Valley with launches of Quenelle in downtown San Marino and Ice Que on Alhambra’s revitalized Main Street. Offered in both shops are rotating flavors of Park’s artisanal ice cream, including blueberry pie, foie gras rocky road and Asian-inspired red bean. Also available are sorbets like white grape-lemonade or mango-pear, and gourmet ice cream bars whose flavors range from nostalgic to globally avant-garde. Pastries, pies and cold-pressed juices are part of the mix in San Marino, but Ice Que is the place to go for refreshing shaved ices, which can be incorporated into bowls layered with tapioca, rice cakes or adzuki beans. Quenelle, 2136 Huntington Drive, San Marino; Ice Que, 401 W. Main St., Alhambra —R.G.
FROM TOP: MATT HARTMAN; COURTESY QUENELLE
The Americana at Brand in Glendale
erable old-school pizza joint. In Eagle Rock, students from highly ranked Occidental College—where a young Barack Obama once studied—mingle with young couples who are snapping up hillside real estate. On the far side of Eagle Rock is Glendale, the third largest city in Los Angeles County. There, office workers pour out of high-rises for happy hour at The Americana at Brand, an open-air shopping, residential and entertainment development. Style-savvy shoppers can browse at boutiques, catch a movie or recharge at the Americana’s restaurants, which include the Philippe Starck-designed Katsuya and celebrity chef Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak. Home to a large Armenian community, Glendale offers a wealth of ethnic eateries specializing in kebabs, shawarma and belly dancing. Marked by a towering neon obelisk is the Alex Theatre, a restored Art Deco masterpiece that hosts concerts and musicals. Steps from Alex is the new Museum of Neon Art, dedicated to showcasing a quintessential L.A. craft. North of Glendale is Montrose, whose main street of Honolulu Avenue is more Mayberry than L.A. Close by, in La Cañada Flintridge, is sprawling Descanso Gardens, with North America’s largest camellia collection—an awesome sight when in full bloom during January and February. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see page 102.
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EXPLORING
The Valley HOLLYWOOD MIGHT BE THE SPIRITUAL CENTER OF THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY, BUT THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, AKA “THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HILL,” IS WHERE MOVIEMAKING MAGIC HAPPENS.
➺
Universal City
A couple of Metro stops north of the heart of Hollywood is Universal City, a major entertainment industry outpost. The highlight is Universal Studios Hollywood, which offers a behind-the-scenes peek into moviemaking. The theme park offers rollicking roller coasters and high-tech virtual-reality action rides such as the Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem attraction; the Simpsons Ride (adjacent to which is a new Springfield-themed “world”); and, as of June 25, a new studio tour grand finale: the Fast & Furious—Supercharged! ride. Splurge for Universal’s VIP Experience, which pampers its guests with such perks as private tour guides, exclusive backlot access and unlimited front-of-line access in the theme park. Among the wide-ranging attractions next door at pedestrian-only Universal CityWalk are skydiving simulations at iFly Hollywood, mechanical bull riding at Saddle Ranch Chop House and rock ‘n’ roll bowling at Jillian’s Hi Life Lanes. Restaurants include Karl Strauss Brewing Co., and boutiques such as Lush Cosmetics and Skechers will loosen your wallet.
Burbank
Burbank calls itself “the town behind the tinsel”—and with good reason. This cosmopolitan city is home to some of the most famous players in the entertainment business, including Walt Disney Studios, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon Animation Studio. Get a taste of the action on a Warner Bros. VIP tour or as part of the studio audience at a taping of one of your favorite programs, such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The media district, which encompasses most of these companies, also boasts some notable dining destinations, including the iconic Bob’s Big Boy, which hosts a classic-car show every Friday. As vibrant as it is, Burbank’s entertainment industry is hardly the city’s only draw. More than 160 restaurants and shops cater to locals and visitors alike. The downtown district offers a major-mall shopping experience, movie theaters and the ever-popular Ikea, but surrounding streets, such as historic San Fernando Boulevard, have a more homegrown feel, with nightlife destinations, shops and trendy bistros such as Granville Cafe. Another must-visit district is hip Mag-
nolia Park, centered at Magnolia Boulevard and Hollywood Way, which offers indie cafés, antique shops and some of L.A.’s best retro and vintage boutiques (Playclothes and Pinup Girl are favorites). Always-packed Porto’s Bakery—one of the country’s top restaurants, according to Yelp—offers excellent pastries and sandwiches from Europe and the owners’ native Cuba. Do you like the outdoors? Burbank is a gateway to the Verdugo Mountains, which are crisscrossed with hiking trails. A workout here is rewarded with spectacular views of Burbank, the Hollywood Hills and downtown L.A. For golf enthusiasts, DeBell Golf Club features regulation 18-hole and par-3 courses. And during the summer, the outdoor amphitheater Starlight Bowl hosts a music series. If you’re jetting into or out of L.A., you can escape the hassles of LAX by opting for Burbank’s uncongested Bob Hope Airport. It offers nonstop flights to many cities across the country and is centrally located, with easy access to Hollywood and downtown L.A., as well as the San Fernando Valley, Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley.
FROM LEFT: EDWIN SANTIAGO; DALE BERMAN. OPPOSITE: DAVE LAURIDSEN
The Valley is a sprawling collection of communities, each with its own attractions and charms. 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.
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The Federal Bar in North Hollywood. Opposite, from left: Universal CityWalk in Universal City; a dessert from renowned Porto’s Bakery in Burbank
NEW IN TOWN
Iconic Vintage
The newest addition to Burbank’s vintage row, this boutique sells antiques and couture styles that hail from the 1800s up to the 1990s. 3414½ W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, 818.562.7437
Maradentro
The duo behind Mercado serve up Mexican seafood in a nautical, woodpaneled space. 11929 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 818.358.3423
Westlake Plaza
The freshly renovated shopping center now boasts a Pressed Juicery, Burro and CorePower Yoga. 2725 Agoura Road, Westlake Village
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 restaurants like the Federal Bar, a lively gastropub with a full calendar of music and comedy, and Idle Hour, a hot new bar in a barrel-shaped landmark building from the 1940s, the momentum continues for this transitlinked 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 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 Frank Zappa and Tom 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, plus a greater concentration of acclaimed sushi bars (such as Asanebo) than Little Tokyo. For shopping, there are charming boutiques, including Dari and Voyage et Cie, and beauty retreats such as Belle Visage Day Spa and Face Haus facial bar. Hip bars and restaurants including Firefly have helped to launch a nightlife scene. You’ll see plenty of famous faces in the Valley, where celebrities treasure its 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 Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s and featuring upscale boutiques. Sherman Oaks Galleria is near the junction of the 405 and 101 freeways; draws include ArcLight Cinemas.
Deep in the Valley
Westfield Topanga shopping center is loaded with exclusive designer boutiques, including Louis Vuitton and David Yurman, plus department stores Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Macy’s. Farther west off the Ventura Freeway (U.S. 101) is Calabasas, where celebrities move for more elbow room. Upscale shopping and casual eateries live at the Commons at Calabasas, an elegant open-air destination. A few exits beyond that is Westlake Village, where locals hit the luxurious spa or do lunch at the Four Seasons. Visitors to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum in neighboring Simi Valley can step aboard an actual Air Force One, visit a full-size replica of the White House Oval Office and learn all about America’s 40th president. 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 102.
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EXPLORING
South Bay
➺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 bluffs of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and beyond them, the bustling waterfronts of San Pedro and Long Beach.
Manhattan Beach
Nineteen miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach boasts 2 miles of beaches with sand so fine that developers from Waikiki Beach in Honolulu imported it in the 1920s. This laid-back city 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 city’s picturesque pier, the Roundhouse Aquarium delights with touch tanks. The pier features 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. East of the pier along Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Manhattan Avenue are chic boutiques and a burgeoning dining scene, with restaurants such as M.B. Post, Fishing With Dynamite, Little Sister and The Strand House drawing gourmands from across L.A. The Metlox center is a popular gathering spot, with shops such as the Beehive and hot spots including 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 2-mile stretch of beachfront punctuated by volleyball nets, fitness buffs weaving along the 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 Killer Shrimp. Beyond Pier Plaza, on Hermosa Avenue, Jay Leno still draws crowds to the Comedy & Magic Club with Sunday night shows. To the plaza’s east, café/boutique Gum Tree and Beach & Beverly are charming standouts among the specialty shops and bistros that line Pier Avenue. Farther east, Becker’s carries surfboards and beachwear.
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 2 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-andcasual eateries, 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 Cami and the Catalina Cooking Store covering a 6-block radius.
THIS PAGE, FROM LEFT: COURTESY HERMOSA BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND VISITORS BUREAU; COURTESY FISHING WITH DYNAMITE. OPPOSITE: EDWIN SANTIAGO
THE SOUTH BAY’S BEACHES AND HARBORS ARE ACTION-PACKED, BUT THE LIVING IS EASY. LOOK FOR OCEAN-VIEW DINING, MOM-AND-POP SHOPS AND SEASIDE ATTRACTIONS.
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NEW IN TOWN Bettolino Kitchen
Enjoy handmade pasta from a Michelinstarred Italian chef at this new family-owned restaurant. 211 Palos Verdes Blvd., Redondo Beach, 310.375.0500
The Arthur J
M.B. Post’s David LeFevre opens a steakhouse (due at press time) with the Simms brothers. 903 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.878.9620
La Sosta Enoteca Executive chef Luca Manderino brings his Venetian cuisine to his restaurant’s new location. 3713 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.796.1200
The Queen Mary in Long Beach. Opposite, from left: Hermosa Beach Pier; Fishing With Dynamite in Manhattan Beach
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The horseshoe-shaped pier in Redondo Beach
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. Eight miles inland on Crenshaw Boulevard sprawls the 87-acre South Coast Botanic Garden in tony Palos Verdes Estates. 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 migration. Just beyond is the Mediterraneanstyle Terranea Resort, which offers fine dining, a spa and a public nine-hole golf course. A few miles south along Palos Verdes Drive West is the Wayfarers Chapel, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s son, Lloyd Wright. The impressive Swedenborgian “glass church” is a popular wedding venue. Nearby, the 18-hole public course at Trump National Golf Club is top-ranked.
G R E AT F I N D
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 container port that also serves travelers on the Catalina Express and more than one million cruise passengers annually. From the port’s World Cruise Center, a 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 the Frank Gehry-designed Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, located next to Cabrillo Beach. Windsurfers of all abilities congregate here, with outfitters including Captain Kirk’s offering rentals and lessons.
Long Beach
In the southwest corner of L.A. County, Long Beach boasts a busy commercial port, an
/ art for the ages
➺There’s a disconnect between the entrance to Post-Future: The Art Company and its interior. The gallery’s sign features a blue-and-white color scheme and says “Williams’ Book Store.” But step inside, and work by John Van Hamersveld—the artist most famous for his poster for the 1964 surf film The Endless Summer—fills the space with a kaleidoscope of color. Van Hamersveld’s wife, Alida Post, recently converted this 85-year-old building into a gallery where other exhibits and events complement Van Hamersveld’s art, which includes the aforementioned poster (pictured at right), as well as more recent creations. Nevertheless, the sign still works: Post has curated a selection of groovy titles that keep the legacy of the original bookstore alive. 443 W. 6th St., San Pedro, 424.224.7656, post-future.com —K.D.
attraction-packed waterfront and more than 5 miles of beaches. Among its most popular draws is the 1,020-foot-long Queen Mary, a historic, supposedly haunted ship-turnedhotel, dining and shopping attraction permanently moored in Long Beach Harbor. Alongside it is the Cold War-era Scorpion Russian 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 family-friendly 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. 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. 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 101.
FROM TOP: EDWIN SANTIAGO; JOHN VAN HAMERSVELD, COPYRIGHT BRUCE BROWN PRODUCTIONS
Among Long Beach’s most popular draws is the 1,020-foot-long Queen Mary, a historic, supposedly haunted ship-turned-hotel.
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the guide MUSEUMS
© HIRO/THE J. PAUL GETTY MUSEUM, LOS ANGELES, PURCHASED WITH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE PHOTOGRAPHS COUNCIL
Animal Instincts The J. Paul Getty Museum kicks off summer with In Focus: Animalia, on view through Oct. 18 at the Getty Center. The exhibition examines the portrayal of animals in photographs, from their earliest representation at the time of the medium’s introduction in 1839, to contemporary expressions of our love for, and misuse of, the animal kingdom. Featuring photographs from the museum’s permanent collection, such as Hiro’s David Webb, Jeweled Toad (New York, 1963), seen here, the exhibition traces a trajectory from naive forms of animal portraiture to more symbolic iterations. See listing p. 86 for additional information about the Getty’s summer exhibition schedule.
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Dining American 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 Pacific mussels with smoked Manila clams and house-made chorizo, and burgers with house-made bacon. L, D (daily). One Colorado, 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, 626.564.8111 $$ Map Q19 ANIMAL Bare-bones eatery, from the guys known as the “Two Dudes” to Food Network fans, is a carnivore’s dream. Think delectable takes on offal (such as crispy pig’s ear) and a bacon-chocolate crunch bar for dessert. D (nightly). 435 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A., 323.782.9225 $$$ Map I13 BIRCH Chef Brendan Collins (formerly of Waterloo & City) opens a new spot on the Cahuenga Corridor with a seasonally driven menu (the rabbit baklava with dates, white beans, pistachio and carrots is a standout) served in a whitewashed, clean-lined space. Br (Sa-Su), L (M-F), D (Tu-Sa). 1634 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, 323.960.3369 $$$ Map H13
Outside Is In In L.A., alfresco dining is possible all year long, but in summer, it’s the only way to go. At Nobu Malibu (p. 68), the progressive sushi of chef Matsuhisa is paired with stunning sunsets from an oceanfront deck. Outdoor tables at Freds at Barneys (p. 62) offer views of downtown Beverly Hills or the Hollywood sign, while the festive California brasserie vibe at Terrine (p. 66) is best experienced on a fountain-laden courtyard anchored by a massive tree. It’s only fitting that Gracias Madre’s (p. 70) organic, plant-based Mexican cuisine be consumed close to nature, on the olive tree-shaded patio pictured above. At downtown’s Redbird (p. 64), where chef Neal Fraser’s menu includes a gourmet potpie, the courtyard dining room’s entire roof retracts, revealing the historic Cathedral of St. Vibiana.
BLD This delightful, casual concept from chef Neal Fraser (Redbird) and Amy Knoll Fraser offers something for everybody: blueberry ricotta pancakes, hefty burgers, pastas and entrees such as grilled flatiron steak. It’s more sophisticated than you’d expect from a neighborhood diner. B, L, D (daily). 7450 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.930.9744 $$ Map I13 BUTCHERS & BARBERS Local bar masters the Houston brothers present this lively American bistro. A charcuterie board and roasted garlic-rosemary popcorn can be shared before moving on to salmon with parsnip purée, hanger steak with Point Reyes blue cheese butter or 18-ounce bone-in pork chop with plum-pine nut gremolata. Creative artisanal cocktails and a vintage setting—Charlie Chaplin once lived in the historic building—enhance the experience. D (Tu-Su). 6531 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.461.1464 $$ Map H14 CAULFIELD’S Beverly Hills’ literary-inspired American bistro offers comfort classics such as roasted chicken and braised short ribs. B, L (M-F), D (nightly). 9360 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.388.6860 $$$ Map J11 THE CHURCH KEY With off-menu items rolled table-totable, this trendy spot has adopted the charm and spontaneity of dim sum. The menu—playful and eclectic with a wide variety of global influences—is executed and presented with style. In addition, mixologists dressed as a Pan Am flight attendants steer airline food carts loaded with liquid nitro cocktails. Br (Sa-Su), D (nightly). 8730 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 424.249.3700 $$ Map H12 CLAIM JUMPER Saloon-style eatery features hearty grill fare and its own label of craft beer. Br (varies by location), L (varies by location), D (nightly). 3500 W. Olive Ave., Burbank, 818.260.0505; 820 W. Huntington Drive, Monrovia, 626.359.0463; 9429 Tampa Ave., Northridge, 818.718.2882; 25740 The Old Road, Valencia, 661.254.2628; 6501 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, 562.431.1321 $ Map T22, Q23, north of A1, north of A1, D4 CRAFT New York chef Tom Colicchio of TV’s Top Chef brings his signature concept to L.A. The restaurant delivers an endless, contemporary American à la carte menu, with fun, shareable dishes including roasted octopus and diver scallops with vermouth butter. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 10100 Constellation Blvd., L.A., 310.279.4180 $$$$ Map K11 FREDS AT BARNEYS Inside Beverly Hills retail destination Barneys New York, the first West Coast outpost of the retailer’s signature restaurant is a go-to for brunch, power lunches, shopping breaks and happy hour. Try the striking
Guidelines
Map locators at the end of each listing (Map A3; Map H10, etc.) refer to maps in the back of this issue. Compendium includes editors’ recommendations and advertisers.
