Where Los Angeles, August 2011 by California Media Group

AUGUST 2011 WHERELA.COM

Los Angeles

Celebrating 75 years of Where

DIG IN!

GROWN-UP JUNK FOOD, TOP CHEF’S MICHAEL VOLTAGGIO, BEST BRUNCHES AND MORE IN OUR DINING ISSUE

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SUNSET JUNCTION STREET FAIR NEW BARS: SAINT FELIX AND £10 CHIC HATS AND BEAUTY BUYS

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Femme et Chien Devant la Lune,

MIRÓ, JOAN 1893-1983

1936, Color pochoir

Exhibition Available Online:

The Spanish Masters

www.galeriemichael.com

An Impassioned View

G oy a , P ic a s so, M i r ó a nd Da l í

G A L E R I E

On Exhibition from

July 14th, 2011 through August, 2011

M I C H A E L

Building Museum Quality Collections One Work at a Time 2 2 4 N o r t h R o d e o D r i v e , V i a R o d e o , B e v e r l y H i l l s , C A 9 0 210 Te l : 310. 273.3377 E - M a i l : a r t @ g ale r ie m ic h a el.c o m F a x : 310. 273.0 879 001-09_TOC_WLA.indd 1

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ALL THINGS DINING AUGUST

where Los Angeles 08.11 the guide 74 DINING Restaurants by cuisine and neighborhood

104 ENTERTAINMENT Special events, performing arts and sports

104 ATTRACTIONS + MUSEUMS Sights, parks, studio tours and exhibitions

111 SHOPPING The best in retail destinations

113 NIGHTLIFE Hottest clubs, lounges and bars

116 BEACHES Popular spots from Malibu to Long Beach

120 TOURS + TRANSPORT Getting out, getting around

123 MAPS Navigate the county

whereabouts

Chocolate truffle and cheesecake lollipops at Culina in Beverly Hills

where now

features

12 Dining A taste of the Riviera at Rosé Ricardo Zarate’s Picca Früute’s tiny tarts

20 Let’s Do Brunch Cocktails, endless buffets, pastries galore: We salute the day’s most indulgent meal and dish on L.A.’s best.

14 Nightlife Saint Felix, part two £10 whisky bar

24 Junk Food for Grown-Ups The nostalgic treats of drive-ins, backyard barbecues and ice cream trucks get a gourmet upgrade.

16 Shopping Beauty buys at Space NK Goorin Brothers hat shop

70 Hot in the Kitchen Black garlic! Fregola! Stinging nettle! The exotic, innovative ingredients making their way onto fine-dining menus.

34 38 42 48 52 56 62 66

Beverly Hills Santa Monica West Hollywood Hollywood Downtown Pasadena The Valley South Bay

ALSO INSIDE 8 11 18 128

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR HOT DATES Sunset Junction Q+A Chef Michael Voltaggio 75 THINGS WE LOVE

ON THE COVER Veggie falafel burger from Go Burger in Hollywood. Photo by Alex Vasilescu. CONNECT WITH US ONLINE

wheretraveler.com Get the city buzz from Where editors worldwide online and on your smartphone. 4 WHERELA.COM

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where M AG A Z INE

On the Web: WhereLA.com

PUBLISHER Jeff Levy EDITOR IN CHIEF Benjamin Epstein ART DIRECTOR Bree Berri EDITOR

Katie McCarthy

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Nicole Bordges MARKETING DIRECTOR Audrey Nimura ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR PRODUCTION ARTIST

Heidi Schwindt

Ryan Furuya

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Leah Bigelow, Suzanne Ennis, E.C. Gladstone, Roger Grody, Anne-Marie Otey, Libby Slate CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Idris Erba, Sarah Hadley, Amy K. Fellows, Bjarne G. Jensen, Vladimir Perlovich, Edwin Santiago, Ashok Sinha ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Sara Kemp, Mali Mochow, Laura Napolitano, Heather Howard, Joanna McLean, Scott O’Hanlon, Laura Renner SENIOR CIRCULATION & SPECIAL EVENTS MANAGER

Christine Noriega

PRODUCTION MANAGER Dawn Kiko Cheng WEB MANAGER Christina Xenos ADMINISTRATION

Jordan Fraser, Leanne Killian, Beth Moline VICE PRESIDENT OF NATIONAL SALES Rick Mollineaux 202.463.4550 WEST COAST NATIONAL SALES Tiffany Reinhold 714.813.6600 DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL DIGITAL SALES Bridget Cody 706.821.6663 HONORARY PRESIDENT

Ted Levy

where Los Angeles

3679 Motor Ave., Suite 300 Los Angeles, California 90034 Phone: 310.280.2880 Fax: 310.280.2890 EMAIL Advertising Nicole.Bordges@WhereLA.com Business JLevy@WhereLA.com Editorial Katie.McCarthy@WhereLA.com Art Art@WhereLA.com Production Ads@WhereLA.com Circulation Christine.Noriega@WhereLA.com Plan for your next visit to Los Angeles. Subscribe to where: single copy $4, 12 issues $36. Contact: Christine Noriega. Phone: 310.280.2880 Email: Christine.Noriega@WhereLA.com © 2011 Southern California Media Group. All rights reserved. Published by Southern California Media Group. where makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part strictly prohibited. where is a registered trademark of Morris Visitor Publications.

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V I S I T O U R LO S A N G E L E S Q U I KS I LV E R STO R E S UNIVERSAL CITYWALK

3RD STREET PROMENADE

where Los Angeles magazine is pleased to be a member of: Greater Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau, Santa Monica Area Chamber of Commerce, California Restaurant Association, CalTIA, Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, Los Angeles Concierge Association.

A MAGGIE AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION BEST CONSUMER VISITOR’S GUIDE

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W NO N

Destination: The Grove This month, The Grove fans showed off their adventurous spirit in summer looks from Gap. With music, food and wine, it was another charming evening at The Grove. See more photos at ilovethegrovela.com and tell us why you love The Grove. We hope to capture your smile at our next event, August 17th!

of ForeofveBrar2n1es a&nd N Michael Kors. oble.

of Anthropologie.

of Barneys New York CO-OP.

Spend $250 and receive

thegrovela.com

FREE PARKING

of AnthofropGolo apgi. e.

The Grove

@TheGroveLA

OPOW EN

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Welcome

AMERICAN FOOTWEAR

8493 Sunset Blvd (at La Cienega) West Hollywood, CA 323.650.0475 www.bootstaronline.com

THE JOY OF EATING

After three years of interviewing people for Where Los Angeles on their favorite places to go in L.A., I find interview subjects as unpredictable as ever. Innumerable actors who are famous for hamming it up onscreen have proved to be serious and shy in person. A gossip blogger and a nightlife mogul who are often photographed about town insisted that they loathe going out, saying that they prefer to spend their free time sleeping. So much for getting recommendations for happy hour. But I can always be sure of one thing: When we get on the topic of restaurants, people will not stop talking. Sometimes it feels as if the interviews don’t really take off until we get to talking about favorite taco stands or tasting menus, and finally the most subdued, guarded interviewees become animated, enthusiastic and even a little uncool in their squealing delight and hyperbolic endorsements. This issue is all about the pure, uncool enjoyment of a great meal in a great L.A. restaurant. Check out our ode to L.A.’s favorite boozy hybrid meal in Let’s Do Brunch (p. 20). Rediscover upscale versions of the summertime guilty pleasures you loved as a kid in Junk Food for Grown-Ups (p. 24). Impress other foodies with your know-how after reading Hot in the Kitchen (p. 70), which details the relatively undiscovered ingredients that are getting play in local eateries. And if that’s not enough, we check in with Michael Voltaggio, a winner of TV’s Top Chef and a champ on the local dining scene, who could be relied upon to recommend some cracking restaurants and cocktail spots. Enjoy your stay in Los Angeles. Eat up, drink in and savor every moment. —KATIE McCARTHY

EDWIN SANTIAGO

CLASSIC

A note from the editor

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May 29-OCTOBER 31

Tim Burton Los Angeles County Museum of ART

Tim Burton, Untitled (Vincent), 1982, private collection, ÂŠ Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Reserve Your Tickets In Advance! Ensure prime viewing days and times by ordering your tickets today at lacma.org. 5905 Wilshire blvd (at fairfax ave)

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WHAT’S SIZZLING IN SECONDS FLAT

Hot Dates 08.11 Clap Your Hands Say Yeah performs at the Sunset Junction Street Fair

ALL MONTH COMMON OBJECTS: POP ART FROM THE COLLECTION The Museum of Contemporary Art downtown reaches into its cache of pop art for this comprehensive show. Included are early practitioners like Andy Warhol, Jim Dine and Ed Ruscha, plus contemporary artists influenced by the movement such as Jeff Koons and Barbara Kruger. p. 110 ALL MONTH IRIS L.A. has earned its own Cirque du Soleil specacle, fittingly themed around the history of film. Iris uses dance, acrobatics, live video, filmed sequences and animation to tell the history of cinema and its various genres. Scored by Grammy and Emmy Award winner Danny Elfman, it’s at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. p. 104 AUG. 3 LYKKE LI The alternative pop goddess from Stockholm, Sweden plays the Greek Theatre in Griffith Park to support her latest album, Wounded Rhymes. Rounding out the bill are the surf rock of L.A.’s own Best Coast and African-influenced pop of Fool’s Gold. p. 104 AUG. 13 LOS ANGELES CRAFT BEER CRAWL A salute to brews takes place at downtown’s finest bars. Seven Grand, Golden Gopher, Las Perlas, Caña Rum Bar, Cole’s, Broadway Bar and Casey’s Irish Pub offer unlimited pours of more than 50 craft and artisanal beers. Evan Kleiman of KCRW’s Good Food curates a selection of food trucks. p. 104

AUG. 27–28

Function at the Junction

PIETER VAN HATTEM

The 31st annual Sunset Junction Street Fair at Sunset and Santa Monica boulevards in Silver Lake celebrates diversity in Silver Lake, Echo Park and Los Feliz—areas known for their colorful population of artists and musicians and lifestyle diversity. It’s also one of L.A.’s most highly attended annual events. The fair features carnival rides and more than 200 food and retail vendors and nonprofit organization booths, but it’s best known for hosting multiple stages of live music. This year’s eclectic lineup includes Butthole Surfers, Hanson, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Ozomatli, and Lil Jon and Peaches, who perform DJ sets. New this year is a Locals Only stage featuring L.A.-based bands. All proceeds from tickets, $15, benefit the Sunset Junction Neighborhood Alliance. p. 104 NEARBY In between sets, grab a refreshment at Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea (323.663.6173) or peruse independent designer fashions at Mohawk General Store (323.669.1601). For dinner, move away from the mobs and hit romantic Cliff’s Edge (323.666.6116); have aperitifs in its cool cocktail bar.

AUG. 18–20 SUNSET STRIP MUSIC FESTIVAL Motley Crüe headlines the Saturday night finale of this threeday event on WeHo’s famed Sunset Strip. The third annual fest features live music at five music venues Aug. 18–19. It concludes with a street festival featuring performers including Public Enemy, Matt & Kim and She Wants Revenge. p. 104 AUG. 19–21 FANTASIA It’s hard to believe that Walt Disney’s animated ode to classical music is nearly 75 years old. John Mauceri conducts the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra in a program of tunes from the film as clips from the movie are played in unison. The evening culminates with fireworks over the amphitheater. p. 104 AUG. 29–31 DODGERS VS. PADRES A bumpy year for the Boys in Blue? Maybe. But here’s hoping they can step up their game in the home stretch. The Los Angeles Dodgers go to bat against the San Diego Padres in one of the final game sets of the season. See the action at Dodger Stadium in Chavez Ravine. p. 104 HERE FOR THE WEEKEND? Go to WhereLA.com for our Weekend Roundup, where you can get the lowdown on the coolest festivals, performing arts events, dining promotions and more.

Los Feliz was named for José Feliz, a soldier who staked his claim on 6,600 acres in the area and Griffith Park in the early 1800s. His family’s adobe house still stands there.

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where now Los Angeles

The best in dining, nightlife and shopping.

» DINING

Rosé Colored

JESSICA BOONE

Rosé, a new French Riviera-inspired restaurant brand, has debuted in the heart of West Hollywood. Intended to capture the essence of the French Riviera lifestyle, it features an indoor/outdoor setting, seasonally inspired cuisine by chef Emmanuel Pradet and rosé wine from the owners’ personal vineyard. The relaxed yet elegant décor and ambience are designed to reflect 1960s Saint-Tropez with pop photography, nautical touches and rose-hued mirrors. Open until 2 am for dinner, the restaurant’s dishes include a “curly” salad with warm bacon, croutons and soft poached egg, and classic mussel stew with shallots, tarragon and the signature rosé wine. A cocktail menu inspired by French pop culture features libations like the Godard, the Breathless and La Nouvelle Vague. (The Poivron is pictured.) 861 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.289.1294

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Grilled Santa Barbara spot prawn on the robata grill at Picca

MÁS DE ZARATE Chef Ricardo Zarate, best known for his Peruvian eatery Mo-Chica and recently proclaimed Best New Chef by Food & Wine magazine, dips into flavors of Peru once again with new restaurant Picca. In a casual, contemporary cantina, a menu of shareable small plates begins with appetizers like chicken chicharrónes with salsa criolla and steamed mussels with pancetta and aji amarillo butter, and moves on to a list of so-called causa sushi, Zarate’s take on sushi that features potato topped with raw seafood. There are also numerous ceviches, tiraditos (the Peruvian version of sashimi), anticuchos (grilled skewers) of meats and seafood, and other specialties including quinoa-pumpkin stew and Peruvian paella drizzled with sea urchin sauce. Simple desserts such as churros and tres leche cake complete the meal. Cocktails utilizing the regional spirit pisco are concocted by award-winning mixologist Julian Cox. 9575 W. Pico Blvd., L.A., 310.277.0133

Sweet Tarts Fruit tarts have gotten a mini-makeover at one West Hollywood pastry shop. New Früute serves “not-so-traditional” miniature tarts, which have an “airy” texture and clever and some unusual flavors. Eighteen varieties are hand-made daily. Traditional options include the Three Berries: Madagascar vanilla custard and vanilla crust finished with fresh berries. More creative varieties include the Yuzu, with Japanese citrus cream cheese custard, vanilla crust, fresh golden

raspberry and a white chocolate fan, and the Budino, made with butterscotch pudding, chocolate crust and a caramel-filled macaron. The truly adventurous Curious menu includes the Wasabi, with Japanese horseradish, blood orange, pistachio crust and mint leaf tempura, and the Black Pepper, with pepper-infused chocolate, forest berry center, frangipane, chocolate crust, blueberries and a candied blackpepper crisp. 8951 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.786.9983

Three Berries tart by Früute

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wHErE Now Los

Angeles NIGHTLIFE

Saint in the Hood

Saint Felix Hollywood

West Hollywood lounge Saint felix has been duplicated on Hollywood’s hopping Cahuenga Boulevard. Saint Felix Hollywood’s industrial space was designed by Troy Silva and features witty art installations and playful decorative touches, including an “Angry Nun” photo installation and a video projection of shimmying burlesque dancers. A door opens onto a “green alley,” a delivery alley transformed into a tranquil walkway with landscaping and lighting. Patrons can sit at tables in a covered courtyard or in the dining room, where a wall of hand-painted tin tiles serves as a colorful backdrop. Bartenders mix up libations including Chocolate Roux Martini (Three Olives chocolate vodka, white chocolate liqueur, butterscotch, banana and chocolate swirl and chocolate shavings) and the Cucumber Dilettante (vodka, citrus, and muddled cucumbers and dill). 1600 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, 323.469.5001

NEw HEAVYwEIGHT Whisky bar £10 (10 Pound), tucked away in the Montage Beverly Hills, specializes in the renowned single-malt scotches of Scottish brand the Macallan. Decked out in warm wood paneling with a balcony overlooking the Beverly Cañon Gardens, the bar offers an array of the fine scotches—including the limited-edition 57 Years Old offered in a Lalique crystal decanter and the Fine & Rare Vintage 1951—as well as classic cocktails and Krug wines. A nifty ice machine pops out large spheres of ice made with Scottish water, cooling off drinks in style. Food offerings by Montage Beverly Hills chef Gabriel Ask and Scarpetta chef/owner Scott Conant include steak tartare and beef flan with short ribs. Reservations are required. 225 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.860.5808

The Macallan whisky is poured at £10 at the Montage Beverly Hills

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where now Los

Angeles

Space NK at the Brentwood Country Mart

» SHOppiNG Face First

Luxury beauty retailer Space NK has opened its first freestanding store on the West Coast in the quaint Brentwood Country Mart. Based in London, Space NK offers a smartly curated selection of beauty and wellness products including skin care, cosmetics, hair care, fragrances, home scents and gifts from the world’s most innovative brands, many of them exclusive to Space NK in the United States. Established brands mingle with cult favorites such as Eve Lom, By Terry, Diptyque, Oribe, Caudalie, Rococo Nail Apparel, Tata Harper, Serge Normant and Clark’s Botanicals, plus owner Nicky Kinnaird’s signature line. The store occupies the same space built for the original apothecary at the Brentwood Country Mart, which opened in 1948. 225 26th St., Santa Monica, 310.451.7284

HATS OFF Goorin Brothers, a fourth-generation hat company known for its vintage-inspired hats for men and women, has opened its newest shop, on Larchmont Boulevard. Goorin Brothers offers its signature Heritage line of hats that are produced in Pennsylvania, where the company was founded, crafted from fine felt and straw and blocked on molds the Goorin family has used since the company’s inception in 1895. Styles adored by A-list

celebrities and stylish tastemakers alike include the Gatsby, Floppy, Flatcap, Fedora, Cloche and Cadet, as well as the company’s newest release, a Panama hat hand-woven in Ecuador. The shop’s décor has a nostalgic Old Hollywood feel courtesy of vintage mahogany tables and shelves, a chandelier fashioned out of a camera reel and an 18th-century music box. 1411/2 N. Larchmont Blvd., Hollywood, 323.463.2006

Manuela Panama hat by Goorin Brothers

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7/12/11 11:42 AM

Q+A

Since he made the final cut to win season six of the Bravo reality series Top Chef in 2009, Michael Voltaggio has carved out an enviable career in the L.A. dining scene. He had an acclaimed run as executive chef of the Bazaar by José Andrés before wowing diners with his innovative, molecular gastronomy-enhanced New American cuisine at the Dining Room at the Langham, Huntingon Hotel in Pasadena. Fall brings two new ventures for Voltaggio: A cookbook, VOLT ink., co-written with brother and Top Chef alum Bryan Voltaggio and due in October; and the opening of his supremely buzzed-about first restaurant, Ink, on L.A.’s Melrose Avenue. The West Hollywood resident dishes about hole-in-the-wall restaurants, sibling rivalry and surfing Santa Monica’s nonwaves.

How else do you relax? We probably go out and try cocktails at different places every night. I just went to Harvard & Stone for the first time, I thought that was really cool. I still like The Roger Room. If I go downtown I like to go to The Varnish. I love to go to the beach.... That’s the one thing I miss about not living in Santa Monica [anymore] is being able to just grab my surfboard and go down and go surfing.

You could have opened a restaurant anywhere. Why L.A.? Looking past like the stereotypes of Los Angeles, you realize some of the most creative people in the world are here. Whether it’s “the industry,” music, fashion, food, art—there’s so much here.

I didn’t realize that you surf. I’m not going to pretend like I’m a good surfer. I started learning to surf at Ocean Park, which I wouldn’t even consider to [have] waves. I mean, I’m still sketched out by the ocean, you know? I’m not out there like, “I don’t care! I’m not afraid of anything!” Like, I definitely am afraid of dying in the water.

You’ve worked for many acclaimed chefs. Who has influenced you the most? As far as work ethic, I would definitely give that to Charlie Palmer. He’s the guy that basically taught me the lesson of, “Don’t rely on other people to get everything done for you.” I’ve watched Charlie like take apart the ice machine and fix it.... Probably the one person that influenced my cooking the most ... is Arnaud Berthelier. I worked with him at the RitzCarlton in Naples and he’s the one where I looked at his food and I was like, “I want to cook like that.” And then, obviously, José Andrés, and just his kind of whimsical, fun approach. Surely you love to go out to eat. Any favorites around town? We like to go downtown and eat ramen. That’s one of our favorite things, to go on 1st Street and eat at Daikokuya, go eat Thai food at Jitlada, or go get tacos.... I love Bouchon in Beverly Hills, and I love the idea of going up there and dressing up a little nicer than I normally would.

You recently got to throw the first pitch at a Dodger game. Yeah, that was kind of a rivalry thing between my brother and I. He called me one day and he was like, “I got to throw the opening pitch at the Frederick Keys game,” which is a minor league baseball team in Frederick [Md.], which is where his restaurant is. I called [my publicist] and I’m like “Joy, I want to throw a baseball! Bryan threw a baseball!” Details Bouchon 235 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.271.9910 Daikokuya 327 E. 1st St., Little Tokyo, 213.626.1680 Dodger Stadium 1000 Elysian Park Ave., L.A., 323.224.1471 Harvard & Stone 5221 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.466.6063 Jitlada Thai 5233 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, 323.663.3104 The Roger Room 370 N. La Cienega Blvd., L.A., 310.854.1300 The Varnish 118 E. 6th St., downtown, 213.622.9999

Amy k. fELLoWS

HIGH VOLT-AGE

Ink is one of the most anticipated restaurant openings in town. What was the inspiration for it? I think, better than trying to be like the nicest fine-dining restaurant in the world, it’s taking the lead from some of the ethnic restaurants here and sort of just elevating that experience, and celebrating it, and recognizing the fact that it’s about the people that are coming in the restaurants, and about making the experience accessible.

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LETâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DO BRUNCH No meal is quite as decadent as brunch, when drinking before noon is de rigueur. BY ROGER GRODY

The Terrace at the Langham, Huntington Hotel in Pasadena

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There is something incredibly luxurious about a leisurely weekend brunch, a meal that can’t exist within the time constraints of the workweek. It also encourages the breaking of inconvenient rules governing things such as calorie counting or the consumption of alcoholic beverages before noon. The honored tradition of lingering with a mimosa while agonizing over an abundance of decadent choices remains alive and well in L.A. The massive hotel buffet brunch appears to be slowly fading from fashion in L.A., as many diners are reluctant to overindulge in broad daylight. In New York, these gastronomic extravaganzas have experienced a resurgence, but most Angelenos simply plan such gluttonous affairs for their next trip to Las Vegas. At the Langham, Huntington Hotel, the grand landmark in Pasadena, the once-lavish brunch at The Terrace has been scaled down to a more laid-back presentation, with an affordable breakfast buffet and à la carte menu. The tradition of the blowout brunch, however, survives and flourishes at the Four Seasons Hotel, laid out at its contemporary Italian restaurant, Culina. There, an abundance of smoked fish, sushi, dim sum, made-to-order omelets, quesadillas, a carving station and even a dessert spread with a staff-operated doughnut fryer continues to draw crowds at this celebrity-favored hotel. Giving the Four Seasons some competition is the Montage Beverly Hills, where its trendy Italian restaurant, Scarpetta, offers an expansive buffet as well. For something with a Southwestern twist, consider Playa, the new restaurant from innovative chef John Sedlar. The Nuevo Latino pioneer recently introduced a brunch menu offering dishes such as jalapeño-studded waffles with piloncillo-pepita (brown sugar-pumpkin seed) salsa, New Mexico red chile tamales, blue corn muffins with almond butter and huevos rancheros with a spirited, luxurious chipotle béarnaise sauce. All of this is paired with the bar’s signature cocktails such as the Pablo Escobar (mezcal, pineapple, poblano chile, agave, triple sec, cumin and lemon). In contrast, a Mediterranean feast is available at Fig & Olive, a branch of a popular New York eatery showcasing the olive oil-drizzled cuisines of Spain, Italy, Greece

and Provence, France. Chef Pascal Lorange has created an extensive brunch menu that includes plates of jamón ibérico—the prized and pricey Spanish ham from a special breed of pigs that feed almost exclusively on acorns—and various carpaccio or crudo preparations teased with fine olive oil infused with truffles. It’s usually more fun to graze on small plates at this gorgeous place, particularly on the sun-bathed, olive-tree-shaded garden terrace. But for main courses, the kitchen’s signature rosemary lamb chops and branzino brushed with balsamic vinegar aged 18 years are available at brunch. An honored L.A. brunching tradition lives on at Campanile, where the scene by the courtyard fountain adds the romance of the Mediterranean to timeless brunch dishes and chatter about pending Hollywood projects. Comme Ça in West Hollywood offers a casual French brunch whose choices include hazelnut pancakes with foie gras butter, deftly prepared quiches, pain perdu and the classic croque monsieur or croque madame sandwiches that are on every brasserie menu in Paris. Another option for Francophiles is Bouchon, the Beverly Hills bistro from superchef Thomas Keller, where options include steel-cut oats and steak frites. And for those whose passions cross the border into Italy, West Hollywood’s Dominick’s features quality ingredients woven into tempting creations such as polenta waffles with mascarpone, fresh berries and honey, and biscuits with mushroomfontina gravy. A play on the ubiquitous Benedict is a pair of eggs poached with roasted wild mushrooms, served with steak and fennel-and-pollen-infused hollandaise sauce on grilled bread, or poached eggs layered over herb waffles and smoked salmon, bathed in dill-scented hollandaise. The Brooklynesque dining room is perfect for supper, but brunch is best on the shady brick patio.

For a taste of pure extravagance, nothing beats a brunch whose menu revolves around caviar, and the experience is offered at a reasonable price in the relaxed, contemporary dining room at Petrossian Restaurant & Boutique in West Hollywood. The kitchen at this branch of the famed Parisian gourmet shop, whose name is practically synonymous with caviar itself, is presided over by rising star chef Giselle Wellman. You can pair a Bellini or lavender mimosa with a tasting of classic transmontanus caviar with all of the accoutrements, followed by a bagel with smoked salmon and cream cheese dressed up with precious roe, caviar-scrambled eggs or a crème fraîche-smothered flatbread topped with caviar, capers and chopped eggs. The theme even continues into dessert, with a panna cotta crowned with tiny espressoflavored spheres that mimic caviar, a clever molecular gastronomical trick Wellman might have picked up during her stint at Chicago’s Alinea under renowned chef/ alchemist Grant Achatz. At eclectic Elements Kitchen, an attractive, casually elegant restaurant adjacent to Napoleon from Campanile on La Brea Avenue

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A luscious dessert spread at the Terrace

the historic Pasadena Playhouse, the brunch menu reflects diverse inspirations, from Thai-spiced shrimp salad to Belgian waffles embellished with maple ice cream, housemade peanut butter or lemon curd. Also compelling are breakfast pot pie, buttermilk fried chicken with waffles, and shrimp and grits with Cajun tomato cream gravy. Innovative brunch cocktails include the Blueberry Pancake: spiced Tahitian rum, maple syrup, lemon juice and blueberries. Gjelina is a beloved and respected Venice restaurant where loyal customers from the neighborhood are joined by foodies willing to drive across town for the imaginative cuisine. This is a lively, laid-back place that eschews pretense, as some guests congregate at communal tables, sharing introductions over duck sausage pizzas, plates of artisanal cheese and glasses of Slovenian wine. At brunch, the menu is wide-ranging, featuring Moroccan-inspired baked eggs with merguez sausage chili, and poached eggs over polenta with braised cavolo nero and bacon. Order some blueberry-brown sugar scones, share a pizza or discover some incredibly tasty vegetarian dishes. For the illusion of being a thousand miles from town, take the scenic drive to Saddle Peak Lodge, where biscuits bathed in wild game gravy and candied pecan-dipped French toast are enjoyed in rustic elegance amid the rugged Santa Monica Mountains. It’s a great diversion from the usual big-city hotel dining room. And where’s the rule that you have to sip Champagne at Sunday brunch? At Fig, an under-the-radar restaurant at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica, a “Kegs & Eggs” promotion pairs any brunch item (e.g. bacon waffles served à la mode with trockenbeerenauslese syrup and hearty corned beef hash) with an endless pint of handcrafted draft beer for just $25.

Bouchon 235 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.271.9910 Campanile 624 S. La Brea Ave., L.A., 323.938.1447 Comme Ça 8479 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.782.1104 Culina Four Seasons Hotel, 300 S. Doheny Drive, L.A., 310.273.2222 Dominick’s 8715 Beverly Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.652.2335 Elements Kitchen 37 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena, 626.440.0044 Fig Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, 101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.319.3111 Fig & Olive 8490 Melrose Place, West Hollywood, 310.360.9100 Gjelina 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.450.1429 Petrossian Restaurant & Boutique 321 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.271.6300 Playa 7360 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.933.5300 Saddle Peak Lodge 419 Cold Canyon Road, Calabasas, 818.222.3888 Scarpetta Montage Beverly Hills, 225 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.860.7970 The Terrace The Langham, Huntington Hotel, 1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena, 626.585.6218

Culina at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills

CULINA, DON RIDDLE

BRUNCH LOVER’S GUIDE

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AT THE INTERSECTION OF PAST & PRESENT.

ince 1934, the Original Farmers Market has stood at the crossroads of Los Angeles history and culture. Today, it remains one of the last of the Hollywood legends, attracting people from all over the world to enjoy its eclectic mix of restaurants, grocers, shops and the best people watching the city has to offer. In a world ruled by change, the Original Farmers Market stands as an enduring landmark, steadfast at the junction of then and now, on the corner of Third and Fairfax.

Market events and activities throughout the year. Visit www.farmersmarketla.com for calendars and updates.

“MEET ME AT THIRD

FAIRFAX”

6333 W. THIRD ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90036 • 323.933.9211 OR 866.993.9211 MONDAY–FRIDAY 9AM–9PM • SATURDAY 9AM–8PM • SUNDAY 10AM–7PM 020-23_Brunch_WLA.indd 23

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Hot dog from Papaya King in Hollywood

JUNK FOOD FOR GROWN-UPS The simple foods of our youth take on new meaning.

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BY ROGER GRODY

7/14/11 12:53 PM

While the season may be winding down back east, summer in L.A. continues in full swing. That gives us more time to celebrate America’s iconic summertime foods, unpretentious treats such as burgers and hot dogs, pizza and ice cream. These are the foods that shaped our earliest culinary consciousness, and we continue to consume them with childlike excitement at beaches, on city streets and in suburban backyards—even in expensive restaurants where acclaimed chefs transform those simple treats into serious cuisine.

TOP DOGS Pink’s Hot Dogs, a stand at which people have been lining up since 1939, remains one of L.A.’s favorite dogs. But franks are suddenly in fashion and available at restaurants all over town. At Pasadena’s The Slaw Dogs, an array of multicultural influences is applied to this summer staple, erroneously regarded as American as apple pie. Its Thai Dog, for instance, layers cilantro-carrot slaw over a chicken sausage slathered with peanutcoconut satay sauce and Sriracha aïoli, sprinkled with crushed peanuts. For a riff on a New York deli treat—a dog masquerading as a Reuben sandwich—consider a spicy Polish sausage served butterflied on rye bread with Russian dressing. Papaya King, yet another New York import arriving in Hollywood this year, offers the so-called Musher dog with sauteed mushrooms and onions. For another variation on our beloved summertime wiener, L.A.’s venerable Oki Dog slaps a couple franks into a tortilla with pastrami and chili for what has become a popular late-night snack. For additional adventure, downtown’s Wurstküche offers a repertory of exotic sausages that includes rattlesnake-and-rabbit and alligator-and-pork andouille, along with traditional bratwurst and kielbasa, plus wonderful Belgian-style fries splashed with truffle

oil and served with eclectic dipping sauces. Oki Dog 5056 W. Pico Blvd., L.A., 323.938.4369; 860 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A., 323.655.4166 Papaya King 1645 Wilcox Ave., Hollywood, 323.871.8799 Pink’s Hot Dogs 709 N. La Brea Ave., L.A., 323.931.4223 The Slaw Dogs 720 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena, 626.808.9777 Wurstküche 800 E. 3rd St., downtown, 213.687.4444

ON a ROLL L.A. is a long way from Maine, and New England natives frequently bemoan the quality of our lobster rolls. But this decadent little sandwich is suddenly a hot dish here in SoCal, and there are several places in town that excel at it. In Maine, a century-old debate rages over whether the lobster meat should be mixed with mayonnaise or simply drizzled with drawn butter, a controversy that stirs passions in quaint towns from Kennebunkport to Wiscasset. One of the best versions is at Santa Monica’s Blue Plate Oysterette, a place that does a very respectable job with many New England specialties. Here, mayo-mixed Maine lobster meat is folded into a gently toasted brioche bun. Butter supporters need not despair, however, as the staff at BPO is happy to prepare the alternative version upon request. It’s not a huge sandwich,

but it comes with fries and is plenty filling after a half-dozen oysters or a killer bowl of creamy clam chowder laced with bacon. Another good bet for this treat is The Hungry Cat, where a delicious yet pricey aïoli-enhanced lobster roll should hold you over until your next trip to Beantown. Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, a pair of chefs whose creativity with organ meats at Animal has earned them a strong following among fellow chefs, now turn their attention to seafood at their new restaurant, Son of a Gun. There, celery-studded mini-lobster rolls are offered as an appetizer, along with items such as steamed mussels and alligator schnitzel. Prepared with lemon aïoli and topped with a handful of paper-thin potato chips, they’re a huge hit. Tim Goodell, the prolific restaurateur who is back in the kitchen at the Hollywood Roosevelt’s Public Kitchen & Bar, serves lobster roll snacks, just five bucks apiece, at the hotel’s bowling alley/bar called The Spare Room. Blue Plate Oysterette 1355 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.576.3474 The Hungry Cat 1535 N. Vine St., Hollywood, 323.462.2155; 100 W. Channel Road, Santa Monica, 310.459.3337 Son of a Gun 8370 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.782.9033 The Spare Room Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., 323.466.7000

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Magnolia Bakery on West 3rd Street

Taleggio cheese and mushroom pizza from Osteria la Buca on Melrose Avenue

An entire magazine could be devoted to local pizza predilections, such as authentic New York-style pies and the smoked salmon- and caviar-topped specialty offered at Spago. Probably the best pizza in town is served at always-mobbed Pizzeria Mozza, the collaboration between Mario Batali and Nancy Silverton, a couple of chefs who know their way around a ball of dough. Their slightly irregularly shaped pies have a thin crust, but with chewy blistered edges and toppings like fennel sausage, squash blossoms or burrata. At Osteria la Buca, hen of the woods mushrooms, thyme and caramelized onions fuse with heady Taleggio cheese for a memorable pie. An oft-overlooked pizzeria is diminutive Vito’s Pizza, whose Brooklyn roots have been transplanted to a tony stretch of La Cienega Boulevard amid chic galleries and design firms. At Vito’s, you can sit down and enjoy some pasta with a glass of Chianti, or just grab a slice to go before splurging on a $50,000 art deco sofa across the street. Among the excellent thin-crusted pizzas at Vito’s is the traditional cheese or pesto with fresh ricotta. Overall, there seems to be a back-tobasics trend in L.A., with the more daring California-style pizzas fading from popularity. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still find sushi pizza. This local specialty is offered at L.A. Market by so-called “rock ‘n’ roll chef,” Kerry Simon, who spreads a rice-wasabi

cream mixture over traditional pizza crust, topping it with tuna, crab and avocado. L.A. Market J.W. Marriott at L.A. Live, 900 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.765.8630 Osteria la Buca 5210 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.462.1900 Pizzeria Mozza 641 N. Highland Ave., L.A., 323.297.0101 Spago 176 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.385.0880 Vito’s Pizza 846 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.652.6859

SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM One of the most exciting new entries into the ice cream sweepstakes is home-grown Sweet Rose Creamery, the latest venture from the prolific husband-and-wife team of Josh Loeb and Zoe Nathan (Rustic Canyon Wine Bar, Huckleberry Bakery & Café). It’s got the spirit of an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, yet turns out small-batch organic ice cream in seasonal flavors. Whatever looks to be in peak shape at the farmers market will appear in a frozen product, including strawberries and sweet corn. Candied cherry-chocolate chip ice cream, lemongrass-jasmine tea sorbet and Valrhona fudge pops are just part of the excitement here. Incorporating bacon into desserts is currently à la mode, and Sweet Rose goes all out with a sundae composed of vanilla ice cream, bourbon-bacon caramel sauce, pecan crumble and candied Niman Ranch bacon. Sweet Rose Creamery Brentwood Country Mart, 225 26th St., Santa Monica, 310.260.2663