Index
American..............................62 Brewpubs/Gastropubs....64 British......................................64 California...............................64 Chinese..................................65 Eclectic/Fusion...................65 French.....................................65 Italian......................................65 Japanese................................68
Mediterranean....................69 Mexican/Latin....................70 Pan-Asian............................... 71 Quick Bites............................ 71 Seafood.................................. 72 Spanish.................................. 72 Steak....................................... 72 Thai.......................................... 72
Robiola with truffle oil pizza or the Beverly Hills club sandwich. Balconies boast views of the Hollywood sign and Beverly Hills. Br (Sa-Su), L (daily). 9570 Wilshire Blvd., 5th floor, Beverly Hills, 310.777.5877 $$$ Map J11 INK. An L.A. culinary darling, 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 items including smoked trout with radish and roe. D (nightly). 8360 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.651.5866 $$$ Map I12 JAR Chef Suzanne Tracht presents an L.A. take on traditional, comforting American fare in a chic interpretation of an old-school chophouse. Don’t miss the signature pot roast. D (Tu-Sa). 8225 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.655.6566 $$$ Map I12 JOAN’S ON THIRD Celebrity-frequented café on busy West 3rd Street, as well as a new location in the Valley, offers omelets, sandwiches, salads, soups, sweets plus picnic baskets, gourmet items. B, L, D (daily). 8350 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.655.2285; 12059 Ventura Place, Studio City, 818.201.3900 $ Map I12, T18 LEDLOW Chef Josef Centeno, who rules downtown’s Old Bank District (Bäco Mercat, Bar Amá, Orsa & Winston) has transformed Pete’s Café into Ledlow, a place with vintage good looks. The versatile chef offers twists on classic bistro dishes like moules-frites, daube and duck confit, American staples like deviled eggs and burgers, as well as diverse cultural staples from Southern shrimp and grits to English fish & chips. B, L, D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). 400 S. Main St., downtown, 213.687.7015 $$ Map I17 M.B. POST Chef David LeFevre serves small plates of seafood, fresh-baked breads, cured meats and more in the space of a former post office. The “Eat Your Vegetables” menu makes green beans, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower look tantalizing. Br (Sa-Su), L (F-Su), D (nightly). 1142 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.545.5405 $$$ 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 $$ Map H13 NOÉ Visitors heading to the Walt Disney Concert Hall find Noé a convenient spot for a classy repast. Noé serves a rotating “neo-bistro” menu that might include braised short ribs with red wine and rosemary, or seared ahi tuna. D (nightly). Omni Hotel, 251 S. Olive St., downtown, 213.356.4100 $$ Map H16 PLAN CHECK KITCHEN + BAR A growing minichain famous for its innovative comfort food from chef
Legend has it that in the early 1920s, a teenage short-order cook named Lionel Sternberger created the world’s very first cheeseburger at Pasadena’s Rite Spot restaurant.
ERIC WOLFINGER
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FIG & OLIVE is about passion for the best olive oils, flavors, and cuisine from the Riviera & Coastal regions of the South of France, Italy, and Spain. 8490 Melrose Place Los Angeles, CA 90069 310 360 9100 figandolive.com
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Dining FATHER’S OFFICE Microbrew mecca; one of L.A.’s best burgers. Santa Monica: L (Sa-Su), D (nightly). L.A.: L (F-Su), D (nightly). 1018 Montana Ave., Santa Monica; 3229 Helms Ave., L.A., 310.736.2224 $$ Map L8, L11 PUBLIC KITCHEN & BAR Refined menu offers elevated versions of classic dishes; bar serves cured meats, cheeses and fresh cocktails. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.769.8888 $$$ Map G13
“Elevated seasonal standards” fill the menu at Birch (p. 62)
Ernesto Uchimura. Contemporary takes on American classics are complemented with craft beers, cocktails and premium whiskeys. Try the acclaimed Plan Check Burger, topped with dashi cheese and ketchup leather. L, D (daily). 1800 Sawtelle Blvd., L.A., 310.444.1411; 351 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A., 323.591.0094; 1111 Wilshire Blvd., downtown, 213.403.1616 $$ Map K9, I12, H16 REDBIRD Acclaimed chef Neal Fraser’s contemporary American cuisine is offered in the rectory of the former Cathedral of St. Vibiana, making Redbird both a cultural and culinary landmark. Thai-style Dungeness crab soup with cauliflower flan, foie gras with pistachios and cocoa nibs, rack of pork with Calvados-blood sauce, and chicken pot pie comprise an intriguing menu. An updated Spanish baroque decor and retro-inspired cocktails complete the scene. L (Tu-F), D (Tu-Su). 114 E. 2nd St., downtown, 213.788.1191 $$$ Map H17 SADDLE PEAK LODGE Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, this elegant hunt-lodge-themed spot is a study in romantic rusticity, with moose heads overlooking candlelit tables. The menu focuses on game dishes such as grilled New Zealand elk tenderloin or pan-roasted Australian kangaroo sirloin. Br (Su), D (nightly). 419 Cold Canyon Road, Calabasas, 818.222.3888 $$$$ Map northwest of A1 SEASONS 52 No deep-frying. Lots of flavor. Stylish décor, eclectic seasonal menu, Mini Indulgences desserts and a superior wine list. L, D (daily). 1501 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.451.1152; Westfield Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Century City, 310.277.5252 $$ Map L8, J11 SLATER’S 50/50 Bacon-happy burger restaurant (home of the original half-ground-beef, half-groundbacon 50/50 patty) with more than 100 craft, imported and domestic beers. L, D (daily). 61 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, 626.765.9700 $ Map Q19 THE STRAND HOUSE This beachside restaurant boasts awesome ocean and pier views from nearly every table upstairs, and a breezy, stylish bar downtstairs that draws a lively but sophisticated crowd. Executive chef Greg Hozinsky’s menu includes such starters as foie gras, charcuterie and hamachi crudo, which might be followed by braised lamb shank or branzino with black truffle risotto. Look out for the restaurant’s ticketed Culinary Masters Series events, which bring top talent such as Denver chef Troy Guard and winemakers Heidi and Bo Barrett to the Strand House kitchen for exclusive—and fun—dinners. Br (Sa-Su), L (Tu-F), D (nightly). 117 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, 310.545.7470 $$$ Map L13 UMAMI BURGER Hot specialty burger joint; try the signature Umami Burger with tempura onion rings. L, D (daily). 4655 Hollywood Blvd., Los Feliz, 323.669.3922; 1520 Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, 323.469.3100; 12159 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 818.286.9004; additional locations at umami.com $ Map W22, H14, A2
British/Irish O’BRIEN’S IRISH PUB Pub and restaurant with brews, whiskeys and spirits, Irish and American cuisine, outdoor patio and live entertainment. L, D (daily). 2941 Main St., Santa Monica, 310.396.4725 $ Map M8 ROSE TREE COTTAGE Sweet, homey spot for English afternoon tea. Known for its freshly baked scones and gracious service from husband-and-wife owners. Seatings at 1, 2:30 and 4 pm (Tu-Su). Adjacent gift shop. 801 S. Pasadena Ave., Pasadena, 626.793.3337 $$ Map R19 YE OLDE KING’S HEAD Cozy pub/restaurant with traditional English fare, including acclaimed fish and chips. Santa Monica: B, L, D (daily), high tea (Tu-Sa). Studio City: B, L, D (daily). 116 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.451.1402; 12969 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 818.990.9055 $ Map L8, west of U18
California Cuisine 208 RODEO This Mediterranean-influenced gem of a café sits above Via Rodeo’s cobblestone street at luxe Two Rodeo. Dishes include Tuscan market salad and seafood fettuccine. B, L, D (daily). Two Rodeo, 208 Via Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.275.2428 $$ Map J11 ALMA Chef Ari Taymor adds fine dining to the revitalization of Broadway with his playful but sophisticated prix-fixe menus in an unpretentious space across from Ace Hotel. The ingredients, all freshly picked or foraged, are revealed in a parade of beautiful dishes that have garnered national attention. D (Tu-Sa). 952 S. Broadway, downtown, 213.244.1422 $$$$ Map I16 CHAYA The original Chaya in Japan remains open after nearly 400 years, and Chaya’s popularity endures in Los Angeles, too. The Japanese-accented French/Italian menus are accomplished and innovative. L (M-F), D (nightly). 525 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.236.9577; 110 Navy St., Venice, 310.396.1179 $$ H16, M8 COMMISSARY Buzzworthy poolside eatery from Roy Choi serves farm-to-table dishes in a greenhouse-like setting. Emphasis on fruit- and vegetable-themed dishes and drinks makes it very vegetarian- and vegan-friendly, but you’ll find a few meaty dishes on the menu, as well. B,L,D (daily). The Line Hotel, 2nd Floor Greenhouse, 3515 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 213.368.3030 $$ Map J14 FIG RESTAURANT Dine on a seasonal menu of bistro fare at this restaurant inside the Fairmont Miramar; charcuterie and cheese bar open at dinnertime. Sunday brunch features the virtuous (quinoa salad) as well as the decadent (bacon waffle with bacon ice cream), plus creative cocktails such as the Matcha Man Mai Tai with rum, matcha tea syrup, lime and black cardamom orgeat. B (daily), Br (Su), L (M-Sa), D (Tu-Sa). Fairmont Miramar Hotel, 101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.319.3111 $$ Map L8 GIRASOL Chef C.J. Jacobson, a former Top Chef contestant, forages for fresh, exotic ingredients in the Santa Monica Mountains to incorporate into an inventive California menu (e.g. hamachi with white fir and wild sor-
rel, whole crispy red snapper with chili-kumquat sauce). The restaurant, decorated like a giant sunflower (girasol in Spanish), is part of a Studio City dining renaissance. Br (Su), D (nightly). 11334 Moorpark St., Studio City, 818.924.2323 $$$ Map U19 EVELEIGH With a menu chockablock with farm-fresh veggies and meats and a country-chic space, Eveleigh projects an image of cool rusticity. The kitchen endeavors to use house-made ingredients right down to the apple gomme syrup in your cocktail and the brioche toast slices with your Jidori chicken liver pâté. Br (Sa-Su), L (F), D (nightly). 8752 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 424.239.1630 $$ Map H12 HINOKI & THE BIRD Inside luxury residential tower the Century, taste Japanese and Southeast Asian flavors in such dishes as lobster rolls with green curry and Thai basil, and black cod scented with the smoke of the namesake hinoki wood. L (M-F), D (Tu-Sa). 10 W. Century Drive, Century City, 310.552.1200 $$$ Map J10 INN OF THE SEVENTH RAY There’s a New Age feel here, but you don’t have to be a believer to fall in love with this place, which boasts candlelit tables scattered along a burbling creek. Br (Su), L (M-Sa), D (nightly). 128 Old Topanga Canyon Road, Topanga, 310.455.1311 $$ Map B1 LOVE & SALT Dine on creative Cali-Italian fare (think duck-egg pizza and whole roasted pig head) in this buzzy new South Bay spot. Chef de cuisine/pastry chef Rebecca Merhej’s desserts are divine. D (nightly). 317 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, 310.545.5252 $$$ Map L13 MAUDE Celebrity chef Curtis Stone, an Aussie with a strong classical background, debuts this intimate, 25-seat Beverly Hills restaurant named after his grandmother. Every month a different seasonal ingredient is showcased and artfully presented in a nine-course menu. D (Tu-Sa). 212 S. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.859.3418 $$$$ Map J11 MILO & OLIVE The husband-and-wife team from Rustic Canyon is behind this tiny, casual pizzeria and bakery. Zoe Nathan’s desserts and pastries shouldn’t be missed. B, L, D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). 2723 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.453.6776 $$ Map K9 PUMP Enchanted garden-themed restaurant and bar from restaurateur and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Vanderpump features a patio with 100-year-old olive trees and a menu created by Food Network Star finalist Penny Davidi. Br (Sa-Su), D (nightly). 8948 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.657.7867 $$ Map I12 RUSTIC CANYON Discover boutique wines while sampling small plates of market-driven, Mediterraneaninspired dishes. Clam pozole is just one of the winners. Hide in a cozy booth or mingle at the communal table. D (nightly). 1119 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.393.7050 $$$ Map L8 SPAGO An L.A. institution, Wolfgang Puck’s flagship restaurant features a modern dining room and a daily changing menu that may include dishes like pan-roasted Spanish turbot with matsutake mushrooms, or handmade agnolotti with sweet white corn. Glimpse some of the 30,000 wine bottles on offer in a glass-ensconced “wine wall.” L (Tu-Sa), D (nightly). 176 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.385.0880 $$$$ Map I11 TAR & ROSES Ex-Wilshire Restaurant chef Andrew Kirschner’s first restaurant focuses on small, rustic shareable plates cooked in his wood-burning oven, but with a few days’ notice he can also whip up large, lavish family-style suppers of Moroccan-spiced goat or standing rib rack. D (nightly). 602 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.587.0700 $$$ Map L8 THE TASTING KITCHEN Foodies come for the daily changing menu of innovative yet unpretentious cuisine
ERIC WATERMAN
Breweries/Gastropubs
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The Most Refreshing Dining Choice for Beverly Hills Housewives All cocktails (well) all day and night $8
Restaurant & Bar: Open Daily 11:30am-10pm 9601 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310-859-7600
The Sexiest Restaurant & Bar by Lisa Vanderpump
Restaurant & Bar: Open Monday-Friday 5pm-2am; Saturday-Sunday 11:30am-2am Happy Hour: Daily 5pm-7pm 8948 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069 310-657-7867 (P-U-M-P) Saturday and Sunday Special BRUNCH 11:30am-5pm SPECIAL COCKTAIL PITCHERS
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Dining
Eclectic/Fusion A-FRAME Roy Choi, whose Kogi inspired a thousand food trucks, offers a new Hawaiian-influenced menu. List of craft beers and signature cocktails are also on offer. D (nightly). 12565 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 310.398.7700 $$ Map M10
Dessert is served at Love & Salt in Manhattan Beach (p. 64)
from culinary darling chef Casey Lane: small or large plates of cured meats, artisan cheeses, vegetables, seafood and pastas. Br (Sa-Su), D (nightly). 1633 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.392.6644 $$$ Map M9 TAVERN Chef Suzanne Goin’s third L.A. restaurant explores rustic Cal-Med fare in chic environs, including a popular sunlit indoor patio. The frequently changing menu might include “devil’s chicken” with leeks and mustard breadcrumbs. B, L, D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). 11648 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, 310.806.6464 $$$ Map J9 TERRINE Comfortable, elevated California brasserie fare (moules frites; pizza with truffle cheese and sage; agnolotti with truffled rice filling, hen of the wood mushrooms, hazelnuts and parmesan) from chef Kris Morningstar, restaurateur Stephane Bombet and managing partner/wine director François Renaud. The cocktail program is rooted in the classics, the wine is primarily French, the brunch is appropriately decadent, and the patio, which is dominated by a magnificent tree and dotted with sparkling lights, is as romantic as they come. A late-night menu is offered Friday and Saturday. Br (F-Su), D (nightly). 8265 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.746.5130 $$$ Map I12 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 haricots verts and shallots. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 2454 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.586.1707 $$$ Map L8 WOLFGANG PUCK AT THE HOTEL BEL-AIR A favorite hideaway of Hollywood elite, the Hotel Bel-Air offers an indoor-outdoor retreat helmed by the father of California cuisine. Puck’s take on Wiener schnitzel reminds diners of his Austrian heritage. B, D (daily), Br (Su), L (M-Sa), tea (F-Sa). 701 Stone Canyon Road, Bel-Air, 310.909.1644 $$$$ Map I10
Chinese HAKKASAN This sexy restaurant specializes in modern Cantonese cuisine and inventive cocktails (try the signature smoky negroni). Michelin-starred Chef Ho Chee Boon created the menu, which offers Hakkasan classics including the roasted silver cod and a roasted duck salad, plus lighter options exclusive to this location. Elaborately carved “cages” create zones of privacy. D (T-Sa). 233 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.888.8661 $$$ Map I11 MR. CHOW This L.A. edition of scene-y restaurants in New York and London offers Imperial Beijing cuisine. Beverly Hills: L (M-F), D (nightly). Malibu: D (nightly). 344 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.278.9911; Malibu Country Mart, 3835 Cross Creek Road, 18A, Malibu, 310.456.7600 $$$ Map I11, K7
BABOUCH MOROCCAN Authentic Moroccan cuisine served in a tentlike atmosphere. Live belly dancing. D (Tu-Su). 810 S. Gaffey St., San Pedro, 310.831.0246 $$ Map D3 BÄCO MERCAT Sizzling-hot chef Josef Centeno has drawn international praise for his uniquely inspired creations. The bäco, a flatbread sandwich, is his signature dish. Other selections on the diverse menu include spicy hamachi crudo. Br (Sa-Su), L, D (daily). 408 S. Main St., downtown, 213.687.8808 $$ Map I16 MAISON AKIRA Fine French cuisine with Japanese flair (such as a bento box with American Wagyu beef, miso sea bass and chawanmushi) in Pasadena’s playhouse district. Nine-course omakase available. Br (Su), L (F), D (Tu-Su). 713 E. Green St., Pasadena, 626.796.9501 $$$ Map Q20 TROIS MEC The holy foodie trinity of Ludo Lefebvre (LudoBites) and Vinny Dotolo and Jon Shook (Animal, Son of a Gun) open hot restaurant in a 24-seat former pizzeria. Diners must purchase advance tickets via the restaurant’s website to enjoy Lefebvre’s prix-fixe, five-course meal. New French bar-style spinoff, Petit Trois, is next door. D (M-F). 716 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, troismec.com $$$$ Map H13
able roof. Offerings at the Santa Monica location’s new weekend brunch include seared foie gras with poached eggs, potatoes and lentils, and waffles with seasonal berries straight from the local farmers market. Br (SaSu in Santa Monica only), D (nightly). 8164 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.951.1210; 246 26th St., Santa Monica, 310.310.8064 $$$ Map I12, K8 MÉLISSE At Mélisse, 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. D (Tu-Sa). 1104 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.395.0881 $$$$ Map M8 PATINA The Walt Disney Concert Hall is a winning composition of classical music offerings and fine dining at its fine in-house restaurant. Game dishes are a frequent presence on the menu, such as wood pigeon with yams, celeriac and pear. D (Tu-Su). 141 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.3331 $$$$ Map H16 RÉPUBLIQUE In a landmark once occupied by Charlie Chaplin’s studio—and more recently, Campanile restaurant—fine dining veteran Walter Manzke and pastry chef wife Margarita turn out bistro classics (think escargots, duck confit and steak frites) for a trendy clientele huddling at communal tables. Café B, L (daily), Br (Sa-Su); bistro D (M-Sa). 624 S. La Brea Blvd., L.A., 310.362.6115 $$$ Map I13
Italian
French
ALIMENTO Zach Pollack, half of the talent behind acclaimed Sotto, expands east to a tiny, hip space in Silver Lake, where a clever menu features addictive chicken liver mousse with plum mostarda, crudo and pastas. The chef’s contrarian take on tortellini en brodo features dumplings filled with a hot broth that explodes in your mouth. Desserts include chocolate budino and almond polenta cake. D (Tu-Su). 1710 Silver Lake Blvd., Silver Lake, 323.928.2888 $$ Map east of W23
BOUCHON The Bouchon bistros from chef Thomas Keller (the French Laundry, Per Se) have become popular for their authentic good looks and superbly executed cuisine. One might begin with salmon rillettes followed by poulet rôti or a croque madame. Br (Sa-Su), L (M-F), D (nightly). 235 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.271.9910 $$$ Map J11
BESTIA Multiregional Italian restaurant in the hip Arts District. The former executive chef at Angelini Osteria serves up such “beast”-focused dishes as roasted marrow bone with spinach gnocchetti, breadcrumbs and aged balsamic, and a selection of house-cured meats. D (nightly). 2121 E. 7th Place, downtown, 213.514.5724 $$$ Map east of J17
CAFÉ PINOT This glass box of a restaurant adjacent to Central Library offers romantic outdoor dining, skyline views—from bottom up—and contemporary Cal-French cuisine from the Patina group. L (M-F), D (nightly). 700 W. 5th St., downtown, 213.239.6500 $$$ Map H16
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 crab beignets. There’s a wee gourmet market and patisserie, too. B, L, D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). 700 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.802.1470 $$ Map I16
DELPHINE Off the W Hollywood Hotel & Residences’ chic lobby, Delphine establishes a laid-back ambiance with vintage photo murals and wood-barreled ceilings. Entrees include braised short ribs with roasted root vegetables. B, L, D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). W Hollywood, 6250 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.798.1355 $$$ 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 (think: moules frites). Br (Sa-Su), L (M-F), D (Tu-Su). 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.7322 $$ Map H16 THE LITTLE DOOR For a candlelit dinner in an elegant setting, this is the reservation ne plus ultra. At the West 3rd Street original, dine on rustic dishes under the stars or by a crackling fireplace in one of four romantic dining areas. An additional location across from the Brentwood Country Mart is also charming, with several private rooms and intimate alcoves, and a main dining room featuring a retract-
CECCONI’S This London-based restaurant caters to a well-heeled clientele who come to schmooze over bellinis and cicchetti (small plates). Pastas including a beautiful agnolotti del plin with black truffle, and seafood such as grilled octopus with capers are well executed. B, L, D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). 8764 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 310.432.2000 $$$ Map I12 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 (M-Sa), Br (Su), L (M-Sa), D (nightly). Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, 300 S. Doheny Drive, L.A., 310.860.4000 $$$ Map J12 DRAGO CENTRO Celestino Drago’s well-executed Italian fare—garganelli with pork sausage and fennel seeds, truffle-crusted chicken—and extensive wine list in a contemporary and handsome space. L (M-F), D
ANDREA BRICCO
OCEAN SEAFOOD Vast and boisterous spot serves amazing array of traditional dishes, superfresh seafood, top-of-the-line dim sum. B, L, D (daily). 750 N. Hill St., Chinatown, 213.687.3088 $$ Map G17
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Dining (nightly). 525 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.228.8998 $$$ Map H16 THE FACTORY KITCHEN Former Valentino chef Angelo Auriana turns his attention to a casual, industrialchic setting in the burgeoning Arts District. Fresh-made pastas, beautiful cheeses and cured meats, and hearty items like beef with onion-Nebbiolo sauce or porchetta contribute to a daily-changing menu. L (M-F), D (nightly). 1300 Fctory Place, downtown, 213.996.6000 $$$ Map J17
OPENING JUNE 2015
IL FORNAIO Trattoria-style favorite. Beverly Hills: B, L, D (daily). Manhattan Beach: 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; 24 W. Union St., Pasadena, 626.683.9797 $$ Map J11, L13, Q19 GUSTO Victor Casanova’s intimate neighborhood ristorante has a look and feel reminiscent of his native Bronx. Dishes such as polpette (pork meatballs) plated over chilled, whipped ricotta, charred baby octopus and fresh-made pastas deserve praise. D (nightly). 8432 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.782.1778 $$$ Map I13 LA VECCHIA Rustic Northern Italian in a laid-back bistro. More than a dozen pastas for dinner, plus pizzas, ossobuco alla Romana and other traditional favorites. L, D (daily). 2654 Main St., Santa Monica, 310.399.7979 $$ Map M8
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MADDALENA Dining among the casks at San Antonio Winery; fresh pastas, seafood, paninis and more served with European hospitality. Br (Sa-Su), L, D (daily). 737 Lamar St., L.A., 323.223.1401 $$ Map G17 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 $$ Map K10 OSTERIA MOZZA Famed L.A.-based bread-maker Nancy Silverton teamed up with affable Mario Batali on Mozza’s duo of contemporary Italian restaurants. Osteria Mozza is a more sophisticated dining room in which to experience the repertoire of these great transcontinental talents. D (nightly). 6602 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.297.0100 $$$ Map H13 PAPARAZZI RISTORANTE Classic southern Italian pasta dishes, seafood and steaks served up in a contemporary-meets-Old Hollywood setting, just blocks from Los Angeles International Airport. D (M-Sa). Sheraton Gateway Hotel, 6101 Century Blvd., Westchester, 310.642.4820 $$ Map O11 PIZZERIA MOZZA The other half of Nancy Silverton and Mario Batali’s Mozza, Pizzeria Mozza is a more relaxed dining experience. It features pizzas with Mediterranean ingredients, cheeses and salumi plates, and rustic daily specials. L, D (daily). 641 N. Highland Ave., L.A., 323.297.0101 $$ Map H13 RISTORANTE AL MARE Enjoy tastes of Italy and stellar beach and pier views from the rooftop deck of this three-story restaurant. L, D (daily). 250 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, 310.458.4448 $$ Map L8
On the corner of Raymond and Union 61 North Raymond Ave.
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SCARPETTA Scott Conant’s much-lauded NYC-based concept is replicated at the Montage Beverly Hills hotel. Conant is deservedly famous for dishes such as a simple, unbeatable spaghetti with tomato and basil. D (M-Sa). 225 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.860.7970 $$$ Map I11 SOLETO TRATTORIA & PIZZA BAR Contemporary Southern Italian fare in warehouse-chic environs. Antipasti and salads such as the Soleto vegetable salad with zucchini, asparagus, baby arugula, radicchio, peppers and crispy chickpeas precede build-your-own gourmet pizzas and pastas accented with sausage or shrimp.
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Dining L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 801 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.622.3255 $$ Map I16
FIND YOURSELF IN SPAIN
SPAGHETTINI & THE DAVE KOZ LOUNGE Saxophone great Dave Koz teams with veteran restaurateurs to create a serious dining/jazz venue in Beverly Hills. Begin with velvety burrata or beef carpaccio with a twist before delving into pappardelle carbonara, balsamic-glazed beef shortribs or ahi tuna au poivre. After dinner, the likes of Bobby Caldwell, Michael Lington and surprise celebrity guests take the stage. Br (Su), D (Tu-Su). 184 N. Cañon Dr., Beverly Hills, 310.424.4600 $$$ Map J11 SUPERBA SNACK BAR At this stylish neighborhood pastaria, house-made noodles are lovingly prepared, occasionally smoked and infused for maximum flavor. Salumi and small plates featuring local produce An interesting wine list and a selection of beer- and winebased cocktails is available. Limited reservations available; parties of six or more may inquire about tasting menus. Br (F-Su), D (nightly). 533 Rose Ave., Venice, 310.399.6400 $$$ Map M8 TERRONI Southern Italian cooking including excellent thin-crust pizza. The downtown location inhabits a historic bank building. Downtown: Br (Sa-Su), L (M-F), D (nightly). West Hollywood: Br (Sa-Su), L, D (daily). 802 S. Spring St., downtown, 323.954.0300; 7605 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.954.0300 $$ Map I16, J13 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 (T-Sa). 3115 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.829.4313 $$$$ Map L9
Japanese ASANEBO Hidden in a strip mall, but Michelin-rated, this cozy sushi bar and restaurant offers memorable sushi, seared toro in garlic cream and uni tempura in shiso leaf. L (Tu-F), D (Tu-Su). 11941 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 818.760.3348 $$ Map A1
140 Pine Ave • Downtown Long Beach • 951 778 0611 • CafeSevilla.com
Ye Olde King’s Head
World Famous British Pub, Restaurant, Shoppe & Bakery
KATANA Robata-style cuisine: open-flame-grilled meat, vegetables, seafood on skewers. Stylish rooms, patio. D (nightly). 8439 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.650.8585 $$$ Map H12 KATSUYA Sushi chef Katsuya Uechi turns out exotic delicacies in sultry spaces by designer Philippe Starck. From signature cocktails to king crab cooked over the robata grill, Katsuya is never boring. L (varies by location), D (nightly). 11777 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, 310.207.8744; 6300 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.871.8777; 702 Americana Way, Glendale, 818.244.5900; L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.747.9797 $$$ Map K9, H14, northeast of T23, I15 MATSUHISA Superchef Nobu Matsuhisa’s more modest original flagship incorporates luxurious Western ingredients and Latin American spices. Monkfish liver pâté with caviar, and lamb chops with miso anticucho sauce are just a couple of his creations. L (M-F), D (nightly). 129 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.659.9639 $$$$ Map I12 NOBU The glitzy flagship of Nobu Matsuhisa attracts celebrities as well as serious foodies. An extensive menu of traditional and avant-garde sushi includes many dishes with beguiling Peruvian accents. Sakes and omakase feasts result in soaring tabs, but the cuisine measures up. West Hollywood: D (nightly). Malibu: L, D (daily). 903 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.657.5711; Nobu Malibu, 22706 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.317.9140 $$$$ Map H12, east of A1 Q World-class sushi arrives downtown at this intimate restaurant where a sushi bar and handful of tables
NE W ED V IMPRONU ME
British Fare, imported beers and world famous Fish & Chips. Open for breakfast weekends at 8am, Fabulous happy hour Mon–Fri 4-7pm. Traditional Afternoon Tea is served Mon-Sat 11:30am-4:30pm. Karaoke Sundays at 9pm. Heated patio. Quiz shows every Wednesday. Call for soccer schedule.
Stop by the gift shoppe for food and collectibles from the British Isles, including bone china, teapots, souvenir items, tea, candy, wine, freshly baked goods and much more.