SWEET PIES Pies just don’t seem an L.A. kind of obsession. When you think of pies, places such as Atlanta and Forth Worth, Texas, are much more likely to come to mind than this flashy coastal metropolis. But pies are emerging as the new cupcakes, and bakers are racing to reinvent the all-American dessert, giving it a more contemporary makeover and infusing it with flavors that Marie Callender never dared experiment with. One of the places on the pie frontier is Simplethings Sandwich & Pie Shop, an unassuming eatery where a miniature “banoffee” pie (fresh bananas with caramel) is just the thing after a pork belly sandwich with Sriracha mayonnaise. Chef Carrie Cusack turns out three sizes of pies, including the tiny “cutie pie” variety that takes the guilt out of flavors such as Missouri mud, chocolate-peanut butter and salted caramel. Cusack is also a master of the whoopie pie, which is more reminiscent of a sandwich cookie than a pie—in some circles it’s even referred to as a BFO (“Big Fat Oreo”). At Simplethings, this New England specialty might consist of candy cane-studded peppermint frosting sandwiched between chocolate cakelike cookies, or red velvet cemented with cream cheese icing. Even if you don’t have a sweet tooth, this charming cafe will delight you with an entire lineup of savory pies, including curry chicken pot pie and pulled pork pie drizzled with chipotle barbecue sauce.

osteria la buca, stephen sakulsky

Pizza PARTY

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UltiMELT burger at Go Burger in Hollywood

Just down the street, the L.A. branch of New York’s Magnolia Bakery (its plump cupcakes were showcased in Sex and the City) is now becoming a bit of a pie lover’s magnet. We wish they would apply the same degree of imagination they do for their cupcakes, but it’s tough to quarrel with a perfectly baked black-bottom pecan pie, or a banana cream pie with a filling that’s so luscious it’s even sold as a pudding. High-society wedding consultants keep Sweet Lady Jane owner/pastry chef Jane Lockhart on speed dial, but her repertory is hardly limited to celebrity wedding cakes. The shop/cafe also turns out deep-dish apple and praline-topped pecan pies whose essence is more Mayberry than Hollywood. For old school pies, however, consider The Apple Pan, which despite its name truly excels at banana cream pie. The Apple Pan 10801 W. Pico Blvd., West L.A., 310.475.3585 Magnolia Bakery 8389 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.951.0636 Simplethings Sandwich & Pie Shop 8310 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.592.3390 Sweet Lady Jane 8360 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.653.7145; 1631 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, 310.254.9499

GLAM BURGERS Nothing is more traditionally American—or more quintessentially L.A., for that matter—than the hamburger. It’s as much a part of the city’s culture as celebrities or surfing, occupying a cherished place on our streetscape and in our psyche. The burger,

offered everywhere from food trucks and stands to the fanciest restaurants in Beverly Hills, transcends social status or income. For a gourmet burger in an old dive bar, there’s nothing like the original Father’s Office in Santa Monica, where chef/owner Sang Yoon turns out what has been called the best hamburger in America. Topped with Maytag blue and Gruyère cheeses, arugula and onions, plus applewood-smoked bacon compote, the Office Burger is justifiably legendary and is usually paired with sweet potato fries served with garlic aïoli. Beloved Father’s Office ruled L.A. burger lore until the debut of Umami Burger, a minichain whose signature burger is layered with grilled mushrooms, roasted tomato, caramelized onions, a Parmesan frico for a pleasant crunch and a tangy, vaguely Asiatic sauce, all loaded onto a shiny bun. BLT Restaurants’ bicoastal Go Burger truck has morphed into a bricks-and-mortar restaurant in Hollywood, and its wide selection of burgers includes one crafted from 30-day dry-aged beef topped with caramelized onions or one stuffed with the makings of a BLT. Its UltiMELT, a combination of two iconic American sandwiches, substitutes a pair of rye-and-Gruyère grilled cheese sandwiches for the traditional hamburger bun. Thankfully, Go Burger is not required to post the calorie count—because you just don’t want to know. The era of the $50 gold-leaf-crowned burger has largely passed, and the fancy

hotel dining rooms and steakhouses that served them have moved on to other trends. But RH Restaurant & Bar at the Andaz Hotel—the name of the dining room refers to the hotel’s previous nickname as the “Riot Hyatt” back when Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones used to trash the place—still offers an impressive glam burger. A mêlée of Angus beef, foie gras and morel mushrooms, the half-pound burger is accompanied by the kitchen’s truffled, triple-fried frites and sells for $26. Sliders dominate the burger world, from fast food joints to chic lounges, and sophisticated versions are offered at femme-friendly STK, a flashy New York transplant branded “not your daddy’s steakhouse.” Smothered in secret sauce, theirs are made from Japanese Wagyu beef and can be enhanced with truffles and foie gras upon request. For a burger with less guilt, consider a seared ahi tuna burger with crispy onions at Breadbar, the bakery/café from Eric Kayser, whose Parisian boulangeries are renowned. For a burger with absolutely no guilt, grab a Big Macro at M Café de Chaya, the macrobiotic eatery from the folks at the upscale Chaya restaurants. An off-the-menu item called the Loaded Burger takes that same whole grain brown rice-vegetable patty and ratchets it up with tempeh bacon, soy cheese and special sauce. For something so health-conscious, it tastes way too good! Breadbar 8718 W. 3rd St., L.A., 310.205.0124; Westfield Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Century City, 310.277.3770 Father’s Office 1018 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, 310.393.2337; 3229 Helms Ave., Culver City, 310.736.2224 Go Burger 6290 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, 323.327.9355 M Café de Chaya 7119 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, 323.525.0588; 9433 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills, 310.858.8459 RH Restaurant & Bar Andaz West Hollywood, 8401 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.785.6090 STK 755 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.659.3535 Umami Burger Space 15 Twenty, 1520 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, 323.469.3100; 4655 Hollywood Blvd., Los Feliz, 323.669.3922; 850 S. La Brea Ave., L.A., 323.931.3000; Fred Segal, 500 Broadway, Santa Monica, 310.451.1300; 12159 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 818.286.9004

Melissa Hom

Full Pa

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Full Page 4 / C

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Elite Traveler in Downtown Santa Monica Your guide to planning your trip to Downtown Santa Monica, Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place. Enjoy the best in world-class shopping, dining, pampering and activities or find your own way as you explore the area and all it has to offer.

8:30 a.m. Breakfast

2:00 p.m. Tikkun Holistic Spa

Casual elegance in the California tradition is the hallmark of the dining experience at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel and breakfast at FIG is no exception. Try their Santa Monica Breakfast ($19) and drink in some Santa Monica sunshine whilst sitting in their beautiful courtyard patio.

For Him: Gentleman’s Hot Towel Skin Treatment ($95) deep cleanses, exfoliates and hydrates and is followed by a soothing massage designed to decongest pores, refine skin tone and restore skin pH balance. For Her: Tikkun Signature Korean Body Scrub and Oil Massage ($160) begins with a traditional Korean full body exfoliation (using scrub mitts) and detoxifying body polish. Hair is gently shampooed then deep conditioned using Derm Organic Argan Oil and is followed by a mini-facial and fresh cucumber mask. The treatment wraps with a relaxing aromatherapy oil massage and soothing warm milk rinse.

101 Wilshire Boulevard | fairmont.com/santamonica

9:30 a.m. Power Workout Enjoy a Private Yoga Lesson from the comfort of your hotel room. Prices start at $150 per hour. Send a request to info@yogisanonymous.com or call 310.451.9644 to schedule.

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Luxury Shopping Santa Monica Place Home to specialty designer clothing and accessory stores: Fluxus — for elegant knits with a ‘rock’ aesthetic, Ted Baker — where the focus is on quality and attention to detail, Louis Vuitton — a tradition of excellence and refinement in leather goods, Barney’s Co-Op — delivers the essentials in fashion for both men and women. In addition, experience unique retail concepts at both Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom.

315 Colorado Avenue | santamonicaplace.com

Fred Segal World renown for its latest one-of-a-kind designer clothing, jewelry, hats, make-up, impeccable service and trend-setting fashion, the boutiques at Fred Segal attract style-conscious customers, stylists and celebrities.

420 and 500 Broadway | fredsegal.com

1460 4th Street | tikkunspa.com

5:00 p.m. Wine on the Rooftops Stop back by the Dining Deck at Santa Monica Place for a sampling of Syrah or Pinot Grigio at Sonoma Wine Garden. Relax and enjoy the view overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

315 Colorado Avenue, Level 3 Dining Deck sonomawinegarden.com

7:30 p.m. Dinner No better place to dine than one of Santa Monica’s most popular restaurants. JiRaffe chef-impresario Raphael Lunetta offers simply elegant “swoon worthy” food. Try the Roasted Jidori Chicken and autumn white corn ($28) or the delicious Pepper Crusted Hawaiian Ahi Tuna with green tea soba noodles ($32).

12:30 p.m. Lunch at The Lobster

502 Santa Monica Boulevard | jirafferestaurant.com

The Lobster is a Santa Monica icon. Enjoy Fanny Bay Oysters ($15) followed by their famous American Lobster Salad ($23) while dining al fresco or inside the glass-enclosed main room. Wherever you sit, you will enjoy a spectacular view of the ocean and the pier with superb service.

9:30 p.m. Evening Cocktails

1602 Ocean Avenue | thelobster.com

Not in the mood for a traditional drink? Create your own cocktail at Copa d’Oro with fresh organic produce from local farmers. The mixologist on staff will happily help you. Simply select from the premium spirits, market-fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables — and they will do the rest.

217 Broadway | copadoro.com

Downtown Santa Monica @DTSantaMonica downtownsm.com

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come for the food. stay for the view. So many selections to choose from in one place!

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where abouts The City of Angels is the most vibrant city in the Western Hemisphere and one of its most diverse. The area generally referred to as L.A. is actually made up of numerous cities and neighborhoods. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our guide to the most visited among them.

EDWIN SANTIAGO

CITY INDEX

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BEVERLY HILLS SANTA MONICA WEST HOLLYWOOD HOLLYWOOD DOWNTOWN PASADENA THE VALLEY SOUTH BAY MAPS

34 38 42 48 52 56 62 66 123

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exploring

Beverly Hills

From left: The Annenberg Space for Photography in Century City; diners at Father’s Office 2 in Culver City; Two Rodeo.

The most famous small city in the world is a shopper’s delight. Century City, Westwood and Culver City are destinations in their own right.

Although it’s only five square miles, Beverly Hills looms large in pop culture as a posh and picturesque locale that boasts more mansions than any other area of L.A. County, not to mention the world’s most notorious ZIP code. Rodeo Drive, perhaps the world’s most famous shopping street, offers virtually every label worth its logo. Celebrities such as Jack Nicholson and power couple Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes retreat to their tuckedaway gated manses here. Bel-Air is known for its sprawling estates, and Century City for business and shopping. Westwood, populated mostly by UCLA students, has a youthful vibe. Quaint Culver City is experiencing a cultural and culinary renaissance.

Rodeo Drive

Valentino, Chanel, Dior, to name a few: With its all-star roster of high-fashion designers, it’s no wonder that this retail mecca makes so many well-heeled shoppers swoon. King of red-carpet baubles Harry Winston holds court in a three-story flagship location; Cartier and De Beers are among the other high-end jewelers that have set up shop on this swanky street. Miuccia Prada’s Miu Miu and an impressive Rem Koolhaas-designed Prada boutique are steps from each other; Michael Kors is across the street. Missoni’s flagship, an architectural standout with its textural exterior, is new, as are Badgley Mischka and Lanvin. Marked by an Italianate cobblestone rode, Two Rodeo features shops such as Versace and Tiffany & Co.; the patio at 208 Rodeo makes for prime people watching, and Urasawa turns out exquisite sushi, hailed as the best in town. To the north is the Rodeo Collection; retailers include Italian lingerie label La Perla and Herve Leger. Rodeo Drive Walk of Style inductees include Salvatore Ferragamo, Manolo Blahnik, Giorgio Armani and fashion photographer Mario Testino and his colleague Herb Ritts.

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ashok sinha. annenberg space, julius shulman/juergen nogai; father’s office 2, edwin santiago; two rodeo, bjarne g. jensen

Missoni on Rodeo Drive

new in town City Tavern

Gastropub features “Table Taps,” booths outfitted with computerized draft beer systems for pour-your-own brews. 9379 Culver Blvd., Culver City, 310.838.9739

Karen Millen

British-based apparel and accessories boutique. Westfield Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Century City, 310.282.9004

Stephen Webster

Fine and silver jewelry line for men and women in a glamorous, rock ‘n’ roll salon. 202 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.246.9500

Tom Ford

An opulent boutique proffers Ford’s menswear and recently relaunched womenswear collections. 346 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.270.9440

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Golden Triangle

Rodeo Drive is but one street in a retail area known as the Golden Triangle, bordered by Crescent Drive and Wilshire and Little Santa Monica boulevards. The city offers nine designated parking areas with an hour of free parking ($3 flat fee after 6 pm). An assortment of cafes, salons, spas, shops and galleries abound in this threesided district. Wolfgang Puck’s star-studded flagship Spago is here. Sprinkles Cupcakes (9635 S. Santa Monica Blvd.), the place for designer morsels, has a perpetual line of sweet-toothed customers out the door. The Richard Meier–designed Paley Center for Media (formerly Museum of Television & Radio) lures aficionados of architecture as well as media.

Wilshire Boulevard

Here reign retail’s grande dames: Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Barneys New York. Wilshire Boulevard is home to Escada, Mikimoto and Southern California–based St. John Knits. Pretty Woman was filmed at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, built in 1928 at Wilshire Boulevard and Rodeo Drive. The Beverly Hilton, at Wilshire and Santa Monica boulevards, hosts the Golden Globe Awards. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences features changing exhibits in two galleries.

The Mansions

Beyond the Golden Triangle, north of Santa Monica Boulevard, are the stunning mansions and manicured grounds of the treelined residential neighborhoods. The largest homes are north of Sunset Boulevard; adjacent Bel-Air and Holmby Hills feature some of the most magnificent estates in the world. The Beverly Hills Trolley Tour offers tours of public art and significant architecture on Saturdays. The sprawling 1927 Greystone

Mansion and Park has been the setting for scenes of more than 20 films, including The Big Lebowski and The Witches of Eastwick. The hillside grounds boast sweeping city views.

Century City

A playground for the finance and entertainment execs who work in its high-rise towers, Century City is home to Westfield Century City, an elegant, open-air retail center anchored by Bloomingdale’s with upscale shops, a 15-screen cinema and first-rate food court. Across the street, deal making and hobnobbing happen at X Bar at the Century Plaza Hotel. 20th Century Fox Studios is based in Century City, as are fine-dining draws including Tom Colicchio’s Craft. The Annenberg Space for Photography is an impressive gallery with digital and print exhibit areas. The Museum of Tolerance, just east of Century City, pays particular attention to the Jewish massacre in the Holocaust, but promotes tolerance for all in exhibits such as Finding Our Families, Finding Ourselves.

Culver City

Motor Avenue runs from 20th Century Fox south to Sony Pictures Studios. Downtown Culver City, though it encompasses only a handful of blocks, has become a destination for the arts, food and culture. Theaters include the Actors’ Gang at the Ivy Substation and Kirk Douglas Theatre. Restaurant highlights include the organically minded Akasha, French cafes Saint Amour and L’Epicerie Market and Fraîche with its CalMed fare. Rush Street bar draws the most revelers when the sun goes down. The quirky Museum of Jurassic Technology is nearby. At Helms Avenue and Venice Boulevard, the historic Helms Bakery complex houses design stores including H.D. Buttercup and

Room & Board, Asian eatery Lukshon and gastropub Father’s Office 2. The contemporary art galleries at Washington and La Cienega boulevards make up the Culver City Art District and are among the most cutting-edge in L.A. Downtown Culver City has wireless Internet access in its public spaces.

Westwood Village

Bordered by the UCLA campus, Westwood Village is rife with historic buildings and cultural offerings—and it very well may be the movie premiere capital of the world. The Hammer Museum houses works by Degas, Rembrandt and van Gogh; changing exhibits feature contemporary works and installations. Marilyn Monroe and other stars are buried at the nearby Westwood Village Memorial Park. The Geffen Playhouse, where the stars go to headline plays between film projects, is in a renovated 1929 landmark theater. On campus, UCLA Live hosts performing arts; famous authors pop in to preview new works, too. Access UCLA’s Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden at Hilgard and Le Conte avenues; the Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden showcases Rodin’s The Walking Man and 80 other works. The UCLA Fowler Museum offers exhibits about peoples and religions. South of Westwood Village, straddling Westwood Boulevard, is Westside Pavilion, a trilevel retail center anchored by Nordstrom and with several kid-friendly shops such as Build-a-Bear Workshop and Scribble Press. The mall features a top-notch Landmark cinema, dedicated to indie films and with a chic wine-and-beer bar. Westside Tavern restaurant is below the movie theater, ideal for a pre- or post-film repaste or cocktail. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see pages 124–125.

great find

LOVE NOTES At unique stationery boutique Sugar Paper, nearly every piece is designed and printed in-house by artisans on an antique letterpress printer, then exquisitely packaged for discriminating customers who are still passionate about the power of the written word. Boxed stationery sets of all kinds are offered here, from the formal to the whimsical, all reflecting owners Chelsea Shukov and Jamie Grobecker’s prevailing theme of elegant simplicity. And if you want your wedding invitations to be worthy of a royal affair, look no further. Sugar Paper will take care of every custom-designed detail, right down to calligraphy services. Hint: This quaint Century City shop is located right next door to Clementine, a charming bakery/cafe. 1749 Ensley Ave., Century City, 310.277.7804, sugarpaper.com

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exploring

Santa Monica

From left: Santa Monica Pier; fountain at the Getty Center; Montana Avenue in Santa Monica.

Creativity and prime shopping and dining abound on the coast. Venice, Marina del Rey and Malibu are some of the coastal highlights nearby.

Santa Monica is a happy collision of the natural and the urban: clean air, beautiful beaches, scenic mountains, plus a pedestrian-friendly downtown, hundreds of fine-dining options and several pleasant shopping streets. Denizens make the best of the beach breezes, as evidenced by the many pedestrians, bicyclists, in-line skaters and skateboarders. Nearby neighborhoods that line Pacific Coast Highway— Venice, Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey, Malibu and Topanga among them—have distinctive personalities.

Montana avenue

Montana Avenue is one of L.A.’s hottest destinations for chic shopping. Boutiques between 6th and 17th streets include upscale designer clothing boutique Aura plus the Blues Jean Bar for denim, Roseark for fine and contemporary jewelry and Anat B. for wellpriced designer knockoffs. See film classics and cult favorites at historic Aero Theater. Among hip destinations is Father’s Office, a pub serving what may be L.A.’s best burger, and American eatery R+D Kitchen. The Spielbergs, Beattys and Hankses treat the cozy, tree-lined avenue as their main street.

Main Street

Main Street is the site of the Santa Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau Information Center (1920 Main St., 310.393.7593) and is a quieter, lower-key destination than the lively Third Street Promenade. Between Pico Boulevard and Rose Avenue are galleries, yoga studios and boutiques such as Monkie, Planet Blue and Green Life, a green-goods store befitting the ecoconscious ‘hood. See plays at the Frank Gehry-designed Edgemar Center for the Arts. Sip aperitifs at Saluté Wine Bar and dine at Chinois on Main, among Wolfgang Puck’s best. The Library Alehouse and O’Brien’s Irish Pub make for a lively bar scene. The hopping Sunday farmers market is adjacent to the California Heritage Museum.

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ASHOK SINHA. PIER AND GETTY, EDWIN SANTIAGO; MONTANA AVENUE, BJARNE G. JENSEN

Several canals flow through Venice, originally conceived to resemble its Italian namesake.

new in town Arm Candy

at this boutique, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about luxury bags, sourced from independent designers who produce their wares in america. 2717 Main St., Santa Monica, 310.392.7492

Bar Toscana

adjacent to toscana restaurant, this intimate bar turns out stuzzichini (small plates) and italian-inspired cocktails. 11633 San vicente Blvd., Brentwood, 310.820.2448

The Market

gourmet marketplace featuring artisanal and organic food purveyors at Santa Monica place. 395 Santa Monica place, Santa Monica, 310.260.8333

Unionmade

preppy menswear shop offers staples by a.p.c. and leviâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, alternative apparel tees, giles & Brother jewelry and more. Brentwood country Mart, 225 26th St., Santa Monica, 310.656.3373

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Third Street

Shops and cafes are open late at pedestrianonly Third Street Promenade (from Broadway to Wilshire Boulevard). The street entertainers are always captivating, as are the street vendors. The newly reopened Santa Monica Place at Broadway and Third is a trilevel, open-air mall featuring department stores Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s, more than 50 boutiques and a top-level Dining Deck with six restaurants, a food court and gourmet market. Adjacent 2nd and 4th streets, and cross streets Broadway and Wilshire Boulevard, have draws, too. Find fine-dining options along 4th Street as well as Fred Segal on Broadway and vintage shop Wasteland. Unwind at Tikkun Holistic Spa at 4th Street and Broadway; hang at bars Chloe and Copa d’Oro. At the end of Colorado Avenue is Santa Monica Pier, built in 1909; its Pacific Park has a roller coaster, a solar-powered Ferris wheel and bumper cars. Sun worshipers can head north on Pacific Coast Highway to Annenberg Community Beach House.

BERGAMOT STATION

Art destination Bergamot Station (2525 Michigan Ave.) is an industrial, campuslike complex named for the trolley stop there in the late 1800s. It’s home to the Santa Monica Museum of Art, 33 galleries and shops and a cafe.

Venice

The eclectic spirit of Venice founder Abbot Kinney lives on. Abbot’s Habit coffee shop, exquisite Jin Patisserie and boutiques such as A. Kinney Court are the draws on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, as are hip restaurants and bars including Gjelina and the Otheroom. Ocean Front Walk is awash with colorful humanity: artisans, T-shirt vendors and the

renowned drum circle. Mr. Universe wannabes hang at Muscle Beach near 18th Street.

Marina del Rey

Marina del Rey boasts the largest manmade, small-craft harbor in the world and activities such as bicycling and sailing. The Waterside at Marina del Rey shopping center has sushi spot Sugarfish and boutiques such as M. Fredric and Theodore; there’s live music on Sunday afternoons. The beach community of Playa del Rey, with its quiet cafes and kitschy dive bars, is the last destination before southern neighbors El Segundo and Manhattan Beach.

BRENTWOOD

The affluent but laid-back neighborhood of Brentwood is home to numerous stars, like Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck, who blend in with the other neighborhood folk, strolling San Vicente Boulevard with its indie boutiques and salons, coffee shops and many Japanese and Italian restaurants. Brentwood Country Mart, at San Vicente Boulevard and 26th Street, offers casual dining and boutiques including James Perse, Broken English and Toy Crazy. But the biggest draw is nearby Getty Center, a spectacular travertineclad hilltop museum featuring European art from the Middle Ages to the present.

PACIFIC PALISADES

An upscale, slightly sleepy enclave, Pacific Palisades is the site of Will Rogers State Historic Park, a popular place for hiking and horseback riding. It also has pleasant boutique shopping; wander the streets between Via de la Paz and Monument Street near Sunset Boulevard to find a number of specialty stores, including designer clothing store Elyse Walker, stationery shop Black Ink and Intemperantia Chocolates.

Malibu

The fabled spot where Gidget once hung out is a 27-mile stretch of coastal vistas and cliffs boasting some of the most expensive real estate in the L.A. area; celebrity residents include Bob Dylan, David Geffen and Matthew McConaughey. The Getty Villa is the Getty Center’s coastal counterpart. The spectacular villa has been a magnet for splendor seekers since Getty, inspired by a Julius Caesar–era retreat, built it in the 1970s and filled it with Greco-Roman antiquities. Advance timed tickets are required. Find views at restaurants along Pacific Coast Highway, such as Gladstone’s and Duke’s. Adjacent to the Malibu Lagoon and Bird Sanctuary, the Adamson House is filled with historic tile. Malibu Country Mart offers fashionforward boutiques such as Vince, Diesel and Canvas, plus restaurants such as sushi destination Nobu Malibu. There’s a children’s play area near Tra Di Noi and excellent celeb spotting. Adjacent to the mart, Malibu Lumber Yard has high-end boutiques such as Alice + Olivia, Maxfield and James Perse. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offers activities such as hiking, horseback riding and bird-watching.

TOPANGA

Just north on Pacific Coast Highway, follow scenic Topanga Canyon Boulevard to the hippie enclave of Topanga for hiking trails, gift shops and earth-conscious dining such as Inn of the Seventh Ray. Also creekside is the lively Abuelitas Mexican restaurant and bar. Pine Tree Circle center offers independent boutiques, galleries and cafes. Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum offers Shakespeare plays in the summer. For bold items, see listings in the where guide.For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see page 124.

great find

WE GO FOR WEEGO Billing itself as the “antidote to the uber-chic, modern minimalist furniture stores,” Weego Home in Santa Monica loosens the mood with bold colors (chartreuse! coral!), graphic prints and whimsical accessories. But make no mistake—from hand-tufted New Zealand wool rugs to stunning white lacquer and walnut credenzas, the designs are seriously stylish, with a strong dose of grown-up glamour (think Jonathan Adler or Kelly Wearstler). The shop’s offspring, Weego Baby (2447 Main St), carries on the tradition with playfully chic DwellStudio crib linens and clean-lined Weego Signature Collection bunk beds in mix-and-match colors and woods. After all, why should Mom have all the fun? 2939 Main St., Santa Monica, 800.659.3346, weegohome.com

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MAVE_

Explore over 150 shops, restaurants and services from 6th to 17th streets in Santa Monica.

MoNtANA EyEs 709 Montana Ave, 310.917.4474

loNDoN solE 1331 Montana Ave, 310.255.0937 londonsole.com

tAlA JEWElry 1302 Montana Ave, 310.319.0407 talajewelry.com

London Sole offers the world’s largest collection of ballet flats, ballerina pumps, classic driving loafers and other exquisite traditional flat footwear from designer Jane Winkworth. The Montana and San Francisco boutiques are hot spots for celebrities who have fallen in love with the simple, sophisticated and sometimes bold designs.

Tala is Montana Avenue’s newest sparkling addition. Tala is focused on quality and craftsmanship as well as showcasing today’s hottest and most original designers. Italian designers Fope and Piero Milano along with Turkish designs from Gurhan are in-store, in addition to an eclectic and fresh mix of American designers including Aaron Basha,Pandora, Bochic and Chad Allison. If you love jewelry, you’ll love Tala.

Mon-Sat 10am-6pm

Mon-Sat 10am-6:30pm; Sun 11am-6pm

Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat-Sun 11am-6pm

stEP sHoEs 1004 Montana Ave, 310.899.4409

tHrEE BAGs Full the sweater store

EvEry PicturE tElls A story 1333 Montana Ave, 310.451.2700 everypicture.com

Featuring the very best in American and European knitwear. Style, service and versatility–we make travel easy and elegant–xmall to 2x. From the simplest cotton cardigan to luxurious handknits, Three Bags Full has got you covered.

Every Picture Tells A Story is Los Angeles’ premiere gallery of the Art of Illustration, featuring original artwork and limited edition prints from Disney Studios, Dr. Seuss, Charles Schulz, Maurice Sendak, Marvel Comics and classics like Curious George, Stuart Little and Eloise—plus a unique selection of illustrated books and toys.

Do you accessorize with eyewear? Or, are you in the market for that perfect new pair of prescription glasses? Montana Eyes has showcased high-end eyewear for twenty years. This special boutique has any style to suit your needs: from the hottest trends to custom-frames and vintage specs. Come see for yourself why Hollywood stars shop at Montana Eyes.

Step Shoes offers the finest European quality footwear with brands such as Thierry Rabotin, Aguatalia, Cordani, Cydwoq, Mephisto MBT, Isabella Fiore and many more. In addition to its selection of comfortable and classy shoes, Step Shoes has a variety of distinctive handbags and fun accessories to choose from. Step Shoes is where style and comfort come together in total harmony. Mon-Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 12pm-5pm

716 Montana Ave, 310.395.5559 threebagsfull.com

Mon 10am-5pm; Tue-Sat 10am-6pm; Open most Sundays 11am-5pm. Call first.

Mon-Sat 10am-7pm; Sun 10am-6pm

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exploring

West Hollywood

From left: the Farmers Market; light installation at Broad Contemporary Art Museum; Pacific Design Center.

Innovative, individual West Hollywood is the birthplace of L.A.’s trends.

West Hollywood measures less than two square miles wedged between Hollywood and Beverly Hills, yet it’s packed to the gills with boutiques, galleries, restaurants, bars and theaters. The population celebrates ethnic and lifestyle diversity, combining hipsters, immigrants and senior citizens; it’s accepting of virtually everyone. The city, often referred to as WeHo, includes the legendary stretch of Sunset Boulevard called the Sunset Strip, chic Sunset Plaza, trendy Melrose Avenue and stylish Robertson Boulevard. Santa Monica Boulevard is one of the liveliest stretches of historic Route 66, thanks to its thriving gay community and proliferation of trendy nightclubs.

Sunset Plaza

Upscale boutiques line Sunset Boulevard between La Cienega and San Vicente boulevards; you’ll find free parking behind the storefronts. Consider this the city’s Euro hang; check out the collections at Catherine Malandrino, Chez Bop and the two H. Lorenzo shops. A lively outdoor cafe scene includes Le Petit Four, Chin Chin and Café Med, and Buttercake Bakery dishes out cupcakes. You’ll find platinum pampering at Ole Henriksen Face/Body Spa and Jessica Nail Clinic.

Sunset Strip

When the sun goes down, the action is on Sunset Boulevard between Doheny Drive and Crescent Heights Avenue. The Strip is historically the city’s entertainment focus, with clubs such as The Roxy, Whisky a Go-Go and Rainbow Bar having boasted performances by the Doors and Jimi

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Bar Marmont on the Sunset Strip

new in town Civilianaire

Men’s streetwear from the founders of lucky brand. 8312 W. 3rd St., l.a., 323.782.1707

NIKOLAS KOENIG. OPPOSITE: EDWIN SANTIAGO

Flight 001

the ingenious travel accessory boutique returns, offering colorful luggage and bags and nifty in-flight accessories. 8321 W. 3rd St., l.a., 323.966.0001

Ray’s & Stark Bar

Petite but sleek Mediterranean restaurant and upscale cocktail bar at los angeles County Museum of art. 5905 Wilshire blvd., l.a., 323.857.6180

Vivienne Westwood

the designer’s first u.S. flagship store offers the couture collections and affordable anglomania line. 8320 Melrose ave., l.a., 323.951.0711

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Hendrix. The remodeled Andaz West Hollywood hotel was formerly known as Continental Hyatt House, aka the Riot House; Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones and Guns N’ Roses bunked there. Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable lived at the art deco landmark Sunset Tower Hotel, built in 1931. The mood at elegant Tower Bar fits right in at the historic hotel. Rock stars hole up in villas at the renovated Sunset Marquis hotel and record albums in its below-ground studio. The party goes on. There are the dimly lit Viper Room and the Key Club’s weekly tribute to ‘80s rock, Metal Skool. The faux ramshackle House of Blues books name acts and hosts a rafter-raising Sunday Gospel Brunch. Comedians including David Letterman and Robin Williams got their start at the Comedy Store. Swanky Skybar at the Mondrian admits hotel guests automatically; also at the hotel is the restaurant Asia de Cuba. Bar Marmont, adjacent to Chateau Marmont, is dreamily chic and a perennial celeb hangout. Don’t forget to look up: The Sunset Strip is known for its billboards.

THE AVENUES

The Pacific Design Center, at San Vicente Boulevard and Melrose Avenue, is at the center of the Avenues, the art, fashion and design district that includes some 300 galleries and showrooms along Melrose Avenue and Beverly and Robertson boulevards. The center—itself distinctively designed—offers mainly upscale furnishings. It’s also home to the MOCA Pacific Design Center, satellite of downtown’s Museum of Contemporary Art and Wolfgang Puck’s Design Cafe. The CityLine (25 cents, 800.447.2189) runs Monday through Saturday along Santa Monica and San Vicente boulevards.

Melrose Avenue

If Europeans influence L.A. on Sunset Plaza, L.A. influences the world on Melrose Avenue. It’s home base for the hip, where the trends begin. Choices include supercool consortium Fred Segal, upscale Maxfield and Wasteland for vintage wear, Vivienne Westwood and Vera Wang; farther east are Wasteland for vintage wear and indie boutiques with knockoffs and fast-fashion finds. Just off Melrose Avenue is Melrose Place, L.A.’s chicest shopping street, where you’ll find the Monique Lhuillier, Zero + Maria Cornejo and Chloé boutiques. Foodies head to Mario Batali’s Osteria Mozza and Pizzeria Mozza, brasserie Comme Ça, Rick Bayless’ new Red O and Suzanne Goin’s Lucques. Find some of L.A.’s best live comedy at the Improv and the Groundlings theaters. There’s more hip shopping around the corner on La Brea Avenue.

Robertson Boulevard

The sensibilities of Melrose Avenue and Rodeo Drive meet on Robertson Boulevard, where boutiques Intermix, Curve and Madison are as hip as they get; the celebutante set goes to Kitson for posh bags and minidresses. Designers such as Chanel and Anya Hindmarch have outposts. Unwind at a number of eateries including Petrossian and Ivy Restaurant, whose patio is paparazzi central for celebs seeking photo ops.

3rd and Beverly

West 3rd Street and Beverly Boulevard are first-rate destinations for boutique shopping and upscale dining between Robertson Boulevard and the Grove. The two streets bracket the multistory Beverly Center, which is anchored by Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s. H&M and Henri Bendel are big draws.

A hip restaurant row on Beverly Boulevard includes Eva Restaurant from ever-hospitable chef/owner Mark Gold. Upscale boutiques include Beige and Calleen Cordero. Fashion-forward boutiques on West 3rd Street east of the Beverly Center include Satine, Lotta Stensson, Eggy for high-end children’s clothing and Pyrrha for jewelry. Kitschy El Carmen bar adds to the street’s colorful character. Foodies head to Joan’s on 3rd, The Little Door and A.O.C. to dine and Magnolia Bakery for cupcakes.

FAIRFAX DISTRICT

Historic Farmers Market offers some 100 open-air produce stalls, shops and restaurants at Fairfax Avenue and 3rd Street. There are plenty of nooks in which to while away an afternoon, including a crêperie, a wine bar and a shop specializing in hot sauces. It’s hugely popular among locals. Adjacent to the Farmers Market, The Grove, a retail-dining-entertainment center inspired by a grand old downtown, features stained-glass street lamps, a trolley, a multiplex movie theater and retailers such as Nordstrom, Michael Kors, Kiehl’s and Fresh. Rising stars and starlets are often spotted on weekends. Annually, the Grove tallies more visitors than Disneyland! One mile south of the Grove is the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), which boasts an exceptional collection of more than 150,000 works from around the world. The Broad Contemporary Art Museum showcases nearly 180 works by contemporary artists; the Lynda and Stewart Resnick Exhibition Pavilion is the latest addition to the campus. Adjacent to LACMA, you’ll find the Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits, where the Ice Age comes alive. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of West Hollywood, see pages 124–125.

great find

HANDY CRAFTS Crafts haven Hands-On 3rd opened two years ago, fostering individual creativity while encouraging personal interaction among budding crafters. A cheerful energy fills the space, where an artist in residence often works in the front window and students are welcome to observe the three artists’ studios in back. Classes include tutorials on jewelry making, mosaics, silkscreen printing, decoupage, terrarium design and lamp making (the latter accomplished with recycled coffee stirrers, no less). For kids, there’s a sewing Project Funway and a weekly summer camp. The shop also sells patterns and will soon begin offering DIY jewelry, doll and terrarium kits, as well as colorful Japanese fabrics and ribbons. 8377 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.655.0515, hands-on3rd.com.

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Another Night in Paradise

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WEST HOLLYWOOD 370 N. ROBERTSON

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949.640.9999

310.854.0001

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WEST 3RD S SHOP. EAT. EXPERIENCE.

WELCOME TO THIRD STREET! Nestled between West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and the Farmers Market, WEST 3RD STREET is a shopping and dining experience unlike any other in Los Angeles. Each store and restaurant offers an exciting and unique vision, making West 3rd one of the most high-quality and well-edited collections of merchandise and fine food anywhere in the city. Whether you are looking for fashion, furniture, gifts or food, chances are you will be inspired by what you find on West 3rd Street.

M. COHen

8362 West 3rd Street (323) 782-0600 mcohendesigns.com

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Ave Ave Sweetzer

MaGnOlIa BaKerY 8389 West 3rd Street (323) 951-0636 magnoliabakery.com

Ave Sweetzer

At Magnolia Bakery, everything is made fresh from scratch on premises, all day, every day, using the finest ingredients.