New Location Now Open in Studio City 12969 Ventura Blvd. (818) 990-9055
116 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica (310) 451-1402 www.yeoldekingshead.com
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Dining accommodate just 26 diners. The omakase-only experience showcases the artistry and discipline of chef/owner Hiroyuki Naruke in items like seared bluefin toro, misomarinated uni, monkfish as rich as foie gras and a parade of simply prepared sushi. These strictly traditional interpretations are never flashy but always rewarding. L (TuF), D (Tu-Sa). 521 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.225.6285 $$$$ Map I16 ROBATA BAR Japanese grilling from the Sushi Roku, Katana and Boa team. Striking design by Dodd Mitchell. D (nightly). 1401 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.458.4771 $$$ Map L8 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., suite 150, downtown, 213.627.3000; 1345 2nd St., Santa Monica, 310.393.3338; 4799 Commons Way, Calabasas, 818.223.9966; 212 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.276.6900 $$ Map N9, K9, I16, L8, west of A1, J11 SUSHI AKATORA Restaurateur Michael Cardenas is behind this friendly new north Manhattan Beach spot, which serves sushi and modern izakaya cuisine with glimpses of ocean. New location, Izakaya Akatora, in Alhambra. L (M-F), D (nightly). 302 Rosecrans Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.802.1131; 115 W. Main St., Alhambra, 626.943.7872 $$ Map L13, south of S21 SUSHI ROKU Nouvelle Japanese, sleek décor. Creative menu includes albacore tacos, salmon sashimi with black truffles. For foodies 10 and under, Sushi Roku Pasadena now offers a fun “okosama” kids’ menu with four bento-box options. 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 $$$ Map I12, L8, Q19 URASAWA If you’re serious about sushi, make a date to sit at Urasawa’s bar. Here you’ll be treated to an incredible omakase dinner—don’t even ask about price—that features the freshest, most artfully presented sushi, sashimi and shabu-shabu dishes. Reservation required. D (Tu-Sa). 218 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.247.8939 $$$$ Map I11
Mediterranean A.O.C. Mediterranean-inspired pioneer of two L.A. culinary trends: the small-plates format and the wine bar. Chef-owner Suzanne Goin offers addictive baconwrapped, Parmesan-stuffed dates and an excellent selection of cheeses and cured meats from a charcuterie bar. Br (Sa-Su), L, D (daily). 8700 W. 3rd St., L.A., 310.859.9859 $$ Map I12 BOWERY BUNGALOW Restaurateur George Abou-Daoud honors his Middle Eastern heritage here by applying exotic Silk Road flavors to all-American concepts like Southern baby back ribs or a Brooklynstyle Reuben sandwich. The inventive menu even features Pacific influences: kebabs called “shishkatori” grilled over binchotan charcoal like authentic Japanese yakitori. The look is laid-back and fun, indoors or out. D (nightly). 4156 Santa Monica Blvd., Silver Lake, 323.663.1500 $$ South of W23 CLEO The SBE group’s noisy mezze bar is an unquestionable high point of the Hollywood dining scene. Executive chef Daniel Elmaleh’s eastern and southern Mediterranean small plates include kebabs of pork belly and lamb, and wood-burned flatbreads. Cocktails are expensive but irresistible. D (nightly). The Redbury, 1717 Vine St., Hollywood, 323.962.1711 $$$ Map H14
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Dining CROSSROADS KITCHEN Chef/partner Tal Ronnen creates exclusively plant-based dishes, many based on nonvegan comfort classics. Try the creative “crab cake” comprising hearts of palm, apples and beets, or the attractive artichoke “oysters” topped with crispy oyster mushrooms, tomato béarnaise and kelp caviar. The wine list features organic and biodynamic labels. Br (Su), L (M-F), D (nightly). 8284 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.782.9245 $$ Map H12 FIG & OLIVE New York-based restaurant’s cuisine is an ode to olive oil. Don’t miss the truffle mushroom croquette with truffle olive oil aioli. Br (Sa-Su), L (M-F), D (nightly). 8490 Melrose Place, L.A., 310.360.9100 $$$ Map I12
Something for Everyone LUNCH • DINNER • HAPPY HOUR
RESTAURANT & SALOON
GJELINA Under the direction of talented young chef Travis Lett, 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. B (M-F), Br (Sa-Su), L, D (daily). 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.450.1429 $$ Map N9 LUCQUES Chef-owner Suzanne Goin delivers the next generation of California cuisine, which includes dishes such as grilled club steak for two with potatoes parisienne. Nowhere do vegetables taste as good! L (TuSa), D (nightly). 8474 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.655.6277 $$$ 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 $$$ Map L13 RAY’S & STARK BAR Renzo Piano-designed eatery at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Contemporary Med-inspired cuisine including vegetables cooked in woodburning oven. Adjacent Stark Bar offers designer cocktails on an outdoor patio. Br (Sa-Su), L (M-F), D (nightly). 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.857.6180 $$ Map J13 SONOMA WINE GARDEN Brunch and happy hour crowds gather at this alfresco restaurant on the third floor of Santa Monica Place. Wine and cheese plates and pizzas from the wood-burning oven are perfect for grazing over wine from the extensive list. Br (Sa-Su), L (M-F), D (nightly). 395 Santa Monica Place, Suite 300, Santa Monica, 424.214.4560 $$ Map L8
Mexican/Latin GRACIAS MADRE Organic, plant-based Mexican fare is served at this beautiful restaurant (the patio’s ambiance can’t be beat) from the team behind Café Gratitude. Inventive dishes like coconut ceviche tostadas or flautas de camote filled with sweet potatoes and cashew nacho cheese please vegans and omnivores alike. Br (Sa-Su), L (M-F), D (nightly). 8905 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.978.2170 $$ Map I12
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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. Br (Su), L, D (daily). 10924 W. Pico Blvd., West L.A., 310.441.9667; 1842 E. 1st St., Boyle Heights, 323.265.2887 $$ Map K10, east of H17 MALO/MÁS MALO Más Malo combines architectural splendor—it’s in a restored 1920s building—with 21stcentury, Mexico City-meets-L.A. décor and cuisine. The original Malo in Silver Lake is less glam, but also hip. Malo: Br, L (Sa-Su), D (nightly). Más Malo: Br, L, D (daily). 4326 W. Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake, 323.664.1011; 515 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.985.4332 $$ Map south of W23, I16 PETTY CASH TAQUERÍA Chef Walter Manzke, previously known for his restrained French fare at Bastide and Church & State, delivers in-your-face
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Dining Mexican street food using local, seasonal ingredients and refined technique. Winning dishes include pig ear nachos with crema poblana topped with a soft egg, and savory churros, oozing cheese and served with a butternut squash mole dip. L (Su), D (nightly). 7360 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.933.5300 $$ Map I13 RED O Rick Bayless, one of the leading authorites on Mexican cuisine in America, is consulting chef at this sexy, transporting Melrose eatery. Many of his thoughtful dishes are grounded in tradition, such as classic albacore ceviche and cochinita pibil. D (nightly). 8155 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.655.5009 $$$ Map I12 TORTILLA REPUBLIC This casual-chic WeHo restaurant serves up modern Mexican cuisine made with unique ingredients and rich in flavor. Sidle up to the white onyx bar or enjoy alfresco dining on the large patio. Pair the duck-confit tacos with a standout jalapeno margarita during the restaurant’s daily happy hour. For special events, opt for the private Rope Room in the back. Br (Sa-Su), L (Tu-F), D (nightly). 616 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.657.9888 $$ Map I12
Pan-Asian CRUSTACEAN A glass-covered koi-filled stream meanders under the bar at this Cal-Vietnamese eatery, and diners indulge in items from a “secret kitchen” in which only the owners’ family members and select longtime staff members are allowed. The garlic noodles are a signature. L (W-F), D (nightly). 9646 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.205.8990 $$$ Map I11 THE DISTRICT BY HANNAH AN One of the celebrated An sisters—her family introduced Beverly Hills’ Crustacean—celebrates her Vietnamese heritage with a cuisine that reflects authenticity while incorporating California sensibilities in a chic indoor-outdoor space. Dishes like turmeric-crusted sea bass, spiced lobster, and betel leaf-wrapped sirloin with lemongrass are enjoyed with cocktails infused with Southeast Asian flavors. Br (Su), D (nightly). 8722 W. 3rd St., L.A., 310.278.2345 $$$ Map I12 LUKSHON Sang Yoon of Father’s Office opens a slick Southeast Asian eatery with a selection of craft beers and Far East-inspired cocktail program. The crispy whole market fish is not to be missed. L (Th-Sa), D (M-Sa). 3239 Helms Ave., Culver City, 310.202.6808 $$$ Map K12 WP24 From its 24th-floor roost, WP24 proves that Wolfgang Puck, who pioneered Asian fusion, has still got the goods. Highlights include Singapore-style chili prawns and steamed bao filled with pork belly. Restaurant/lounge concept Nest at WP24 is adjacent. Dining room D (Tu-Sa); Nest D (nightly). The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, 900 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.743.8824 $$$$ Map I15
Quick Bites THE APPLE PAN Move quickly to grab a seat at the counter of this tiny joint, open since 1927. Burger aficionados wax on about the classic, drippy Steakburger and Hickoryburger. Cash only. Open late. L, D (Tu-Su). 10801 W. Pico Blvd., West L.A., 310.475.3585 $ Map K10 PINK’S HOT DOGS There’s a perpetual queue in front of this hot dog stand, open since 1939, which serves 30 kinds of dogs and chili cheeseburgers, too. Open late. B, L, D (daily). 709 N. La Brea Ave., L.A., 323.931.4223 $ Map I13 WURSTKÜCHE Don’t even try to pronounce it—”the sausage place” will do. Bar/restaurant offers thick-cut Belgian fries and a repertory of exotic franks: rattlesnake and rabbit, alligator and pork andouille. Open late. L, D
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Dining downtown, 213.748.4020; 120 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, 310.379.9900 $$ Map I15, L13 SALT AIR Seafood prepared with traditions from around the world—everything from a Connecticut-style lobster roll to a Côte d’Azur-inspired bouillabaisse—is offered at this laid-back Venice eatery. Other faves include fish skin chips with harrisa and smoked onion dips for sharing, olive oil-poached salmon, grilled trout with cured Meyer lemon, and caramel-coated monkey bread for dessert. Br (Sa-Su), L (M-F), D (nightly). 1616 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.396.9333 $$$ Map N9 SON OF A GUN Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, the meatloving chefs at Animal, turn to the sea for new inspiration. They cook up small shareable plates such as miniature lobster rolls and shrimp toast sandwiches in a nautically themed space. L (M-F), D (nightly). 8370 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.782.9033 $$$ Map I12
(daily). 800 E. 3rd St., downtown; 625 Lincoln Blvd., Venice, 213.687.4444 $ Map I17, M9
Spanish
Seafood
BAR PINTXO Spanish tapas bar located around the corner from the Santa Monica pier offers authentic tortilla Española, paella and croquetas de jamón and Spanish wines. L, D (daily). 109 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.458.2012 $$ Map M8
DUKE’S MALIBU Named after the father of international surfing, Duke Kahanamoku, this oceanfront restaurant captures the spirit of aloha. Not to be outshone by the spectacular views is the cuisine, which features a daily selection of fresh fish and tropical cocktails. Br (Su), L (M-Sa), D (nightly). 21150 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.317.0777 $$ Map west of K7 FISHING WITH DYNAMITE David LeFevre, a Water Grill alum, loads his menu with East Coast inspirations as well as some innovative dishes. Among the old-school small plates in this tiny, charming restaurant are New England-style clam chowder with Nueske’s bacon and Maryland blue crab cakes with house-made pickles and remoulade. L, D (daily). 1148 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.893.6299 $$$ Map L13 GLADSTONE’S MALIBU One of SoCal’s biggest hits with a million visitors each year. Dramatic ocean views. Br (Sa-Su), L, D (daily). 17300 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades, 310.454.3474 $$ Map west of K7 THE HUNGRY CAT East Coast fare in hip little spots. Dine on dishes such as crab cakes or chilled crab legs and you-peel or they-peel shrimp by the halfpound. Hollywood: Br (Sa-Su), L (M-F), D (nightly). Santa Monica: Br (Sa-Su), D (nightly). Sunset+Vine, 1535 N. Vine St., Hollywood, 323.462.2155; 100 W. Channel Road, Santa Monica, 310.459.3337 $$ Map H14, L7 THE LOBSTER Enjoy a view of the Pacific while indulging in superlative seafood from this Santa Monica Pieradjacent restaurant. The outdoor patio is most coveted for sampling the eponymous crustacean in various iterations. L, D (daily). 1602 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.458.9294 $$$ PROVIDENCE Chef-owner Michael Cimarusti transforms seafood from the world’s most pristine waters into oft-changing 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 $$$$ Map I14 ROCK‘N FISH Popular steak-and-seafood house serves fresh takes on regional American cuisine in locations steps from the sand in Manhattan Beach and across from Staples Center in the L.A. Live complex. L, D (daily). 800 W. Olympic Ave.,
THE BAZAAR BY JOSÉ ANDRÉS Star chef José Andrés brings whimsical set of Spanish-style dining experiences to the eminently stylish SLS Hotel. Cuisine ranges from rustic fare to cutting-edge culinary creations. Tasting room Saam offers an unforgettable 20-plus-course prix-fixe menu. Dining room D (nightly); Saam D (Th-Sa). 465 S. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.246.5555 $$$ Map H16 CAFE SEVILLA Authentic Spanish fare and tapas bar on a bustling strip in downtown Long Beach. Dinner show on Saturdays; nightclub upstairs. L (F-Su), D (nightly). 140 Pine Ave., Long Beach, 562.495.1111 $$ Map N16 SMOKE.OIL.SALT Catalan and Valencian cuisine from chef Perfecto Rocher and an impressive list of Spanish wines served in a lively location on Melrose. Paella Sundays; putxero Mondays. D (Tu-Su). 7274 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.930.7900, $$ Map I13
Steak 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 $$$ Map M8, H12 FOGO DE CHÃO Arguably the city’s best churrascaria—those Brazilian steakhouse-barbecue restaurants—is this restaurant with locations in Beverly Hills and, now, downtown. Guests are treated to an endless procession of meats carved right onto their plates. L (M-F), D (nightly). 133 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.289.7755 $$$; Fogo de Chão 800 S. Figueroa Ave., downtown, 213.228.4300 Map J12, I16 THE GRILL ON THE ALLEY The Grill is a venerable industry hangout, where the maître d’ juggles Hollywood heavyweights, each demanding his or her 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: Br (Sa-Su), L, D (daily). Westlake Village: Br (Sa-Su), L, D (daily). 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, Westlake Village, 805.418.1760 $$$ Map I11
L.A. PRIME Dine in high style 35 floors up. City views and dry-aged steaks at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel’s top floor are sure to impress out-of-towners and dinner dates. Classic sides and starters (think oysters, prawn cocktail, mac and cheese, creamed spinach) fill out the American surf-and-turf menu. Aged USDA certified Prime beef from Chicago. D (nightly). Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, 404 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.612.4743 $$$ Map H16 MASTRO’S OCEAN CLUB At this on-the-waterfront eatery—the views are pure Malibu—starters like ahi tartare, lobster cocktail and caviar service are followed by fresh fish, whole Maine lobster or expertly prepared steaks. Sides like lobster mashed potatoes and Alaskan king crab-black truffle gnocchi are legendary. Br (SaSu), D (nightly). 18412 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.454.4357 $$$$ Map west of K7 MASTRO’S STEAKHOUSE Swanky “steakhouse with personality.” Bone-in filet reigns; warm butter cake melts in your mouth. New Penthouse at Mastro’s is an upstairs lounge. D (nightly). 246 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.888.8782 $$$ Map J11 MORTON’S Clubby ambiance, show-and-tell menu, huge portions. Beverly Hills, Woodland Hills: D (nightly). Downtown, Burbank: L (M-F), D (nightly). 435 S. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.246.1501; 6250 Canoga Ave., Woodland Hills, 818.703.7272; 735 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.553.4566; The Pinnacle, 3400 W. Olive Ave., Burbank, 818.238.0424 $$$ Map I11, West of A1, I16, T20 NICK & STEF’S A modern interpretation of the classic American steakhouse, Nick & Stef’s offers architecturally exciting dining rooms and a wraparound patio lounge that’s a favorite of downtown workers waiting out traffic. USDA Prime beef is aged on-site in a glass-encased aging chamber. L (M-F), D (nightly). Wells Fargo Building, 330 S. Hope St., downtown, 213.680.0330 $$$ Map H16 PISTOLA The sister restaurant to Victor Casanova’s Gusto opened last year, giving classic Italian steakhouse fare a modern twist. Enjoy classic dishes such as shrimp scampi and veal parmigiana in an elegant space with a sleek, 1950s New York feel. D (nightly). 8022 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.951.9800 $$$ Map I13 THE STINKING ROSE “We season our garlic with food,” with eclectic options like garlic ice cream. 40-Clove Garlic Chicken, Silence of the Lamb Shank. L, D (daily). 55 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.652.7673 $$ Map I12
Thai JITLADA THAI The wait for a table is long at this top-rated restaurant in East Hollywood’s ThaiTown, but the southern Thai specialties, such as moo mae chan (grilled pork southern-style with papaya salad and sticky rice), are authentic and exceptional. L, D (Tu-Su). 52331/2 Sunset Blvd., L.A., 323.667.9809 $$ Map W22 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
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DANIEL KRIEGER
Farmers Market Flatbread at Freds at Barneys (p. 62)
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THE BEST OF LA’S DINING SCENE INNOVATIVE DINING GROUP
“Quite simply one of the best steaks in America.” – SUNSET MAGAZINE
9200 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood 310.278.2050 101 Santa Moncia Blvd. Santa Monica 310.899.4466 boasteak.com
Hollywood • Pasadena Santa Monica
“Super creative, extraordinary sushi.” – ZAGAT
$3-5 HAPPY HOUR DAILY
8439 W. Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood innovativedining.com
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SPECIAL PROMOTION
MENU HIGHLIGHTS Starters Cocomero & pomoderi Little gem Caesar salad Burrata cheese and heirloom tomatoes
PAPARAZZI RISTORANTE Enjoy elegant, old Hollywood ambiance and world-class cuisine at Paparazzi Ristoranti, a hidden gem in the heart of the city and one of Gayot’s picks for the best Italian restaurants in L.A. Award-winning executive chef Ressul Rassallat, who was selected by the American Culinary Federation to compete for the prestigious title of Western Regional Chef of the Year, inspires the senses with simple, classic Italian dishes that nod to southern Italy and incorporate surprising culinary twists. Savor fresh pastas in authentic sauces, as well as artistically prepared seafood, poultry and top-notch steaks. House specialties include merluzzo cileno al pistachio, a pistachio-crusted Mediterranean sea bass with clams, roasted tomato-saffron risotto, English pea emulsion, Fiesole artichokes and pea shoots (pictured here). Other favorites include the hearty il cioppino dei Paparazzi, an enticing combination of seafood in a fennel pomodoro broth served with classic garlic ciabatta. Gather with friends in the private dining room, which accommodates up to 40 people and is outfitted with audio-visual equipment, and enjoy chef Rassallat’s robustly flavored creations. Your taste buds will thank you. D (M–Sa).