Sweetzer

Edgy, yet high-end and delicate, this one-of-a-kind jewelry and accessories line is designed and handmade in L.A.

LA CienegA BLvd

LA CienegA BLvd LA CienegA

w. 3rd Street w. 3rd Street w. 3rd Street w. 3rd Street w. 3rd Street w. 3rd Street w. 3r

The Orlando on Third, a fashionable, boutique hotel in a vibrant, urban neighborhood. Enjoy a taste of living L.A.!

OrlandO HOtel 8384 West 3rd Street (800) 624-6835 theorlando.com

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KnIt CUltUre StUdIO 8118 West 3rd Street (323) 655-6487 knitculture.com

Handmade sterling silver and 14k gold jewelry cast from 19th-century wax seals rich in inspirational imagery.

PYrrHa

8315 West 3rd Street (323) 424-4807 pyrrha.com

FAirFAx Ave FAirFAx Ave FAirFAx Ave FAirFAx Ave FAirFAx Ave FAirFAx Ave FAirFAx Ave FAirFAx Ave

An inspired shop featuring knit and crochet supplies and a wide selection of unique and luxurious yarns.

CreSCent HeigHtS BLvd CreSCent HeigHtS BLvd CreSCent HeigHtS BLvd CreSCent HeigHtS BLvd

D STREET Couture loungewear designed and made in Los Angeles, along with fine bedding and bath products.

BedHead PaJaMaS 8336 West 3rd Street (323) 653-8336 bedheadpjs.com

reet w. 3rd Street w. 3rd Street w. 3rd Street w. 3rd Street w. 3rd Street w. 3rd Street

Contemporary children’s clothing, toys and accessories.

eGGY

8365 West 3rd Street (323) 658-8882 shopeggy.com

The redesigned and relaunched L.A. favorite offers globally inspired Japanese fare.

SUSHI rOKU

8445 West 3rd Street (323) 655-6767 sushiroku.com

Designer Trina Turk’s collection of women’s apparel, accessories and swimwear inspired by the California lifestyle.

trIna tUrK

8008 West 3rd Street (323) 651-1382 trinaturk.com

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exploring

Hollywood

From left: Hollywood Palladium; Vermont Avenue in Los Feliz; Bardot nightclub on Vine Street.

Hollywood is reclaiming its legendary glamour, and once-bohemian Los Feliz and Silver Lake are sharing in Tinseltown’s new Golden Age.

“Hollywood is a state of mind” was a popular refrain when this part of Los Angeles was in the midst of its decline, not long ago. But with hot new boutiques, restaurants, hotels and condos sprouting up, it has re-emerged as a bona fide destination. Amid a spirit of transformation, the neon lights on Hollywood Boulevard’s landmark movie palaces are fired up again, as waves of international visitors mingle with colorful locals. This new Golden Age of Hollywood marks the best time to visit in decades.

Hollywood + Highland

The Hollywood & Highland Center has been a catalyst for the rebirth of Hollywood Boulevard. Its Kodak Theatre is the home of the Academy Awards and new Cirque du Soleil show Iris, which premieres in July. The center’s shops are varied, ranging from Lucky Brand to Louis Vuitton, and it boasts two nightclubs, the Highlands and Level 3. The central Babylon Court frames views of the iconic Hollywood sign. Built in 1923 to advertise a housing development, the 50-foot-high letters originally read “Hollywoodland.” Next door to Hollywood & Highland is Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, famous for its celebrity handprints embedded in the cement out front. The theater remains a favorite venue for Hollywood premieres.

SHOWTIME

Just across the street from Hollywood & Highland is the ornate, lavishly illuminated El Capitan Theatre. Masterfully restored by Disney, it offers special presentations of the studio’s animated releases combined with performances on an antique Wurlitzer pipe organ and kid-pleasing stage shows. Jimmy Kimmel Live! tapes in an ABC studio next door. The Egyptian Theatre— built in 1922 around the time King Tut’s tomb was discovered—screens eclectic artsy fare. The landmark Pantages Theatre has staged megahit musicals including Wicked, while the Hollywood Palladium has a rich history of showcasing headlining musicians.

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EDWIN SANTIAGO. PALLADIUM AND LOS FELIZ, AMY K. FELLOWS; BARDOT, DAMIAN TSUTSUMIDA

Hollywood Boulevard

new in town Harvard & Stone

industrial bar and lounge emphasizing cocktails handmade with craft spirits. 5221 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.466.6063

Painted Bird

San francisco import boutique with new and vintage clothing for men and women. 4208 Santa Monica Blvd., Silver lake, 323.522.3368

Paul & Andre

a novel conceptâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a pop-up nightclub open for just six months. 6356 Hollywood Blvd. (entrance on Cosmo Street), Hollywood, 323.860.9795

Vivier and Bentley

Joint boutique from handbag designer Clare Vivier and kathryn Bentley of dream Collective jewelry. 1404 Micheltorena St., Silver lake, 323.665.2476

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Walk of Fame

The sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard (La Brea Avenue to Gower Street) and three blocks of Vine Street (Yucca Street to Sunset Boulevard) are inlaid with the legendary brass-and-terrazzo stars honoring celebrities from the entertainment industry. More than 2,400 stars are enshrined beneath the feet of tourists, but the roster is not without its quirks—Pee-wee Herman has one but Clint Eastwood doesn’t. Marilyn Monroe’s star is steps from Hollywood & Highland, while John Lennon’s is appropriately located in front of the Capitol Records Building, the structure designed to resemble a stack of records.

Museums, HOLLYWOOD-STYLE

Hollywood has its museums, but don’t expect to encounter Picasso or Monet, or even a T. rex skeleton. Next to Grauman’s Chinese Theatre is Madame Tussauds Hollywood, filled with more than 100 wax figures ranging from Clark Gable and Audrey Hepburn to contemporary icons such as Justin Timberlake and Lady Gaga. You can ponder some zany accomplishments at the Guinness World Records Museum, while the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum offers bizarre exhibitions on double-headed animals and shrunken human heads. Serious movie buffs, however, head to the Hollywood Museum, which occupies four floors of the historic Max Factor Building. Among the 10,000 costumes and artifacts on display are the whip of Indiana Jones, Rocky Balboa’s boxing gloves and W.C. Fields’ top hat.

AROUND VINE

The storied intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, the epicenter of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, boasted a large concentration of entertainment industry companies in the 1920s. It’s a different Hol-

lywood today, but the magic of this location endures in the soaring W Hollywood Hotel & Residences, which boasts Delphine brasserie and Drai’s rooftop club. A Metro station is integrated into the hotel; Hollywood is particularly well served by mass transit. Across the street is boutique hotel the Redbury and its stylish Middle Eastern restaurant, Cleo. Sunset Boulevard and Vine is in transition, but dance clubs and eateries give this corner plenty of character. Serious cinephiles catch their flicks at ArcLight Cinemas, where it’s easy to spot a celeb. Close by is Amoeba Music, where serious 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 mini-complex Space 15 Twenty, catering to shoppers well into the evening. The center is anchored by a supersize Urban Outfitters and complemented by other hip boutiques.

NIGHTCRAWLING

The revival of Hollywood has only enhanced its endless nightlife opportunities, and a lively bar and club scene permeates the district. On Hollywood Boulevard, you can party under the guise of literary advancement at library-themed Hemingway’s, or attempt to get past the velvet ropes at MyHouse and Supperclub. Cahuenga Boulevard also hosts dozens of clubs. Quintessentially L.A. but a galaxy removed from Hollywood Boulevard is the Hollywood Bowl, the largest outdoor amphitheater in the U.S. where the Los Angeles Philharmonic takes up residence from June to October. Picnicking under the stars here is among the most memorable experiences in L.A. Nearby is the Ford Amphitheatre, featuring a more intimate environment for international music, dance and family fare.

LOS FELIZ + SILVER LAKE

These neighborhoods are among the bestkept secrets in the county. Vermont Avenue, the main drag in Los Feliz, presents a collection of shops and restaurants that range from bohemian to chic. Skylight Books and 24/7 diner Fred 62 are popular hangouts. Newer lounges like Rockwell represent the neighborhood’s increasing sophistication. A once-forgotten stretch of Hollywood Boulevard in Los Feliz now hosts trendy boutiques such as Confederacy and restaurants like cult fave Umami Burger. Fully transformed is Silver Lake Boulevard, now crowded with eateries and upscale retailers. At Sunset Junction, where Sunset and Santa Monica Boulevards intersect and the eponymous music festival takes place every summer, is where Los Feliz transitions into Silver Lake. Foodies hang at casual Forage or the Cheese Store of Silverlake, while aspiring screenwriters hammer at their laptops and sip lattes at Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea.

GRIFFITH PARK

The largest urban park in America, this sprawling swath is an ideal place to hike, picnic, golf, ride horses and more. The Charlie Turner Trailhead begins at the Griffith Observatory, one of the great planetariums in the world and a frequent filming location. The hike up Mount Hollywood (three miles round trip) provides views of the Hollywood sign, and the nearby Greek Theatre, a 5,700-seat amphitheater, is a legendary music venue. Also located in Griffith Park is the underrated Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens and the Western heritage-oriented Autry National Center, both accessible from the Ventura (SR 134) or Golden State (I-5) freeways. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see pages 125–126.

great find

BARE ESSENTIAL Feeling less than bikini-ready in a certain, uh, special area? Stark Waxing Studio has got you covered—or, rather, uncovered. (Wink.) The Silver Lake studio offers a full menu of facial and body waxing for women and men, specializing in eyebrow shaping and the delicate Brazilian wax. Although the latter can be a harrowing experience in less skilled hands, Stark is known for its lightning-fast method and gentle products, which have helped them garner a loyal clientele. Stark’s clean, simple storefront and airy reception area, along with a friendly and professional staff, make for a comfortable stay. Bring the pampering experience home with you: Stark also sells body scrubs and oils, exfoliating mitts and fragrant candles. 3335 W. Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake, 323.666.3335, starkwaxingstudio.com

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exploring

Downtown

From left: James Irvine Gardens in Little Tokyo; Walt Disney Concert Hall; Olvera Street.

L.A.’s urban center Beverly Hills and Venice Beach may be favorite tourist attracreflects the cultural tions, but downtown should not be overlooked. Historic Art diversity, world-class Deco structures share the streetscape with glass- or titaniumclad masterpieces, and even movie stars are snapping up hip architecture and dynamic commerce lofts carved out of turn-of-the-century structures. The city’s scene roars to life in downtown, a place where the usual that makes the city arts image of L.A. as “laid-back” hardly applies. a superstar on the international stage. Union Station

The ornate Union Station was the last of the grand railroad terminals built in the U.S. Its importance faded as the automobile began to dominate life in L.A., but Union Station has staged a comeback, thanks to a renovation and downtown’s new energy. From Union Station, the hub of the Metro system, you can board the Red Line to Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley or the light rail Gold Line to Pasadena and Blue Line to Long Beach. From here, nonstop bus service to LAX is available 24/7, Metrolink commuter trains connect distant suburbs and you can jump on an Amtrak train for a scenic journey along the coast.

Grand Avenue + MUSIC CENTER

The heart of L.A.’s performing arts scene and the site of its most dramatic architecture, Grand Avenue is beginning to live up to its name. On Bunker Hill, once filled with Victorian mansions, four venues comprise a formidable collection of stages at The Music Center. The 3,200-seat Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is home to the Los Angeles Opera, and the Ahmanson Theatre and Mark Taper Forum host theatrical productions. The flashiest Music Center venue is architect Frank Gehry’s curvaceous, jaw-dropping Walt Disney Concert Hall, home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Its young music director, Gustavo Dudamel, exudes an energy that rivals the building’s audacious design. Also housed at Disney Hall, with a separate entrance around the corner, is REDCAT, which offers performance and visual arts productions. Patina offers elegant feasts inside Disney Hall.

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LIBRARY AND OLVERA STREET, C.I. SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY. GARDENS, AMY K. FELLOWS; DISNEY HALL, IDRIS ERBA

The Los Angeles Public Libraryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Richard J. Riordan Central Library

new in town Aburiya Toranoko

Cool Japanese gastropub with graffitiscribbled walls and a sushi bar. 243 S. San pedro St., downtown, 213.621.9500

Angel City Brewing

Massive microbrewery and bar that also serves small-producer wines. 216 S. alameda St., downtown, 213.622.1261

MartinMartin

darkly minimalist clothing by a los angeles-based husband-and-wife design team. 713 S. los angeles St., downtown, 213.624.6244

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DESCENDING BUNKER HILL

Steps from the Music Center is the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, designed by Spanish architect José Rafael Moneo. A short walk south on Grand is the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Southern California’s premier contemporary art museum. The Omni Hotel and California Plaza are adjacent. Nearby Angels Knoll is a welcome patch of greenery amid the concrete jungle. Angels Flight, a vintage funicular that climbs to California Plaza from Hill Street below, is billed as “The Shortest Railway in the World” (just 298 feet!); a ride costs 25 cents. At the foot of the hill, the Bunker Hill Steps rise five stories at the U.S. Bank Tower, the tallest building west of the Mississippi. Across the street is the Los Angeles Public Library, an Art Deco masterpiece.

OLVERA STREET

The origin of the city of Los Angeles, dating back to 1781, is El Pueblo de Los Angeles, a collection of 27 buildings along festive pedestrian concourse Olvera Street. The city’s oldest building, Avila Adobe (circa 1818), is located here, along with Mexican restaurants, mariachi bands and merchants offering art and crafts. A few blocks away is the city’s oldest restaurant, Philippe the Original (1908), where a cup of joe is still just 9 cents.

HISTORIC DISTRICTS

Often overlooked by tourists is the Broadway Theatre District, home to once-opulent movie palaces ablaze in neon. A few, like the Orpheum Theatre, have been restored to their original grandeur. Historic structures are being converted into lofts; Johnny Depp owns a condo in Broadway’s Eastern Columbia Building. The Bradbury Building (304 S. Broadway), built in 1893 in the Italian Renaissance Revival style, was featured in the film Blade Runner.

Spring Street, from 4th to 7th Streets, is a rapidly awakening area once referred to as the “Wall Street of the West.” Steps from this historic district is a row of hip bars on 6th Street (between Main and Los Angeles streets) that includes Las Perlas and Mignon.

SHOPPING DISTRICTS

Downtown’s heritage as a mercantile center can still be experienced in its historic shopping districts, popular with bargain hunters. The Jewelry District draws shoppers to markets like St. Vincent Jewelry Center (650 S. Hill St.), where 500 merchants offer gold, diamonds and baubles. In the neighboring Fashion District, 115 blocks centered around the California Market Center, you can find designer clothing items. At Santee Alley, an open-air bargain bazaar, designer trends breed low-priced knockoffs. The Flower District offers blooms at wholesale prices. And for an awesome array of produce and international foods, Grand Central Market, near the foot of Angels Flight, is the place to go. Many vendors here deal in cash only.

CHINATOWN

Chinatown remains a great destination for sampling dim sum or browsing for authentic clothing, tea or home furnishings. Cultural highlights include the ornate Thien Hau Temple (750 Yale St.) and the Chinese American Museum. Pedestrian-oriented Chung King Road and Gin Ling Way are now home to galleries and Mountain Bar, while Broadway boasts cool boutiques. Dodger Stadium is a short drive away, as is San Antonio Winery, which offers tours and tastings.

LITTLE TOKYO

Little Tokyo is still a proud ethnic enclave, but it, too, is emerging as an up-and-coming hipster ’hood. The dining scene is popping, led by newer restaurants such as Aburiya

Toranoko, and you can still nibble on traditional sushi prepared by veteran chefs at Japanese Village Plaza. Just a few steps down 1st Street is the sleek, glass-ensconced Japanese American National Museum. The Geffen Contemporary, a Frank Gehryrenovated branch of MOCA, is located next door. At 2nd and Main streets is the historic Cathedral of Saint Vibiana, formerly home of the Los Angeles Archdiocese.

L.A. LIVE

The $2.5 billion L.A. Live project has been called the epicenter of the downtown renaissance. Staples Center, home to the Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers and Kings, hosts top pop acts. As does Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, which boasts state-of-the-art acoustics. The adjoining Grammy Museum honors myriad music genres with videos, artifacts and interactive exhibits. A dozen restaurants and clubs— Katsuya, WP24 and The Conga Room, to name a few—face a massive urban plaza lined with towering LED screens. The Los Angeles Convention Center, encompassing 16-plus acres of exhibition space, is also here.

EXPOSITION PARK

Just south of downtown is Exposition Park, whose grounds hold major museums and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The sevenacre Exposition Park Rose Garden is legendary, and the Beaux-Arts-style Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County offers insight into prehistoric giants. Other attractions include the California African American Museum and California Science Center with its 3-D IMAX theater. The science center is also the future home of space shuttle Endeavour. Farther west of Exposition Park is the jazz and blues capital of Leimert Park; south is Watts, home of the Watts Towers. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of downtown, see page 125.

great find

SLEEPER HIT You’ll spend one-third of your life in bed—you might as well sleep in style. Since 1996, L.A.based Matteo has been turning out sumptuous, ethically produced, impeccably tailored bedding that blends European elegance with California cool. In the company’s downtown Arts District workshop, three bedding collections, plus bath and table linens and apparel, are constructed of the finest materials from around the world, then dyed locally to achieve a perfect vintage look and soft feel. Whether your home’s style is downtown loft, ‘20s cottage or Tuscan villa, visit the workshop-adjacent showroom/retail space to find your match among the earth-toned, ticking-striped, ruffled and plaid offerings. Don’t miss the back room, which has dreamy deals. 912 E. 3rd St., downtown, 213.617.2813, matteohome.com

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H&H-W

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exploring

Pasadena

From left: Colorado Street Bridge; shoppers in Old Pasadena; The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden in Arcadia.

Pasadena, aka the Crown City, brings a blend of smalltown charm and cosmopolitan energy. Eagle Rock, Glendale and the San Gabriel Valley are also worth discovering.

Just minutes from downtown via the historic Arroyo Seco Parkway or the Metro Gold Line train, Pasadena is no ordinary bedroom community. The Craftsman-style bungalows in its leafy neighborhoods hint of a world-renowned architectural heritage, and institutions such as the Tournament of Roses, Caltech and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory give the community a gravitas far beyond its size. In neighboring San Gabriel Valley communities, additional treasures await.

Old Pasadena

A tribute to foresighted urban planning is the 22-square block shopping district known as Old Pasadena, roughly bounded by Walnut Street and Del Mar Boulevard, Arroyo Parkway and Pasadena Avenue. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the once-neglected district contains restored buildings and the city’s trendiest boutiques, bistros and nightclubs. Pedestrian-only alleys meander through One Colorado, where an eclectic collection of restaurants have alfresco dining overlooking a sculpture-strewn square. A few steps east of Old Pasadena lies Paseo Colorado, an inviting shopping center with ArcLight Cinemas and upscale shops such as Brighton Collectibles, Coach and BCBG Max Azria lining garden promenades. A wide variety of dining options is offered at this mixed-use development, whose open-air design frames views of historic structures like soaring Pasadena City Hall (100 N. Garfield Ave.), restored to its original Beaux-Arts grandeur.

Playhouse District

Anchored by the Mission-style Pasadena Playhouse, this district is filled with upscale antique shops, boutiques and dining rooms with ornate façades. Also present is the Le Cordon Bleu-affiliated College of Culinary Arts, with a restaurant open to the public, and the famed Ice House comedy club. The neighboring Boston Court Performing Arts Center presents dramas and musicals. The pagoda-crowned Pacific Asia Museum features exotic deco-

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EDWIN SANTIAGO. BRIDGE, BJARNE G. JENSEN; OLD PASADENA AND ARBORETUM, AMY K. FELLOWS

Pasadena City Hall

new in town AKA an American Bistro

Owner of Bistro 45 opens organically minded eatery inspired by california wine country cuisine. One colorado, 41 hugus alley, Old Pasadena, 626.564.8111

Fluff Ice

like the Pinkberry of shaved ice, this cheery spot doles out flavors like matcha green tea and mango topped with fresh fruit. 500 n. atlantic Blvd., Monterey Park, 626.872.2123

Papeterie

Feminine shop selling letter-press cards, stationery and other paper accessories. Westfield santa anita, 400 s. Baldwin ave., santa anita, 626.294.1971

Station

clothing store for the young and hip that stocks local emerging labels in denim, streetwear and accessories. 167 caruso ave., glendale, 818.246.3200

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rative arts from every corner of Asia, while the Pasadena Museum of California Art celebrates Golden State painters and sculptors from 1850 to the present. Dining ranges from Pie ’n Burger, a favorite Caltech dive, to Playhouse-adjacent Elements Kitchen. Just east of the Playhouse District, South Lake Avenue provides a vibrant shopping environment. At the Commons and Burlington Arcade, charming boutiques are set around European-style courtyards. A drive farther south on Lake Avenue reveals the opulent, historic Langham, Huntington Hotel.

Orange grOVe BOuleVard

This wide boulevard, once called Millionaire’s Row, is still lined with splendid estates, including the former Wrigley Mansion that now houses the Tournament of Roses Association, open for tours. The immediate neighborhood features the legacy of architects Frank Lloyd Wright, Wallace Neff and Paul Williams. The genius of Greene & Greene, pioneers of the Arts & Crafts movement, is evident at the Gamble House, also open to the public. Just around the corner on Colorado Boulevard is the Norton Simon Museum, home to one of the finest art collections in America. The galleries at this small museum are filled with masterpieces from the Renaissance to the 20th century, and its repertory of Impressionist masters (Monet, Cézanne, van Gogh) is impressive. It also features extensive art from India, and a tribute to Degas in a lovely sculpture garden.

san MarinO + sOuth Pasadena

In the exclusive residential community of San Marino is the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, one of the most remarkable pieces of real estate in Southern California. Here the beauti-

fully restored Italianate mansion of railroad magnate Henry Huntington is packed with 18th- and 19th-century art including Thomas Gainsborough’s Blue Boy and Sir Thomas Lawrence’s Pinkie. A library with 600,000 rare books and manuscripts occupies another structure. Throughout the 200-acre property are more than one dozen distinct botanical environments, re-creating native habitats from England to China. Tea service is offered in a cottage amid a formal rose garden. Directly south of Old Pasadena is the independent municipality of South Pasadena, a shady, tranquil community whose Mission West historic district is packed with antique shops, art galleries and cafes. The town is particularly kid-friendly, thanks to adorable shops such as the Dinosaur Farm and eateries like Fair Oaks Pharmacy, a 1915 restored drugstore with a soda fountain.

eagle rOcK + glendale

Just west of Pasadena is Eagle Rock, a quiet college town that is reinventing itself as a hip neighborhood with an understated boho-chic vibe. Its main drag of Colorado Boulevard is suddenly lined with one trendy cafe after another, from Vietnamese to French to vegetarian—plus Casa Bianca, a venerable old-school pizza joint. Students from Occidental College, where a young Barack Obama studied, mingle with young couples who have snapped up the hillside real estate. On the other side of Eagle Rock is Glendale. In this, the third-largest city in Los Angeles County, office workers pour out of high-rises for happy hour at The Americana at Brand, a buzzing open-air shopping, residential and entertainment development. Here style-savvy shoppers can find value at H&M or splurge at exclusive boutiques like Kate Spade. It’s a great place for a movie followed by an alfresco snack from Crumbs

Bake Shop or sushi and cocktails at the Philippe Starck-designed Katsuya. The Glendale Galleria shopping center is adjacent. Glendale’s diverse population—it’s home to one of the largest Armenian communities in America—provides plenty of flavor, including elaborate restaurants. Marked by a towering neon obelisk is the Alex Theatre (216 N. Brand Blvd.), an Art Deco masterpiece that hosts concerts and musicals. Just north of downtown Glendale is the delightful community of Montrose, with its homespun shops and all-American diners. Nearby is sprawling Descanso Gardens, home to North America’s largest camellia collection—an awesome sight when fully in bloom during January and February.

san gaBriel Valley

Kissing Pasadena’s eastern border is Sierra Madre, a quaint community that refuses to be paved over. Arcadia is home to Santa Anita Park, one of the most storied thoroughbred horse racing venues in the world. Adjacent to the racetrack is Westfield Santa Anita, an ever-expanding shopping center. Arcadia is also home to the 127-acre Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden, whose natural Southern California habitat is famous for its wild peafowl; you might see a flock crossing nearby streets. The 1771 San Gabriel Mission is a notable landmark in the neighboring city of San Gabriel. The San Gabriel Valley cities of San Gabriel, Temple City, Alhambra and Monterey Park have drawn large numbers of Chinese and Vietnamese immigrants in recent decades, and some of the best Chinese restaurants in America are found here, including Hong Kong-style seafood houses that are great fun for dim sum brunches. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see page 126.

great find

ICE CREAM OF THE CROP Putting a new spin on the classic ice cream parlor, L.A. Creamery, new to the Americana at Brand in Glendale, offers fun, imaginative and alluringly unusual ice cream flavors. Sixteen to 18 house-made flavors made with seasonal ingredients are offered on a rotating basis; they range from such tried-and-true varieties as cookies-and-sweet-cream and chocolate chip to the more imaginative, including milk chocolate-Guinness, saffron-vanilla and goat cheeseand-currant. Led by chef/partner Jessica Goryl, who has worked in the kitchens of Cafe del Rey and BLT Steak, L.A. Creamery also offers sorbets, sundaes, cookie sandwiches, bonbons and fruit popsicles, as well as baked goods, coffee and tea. There are also shops in Canoga Park and Sherman Oaks. 777 Americana Way, Glendale, 818.552.2663, lacreamery.com

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5/5/11

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ust 15 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, and conveniently

situated along the Metro Gold Line, Old Pasadena is a vibrant hub of world-class shopping, dining, arts, and entertainment. Comprised of 22 blocks of nationally-registered historic architecture, Old Pasadena is widely recognized as a premier destination and one of the few truly walkable urban districts in California.

Come explore more than 300 specialty boutiques, exclusive retailers, sidewalk cafĂŠs, and fine restaurants in this authentic main street experience.

A contemporary cabinet of curiosities with a museum perspective on current artists, jewelers, and designers.

Voted best Indian restaurant in the San Gabriel Valley 14 years running.

American Bistro cuisine to be paired with over 650 wines and specialty cocktails.

Gold Bug

Akbar Cuisine of India

Vertical Wine Bistro

22 E. Union St. 626.744.9963 goldbugpasadena.com

44 N. Fair Oaks Ave. 626.577.9916 akbarcuisineofindia.com

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70 N. Raymond Ave. 626.795.3999 verticalwinebistro.com

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Voted ‘Best in Pasadena’ by local residents, the boutique offers gifts of style, wit and whimsy with a hint of all things nostalgic.

Dine or drink in Old Pasadena’s only gastropub, a brick-clad historic landmark with patio bar and beer garden.

Shopping fun at this high-end designer resale store, that offers the best of recent and vintage Chanel, LV, Prada and more!

Lula Mae

Kings Row Gastropub

Clothes Heaven

100 N. Fair Oaks Ave. 626.304.9996 lulamae.com

20 E. Colorado Blvd. 626.793.3010 kingsrowpub.com

111 E. Union St. 626.440.0929 clothesheaven.com

This local Pasadena favorite offers a globally inspired Japanese menu along with signature cocktails, sake and beers.

kate spade new york Fashion and accessories with utility, wit and playful sophistication.

First and only restaurant serving authentic Ukrainian cuisine in Pasadena.

Sushi Roku

kate spade new york

Roxolana Restaurant & Wine Bar

33 Miller Alley at One Colorado 626.683.3000 sushiroku.com

39 W. Colorado Blvd. 626.356.9460 katespade.com

34 S. Raymond Ave. 626.792.0440

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EXPLORING

The Valley

The San Fernando Valley is home to the studio giants in “The Industry.” In Burbank’s Magnolia Park, antique shops, independent boutiques and cafes are clustered around Magnolia Boulevard and Hollywood Way. Porto’s Bakery is renowned for its Cuban confections and sandwiches. Burbank’s dual-terminal Bob Hope Airport is convenient for visitors heading to the Valley as well as nearby Pasadena and Hollywood. North Hollywood, due east of the airport, is the final stop of the Metro Red Line subway, which runs through Hollywood to downtown. The popular Metro Orange Line busway starts here and runs west across the Valley.

VENTURA BOULEVARD

Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk are perched on a hillside adjacent to the 101 Freeway, at the gateway to the Valley. Mission San Fernando Rey de España, the historic mission from which the basin derives its name, is at the Valley’s northernmost border. Vibrant downtown Burbank and Studio City cater to Hollywood types. Welcome to “the other side” of the hill.

UNIVERSAL CITY

North from Hollywood sits Universal CityWalk, a colorful minicity next to Universal Studios Hollywood with “65 cool things to do.” They include iFLY Hollywood—where a wind tunnel simulates sky diving—an Imax theater, Saddle Ranch Chop House with its mechanical bulls and the Rumba Room nightclub. Stores such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Fossil and GUESS? Accessories draw late-night shoppers; Gibson Amphitheatre is adjacent.

THE STUDIOS

Headquarters for Warner Bros., NBC and Disney are in Burbank, business center of the San Fernando Valley. Warner Bros. Studios and NBC Studios offer back-lot tours; all of the studios recruit audience members for tapings of sitcoms and talk shows. Ticketing agencies such as Audiences Unlimited are the best means to secure free tickets to tapings; contact NBC directly for tickets to The Tonight Show With Jay Leno.

DOWNTOWN BURBANK

A vibrant downtown, offering an “urban zen” experience ideal for strolling, is off Interstate 5 at Burbank Boulevard. Urban Outfitters and Granville are typical of hip retailers in the area. The Burbank Town Center (201 E. Magnolia Blvd.) features a Macy’s, more than 300 boutiques and restaurants and the AMC Theatres.

OUTPOSTS

A bevy of restaurants including Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion are at Warner Center in Woodland Hills, the end of the Metro Orange Line. Shop at Westfield Topanga nearby, which boasts Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Macy’s; it also offers a host of high-end stores such as Tiffany & Co. and Burberry. Westbound on the 101 Freeway is Calabasas, which offers upscale shopping and casual eateries at the Commons (4799 Commons Way). Stylish stores include L’Occitane and Theodore. Several restaurants overlook the lake at Westlake Village, among them Dockside Terrace (32131 Lindero Canyon Road). Air Force One is permanently grounded in the Air Force One Pavilion at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley. Find Six Flags Magic Mountain, roller coaster capital of the world, in Valencia, north of the Valley off Interstate 5. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see page 126.

RICK MEYER

AMC Walkway in Burbank

Cahuenga Boulevard becomes Ventura Boulevard in Studio City, just west of the 101 Freeway near Universal Studios. Immortalized by Tom Petty in the song “Free Fallin’ ” and the setting for countless films, the iconic, palm-lined boulevard runs through the San Fernando Valley for 20 miles. Between the 101 and 405 freeways, Ventura Boulevard offers an eclectic mix of boutiques, beauty stops and restaurants. Celeb haunts in the area include ROB/B OPI Concept Salon, Belle Visage Spa and boutiques Belle Gray and Dari. Abundance boutique carries plus-size designer fashions. When it’s time to nosh, upscale Bistro Garden at Coldwater, hip La Loggia and a sushi row—where standouts include Katsuya, Teru Sushi and Sushi Nozawa—comfortably commingle along the boulevard. It’s rumored that chef Nozawa inspired Seinfeld’s “Soup Nazi.” Hip restaurants and bars have helped to launch a nightlife scene: Firefly offers bistro and Mediterranean dishes; Clear is a contemporary cocktail lounge. Bloomingdale’s anchors Westfield Fashion Square in Sherman Oaks; there are also Betsey Johnson and Max Studio boutiques and Sephora. Sherman Oaks Galleria is near the junction of the 405 and 101 freeways; draws include ArcLight Cinemas.

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exploring

South Bay

From left: Shop in Redondo Beach; Manhattan Beach Pier; Korean Bell of Friendship in San Pedro.

The South Bay’s beaches and harbors are actionpacked, but the living is easy. Look for ocean-view dining, mom-andpop shops and seaside attractions.

In the South Bay, the cities of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach occupy an idyllic coastal stretch renowned for surfing, volleyball and expensive real estate. Farther south beckon the rugged bluffs of the Palos Verdes peninsula, and beyond them, the bustling waterfronts of San Pedro and Long Beach. Longing for a laid-back vibe? Scenic beaches? Premier shopping and dining? Outdoor adventure? You’ll find all of them and more.

Manhattan Beach

Nineteen miles southwest of downtown, Manhattan Beach boasts two miles of beaches with sand so fine that developers from Waikiki Beach in Honolulu imported it in the 1920s. One of the more affluent cities in the county, Manhattan Beach is home to many professional athletes: You may spot an L.A. Kings player as you walk along the Strand, the pedestrian promenade sandwiched between multimillion-dollar homes and the beachfront bike trail. At the end of the 928-foot-long Manhattan Beach Pier, the Roundhouse Aquarium delights with touch tanks and terrifies with a lifesize great white shark replica. The pier features bronze plaques commemorating winners of the Manhattan Beach Open—the South Bay is die-hard beach volleyball country. It’s also a playground for water-sport enthusiasts, including boogie-boarders and surfers who congregate near the pier and at El Porto Beach. East of the pier, casual cafes, laid-back bars and upscale boutiques radiate from the intersection of Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Manhattan Avenue. Metlox Plaza is a popular gathering spot, with such shops as Wright’s Baby and the Beehive and hot spots such as Zinc at the Shade Hotel.

Hermosa Beach

Heading south on Manhattan Avenue brings you to Pier Avenue, the heart of Hermosa Beach. Hermosa shares many characteristics of Manhattan Beach, including a scenic twomile stretch of beachfront punctuated by volleyball nets, fitness buffs weaving along the

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Strand (here merged with the bike path), and a pier studded with bronze plaques, this one 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. Beyond Pier Plaza to the south, on Hermosa Avenue, Jay Leno draws crowds to the Comedy & Magic Club with Sunday night shows. To the plaza’s east, the ecofriendly cafe/boutique Gum Tree is a standout among the specialty shops and bistros that line Pier Avenue. Across the street, Becker’s carries surfboards and beachwear apropos for the town’s reigning pastimes.

Redondo Beach

The largest of L.A. County’s beach cities, Redondo Beach is home to the 1,457-seat Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center and a recreational waterfront featuring two miles of sandy beaches, the popular Redondo Beach Pier and King Harbor. Sepulveda Boulevard becomes Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) as it enters town; signs point west to King Harbor’s Redondo Beach Marina, one of four marinas in the harbor. Here, you’ll find businesses like Redondo Sportfishing offering recreational fishing excursions and whale-watching tours, while other local outfitters rent kayaks, paddle boats, bicycles and wave runners. South of the harbor, the historic Redondo Beach Pier has had its ups and downs, but it keeps rising from the ashes to attract locals and visitors to quick eats, amusements and souvenir shops. South of the pier, the gentle waves and somewhat narrow beach of Redondo State Beach draw crowds during the summer, while the bike path meanders by on its way to its terminus at Torrance State Beach . One block east of the beach, the Riviera Village shopping district has a small-town feel, with restaurants

and specialty boutiques like Lisa Z. covering a six-block radius.

PALOS VERDES PENINSULA

Beyond Redondo Beach rises the Palos Verdes Peninsula, a rugged 26-square-mile area known for majestic bluffs that afford sweeping views of the Pacific and Santa Catalina Island. Hugging the coast on Palos Verdes Drive West brings you to Rancho Palos Verdes’ Point Vicente Interpretive Center, a marine museum and popular gray whale watching site during the annual northbound migration. Eight miles inland on Crenshaw Boulevard sprawls the 87-acre South Coast Botanic Garden in tony Palos Verdes Estates. Just beyond the interpretive center on Palos Verdes Drive West is the Wayfarers Chapel, designed by Lloyd Wright, son of Frank. The impressive Swedenborgian “glass church” is a popular wedding venue. Golfers, take note: The Mediterraneanstyle Terranea Resort, just south of the chapel, has a public nine-hole course. A couple of miles south, the 18-hole public golf course at Trump National Golf Club is top-ranked.

SAN PEDRO

The multicultural city of San Pedro, on the southeastern side of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, was once the largest commercial fishing port in the nation. Today, it’s home to the Port of Los Angeles, a major container port that also serves travelers on the Catalina Express and more than 1 million cruise passengers annually. From the port’s World Cruise Center, a vintage trolley takes visitors downtown to the waterfront restaurants and shops of the New England-style Ports O’ Call Village, and then to the marina, part of the Cabrillo Beach Recreational Complex. The complex includes a historic bathhouse and the Frank Gehry-designed Cabrillo Marine Aquarium,

located next to Cabrillo Beach. Windsurfers of all abilities congregate here, with outfitters including Captain Kirk’s (525 N. Harbor Blvd.) offering rentals and lessons.

LONG BEACH

Covering 50 square miles in the southwest corner of L.A. County, Long Beach boasts a busy commercial port, an attraction-packed waterfront and more than five miles of beaches. Among its most popular draws is the 1,020-foot-long Queen Mary, an historic, supposedly haunted ship-turned-hotel, dining and shopping attraction permanently moored in Long Beach Harbor. Alongside it is the Cold War-era Russian Foxtrot Submarine. The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center and the Pike at Rainbow Harbor entertainment complex are nearby, as is the Aquarium of the Pacific and the familyfriendly Shoreline Village. From the village, you can rent bicycles and follow the Shoreline Pedestrian bike path 3.1 miles along the water, passing the Long Beach Museum of Art. The path ends at the tony Belmont Shore neighborhood. Here you’ll find restaurants and shops along 2nd street, Bay Shore Beach, the Belmont Pier, windsurfing and kite-surfing lessons, and even gondola rides through the canals of Naples, a neighborhood situated on islands in Alamitos Bay. Downtown, along 4th Street between Junipero and Cherry avenues, vintage furniture and clothing shops like the Vintage Collective make up funky “Retro Row.” In the emergent East Village Arts District, hip galleries and boutiques are sprouting where Linden Avenue meets Broadway, while farther east, an impressive collection of modern and contemporary works decks the walls of the Museum of Latin American Art (MoLAA). For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see page 125.

great find

LOVE THE OLIVE A new environmentally and socially minded Hermosa Beach shop enthusiastically promotes oil consumption. Contradictory? Not when the oil comes from sustainable California olive groves, is packaged in refillable bottles and confers benefits like heart health and supple skin. Oliovera certified extra virgin olive oils include a delicate Mission, a buttery Arbequina and a robust, throat-tickling Tuscan, plus naturally flavored oils (including an exquisite fresh lemon) and select varietals from small growers. Pair one with a syrupy 18-year aged balsamic vinegar, toss in a rich olive-oil hand cream and you have the perfect souvenir or hostess gift. With each bottle purchased, Oliovera will donate five meals to a hungry child through a national charity. 200 Pier Ave., #206, Hermosa Beach, 424.261.4496, oliovera.com

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5/17/11 3:28 PM

HOT IN THE KITCHEN Leading L.A. chefs preview the latest trendsetting ingredients.

Fettuccini with violet artichokes, spring onion, and au courant bottarga and stinging nettles, offered at La Seine on Restaurant Row

ALEXANDRA MARLIN

BY ROGER GRODY

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In a culinary community that has gone global, an exotic prawn from the Tasmanian coast or rare berry from the Amazon can be delivered to any kitchen in 24 hours. In L.A., success often hinges on showcasing ingredients that have yet to appear on any menus down the street, but in an age of instant connectivity, staying a step ahead of the competition is considerably tougher than it used to be. Here, we examine some hot ingredients that are about to go viral. Although it has been imported to America since late 2007, jamón ibérico remains an exclusive superhot ingredient. Italians may believe their beloved prosciutto di Parma— cured in open barns in the scenic hills of Emilia-Romagna—is as good as ham gets, but Spaniards beg to differ. Although their jamón serrano, trendy a decade ago, is outstanding in its own right, jamón ibérico is the Penélope Cruz (that is to say, the finest) of Spanish hams. Derived from a special breed of pigs that feed almost exclusively on acorns, it offers a melt-in-your-mouth texture and unique, earthy flavor profile. Fig & Olive, the sleek celebration of Mediterranean cuisines that just arrived on Melrose Place from New York, offers two degustation plates of jamón ibérico. Despite his passion for the ingredient, owner Laurent Halasz remains diplomatic. “Comparing it to prosciutto di Parma is like comparing apples and oranges…. Each have their own unique amazing taste and texture.” He reports that the traditional way to serve this treasured ham in Spain is with pan con tomate (toasted bread and crushed tomatoes) or with Manchego cheese. Nobody in L.A. can speak more authoritatively on Spanish ingredients than celebrity chef José Andrés, who, unlike the Frenchborn Halasz, doesn’t even pretend to be impartial. “Jamón ibérico is the best ham in the world,” he states. “I’m not being nationalistic … it’s just a fact.” He insists the nutty, sweet and rich aromas of this ham are simply without comparison, declaring, “You are ruined for other hams!” At The Bazaar by José Andrés at the SLS Hotel, it is offered alongside a wide variety of Spanish hams and sausages, served Catalan-style with bread and tomatoes. Domestic jamón ibérico-style products, generally much less expensive, are gradually making their way into respected restau-

rant kitchens. Chef Joseph Gillard of Napa Valley Grille swears by highly acclaimed La Quercia prosciutto from Iowa, an artisanal product that influential food writer Jeffrey Steingarten called the best he’s ever tasted, domestic or imported. The company’s so-called Acorn Edition is produced from free-range acorn-fed pigs, a la ibérico. “We believe this is as good, if not better, than ibérico, and it gives us the opportunity to keep our products as sustainable as possible,” says the ecoconscious Gillard. Last year, The Washington Post declared black garlic the next “it” ingredient in American kitchens after it caused a stir at Charlie Trotter’s in Chicago and at Manhattan’s renowned Le Bernardin. The fermented garlic product was developed in South Korea and is distributed domestically by a single supplier in northern California. Although the essence of fresh garlic is present, its taste is complex, with a pungency replaced by sweetness and a hint of licorice. At the Bazaar, Andrés uses black garlic to provide an extra dimension to barramundi, or adds it to a sherry vinaigrette he applies to soft shell crab. “It’s so sweet and rich … so simple, but it adds so much,” he says. “I use it in all my restaurants, especially with seafood.” At Chaya in Venice, black garlic enhances a dish of seared scallops and marinated shimeji mushrooms. “I enjoy cooking with black garlic,” says longtime executive chef Shigefumi Tachibe, who admires its soft texture. “It does not have the intense flavor that traditional garlic has, yet there is still a very mild hint of garlic flavor and richness,” he says. Another bit of exotica popping up on menus these days is zaatar, a Middle Eastern blend of spices. An aromatic signature of the Arab culinary world, zaatar is blended differently by every spice monger,

but usually includes oregano, thyme, salt, sesame seeds and sumac. Andrés creates a refreshing salad of Japanese baby peaches on a bed of Greek yogurt, drizzled with olive oil and finished with zaatar, saffron and citrus. “Zaatar is like a plane ticket to the Middle East.... When you smell it, it transports you there!” he insists. At Cleo, the contemporary Middle Eastern bistro at the Redbury boutique hotel in Hollywood, the menu reflects the nuanced fragrances of a Casablanca bazaar while making its cuisine relevant to a hip L.A. crowd. In addition to house-made flatbreads dusted with the spice mix, a dish of zaatar-seasoned grilled tuna is plated with olive tapenade, tahini and Calabrian chilies. Across the street, at the reinvented Delphine at the W Hollywood, chef Sascha Lyon offers a crispy flatbread with braised lamb, piquillo peppers, garlic confit, feta cheese, yogurt and zaatar. And at Mezze, taking over the rarefied space previously occupied by Sona, chef Micah Wexler applies the spice blend to woodoven-roasted chicken. Chef David Myers’ culinary curiosity never rests, and his three establishments in Tokyo provide endless opportunities to experiment with Japanese ingredients such as sudachi, a green Japanese citrus fruit, or mozuku, superthin ribbons of seaweed. Unfortunately, with duck confit and entrecôte ruling the menu at his Melrose Avenue French brasserie, Comme Ça, Myers has few opportunities to show off such exotic ingredients. But that doesn’t stop him from gently nudging customers beyond their comfort zones. Myers serves beef bone marrow with oxtail jam, a pairing of two unexpectedly trendy ingredients. Bone marrow, previously considered a minor distraction on a plate of osso buco, is rapidly heading mainstream. At Pizzeria Mozza, slathering it on crostini

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reveals its indulgent value, and at West 3rd Street’s Animal it’s dressed up with chimichurri sauce and caramelized onions. Oxtail, meanwhile, is a staple on every continent but until now was not particularly popular in America. “Oxtail and pasta is another great way to showcase the ingredient,” says Myers, who also favors braised oxtail with seared tuna. “The meat-and-fish pairing is quite interesting, and we finish it with fingerling potato gnocchi,” he says. You might say that fregola is the new Israeli couscous, the latest in a string of heretofore uncommon pastas expanding American diners’ horizons. A specialty of Sardinia, fregola consists of handmade balls or shards of semolina dough whose typical lack of uniformity reinforces its rustic origins. Beverly Hills’ stylish Scarpetta, part of chef/ restaurateur Scott Conant’s growing empire, serves fregola with pink snapper in a saffron brodetto (broth). At Angelini Osteria, where there is still a line at the door after more than a decade in business, chef/owner Gino Angelini might toss the little balls with peas and cherry tomatoes for a simple yet colorful presentation. And at Osteria Mozza, it arrives with grilled leg of lamb. Grains are also hot, with quinoa, barley and bulgur popping up on menus across

L.A. “Grains are very versatile. They can be used in place of most starches, but offer more nutrients and texture,” says chef Quinn Hatfield, who operates highly acclaimed Hatfield’s with his wife, Karen. He uses toasted bulgur in a chilled scallop appetizer with horseradish crème fraîche and muddled citrus, a dish inspired by tabbouleh, the Middle Eastern salad that features bulgur. Other grains intrigue the chef, who has also begun working with giant Japanese pearl barley. Karen, the restaurant’s pastry chef, constantly experiments with nontraditional ingredients as well. “I love the aroma of caraway seeds.… I’ve always been a sucker for a good rye bread!” Karen says. “I find they go really well with green apples, so I incorporate them into a caraway-scented brioche pudding with apple confit.” She plates the dessert with almond-milk sorbet. Pumpkin seeds, or pepitas as they are often referred to on menus to suggest something exotic, are suddenly ubiquitous in both savory and sweet dishes. John Sedlar, an introspective chef who has been driving trends in L.A. for decades, orchestrates a wealth of hard-to-find ingredients at his downtown restaurant, Rivera, and his recently debuted Playa on Beverly Boulevard. Playa

continues Rivera’s innovative Latin theme and offers slices of twice-seared duck fanned over garbanzo puree, finished with pepitas, white and black sesame seeds and blood orange-infused olive oil. La Seine is an upscale kosher restaurant on Beverly Hills’ Restaurant Row, a feat that in general involves some tricky manipulation of ingredients. For some diners, La Seine is about the only place in L.A. where they can enjoy a spicy tuna roll, rib eye with béarnaise sauce and a coconut crème brûlée—all washed down with a good Bordeaux—without violating kosher laws. Not only does chef Alex Reznik, a Top Chef alum, manage to keep his kitchen strictly kosher while appealing to mainstream diners, he also introduces some funky, trendsetting ingredients. In fact, he incorporates a handful of them in a single dish: spinach fettuccine with violet artichokes, spring onion, bottarga and stinging nettles. Bottarga, the dried, salt-cured pouch of roe from tuna or gray mullet, is sometimes referred to as a poor man’s caviar and is popular in seaside villages throughout the Mediterranean. “Bottarga has a sweet and smoky, yet briny flavor that gives any dish another level of umami,” declares Reznik. “I like to add a little to my gnocchi mix, shave some on my English pea

CHAYA, JOSEPH MORETTI; THE BAzAAR, dARKO zAGAR

Seared scallops are topped with the mellower black garlic at Chaya Venice

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soup or use it in lieu of anchovies on a Caesar salad—even to rim a glass for a dirty martini.” The first place in L.A. to make bottarga a culinary fashion statement was Piero Selvaggio’s Valentino in Santa Monica, where it is shaved over spaghetti. The mischievous Reznik sneaks another emerging ingredient, stinging nettles, into that same fettuccine. Mario Batali creates pastas from this ingredient with a cautionary name at his New York restaurant Babbo. (The nettles lose their toxins—and, thus, their sting—when cooked.) Reznik likes it for soups, teas, muddled in cocktails or simply sauteed like spinach. At Red Medicine in Beverly Hills, any number of interesting herbs and flowers are incorporated into its progressive CalVietnamese cuisine. A green called lovage is paired with pickled rose petals to create a nest for a poached egg, while the earthy, tealike flavor of the Asian goji berry complements the caramelized black vinegar and almonds in a pork dish. With pandan (a Southeast Asian green), verbena, elderflower and chrysanthemums punctuating the menu, Red Medicine’s service staff fields plenty of questions from guests. Chef Jordan Kahn says his use of unfamiliar ingredients is a combination of his desire to tease diners’ palates and the rapidly expanding repertory of local producers. “Farmers nowadays are bringing more esoteric ingredients to markets, introducing us to new things we’re excited about,” he says. “We try to pass that same feeling to our diners.” Ethnic authenticity is not the highest priority at Red Medicine—the partners acknowledge they’ve never even been to Vietnam—but Kahn provides a fun, aesthetically presented cuisine reflected in items like chicken dumplings, green papaya salad and lamb belly with hoisin sauce. Another ingredient morphing from peasant favorite to chic showstopper is tripe, offered at Culina at the Four Seasons Hotel at Beverly Hills. Chef Victor Casanova, who hails from the Bronx but possesses the sensibilities of a Tuscan grandmother,

loves ethnic eateries serving honest, humble cuisines. He therefore sees tripe, which has been enjoyed in many cultures for thousands of years, as anything but a fad. “It just requires a little love in terms of technique, and the payoff is huge.” For Casanova’s Roman-style tripe, he uses honeycomb tripe braised in a spicy, garlicky tomato sauce with pecorino cheese and a little fresh mint to liven it up. “We’ve received very positive feedback thus far and our guests really

seem to enjoy the dish,” reports the chef, adding that it has earned a recurring place on the menu. That’s quite an achievement at the entertainment industry’s favorite hotel, where starlets are usually found picking at salads. But Casanova’s appreciation of rustic, traditional ingredients transcends tripe. He muses, “The sky is the limit when chefs take chances by utilizing ingredients that have true ethnic roots, a story and meaning, rather than just considering sales potential.”

Spain’s exalted jamón ibérico, which is served with traditional pan con tomate at the Bazaar by José Andrés

TREASURE HUNTING Angelini Osteria 7313 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.297.0070 Animal 435 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A., 323.782.9225 The Bazaar by José Andrés SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills, 465 S. La Cienega Blvd., L.A., 310.246.5555 Chaya Venice 110 Navy St., Venice, 310.396.1179 Cleo The Redbury, 1717 Vine St., Hollywood, 323.962.1711 Comme Ça 8479 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.782.1104 Culina Four Seasons Hotel, 300 S. Doheny Drive, L.A., 310.860.4000 Delphine W Hollywood, 6250 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.798.1355 Fig & Olive 8490 Melrose Place, L.A., 310.360.9100 Hatfield’s 6703 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.935.2977 La Seine 14 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.358.0922 Mezze 401 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.657.4103 Napa Valley Grille 1100 Glendon Ave., Westwood, 310.824.3322 Osteria Mozza 6602 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.297.0100 Pizzeria Mozza 641 N. Highland Ave., L.A., 323.297.0101 Playa 7360 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.933.5300 Red Medicine 8400 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 323.651.5500 Rivera 1050 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.749.1460 Scarpetta Montage Beverly Hills, 225 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.860.7970 Valentino 3115 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.829.4313 WHERE LOS ANGELES 73

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Dining SPOTLIGHT

American

Guidelines

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 (like 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

Index

bar + Kitchen Collaborators from celebrated New York cocktail joint Death & Co. revamped the O Hotel’s restaurant and bar with small plates and signature drinks. L, D (M–Sa). 819 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.623.9904 $$ Map I16 Beechwood Sleek bistro and bar. Top Chef’s Jamie Lauren is the latest exec chef to helm the contemporary American menu. D (Tu–Sa). 822 W. Washington Blvd., Venice, 310.448.8884 $$ Map N9

A New Office

In a sleek space a few doors down from Sang Yoon’s perennially popular gastropub, Father’s Office, new Lukshon affords the chef/owner an opportunity to display his culinary prowess beyond burgers. Inspired by the flavors of Southeast Asia, the Culver City eatery’s seasonal menu might feature a creamy foie gras ganache accented by a tamarind gastrique and topped with puffed rice and powdered carob, whole steamed sea bream with Taiwan spinach, black bean ghee and sambal ijo, or chiang mai noodles plated with thick slices of pork belly. Complementing the food’s powerful flavors is a beverage list of Asian-influenced cocktails, light Belgian ales and Central European white wines. p. 84

The Belvedere Classic Beverly Hills glamour at posh Peninsula. Menu ranges from lighter, elegant fare (raspberry-and-gorgonzola salad, chilled cucumber consomme) to the more decadent (a succulent grilled dry-aged strip steak). B, L, D (daily), Br (Su). 9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.788.2306 $$$$ Map J11 BLD Neal Fraser, Iron Chef champion, offers innovative comfort food. (The name stands for “breakfast, lunch, dinner.”) B, L, D (daily), Br (Sa–Su). 7450 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.930.9744 $$ Map H13 Blvd Beverly Wilshire Hotel combines contemporary design, chandelier elegance and sumptuous menu. B, L, D (daily), Br (Sa–Su). 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.275.5200 $$$ Map J11 the castaway Seafood and steaks in a hilltop venue overlooking De Bell Golf Course. Br (Sa–Su), L (M–F), D (nightly). 1250 Harvard Road, Burbank, 818.848.6691 $$$ Map north of T22 charlie’s Chophouse fare, upscale pizzas, seafood and pastas in a dining room/lounge with leopard-print décor. L (M–F), D (nightly). 22821 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.456.3132 $$$$ Map east of A1 CRAFT Tom Colicchio, a star of Bravo’s Top Chef, brings his wildly popular New American restaurants to Century City. More affordable small plates Craftbar. L (M–F), D (M–Sa). 10100 Constellation Blvd., L.A., 310.279.4180 $$$$ Map K11 Engine Co. No. 28 Comfort fare in 1912 fire station with pressed-tin ceiling and fire poles. L, D (daily). 644 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.624.6996 $$ Map H16 THE FOUNDRY ON MELROSE Open kitchen and deco-inspired dining room with frequent live music. Gregarious Eric Greenspan touts his glorious stuffed grilled cheese, and burger sandwiched between sweet Hawaiian bread. D (M–Su). 7465 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.651.0915 $$$ Map I13 Hard Rock Cafe Pulled-pork sandwich; twisted mac, chicken & cheese; apple cobbler amid rock memorabilia. L, D (daily). Universal CityWalk, 1000 Universal Studios Blvd., Universal City, 818.622.7625; Hollywood & Highland Center, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.464.7625 $$ Map U19, H13 IVY RESTAURANT Entertainment industry hang heavy on pastas and seafood. Robertson Boulevard restaurant is paparazzi central. L.A.: L, D (daily); Ivy at the Shore: B, L, D (daily), Br (Su). 113 N. Robertson Blvd., L.A., 310.274.8303; Ivy at the Shore, 1535 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.393.3113 $$$ Map I11, L8

Restaurants are listed by city on page 88. Map locators at the end of each listing (Map A3; Map H10, etc.) refer to maps on pages 123–126. Compendium includes editors’ recommendations and advertisers.

American................................74 Breweries/Gastropubs......76 California.................................76 Chinese....................................78 Clubs/Supper Clubs..........78 Eclectic/Fusion.....................78 French.......................................79 Indian.......................................80 Italian.......................................80 Japanese.................................82

Korean......................................83 Mediterranean......................83 Mexican/Latin.....................84 Pan-Asian..............................84 Seafood...................................84 Spanish....................................85 Steak.........................................85 Thai............................................87 Wine Bars...............................87

Jar Chef Suzanne Tracht offers nouvelle American comfort food in updated chophouse setting; known for steaks and pot roast. Br (Su), D (nightly). 8225 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.655.6566 $$$ Map I12 Joan’s on Third Celebrity-frequented cafe on busy West 3rd Street offers omelets, sandwiches, salads, soups, sweets plus picnic baskets, gourmet items. B, L, D (daily). 8350 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.655.2285 $ Map I12 Josie Chef Josie LeBalch’s cozy, elegant and acclaimed spot offers sophisticated American-French cuisine (try her game dishes) and fireside tables. D (nightly). 2424 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.581.9888 $$$ Map L9 KATE MANTILINI Designer comfort cuisine reigns at this slick, clubby standby. Late-night menu. Beverly Hills: B, L, D (daily), Br (Sa-Su); Woodland Hills: L (M–F), D (nightly). 9101 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.278.3699; 5921 Owensmouth Ave., Woodland Hills, 818.348.1095 $$ Map J12, west of A1 L.A. market New. Exec chef Kerry Simon revisits his comfort-food signatures—the Junk Food Platter, meatloaf with mashed potatoes. B, L, D (daily). JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. Live, 900 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.765.8600 $$ Map I15 LAMILL COFFEE BOUTIQUe Coffee aficionados come for whimsical bites from chef Michael Cimarusti paired with namesake artisanal brews in a petite swanky space in designer living room–style setting. B, L, D (daily). 1636 Silverlake Blvd., Silver Lake, 323.663.4441 $$ Map W23 Luna Park Fun bistro fare and cocktails, plus interactive items (make-your-own s’mores, goat cheese fondue). Br (Sa–Su), L (M–F), D (nightly). 672 S. La Brea Ave., L.A. 323.934.2110 $$ Map J13 Magnolia Stylish, unpretentious bistro with good food and good vibe. Open late. Br (Su), L, D (daily). 6266 1/2 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, 323.467.0660; 825 W. 9th St., downtown, 213.362.0880 $$ Map H13, I16 Musso & Frank Grill Hollywood’s oldest (1919). Flannel cakes, lobster Thermidor; the martini. B, L, D (Tu– Sa). 6667 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.467.7788 $$ Map H13 Noé Neo bistro fare with a Japanese spin (calamari with yuzu crème fraiche, chicken katsu sliders) near Walt Disney Concert Hall. D (nightly). Omni Hotel, 251 S. Olive St., downtown, 213.356.4100 $$ Map H16 OFF VINE Comfort cuisine in a remodeled 1908 Craftsman bungalow. Br (Sa–Su), L (M–F), D (nightly). 6263 Leland Way, Hollywood, 323.962.1900 $$ Map H14

In 2009, Eric Greenspan of the Foundry (above) challenged Sang Yoon to a burger cook-off, posting his request on the doors of Father’s Office (p. 76) with ketchup. The duel has yet to occur.

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Dining TENDER GREENS Casual concept serves tasty salads and comforting “hot plates” with proteins, greens and buttery mashed potatoes. L, D (daily). 9523 Culver Blvd., Culver City, 310.842.8300; 8759 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.358.1919; 6290 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, 323.382.0380 $ Map L11, I12, H14 TRUE FOOD KITCHEN Restaurant at Santa Monica Place offers health-conscious menu inspired by Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory diet principles. Several vegan and gluten-free options. Br (Sa–Su), L, D (daily). 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, 310.593.8300 $ Map M8

Flourless chocolate cake from True Food Kitchen in Santa Monica

THE PENTHOUSE Dazzling 18th-floor spot with whiteon-white color scheme, cabana dining, panoramic ocean views. B, L, D (daily). Huntley Hotel, 1111 2nd St., Santa Monica, 310.393.8080 $$$ Map L8 PHILIPPE THE ORIGINAL Purported birthplace of French dip sandwich is low on ambience, but this gritty cafeteria is an L.A. institution, established in 1908. Try the beet-pickled hardboiled eggs and 9-cent coffee. Cash only. B, L, D (daily). 1001 N. Alameda St., downtown, 213.628.3781 $ Map G17 R+D KITCHEN Bustling industrial-style eatery with salads, sandwiches, meat loaf and more. L, D (daily). 1323 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, 310.395.3314 $$ Map K8 THE RESTAURANT Round-the-clock upscale diner eats and mix of Italian and American entrees. Seating at booths, counter. B, L, D (daily), Br (Sa–Su). The Standard Downtown, 550 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.439.3030 $$ Map H16 ROLLING STONE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE New. Magazine’s restaurant concept offers rock ‘n’ roll ambience and upscale comfort fare. Lounge with DJ and small plates. Open until 2 am (F–Sa). L, D (daily). Hollywood & Highland Center, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.464.4000 $$ Map H13 THE ROYCE Chef David Feau does unconventional flavor combinations: lobster and pomegranate “hot and snow,” venison and lychee compote, porcini casserole with pear. D (Tu–Sa). The Langham Huntington Hotel, 1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena, 626.585.6410 $$$$ Map S20 RUBY’S DINER Hickory burger, clam chowder, malts and shakes amid 1940s nostalgic atmosphere. Malibu Pier location open seasonally. B, L, D (daily). 6405 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, 562.596.1914; 23000 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu Pier, 310.456.3443; 6100 Topanga Canyon, Woodland Hills, 818.340.7829; and four other locations; visit rubys.com. $ Map east of G7, O17, east of H7 SADDLE PEAK LODGE Haute game in hunting lodge– style space with moose heads and nudes. Br (Su), D (W– Su). 419 Cold Canyon Road, Calabasas, 818.222.3888 $$$$ Map northwest of A1 SAVORY Excellent seafood and seasonal French-tinged fare in an elegantly minimalist dining room. D (Tu– Su). 29169 Heathercliff Road, Malibu, 310.589.8997 $$$ Map west of A1

UMAMI BURGER Hot specialty burger joint; try the signature Umami Burger with tempura onion rings. (No alcohol served at La Brea Avenue location.) L, D (daily). 4655 Hollywood Blvd., Los Feliz, 323.669.3922; 1520 Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, 323.469.3100; Fred Segal, 500 Broadway, 310.451.1300; 850 S. La Brea Ave., 323.931.3000; 12159 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 818.286.9004 $ Map W22, H14, L8, J13, A2 THE VEGGIE GRILL Cheery, fast-casual vegan restaurant that even carnivores can enjoy. Soy- and gluten-free options. L, D (daily). 8000 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.822.7575; 2025 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.829.1155; Plaza El Segundo, 720 Allied Way, El Segundo, 310.535.0025; Rolling Hills Plaza, 2533 Pacific Coast Hwy., Torrance, 310.325.6689 $ Map H12, L8, C2, N14 THE WAFFLE Coffee shop offers inventive twists on comfort cuisine. Open late. B, L, D (daily). 6255 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, 323.465.6901 $$ Map H14 WHIST New American fare at British-themed boutique hotel: flat-iron steak, black sea bass with sugar snap peas. B, L, D (daily). Viceroy, 1819 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.260.7511 $$$ Map M8 WILSHIRE Superb market-driven fare with Asian influences in an ultrastylish space with a romantic back patio. L (M–F), D (M–Sa). 2454 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.586.1707 $$$ Map L8 XIV Michael Mina’s opulent 14th restaurant has a fun, funky, fine menu: small bites like a trio of fries sprinkled with harissa, cheddar and entrees such as tapiocacrusted Thai snapper. D (M–Sa). 8117 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.656.1414 $$$$ Map H12

Breweries/Gastropubs THE CAT & FIDDLE Traditional pub fare (bangers and mash, shepherds pie); popular nightspot. L, D (daily). 6530 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.3800 $ Map H13 DISTRICT Handsome bistro with hearty fare: duck fat Yorkshire pudding, chili cheese fries with dry-aged steak. D (Tu–Su). 6600 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, 323.962.8200 $$$ Map H14 FATHER’S OFFICE Microbrew mecca; one of L.A.’s best burgers. Santa Monica: L (Sa–Su), D (nightly). Culver City: L (F–Su), D (nightly). 1018 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, 310.393.2337; Father’s Office 2, 3229 Helms Ave., Culver City, 310.736.2224 $$ Map L8, L11 FORD’S FILLING STATION Gastropub from chef Benjamin Ford. Br (Sa–Su), L, D (daily). 9531 Culver Blvd., Culver City, 310.202.1470 $$ Map M11

SIMON L.A. “Rock ‘n’ roll chef” Kerry Simon is at the Sofitel. Junk Food Sampler dessert. B, L, D (daily), Br (Sa– Su). 8555 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 310.358.3979 $$$ Map I12

KARL STRAUSS BREWERY Garlic-Parmesan fries; lemon Hefeweizen chicken; beer-brined pork chops. Taster 6 flights. L, D (daily). Universal CityWalk, 1000 Studio Blvd., Universal City, 818.753.2739 $ Map U20

SKY ROOM Very romantic deco dining room with panoramic harbor views. D (M–Sa). 40 S. Locust Ave., Long Beach, 562.983.2703 $$$ Map O16

KINGS ROW GASTROPUB New. British pub staples like shepherd’s pie get a gourmet update, plus creative fusion dishes (duck confit bánh mì). Br (Sa–Su), L

(W–Sa), D (nightly). 20 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626.793.3010 $$ Map Q19 LAZY OX CANTEEN Relaxed neighborhood hot spot. Crispy pig ear chicharrónes with lime, ricotta fritters, plus laundry list of daily specials. Br (Sa–Su), L (M–F), D (daily). 241 S. San Pedro St., Little Tokyo, 213.626.5299 $$ Map H17 PUBLIC KITCHEN & BAR New. Meat-heavy but still refined menu includes chicken liver terrine with kumquat marmalade sweetbreads, crispy oxtail galette with poached egg; bar serves cured meats, cheeses and cocktails. L, D (daily). Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.466.7000 $$$ Map G13 WATERLOO & CITY Modest on the outside, cool British gastropub on the inside. House-made charcuterie, creative pizzas, red meat galore. Br (Su), D (nightly). 12517 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, 310.391.4222 $$ Map M10 YARD HOUSE Creative Amer-Asian. Nearly 250 draft beers. L, D (daily). 401 Shoreline Village Drive, Long Beach, 562.628.0455; 330 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626.577.9273; L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.745.9273 $$ Map O16, Q20, I15 YE OLDE KING’S HEAD Pub/restaurant with cozy dining rooms, fish and chips, high tea, gift shop. B, L, D (daily), high tea (Sa). 116 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.451.1402 $ Map L8

California Cuisine AKASHA An ode to all things organic, plus thoughtful vegan and vegetarian options, in an industrial-cool dining room. B (M–Sa), L (M–F), D (nightly). 9543 Culver Blvd., Culver City, 310.845.1700 $$ Map L11 BLVD 16 Diverse menu of comfort food with sustainable/organic emphasis. Tender bistro filet; decadent chocolate terrine dessert. B, D (daily), Br (Sa– Su). Hotel Palomar, 10740 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood, 310.474.7765 $$$ Map J10 BREEZE Creative “grill cuisine,” plus sushi bar. Fabulous desserts; distinctive décor. Reservation recommended. B, L, D (daily). Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel & Spa, 2025 Avenue of the Stars, Century City, 310.551.3334 $$$ Map J11 CHAYA Franco-Asian fare, ambience draw the beautiful people and their agents. L (M–F), D (nightly). Beverly Hills, Venice: L (M–F), D (nightly). 8741 Alden Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.859.8833; 525 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.236.9577; 110 Navy St., Venice, 310.396.1179 $$ Map I11, H16, M8 CHEZ MELANGE Eclectic restaurant at Palos Verdes Inn is a mélange that works. Br (Su), D (daily). 1611 S. Catalina Ave., Redondo Beach, 310.540.1222 $$ Map M13 CHINOIS ON MAIN Arguably Wolfgang Puck’s most innovative restaurant. East meets West in (noisy) culinary explosion. Reservations required. L (W–F), D (nightly). 2709 Main St., Santa Monica, 310.392.9025 $$$ Map M8 ENCOUNTER The landmark restaurant with the space-age arches at the Theme Building at LAX reopens with new lava lamps, chairs and carpeting. L (daily), D Th–Su). 209 World Way, Westchester, 310.215.5151 $$ Map O11 EVA RESTAURANT Patina Group alum Mark Gold graciously serves creative, affordable Cal fare in intimate dining room. Family-style, prix fixe dinner on Sundays. Br (Su), L (F), D (Tu–Su). 7458 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.634.0700 $$ Map I13

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Dining fig restaurant Chef Ray Garcia, ex–French Laundry, crafts a seasonal menu of bistro fare; trendy charcuterie bar. Br (Su), B, L (daily), D (Tu–Sa). Fairmont Miramar Hotel, 101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.319.3111 $$ Map L8

geoffrey’s Prettiest patio in paradise? 180-degree Pacific views; creative seafood. Br (Sa–Su), L (M–F), D (nightly). 27400 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.457.1519 $$$ Map northwest of K7

gina Lee’s Bistro Unassuming but daring CalAsian eatery is among the South Bay’s finest. D (Tu–Su). 211 Palos Verdes Blvd., Redondo Beach, 310.375.4462 $$ Map N13

RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

HaL’s Bar & griLL Innovative and terrific. Br (Sa– Su), L (M–F), D (nightly). 1349 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.396.3105 $$ Map M9 HatfieLd’s Couple that met in the kitchens of Spago serve their own eloquent version of California cuisine. Karen Hatfield’s desserts soar. D (nightly). 6703 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.935.2977 $$$ Map I13 inn of tHe seventH ray Gourmet organic fare (fish/meat/poultry/vegetarian) in romantic creekside setting. Br (Su), L (M–Sa), D (nightly). 128 Old Topanga Canyon Road, Topanga, 310.455.1311 $$ Map B1 Jer-ne Excellent Cal cuisine amid cool décor; desserts earn raves. B, L, D (daily), Br (Su). Ritz-Carlton, 4375 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, 310.823.1700 $$$ Map N9 Joe’s Boisterous benchmark of Cal cuisine is an Abbot Kinney classic. Nicely edited menu with notable desserts. Br (Sa–Su), L (Tu–F), D (Tu–Su). 1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.399.5811 $$$ Map M9 LuCa fresH Bites Fast-casual Cal-Ital: pizzas, pastas, salads, sandwiches, healthful smoothies and juices. B, L, D (daily). 7950 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.822.2900 $ Map 12H mar’seL Sustainable menu with produce and herbs from chef’s on-site garden. Overlooks sparkling peninsula. D (W–Su). Terranea Resort, 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, 310.265.2800 $$$$ Map O13 m CafÉ de CHaya Macrobiotic cuisine that actually tastes good. Oh-so-L.A.! B, L, D (daily), Br (Sa– Su). 7119 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, 323.525.0588; 9433 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills, 310.858.8459 $ Map H13, J11 miCHaeL’s Michael McCarty’s influential restaurant, opened in 1979, endures. Enjoy Liberty Farms duck confit or butter-poached monkfish on the breezy patio. L (M–F), D (M–Sa). 1147 3rd St., Santa Monica, 310.451.0843 $$$ Map L8 napa vaLLey griLLe Wine country-inspired cuisine. Steaks and choice of tasty sides (garlic herb fries, roasted brussels sprouts). Br (Su), L (M–Sa), D (nightly). 1100 Glendon Ave., Westwood, 310.824.3322 $$ Map J10 niC’s Sleek restaurant with glass-walled VodBox kept at 10 degrees for vodka and caviar sampling (furs provided), millions of martinis. D (nightly). 453 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.443.8211 $$ Map I11

3 completely unique experiences under one roof!

nine tHirty Hip hotel’s sexy eatery does upgraded comfort staples: mustard-braised brussels sprouts, sourdough onion rings, maple syrup-braised pork shank. B, L, D (daily). W Hotel, 930 Hilgard Ave., Westwood, 310.208.8765 $$$ Map N9

6801 HOLLYWOOD BLVD, LOS ANGELES 323.464.4000 ROLLINGSTONELA.COM

oCean & vine Farmers market–inspired cuisine; lovely room with coastal view. B, L, D (daily). Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, 1700 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.576.3180 $$$ Map L8

RESTAURANT | LOUNGE | B-SIDE

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Dining TRAXX Deco-inspired restaurant offers quiet elegance amid bustle of Union Station. L (M–F), D (M–Sa). 800 N. Alameda St., downtown, 213.625.1999 $$$ Map H17

PORCH RESTAURANT Southern fare at live music venue House of Blues. Gospel Brunch every other Sunday, D (W–Sa). 8430 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.848.5136 $$ Map H12

208 RODEO Cafe spills onto cobblestone via at luxe Two Rodeo. A gem. Pan-Asian, French influences. B, L, D (daily). Two Rodeo, 208 Via Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.275.2428 $$ Map J11

SUPPERCLUB New. International prix fixe menu and dinner show featuring performance artists, dancers and musicians. D (W–Sa). 6675 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.466.1900 $$$ Map H14