Entrees Merluzzo cileno al pistacchio Regatoni alla bolognese Garganelli con salsiccia Lasagna al brasato Il cioppino dei Paparazzi Filetto alla griglia 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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LA DINING
LOCANDA DEL LAGO
Locando del Lago blends organic produce from the Santa Monica Farmers Market and many other local purveyors with Italian ingredients to create dishes from Northern Italy’s Lombardy region. This family-run restaurant attracts celebrities, foodies, locals and travelers with its authentic and traditional recipes. Dishes feature high-quality meats and pastas such as all-natural Niman ranch veal shank, Lake Superior whitefish and housemade ravioli and tortelloni. A full vegetarian menu is also available. Enjoy the breads, desserts and gelato, made in-house daily. The warm interior and sidewalk patio overlooking the bustling Third Street Promenade, also offers a daily happy hour that features specialty cocktails and local and Italian wines. B (Su), L, D (daily). 231 Arizona Ave., Santa Monica 310.451.3525 lagosantamonica.com
BENIHANA BEVERLY HILLS Benihana is a landmark on Beverly Hills’ Restaurant Row. At the heart of the Benihana experience lies the teppanyaki grill, where masterful chefs expertly prepare savory filet mignon, tender chicken breasts, succulent shrimp, cold-water lobster tail and Benihana’s signature hibachi chicken rice, all cooked to order in front of guests. Side orders include tempura, nigiri, sashimi and an assortment of fresh and colorful sushi rolls. Try one of the delicious specialty cocktails served in collectible mugs, Benihana’s famous hot sake or a passion fruit lemonade. Kids 12 and under can select from the Kabuki Kids menu. Benihana chefs are as well-known for their culinary theatrics as they are for their outstanding cooking. Celebrate your next special occasion at Benihana and take home a souvenir photo to commemorate the day. L, D (daily). 38 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills 323.655.7311 benihana.com
SONOMA WINE GARDEN
Sonoma Wine Garden showcases bold Mediterranean flavors with a California touch. Its chefs source produce at local farmers markets to ensure the menu reflects the freshest ingredients. With almost 50 by-the-glass offerings, the extensive wine list complements a diverse menu of small plates. The main dining room features a mammoth chandelier made with wine bottles, a floor-to-ceiling wine cellar and walls paneled with genuine wine cases. A picture window provides views of the Pacific Ocean, and the deck affords an excellent view of the restaurant’s bar and gardens. Sample some of the world’s finest wines by the ounce or glass via the 16-bottle Enomatic wine-dispensing machine. Happy hour Monday through Friday, noon-7 p.m. Br (Sa-Su), L (M-F), D (nightly).
395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica 424.214.4560 sonomawinegardensantamonica.com SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
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LA DINING
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 its status as the epitome of classic cool. Now in its 50th year, Matteo’s continues to offer unique seasonal fare in a homey and hip setting. Executive chef Antonio Orlando’s menu features 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. Gluten-free and vegetarian options also available. For lunch, visit adjacent cafe Hoboken, open weekdays. D (Tu-Su).
2321 Westwood Blvd., L.A. 310.475.4521 matteosla.com
208 RODEO Set atop the “Spanish steps” of Beverly Hills’ Via Rodeo, 208 Rodeo serves seasonal cuisine with California, pan-Asian and French flair. The restaurant’s proximity to such luxury retailers as Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Chanel makes it a celebrity hot spot as well as convenient stop for a post-shopping repast. Share a meal in its warm and modern Hollywood Regency-style dining room, or take a seat on the romantic patio overlooking the Beverly Wilshire Hotel (setting of the film Pretty Woman). Beautifully presented and imaginatively prepared dishes include a signature 28-ounce tomahawk rib-eye steak and a 1.5-pound lobster tail, and a children’s menu, a full bar and tempting desserts such as gelato round out the offerings. B, L, D (daily).
208 Via Rodeo, Beverly Hills 310.275.2428 208rodeo.com
THE STINKING ROSE— A GARLIC RESTAURANT
The Stinking Rose has been a mainstay on the dining scene since 1996. The restaurant’s latest addition is a supplemental Garlic Stake menu, which includes such premium beef specialties as the Little Devil petite filet mignon, Dracula’s Porterhouse (a carnivore’s dream of the perfectly prepared cut, with New York and filet mignon cooked separately) and a “to die for” bone-in filet mignon. The newly remodeled Gar Bar is the perfect setting to enjoy an evening of standards and pop songs performed by piano man Gary Sherer, who tickles the ivories Thursday through Saturday nights. Settle into a cozy booth or find a seat at the bar and enjoy an evening of fine food and pure entertainment. L, D (daily). 55 N. La Cienega 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. Fresh pastas are made 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. Repeat recipient of The Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence.”
301 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.550.8330 1800 Rosecrans Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.725.9555 1 Colorado, Pasadena, 626.683.9797 ilfornaio.com
RISTORANTE AL MARE Savor fresh and authentic handmade pastas, thin crust pizzas and Italian seafood classics such as cioppino and branzino at Ristorante al Mare, a new Italian eatery from the team behind Trastevere and La Piazza at the Grove. Located on the Santa Monica Pier, the three-story restaurant features a rooftop dining deck and full bar with unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean and Malibu coastline (a perfect spot to enjoy happy hour, 4:30-7:30 daily). The restaurant also boasts second floor balcony terraces and a private dining room, as well as firstfloor decks overlooking the bustling boardwalk and beautiful Santa Monica beaches. Find live music on the rooftop every weekend and some Fridays. L, D (daily).
250 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica 310.458.4448 ristorantealmare.com
NAPA VALLEY GRILLE
Get a taste of West Coast living at Napa Valley Grille, where executive chef Andrew Bice’s rustic-yet-refined dishes, including salads, harvest platters, prime cuts and seafood, emphasize seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The signature California cuisine is complemented by an impressive selection of regional wines, many of which are offered by the glass during the popular daily happy hour. Located in the heart of Westwood and one of 14 brands operated by Tavistock Restaurant Collection, the restaurant features vineyard-inspired decor, a rustic communal table and a welcoming patio that reflect the hospitable spirit of the Napa Valley wine region. Br (Sa-Su), L (M-F), D (nightly).
1100 Glendon Ave., L.A. 310.824.3322 napavalleygrille.com SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
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Entertainment Special Events
Guidelines Map locators at the end of each listing (Map A3; Map H10,
DOWNTOWN BURBANK CAR CLASSIC Aug. 1 This fourth annual event turns Burbank’s downtown area into a pedestrian-friendly concourse showcasing 200 restored and pre-1974 vehicles, exotics and hot rods, as well as celebrity vehicles seen in film and on TV and legendary cars from the Petersen Automotive Museum and the World Famous West Coast Customs. 3-9 pm. Free. San Fernando Boulevard from Magnolia Boulevard to Angeleno Avenue, Burbank, 818.238.5180 Map A2
etc.) refer to maps in the back of this issue. Compendium includes editors’ recommendations and advertisers.
The Full Monty Lovers of irreverent comedy will converge at the Hollywood Bowl from July 31-Aug. 2 as Monty Python’s Spamalot takes over the stage. The Broadway musical adapted from the legendary British comedy troupe’s 1975 film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, similarly spoofs the legend of King Arthur, the Knights of the Round Table and their quest to recover the mythical treasure—complete with lusty maidens, a legless knight and the famed killer rabbit. Original Python Eric Idle created the play, which first bowed in 2005 with Mike Nichols as director and won multiple Tonys, including best musical. Now, Spamalot is celebrating its 10th anniversary at the Bowl, with a star-studded cast including Christian Slater (pictured above), Warwick Davis, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Merle Dandridge, Craig Robinson and Idle himself. p. 80.
CINESPIA Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Cinespia’s screenings at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, now in their 14th season, find crowds jostling for spots to watch cult flicks projected on a mausoleum wall. Also on hand are DJs and themed photo booths. Highlights this month include Apocalypse Now, a 30th-anniversary screening of Peewee’s Big Adventure and an all-night movie marathon that will screen Can’t Hardly Wait, Scream and Cruel Intentions. Check website for full schedule. Gates 7:15 pm; movie 9 pm. $15 (marathon $18). Parking $10-$15. 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, 877.435.9849, cinespia.org Map H14 STREET FOOD CINEMA Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Outdoor summer film series features screenings every Saturday night at various locations across L.A. Also live music and food from the city’s top trucks. Highlights this month include Office Space and The Shining. See website for a full schedule. 5:30 pm. $6-$20, under 5 free. 323.254.5068, streetfoodcinema.com INTERNATIONAL SURF FESTIVAL Through Aug. 2 This summer festival, now in its 54th year, celebrates the South Bay beach cities and promotes physical fitness, with participants ranging from ages 8 to 80. The weekend of competition includes the Judge Taplin Lifeguard Medley Relay, the Dwight Crum Pier-to-Pier Swim and the Charley Saikley 6-Man Volleyball Tournament, as well as a surfing contest, a beach run and youth events. Check website for schedule. Free. Most events take place at the Hermosa Beach Pier. Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach, surffestival.org Map L13 SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD GAMES LOS ANGELES 2015 Through Aug. 2 The world’s largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities hosts its summer games in L.A., bringing 7,000 athletes from 170 nations to venues across the city. See website for schedule and event locations. Competition events free and open to the public. la2015.org SUNDANCE NEXT FEST Aug. 2, 7-9 This newer summer festival, presented by the Sundance Institute, celebrates the “renegade spirit of independent artists.” The event features a special kickoff Cinespia screening at Hollywood Forever Cemetery (Sundance Film Festival darling Cop Car, starring Kevin Bacon) and five other L.A. premieres of independent films, followed by performances by buzzworthy bands or conversations with cultural icons. See website for schedule. $15-$25. The Theatre at Ace Hotel, 929 S. Broadway, downtown, sundance.org/next Map H16 TWILIGHT CONCERT SERIES Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27 Annual summer concert series at the Santa Monica Pier featuring contemporary up-and-comers and classic bands. Ben Browning of Cut Copy, Sister
Theater................................. 78 Museums............................88 Music + Dance....................80 Shopping Destinations..... 91 Sports.................................... 82 Nightlife................................94 Attractions.......................... 82 Beaches................................ 95 Studio Tours........................86 Tours + Transport..............96
Nancy, Ariel Pink and Jefferson Starship headline this month. 7-10 pm. Free. 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, 310.458.8901 Map M8 SUMMER NIGHTS IN THE GARDEN Aug. 7, 21 Outdoor summer series features music from DJs and bands, food trucks, garden-inspired cocktails, handson garden projects, botanical tours and more. 5-9 pm. Free. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Blvd., Exposition Park, L.A., 213.763.3466 Map K15 BURBANK COMEDY FESTIVAL Aug. 16-22 Burbank gets into the funny business with this second-annual weeklong festival, hosted by its Flappers Comedy Club, that pairs more than 200 emerging comedians with headliners like Adam Carolla and Tom Green. Events include underground showcases, workshops, classes, industry panels, after-parties and live podcast tapings. Check website for schedule and pricing. 102 E. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, 818.845.9721, burbankcomedyfestival.com Map A2 TASTE OF BREWS Aug. 22 Summer craft-beer festival celebrating its fifth anniversary this year offers pours from more than 60 local, regional and national craft breweries and has more than 120 styles of microbrews on offer. Proceeds benefit the Long Beach Marine Institute. Noon-5 pm (alcohol service ends at 4 pm). $37.50–$47.50. Lighthouse Park, 200 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, 714.375.1132 Map O16 FYF FEST Aug. 22-23 Premier SoCal music fest features more than 50 indie-rock bands, ranging from upand-comers to big-name headliners, performing at the L.A. Sports Arena & Exposition Park. This year’s lineup includes Frank Ocean and Dinosaur Jr. on Saturday and Morrissey and Belle & Sebastian on Sunday. Two-day ticket $175; VIP $329. 3939 S. Figueroa St., downtown, fyffest.com Map K15 LOS ANGELES FOOD & WINE Aug. 27-30 This epicurean event features a roster of world-class chefs, including Jet Tila, Curtis Stone and Thomas Keller. With a home base along Grand Avenue (in front of the Walt Disney Concert Hall) downtown, the festival offers cooking demonstrations, dynamic chef pairings at top dining destinations across L.A., a live performance by Questlove and The Roots and more. See website for a full schedule and pricing. 855.433.5239, lafw.com
Theater MURDER FOR TWO Through Aug. 2 This creative two-man musical murder mystery finds one actor playing a wannabe sleuth trying to find out who murdered an author and the other actor playing all of the suspects—and both playing the piano. Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood, 310.208.5454 Map J10
Director John Badham, actor Michael Hitchcock and singer Jack Wagner all count being a tour guide for Universal Studios’ Studio Tour among their past gigs. p. 84
GAVIN BOND
GRAND PERFORMANCES Aug. 1-2, 7-8, 14-15, 22-23 Annual live entertainment series downtown brings culturally diverse performances including music, dance, film and spoken word to California Plaza. This month’s highlights include Aloe Blacc, Gaby Moreno and Melrose Poetry Bureau’s Brown Bag Poetry. Check website for full schedule. Free. 350 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.687.2190, grandperformances.org Map H16
Index Special Events.................... 78 Studio Tapings...................86
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Entertainment THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Through Aug. 2 Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece about a deformed “phantom” and his love and protégée, Christine, makes its way to L.A. following a sold-out U.K. tour. The cast and orchestra of 52 make Cameron Mackintosh’s production of the musical one of the largest on tour. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 800.982.2787 Map H13 SANDRA TSING LOH PRESENTS THE B**** IS BACK: AN ALL-TOO INTIMATE CONVERSATION Through Aug. 2 Radio personality and author of The Madwoman in the Volvo: My Year of Raging Hormones is hilarious in this one-woman show that tracks her roller coaster ride through menopause. (For mature audiences only.) The Edye, The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, 310.434.3200 Map L9 HERSHEY FELDER AS IRVING BERLIN Aug. 4-16 Hailed for his one-man shows about musical greats, multitalented Canadian performer Felder tackles the master of American music himself, Irving Berlin. The work follows Berlin’s origins in czarist Russia to his embodiment of the American dream. Expect classic songs such as “God Bless America” and “White Christmas.” Gil Cates Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood, 310.208.5454 Map J10 GIRLFRIEND Through Aug. 9 Set to the music of singer Matthew Sweet’s eponymous 1991 pop album, this rock musical tells the story of two teenage boys’ summer of self-discovery and first love. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213.628.2772 Map L11 BENT Through Aug. 23 This love story by Martin Sherman follows two gay men trying to survive in Nazi Germany. This version of the play, directed by Moises Kaufman, is the work’s first major U.S. revival since its 1979 Broadway premiere. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772 Map H16
get closer to our animals than ever before and see our all-new sea jellies exhibits. over 11,000 animals await you.
For a $7 off coupon, visit aquariumofpacific.org/wherela or capture QR code. 562.590.3100 100 AquArium WAy, Long BeAch, cA 90802
WHITNEY CUMMINGS LIVE Aug. 28-29 The L.A.based comedian-actress takes the stage for two days to tape her third hourlong HBO special. The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, 310.434.3200 Map L9 MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Through Aug. 30 The Independent Shakespeare Company performs the Bard’s classic work as part of its Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival, reimagining the tale as a World War II-era comedy set in Messina, Sicily. Old L.A. Zoo, Griffith Park Drive, Griffith Park, L.A., 818.710.6306 Map T23
Music + Dance THE FORUM Aug. 1 Rush: R40 Live Tour. Aug. 8 Yuri. Aug. 17-18 Mumford & Sons, featuring the Vaccines and Jack Garratt. Aug. 22 The Comedy Get Down. Aug. 28 Incubus; Deftones, featuring Death From Above 1979 and the Eeries. 3900 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, 310.330.7300 Map O12 GREEK THEATRE Aug. 5 Wilco. Aug. 11 Hot Chip, featuring !!! and Com Truise. Aug. 12 Of Monsters and Men. Aug. 13 Alabama Shakes, featuring Blake Mills. Aug. 14 Jackson Browne. Aug. 15 Slightly Stoopid, featuring Dirty Heads and Stick Figure. Aug. 16 Shawn Mendes. Aug. 17 Lindsey Stirling: The Music Box Tour. Aug. 19 Jill Scott. Aug. 20 Colbie Caillat; Christina Perri. Aug. 21 Gloria Trevi. Aug. 22 Ramon Ayala. Aug. 23 R5. Aug. 29 Joe Bonamassa: Three Kings Tour. 2700 N. Vermont Ave., Griffith Park, L.A., 323.665.5857 Map V22 HOLLYWOOD BOWL July 31-Aug. 2 Monty Python’s Spamalot, featuring Merle Dandridge, Warwick Davis, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Eric Idle, Craig Robinson, Christian Slater, conductor Todd Ellison, director BT McNicholl, choreographer Scott Taylor. Aug. 4 Los Angeles Philharmonic, conductor James Gaffigan, hornists Stefan Dohr, Andrew Bain, Timothy Jones, Sarah Willis. Aug. 5 Jamie Cullum; Soulive; Lisa Fischer. Aug. 6 L.A. Philharmonic,
THE EXHIBITION FIRST TIME IN LOS ANGELES
NOW - SEPT. 7, 2015
E
xperience the largest Dead Sea Scrolls exhibition ever mounted outside of Israel. Featuring selections from the Old Testament and over 600 ancient artifacts.