VU California cuisine gets the molecular gastronomy treatment. Views of the marina. B, L, D (daily). 14160 Palawan Way, Marina del Rey, 310.439.3033 $$$ Map N9

THE TAR PIT From Campanile team, updated classics (steak Diane, shrimp cocktail) and 1940s-inspired drinks in glitzy, art moderne space. D (nightly). 609 N. La Brea Ave., L.A., 323.965.1300 $$ Map I13

WESTSIDE TAVERN Chef Warren Schwartz does rustic Cal fare. Creamy chicken-liver mousse, excellent cocktails. Below Landmark Theatres. L, D (daily). Westside Pavilion, 10850 W. Pico Blvd., West L.A., 310.470.1539 $$ Map K10

VIBRATO GRILL AND JAZZ Trumpeter Herb Alpert’s superb spot in shopping center atop Beverly Glen Canyon serves up American fare including excellent steaks. D (Tu–Su). 2930 N. Beverly Glen Circle, Bel-Air, 310.474.9400 $$$ Map G10

ONE PICO Great view, exceptional kitchen. Romantic room with huge limestone fireplace. Br (Su), L, D (daily). Shutters on the Beach, 1 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.587.1717 $$$ Map M8

WOLFGANG PUCK BISTRO Puck’s casual cafe offers wood oven-fired pizzas, pastas, salads and more. L, D (daily). 1000 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 818.985.9653; Wolfgang Puck Express, 1315 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, 310.576.4770 $ Map U20, L8

Eclectic/Fusion

PALATE FOOD + WINE Glendale goes gourmet at this Cal-Med bistro, featuring top-notch selection of wine and artisanal cheeses; wine bar and wine shop. L (F–Sa), D (nightly). 933 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale, 818.662.9463 $$ Map southeast of T23

Chinese

Mussels tagine at Cleo in Hollywood

PARKWAY GRILL Handsome dining room; one of Pasadena’s best restaurants. Diverse menu includes tiger shrimp corndogs, prosciutto-and-arugula pizza, duck breast with cherry reduction. L (M–F), D (nightly). 510 S. Arroyo Pkwy., Pasadena, 626.795.1001 $$$ Map N16 POLO LOUNGE Legendary celeb watering hole. McCarthy salad is a perennial favorite; great people watching. B, L, D (daily), Br (Su). Beverly Hills Hotel, 9641 Sunset Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.887.2777 $$$ Map I11 RESTAURANT AT THE GETTY CENTER Chic room, spectacular views of the Santa Monica Mountains and progressive fare at the hilltop museum. Br (Su), L (Tu–Sa), D (Sa). 1200 Getty Center Drive, L.A., 310.440.6810 $$$ Map H9 RESTAURANT AT THE SUNSET MARQUIS Mix of game (carpaccio of bison) and lighter seafood fare (miso-crusted black cod, yellowfin ahi tuna poke). Covered patio has romantic garden view. B, L, D (daily). 1200 Alta Loma Road, West Hollywood, 310.358.3759 $$$$ Map H12 SIR WINSTON’S Elegant dining on the Queen Mary; classic cuisine, coastal panoramas. Reservations required; jackets for men. D (nightly). 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 562.499.1657 $$$ Map O16 SPAGO BEVERLY HILLS There are Spagos from Maui to Vegas, but Wolfgang Puck’s flagship, a celebrity magnet, is the best. Fantastic chef Lee Hefter, pastry chef Sherry Yard. L (M–Sa), D (nightly). 176 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.385.0880 $$$ Map I11 THE SUNSET A short ways down a Zuma Beach road, from owners of Allegria and Moonshadows. Cal-Med brunch. Br (Sa–Su), L (F–Su), D (nightly). 6800 Westward Beach Road, Malibu, 310.589.1007 $$$ Map northwest of K7 TAVERN Suzanne Goin’s third L.A. restaurant explores rustic Cal fare. Variety of seating options: sunlit indoor patio; quiet bar; casual “larder” (bakery/deli). B, L, D (daily), Br (Sa–Su). 11648 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, 310.806.6464 $$$ Map J9

CBS SEAFOOD Fine dim sum in a setting not quite so huge as others in Chinatown or Monterey Park. B, L, D (daily). 700 N. Spring St., Chinatown, 213.617.2323 $$ Map G17 EMPRESS PAVILION Huge, Hong Kong-style eatery with menu to match; dim sum. L, D (daily). 988 N. Hill St., Chinatown, 213.617.9898 $$ Map G17 JOSS CUISINE Upscale Chinese cuisine in a lowkey atmosphere. L (M–F), D (nightly). 9919 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.277.3888 $$ Map J11 MANDARETTE West Hollywood hipsters and a loyal following dine on high-end Szechuan and Cantonese fare. L, D (daily). 8386 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.655.6115 $$ Map I12 MR. CHOW L.A. edition of sceney restaurants in New York and London. Imperial Beijing cuisine. L (M–F), D (nightly). 344 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.278.9911 $$$ Map I11 OCEAN SEAFOOD Vast and boisterous spot serves amazing array of traditional dishes, superfresh seafood, top-of-the-line dim sum. B, L, D (daily). 750 N. Hill St., Chinatown, 213.687.3088 $$ Map G17 PHILIPPE Mr. Chow rival Philippe Chow serves contemporary Chinese in sleek space. L (M–Sa), D (nightly). 8284 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.951.1100 $$$ Map I12 XINO Upscale Chinese on top floor of Santa Monica Place mall; variety of dim sum, including lobster potstickers, seafood spinach dumplings. L, D (daily). Santa Monica Place, 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, 310.755.6220 $$ Map L8

Clubs/Supper Clubs

A-FRAME Roy Choi, whose Kogi launched a thousand food trucks, offers a bizarro comfort-food menu (beercan chicken, furikake kettle corn) with Korean influences. D (nightly). 12565 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 310.398.7700 $$ Map M10 ASBURY FUSION The flavors of Asia, the Americas and the Mediterranean collide—think East Indian risotto, honey chicken tikka, and a burger cooked seven ways. L (M–F), D (nightly). 2501 W. 6th St., East L.A., 213.739.0909 $ Map H15 ASIA DE CUBA Innovative Pan-Asian/Cuban menu at Mondrian hotel. Beautiful patio outside, chic white-on-white décor inside. Dim sum. B, L, D (daily), Br (Sa–Su). 8440 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.650.8999 $$$ Map H12 CAFÉ DEL REY Global menu. “Day Boat” is the catch of the day and info about the boat that caught it. Br (Su), L, D (daily). 4451 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, 310.823.6395 $$$ Map N9 CAFE SIERRA Cal–Continental-Chinese menu, Vegasstyle dinner buffet and entertainment. B, L, D (daily), Br (Sa–Su). Hilton Universal City, 555 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, 818.509.2030 $$ Map U19 ELEMENTS KITCHEN Seasonal menus feature a handful of key ingredients—for instance, beef, tomato or cabbage—with a variety of interpretations. Br (Sa–Su), D (nightly). Elements Cafe: Br (Sa–Su), L (Tu–Su). 37 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena, 626.440.0044; Elements Cafe, 107 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, 626.440.0100 $$ Map Q19, Q20 THE GORBALS The dining room is shabby-quirky, but the Scottish/Jewish/Spanish/American fare—from Top Chef winner Ilan Hall—is supercreative. “BLT” with chicken skin, haggis burger, bacon-wrapped matzo balls. D (M–Sa). Alexandria Hotel, 501 S. Spring St., downtown, 213.488.3408 $$ Map I16 GORDON RAMSAY Temperamental top toque Gordon Ramsay invades L.A. with a Cal-Asian melange. More casual Boxwood Café is adjacent. D (nightly). London West Hollywood, 1020 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.358.7788 $$$$ Map H11

FIREFLY Valley hot spot. Cool library lounge, retractable roof-covered patio. Bistro and Mediterranean dishes. D (nightly). 11720 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 818.762.1833 $$ Map U18

LA SEINE French-Japanese fusion. Selection of sushi rolls; Bordeaux-braised short ribs with wasabi; handtorn pasta with chicken nanban. Kehilla Kosher certified. D (nightly). 14 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.358.0922 $$$ Map J12

FIRST & HOPE American classics with Southern touch. Live music and cabaret. Across the street from the Music Center. L, D (daily). 710 W. 1st St., downtown, 213.617.8555 $$ Map H16

MAISON AKIRA Fine French cuisine with Japanese flair (such as a bento box with Kobe beef, miso sea bass, foie gras and chawanmushi) in Pasadena’s playhouse district. Eight-course omakase available. Br (Su), L (F),

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Dining D (Tu–Su). 713 E. Green St., Pasadena, 626.796.9501 $$$ Map Q20 roxolana restaurant & wine bar Russian, Ukrainian and American dishes. Try cold borscht with pierogi or zharkoe kiev, served in a clay pot. L, D (daily). 34 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, 626.792.0440 $$ Map Q19 susan feniger’s street Star of Food Network’s Too Hot Tamales offers global fare inspired by street vendor offerings. Br (Su), L (M–Sa), D (nightly). 742 N. Highland Ave., L.A., 323.203.0500 $$ Map I13

French BASTIDE Much-lauded spot. Four- and seven-course prix-fixe dinners, plus a la carte menu; lovely setting, superb service and stellar wine list. D (Tu–Sa). 8475 Melrose Place, West Hollywood, 323.651.5950 $$$$ Map I12 Bistro 45 Cal-French fare in stylish restaurant housed in art deco bungalow. One of L.A.’s top wine lists according to Wine Spectator. D (Tu–Su). 45 S. Mentor Ave., Pasadena, 626.795.2478 $$$ Map Q20

Simple, pure flavors...

bistro provence Affordably priced fare influenced by the lighter cooking style of southern France. L (M–F), D (M–Sa). 345 N. Pass Ave., Burbank, 818.840.9050 $$ Map T20 bouchon Superchef Thomas Keller offers his brasserie concept in cavernous dining room with spacious, popular zinc bar. Bar Bouchon downstairs. Br (Sa–Su), L, D (daily). 235 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.271.9910 $$$ Map J11

Seasonal local and regional ingredients...

Cafe Pinot Glass box of a restaurant adjacent to Central Library offers skyline views—from bottom up. CalFrench from Joachim Splichal. L (M–F), D (nightly). 700 W. 5th St., downtown, 213.239.6500 $$$ Map H16

Great tasting food that’s good for you.

church & State Charming bistro with an industrial vibe. Moules marinière, escargots de bourgogne. L (M–F), D (nightly). 1850 Industrial St., downtown, 213.405.1434 $$ Map J17 COMME ÇA Top L.A. chef David Myers offers his takes on bistro fare, and supremely innovative cocktails, amid black-and-white décor. Br (Sa–Su), L (M–F), D (nightly). 8479 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.782.1104 $$ Map I12

Developed in partnership with Dr. Andrew Weil

delphine Menu of French classics (onion soup gratinée, trout meunière), sprinkled with Mediterranean dishes. B, L, D (daily). W Hollywood, 6250 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.798.1355 $$$ Map H13

NOW OPEN ! Santa Monica Place | 395 Santa Monica Pl. | 310.593.8300

the hall Classic brasserie fare—moules frites, côte du boeuf—in boutique hotel. Br (Su), B, L (Tu–Sa), D (Tu– Su). Palihouse Holloway, 8465 Holloway Drive, West Hollywood, 323.656.4020 $$$ Map H12 IVAN KANE’s CAFE WAS Turn-of-the-century piano bar from nightlife impresario Ivan Kane. Br (Sa–Su), D (nightly). 1521 N. Vine St., Hollywood, 323.466.5400 $$$ Map H14 Jiraffe Raphael Lunetta’s stylish Cal-French bistro. D (M–Sa). 502 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.917.6671 $$$ Map L8

(Near the corner of 2nd St. & Colorado Ave.)

PACIFIC OCEAN

Also at: Fashion Island | 451 Newport Center Dr. Newport Beach, CA | 949.644.2400

truefoodkitchen.com

Kendall’s Brasserie Fast-paced brasserie and seafood bar at the Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. L (daily), D (Tu–Su). 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.7322 $$ Map H16 la cachette bistro Moderately priced small plates. Risk-taking chef Jean François Meteigner might combine kiwi fruit with pesto or chocolate truffles with sevruga caviar. L (Tu–F), D (Tu–Su). 1733 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.434.9509 $$ Map M8

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Dining Le Clafoutis French-influenced entrees, pastas, salads; sidewalk patio. B (Sa–Su), L, D (daily). Sunset Plaza, 8360 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.659.5233 $$ Map H1 The Little Door Cuisine from south of France is offered on romantic patio behind a trellis gate. D (nightly). 8164 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.951.1210 $$$ Map I12 Mélisse Michelin-starred contemporary AmericanFrench from acclaimed chef Josiah Citrin. Four-course prix-fixe; nine-course market tasting. Top cheese cart. D (Tu–Sa). 1104 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.395.0881 $$$$ Map M8 Monsieur Marcel Charming bistro and wine bar at Farmers Market and Third Street Promenade. Br (Sa–Su), L, D (daily). 6333 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.939.7792; 1260 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, 310.587.1166 $$ Map I13, L8 Patina Joachim Splichal’s flagship restaurant at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, arguably the best of his large collection. D (Tu–Su). 141 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.3331 $$$$ Map H17 Petrossian Chef Giselle Wellman works with the brand’s signature caviar in creative ways. Highlights include caviar- and roe-topped blinis, vanilla panna cotta with espresso “caviar” (actually tapioca). B (daily), L, D (M–Sa). 321 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.271.6300 $$$ Map J12 Pinot Bistro Charming, less formal Patina spinoff in San Fernando Valley. Bistro classics get a seasonal Cal twist. L (M–F), D (nightly). 12969 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 818.990.0500 $$ Map A2

Indian akbar cuisine of india Extensive menu of Northern Indian fare. Santa Monica location is most stylish. L (M–F), D (nightly). 44 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, 626.577.9916; 2627 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.586.7469; 3115 Washington Blvd., Marina del Rey, 310.574.0666; 1101 Aviation Blvd., Hermosa Beach, 310.937.3800 $ Map Q19, K9, N9, L13 Chakra Excellent “modern Indian” cuisine. Bar matches cocktails and small plates to your chakras. Br (Su), L, D (daily). 151 S. Doheny Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.246.3999 $$ Map J12 TANZORE Sleek, sexy spot transforms Restaurant Row from classic Gaylord. Start with a clove martini. Br (Su), L, D (daily). 50 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.652.3894 $$$ Map J12

Italian Ago Garlicky seafood soup, bistecca alla Fiorentina. Investors include Robert De Niro. L (M–F), D (nightly). 8478 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.655.6333 $$$ Map I12 Angelini Osteria Gino Angelini’s boisterous room is one of the city’s top Italian restaurants. L (Tu–F), D (Tu– Su). 7313 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.297.0070 $$$ Map I13 bottega louie Traditional fare plus extensive smallplates menu; white marble palatial interiors. Gourmet market, fresh pastries. B, L, D (daily), Br (Sa–Su). 700 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.802.1470 $$ Map I16 buca di beppo Heaping, family-style portions. Call for hours. 80 W. Green St., Pasadena, 626.792.7272; 17500 Ventura Blvd., Encino, 818.995.3288; 1670 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., Redondo Beach, 310.540.3246; 1000 Universal Studios Blvd., Universal City, 818.509.9463; bucadibeppo.com for more locations. $$ Map Q21, A1, M14, U20

CANTINA SUAVECITA CA 90029 ANGELES

10 | 323 664

SUAVECITA CENTRAL What could top Parkers’ Lighthouse? HOW ABOUT A

FABULOUS NEW STEAKHOUSE The third floor of Parkers’ Lighthouse is now home to the new Queensview Steakhouse. It features elegant “supper club” dining in a warm intimate setting. Diners can listen to live music while enjoying an exclusive menu of steaks, chops, lobster and fresh grilled fish.

562-432-6500 | 435 Shoreline Village Drive,

Long Beach

www.parkerslighthouse.com/queensviewsteakhouse

D I N N E R T H U R S DAY, F R I DAY & S AT U R DAY N I G H T S

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Dining Capo Restaurateur Bruce Marder’s intimate treasure on the coast, near Santa Monica Pier. Fabulous wine list. D (Tu–Sa). 1810 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.394.5550 $$$$ Map L8 CeCConi’s See-and-be-seen scene; Sonoma Valley lamb chops and ossobuco from wood oven; cicchetti (small plates) menu. B, L, D (daily), Br (Sa–Su). 8764 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 310.432.2000 $$$ Map I12 Celestino Calogero Drago, one of four L.A.restaurant-owning brothers, offers house-made pastas and Sicilian and Northern Italian dishes. L (M–F), D (nightly). 141 S. Lake St., Pasadena, 626.795.4006 $$ Map Q21 CiCada Majestic deco room in historic Oviatt building with seasonal menus. Superior service. Call for hours. 617 S. Olive St., downtown, 213.488.9488 $$$ Map I16 Cube Bustling Italian and international cafe with charcuterie and cheese bar. L, D (Tu–Sa). 615 N. La Brea Ave., L.A., 323.939.1148 $$ Map H13 Culina Warm, contemporary restaurant with sleek crudo bar. Veal chop with ciabatta crumbs, paper-thin pizzas. B, L (M–Sa), D (nightly), Br (Su). Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, 300 S. Doheny Drive, L.A., 310.860.4000 $$$ Map J12 dan tana’s New York–style restaurant, an L.A. classic for nearly 50 years. Red-sauced pastas, huge steaks. Reservations required. D (nightly). 9071 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.275.9444 $$$ Map I11

d o w nto w n d e ﬁ n e d

drago The first restaurant in the Drago dining dynasty features dishes from Celestino Drago’s native Sicily. Try the six-course duck tasting menu, $59. L (M–F), D (nightly). 2628 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.828.1585 $$$$ Map K8 drago Centro Deftly executed Italian fare—garganelli with pork sausage and fennel seeds, parmesancrusted chicken with farro—and extensive wine list. L (M–F), D (nightly). 525 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.228.8998 $$$ Map H16 enoteCa drago Celestino Drago creation is casual, sophisticated. From a pastry to grilled veal chops; 50 regional Italian wines by the glass. L (M– Sa), D (daily). 410 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.786.8236 $$ Map J11

fedora cabaret

il Cielo Frolicking cherubs, 50,000 twinkling lights, flowered courtyard with retractable glass roof. 1,400 couples have married here. Even the food is romantic. L (M–Sa), D (nightly). 9018 Burton Way, Beverly Hills, 310.276.9990 $$$ Map I11 il Fornaio Trattoria-style favorites; adjoining bakeries offer pastries, sandwiches to take out. Beverly Hills: B, L, D (daily). Manhattan Beach: Br (Sa–Su), L, D (daily). Santa Monica: Br (Sa–Su), L, D (daily). Pasadena: Br (Su), L, D (daily). 301 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.550.8330; 1800 Rosecrans Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.725.9555; 1551 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.451.7800; 1 Colorado, Pasadena, 626.683.9797 $$ Map J11, L13, L8, Q19 il ristorante di giorgio baldi Late, legendary Giorgio Baldi’s celebrity-frequented eatery featuring cooking of Baldi’s native Tuscan village. D (Tu–Su). 114 W. Channel Road, Santa Monica, 310.573.1660 $$$ Map L7

213. 617. 8555 Open 2hrs. prior to curtain :: Sun - Thurs ‘til 11pm :: Fri & Sat ’til 12:30am

il sole Intimate trattoria lures A-listers and neighborhood folks alike. A makeover courtesy of entrepreneur Brent Bolthouse lends a trendy, loungelike ambience. D (nightly). 8741 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.657.1182 $$$$ Map H12

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Dining PAPARAZZI RISTORANTE Contemporary Italian, steaks and comforting sides. D (M–Sa). Sheraton Gateway Hotel, 6101 Century Blvd., Westchester, 310.642.4820 $$ Map O11 PICCOLO Eatery a block from the beach. Six-course seasonal tasting menu, monthly “reversal dinners” with chosen wines paired to dishes. D (nightly). 5 Dudley Ave., Venice, 310.314.3222 $$$ Map M8 PIZZERIA MOZZA Foodie hot spot from culinary stars Nancy Silverton, Mario Batali and Joseph Bastianich. Pizza with squash blossoms and burrata cheese; 50 Italian wines under $50. L, D (daily). 641 N. Highland Ave., L.A., 323.297.0101 $$ Map H13

Sushi and sashimi platter from Aburiya Toranoko downtown

LA BOTTE Means “the barrel” in Italian (décor features oak wine barrels). Sibling to Venice’s popular Piccolo Ristorante Italiano. D (nightly). 620 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.576.3072 $$$ Map L8 LA DOLCE VITA Personable Northern Italian standby restored to its original 1966 decor. Steak Sinatra originated here; Reagans, Pecks were regulars. Dishes prepared table-side. D (M–Sa). 9785 Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.278.1845 $$$ Map J11 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 $$ Map M8 LOCANDA DEL LAGO Northern Italian restaurant featuring organic produce from Santa Monica farmers markets. Br (Sa–Su), L, D (daily). 231 Arizona Ave., Santa Monica, 310.451.3525 $$ Map L8 LOCANDA VENETA Tiny trattoria among L.A.’s best. “Next best thing to eating in Venice” (Zagat). L (M–F), D (nightly). 8638 W. 3rd St., L.A., 310.274.1893 $$ Map I12 LOUISE’S TRATTORIA Traditional Italian dishes—linguine pescatore, eggplant parmigiana—with a few Californian, Asian, even Cajun offerings. L, D (daily). 1008 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, 310.394.8888; 2 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626.568.3030; 232 N. Larchmont Blvd., L.A., 323.962.9510 $ Map L8, Q19, I14 MARINO RISTORANTE Classic Neapolitan fare: linguine alle vongole, cheesecake with house-made ricotta. Open since 1983. Next-door Marino To-Go offers takeout. L (M–F), D (M–Sa). 6001 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.466.8812 $$ Map I13 MATTEO’S An old favorite of the Rat Pack endures. Burrata campana salad, Prince Edward Island mussels in white wine, ossobuco Milanese. D (Tu–Su). 2321 Westwood Blvd., L.A., 310.475.4521 $$ Map K10 MAURO’S CAFE Fred Segal’s casual eatery is packed at lunch. Expect to trip over famous feet, not to mention expensive shoes, en route to your table. B, L (M– Sa), Br (Su). 8112 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.653.7970 $$ Map I12 OSTERIA MOZZA From master baker Nancy Silverton and Iron Chef Mario Batali. Elegant sibling to Pizzeria Mozza, adjacent. Mozza 2 Go offered. Reservation recommended. D (nightly). 6602 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.297.0100 $$$ Map H13 PANE E VINO Dependable trattoria; frescoes adorn the dining room, while bougainvilleas and palm trees shade the outdoor patio. L (M–Sa), D (nightly). 8265 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.651.4600 $$ Map I12

SCARPETTA Scott Conant replicates his NYC-based restaurant at the Montage Beverly Hills. His simple spaghetti with tomato and basil endures in popularity; duck-and-foie-gras ravioli deserves raves, too. D (nightly). 225 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.860.7970 $$$ Map I11 SOR TINO RISTORANTE Reasonably priced Florentine menu. Open kitchen, cozy ambience. L, D (daily). 908 S. Barrington Ave., Brentwood, 310.442.8466 $$ Map J9 THE STINKING ROSE “We season our garlic with food,” from Gartini cocktail to garlic ice cream. 40-Clove Garlic Chicken, Silence of the Lamb Shank. L, D (daily). 55 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.652.7673 $$ Map I12 TOSCANA Contemporary spot serves Adriaticinspired fare to stylish crowd. L (M–Sa), D (nightly). 11633 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, 310.820.2448 $$$ Map J9 TRA DI NOI Mainstay restaurant at the Malibu Country Mart; pastas made in house daily. L, D (daily). 3835 Cross Creek Road, Malibu, 310.456.0169 $$$ Map K7 TRATTORIA TRE VENEZIE Specialties from Venetian chef include ricotta ravioli with beets; intimate dining room has Old World charm. D (W–Sa). 119 W. Green St., Pasadena, 626.795.4455 $$$ Map Q19 VALENTINO Chef Ezio Gamba moves from Valentino Las Vegas to the venerated original. Spot often cited as having one of America’s best wine cellars. L (F), D (Tu–Sa). 3115 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.829.4313 $$$$ Map L9 VILLA BLANCA Highly stylish white dining room and Asian-accented menu. L, D (daily). 9601 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills, 310.859.7600 $$$ Map J11 VINCENTI RISTORANTE Trattoria with exhibition kitchen turns out Northern Italian specialties from a wood-burning oven. Upscale pizza menu on Mondays. L (F), D (M–Sa). 11930 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, 310.207.0127 $$ Map J9 ZUCCA RISTORANTE Joachim Splichal venue; massive church doors, Venetian carnival murals. L (M–F), D (nightly). 801 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.614.7800 $$$ Map I16

Japanese ABURIYA TORANOKO New. Sushi and izakaya. Noodles, sumiyaki; daring fare like miso-marinated beef tongue, and snow crab and jellyfish with cucumber sunomono. L, D (daily). 243 S. San Pedro St., Little Tokyo, 213.621.9500 $$ Map H17 ASANEBO Hidden in a minimall but Michelin-rated, this cozy sushi bar and restaurant offers memorable sushi, seared toro in garlic cream and uni tempura in shiso leaf. L (Tu–F), D (Tu-Su). 11941 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 818.760.3348 $$ Map A1

BENIHANA The original exhibition kitchen—at your table! Encino: L (Su–F), D (nightly). Beverly Hills: L, D (daily). Torrance: L, D (daily). Santa Monica: L, D (daily). 38 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 323.655.7311; 1447 4th St., Santa Monica, 310.260.1423; Encino, 818.788.7121; Torrance, 310.316.7777 $$ Map I12, L8, G9, M14 GONPACHI One of America’s most elaborate Japanese restaurants, made from centuries-old Japanese homes and complete with stone bridge and garden. Beverly Hills: D (nightly). Torrance: B, L, D (daily). 134 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.659.8887; 21381 S. Western Ave., Torrance, 310.320.6700 $$$ Map J12, M14 GYU-KAKU Japanese-style barbecue. L (varies by location), D (nightly). 10925 W. Pico Blvd., West L.A., 310.234.8641; 163 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.659.5760; 14457 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, 818.501.5400; 70 W. Green St., Pasadena, 626.405.4842 $$ Map K10, J12, G9, Q19 KATANA Robata-style cuisine: open-flame-grilled meat, vegetables, seafood on skewers. Stylish rooms, patio. D (nightly). 8439 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.650.8585 $$$ Map H12 KATSUYA Designer Philippe Starck and sushi master Katsuya Uechi offer provocative take on Japanese aesthetics, cuisine. Sushi, robata bars and creative cocktails. L (varies by location), D (nightly). Downtown: D (Tu– Su). 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 $$$ Map K9, H14, northeast of T23, I15 KATSU-YA Top sushi bar along the Valley’s Sushi Row; no-frills décor. Expect a crowd. Studio City: L (M–Sa), D (nightly). Encino: L (M–Sa), D (nightly). 11680 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 818.985.6976; 16542 Ventura Blvd., Encino, 818.788.2396 $$ Map U18, A1 KOI Hip, popular spot offers sushi, Japanese fare “reimagined.” D (nightly). 730 N. La Cienega Blvd., L.A., 310.659.9449 $$$ Map I12 KOJI’S SUSHI & SHABU SHABU Be your own chef with shabu shabu; sushi includes una-fino with basil, citrus chili paste and chives. L, D (daily). Hollywood & Highland, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.871.0200 $$ Map H13 K-ZO Sushi and Japanese fare with European touches; cool, industrial-modern dining room. L (M–Sa), D (nightly). 9240 Culver Blvd., Culver City, 310.202.8890 $$ Map I11 MAISON RIZ French-Japanese fusion on Redondo Beach Pier. Five-, 6- and 7-course tasting menus. L (daily), D (nightly). 112 Fisherman’s Wharf, Redondo Beach, 310.379.1300 $$$ Map M13 MATSUHISA Sushi bar, superchef Nobu Matsuhisa’s first, is one of L.A.’s culinary treasures. Dishes dazzle eyes and palate. L (M–F), D (nightly). 129 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.659.9639 $$$$ Map I12 NOBU Nobu Matsuhisa serves sushi, innovative Japanese-Peruvian fusion dishes to hipsters and celebs. D (nightly). 903 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.657.5711; Nobu Malibu, 3835 Cross Creek Road, Suite 18A, Malibu, 310.317.9140 $$$$ Map H12 ROBATA BAR Japanese grilling from the Sushi Roku, Katana and Boa team. Striking design by Dodd Mitchell. D (nightly). 1401 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.458.4771 $$$ Map L8 R23 Gem hidden among warehouses in the Arts District serves excellent sushi. Contemporary art and Frank Gehry-designed décor lend a hip vibe. L (M–F), D (nightly). 923 E. 2nd St., downtown, 213.687.7178 $$$ Map I17

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YE OLDE KING'S HEAD

World Famous British Pub, Restaurant & Shoppe

SUGARFISH Chef Kazunori Nozawa (the “Sushi Nazi” at Sushi Nozawa in Studio City) relaxes, dishing three preset “Trust Me” menus with reasonable tabs. Albacore sashimi practically melts on the tongue. L, D (daily). 47221/4 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, 310.306.6300; 11640 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, 310.820.4477; 600 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.627.3000; 1345 2nd St., Santa Monica, 310.393.3338 $$ Map N9, K9, I16, L8 SUSHI NozAwA Chef’s choice only (omakase) at renowned sushi bar. Low on ambience, high on quality and authenticity. L, D (M–F). 11288 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 818.508.7017 $$$ Map G12

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 Saturdays 2-5pm. 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, cheese and much more.

SUSHI RokU Nouvelle Japanese, sleek décor. West 3rd Street and Santa Monica restaurants have the most creative menus, including albacore tacos, salmon sashimi with black truffles shaved tableside. L.A.: L (M–Sa), D (nightly); Santa Monica and Pasadena: L, D (daily). 8445 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.655.6767; 1401 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.458.4771; 33 Miller Alley, Pasadena, 626.683.3000 $$$ Map I12, L8, Q19 SUSHI SASAbUNe Don’t ask for a California or spicy tuna roll, but do expect incredibly fresh, authentically prepared sushi. Impressive omakase is recommended. L (M–F), D (M–Sa). 12400 Wilshire Blvd., West L.A., 310.820.3596 $$$$ Map K9 TAkAMI SUSHI & RobATA Sushi, robata and other Japanese specialties in a hip dining room and veranda with awesome views. L (M–F), D (nightly). 811 Wilshire Blvd., 21st floor, downtown, 213.236.9600 $$ Map I16

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URASAwA Hiroyuki Urasawa’s tiny spot may be the L.A. area’s most exquisite restaurant; it’s also the most pricey, at $275 minimum per person. D (Tu–Sa). 218 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.247.8939 $$$$ Map I11 YAMASHIRo Creative Cal-Asian in exquisite Kyoto palace replica. Spectacular city views; koi garden dining. D (nightly). 1999 N. Sycamore Ave., Hollywood, 323.466.5125 $$$ Map G13

Korean cHoSUN GAlbee Korean barbecue restaurant offers a more upscale ambience than most, with an elegant open-air patio. L, D (daily) 3330 W. Olympic Blvd., Koreatown, 323.734.3330 $$$ Map SeoUl JUNG Traditional Korean barbecue, hot pot specialties prepared at table. L (M–F), D (nightly). Wilshire Grand Hotel, 930 Wilshire Blvd., downtown, 213.688.7880 $$$ Map H16 SooT bUll Jeep One of K-Town’s best, with all array of savory meats cooked on tabletop grills. L, D (daily). 3136 W. 8th St., Koreatown, 213.387.3865 $$ Map east of J14

Mediterranean Sunday -family diier nite Monday -1/2 oo boole sake nite Wednesday -1/2 oo boole wine nite Mon - Sun Lunch 11:30-2:30 pm Sun- Thu Diier 5:00-11:00 pm Fri-Sat 5:00-12:00

A.o.c. Star chef Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne (Lucques) offer a wine bar, cheese bar and charcuterie bar. A few dishes are prepared in a wood-burning oven. Br (Sa–Su), D (nightly). 8022 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.653.6359 $$ Map I12 bARbRIx Small-plate eatery in converted schoolhouse. Tapas bar, charming patio and exhibition kitchen. D (nightly). 2442 Hyperion Ave., Silver Lake, 323.662.2442 $$$ Map east of W23 cAMpANIle Chef-owner Mark Peel’s enduring first restaurant. Grilled meats, pastas, vegetables; you can’t go wrong. Gourmet grilled cheese Thursdays. Br (Sa– Su), L (M–F), D (nightly). 624 S. La Brea Ave., L.A., 323.938.1447 $$$ Map J13

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Dining AbUeLItAs Dine inside “la casa” or on the patio—the rustic canyon setting is always the best view. Authentic family-style fare. Br (Su), L (F–Sa), D (nightly). 137 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, 310.455.8788 $$ Map west of K7 border grILL Nuevo Latino fare from Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken. Downtown location offers free shuttle to L.A. Live and Music Center, Tu–Su. Br (Sa–Su), L, D (daily). 1445 4th St., Santa Monica, 310.451.1655; 445 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.486.5171 $$ Map L8, H16

Playa on Beverly Boulevard cLeo Noisy, posh mezze bar in sexy boutique hotel. Flatbreads and vegetables like the outstanding crispy brussels sprouts are prepared in a wood-burning oven. D (nightly). The Redbury, 1717 Vine St., Hollywood, 323.962.1711 $$$ Map H14 FIg & oLIve New. New York-based restaurant’s cuisine is an ode to olive oil: gorgonzola jamón ibérico ravioli drizzled with porcini olive oil, grilled branzino glazed with fig and picholine olive oil. Champagne bar upstairs; retail component. Br (Sa–Su), L (M–F), D (nightly). 8490 Melrose Place, L.A., 310.360.9100 $$$ Map I12 FrAÎche Rustic bistro offers market-fresh cuisine with French and Italian accents. Culver City: Br (Sa–Su), L (M–Sa), D (nightly). Santa Monica: L (M–F), D (nightly). 9411 Culver Blvd., Culver City, 310.839.6800; 312 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.451.7482 $$$ Map L11, L8 gJeLINA Lively, spirited spot featuring organic, seasonal dishes; pizzas are popular. Br (Sa–Su), L (M–F), D (nightly). 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.450.1429 $$ Map N9 J restAUrANt & LoUNge Soulful, brick-clad spot with live music. Duck two ways, crispy grilled salmon. Br (Su), L (M–F), D (M–Sa). 1119 S. Olive St., downtown, 213.746.7746 $$$ Map I16 LUcQUes Ever-hot chef Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne (AOC) serve fabulous French-Med menu. Nowhere do vegetables taste as good! L (Tu–Sa), D (nightly). 8474 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.655.6277 $$$ Map I13 MeZZe New. Mediterranean and Middle Eastern small plates. Signature dishes are yellowtail crudo with toasted pine nuts and cherry gremolata, and flatbreads topped with merguez sausage and tomato jam. D (M–Sa). 401 La Cienega Blvd., L.A., 310.657.4103 $$ Map I12 MoMed Lighter, contemporary Mediterranean in minimalist, casual yet sleek cafe. Try the pide (Turkish flatbread) with minced chicken and grilled peaches. Lebanese manaeesh with Turkish coffee for breakfast. B, L, D (daily). 233 S. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.270.4444 $ Map J11 Petros Fine contemporary Greek fare in a cool white dining room or on the covered patio. Dress code for indoor diners. L, D (daily). 451 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, 310.545.4100 $$$ Map L13 rAy’s & stArK bAr New. Petite, Renzo Piano– designed eatery at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Contemporary Med-inspired cuisine including vegetables cooked in wood-burning oven. Adjacent Stark Bar offers designer cocktails on an outdoor patio. L, D (Th–Tu). 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.857.6180 $$ Map J13

cAsA Modern Mexican featuring upscale tacos; close to MOCA. Margarita picante with jalapeño has an excellent kick. L (M–F), D (M–Sa). 350 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.621.2249 $$ Map H16 FrIdA Stylish alta cocina Mexicana. Beverly Hills: Br (Su), L, D (daily). Glendale: L, D (daily). 236 S. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.278.7666; 750 Americana Way, Glendale, 818.551.1666 $$$ Map I11, southeast of T23 LA sereNAtA de gArIbALdI One of L.A.’s best Mexican eateries, featuring its lighter coastal specialties. Gourmets make pilgrimage to East L.A. location. L, D (daily). West L.A.: B (Sa–Su), L, D (daily). 10924 W. Pico Blvd., West L.A., 310.441.9667; 1842 E. 1st St., Boyle Heights, 323.265.2887 $$ Map L8, K10, east of H17 MALo East L.A.-meets-Mexico City cuisine. Silver Lake location has a neighborhood feel, while downtown’s new Más Malo is eclectically glam. Malo: Br (Sa–Su), D (nightly). Más Malo: Br (Sa-Su), L (M–F), D (nightly). 4326 W. Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake, 323.664.1011; 515 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.985.4332 $$ Map south of W23, I16 MUcho ULtIMA MexIcANA Modernized Mexican fare, plus tasty margaritas and mojitos. D (nightly). 903 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.374.4422 $$ Map K13 PLAyA New. “Urban Latin” small plates from chef John Sedlar. Tapas include maize cakes with fillings such as shrimp, Napa cabbage and mustard ice cream; flower-inlaid tortillas are a Sedlar signature. Br (Sa–Su), D (nightly). 7360 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.933.5300 $$ Map red o Contemporary Mexican cuisine guru Rick Bayless arrives in L.A., and his thoughtful cuisine is matched by a sexy, transporting space. Extensive tequila list. Br (Su), D (nightly). 8155 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.655.5009 $$$ Map I12 rIverA From acclaimed Southwestern-influenced chef John Sedlar; custom-blended tequilas are a specialty; artful plating with designs stenciled in spices. L (M–F), D (nightly). 1050 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.749.1460 $$$ Map I16 seÑor Fred Lively, surprisingly sophisticated cantina. Try quesadilla with sadero cheese, poblano chiles, huitlacoche (corn fungus delicacy). L, D (daily). 13730 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, 818.789.3200 $$ Map G10

Pan-Asian crUstAceAN Very stylish French–Vietnamese; glass-covered koi stream underfoot. Prawns, large crabs, garlic noodles. Popular bar; live music on select nights. L (M–F), D (nightly). 9646 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.205.8990 $$$ Map I11 LUKshoN New. Sang Yoon of Father’s Office opens a Southeast Asian eatery with a selection of craft beers and Far East-inspired cocktail program. D (M–Sa). 3239 Helms Ave., Culver City, 310.202.6808 $$$ Map K12

the sPIce tAbLe New. Dishes inspired by Singaporean and Vietnamese traditions: satays, noodle soups, clay pot catfish, grilled or wood-burned vegetables. L, D (M–Sa). 114 S. Central Ave., Little Tokyo, 213.620.1840 $$ Map H17 trAder vIc’s Pan-Asian and Polynesian fare—pupu platters, mai tais—in kitschy-fun tiki dining room. L (M– Sa), D (nightly). 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.785.3330 $$$ Map I15 wP24 Wolfgang Puck hits it just right on the 24th floor of the Ritz. Suckling pig or foie gras-filled bao to start; two-pound Maine “Angry Lobster” entree. D (M–Sa). The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, 900 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.743.8824 $$$$ Map I15 yANgtZe One of Third Street Promenade’s classier eateries, this striking restaurant and sushi bar serves accessible pan–Asian. L, D (daily). 1333 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, 310.260.1994 $ Map L8

Seafood cAtch Sophisticated seafood at Hotel Casa del Mar. Wraparound windows, ocean views, handsome sushi bar. B, L, D (daily). 1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, 310.581.7714 $$$ Map M8 chArt hoUse Perennial favorite; beachfront or marina views. Renowned salad bar, fresh fish, slowroasted prime rib. L (call for hours), D (nightly). 18412 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.454.9321; 13950 Panay Way, Marina del Rey, 310.822.4144; 231 Yacht Club Way, Redondo Beach, 310.372.3464 $$ Map west of K7, N9, M13 dUKe’s MALIbU Mainland outpost of busiest restaurant in Hawaii offers island seafood, spectacular ocean views. Barefoot Bar. Br (Su), L (Tu–Sa), D (nightly). 21150 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.317.0777 $$ Map west of K7 gLAdstoNe’s MALIbU One of SoCal’s biggest hits with a million visitors each year. Dramatic ocean views. B (Sa–Su), L, D (daily). 17300 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades, 310.454.3474 $$ Map west of K7 the hUNgry cAt East Coast fare in hip little spots. Dungeness crab benedict; you-peel or they-peel shrimp by the half-pound. Hollywood: Br (Sa–Su), L (M–F), D (nightly); Santa Monica: D (nightly). Sunset+Vine, 1535 N. Vine St., Hollywood, 323.462.2155; 100 W. Channel Road, Santa Monica, 310.459.3337 $$ Map H14, L7 the Lobster Excellent seafood in landmark spot overlooking the pier; great sunsets, of course. L, D (daily). 1602 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.458.9294 $$$ Map L8 MccorMIcK & schMIcK’s Classy wood, glass and brass space; seafood any way you like it. Happy hour. L (varies by location), D (nightly). 206 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.859.0434; 111 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, 626.405.0064; 633 W. 5th St., downtown, 213.629.1929; 2101 Rosecrans Ave., El Segundo, 310.416.1123; 3500 W. Olive Ave., Burbank, 818.260.0505 $$ Map Q19, I11, H16, L13, T20 PArKers’ LIghthoUse Working lighthouse with panoramic views of Long Beach Bay and city skyline. Sushi bar with waterfront patio seating. L, D (daily). 435 Shoreline Village Drive, Long Beach, 562.432.6500 $$ Map N16 ProvIdeNce Extraordinary chef Michael Cimarusti offers an adventure at sea and on land. Outstanding cocktails complement Michelin-recognized cuisine. L (F), D (nightly). 5955 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.460.4170 $$$$ Map I14

RYAN TANAKA

Mexican/Latin

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Dining

Rose Tree Cottage A Regal English Afternoon Tea by reservation

Exclusively British — Barbour Clothing • AGA Cookers • Teas • Foods • China

801 S. Pasadena Ave. • Pasadena

626-793-3337

•

www.rosetreecottage.com

r e m m u S

roy’s Hawaiian fusion chef Roy Yamaguchi opens L.A. locations. D (nightly). Downtown: L (M–F), D (nightly). 800 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.488.4994; 6363 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills, 818.888.4801; 641 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626.356.4066 $$$ Map I16, west of A1, Q21 soN oF A gUN New. The meat-loving chefs at Animal turn to the sea, cooking up salmon collar, lobster rolls and shrimp toast sandwiches in a nautically themed space. D (nightly). 8370 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.782.9033 $$$ Map I12 wAter grILL Chef Amanda Baumgarten cold-poaches and slow-steams at classic venue. Excellent raw bar, shellfish platters; no wine corkage fee. L (M–F), D (nightly). 544 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.891.0900 $$$$ Map H16

Spanish

L OBS T E R

bAr PINtxo Prominent California chef Joe Miller (Joe’s) offers authentic tortilla Española, bacalao and croquetas de jamón and Spanish wines. L (M–F), D (nightly). 109 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.458.2012 $$$ Map M8

SP peC cialS

the bAZAAr by José ANdrés Star chef José Andrés brings whimsical set of Spanish-style dining experiences to SLS Hotel. Tasting room Saam offers an unforgettable, 22-course tasting menu, $95. Br (Sa–Su), D (nightly). 465 S. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.246.5555 $$ Map H16

avioli

ter R Lobs

cAFe sevILLA Authentic Spanish fare and tapas bar on a bustling strip in downtown Long Beach. Dinner show on Saturdays; nightclub upstairs. D (nightly). 140 Pine Ave., Long Beach, 562.495.1111 $$ Map N16 cobrAs & MAtAdors Tops for tapas. Tortilla española, albondigas (meatballs). It’s BYOB; pick up a bottle at Erewhon market across the street. D (nightly). 7615 W. Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.932.6178 $$ Map J13 tINto tAPAs esPAÑA Small, hip, sexy take on traditional tapas bar with all-Spanish wine list. D (M–Sa). 7511 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.512.3095 $$$ Map H13

Also try our traditional Italian dishes

Steak

featuring CHICKEN PARMIGIANA, SPAGHETTI WITH MEATBALLS, CHEESE MANICOTTI, MOZZARELLA CAPRESE and many more!

Claremont 909.399.3287 enCino 818.995.3288

PaSadena 626.792.7272 redondo BeaCh 310.540.3246

Santa moniCa 310.587.2782 thouSand oakS 805.449.3688

univerSal CityWalk 818.509.9463 valenCia 661.253.1900

bucadibeppo.com

Arroyo choPhoUse Exclusively USDA Prime at handsome spot. D (nightly). 536 S. Arroyo Pkwy., Pasadena, 626.577.7463 $$$$ Map R20

Cozy up to our fireplace in our 1908 Craftsman bungalow once owned by Beryl Wallace, famed showgirl of the Earl Carrol Theatre. Minutes from the Pantages Theatre and famous intersection, Hollywood & Vine Dinner nightly Lunch Monday thru Friday Saturday and Sunday Brunch (bottomless mimosa’s, champagne & bloody marys)

Offering two private rooms from 20 -55 guests (or buy out the entire restaurant)

Restaurant Serving American/California Cuisine

6263 Leland Way, Hollywood

(one block south of Sunset, just east of Vine)

(323) 962-1900 www.offvine.com offvinerestaurant@sbcglobal.net

Top 10 most romantic restaurant in the country - Forbes Traveler

Most romantic restaurant in L.A. - City Search

ArNIe MortoN’s oF chIcAgo Clubby ambience, show-and-tell menu, huge portions. L (M–F), D (nightly). 735 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.553.4566; The Pinnacle, 3400 W. Olive Ave., Burbank, 818.238.0424 $$$ Map I16, T20

2010 Winner/Diners Choice Award - Open Table

beso Hip spot (meaning “kiss”) from superchef Todd English and Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria. Pan-Latin appetizers and entrees plus a half-dozen beef cuts; exotic cocktails from the “juice bar.” D (M– Sa). 6350 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.467.7991 $$$ Map G14 bLt steAK A branch of a New York City favorite; raw bar and all-American steakhouse standards get a dose of French technique and modern setting. D (Tu–Su). 8720 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.360.1950 $$$$ Map H12 boA Way hip, way fine steakhouse. Steak rubs and dips; out-there cocktails. Santa Monica: L, D (daily); West Hollywood: L (M–F), D (nightly). 101 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.899.4466; 9200 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.278.2050 $$$ Map M8, H11

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New Linens

Cut Wolfgang Puck–architect Richard Meier collaboration is cutting-edge steakhouse. D (M– Sa). Beverly Wilshire Hotel, 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.276.8500 $$$$ Map J11 Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Excellent steak, 100 wines by the glass. Downtown: L (M–F), D (nightly); Woodland Hills, El Segundo: D (nightly). 2301 Rosecrans Ave., El Segundo, 310.643.6911; 6373 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills, 818.346.1005; 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.745.9911 $$$ Map C2, west of A1, I15 Fogo de Chão L.A.’s finest Brazilian churrascaria; gaucho-garbed chefs carve prime skewered meats table-side. Amazing sides bar. Prix fixe. L (M–F), D (nightly). 133 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.289.7755 $$$ Map J12

THE Grill on the Alley Legendary woodand-brass chophouse. L (M–Sa), D (nightly). 9560 Dayton Way, Beverly Hills, 310.276.0615 $$$ Map I11 L.A. Prime Dine in high style 35 floors up. Aged USDA certified Prime beef from Chicago. D (nightly). Westin Bonaventure, 404 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.624.1000 $$$ Map H16 Lawry’s the Prime Rib A Restaurant Row classic. Prime rib, to-die-for creamed corn and spinach served with showmanship from table-side carts. D (nightly). 100 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.652.2827 $$$ Map I12 Mastro’s Steakhouse Swanky “steakhouse with personality.” Bone-in-filet reigns; warm butter cake melts in your mouth. D (nightly). 246 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.888.8782 $$$ Map J11 Morels French Steakhouse Dry-aged steaks and selection of three dozen cheeses at the Grove. Br (Sa–Su), L, D (daily). 189 The Grove Drive, L.A., 323.965.9595 $$ Map I13   Nick and Stef’s Joachim Splichal’s slick haven for carnivores. L (M–F), D (nightly). Wells Fargo Building, 330 S. Hope St., downtown, 213.680.0330 $$$ Map H16 Pacific Dining Car Oldie but goodie. Open 24/7. B, L, D (daily). 1310 W. 6th St., downtown, 213.483.6000; 2700 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.453.4000 $$$ Map H16, K The Palm Big in The Biz. Sketches of famous customers adorn the walls. L (M–F), D (nightly). 9001 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.550.8811; 1100 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.763.4600 $$$ Map I12, J16 Ruth’s Chris Steak House At this upscale chain, steak arrives sizzling in butter. L (varies), D (nightly). 224 S. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.859.8744; 369 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626.583.8122 $$$ Map I11, Q20 STK Sultry steakhouse for the young crowd, with fun appetizers such as shrimp “rice krispies” and Wagyu beef sliders . Open-air lounge with DJ. D (nightly). 755 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.659.3535 $$$$ Map I12

ZAGAT RATED 2010Excellent

french cuisine with a japanese flair

713 east gr een str eet pasadena 626 796 9501 m a i s o n a k i r a . n e t

West Steakhouse atop Hotel Angeleno; striking modern décor and Westside view (monitor the 405!). B, L, D (daily), Br (Su). 170 N. Church Lane, Brentwood, 310.481.7878 $$$ Map I9 WOLFGANG’S STEAKHOUSE Chef Wolfgang Zwiener opens outpost of his New York steakhouse; dry-aged porterhouse steak for two, three or four. L (M–Sa), D (nightly). 445 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.385.0640 $$$$ Map J11

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Dining Thai Chan Dara Traditional specialties. L, D (daily). 11940 W. Pico Blvd., West L.A., 310.479.4461; 1511 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, 323.464.8585; House of Chan Dara, 310 N. Larchmont Blvd., Hollywood, 323.467.1052 $$ Map L10, H14, I14 Natalee Thai Thai menu sprinkled with a few tried-and-true pan-Asian dishes; stylish design. L, D (daily). 10101 Venice Blvd., Culver City, 310.202.7003; 998 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.855.9380 $ Map L11, I11 Palms Thai Traditional dishes in Thai Town. Most famous for its “Thai Elvis,” an impersonator who hams it up for diners. Near Pantages Theater. L, D (daily). 5900 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.462.5073 $ Map H14 TALÉSAI Elegant duo of eateries serving refined Thai cuisine). L (M–F), D (nightly). 9043 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.275.9724; 9198 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.271.9345 $ Map I12, J11

Wine Bars BOTTLEROCK Reasonably priced wine and small bites; will open any bottle with purchase of two glasses. Culver City: L (Tu–Sa), D (nightly). Downtown: L (M–Sa), D (nightly). 3847 Main St., Culver City, 310.836.9463; 1050 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.747.1100 $$$ Map L11, I16 PRIMITIVO WINE BISTRO Tapas and extensive wine list. Br (Sa–Su), L (M–F), D (nightly). 1025 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.396.5353 $$$ Map M9 Rustic Canyon Cool, cozy wine bar and seasonal cuisine from chef Evan Funke. D (nightly). 1119 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.393.7050 $$$ Map L8 salutÉ wine bar Sampling from automatic wine dispensers or by the glass. Italian small plates including salumi and well-chosen cheeses, plus larger entrees. Br (Sa–Su), D (nightly). 2435 Main St., Santa Monica, 310.450.3434 $$ Map M9 vertical wine bistro Seventy wines by the glass, 650 on the list. New American menu plus fun small plates, cheeses and charcuterie. D (Tu–Su). 70 N. Raymond Ave. (upstairs), Pasadena, 626.795.3999 $$$ Map Q19 vinoteque Eclectic Italian- and Frenchaccented menu, mostly small plates; turbot with fingerling potatoes, lamb meatballs with goat cheese. Late-night menu. Br (Su), L (F–Sa), D (Tu–Su). 7469 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 310.860.6060 $$ Map I13

Authentic Thai Chinese and Sushi Bar Dining & Outdoor Patio

where?

1333 3rd St. Promenade Santa Monica

310.260.1994 FAX 310.260.1944

Log on anywhere. WhereLA.com WHERE LOS ANGELES 87

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Restaurants City Index Our superguide by area, with cross reference to listings by cuisine.

BEVERLY HILLS

THE BAZAAR (Spanish).............................................. 85 THE BELVEDERE (American).................................. 74 BLVD (American)................................................................ 74 bouchon (French)....................................................... 79 cafe pinot (French).................................................. 79 Chakra (Indian).............................................................80 CHAYA (California)............................................................ 76 CRUSTACEAN (Pan-Asian)........................................ 84 Culina (Italian).................................................................81 CUT (Steak).......................................................................... 86 enoteca drago (Italian)......................................81 Frida (Mexican/Latin).................................................... 84 IL CIELO (Italian)................................................................81 il fornaio (Italian)......................................................81 the grill on the alley (Steak)................ 86 joss cuisine (Chinese)............................................ 78 KATE MANTILINI (American)............................... 74 la dolce vita (Italian).......................................... 82 MASTRO’S STEAKHOUSE (Steak)................... 86 m café de CHAYA (California)............................ 77 McCORMICK & SCHMICK’S (Seafood)............ 84 momed (Mediterranean)................................................ 84 MR. CHOW (Chinese).................................................... 78 NATALEE THAI (Thai)................................................ 87 NIC’s (California)................................................................ 77 POLO LOUNGE (California)....................................... 78 RUTH’s CHRIS (Steak)................................................ 86 Scarpetta (Italian).................................................... 82 SPAGO (California)............................................................ 78 talésai (Thai)................................................................. 87 208 Rodeo (California).............................................. 78 URasawa (Japanese)................................................... 83 villa blanca (Italian)............................................ 82 wolfgang’s Steakhouse (Steak)......... 86

BEVERLY Boulevard 3RD street MELROSE avenue

AGO (Italian)...................................................................80 Angelini osteria (Italian). .............................80 aoc (Mediterranean).................................................... 83 bastide (French)........................................................ 79 BLD (American)....................................................................... 74 cobras & matadors (Spanish)..................... 85 Comme çA (French)..................................................... 79 eva restaurant (California)................................... 76 The Foundry (American )......................................... 74 hatfield’s (California)............................................ 77 jar (American).................................................................... 74 Joan’s on third (American)........................... 74 the little door (French)...................................80 LOCANDA VENETA (Italian).................................. 82 lucques (Mediterranean)........................................... 84 mandarette (Chinese)........................................... 78 MARINO RISTORANTE (Italian)......................... 82 mauro’s cafe (Italian)........................................... 82 m café de CHAYA (California)............................ 77 morels steakhouse (Steak)........................ 86 OSTERIA MOZZA (Italian)....................................... 82 pane e vino (Italian)................................................. 82 philippe (Chinese)......................................................... 78 Pizzeria Mozza (Italian)..................................... 82 playa (Mexican/Latin).................................................... 84 providence (Seafood)............................................. 84 red o (Mexican/Latin).................................................... 84 Simon L.A. (American)............................................... 76 son of a gun (Seafood)........................................ 85 sushi roku (Japanese)............................................. 83

Brentwood

KATSUYA (Japanese)...................................................... 82 sor tino ristorante (Italian)..................... 82 sugarfish (Japanese)................................................ 83 TAVERN (California)....................................................... 78 toscana (Italian)......................................................... 82 VINCENTI ristorante (Italian)...................... 82 west (Steak)...................................................................... 86

BURBANK

ARNIE MORTON’S (Steak)...................................... 85 bistro provence (French)............................. 79 THE castaway (American)................................. 74 mccormick & Schmick’s (Seafood)............ 84 restaurant at getty (California).............. 78

CENTURY CITY

BREEZE (California)......................................................... 76 CRAFT (American)............................................................ 74

Culver City

a-Frame (Eclectic)......................................................... 78 akasha (California)....................................................... 76 BOTTLEROCK (Wine Bar).......................................... 87 father’s office 2 (Brew/Pub)...................... 76 ford’s filling station (Brew/Pub).......... 76 FRAÎCHE (Mediterranean)............................................. 84 k-zo (Japanese).................................................................. 82

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NATALEE THAI (Thai)................................................ 87 tender greens (American)............................. 76 waterloo & city (Brew/Pub)........................ 76

downtown

aburiya toranoko (Japanese)..................... 82 arnie morton’s (Steak)...................................... 85 asbury fusion (Eclectic)..................................... 78 bar + Kitchen (American).................................... 74 beso (Steak)....................................................................... 85 bottega louie (Italian)........................................80 bottlerock (Wine Bar).......................................... 87 cafÉ Pinot (French).................................................. 79 catch (Seafood)............................................................... 84 casa (Mexican/Latin)...................................................... 84 cbs seafood (Chinese).......................................... 78 chaya (California)............................................................ 76 church & State (French)..................................... 79 cicada (Italian).................................................................81 drago centro (Italian)..........................................81 Empress pavilion (Chinese)............................. 78 engine co. no. 28 (American)........................... 74 first & HOPE (Club).................................................. 78 the gorbals (Eclectic)........................................... 78 J Restaurant & Lounge (Medit.)............. 84 katsuya (Japanese)...................................................... 82 kendall’s brasserie (French)..................... 79 L.a. market (American)........................................... 74 L.a. prime (Steak)......................................................... 86 la serenata de garibaldi (Mexican)....... 84 lazy ox canteen (Brew/Pub)......................... 76 lukshon (Pan-Asian)................................................... 84 magnolia (American)................................................ 74 más malo (Mexican/Latin)....................................... 84 McCORMICK & SCHMICK’S (Seafood)............ 84 nick and stef’s (Steak)...................................... 86 NOÉ (American).................................................................. 74 OCEAN SEAFOOD (Chinese)................................. 78 pacific dining car (Steak).............................. 86 the palm (Steak).......................................................... 86 patina (French)................................................................80 PHILIPPE the original (American)............. 76 The restaurant (American)............................. 76 rivera (Mexican/Latin)................................................ 84 roy’s (Seafood)................................................................. 85 R23 (Japanese)..................................................................... 82 seoul jung (Korean)................................................ 83 the spice table (Pan-Asian).............................. 84 SUGARFISH (Japanese)................................................ 83 TAKAMI SUSHI (Japanese)........................................ 83 trader vic’s (Pan-Asian)....................................... 84 traxx (California)............................................................ 78 water grill (Seafood)............................................ 85 WP24 (Pan-Asian)............................................................. 84 zucca ristorante (Italian)............................. 82

HOLLYWOOD/EASTSIDE

barbrix (Mediterranean)............................................ 83 the cat & Fiddle (Brew/Pub)............................ 76 cleo (Mediterranean)...................................................... 84 delphine (French)........................................................ 79 district (Brew/Pub)................................................... 76 HARD ROCK CAFE (American)............................. 74 the HUNGRY CAT (Seafood)................................. 84 ivan kane’s cafÉ Was (French).................. 79 KATSUYA (Japanese)...................................................... 82 koji’s sushi (Japanese)............................................ 82 lamill coffee (American)................................... 74 magnolia (American)................................................ 74 malo (Mexican/Latin)..................................................... 84 MUSSO & FRANK (American)................................. 74 off vine (American).................................................. 74 PaLMS THAI (Thai)..................................................... 87 public kitchen + Bar (Brew/Pub).............. 76 rolling stone (American).................................. 76 supperclub (Club).................................................... 78 Susan feniger’s street (Eclectic)........... 79 tender greens (American)............................. 76 umami burger (American)................................... 76 the waffle (American)........................................... 76 YAMASHIRO (Japanese).............................................. 83

LA BREA/MIDTOWN

ANIMAL (American)......................................................... 74 CaMPANILE (Mediterranean)..................................... 83 chosun galbee (Korean).................................... 83 cube (Italian).......................................................................81 LUNA PARK (American)............................................... 74 ray’s & stark bar (Mediterranean)............... 84 soot bull jeep (Korean)..................................... 83 the tar pit (Club)...................................................... 78

LA CIENEGA boulevard RESTAURANT ROW

FOGO DE CHÃO (Steak).......................................... 86 gonpachi (Japanese).................................................. 82 koi (Japanese)..................................................................... 82 la seine (Eclectic)......................................................... 78

LAWRY’S PRIME RIB (Steak)................................ 86 MATSUHISA (Japanese)............................................... 82 mezze (Mediterranean).................................................. 84 NOBU (Japanese)............................................................... 82 THE STINKING ROSE (Italian)............................. 82 TANZORE (Indian)..........................................................80

LONG BEACH

café Sevilla (Spanish)........................................ 85 PARKERs’ LIGHTHOUSE (Seafood).................. 84 SIR WINSTON’S (California)..................................... 78

MALIBU

charlie’s (American).................................................. 74 chart house (Seafood)......................................... 84 duke’s malibu (Seafood)...................................... 84 geoffrey’s (California)............................................ 77 gladstone’s malibu (Seafood).................... 84 NOBU MALIBU (Japanese)........................................ 82 ruby’s diner (American)........................................ 76 saddle peak lodge (American)................... 76 savory (American)........................................................ 76 THE SUNSET (California)............................................. 78 tra di noi (Italian)...................................................... 82

MArina del rey

CAFÉ DEL REY (Eclectic).......................................... 78 chart house (Seafood)......................................... 84 jer-ne (California)........................................................... 77 SUGARFISH (Japanese)................................................ 83

pasAdena

arROYO CHOPHOUSE (Steak).......................... 85 bistro 45 (French)....................................................... 79 buca di beppo (Italian).........................................80 celestino (Italian)........................................................81 elements kitchen (Eclectic)............................ 78 gyu-kaku (Japanese).................................................. 82 il fornaio (Italian)......................................................81 KATSUYA (Japanese)...................................................... 82 kings row gastroPub (Brew/Pub).......... 76 Louise’s Trattoria (Italian)........................... 82 maison akira (Eclectic)......................................... 78 mccormick & schmick’s (Seafood)............ 84 PALATE FOOD + WINE (California).................. 78 parkway grill (California).................................. 78 roxolana (Eclectic)................................................... 79 the royce (American)............................................... 76 roy’s (Seafood)................................................................. 85 RUTH’s CHRIS (Steak)................................................ 86 sushi roku (Japanese)............................................. 83 TRATTORIA TRE VENEZIE (Italian)................ 82 vertical wine bistro (Wine Bar)............. 87 yard house (Brew/Pub).......................................... 76

santa monica

bar pintxo (Spanish)................................................ 85 boa (Steak).......................................................................... 85 Border Grill (Mexican/Latin)............................ 84 CATCH (Seafood)............................................................... 84 CAPO (Italian)......................................................................81 CHINOIS ON MAIN (California)............................. 76 DRAGO (Italian)..................................................................81 father’s office (Brew/Pub)........................... 76 fig restaurant (California)............................... 77 fraÎche (Mediterranean)............................................. 84 giorgio baldi (Italian)............................................81 the hungry cat (Seafood)................................. 84 il fornaio (Italian)......................................................81 ivy at the shore (American)......................... 74 jiraffe (French)........................................................... 79 Josie (American)............................................................. 74 la botte (Italian)............................................................... 82 la cachette BISTRO (French).............................. 79 La vecchia (Italian)................................................... 82 THE LOBSTER (Seafood)............................................ 84 Locanda del lago (Italian)............................ 82 Louise’s Trattoria (Italian)........................... 82 MÉLISSE (French).............................................................80 Michael’s (California)................................................. 77 monsieur marcel (French)..............................80 ocean & vine (California)...................................... 77 one pico (California)................................................... 78 pacific dining car (Steak).............................. 86 THE PENTHOUSE (American)................................. 76 r+d kitchen (American)......................................... 76 robata bar (Japanese)........................................... 82 rustic canyon (Wine Bar).................................. 87 SalutÉ wine bar (Wine Bar)............................ 87 sushi roku (Japanese)............................................. 83 true food kitchen (American).................... 76 VALENTIno (Italian)..................................................... 82 whist (American)............................................................ 76 Wilshire (American)................................................... 76 wolfgang Puck (California)............................. 78 xino (Chinese)................................................................... 78 YANGTZE (Pan-Asian).......................................... 84 YE OLDE KING’S HEAD (Brew/Pub)................. 76

SOUTH BAY

akbar (Indian).................................................................80 BENIHANA (Japanese).................................................. 82 buca di beppo (Italian).........................................80 chart house (Seafood)......................................... 84 chez melange (California)................................... 76 fleming’s Steakhouse (Steak).................. 86 GINA LEE’S BISTRO (California).......................... 77 gonpachi (Japanese).................................................. 82 il fornaio (Italian)......................................................81 maison riz (Japanese).............................................. 82 MAR’SEL (California)....................................................... 77 mccormick & schmick’s (Seafood)............ 84 mucho ultima Mexicana (Mexican)....... 84 PETROS (Mediterranean)............................................... 84 ruby’s diner (American)........................................ 76 sky room (American)................................................. 76 the veggie grill (American)............................ 76 yard house (Brew/Pub).......................................... 76

TOPANGA CANYON

abuelitas (Mexican/Latin)....................................... 84 inn of seventh ray (California)................... 77

UNIVERSAL CITY

buca di beppo (Italian).........................................80 CAFE SIERRA (Eclectic)............................................. 78 HARD ROCK CAFE (American)............................. 74 karl strauss brewery (Brew/Pub)....... 76

Valley

asanebo (Japanese).................................................... 82 BENIHANA (Japanese).................................................. 82 buca di beppo (Italian).........................................80 firefly (Club).................................................................. 78 fleming’s steakhouse (Steak)..............86 frida (Mexican/Latin)..................................................84 KATE MANTILINI (American)............................... 74 KATSU-YA (Japanese).................................................... 82 pinot bistro (French).............................................80 roy’s (Seafood)................................................................. 85 seÑor fred (Mexican/Latin).................................. 84 SUSHI NOZAWA (Japanese).................................... 83 umami burger (American)................................... 76 wolfgang Puck (California)............................. 78

VENICE

beechwood (American)......................................... 74 chaya (California)............................................................ 76 GJELINA (Mediterranean)............................................. 84 hal’s bar & Grill (California)........................... 77 JOE’S (California)............................................................... 77 piccolo (Italian)............................................................ 82 primitivo (Wine Bar)................................................... 87

WEST HOLLYWOOD

ASIA DE CUBA (Eclectic).......................................... 78 BLT STEAK (Steak)........................................................ 85 BOA (Steak).......................................................................... 85 cecconi’s (Italian).........................................................81 chan dara (Thai)...................................................... 87 DAN TANA’S (Italian).....................................................81 fig & Olive (Mediterranean).................................... 84 Gordon Ramsay (Eclectic)................................. 78 the hall (French)......................................................... 79 il sole (Italian).................................................................81 ivy restaurant (American)............................... 74 katana (Japanese)......................................................... 82 le clafoutis (French)............................................80 luca fresh bites (California)........................... 77 monsieur marcel (French)..............................80 the palm (Steak).......................................................... 86 petrossian (French).............................................. 80 PORCH RESTAURANT (Club).............................. 78 STK (Steak)........................................................................... 86 sunset marquis (California).............................. 78 talÉsai (Thai)................................................................. 87 tender greens (American)............................. 76 tinto (Spanish)................................................................. 85 the veggie grill (American)............................ 76 vinoteque (Wine Bar).............................................. 87 XIV (American)..................................................................... 76

WESTSIDE

blvd 16 (California)......................................................... 76 chan dara (Thai)...................................................... 87 encounter (California)............................................ 76 gyu-kaku (Japanese).................................................. 82 la serenata de garibaldi (Mexican)........ 84 matteo’s (Italian)....................................................... 82 napa valley grille (California)................... 77 NINE THIRTy (California)............................................ 77 paparazzi (Italian)..................................................... 82 sushi sasabune (Japanese)............................. 83 VIBRATO grill (Club).............................................. 78 vu (California)...................................................................... 78 westside tavern (California)........................... 78

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208 RODEO Set atop the stairs on Via Rodeo’s cobblestone street, 208 Rodeo serves up luxury and bistro fare in a unique, romantic setting. Exuding Rodeo Drive elegance—the restaurant’s flagstone patio overlooks the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, the setting of the film Pretty Woman—208 Rodeo is a gem among the ritzy shops of Two Rodeo. Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a quick bite, 208 Rodeo offers it all amid warm Hollywood Regency décor. The eatery offers California cuisine with pan-Asian and French influences, serving dishes that are both beautifully presented and imaginatively prepared with seasonal ingredients. Menu highlights include tomato bisque, coconut sesame prawns, tuna tartar, penne arrabbiata and pan-roasted striped bass. 208 Rodeo also offers a delectable dessert list featuring chocolate Florentine cannoli and tiramisu. A children’s menu is available for all meals. B, L, D (daily)

208 Via Rodeo, Beverly Hills

310.275.2428

Starters Organic tomato bisque French onion soup Crispy calamari Caprese salad with burrata Mediterranean tuna tartar Goat cheese with roasted baby beets Coconut sesame prawns Smoked salmon platter Assorted sliders Classic Caesar salad Iceberg Cobb salad Thai beef salad Seared ahi tuna Niçoise salad Asian grilled prawn-spinach salad Lobster-and-white-truffle salad Entrees Brioche French toast Cobblestone omelets Organic parfait Gourmet grilled cheese sandwich Grilled chicken breast sandwich Kobe beef avocado burger Penne arrabbiata Roasted salmon Strip bass meunière Provençal mussels and fries Grilled Jidori chicken Baby lamb chop New York strip steak Flat iron steak and French green beans Filet mignon and Brussels sprouts Desserts Chocolate Florentine cannoli Mixed berry rolada Napoleon Tiramisu Triple-layer chocolate mousse White chocolate cheesecake

208rodeo.com

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MENU HIGHLIGHTS Starters Crab cakes with micro greens Prime filet carpaccio Charlie’s cheese plate Oysters

CHarLIE’S Charlie DiLorenzo opened her dream restaurant in spring 2009 to outstanding reviews. Embraced by the local community and diners visiting the spectacular coastal location, Charlie’s serves classic steaks, seafood and pastas—including a 16-oz. rib eye, lamb lollipops with blue cheese fondue and seared dry pack sea scallops—as well as the house favorite, white pizza with ricotta, feta, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses and white truffle essence. A recently introduced lunch menu offers salads, sandwiches, pizzas and pastas along with starters including lobster spring rolls and crisp calamari steaks. Charlie’s also boasts a contemporary bar program of original cocktails and a wine cellar with 150 labels from vineyards from Malibu to the Médoc. A stylish yet casual dining room and lounge features neutral tones and natural woods, highlighted by striking Dolce & Gabbana leopard-print “mademoiselle”chairs and a hand-blown glass chandelier. L (M–F), D (nightly).

Entrees Spaghetti aglio y olio Angel hair pomodoro Penne a la vodka White pizza with white truffle essence Wild mushroom and goat cheese pizza Charlie’s Kobe burger Portobello mushroom sandwich Prime rib-eye sandwich Filet mignon New York strip steak Rib eye steak Pork chop Lamb with blue-cheese fondue Duck with Port wine and cherries Half-roasted Jidori chicken Grilled salmon Grilled jumbo prawns Seared dry pack scallops Lobster tail

22821 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu

310.456.3132 charliesmalibu.com

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MENU HIGHLIGHTS Appetizers Grilled Pancetta & Burrata Crostino Carpaccio with Roasted Mushrooms Grilled Pancetta Wrapped Jumbo Shrimp Spinach & Ricotta Dumplings Crab Cake Prosciutto & Melon

FIrENzE OSTErIa A stone’s throw from Universal Studios, Firenze Osteria is setting the standard for Italian cuisine in Los Angeles. Executive Chef Fabio Viviani, a fan favorite on Bravo’s Top Chef Season 5, brings 500-year-old recipes from Florence to Southern California diners; a delicious menu includes homemade pastas, dry-aged meats and imported cheeses, as well as an extensive wine list and unique martinis created by award-winning mixologist Jacopo Falleni. Classic Tuscan décor bathed in rustic browns and yellows transports diners to Italy without the need for a passport. Firenze Osteria’s high quality and commitment to excellence makes every dining experience memorable, from catering to private parties. The restaurant can customize a special menu for parties of 20 to 250, or bring the warmth of fine Italian dining to private dinners and large events.