700 Exposition Park Drive Los Angeles, CA 90037 (323) SCIENCE californiasciencecenter.org
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Attractions + Museums
THE GRAMMY MUSEUM® PRESENTS
conductor James Gaffigan, pianist Yundi. Aug. 7-8 Sheryl Crow, Alex Cuba, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, conductor Thomas Wilkins. Aug. 9 Verdi’s La Traviata, featuring L.A. Philharmonic, conductor Diego Matheuz. Aug. 10 Fall Out Boy; Wiz Khalifa; Hoodie Allen; DJ Drama. Aug. 11 Joshua Bell, L.A. Philharmonic. Aug. 12 Jaco’s World; Wayne Shorter Quartet. Aug. 13 Tan Dun’s Martial Arts Trilogy (with film), featuring L.A. Philharmonic. Aug. 14-15 Warner Bros. Presents Bugs Bunny at the Symphony—25th Anniversary!, featuring L.A. Philharmonic, conductor George Daugherty. Aug. 16 Reggae Night: Bob Marley’s Roots Rock Reggae—A 70th Birthday Celebration, featuring Ziggy Marley, Stephen “Ragga” Marley, Inner Circle, The Skatalites, host Jeremy Sole. Aug. 18 A Live presentation of 2001: A Space Odyssey, featuring L.A. Philharmonic, conductor Brad Lubman, Los Angeles Master Chorale. Aug. 19 Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club; Diego El Cigala. Aug. 20 L.A. Philharmonic, conductor Mirga Gražinyté-Tyla, violinist Alexandra Soumm. Aug. 21-22 Heart, Liv Warfield, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, conductor Thomas Wilkins. Aug. 23 Dave Koz and Rick Braun Featuring Kenny Lattimore and Maysa, Larry Graham and Graham Central Station, Macy Gray, Harvey Mason: Chameleon. Aug. 25 L.A. Philharmonic, conductor Nicholas McGegan, organist Cameron Carpenter. Aug. 26 Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue; Michael Franti and Spearhead; Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires. Aug. 27 L.A. Philharmonic, conductor Nicholas McGegan, double bassist Edgar Meyer, special guests Sam Bush and Jerry Douglas. Aug. 28-29 Diana Krall, featuring Gregory Porter, L.A. Philharmonic, conductor Chris Walden. Aug. 30 Erykah Badu; St. Vincent, featuring Moses Sumney, host Garth Trinidad. 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 323.850.2000 Map G13
ON OPEN EXHIBITI R 4, 2015 OCTOBE THROUGH
STAPLES CENTER Aug. 1-2 K-Con 2015. Aug. 19 Kelly Clarkson. Aug. 20 Shania Twain. Aug. 21-22, 24-26 Taylor Swift. 1111 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.742.7100 Map I15
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DODGER STADIUM July 31-Aug. 2 Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Aug. 10-12 Dodgers vs. Washington Nationals. Aug. 13-16 Dodgers vs. Cincinnati Reds. Aug. 28-30 Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs. Aug. 31-Sept. 2 Dodgers vs. San Francisco Giants. 1000 Elysian Park Ave., L.A., 323.224.1507 Map G17
AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC Focus is on Pacific Ocean sea life. Pet the sharks at Shark Lagoon; other exhibits include Lorikeet Forest, Turtle Vision 4D and June Keyes Penguin Habitat. New and expanded jellies exhibits include touchable moon jellies and bioluminescent jellies in the Wonders of the Deep gallery. This summer, the aquarium presents Sink or Swim: Designing for a Sea Change, an exhibition organized by the Annenberg Space for Photography. Daily 9 am-6 pm except Christmas and during the Grand Prix of Long Beach. $14.95$28.95, under 3 free. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, 562.590.3100 Map O16 BARNSDALL ART PARK Eleven-acre park features Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House, as well as the Los Ange-
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STUBHUB CENTER Aug. 3-8 USA Cycling Elite and Junior National Championships. Aug. 6 Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Central FC. Aug. 9 Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders; Galaxy II vs. Arizona United SC. Aug. 18 Galaxy vs. Comunicaciones FC. Aug. 23 Galaxy vs. New York City FC; Galaxy II vs. Seattle Sounders FC 2. Aug. 29 The Color Run Night 5k. 18400 Avalon Blvd., Carson, 310.630.2000 Map M15
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STAPLES CENTER Aug. 4 Los Angeles Sparks vs. Minnesota. Aug. 6 Sparks vs. Tulsa. Aug. 11 Sparks vs. Seattle. Aug. 16 Sparks vs. Chicago. Aug. 18 Sparks vs. Indiana. Aug. 30 Sparks vs. San Antonio. 1111 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.742.7100 Map I15
MUSEUM OF TOLERANCE www.museumoftolerance.com
9786 west pico boulevard los angeles, ca 90035 t: 310.772.2506
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HOLLYWOOD BOWL WHERE SUMMER PLAYS
SHERYL CROW HOLLYWOOD BOWL ORCHESTRA
THOMAS WILKINS, CONDUCTOR
ALEX CUBA AUG 7-8
TM & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
Looney Tunes with live orchestra!
Attractions + Museums les Municipal Art Gallery, Barnsdall Art Center, Junior Art Center and Barnsdall Gallery Theatre. Park 5 am-10 pm; Municipal Art Gallery Th-Su noon-5 pm; Hollyhock House tours Th-Su 11 am-3 pm. Hollyhock House tours $3-$7 (credit card only). 4800 Hollywood Blvd., L.A., 323.913.4031 Map W22 DESCANSO GARDENS Collections include coast live oaks, roses and an award-winning camellia garden. Enjoy family-friendly festivals, performances, classes and activities for children. The Oak Woodland is Descanso’s first major garden addition in 30 years. Daily except Christmas 9 am-5 pm. $4-$9, under 5 free. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, 818.949.4200 Map Q19 DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE PARK Soarin’ Over California, A Bug’s Land, Toy Story Mania!, Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, Cars Land and more. Call for hours. Admission (includes all rides and attractions): $93-$99, under 3 free. 1600 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map D6 DISNEYLAND Mickey Mouse’s theme park. Attractions 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): $93-$99, under 3 free. 1600 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map D6 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
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
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GEORGE DAUGHERTY, CONDUCTOR
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GAMBLE HOUSE Landmark Arts & Crafts-style home. Advance tickets recommended for guided tours. See website for details. Th-Su noon-3 pm. $12.50-$15, under 12 free. 4 Westmoreland Place, Pasadena, 626.793.3334, gamblehouse.org Map Q19 GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY Iconic attraction overlooking Hollywood. Hourly shows at planetarium. Tu-F noon-10 pm; Sa-Su 10 am-10 pm. Admission free; planetarium shows $3-$7, under 5 free. 2800 E. Observatory Road, Griffith Park, L.A., 213.473.0800 Map U23
HOLLYWOOD BOWL ORCHESTRA
THOMAS WILKINS, CONDUCTOR
LIV WARFIELD AUG 21-22
Diana Krall
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC CHRIS WALDEN, CONDUCTOR
GREGORY PORTER AUG 28-29
HollywoodBowl.com • 323.850.2000 800.745.3000 Groups (10+) 323.850.2050
Parking, shuttle & venue policies at HollywoodBowl.com/GettingThere Programs, artists, prices & dates subject to change
GUINNESS WORLD RECORD MUSEUM Shrine to amazing achievements. Daily 10 am-midnight. $9.99$16.99, under 5 free. 6764 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.463.6433 Map H13 HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME Celebs’ names 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 L.A. LIVE Bustling entertainment center is home to the Grammy Museum, Microsoft Theater and Club Nokia; restaurants including Nest at WP24 and Tom’s Urban; 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 More than 250 wildlife species (many of which are rare or endangered) and 800 plant species in parklike setting. New Rainforest of the Americas exhibit. Daily 10 am-5 pm except Christmas. Ticket sales cease one hour prior to closing time. $14-$19, under 2 free. 5333 Zoo Drive, Griffith Park, L.A., 323.644.4200 Map T23 LEGOLAND Legoland California Resort features more than 60 rides, shows and attractions, Sea Life Aquarium, Legoland Water Park and Legoland Hotel. New Lego Friends Heartlake City attraction and 8-foot-wide Lego Death Star model display in Lego Star Wars miniland. Lego Legends of Chima Water Park features an interactive wave pool, water slides, an interactive Lego-building station, sandy beaches, wading areas and more. Frequent trains depart from L.A. Union Station to Oceanside station, 7.5
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Attractions + Museums miles from the park. See legoland.com for hours, ticket packages, hotel accommodations and discounts. Parking $15-$25. 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, 760.918.5346 MADAME TUSSAUDS Step behind the scenes to re-create favorite film and musical moments at the world-famous museum of wax figures. Jimmy Fallon is new. Open daily at 10 am; closing hours vary. $22.95$29.95, under 3 free. 6933 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.798.1670 Map H13 PACIFIC PARK Amusement park at the end of the famous Santa Monica Pier offers games, food and rides, including a Ferris wheel. See pacpark.com for hours. Individual rides $4-$8; wristbands $16.95-$28.95. 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, 310.260.8744 Map M8 QUEEN MARY SHIP AND SEAPORT Historic ocean liner—bigger than the Titanic!—permanently berthed in Long Beach Harbor. Shops, hotel, art deco lounge and restaurants including Sir Winston’s. Russian Foxtrot-class submarine Scorpion is adjacent. Daily 10 am-6 pm for self-guided and guided tours. Night tours available. Check queenmary.com for pricing. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0738 Map O16 RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT! MUSEUM Three hundred displays feature curiosities gathered by traveler Robert Ripley in the 1930s. Daily 10 am-midnight. $13$17, under 5 free. 6780 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.466.6335 Map H13 RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM Air Force One Pavilion houses the Flying White House. Pick up a patriotic souvenir at the museum store, and dine at your choice of two on-site restaurants. Daily 10 am-5 pm except New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. $6-$16, under 2 free. 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, 800.410.8354 Map northwest of A1 SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS NATIONAL RECREATIONAL AREA Hiking, horseback riding, climbing, camping, mountain biking, wildflower viewing, bird-watching and more on 150,000 acres. National Park Service Visitor Center open daily 9 am-5 pm (holidays exempt). 26876 Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas, 805.370.2301 Map west of B1 SEAWORLD The 189-acre adventure park features thousands of marine animals including killer whales plus fish, reptiles and birds. Open daily; call for hours, ticket packages and discounts. $83-$89, under 3 free. Parking $16-$21. 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, 800.25.SHAMU Map I8
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MEDIA SPONSOR
EXHIBITION SPONSORED IN PART BY
Susan and Carl W. Robertson Lora A. and Robert U. Sandroni GREEN
4700 Western Heritage Way . Los Angeles, CA 90027—1462 323.667.2000 . TheAutry.org Across from the L.A. Zoo . Free Parking
BROWN BLACK
Frémont Planting the American Standard on the Rocky Mountains (New York: Baker & Godwin, circa 1856). Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division
WHITE GREEN
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SIX FLAGS MAGIC MOUNTAIN Theme park has 17 coasters, plus dozens of rides and attractions for kids and families including world’s tallest, fastest and longest flying coaster, Tatsu, and the world’s tallest vertical drop, Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom. Call or visit sixflags.com for hours. $47.99-$72.99, under 3 free. 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy., Valencia, 661.255.4100 Map A2 TCL CHINESE THEATRE Restored Hollywood movie palace with Imax screen and walkway of stars’ hand- and footprints in the forecourt. Visit tclchinesetheatres.com or call for movie schedule. 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.461.3331 Map H13 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD Movie-based theme park. Rides include Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem and adjacent Super Silly Fun Land; the Simpsons Ride and its new immersive environment, Springfield. Tram studio tour includes King Kong 360 3-D, film and TV sets and the new Fast & Furious—Supercharged hydraulic motion-based thrill ride as the grand finale. VIP Experience is private guided tour through prop warehouse, working movie sets, soundstages and more. Call or check universalstudioshollywood.com for hours and current prices. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 800.864.8377 Map U20
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Explore the rainforest, jungle and savanna... all in the heart of L.A.! With immersive exhibits, live presentations and shows, it’s wild fun for the whole family.
Open daily, 10AM to 5PM • Located in Griffith Park • Tickets and info at LAZoo.org/WHERE
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Bring this coupon and receive $8.00 off regular Adult/Child admission up to six (6) total admissions. Not valid for advance ticket purchase, combo packages or any other offers. Restrictions apply. The images shown depict wax figures created and owned by Madame Tussauds. Š 2015 MARVEL. Promo code 5053. Expires 12/31/15.
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Attractions + Museums USS IOWA Former battleship is permanently docked as a floating museum. The ongoing exhibit follows the ship’s history through World War II, the Korean War and the Cold War. Daily 10 am-5 pm; last ticket sold at 4 pm. $10-$18, under 5 free. Pacific Battleship Center, USS Iowa BB-61, 250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro, 877.446.9261 Map O15 WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL Frank Gehry-designed architectural landmark at the Music Center. Tour options include hourlong, self-guided audio tours and docent-led tours. Hours and days vary. Visit musiccenter.org for schedule. Free for individuals or groups of up to 14 people. Tours for 15 or more by reservation, $15 per guest guided or $10 per guest self-guided. 151 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.4399 Map H16
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Studio Tours PARAMOUNT PICTURES STUDIO TOUR Two-hour group tour of Hollywood’s longest-operating and only remaining major studio. Reservation required. Tours daily (except some holidays) every half-hour 9:30 am-2 pm. $53; VIP tour $178, under 10 not admitted. After Dark tour F-Sa 7:30 pm; $78, under 12 not admitted. 5555 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, 323.956.1777 Map I14 SONY PICTURES STUDIO TOUR Two-hour walking tour of working motion-picture studio includes sets of television shows and films. Reservation, photo ID required. M-F 9:30 am-2:30 pm. $40, under 12 not admitted. Parking free. 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, 310.244.8687 Map L11 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD Legendary studio tour (see listing under “Attractions”). VIP Experience includes private tour of movie studio, prop warehouse, front-of-line privileges, gourmet lunch and other perks. Call or check universalstudioshollywood.com for hours and current prices. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 818.622.3801 Map U20 WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR HOLLYWOOD Twohour tour of working TV and film studio includes backlots, soundstages, costume department, museum and observation of filming when possible. New Stage 48: Script to Screen soundstage gives guests behindthe-scenes access to the world of film and TV production. Deluxe tour available. Reservation recommended; photo ID required. Daily except Christmas 8 am-4 pm (call for extended summer hours). $62, under 8 not admitted. 3400 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank, 818.972.8687 Map U20
Studio Tapings AUDIENCES UNLIMITED Free tickets to live tapings of TV shows produced in the L.A. area, such as The Big Bang Theory, Girl Meets World and 2 Broke Girls. Minimum age 10-18, varies by show. 818.260.0041, ext. 1, tvtickets.com
BEHIND THE WALL. BEYOND EXPECTATIONS.
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CITADEL OUTLETS IS JUST MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN LA ON I-5 AT THE ATLANTIC EXIT. CONTACT YOUR HOTEL’S FRONT DESK OR CONCIERGE FOR SHUTTLE AND TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS TO THE CENTER.
THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW Free tickets to taping of comedian’s daytime talk show. Minimum age 14; minors must show photo ID and be accompanied by a parent. Advance tickets, go to ellen.warnerbros. com/tickets; day-of tickets, call before noon. Warner Bros. Studios, 3400 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank, 818.954.5929 Map U20 JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE! Free tickets to live tapings of late-night ABC show. Minimum age 18. El Capitan Entertainment Centre, 6840 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 1iota.com Map H13 ON-CAMERA AUDIENCES Free tickets to live tapings of TV shows including So You Think You Can Dance?, The Price Is Right and American Idol. Minimum age varies by show. 818.295.2700, mytvtickets.com
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Attractions + Museums Museums THE ANNENBERG SPACE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY Cultural venue dedicated solely to digital and print photography. Multimedia studio and retail gallery Skylight Studios is across the park from the photography space. Continuing Emerging; Emerging Experience. W-Su 11 am-6 pm. Free. Parking $3.50, $1 after 4:30 pm and all day Sa-Su. 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Century City, 213.403.3000 Map J11 AUTRY NATIONAL CENTER Opening Aug. 8 New Acquisitions Featuring the Kaufman Collection. Through Aug. 23 Kim Stringfellow’s Jackrabbit Homestead. Continuing Empire and Liberty: The Civil War and the West. Ongoing Art of the West; Western Frontiers: Stories of Fact and Fiction; Four Centuries of Pueblo Pottery. Tu-F 10 am-4 pm; Sa-Su 10 am-5 pm. $4-$10, under 3 free. 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, L.A., 323.667.2000 Map H14
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CALIFORNIA AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM Exhibits showcasing the history, culture and art of African Americans, with an emphasis on California and the western United States. Through Aug. 2 Flash Tag. Continuing Caam’s Courtyard Series: Shared Otherness. TuSa 10 am-5 pm; Su 11 am-5 pm. Free. Parking $10. 600 State Drive, Exposition Park, L.A., 213.744.7432 Map M8 CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER Interactive exhibits for budding scientists. Continuing Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition. Ongoing Mission 26: The Big Endeavour. Daily 10 am-5 pm. Permanent exhibition gallery, free; admission for other exhibits and Imax varies. Parking $10. 700 Exposition Park Drive, Exposition Park, L.A., 323.724.3623 Map K15
HORNBLOWER.COM | 855-559-3571 NEWPORT BEACH MARINA DEL REY LONG BEACH SAN DIEGO SAN FRANCISCO BERKELEY NEW YORK *Valid for up to 6 adults in Marina del Rey & Newport Beach. Terms and conditions apply. Not valid on holidays or special events. Cannot be combined with other offers. Exp. 11/30/15.
DISCOVERY CUBE L.A. 71,000-square-foot children’s science center offers traveling and permanent high-tech exhibits aimed at teaching science, technology, engineering, math, healthy living and environmental stewardship through hands-on activities. Science of Hockey exhibit with the L.A. Kings is now open. Continuing Animal Grossology; Adventures With Clifford the Big Red Dog. Daily 9 am-6 pm. $12.95-$17.95, under 3 free. 11800 Foothill Blvd., L.A., 818.686.2823 Map north of A2 FOWLER MUSEUM Art and material culture from Africa, Asia, the Pacific, the Americas. Through Aug. 2 The Sahmat Collective: Art and Activism in India since 1989. Continuing Fowler in Focus: The Art of Hair in Africa; Making Strange: Gagawaka + Postmortem by Vivan Sundaram; Singular Spaces: From the Eccentric to the Extraordinary in Spanish Art Environments. Ongoing Intersections: World Arts, Local Lives. W-Su noon-5 pm; Th noon-8 pm. Free. Parking $3-$12. UCLA, 308 Charles E. Young Drive N., L.A., 310.825.4361 Map I10 GETTY CENTER Travertine-clad hilltop facility houses stunning collections of paintings, drawings, antiquities, photographs and decorative arts. Fabulous Central Garden and city views. Continuing Andrea del Sarto: The Renaissance Workshop in Action; A Kingdom of Images: French Prints in the Age of Louis XIV, 1660-1715; In Focus: Animalia; Degas: “Russian Dancers” and the Art of Pastel; Light, Paper, Process: Reinventing Photography; Touching the Past: The Hand and the Medieval Book; Power and Pathos: Bronze Sculpture of the Hellenistic World. Ongoing The Life of Art: Context, Collecting, and Display. Tu-F, Su 10 am-5:30 pm; Sa 10 am-9 pm. Free. Parking $15, $10 Sa after 5 pm. 1200 Getty Center Drive, L.A., 310.440.7300 Map H9 GETTY VILLA Getty Center’s exquisite coastal counterpart features Roman and Greek antiquities. Through Aug. 17 Ancient Luxury and the Roman Silver Treasure From Berthouville. Ongoing Molten Color: Glassmaking in Antiquity. W-F, Su-M 10 am-5 pm; Sa 10 am-9 pm. Free. Parking $15, $10 after 5 pm for evening programs. Advance timed tickets required for entry. 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades, 310.440.7300 Map K7
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AWESOME AWAITS Make some new friends at LEGO® Friends Heartlake City this summer. With a beautiful carousel, horse stables, singing and dancing it’s your favorite toy come to life! LEGOLAND® California Resort is the ultimate LEGO experience. It has more than 60 rides, shows and attractions including SEA LIFE® Aquarium. And a stay at the amazing LEGOLAND Hotel keeps the fun going!
EXCLUSIVE ONLINE OFFER
Save $15 + 2nd Day FREE when you buy online at LEGOLAND.com/VisitorSavings Located in Carlsbad just off I-5, LEGOLAND Park is open daily through Sep. 14, 2015 and closed select Tuesdays and Wednesdays during Fall and Winter. LEGOLAND Water Park open seasonally during Spring, Summer and Fall. Please check the website for details regarding days and hours of operation. Prices, times and schedules subject to change without notice. Visit LEGOLAND.com or call 877-LEGOLAND (534-6526) for details. LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations, the Minifigure and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2015 The LEGO Group. LEGOLAND and SEA LIFE are part of Merlin Entertainments plc.
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Attractions + Museums GRAMMY MUSEUM Museum on L.A. Live campus explores music, the creative and recording processes and Grammy Award history. Continuing All Eyez on Me: The Writings of Tupac Shakur; Joan Rivers: Can We Talk?; Legends Of Motown: Celebrating The Supremes; Rare Guitars; Ravi Shankar: A Life in Music; The Taylor Swift Experience. (See grammymuseum.org for ongoing and permanent exhibits.) 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
Music, Movies & Dancing DON’T MISS DOWNTOWN LA’S EVENTS THIS SUMMER
HAMMER MUSEUM Traveling shows and installations and permanent collection. Continuing Mark Bradford: Scorched Earth; Perfect Likeness: Photography and Composition; Hammer Projects: Mary Reid Kelley; Hammer Projects: Joseph Holtzman; The Afghan Carpet Project. Tu-F 11 am-8 pm; Sa-Su 11 am-5 pm. Free. 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood, 310.443.7000 Map J10 HOLLYWOOD MUSEUM Located in the historic Max Factor Building, steps from the Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Museum houses 10,000 authentic showbiz treasures that showcase 100 years of Hollywood’s entertainment industry. Don’t miss Max Factor’s makeup rooms, where Marilyn Monroe became a blonde and Lucille Ball a redhead, and Hannibal Lecter’s jail cell from Silence of the Lambs. Continuing Reel to Real: Portrayals and Perceptions of Gays in Hollywood; Marilyn Monroe: The Exhibit. W-Su 10 am-5 pm. $5-$15. 1660 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 323.464.7776 Map H13 HUNTINGTON LIBRARY, ART COLLECTIONS, AND BOTANICAL GARDENS Art, buildings and grounds, with more than a dozen themed gardens. New education and visitor center. Through Aug. 10 Glory After the Fall: Images of Ruins in 18th- and 19th-Century British Art. Through Aug. 23 Weird, Wild & Wonderful: The New York Botanical Garden Second Triennial Exhibition. Continuing Velvet Paintings: 18th-Century Pastels From The Huntington’s Art Collections; Between Modernism and Tradition: British Works on Paper, 1914-1948; Magna Carta: Law and Legend, 1215-2015. M, W-Su 10:30 am-4:30 pm. $10-$25, under 4 free. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, 626.405.2141 Map R21 LA BREA TAR PITS AND MUSEUM Watch paleontologists at work uncovering Ice Age L.A. Among the main attractions are the ever-bubbling tar pits, which make up the world’s most famous fossil-excavation site. Daily 9:30 am-5 pm. $5-$12, under 3 free. 5801 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.934.7243 Map J13 LOS ANGELES COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART Diverse, superb collections housed on 20-acre campus. Through Aug. 2 Ed Moses: Drawings from the 1960s and 70s; Drawing in L.A.: The 1960s and 70s. Through Aug. 30 The Allure of Venice. Continuing Christian Marclay: The Clock. (See lacma.org for additional continuing and ongoing exhibits, programs and special events.) M-Tu, Th 11 am-5 pm; F 11 am-8 pm; Sa-Su 10 am-7 pm. $10-$15, under 18 free. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.857.6000 Map J13 MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART Premier contemporary art museum housed in three facilities. Through Aug. 16 Kahlil Joseph: Double Conscience (GA). Continuing Selections from the Permanent Collection: 19401980 (GA); Tongues Untied (PDC). 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 11 am-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 MUSEUM OF TOLERANCE Exhibits on prejudice and discrimination, legacy of the Holocaust and human-rights issues, plus an immersive look at Anne Frank’s life and legacy. (See museumoftolerance. com for additional exhibits.) Su-W, F 10 am-5 pm; Th 10 am-9:30 pm (extended hours for Anne only). $11.50-$15.50, under 5 free. 9786 W. Pico Blvd., L.A., 310.553.8403 Map J11
AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO
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“The Official Museum of Hollywood” -Hollywood’s Honorary Mayor, Johnny Grant
IN THE HISTORIC MAX FACTOR BUILDING
Shopping NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY Thirty-three million objects from dinosaur fossils to fish. The 3.5-acre Nature Gardens and interactive Nature Lab are new to the museum. The Tyrannosaurus rex growth series is a highlight of the Dinosaur Hall. Continuing Butterfly Pavilion; Grandes Maestros. (See nhm.org for additional exhibits.) Daily 9:30 am-5 pm. $5-$12, under 3 free. 900 Exposition Blvd., Exposition Park, L.A., 213.763.3466 Map K15 NORTON SIMON MUSEUM Stellar collection of Renaissance to 20th-century masterworks and sculpture garden. Through Aug. 31 Human/Nature: Photographers Constructing the Natural World. Continuing Fragonard’s Enterprise: The Artist and the Literature of Travel; A Revolution of the Palette: The First Synthetic Blues and Their Impact on French Artists. M, W-Th noon-5 pm; F-Sa 11 am-8 pm; Su 11 am-5 pm. $9-$12; students with photo ID, under 19 free. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626.449.6840 Map Q19 PASADENA MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA ART California art, architecture, design. Continuing Someday Is Now: The Art of Corita Kent; Alexandra Grant and Steve Roden: “These Carnations Defy Language.” W-Su noon-5 pm. $5-$7, under 12 free. 490 E. Union St., Pasadena, 626.568.3665 Map Q20 SKIRBALL CULTURAL CENTER The American Jewish experience. Through Aug. 16 Rock & Roll Billboards of the Sunset Strip. Through Aug. 23 The Singing Posters: Poetry Sound Collage Sculpture Book. Continuing Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution. Ongoing Noah’s Ark; Visions and Values. Tu-F noon-5 pm; Sa-Su 10 am-5 pm. $5-$10, under 2 free, free Th. 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A., 310.440.4500 Map G9
Shopping Destinations Milton Greene Photograph, 1953 © 2013 The Hollywood Museum
SEE 10,000 AUTHENTIC SHOWBIZ TREASURES SHOWCASING 100 YEARS OF HOLLYWOOD!
The most extensive collection of costumes, props, posters, and photographs in the world!
SPECIAL EXHIBITS Reel to Real: Portrayals and Perceptions of LGBTs in Hollywood Marilyn: The Exhibit Celebrating the Emmys...Best of TV 2015
Open: Wed. - Sun. 10am-5pm “#1 Hollywood Tourist Attraction” –LA Weekly “One of LA’s Top 10 Museums” –LA Tourism and Convention Board “Certificate of Excellence” –Trip Advisor 1660 North Highland Avenue at Hollywood Boulevard Hollywood, California 90028 323.464.7776 www.TheHollywoodMuseum.com
THE AMERICANA AT BRAND Downtown Glendale hot spot from the creators of the Grove with Main Street, U.S.A., atmosphere and trolley. Some 90 stores and dining options. Boutiques include Kate Spade, Kiehl’s, Sugarfina and David Yurman; other draws include Pacific Theatres cinema. 889 Americana Way, Glendale, 818.637.8900 Map U23 BEVERLY CENTER Trendsetting mall near West Hollywood has more than 100 boutiques (Burberry, Fendi, Gucci, Saint Laurent, Tiffany & Co. and Z Zegna) and restaurants. Anchors include Macy’s, Macy’s Men’s Store and Bloomingdale’s. 8500 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 310.854.0070 Map I12 CAMARILLO PREMIUM OUTLETS Find deep discounts on the best names in fashion and home at this luxury outlet center just north of L.A. County. More than 160 stores are represented, including Barneys New York and St. John. The Promenade is anchored by Neiman Marcus Last Call and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th. 740 E. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, 805.445.8520 Map Northwest of A1 CITADEL OUTLETS Assyrian architecture south of downtown stands out along the Golden State (5) Freeway; the center offers discounted duds from Kate Spade, H&M, Banana Republic, Levi’s and Converse, to name just a few. 100 Citadel Drive, L.A., 323.888.1724 Map B4 FIGAT7TH Center features hip eateries such as Lotería Grill and Sprinkles Cupcakes, plus shops including City Target, Zara and H&M. Gold’s Gym also on-site. Retail M-F 10 am-9 pm, Sa-Su 10 am-7 pm; dining M-F 11 am-9 pm, Sa-Su 11 am-7 pm. 735 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.955.7150 Map H16 GLENDALE GALLERIA Family-oriented mall with department stores and boutiques including Bloomingdale’s, Cotton On, Uniqlo and Vans. The Salon by InStyle inside JCPenney is new. 100 W. Broadway, Glendale, 818.240.9481 Map U23
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Shopping THE GROVE Popular outdoor center has some 40 shops including Apple and Diane von Furstenberg, plus Nordstrom and restaurants including new Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill in a setting that suggests a grand old downtown. Movie theater, trolley and dancing fountain are draws. Adjacent to Farmers Market. 189 The Grove Drive, L.A., 888.315.8883 Map I13 HOLLYWOOD & HIGHLAND Home of the Academy Awards’ Dolby Theatre. Tinseltown-themed retail, dining and entertainment center features restaurants, a cinema, high-tech bowling lanes, stores such as Louis Vuitton and Lucky Brand Jeans, Sweet! candy store and Ohm nightclub. 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.467.6412 Map H13 MALIBU COUNTRY MART Outdoor center with upscale boutiques such as Curve, Wildfox, Vintage Malibu and Madison, plus Cie Sparks salon, a children’s play area and other amenities and services. Restaurants include Tra di Noi and Taverna Tony. 3835 Cross Creek Road, Malibu, 310.456.7300 Map northwest of K7 MALIBU LUMBER YARD Small collection of upscale retailers adjacent to Malibu Country Mart, including Alice + Olivia, Maxfield, Kitson, Vilebrequin, Alexis Bittar and Tory Burch. 3939 Cross Creek Road, Malibu, 310.456.7395 Map northwest of K7 ONE COLORADO Quaint outdoor plaza with upscale boutiques such as Cop. Copine, Sugarfina and Vince, plus Ipic Theaters. Restaurants include Il Fornaio, AKA Bistro and 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
13604 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks 818.990.6128 AbundancePlusSizes.com
SANTA MONICA PLACE Sleek outdoor mall at one end of Third Street Promenade. Anchored by Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s. More than 80 boutiques including 7 for All Mankind, CB2 and Barneys New York. Rooftop dining deck with food court, 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, Tadashi Shoji. Concierge at four locations. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 800.782.8888 Map E6 SUNSET PLAZA Upscale row of boutiques and sidewalk cafés. Calypso, Calleen Cordero and H. Lorenzo stores; Ole Henriksen spa and Eden by Eden Sassoon salon. 8600-8700 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.652.2622 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. 1351 3rd St. Promenade, Santa Monica, 310.393.8355 Map L8 TWO RODEO Center with cobblestones in the heart of Beverly Hills features high-end boutiques including Jimmy Choo, Vilebrequin and Tiffany & Co., plus restaurants such as 208 Rodeo and fine-art gallery Galerie Michael. 9478 Dayton Way, Beverly Hills, 310.247.7040 Map J11 WESTFIELD AT LAX Visitors flying out of LAX can enjoy some of the city’s top retail and dining establishments, curated by Westfield, in the Tom Bradley International Terminal. Shop at Fred Segal, Tumi, Emporio Armani, Porsche Design and more. Fine-dining options include James’ Beach and Border Grill. 380 World Way, L.A., 310.646.1770 Map O10
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See the hottest spots in Hollywood, Beverly Hills and the Sunset Strip where celebrities go to play and get in trouble. Hear inside information about Hollywood celebs, and the stories that TMZ made famous. Tour guides direct from TMZ on TV, on the look-out and ready to film celebrities.
GET TICKETS!