4212 Lankershim Blvd., Toluca Lake

818.760.7081 firenzeosteria.com

Salads Caesar Poached Pear Crispy Duck Salad Burrata Salad Buffalo Caprese Light Menu Wheat Spaghetti with Chicken Flat Iron Steak Mediterranean Style Light Salmon Salad Filet of Sole Pasta & Risotto Sausage & Mushroom Risotto Lobster Ravioli Gnocchi Pesto Braised Short Rib Ravioli Trofie Pasta with Duck Sausage Butternut Squash Ravioli Fettuccini Bolognese Seafood Linguini Lobster Mac & Cheese Entrees Cioppino Mediterranean Seabass Roasted Chicken Sliced Filet with Arugula Balsamic Baby Back Ribs Ossobucco Pork Chop Fried Pounded Veal Chop Rib-Eye Filet Mignon Rack of Lamb Dessert Panna Cotta Flourless Chocolate Cake Tiramisu Homemade Gelatos

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LE cLafoUTIS For the past 21 years, Le Clafoutis has served the best in French cuisine to the visitors and locals of West Hollywood. Set in the center of Sunset Plaza, the eatery boasts a full bar, large booths, a friendly atmosphere and is a well-known hideout for celebrities. The outdoor patio overlooking the Sunset Strip is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail and people-watch. At Le Clafoutis, every dish—from choice meats and seafood to breads and pastries baked fresh daily—is created using artisan ingredients. Stop by for happy hour Monday through Friday from 4 to 7:30 pm and nightly from 9:30 pm to close. L, D (daily), Br (Sa–Su)

Starters Onion soup Gazpacho Caesar salad Clafoutis salad Warm goat cheese salad Belgian endive Beets medley Escargots Burrata caprese Fried calamari Ahi tuna tartar Entrees Fettuccine chicken alfredo Chicken ravioli Penne portofino Prawn risotto Mussels Poulette Whitefish filet Wild king salmon Grilled ahi tuna Roasted duck Chicken sunset Chopped steak au poivre Rib eye Lamb chops Short ribs

8630 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood

310.659.5233 leclafoutis.fr

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MENU HIGHLIGHTS Antipasti Vitello tonnato Octopus carpaccio with arugula Beef tongue with salsa verde Tuna-avocado tartare, plantain chips Organic lettuce trio

LOCANDA DEL LAGO At Locanda del Lago, a top Italian chef blends Santa Monica farmers market organic produce with the finest Italian ingredients to create exceptional, best-of-both-worlds dishes. The impeccably executed traditional recipes attract an eclectic crowd of foodies, celebrities, locals and travelers who dine and mingle as if on the shores of Lake Como. Regulars rave about such unique dishes as beef tongue with salsa verde, whole-wheat pizzoccheri with bitto cheese and Savoy cabbage, gorgonzola-and-beet risotto and baked Chilean sea bass. Says Gourmet magazine, “Don’t miss the ossobuco alla milanese.” The certified green restaurant uses organic produce and sources sustainable seafood and meats, in addition to making its pasta, focaccia bread, desserts and gelato in-house daily. The upscale eatery, with its warm, inviting interior, expansive windows and a sidewalk patio looking out on the colorful Third Street Promenade, also offers a popular happy hour that features market-driven artisan cocktails as well as local and Italian wines. L, D (daily).

Primi Piatti Pumpkin-amaretti ravioli, crispy sage Cauliflower gnocchi with lake fish ragu Pizzoccheri Smoked chicken lasagna, basil pesto Housemade sausage risotto Secondi Piatti Ossobuco alla milanese Filet mignon with summer truffle sauce Salt-baked Chilean sea bass Wild Loch Duart salmon Jidori chicken trio with sunchoke puree

231 Arizona Ave., Santa Monica

310.451.3525 lagosantamonica.com

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La foCaCCErIa Tra DI NoI The team behind Tra di Noi in Malibu has taken over the historic Prego space in Beverly Hills to create spin-off La Focacceria Tra di Noi. Owners Tarcisio Mosconi, Antonio Alessi and chef-partner Francesco Velasco divided the downstairs venue in two, with one half offering high-end Italian fare, including tuna tartare and short ribs braised in Chianti, served at comfortable booths and linen-covered tables. The other half features casual all-day dining, such as focaccia sandwiches and panini, plus a bakery, salumeria and espresso bar. Signature dishes include macaroni ripieniâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;candele pasta stuffed with ricotta and basil and sauced with tomatoes, guanciale and sweet onionsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and prosciutto pizza topped with tomato sauce, prosciutto, mozzarella, arugula and shaved Parmesan cheese. Meals can be paired with Prosecco cocktails or fine wines from Italy and California. Upstairs, private rooms allow for parties and business meetings; a front patio offers alfresco dining. B, L, D (daily).

Starters Beef tenderloin carpaccio with arugula Tuna tartare over micro greens Prosciutto, cantaloupe and arugula Ricotta-stuffed zucchini blossoms Sauteed mussels with white wine Fennel with oranges and goat cheese Baby spinach with Gorgonzola and figs Romaine hearts with shaved Parmesan Pastries Focaccia Ciabatta Prosciutto Speck Salami Parmigiano-Reggiano Bufala mozzarella Burrata Taleggio Entrees Prosciutto pizza Risotto scampi with asparagus Macaroni ripieni Roasted Dover sole Costolette al Chianti

362 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills

310.277.7346 tradinoimalibu.com

11:01 AM

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paparazzI rISToraNTE Paparazzi Ristorante in the Sheraton Gateway Hotel delights diners with fresh pasta in authentic sauces as well as artistically prepared seafood, poultry and steaks. The restaurant inspires the senses with its Old World Italian-meets-contemporary cuisine. Start with a tasty salad such as one with grilled romaine, or choose from a list of appetizers that includes seared scallops with cauliflower beurre noisette and braised short ribs with spinach-and-ricotta tortellini. Other menu highlights include spaghetti Bolognese, dry-aged New York strip steak and “chicken under the brick.” Paparazzi’s crisp, clean and classy décor features chandeliers, black pin-cushioned booths and white linen tablecloths; framed celebrity photographs decorate the walls. An elegant private dining room accommodates 40 guests and is equipped for entertainment and audio-visual needs. D (M–Sa).

Starters Seared scallops in cauliflower puree Pan-friend garlic calamari Lobster ravioli with sweet corn sauce Roasted artichokes Beef tips pazzaiola Grilled romaine Caesar salad Heirloom caprese Not-so-French onion soup Tomato basil bisque Entrees 8 oz. filet mignon 12 oz. dry-aged New York strip steak 16 oz. Porterhouse steak Pan-seared jumbo prawns Spaghetti alla bolognese Oven-roasted striped bass Salmon with vegetables caponata Lavender braised lamb shank Desserts Lavender crème brûlée Berries a la crème Flourless chocolate tart Gelato Tiramisu

6101 W. Century Blvd., Westchester

310.642.4820 sheratonlax/paparazzi.com

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MENU HIGHLIGHTS Starters Escargot in shell Oysters Rockefeller Bluefin tuna gateau Wagyu beef tenderloin tartare Crispy pork belly

L.A. PRIME Located on the 35th floor of the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, the award-winning L.A. Prime invites diners to experience a culinary adventure in a relaxed atmosphere with refined service. Known for its innovative and edgy cuisine, L.A. Prime offers prime beef steaks, both wet and dry-aged, as well as beautiful lamb chops and veal Oscar, fresh fish and shellfish. Dishes are enhanced with local produce and paired with wines from an award-winning list recognized by Wine Spectator. Executive chef Andreas Nieto has created a masterful menu of artfully presented dishes made with fresh ingredients to please the palate. Stars wink at diners through floor-to-ceiling windows as they sit back, relax and enjoy all that downtown has to offer. D (nightly).

404 S. Figueroa St., downtown

213.624.1000 thebonaventure.com

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Soup or salad French onion soup Uni soup with halibut cheek Caesar salad prepared tableside Petite iceberg wedges Heirloom tomatoes with burrata Beets with goat cheese White and green asparagus Bloomsdale baby spinach Entrees Bone-in Delmonico ribeye Prime New York strip steak Filet mignon Steak au poivre Wet-aged Porterhouse steak Grilled Colorado lamb chops Roast prime rib of beef Petite filet with bĂŠarnaise Veal loin Neiman Ranch pork chop Mano de Leon jumbo scallop Sauteed shrimp scampi Cedar-plank salmon Sea bass Pan-roasted chicken breast Hand-cut fettuccini White truffle risotto Sides Baked potato White cheddar macaroni Gratin jumbo asparagus Honey-glazed carrots Desserts Banana cream pie crĂ¨me brulee Strawberries Romanoff Fuji apple vanilla bean cobbler

5/17/11 11:15 1:29 PM 7/12/11 AM

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VILLA BLANcA Villa Blanca, the sexy, stylish and romantic restaurant owned and operated by Lisa Vanderpump, a member of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” is the place to see and be seen. Set in the heart of Beverly Hills, the St. Tropez-like eatery boasts stylish furnishings and creative décor, with a large patio that’s perfect for celebrity sightings. Executive Chef Francis Demetrius, an expert in Asian and Asian-fusion dishes, has created an exceptional and affordable menu featuring Mediterranean and Italian influences; standout entrees include the pappardelle Bolognese ragu. L, D (daily)

Starters Ahi tuna tartare Beef carpaccio Breadcrumb-encrusted eggplant Caprese a la Villa Blanca Cornmeal-dusted calamari Crispy rock shrimp Villa Blanca vegetable miso soup Asian pear and endive salad Caesar salad Caprese a la Villa Blanca Fresh lobster and crab salad Pandora’s salad Red and golden beet salad Entrees Fusilli and sausage Pappardelle bolognese Drunken-battered fish and chips Grilled Australian lamb chops Grilled organic salmon Cherry-miso duck breast Miso-glazed black cod Roasted prime filet mignon Roasted Chilean sea bass Seafood paella Veal marsala Desserts Hawaiian mochi English sticky toffee pudding Villa Blanca cheesecake Molten chocolate cake Villa Blanca sundae Lemon Charlotte cake

9601 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills

310.859.7600 villablancarestaurant.com

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

MENU HIGHLIGHTS Starters Crispy portobello fries Bistro fritto misto Grilled wild calamari Foie blond torchon Roasted heirloom beets Chef-made fresh mozzarella

A/K/A (AN AMErIcAN BISTro) From highly regarded restaurateur Robert Simon comes a/k/a (An American Bistro), featuring American cuisine with a wine-country sensibility. Located in Old Pasadena’s tony One Colorado Plaza, a/k/a is a destination eatery that lures diners with delicious food and a relaxing atmosphere. a/k/a’s unique menu offers a smart presentation of stylish, comfort-driven plates that highlight the quality of ingredients; standouts include filet beef tartare served with pickled mustard seed and farm yolk, and a charcuterie platter featuring house country pâté, foie blond torchon, Prosciutto di Parma and handmade San Francisco salumi served with mixed olives, pickled fennel and house-made mustard. a/k/a’s vivid flavors pair naturally with an exceptional and well-priced wine selection and six craft beers from California on tap. The restaurant’s inviting interior features a wood-wrapped bar, thick butcher-block table tops, a glassenclosed wine room with more than 2,000 bottles, two private rooms as well as bistro-style alfresco dining overlooking the plaza. L, D (daily).

Entrees Prince Edward Island mussels Summer sweet pea risotto Pan roasted Ji-dori chicken Pan-seared Scottish salmon Grilled double-cut Prairie Fresh pork chop Desserts Bread pudding, vanilla ice cream and bourbon sauce Caramel ice cream profiteroles Butterscotch pot au crème Warm very chocolate cake Upside down blackberry tart Lemon curd and soft merengue tart

41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena

626.564.8111 akabistro.com

{An American Bistro}

12:47 PM

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MENU HIGHLIGHTS Starters Rice balls Grilled artichoke Beef carpaccio with bone marrow Oysters with mignonette

DOMINICK’S RESTAURANT Bringing a retro Rat Pack vibe to 21st-century Los Angeles, Dominick’s in West Hollywood has been a crowd favorite since it opened its doors in 1948. Renovated by owners Warner Ebbink and Chef Brandon Boudet in 2004, the red leather banquettes, black-and-white-tiled floor, refurbished wooden bar and walls covered with family photos lend a warm and welcoming retro-hip vibe. Two expansive patios, one with an outdoor bar, lure diners with brick fireplaces, walls decorated with potted herbs and an intimate yet convivial feel. Diners will be delighted with Chef Boudet’s approachable yet inventive Italian-American menu with favorites such as spaghetti and meatballs, whitefish piccata, house-made ricotta gnocchi and fried hen. The popular weekend brunch offers unique cocktails and $12 bottles of prosecco, as well as the addictive ricottaand-blueberry pancakes, herb waffles with smoked salmon and a woodgrilled hamburger with burrata. Br (Sa–Su), D (nightly).

Entrees Housemade ricotta gnocchi Whitefish piccata Prime New York steak House-made meatball flight Grilled Loch Duart salmon Fried hen with fennel-celery salad Brunch Entrees Eggs funghi Blueberry-and-ricotta pancakes Tomato-and-goat cheese frittata Steak and poached eggs Grilled wild boar bacon Desserts Ricotta fritters with blackberry compote Pistachio cake with strawberries Seasonal gelato

8715 Beverly Blvd., West Hollywood

310.652.2335 dominicksrestaurant.com

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la dining Il Fornaio

Il Fornaio’s award-winning authentic Italian cuisine is a favorite in Los Angeles. Specialties include house-made pastas, wood-fired pizza, grilled fish, authentic risotto, and rotisserie meats. Artisan breads and pasta are made fresh daily. Each month a special menu from a different region of Italy is featured. With an event coordinator on-site to handle all of your needs, Il Fornaio is the perfect location for special events and business functions. Winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2008.

301 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.550.8330 1800 Rosecrans Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.725.9555 1551 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.451.7800 1 Colorado, Pasadena, 626.683.9797 ilfornaio.com

LUCA-Fresh Bites LUCA-Fresh Bites, is a welcome city retreat where customers can find healthy menu options using the freshest natural and organic ingredients in an eco-friendly contemporary setting. The menu is inspired by the simple and wholesome food that you would find in a typical Italian home with a touch of Southern California cuisine. The design of the restaurant is an extension of the menu. They used eco-friendly building materials, natural finishes and extensive plantings to create a peaceful and natural environment where customers can escape the demands of their day and the bustling L.A. traffic. B, L, D (daily).

7950 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood 323.822.2900 lucafreshbites.com

Cafe Sierra Within walking distance of Universal Studios Entertainment Center, Cafe Sierra offers an extravagant, Vegas-style seafood, lobster and prime rib dinner buffet with entertainment. On the weekend, they offer a delectable champagne brunch which has been voted best in Los Angeles. Signature American international breakfast buffet, which is perfect for early morning power meetings and offers Wi-Fi capabilities. A la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner menus offer a wide selection of continental cuisine. With a wide selection of award winning wines, the atrium lounge features great appetizers and happy hour. Alfresco dining at Hollywood Pool and Cabanas (weather permitting). Free self-parking. 10% discount on dinner buffet with hotel key. B, L, D (daily).

555 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City 818.509.2030 hiltonuniversal.com special advertising section

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la dining Bouchon Bistro

Bouchon emphasizes leading American chef and restaurateur Thomas Keller’s reputation for impeccable ingredients and service, offered in a vibrant gem of a dining room. Rooted in tradition, the bistro highlights France’s culinary heritage, serving such classic entrees as steak frites and trout amandine, as well as an extensive raw bar. Also on the menu, find assorted charcuterie and cheeses, quiches, salads and soups; an international wine list boasts selections from France and the U.S., primarily California. Located downstairs and open from 10am–10pm, Bar Bouchon has a traditional neighborhood feel and features an extensive bar menu. Br (Sa-Su), L (M–F), D (nightly).

235 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills 310.271.9910 bouchonbistro.com

Matteo’s Restaurant Frequented in its early days by celebs including Frank Sinatra and the rest of the Rat Pack, Matteo’s Restaurant has redefined its look and cuisine while maintaining status as the epitome of classic cool. A unique menu that changes with the seasons and an upscale supper club atmosphere form a winning combination of homey and hip. Executive chef Antonio Orlando’s menu feature sumptuous, cosmopolitan Italian fare like veal tartufato, lamb and weekly game specials. Happy hour specials Tuesday through Friday and on Sunday include half-off drinks and a $7 and under bar menu. For lunch, visit adjacent cafe Hoboken, open weekdays. D (Tu-Su).

2321 Westwood Blvd., L.A. 310.475.4521 matteosla.com

Noé Restaurant & Bar

Nestled among skyscrapers and the numerous water features of California Plaza is Noé Restaurant & Bar in the Omni Los Angeles Hotel. Awarded a notable 3 fork-and-knife rating in the Los Angeles 2008 Michelin Guide, executive chef Glen Ishii’s market-driven menu of neo bistro cuisine tempts palates of diners nightly. With dishes rotating regularly and portion sizes ranging from delicate small plates to full-bodied entrees, Noé Restaurant & Bar has become a popular setting for downtown residents to unwind after quitting time or for theater patrons grabbing a quick bite before the curtain rises at the numerous theaters in the area. This summer, Noé features a happy hour, 4 pm to 7 pm Monday through Friday, offering an array of imaginative $2 sliders and discounted drinks. D (nightly).

Omni Los Angeles Hotel, 251 S. Olive St., downtown 213.356.4100 noerestaurant.com special advertising section

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la dining Benihana Beverly Hills At the heart of the Benihana experience lies the teppanyaki table, where masterful chefs expertly prepare fine Japanese cuisine on hibachi grills. Favorites like filet mignon, New York strip steak, shrimp with butter and lemon, Seafood Diablo with udon noodles or the signature hibachi chicken fried rice are cooked to order right in front of guests. The appetizer menu includes sushi and tempura selections. The beverage menu includes interesting wines, creative cocktails and a variety of sake. A children’s menu is also available. L, D (daily).

38 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills 323.655.7311 benihana.com

The Stinking Rose Located on Beverly Hills’ famed Restaurant Row, The Stinking Rose has made a name for itself, and its popularity is evident—people fill the unique dining rooms to partake of the tasty food enhanced by the fragrant bulb. Specialties include two pounds of whole, garlic-roasted Dungeness crab in a secret garlic sauce, garlic-encrusted baby back ribs and the ever-popular forty-clove garlic chicken. L, D (daily).

55 N. La Cienega Blvd. (near Wilshire Blvd.), Beverly Hills 310.652.7673 thestinkingrose.com

Vampire Lounge & Tasting Room Discover a seductive escape in the heart of Beverly Hills at Vampire Lounge & Tasting Room. On the menu is Vampire Vineyards’ full range of delicious wines; try Dracula Syrah, Trueblood Pinot Noir or Je T’aime Rosé Champagne. Also sample bittersweet chocolates, superb cappuccinos, fine teas and other delicious `lite bites’. The lounge features décor with gothic undertones, including plush red velvet upholstery and gold-and-crystal chandeliers. Twilight Happy Hour, featuring 25 percent off reserve wines, is a must. Anne Rice fans will adore this place, which offers a chance to sip the blood of the vine. Gifts and specialty food products are also available.

9865 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills 310.826.7473 vampiretastingroom.com special advertising section

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Entertainment LOS ANGELES CrAft BEEr CrAwL Aug. 13. Unlimited tastings of 50 craft beers at seven downtown bars (Seven Grand, Golden Gopher, Las Perlas, Caña Rum Bar, Cole’s, Broadway Bar and Casey’s Irish Pub). Food trucks are stationed between venues. Tickets online. 3–8 pm. $49; VIP ticket for entry at 1 pm, $69. lacraftbeercrawl.com Map I16 SuNSEt Strip muSiC fEStivAL Aug. 18–20. Sunset Strip venues the House of Blues, Key Club, the Roxy, the Viper Room and Whisky a Go-Go (see pp. 113–116 for location information) host a music and street festival. Performers include Motley Crüe, Bush, Public Enemy, Matt & Kim, Cobra Starship. $55–$250. 310.659.7368, sunsetstripmusicfestival.com Map H12 SuNSEt juNCtiON StrEEt fEStivAL Aug. 27–28. Festival celebrates diversity with ethnic food, carnival rides, musical acts such as Butthole Surfers, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. $15, under 13 and over 64 free. Parking at Los Angeles City College, 835 N. Vermont Ave. 3700–4300 Sunset Blvd. and 4000–4200 Santa Monica Blvd., Silver Lake, 323.661.7771 Map southeast of W23

Hair Apparent

The Hollywood Bowl’s annual musical is the stage version of the kooky John Waters comedy Hairspray, playing Aug. 5–7 at the outdoor amphitheater in the Hollywood Hills. Starring Tony Award-winning Broadway cast members Harvey Fierstein (pictured) as Edna Turnblad and Marissa Jaret Winokur as Tracy Turnblad, the musical features other marquee names such as Drew Carey, Corbin Bleu, Nick Jonas and John Stamos. The fully staged musical tells the story of an awkward teenager in 1960s Baltimore who realizes her dreams when she nabs a role dancing on The Corny Collins Show, but faces resistance from her peers when she pushes for racial integration. (See right.)

Theater thiS A portrait of forty-something life as seen through a group of five friends. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213.628.2772 Map L11 iriS Continuing. Cirque du Soleil’s newest production, a tribute to film, takes up permanent residence at the Kodak Theatre. 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 877.943.4747 Map H13

Music + Dance CLuB NOkiA Aug. 3 Matisyahu, Tea Leaf Green. Aug. 10 Big Audio Dynamite, The Chain Gang of 1974. Aug. 19 The Glitch Mob, RJD2, Photek. 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.480.3232 Map I15 GrEEk thEAtrE Aug. 2 Yes, Styx, Shane Alexander. Aug. 3 Lykke Li, Best Coast, Fool’s Gold. Aug. 4 Dave Mason, Mark Farner, Rick Derringer, Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals, Gary Wright. Aug. 5 Cristian Castro. Aug. 6 Morris Day & the Time, Sugarfoot’s Ohio Players, One Way with Al Hudson, Dazz Band, Mary Jane Girls. Aug. 12 The Decemberists, Wye Oak. Aug. 13–14 The Gipsy Kings, Nicolas Reyes, Tonino Baliardo. Aug 15 Adele, Wanda Jackson. Aug. 17 Go Go’s, Girl in a Coma. Aug. 18–19 Death Cab for Cutie, Frightened Rabbit. Aug. 26 Atmosphere, Evidence, Blueprint, DJ Babu. Aug. 27 Goo Goo Dolls, Michelle Branch, Parachute. 2700 N. Vermont Ave., Griffith Park, 323.665.5857 Map V22 hOLLywOOd BOwL Aug. 2 Los Angeles Philharmonic, conductor Lionel Bringuier, pianist Yuja Wang. Aug. 4 L.A. Philharmonic, conductor Joana Carneiro, clarinetist Kari Kriikku, clarinetist Paul Meyer. Aug. 5–7 Hairspray. Aug. 8 Phish. Aug. 9, 11 L.A. Philharmonic, conductor Perry So, director and violinist Joshua Bell. Aug. 10 Robert Cray, Keb’ Mo’, Mavis Staples. Aug. 12–13 L.A. Philharmonic, conductor Miguel HarthBedoya, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Mujeres de Agua. Aug. 14 Dave Coz and Friends, Bobby Caldwell, Sheila E, Larry Graham and Graham Central Station, Spyro Gyra, Phil Perry. Aug. 16 L.A. Philharmonic, conductor Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos, mezzo-soprano Tamara Mumford. Aug. 17 Herbie Hancock, Kurt Eling, Glen Hansard, Aimee Mann, Chaka Khan, Wayne Shorter, Cassandra Wilson, drummer Brian Blade, pianist/keyboardist Jon Cowherd, guitarist Greg Leisz, guitarist Marvin Sewell, bassist Chris Thomas, percussionist Jeff Haynes, saxophonist Tom Scott, trumpeter Mark Isham. Aug. 18 L.A. Phil-

Guidelines

Map locators at the end of each listing (map A3; map h10, etc.) refer to maps on pages 123–126. Compendium includes editors’ recommendations and advertisers.

Index Special Events .................104 Theater ..............................104 Music + Dance.................104 Sports.................................104 Attractions .......................104 Studio Tours ..................... 107

Studio Tapings.................108 Museums .........................108 Shopping Destinations ....111 Nightlife.............................. 113 Beaches .............................. 116 Tours + Transport ............120

harmonic, conductor Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos, pianist Jeremy Denk, soprano Leah Crocetto, mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano, tenor Garrett Sorenson, bassbaritone Iain Paterson, Los Angeles Master Chorale. Aug. 19–21 Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, conductor John Mauceri. Aug. 23 L.A. Philharmonic, conductor Leonard Slatkin, pianist André Watts. Aug. 24 Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club, Arturo Sandoval & the L.A. All Star Big Band, Ninety Miles. Aug. 25 L.A. Philharmonic, conductor Leonard Slatkin, pianist Olga Kern. Aug. 26–27 L.A. Philharmonic, conductor John Williams. Aug. 28 Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Jean Claude Vannier, Beck, Sean Lennon, Charlotte Kemp Muhl, Ed Droste, Victoria Legrand, Mike Patton, Zola Jesus, Lulu Gainsbourg. Aug. 30 L.A. Philharmonic, conductor Michael Riesman, Philip Glass Ensemble, Los Angeles Children’s Chorus. Aug. 31 George Benson, DMS. 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 323.850.2000 Map G13 thE wiLtErN Aug. 9 Deerhunter. Aug. 10 Sia. Aug. 11 Ellie Goulding. Aug. 17 Old 97’s, Josh Ritter. 3790 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 877.598.8698 Map J13

Sports dOdGEr StAdium Aug. 8–10 Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies. Aug. 12–14 Dodgers vs. Houston Astros. Aug. 26–28 Dodgers vs. Colorado Rockies. Aug. 29–31 Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres. 1000 Elysian Park Ave., L.A., 866.363.4377 Map G17 hOmE dEpOt CENtEr Aug. 6 Los Angeles Galaxy vs. F.C. Dallas. Aug. 20 Galaxy vs. San Jose. Aug. 27 Chivas U.S.A. vs. Real Salt Lake. 1000 E. Victoria St., Carson, 310.630.2102 Map M15

Attractions AdAmSON hOuSE 1930s home filled with famed Malibu Potteries tile. Grounds open daily; house W–F 10:30 am–3:30 pm, Sa 11 am–3 pm. $2–$5, under 6 free. No credit cards. 23200 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.456.8432 Map west of K7 AmEriCAN GirL pLACE Multilevel venue with boutique, bookstore and cafe dedicated to the designer dolls. M–Th 10 am–8 pm; F–Sa 10 am–9 pm; Su 10 am–7 pm. The Grove, 189 The Grove Drive, L.A., 877.247.5223 Map J13 ANNENBErG COmmuNity BEACh hOuSE Public facility on Santa Monica State Beach with pool, play area, beach volleyball and tennis courts, gardens, cafe. Free tours of Marion Davies Guest House. Daily 8:30 am–8:30 pm. Pool: Su, Tu, Th 10 am–6 pm; M, W, F–Sa 10 am–8 pm. Pool pass: $4–$10, family of four (two youth, two adults) $24; admission to other facilities, free. Parking $3/hour, $8/day. 415 Pacific Coast Hwy., Santa Monica, 310.458.4904 Map L8

Canter’s Deli, the beloved restaurant/music venue in the Fairfax District, claims to have sold 2 million pounds of lox and 20 million bagels since its inception in 1931. p. 114

PAUL KOLNIK

Special Events

104 WHERELA.COM

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H O L LY WO O D BOW L 2 011 THERE’S A STORY IN EVERY SEAT.

Entertainment Aquarium of the Pacific Focus on Pacific Ocean sea life. Pet the sharks at Shark Lagoon; Lorikeet Forest, Monsters of the Abyss 3-D. Daily 9 am– 6 pm. $12.95– $24.95, under 3 free. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, 562.590.3100 Map O16 Catalina Express Year-round boat service to Catalina Island; daily departures from Long Beach, Dana Point, San Pedro. Reservation recommended. Call for hours. $25.50–$34.25 one way, $51–$68.50 round-trip; under 2, $2–$4. 800.995.4386, catalinaexpress.com Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels Stunning contemporary cathedral opposite Music Center. M–F 6:30 am–6 pm; Sa 9 am–6 pm; Su 7 am–6pm. 555 W. Temple St., downtown, 213.680.5200 Map H17 Chinatown Ornate architecture, dim sum, shops with Eastern wares. Art and antiques on Chung King Road. Between Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and Bernard Street, Yale and Spring streets, downtown Map G17

JOSHUA BELL

RODRIGO Y GABRIELA

DAVE KOZ

DESCANSO GARDENS North America’s largest camellia collection (34,000 plants amid 20 acres of oaks) and much more, including lilacs, azaleas, irises. 9 am–5 pm daily. $3–$8, under 5 free. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, 818.949.4200 Map Q19 Disneyland Mickey Mouse’s theme park. Recent additions include Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. Updated Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain. Fireworks, fantastic Fantasmic! continues. Call for hours. Admission (includes all rides and attractions): $68– $76, under 2 free. 1600 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map I10

WALT DISNEY’S FANTASIA

HERBIE HANCOCK

JOHN WILLIAMS

Disney’s California Adventure Soarin’ Over California, A Bug’s Land, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Toy Story Mania!. Ariel’s Undersea Adventure is newest attraction. Call for hours. Admission (includes all rides and attractions): $68–$76, under 2 free. 1600 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map I10 Downtown Disney Twenty acres of admissionfree shopping, dining and nightlife adjacent to theme parks. 1510–1590 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim Map I10 Egyptian TheatRE Restored 1922 Hollywood landmark screens classics, cult favorites, indie films. Excellent Forever Hollywood screens daily. Call for schedule. $5–$10. 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.466.3456 Map H13

SERGE GAINSBOURG TRIBUTE WITH JEAN CLAUDE VANNIER SEAN LENNON & CHARLOTTE KEMP MUHL

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Don’t miss this iconic L.A. experience! HollywoodBowl.com | 323.850.2000 800.745.3000 Groups (10+) 323.850.2050 Parking, shuttle & venue policies at HollywoodBowl.com/GettingThere Programs, artists, prices and dates subject to change.

El Capitan TheatrE 1926 Spanish-style movie palace screens Disney films new and old. Musical accompaniment to many shows. Call for schedule. $12–$13. VIP admission with reserved seat $25. 6838 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.467.7674 Map H13 El Pueblo de Los Angeles Birthplace of Los Angeles. Twenty-seven buildings include 1818 Avila Adobe, L.A.’s oldest. 130 Paseo de la Plaza, downtown, 213.628.1274 Map H17 EXPOSITION ROSE GARDEN Grassy pathways bisect 20,000 rose bushes of nearly 200 varieties. Daily 9 am–5 pm. Free. 701 State Drive, downtown, 213.763.0114 Map K15 Farmers Market Local landmark with 120 produce stalls, restaurants and gift shops in open-air setting. M–F 9 am–9 pm; Sa 9 am–8 pm; Su 10 am–7 pm. 6333 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.933.9211 Map I13 Grauman’s Chinese Theatre Historic Hollywood venue with walkway of stars’ hand- and footprints in the forecourt. Call for movie schedule. 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.464.8111 Map H13 Greystone MANSION AND PARK Gardens and park grounds open daily. Tours first Saturday of the month. 10 am–6 pm most days. Free. 905 Loma Vista Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.285.6830 Map I11

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Entertainment Griffith ObservatOry Iconic attraction overlooking Hollywood. Hourly shows at planetarium. Tu–F noon–10 pm; Sa–Su 10 am–10 pm. Free; donations accepted. 2800 E. Observatory Road, L.A., 213.473.0800 Map U23 Guinness WOrld recOrd MuseuM Shrine to amazing achievements. Daily 10 am–midnight. $6.95– $15.95, under 6 free. 6764 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.463.6433 Map H13 hOllyWOOd Walk Of faMe Celebs get stars. Free. Hollywood Boulevard from Gower Street to La Brea Avenue, Hollywood, 323.469.8311 Map H13 hOllyWOOd Wax MuseuM Hollywood and pop culture greats in wax. Su–Th 10 am–midnight; F–Sa 10 am–1 am. $8.95–$15.95, $5.95–$12.95 online, under 5 free. 6767 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.462.5991 Map H13 knOtt’s berry farM More than 165 rides and attractions. Roller coasters include Silver Bullet, GhostRider, Montezooma’s Revenge and Sierra Sidewinder. Call for hours. $22.99–$46.99, under 3 free. 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200 Map D5 kOdak theatre Tour the home of the Academy Awards. Daily 10:30 am–4 pm. $10–$15, under 3 free. 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.308.6300 Map H13 l.a. live Burgeoning entertainment center is home to the Grammy Museum, Nokia Theatre and Club Nokia; restaurants, high-tech bowling lanes and nightspots such as the Conga Room. 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.763.5483 Map I15 l.a. ZOO and bOtanical Gardens Wildlife in parklike setting. Daily 10 am–5 pm. $9–$14, under 2 free. Golden State (5) and Ventura (134) freeways, 5333 Zoo Drive, L.A., 323.644.4200 Map T23 lOs anGeles cOunty arbOretuM & bOtanic Garden Peafowl roam the grounds and roost overhead at 127-acre garden. Make your own idyllic route or take the tram tour. Su–F 9 am–5 pm (last admission 4:30 pm); Sa, call for hours. Free third Tuesday of the month. $3–$8, under 5 free. 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, 626.821.3222 Map Q22

A MENU SO FRESH, WE PRINT IT TWICE A DAY.

MadaMe tussauds hOllyWOOd Wax museum with some 115 likenesses of celebrities in music, film, sports and more. Costumes provided for photo ops with figures. Call for hours. $18–$25, $14.40–$20 online, under 4 free. 6933 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.798.1670 Map H13 the Music center The 90-minute Symphonian Music Center Tour includes history, architecture. Also see listing for Walt Disney Concert Hall at the Music Center. First come, first served. 10 am–2 pm most days. Free. 151 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.4399 Map H16

Premium Seafood. Aged Steaks. Fine Wines.