(855)-4TMZ-TOUR
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Nightlife WESTFIELD CENTURY CITY Open-air mall with more than 175 stores, including Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and Tiffany & Co. Luxe AMC multiplex with Imax screen, beautiful food-court atrium and terrace; and restaurants including Obica Mozzarella Bar and Toscanova. 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Century City, 310.277.3898 Map J11
Nightlife 1 OAK Strikingly seductive, art-filled club in from New York. 9039 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.274.2326 Map H12 BAR JACKALOPE Intimate bar hidden in the back of downtown’s Seven Grand, featuring more than 120 premium whiskeys, including many of the au courant Japanese labels. 515 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.614.0736 Map I16 BAR MARMONT Dreamy bar next door to historic Chateau Marmont. 8171 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, 323.650.0575 Map H12 BOOTSY BELLOWS H.wood group’s recently refreshed club (named after co-owner David Arquette’s mother) with glam vintage decor, VIP lounge and burlesque shows and other live entertainment. 9229 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.274.7500 Map H12 BREAK ROOM 86 New ’80s-style bar from Houston Hospitality inside Koreatown’s Line Hotel. Private karaoke suites, guest DJs, fruity drinks and live entertainment. 630 S. Ardmore Ave., L.A., 213.368.3056, breakroom86. com Map west of H15 THE BUNGALOW Seaside cottage-style nightspot from nightlife visionary Brent Bolthouse, with great ocean views and gourmet bites by Fig Restaurant. The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, 101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.899.8530 Map L8 CONFESSION New venture from founders of Sunset Entertainment Group and promoter Robert Kennedy turns the Pig ’n Whistle into an exclusive club after tavern guests go home. 1666 McCadden Place, Hollywood, 323.463.0000 Map H13 THE CULVER HOTEL Historic hotel in the heart of Culver City is home to the Grand Lobby Bar, with nightly live jazz, and upstairs, the newly renovated, Prohibitioninspired Velvet Lounge. 9400 Culver Blvd., Culver City, 310.558.9400 Map L11 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 GOOD TIMES AT DAVEY WAYNE’S ’70s-themed bar from the Houston brothers. 1611 N. El Centro Ave., L.A., 323.962.3804 Map H14 HARLOWE Spacious, vintage-glam restaurant and bar. 7321 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.876.5839 Map H13
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BEFORE YOU FLY, SURF. www.WhereLA.com
HONEYCUT Inventive cocktails and a colorful, underlit glass dance floor await at this subterranean spot. 819 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.688.0888 Map I16
Discover timely
MELROSE UMBRELLA CO. Rustic-chic space with creative cocktails and inventive fare. 17465 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.951.0709 Map I12
information on current
NO VACANCY Gin cocktails and live entertainment in a Victorian boutique hotel. 1727 N. Hudson Ave., Hollywood, 323.465.1902 Map H14
sights and attractions
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
events, restaurants,
where
on the WHERE Magazine website.
B EC A U S E YO U ’ V E A R R I V E D
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Beaches SASSAFRAS Lounge styled as a (stylishly) decaying Savannah town house specializes in barrel-aged cocktails. 1233 N. Vine St., Hollywood, 323.467.2800 Map H14 SEVEN GRAND Whiskey bar with tongue-in-cheek hunt-club decor. 515 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.614.0737 Map I16 THE SPARE ROOM Gaming parlor and cocktail lounge with bowling lanes and fancy drinks. Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.769.7296 Map H13 THE STANDARD DOWNTOWN Rooftop bar with panoramic city views, pool, vibrating red water beds. 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 whiskey bar in the Montage Beverly Hills specializes in single-malt Scotch whisky from the Macallan. 225 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.860.7800 Map J11 UPSTAIRS Sip drinks and enjoy stunning city views atop Ace Hotel, in the historic United Artists Building. 929 S. Broadway, downtown, 213.623.3233 Map I16 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 VIPER ROOM Tiny, nitty-gritty live-music venue. 8852 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.358.1881 Map H12
Beaches EL MATADOR STATE BEACH One of the prettiest beaches in L.A. County. Steep stairs lead to narrow, sandy beach with scenic rock formations. 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu Map northwest of K9 HERMOSA BEACH Two-mile stretch of beach along Santa Monica Bay extending toward the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Metered street parking. Hermosa Avenue and 33rd Street, Hermosa Beach Map L13 LEO CARRILLO STATE BEACH 1.5 miles of beach for swimming, surfing, windsurfing, surf fishing and beachcombing. There are two sections of beach along a loop road of a campground. 36000 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu Map northwest of K9
LOCATION 761 SOUTH MAIN STREET LOS ANGELES 90014 PHONE 213.488.1374 WEB SHOPALTHOUSE.COM
VintageInspired
MALIBU BEACH 167-acre beach includes Malibu Pier, Malibu Lagoon and a museum that highlights the area’s history. 23050 and 23200 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu Map northwest of K9 MALIBU SURFRIDER BEACH World-renowned surfing area. Swimming areas are limited. 23050 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu Map northwest of K9 MANHATTAN BEACH Beach is bisected by a 900-foot pier. Beach-volleyball nets extend to Hermosa Beach. Metered street and lot parking. 400-4500 The Strand, Manhattan Beach Map L13 POINT DUME BEACH Beach is bordered by cliffs and is one of the most beautiful along the L.A. coastline. 7103 Westward Beach Road, Malibu Map northwest of K9 REDONDO BEACH A 1.5-mile beach that runs south of the pier to Torrance Beach. 400-1700 Esplanade, Redondo Beach Map M13 SANTA MONICA STATE BEACH Wide, sandy expanses divided by Santa Monica Pier. 100-2900 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica Map M8
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Tours +Transport VENICE CITY BEACH Boardwalk with street performers and shops is one of SoCal’s biggest attractions. The north end is home to “Muscle Beach.” Beach wheelchairs available. 2700-3100 Ocean Front Walk, Venice Map N9 WHITE POINT BEACH/ROYAL PALMS Rugged, rocky shoreline is popular with divers, shell collectors and surf casters. Tide pools. 1799 Paseo del Mar, San Pedro Map O14 WILL ROGERS STATE BEACH Sandy 3-mile beach is starting point for the Marvin Braude Bike Trail. Popular for swimming and skin diving; volleyball courts. Beach wheelchairs available. 17700 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades Map K7 ZUMA BEACH The ultimate SoCal beach. Food stands at each end of its 4-mile expanse along PCH. Beach wheelchairs available. 30050 block of Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu Map northwest of K7
Tours + Transport AIRPORT EXPRESS LIMOUSINE Luxury Lincoln Town Car service offering airport transfer to Los Angeles International Airport and Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, customized city tours and more transportation services. 866.800.0700, airportexpresslimos.com A LIST LIMOUSINE A List Limo offers an all-new fleet of luxury cars, including Lincoln MKTs and Mercedes S550s, complete with state-of-the-art technology and professionally trained chauffeurs. Private custom city tours with multiple language options are also available. 310.568.1590, alistlimo.com AMTRAK Train and bus service within the county, along the coast and to major California locations. Nationwide connections, multiple-day rail passes. Stations in Burbank, downtown (Union Station), Long Beach, Pasadena and Van Nuys. The Coast Starlight connects L.A. to Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Portland and Seattle. 800.872.7245, amtrak.com
Discover the
There’s something significant around every corner, whether you’re into architecture, design, fashion, music, theatre, museums, galleries—or the joy of discovering the city’s hidden gems without an agenda. Pasadena is the heartbeat that houses Southern California’s cultural side.
HEART BEAT of Southern
California’s culture
2015 TRAVEL AWARD RECIPIENT: BEST ARTS SCENE
Pasadena Museum of California Art Pasadena Playhouse Pasadena Museum of History Kidspace Children’s Museum Norton Simon Museum USC Pacific Asia Museum
BEVERLY HILLS RENT-A-CAR Luxury and exotic rentals. 9732 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.274.6969; 6085 Venice Blvd., Hollywood, 310.659.5555; LAX, 9220 S. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A., 310.670.2020, bhrentacar.com Map K12, J11, O10 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: $29.50-$37.25 one-way, $59-$74.50 round-trip; Dana Point: $30.50-$38.25 one-way, $61-$76.50 round-trip; under 2 $2.50 one-way, $5 round-trip. Ride free on your birthday. 800.481.3470, catalinaexpress.com
VISITPASADENA.COM
CITYPASS Southern California CityPass offers discounted admission to Disneyland Resort and Disney California Adventure (including one Magic Morning admission), Legoland California (excluding water park and Sea Life Aquarium) and SeaWorld San Diego. $329, ages 3-9 $286, under 3 free. Purchase pass at attractions or order online. 888.330.5008, citypass.com
ZAGAT 2015
DODGER STADIUM TOUR Behind-the-scenes tour allows guests to visit the field and the dugout, walk through the Vin Scully Press Box and get an exclusive look at the Lexus Dugout Club—the VIP restaurant and lounge hidden behind home plate—where World Series trophies and more awards are on display. $15-$20. 100 Elysian Park Ave., downtown, 866.363.4377 Map G17 HORNBLOWER CRUISES Take in harbor views while you dine on one of Hornblower’s cruises, then dance under the stars on the outdoor deck. Choose from dinner-dance and Champagne brunch options. Fisherman’s Village, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, 888.467.6256, hornblower.com Map O9
Fine French Cuisine with a Japanese Flair
Special Menu available Tues-Thurs, Sunday (except special event day) Your choice appetizer and main course or main course and dessert for only $36
713 East Green Street Pasadena 626 796 9501
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The Fun Starts Here! “Surprisingl y fun & informative. .”
! r Movie StarS HoMeS tou
!
As seen o
n TV
“Ellen”
! Over 70 stops
ur The #1 Celebrity To
MULTILINGUAL COMMENTARY
Movie LocationS tour - La “Bladerunner” at Bradbury Bldg.
“Iron Man 3” at Chinese Theatre
“The Dark Knight Rises” at Union Station
Bus Interior
Over 50 Movie Locations from 100 Hollywood Movies Other Grand Tour of LA, TMZ Celebrity Tour, Beach Tour, Night Tour, Tours 1-Hour Hollywood Fun Tour, Disneyland, Universal Studios, Six Flags, Include: Warner Bros Studio Tour, Sea World, San Diego and Tijuana
Grand City Tour of L.A. available in:
Español
English
Italiano
Portuguese
Français
Deutsch
starlinetours.com • citysightseeingla.com /starlinetours
Tel: 1-800-959-3131 or 1-323-463-3333 Main Starline Terminal is at TCL Chinese Theatre, 6925 Hollywood Blvd., 90028
5
Santa Monica Terminal is at 1434 2nd St., Santa Monica 90401
Tours +Transport L.A. DISCOVERY TOURS Discover the beauty and diversity of Los Angeles through unique specialty tours. Offerings include tours of Santa Monica and Pasadena, hiking tours and the new Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Tour. 310.393.6555, ladiscoverytours.com LOS ANGELES CONSERVANCY More than a dozen walking tours, including Broadway’s Historic Theatre District, the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Union Station, and Angelino Heights, with a focus on architecture. Call for specialty tours. 213.623.2489, laconservancy.org MALIBU DISCOVERY Explore Malibu’s natural beauty and winemaking heritage through unique tours of this legendary enclave for the rich and famous. Specialty tasting tours include the popular Malibu Wine Trail Tour. 310.393.6555, malibudiscovery.com MELTING POT FOOD TOURS Tasting tours of foodie destinations such as Farmers Market or a selection of restaurants. Private tours available. Reservation required. Call for pricing. 424.247.9666; tickets, 800.979.3370, meltingpottours.com METRO City bus, light rail and subway. Rail lines 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 and East L.A.; Blue Line from downtown to Long Beach; Green Line from Norwalk to Redondo Beach; Expo Line from Culver City to downtown. 323.466.3876, metro.net METROLINK Regional train system connects Los Angeles County with Ventura, Orange and San Diego counties. Six of seven Metrolink rail lines (including the Orange County lines, San Bernardino lines and Ventura County lines) begin at Union Station in downtown Los Angeles. 800.371.5465, metrolinktrains.com MOVIE LOCATIONS TOUR—L.A. See more than 50 movie locations while viewing 100-plus clips from films shot around L.A. Tour bus features stadium seating, 65-inch HDTV and panoramic windows. $45-$60. Tours begin at TCL Chinese Theatre, 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 800.959.3131, movielocationstour.com Map H13 STARLINE TOURS Hollywood’s largest celebrity-tour company offers Movie Stars’ Homes tours throughout the day. Its large repertoire also includes tours to movie locations, beaches, theme parks and San Diego. The CitySightseeing double-decker hop-on, hopoff tour has more than 70 stops around L.A. Prices vary. Tours begin at TCL Chinese Theatre, 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 800.959.3131, starlinetours.com 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 TMZ CELEBRITY TOUR, HOLLYWOOD Bus tour with state-of-the-art 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. $49-$59. Tours begin at TCL Chinese Theatre, 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 855.486.9868, tmztour.com Map H13
Anaheim Terminal is at M3 Live, 2232 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim 92802
$
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OFF
PER PERSON FOR ANY TOUR TICKETS*
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 12/25/15.
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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 third-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 $1.75. It’s best to pay using a TAP card, a reloadable plastic card that can store Metro passes or individual rides. TAP cards cost $1 and are available from self-service vending machines at Metro Rail stations, or onboard buses with the purchase of a 1-Day Pass. For complete information, check metro.net/fares.
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/Grand Park • Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels • Museum of Contemporary Art • Music Center • Walt Disney Concert Hall • Grand Park 7th Street/Metro Center • Macy’s Plaza (dining, shops) • FIGat7th (dining, shops) Hollywood/Vine • Capitol Records Tower • Hollywood Walk of Fame • Pantages Theatre Hollywood/Highland • TCL Chinese Theatre • Hollywood & Highland (dining, shops) Universal City/Studio City • Universal CityWalk (dining, shops) • Universal Studios Hollywood
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.
North Hollywood • El Portal Theatre • NoHo Arts District (dining, shops, theatres)
Hours
METRO BLUE LINE
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.
Pico • Los Angeles Convention Center • STAPLES Center/L.A. LIVE 103rd Street/Watts Tower • Watts Towers Downtown Long Beach • Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific • Pine Avenue (dining, shops) • Queen Mary
METRO GOLD LINE
Little Tokyo/Arts District • Japanese American National Museum • The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA Memorial Park • Norton Simon Museum Lake • Pasadena Playhouse
METRO EXPO LINE
Expo Park/USC • California Science Center • Natural History Museum SEE THE METRO ROUTE MAP ON PAGE 103.
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Cracking up with Road Trip’s Tom Green at the Burbank Comedy Festival. p. 78
Lobster rolls at new Cousins Maine Lobster in West Hollywood. 424.204.9923
“Farm-to-shower” Davines Minu hair products at Selects Apothecary. 424.284.3468
Build-your-own spiked boba drinks at Boba 7, downtown. 213.538.8022
The world’s largest Lego-brick model ship at the Queen Mary. p. 84
The savory mac ‘n’ cheese pie at The Pie Hole in Pasadena. 626.774.7499
Ocean views and summer cocktails at The Bungalow in Santa Monica. p. 94
Malibu Country Mart’s annual Summer Block Party on Aug. 16. p. 92
The Independent Shakespeare Co.’s Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival. iscla.org
Living the Simpsons life at Universal Studios Hollywood’s fun new Springfield-themed land. p. 84
The hiking trails and heavenly views from Griffith Observatory. p. 83
The Mark Bradford: Scorched Earth and Perfect Likeness exhibits at the Hammer Museum. p. 90
Lobster noodles at The District by Hannah An. p. 71
The Rubi cocktail at Día de Campo in Hermosa Beach. p. 24
Mad Fritz’s limited-edition Lion and the Mouse beer at the Peninsula Beverly Hills’ The Club Bar. 310.551.2888
Cheering for the home team at Dodger Stadium. p. 82
The beautiful new Eric Buterbaugh Florals flagship on Beverly Boulevard. p. 12
The refreshing kombucha and flavorful affogatos at Copa Vida in Pasadena. 626.213.3952
Rodin Bis perfume, available at Barneys Beverly Hills. 310.276.4400
The newly redesigned Sunset Strip nightclub Bootsy Bellows. p. 94
The vegan almond burrata with spiced fruit and biscotti at Plant Food and Wine in Venice. p. 11
Halibut ceviche with mango sorbet at Barton G. in West Hollywood. 310.388.1888
Sipping a Bon Appétit cocktail at Pour Vous in Hollywood. 323.871.8699
Friday-night dance parties on the Music Center Plaza, downtown. musiccenter.org
Sunday teatime, followed by roaming the beautiful rose garden, at the Huntington. p. 90
The labyrinth of books at The Last Bookstore, downtown. 213.488.0599 L.A. Conservation Corps’ Paddle the L.A. River trips. paddlethelariver.org
where in the world
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The El Segundo Art Walk, Aug. 20. elsegundoartwalk.com The jaguars’ new Rainforest of the Americas home at the L.A. Zoo. p. 83
The progressive seafood tower at The Strand House in Manhattan Beach. p. 64
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