Ocean frOnt Walk Boardwalk with street performers, souvenir vendors. Muscle Beach–adjacent. Along beach between Marine Street and Grand Boulevard, Venice Map N9 Olvera street Festive open-air Mexican marketplace with restaurants, shops at historic El Pueblo de Los Angeles. Alameda Street between Main and Los Angeles streets, downtown, 213.628.1274 Map H17

BURBANK

(818) 260-0505

pacific park Amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier with rides including a solar-powered Ferris wheel, plus midway games, food vendors, specialty shops. M–Tu noon–7 pm; F–Sa 11 am–midnight; Su 11 am –11 pm. Admission free; rides $3–$5, unlimited pass $15.95–$24.95. 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, 310.260.8744 Map L8

EL SEGUNDO (310) 416-1123

DOWNTOWN LA (213) 629-1929

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BEVERLY HILLS (310) 859-0434

SAN DIEGO

(619) 645-6545

PASADENA

(626) 405-0064

SANTA ANA

(714) 558-1963

ANAHEIM

(714) 535-9000

IRVINE

(949) 756-0505

www.McCormickandSchmicks.com WHERE | Los Angeles July 2011 1/3 p 4c

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Attractions + Museums

astro’s

Queen Mary Ship and Seaport Historic ocean liner—bigger than the Titanic!—permanently berthed in Long Beach Harbor. Shops, dining, art deco lounge. Daily 10 am–6 pm for self-guided and guided tours. $12.95–$24.95, under 5 free. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 562.435.3511 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. $8.99–$14.99, 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. Daily 10 am–5 pm. $6–$12, under 11 free. 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, 800.410.8354 Map northwest of A1 ruSSian Foxtrot SuBMarine Tour the Scorpion, moored next to historic Queen Mary ocean liner. Daily 10 am–6 pm. $9.95–$10.95, under 5 free. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 562.432.0424 Map O16 San antonio winery Complimentary tastings and tour of the only producing winery in L.A. Restaurant and wine shop on site. Open daily; call for hours. 737 Lamar St., downtown, 323.223.1401 Map G17 Santa Monica MountainS national recreational area Hiking, horseback riding, bird-watching on 150,000 acres. National Park Service Visitor Center open daily 9 am–5 pm (holidays exempt). 401 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, 805.370.2301 Map west of B1

246 north canon drive, beverly hills, ca 90210 310.888.8782

Six FlagS Magic Mountain Theme park has 17 coasters; dozens of attractions; rides including world’s tallest, fastest and longest flying coaster, Tatsu. Call for hours. $34.99– $59.99, under 3 free. 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy., Valencia, 661.255.4111 Map A2 univerSal citywalk Eye-popping dining, shopping and entertainment promenade includes boutiques such as Fossil, Guess? and Abercrombie & Fitch, novelty stores and state-of-the-art cinema and IMAX theater. iFLY Hollywood is a simulated sky-diving wind tunnel. Call for hours. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 818.622.4455 Map U20 univerSal StudioS hollywood World’s biggest motion picture/TV studio. Rides include Jurassic Park, The Simpsons Ride and Revenge of the Mummy—the Ride. Tram studio tour includes the new King Kong 360 3-D and film and TV sets. VIP Experience is private guided tour through prop warehouse, working movie sets, soundstages. Call for hours. $66–$74, under 3 free. VIP Experience $259. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 800.864.8377 Map U20 walt diSney concert hall Frank Gehry-designed architectural landmark at the Music Center. Tour options include 45-minute self-guided audio tour narrated by John Lithgow; guided tours at noon and 1 pm; prematinee guided tours. Guided tours for 15 or more by reservation. 10 am–2 pm most days. Free. 151 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.4399 Map H16

2087 east thousand oaks blvd., thousand oaks, ca 91362 805.418.1811

Studio Tours nBc StudioS Seventy-five-minute walking tour; see sets of The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, Days of Our Lives; wardrobe, makeup, special effects, sound effects. M–F 9 am–3 pm. $5–$8.50, under 5 free. 3000 W. Alameda Ave., Burbank, 818.840.3538 Map T21

www.mastrosrestaurants.com

paraMount StudioS vip tour Two-hour group tour of the longest-operating and only remaining major studio in Hollywood. Reservation required. Tours M–F (holidays exempt) at 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm and 2 pm. $40. 5555 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, 323.956.1777 Map i14

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Attractions + Museums Sony Pictures Studios Two-hour walking tour of historic motion picture studio includes live productions, sets of television shows and films including Spider-Man. Reservation, photo ID required. M–F 9:30 am–2:30 pm. $33; under 12 not admitted. 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, 310.244.8687 Map L11 Universal Studios Hollywood See listing under Attractions. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 818.622.3801 Map U20   Warner Bros. Studios Two-hour VIP tour of working movie and TV studio includes backlots, enormous soundstages and costume department, memorabilia museum and observation of filming when possible. VIP tours available. Reservation recommended; photo ID required. M–F 8:20 am–4 pm. $48, under 8 not admitted. 3400 Riverside Drive, Burbank, 818.972.8087 Map U20

Studio Tapings Audiences Unlimited Free tickets to live tapings of TV shows on CBS, FOX, NBC and CW. Minimum age 12–18, varies by show. Satellite TV Ticket Booth, Universal Studios Hollywood, 818.260.0041, Ext. 1. tvtickets.com THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW Free tickets for taping of comedienne’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 Riverside Drive, Burbank, 818.954.5929 Map U20 Jimmy Kimmel Live Free tickets for live tapings of late-night ABC show. Minimum age 18. Phone line open M–F 1–4 pm. El Capitan Entertainment Center, 6838 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 866.546.6984 Map H13 NBC Television Reserve seats for sitcoms and The Jay Leno Show day of show only at NBC Ticket Box. Two tickets per person, first come, first served. Advance tickets except The Tonight Show through Audiences Unlimited. Minimum age 16. 3000 W. Alameda Ave., Burbank, 818.840.3537 Map T21 On-Camera Audiences Free tickets to live tapings of TV shows including American Idol, Family Feud, The Late Late Show, MADtv. Minimum age 12–18, varies by show. 818.295.2700, ocatv.com Paramount Studios Tickets to tapings of shows offered first come, first served five days in advance and via website. Minimum age 12–18, varies by show. (Dr. Phil tickets, 323.461.7445, Audience@CBSParamount. com.) 5555 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, 323.956.1777, paramount.com Map I14

Museums THE annenberg space for photography Ten thousand square feet with digital projection gallery, print exhibit area. Continuing Beauty CULTure. W–Su 11 am–6 pm. Parking $3.50, $1 after 4:30 pm and all day Sa–Su. Admission free. 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Century City, 310.209.4560 Map J11 California African American Museum History, culture, art. Through Aug. 7 Betye Saar: CAGE. Continuing Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing: How the Apollo Theater Shaped American Entertainment. Ongoing Gallery of Discovery. Tu–Sa 10 am–5 pm; Su 11 am–5 pm. Free. Parking $8. 600 State Drive, Exposition Park, 213.744.7432 Map M8 California Heritage Museum American decorative arts, folk art. Continuing Shortboard Revolution: Surf Design 1967–1984. W–Su 11 am–4 pm. $3–$5, children under 12 free. 2612 Main St., Santa Monica, 310.392.8537 Map M8

CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIAAFRICAN AFRICANAMERICAN AMERICANMUSEUM MUSEUM Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing: Ain’t Ain’tNothing Nothing Like Likethe theReal RealThing: Thing: How the Apollo Theater Shaped American Entertainment

How Howthe ApolloTheater Theater ShapedAmerican AmericanEntertainment Entertainment June 1the –Apollo September 4, Shaped 2011 June June1 1– –September September4,4,2011 2011 Betye Saar: CAGE A New Series of Assemblages and Collages

Betye BetyeSaar: Saar:CAGE CAGE A ANew NewSeries SeriesofofAssemblages Assemblagesand andCollages Collages

June 16 – August 7, 2011

June June 1616– –August August7,7,2011 2011 Inside the Apollo A Photographer’s View June 9 – September 4, 2011

CAAM CAAMCELEBRATION CELEBRATIONATATTWILIGHT TWILIGHT

Women: Game Changers, LessDay Known, Here Celebrated Target TargetSundays Sundays meets meets Independence Independence DayMonday Monday July 14Open – November 2011 Doors Doors Open atat11am. 11am.6, Live Live Entertainment Entertainmentfrom from6-8pm. 6-8pm.

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CALIFORNIA AFRICAN CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIAAFRICAN AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM AMERICAN AMERICANMUSEUM MUSEUM 600 State Drive 600 600State StateDrive Drive Exposition Park Exposition ExpositionPark Park LA 90037 LAFor LA90037 90037 more information ForFormore morego to www.caamuseum.org information informationgogoto to or call 213-744-7432 www.caamuseum.org www.caamuseum.org Parking at 39th and or or call call213-744-7432. 213-744-7432. Figueroa Streets th th Parking Parkingatat3939 and and $10 per vehicle Figueroa FigueroaStreets Streetsand and FREE ADMISSION!

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FREE FREEADMISSION! ADMISSION! Image: Betye Saar with The Destiny of Latitude & Image: Image: Betye Betye Saar Saar with with The Destiny Destiny Longitude, The 2010 ofPhoto of Latitude Latitude & Longitude, &Jacob Longitude, 2010 2010 by Wheeler Photo Photo byby Jacob Jacob Wheeler Wheeler

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Attractions + Museums CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER Interactive exhibits for budding scientists. New Ecosystems wing. Continuing 1001 Inventions: Discover the Golden Age of Muslim Civilization; Small World. Ongoing Forty Years of Space Photography; After Life; FADE: The Dark Side of Light. Daily 10 am–5 pm. Permanent exhibition gallery, free; admission for other exhibits and Imax varies. Admission to exhibit galleries free. Parking $8. 700 State Drive, Exposition Park, downtown, 323.724.3623 Map K15 CRAFT AND FOLK ART MUSEUM International folk and contemporary craft art. Continuing Ann Weber: Love and Other Audacities; Jennifer Angus: All Creatures Great and Small. Tu–F 11 am–5 pm, Th until 7 pm; Sa–Su noon–6 pm. $5–$7, under 10 free. 5814 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.937.4230 Map J13 FOWLER MUSEUM Art and material culture from Africa, Asia, the Pacific, the Americas. Through Aug. 14 Jam Session: America’s Jazz Ambassadors Embrace the World. Continuing Launching a Dream: Reviving Tongva Maritime Traditions; Radiance and Resilience: Arts of Africa and the Americas From the Goldenberg Collection. Ongoing Intersections: World Arts, Local Lives. W–Su noon–5 pm, Th until 8 pm. Free. Parking $8. UCLA, 308 Charles E. Young Drive N., Westwood, 310.825.4361 Map I10

Depar tures from:

800.622.2083

Catalina Express Where LA / 4.625” x 4.875” / 4-color March 2011

GETTY CENTER Beautiful travertine-clad hilltop facility houses stunning collections of paintings, drawings, antiquities, photographs and decorative arts. Fabulous central garden and city views. Through Aug. 7 Paris: Life & Luxury. Through Aug. 14 Fashion in the Middle Ages. Through Aug. 21 Display and Art History: The Düsseldorf Gallery and Its Catalogue. Opening Aug. 30 “In the Beginning Was the Word”: Medieval Gospel Illumination. Continuing Luminous Paper: British Watercolors and Drawings; In Focus: the Sky; A Revolutionary Project: Cuba From Walker Evans to Now; Fashion in the Middle Ages; Gods of Angkor: Bronzes From the National Museum of Cambodia. Ongoing New Galleries for Medieval and Renaissance Sculpture and Decorative Arts; La Roldona’s Saint Ginés: The Making of a Polychrome Sculpture. Tu–F, Su 10 am–5:30 pm; Sa 10 am–9 pm. Free. Parking $15, free Sa after 5 pm. 1200 Getty Center Drive, L.A., 310.440.7300 Map K7 GETTY VILLA Getty Center’s exquisite coastal counterpart features Roman and Greek antiquities. Continuing Apollo From Pompeii: Investigating an Ancient Bronze; In Search of Biblical Lands: From Jerusalem to Jordan in 19th-Century Photography. Ongoing Molten Color: Glassmaking in Antiquity; Roman Ephebe From Naples. Th–M 10 am–5 pm. Free. Parking $15. Advance timed tickets required. 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.440.7300 Map K7 GRAMMY MUSEUM Museum on L.A. Live campus explores music across genres, the creative and recording processes, and Grammy Award history. Continuing The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil: A Fifth Anniversary Showcase; Roy Orbison: The Soul of Rock & Roll; Bob Marley, Messenger; Barbra Streisand; Muzak Archives Preservation; John Lennon, Songwriter. Daily 10 am–6 pm. $10.95–$12.95, under 6 free. 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite A245, downtown, 213.765.6800 Map I15

ourney to the icy edges of the Earth at the Aquarium of the Pacific! Explore the Arctic and Antarctic, and discover the animals, people and plants that depend on these fascinating fragile regions. Touch sea jellies. View king crabs. And meet a real live Arctic fox! Witness how climate change puts our polar regions at risk. Travel across the planet in an immersive multimedia experience.

aquariumofpacific.org 562 . 590 . 3100 100 AQUARIUM WAY, LONG BEACH, CA 90802

HAMMER MUSEUM Traveling shows and installations and permanent collection. Opening Aug. 13 Yoshua Okón. Through Aug. 7 Danica Dakic. Continuing Shannon Ebner; Ed Ruscha: On the Road; Linn Meyers; Paul Thek: Diver, a Retrospective. Tu–W, F–Sa 11 am–7 pm, Th until 9 pm, Su until 5 pm. $5–$10. 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood, 310.443.7000 Map J10 HOLLYWOOD MUSEUM Ten thousand artifacts on four floors: costumes such as Robert Pattinson’s and Taylor Lautner’s in Twilight; sets including Hannibal Lecter’s cell, props, photos, movie posters, scripts; and Max Factor’s makeup rooms, where Marilyn Monroe became a blonde and Lucille Ball a redhead. In restored Max Factor Building. Continuing Harlow at 100. W–Su 10 am–5 pm. $12–$15. 1660 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 323.464.7776 Map H13

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Attractions + Museums huNtiNGtON LiBrAry, Art COLLECtiONS, ANd BOtANiCAL GArdENS Stellar art, buildings and grounds, children’s garden. Gallery includes Pinkie and The Blue Boy. Expanded Virginia Steele Scott Galleries of American Art. Continuing Out of the Shadows: Joshua Reynolds’ Celebrity Portraiture and the Market for Mezzotints in 18th-Century Britain. M, W–F noon–4:30 pm; Sa–Su 10:30 am–4:30 pm. $6–$20, under 5 free. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, 626.405.2141 Map R21 jApANESE AmEriCAN NAtiONAL muSEum Through Aug. 28 The California Hotel: Hawaii’s Home Away from Home; Fighting for Democracy: Who Is the “We” in “We, the People”? Continuing Year of the Rabbit: Stain Sakai’s Usagi Yojimbo; Year of the Labbit Custom Show. Tu–W, F–Su 11 am–5 pm; Th noon–8 pm. $5–$9, under 6 free. 369 E. 1st St., downtown, 213.625.0414 Map H17 LOS ANGELES COuNty muSEum Of Art Diverse premier collections; Broad Contemporary Art Museum and Resnick Pavilion are latest additions. LACMA West nearby. Opening Aug. 20 Ai Weiwei: Circle of Animals/ Zodiac Heads. Continuing Possible Worlds: Mario Ybarra, Jr. and Slanguage Studio Select From the Permanent Collections; Gifts of the Sultan: The Arts of Giving at the Islamic Courts; Tim Burton. M–Tu, Th noon–8 pm, F until 9 pm; Sa–Su 11 am–8 pm. Closed W. $10–$15, under 18 free. LACMA West free. LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd.; LACMA West, 6067 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.857.6000 Map J13 muSEum Of CONtEmpOrAry Art Premier contemporary art venue. Through Aug. 8 Art in the Streets (GC). Continuing George Herms: Xenophilia (Love of the Unknown) (PDC); Andy Warhol Campbell’s Soup Cans (GA); Common Objects: Pop Art From the Collection (GA); From the Recent Past: New Acquisitions (GA); Miranda July: Eleven Heavy Things (PDC); Lynda Benglis (GA). Ongoing A Selection of Works From MOCA’s Permanent Collection (GA). M, F 11 am–5 pm; Th 11 am–8 pm; Sa–Su 11 am–6 pm. Pacific Design Center, Tu–F 11 am–5 pm, Sa–Su until 6 pm. $5–$10, under 12 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 jurASSiC tEChNOLOGy Subversive venue blends fact and fiction. Th 2–8 pm; F–Su noon–6 pm. $3–$5 suggested donation. 9341 Venice Blvd., Culver City, 310.836.6131 Map L11 muSEum Of tOLErANCE Exhibits examine prejudice and discrimination, legacy of the Holocaust and humanrights issues. Through Aug. 19 Besa: Albanian Muslims Who Saved Jews During the Holocaust. Through Aug. 21 Children of the Holocaust—Doll Exhibition. Continuing Para Todos Los Niños: For All the Children. Ongoing Finding Our Families, Finding Ourselves. M–Th 10 am–5 pm, F until 3 pm; Su 11 am–5 pm. $11–$15, under 5 free. 9786 W. Pico Blvd., West L.A., 310.553.8403 Map J11 NAturAL hiStOry muSEum Of LOS ANGELES COuNty Thirty-three million objects from dino fossils to fish. See paleontologists preparing fossil specimens at Dino Lab. Age of Mammals is the permanent exhibition. New Dinosaur Hall. Continuing Butterfly Pavilion, with free-flying butterflies and moths. Daily 9:30 am–5 pm. $2–$9, under 5 free. 900 Exposition Blvd., downtown, 213.763.3466 Map K15 NOrtON SimON muSEum Stellar collection of Renaissance to 20th-century masterworks and sculpture garden. Through Aug. 1 Where Art Meets Science: Ancient Sculpture From the Hindu-Buddhist World. Through Aug. 15 Surface Truths: Abstract Painting in the Sixties. Continuing Vermeer’s Woman with a Lute on Loan From the Metropolitan Museum of Art. W–M noon–6 pm. $5–$10; students with photo ID, children under 18 free. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626.449.6840 Map Q19

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Shopping PALEY CENTER FOR MEDIA Exhibits, screenings and radio-listening series; tens of thousands of programs on view. W–Su noon–5 pm. Free. 465 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.786.1000 Map I11 Pasadena Museum of California Art California art, architecture, design. Continuing Street Cred: Graffiti Art From Concrete to Canvas; Clayton Brothers: Inside Out; Getting Upper: Graphic Designers and Artists Reconsider the Alphabet. W–Su noon–5 pm. $5–$7, under 12 free. 490 E. Union St., Pasadena, 626.568.3665 Map Q19 Petersen Automotive Museum Continuing Scooters: Size Doesn’t Always Matter; Supercars: When Too Much Is Almost Enough. Ongoing The Streetscape: The Car and the City in Southern California; Hollywood Gallery: Cars of Film & Television; Alternative Power: Lessons From the Past, Inspiration for the Future; Hot Wheels Hall of Fame. Tu–Su 10 am–6 pm. $3–$10, under 5 free. 6060 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.930.2277 Map J13 Skirball Cultural Center The American Jewish experience; stunning views. Continuing Houdini: Art and Magic; Masters of Illusion: Jewish Magicians of the Golden Age. Ongoing Visions and Values: Jewish Life From Antiquity to America; Noah’s Ark at the Skirball. Tu–F noon–5 pm; Sa–Su 10 am–5 pm. $5–10, children under 2 free. 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A., 310.440.4500 Map G9

Shopping Destinations THE AMERICANA AT BRAND Huge downtown Glendale hot spot with Main Street, U.S.A., atmosphere and trolley from the creators of The Grove. Ninety stores and dining options. Boutiques include a Tiffany & Co. concept store, Kate Spade and Kiehl’s; other draws include Barneys CO-OP and Pacific Theatre cinema. Brand Boulevard and Americana Way, Glendale, 818.637.8900 Map southeast of T23

THE BOWL STORE

Beverly Center Trend-setting mall near West Hollywood has 160 boutiques (Tiffany & Co., Forever 21, Fendi, Henri Bendel, Prada) and restaurants; the Rooftop Terrace offers excellent views. Anchors include Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s. La Cienega and Beverly boulevards, L.A., 310.854.0070 Map I12 Fashion District This downtown neighborhood is a bargain hunter’s paradise. More than 1,000 stores sell to the public at 30%–70% discounts on apparel, accessories, textiles and flowers. Between Main and San Pedro streets; Olympic Boulevard and 7th Street, downtown, 213.488.1153 Map J16 Fred Segal A multitude of international trends since 1968 began in what may be L.A.’s most famous store, an emporium of individually owned boutiques. Café and salon are popular for shoppers and drop-ins. 8100 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.655.3734; 420 and 500 Broadway, Santa Monica, 310.394.9814 Map I13, L8

Hollywood Bowl Mug

Visit L.A.’s most beloved outdoor music venue and take home something special! Choose from a wide selection of music, books, picnic items, apparel, gifts and toys. Located in the Box Office Plaza • LAPhilStore.com

HOLLYWOOD BOWL 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, CA 90068 Open daily 10am-5pm, with extended hours on concert days

Glendale Galleria Family-oriented mall with department stores and boutiques including Nordstrom, Crabtree & Evelyn and Vans Colorado Boulevard and Central Avenue, Glendale, 818.240.9481 Map U23 The Grove Popular outdoor center has more than 50 shops, a Barneys CO-OP, Nordstrom and nine restaurants in a setting that suggests a grand old downtown. Movie theater, trolley and dancing fountain are draws. The Wall Street Journal rates concierge services No. 1 in the nation. Adjacent to Farmers Market. 3rd Street and Fairfax Avenue, L.A., 323.900.8080 Map I13 Hollywood & Highland CENTER Home of the Academy Awards’ Kodak Theatre. Tinseltown-themed retail, dining and entertainment center features several restaurants, cinema, high-tech bowling lanes and stores

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Shopping such as Louis Vuitton and Lucky Brand Jeans. Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, Hollywood, 323.467.6412 Map H13 jApANESE viLLAGE pLAZA Popular plaza in Little Tokyo features some 40 shops selling Japanese books, art, gifts and sundries. Restaurants are Japanese, though one serves excellent Korean barbecue. Mikawaya sells mochi ice cream. 335 E. 2nd St., downtown Map H17 jEwELry diStriCt Retailers offer 50%–70% savings on gems, watches and fine jewelry. At the St. Vincent’s Jewelry Center (645–650 S. Hill St.), you’ll find 500 jewelry merchants. Between Hill Street and Broadway, from 5th to 8th streets, downtown Map I16 mALiBu COuNtry mArt Outdoor center tucked away in beach town with upscale boutiques such as Ron Herman, James Perse, Madison; galleries, spas, children’s play area. Restaurants include Tra di Noi and Nobu Malibu. 3835 and 3900 Cross Creek Road, Malibu Map northwest of K7 mALiBu LumBEr yArd Small collection of upscale retailers adjacent to Malibu Country Mart, including Alice + Olivia, Maxfield, Crumbs Bake Shop and La Perla. 3939 Cross Creek Road, Malibu, 310.456.7395 Map northwest of K7 mANhAttAN viLLAGE This mall by the shore features a Diane’s Beachwear as well as a Macy’s and Macy’s Men’s and Home. Concierges assist with taxies, strollers and even lottery tickets. 3200 Sepulveda Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.546.5555 Map L13 mEtLOx Pottery factory converted to upscale shopping destination; Design Within Reach, Trilogy Spa and restaurants including Petros Greek Cuisine. Between Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Valley and Morningside drives and Manhattan Beach Civic Center Map L13

PROFESSIONAL

ONE COLOrAdO Outdoor plaza with boutiques such as Gold Bug, Kate Spade, Juicy Couture, Papyrus,140-329_GM_WhereLA_Aug11_final.indd 1 Armani A/X and deluxe movie theater Gold Class Cinemas. Refuel after retail therapy at Italian restaurant Il Fornaio or Sushi Roku. 24 E. Union St., Old Pasadena, 626.564.1066 Map Q19 pASEO COLOrAdO Outdoor shopping promenade near Old Town features Jigsaw London, Tommy Bahama and big bargains on designer clothes at Loehmann’s. Los Robles Avenue and Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, 626.795.8891 Map Q20 SANtA mONiCA pLACE Sleek outdoor mall at one end of Third Street Promenade, two blocks from Santa Monica State Beach. Anchored by Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s. Fifty boutiques including 7 for All Mankind, CB2 and Barneys CO-OP. Rooftop Dining Deck with food court, six restaurants and gourmet market. 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, 310.394.1049 Map L8 SANtEE ALLEy Open-air pedestrian bazaar with heaps of hugely discounted clothes, jewelry and toys. Cash only. Between Olympic Boulevard and 12th Street, Maple and Santee streets, downtown Map I16 SOuth COASt pLAZA High-end center boasts nearly 300 boutiques, 30 restaurants and several spas. Stores include Chanel, Gucci, Valentino, Chloé, Jimmy Choo, Christian Dior. Concierge at five locations. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 800.782.8888 Map 6E SuNSEt pLAZA Upscale row of boutiques and sidewalk cafes is L.A.’s Euro hang. Calypso, Catherine Malandrino, Chez Bop, Ole Henriksen spa and H. Lorenzo stores. 8600–8700 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood Map H12 third StrEEt prOmENAdE Pedestrian-only shopping zone includes Zara, French Connection, Restoration Hardware, kiosks and a wide array of very entertaining street performers. 3rd Street between Broadway and Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica Map L8

7/5/11 5:08:10 PM

LBD Little Black Dress An homage to Breakfast at Tiffany’s Iconic dresses from 1936 to the present, from Givenchy’s classic dress for Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s to the latex creation for True Blood, including Dior, Lhuillier and more.... Don’t miss this intimate summer exhibition at the FIDM Museum & Galleries.

EXHIBITION OPEN: June 15 – August 13, 2011 Tuesday – Saturday 10am–4 pm Free admission

FIDMmuseum.org FIDMmuseumshop.org blog.FIDMmuseum.org 919 South Grand Ave., Los Angeles 90015 • 213.623.5821

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Original Works of Native American Indian Jewelry and Art

Nightlife twO rOdEO Center with cobblestones in the heart of Beverly Hills features Versace, James Elliot and other high-end boutiques, plus restaurants including 208 Rodeo and salon services. At Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, 310.247.7040 Map J11 wEStfiELd CENtury City Sleek open-air mall with more than 175 stores, including Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and Tiffany & Co. Luxe AMC multiplex with Imax screen, beautifully designed food court atrium and terrace. 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Century City, 310.277.3898 Map J11 wEStfiELd tOpANGA Upscale retail center boasts Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and more. 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd., 818.594.8740 Map west of A1 wEStSidE pAviLiON Center south of Westwood Village is anchored by Nordstrom and Macy’s. Landmark theater is the country’s most spectacular indie cineplex. 10800 W. Pico Blvd., West L.A., 310.474.6255 Map J11

Nightlife Visitors from around the world seek out Taos Indian Trading Co. for unique, quality jewelry, pottery, sculptures, paintings and a variety of other artifacts representing 57 tribes.

Mon-Sat 11am-7pm Sun 12pm-5pm

310.395.3652

403 Santa Monica Blvd. TaosIndianTrading.com

thE ABBEy Fixture of the WeHo gay scene serves flavored martinis galore. 692 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.289.8410 Map H12 ALiBi rOOm Modern neighborhood bar; serves food from Kogi, a trendy Korean barbecue truck. 12236 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, 310.390.9300 Map M10 ANGEL City BrEwiNG New. Award-winning microbrewery in a brick-clad industrial building. 216 S. Alameda St., downtown, 213.622.1261 Map I17

thE ASSOCiAtiON The gang from Bar Copa and the Room turn out another nightlife mainstay. 110 E. 6th St., downtown, 213.627.7385 Map I16 6/1/11 10:24 AM BArBArELLA BAr Black, gray and scarlet-themed décor and 10-ounce martinis. 2609 N. Hyperion Ave., Silver Lake, 323.644.8000 Map W23

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BArdOt Hollywood elite come for live music nights from Green Door team. 1737 Vine St., Hollywood, 323.462.1307 Map H14 BAr mArmONt Dreamy bar next door to historic Chateau Marmont. 8171 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.650.0575 Map H12 BArNEy’S BEANEry Route 66 roadhouse bar. 8447 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.654.2287; 1351 3rd St., Santa Monica, 310.656.5777; 250 N. 1st St., Burbank, 818.524.2912 Map H12, M8, A3 BAr NiNEtEEN12 Superswanky spot at Beverly Hills Hotel. Delish menu, gourmet Jell-o shots. 9641 Sunset Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.273.1912 Map I11 BAr NOir Quiet, Kelly Wearstler-designed lounge in boutique hotel. Maison 140, 140 S. Lasky Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.281.4000 Map J11

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BAr 1200 Laid-back bar caters to music industry insiders. Sunset Marquis, 1200 N. Alta Loma Road, West Hollywood, 310.657.1333 Map H12 BASEmENt tAvErN New. Underground speakeasy in a Victorian abode; live music. The Victorian, 2640 Main St., Santa Monica, 310.392.4956 Map M8 BiGfOOt LOdGE Kitschy log-cabin-themed watering hole. 3172 Los Feliz Blvd., Atwater Village, 323.662.9227; Bigfoot West, 10939 Venice Blvd., Culver City, 310.287.2200 Map northeast of V23, M11 thE BriG Former dive bar has new look. DJ on weekends. 1515 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.399.7537 Map N9

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Nightlife

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caña RUM BAR at the doheny Premium rum bar with some 140 small-batch rums and cigar pairings. 714 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.745.7090 Map I16 Canter’s Kibitz Room Live music nightly; attached to beloved deli. 419 Fairfax Ave., West Hollywood, 323.651.2030 Map I13 CHLOE Parisian-inspired lounge nearby Third Street Promenade. 1449 2nd St., Santa Monica, 310.899.6999 Map L8 city tavern New. Brews, California wines and cocktails. Booths outfitted with computerized craft brew taps; patrons pour their own. 9739 Culver Blvd., Culver City, 310.838.9739 Map L11 the colony The Hamptons meet Hollywood at this seaside-styled club. 1743 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, 323.525.2450 Map H14 copa d’oro Design-your-own cocktails from a list of farmers-market ingredients. 217 Broadway, Santa Monica, 310.576.3030 Map L8

S TA I N E D G L A S S & G A L L E R “Largest Selection of Artglass in Los Ange

corkbar Wine bar focuses on California wineries; 40-something wines by the glass. 403 W. 12th St., downtown, 213.746.0050 Map J15

1426 4th St. • Santa Monica, CA 90401 310.451.9390 • www.adammsgallery.co

CROWN BAR The team behind Winston’s and tiny Dime opens lounge with Old (West) Hollywood décor. 7321 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.882.6774 Map H13

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Drai’s Vegas nightlife king Victor Drai’s flashy rooftop spot. W Hollywood, 6250 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.962.1111 Map H14 eagle rock brewery Family-run microbrewery with tasting room. 3056 Roswell St., Eagle Rock, 323.257.7866 Map northeast of W23

818-990-6128

13604 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks (Just East of Woodman)

Mon-Sat 10-6 Sun 12-4 www.AbundancePlusSizes.com

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THE ECHO Hip Echo Park dance club books local and indie bands. DJs, dancing; Echoplex, with separate entrance, is downstairs. 1822 Sunset Blvd., Echo Park, 213.413.8200; Echoplex, 1154 Glendale Blvd., Echo Park, 213.413.8200 Map G16

S TA I N E D G L A S S & G A L L E RY “Largest Selection of Artglass in Los Angeles”

4/7/11 9:58 AM

THE EDISON Posh renovated power plant. Get there early—especially for the 35-cent cocktail offered Thursdays, 5–7 pm. Dress code. 108 W. 2nd St., downtown, 213.613.0000 Map H17 1886 Artisanal cocktails inside retro restaurant the Raymond. 1250 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, 626.441.3136 Map S19 EL REY THEATRE Hot indie bands play art deco theater on Miracle Mile. 5515 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.936.6400 Map J13 harvard & stone Fine cocktails in a grittychic industrial space. 5221 Hollywood Blvd., L.A., 323.466.6063 Map W22

ENJOY COCKTAILS AND SPECTACULAR VIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY UNTIL LABOR DAY 7 TO 11PM ON OUR ROOFTOP OPEN BAR 7 TO 8PM DJ SPINNING FROM 7 TO 11PM

Hemingway’s Sumptuous library-styled lounge. 6356 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.469.0040 Map H14 high Boutique hotel’s rooftop bar with 360-degree views of Venice Beach. Hotel Erwin, 1697 Pacific Ave., Venice, 310.452.1111 Map N9 Hotel CafE Tiny gem offers live rock music. 16231/2 Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, 323.461.2040 Map I14 House of Blues Name bands in faux bayou setting. 8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.848.5100 Map H12 h. wood Comfy lounge with cocktails ‘n’ chess; open during day as coffee shop. 1738 N. Orange Drive, Hollywood, 323.871.2262 Map H13

PLEASE RSVP TO SUNSETRSVP@LUXURYRESORTS.COM 1020 N. SAN VICENTE BOULEVARD WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90069 THELONDONWESTHOLLYWOOD.COM

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Nightlife hydE SBE lounge has spawned a duo of local offshoots. Reservation recommended. 8029 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.656.4933; Hyde at Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.742.7326; Hyde Beach at Gladstone’s, 17300 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades 310.454.3474 Map I14, I15, northwest of K7

SEE 10,000 REAL SHOWBIZ TREASURES The Most Extensive Collection of Hollywood Memorabilia In the World!

jAmES’ BEACh Pickup scene, super food. 60 N. Venice Blvd., Venice, 310.823.5396 Map N9 jONES Dimly lit hipster magnet serves up Italian food and stiff drinks. 7205 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.850.1726 Map L13

Tour the historic Hollywood photo gallery,

kEy CLuB Industrial-cool music venue on the strip. 9039 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.274.5800 Map H12

walk through Hannibal Lector’s jail cell. See Marilyn Monroe’s Million Dollar Dress, Elvis, I

Love Lucy, Superman,

LAS pErLAS Festive tequila and mezcal bar with sophisticated cocktails. 107 E. 6th St., downtown, 213.988.8355 Map I16

Star Trek,Transformers, Twilight, Glee, High

LAuGh fACtOry Famed comedy nightclub. 8001 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.656.1336; 151 S. Pine Ave., Long Beach, 562.495.2844 Map H12 La Velvet Margarita Blends “high-end Tijuana brothel” and “a bit of Elvis.” 1612 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, 323.469.2000 Map H14

School Musical and more SPECIAL EXHIBIT: June 15 - Nov 30 “Lucille Ball at 100, ‘I Love Lucy’ at 60” The Hollywood Museum exhibit celebrates the milestone birthdays of America’s favorite comedienne and TV’s greatest comedy series including the genius of Desi Arnaz and Desilu. See costumes, props, personal items, letters, inventions, posters, remembering the careers and romance of Hollywood’s lovebirds, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.

Wed. - Sun. 10am - 5pm Admission: $15 Adults $12 Seniors & Kids under 12

$ 2.00 OFF We Accept CityPass and Go! Los Angeles

TheHollywoodMuseum.com 1660 N. Highland Ave. Near SE Corner of Hollywood Blvd.

323.464.7776

LA dESCArGA Cuban-inspired rum bar. Live band and dance performances. Reservation recommended. 1159 N. Western Ave., Hollywood, 323.466.1324 Map east of H14

1102 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles 877.311.8687 310.289.8687 anothersideoﬂosangelestours.com

L SCOrpiON Sultry tequila bar. 6679 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.464.3026 Map H14 Mountain Bar Hipster hang in Chinatown. 473 Gin Ling Way, downtown, 213.625.7500 Map G17 thE OthErOOm Microbrews and wines by the glass, New York City-style. 1201 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.396.6230 Map N9 pAGOdA BAr Poolside lounge at palatial restaurant with panoramic views of Hollywood. Yamashiro Restaurant, 1999 Sycamore Ave., Hollywood, 323.466.5125 Map H13 pLAyhOuSE hOLLywOOd Features entertainment from burlesque dancers and acrobats. 6506 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.656.4800 Map H14 pOurtAL Self service, pay-by-the-pour Enomatic dispensers; great bar bites, cheeses. 104 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.393.7693 Map L8

Your Source for quality seating

thE rOGEr rOOm Hidden speakeasy with creative cocktails. 370 N. La Cienega Blvd., L.A., 310.854.1300 Map J12 thE rOxy Historic rock ‘n’ roll venue on the strip. 9009 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.276.2222 Map H12 ruSh StrEEt Culver City’s full of wine bars, but this huge Chicago-style hangout has all the libations. 9546 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 310.837.9546 Map L11 SEvEN GrANd Whiskey bar with tongue-incheek hunt-club décor. 515 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.614.0737 Map I16

Local Hotel Delivery All Major Credit Cards Accepted Open 7 Days a Week Any Event 20 Years of Personal Service

310-207-1226

SkyBAr Chic open-air roost with a view at the Mondrian hotel. Reservations required. 8440 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.848.6025 Map H12 thE SpArE rOOm New. Lounge-cum-rec room with board games and bowling lanes. Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.769.8882 Map H13 thE StANdArd dOwNtOwN Rooftop bar with panoramic city views, pool, vibrating red waterbeds. 550 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.892.8080 Map I16

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Beaches thE StANdArd hOLLywOOd Lounge with swinging seats, glowing purple walls. 8300 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.650.9090 Map H12 thE tErrACE Old Hollywood ambience poolside; cabanas. Sunset Tower Hotel, 8358 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.654.7100 Map H12 thirsty crow Classy whisky and bourbon bar. 2939 W. Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake, 323.61.6007 Map south of W23 trOpiCANA BAr Poolside hot spot at the Roosevelt Hotel. 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.466.7000 Map H13 trOuBAdOur Historic spot books up-and-coming alt-rock and local bands. 9081 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.276.6168 Map H12 trOuSdALE Sumptuous club from nightlife guru Brent Bolthouse. 9229 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.274.7500 Map H11 vAmpirE LOuNGE & tAStiNG rOOm New. Gothic wine bar with Vampire Vineyards wines, small plates and cheeses. 9865 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.826.7473 Map I11 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 viLLAiNS tAvErN Stylish haunt in the Arts District. Indoor bar for cocktails, outdoor bar for craft beers and flavor-paired shots. 1356 Palmetto St., downtown, 213.613.0766 Map east of I17 vOyEur Provocative, Eyes Wide Shut-inspired lounge; burlesque shows. 7969 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.255.1111 Map I13 wurStkÜChE Exotic sausage and beer hall is a popular, boisterous neighborhood hangout. Try the duck-bacon-jalapeño frank. 800 E. Third St., downtown, 213.687.4444 Map I17 x BAr Indoor-outdoor playpen for CAA and ICM talent agents. Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, 2025 Avenue of the Stars, Century City, 310.228.1234 Map J11

Beaches BELmONt ShOrE Wide and sandy; on-site dog beach. Along Ocean Boulevard, from 54th Place to Belmont Pier, Long Beach Map O17 CABriLLO BEACh Inside the breakwater it’s a stillwater beach and on the ocean it’s a surf beach. Public boat launching ramp on harbor side. Beach wheelchairs available. 40th Street and Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro Map O15

Turn Heads. Hug Curves.

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For Reservations, call 1 866 4 LUX CAR and reference customer number 32D8178.

Applies to all vehicles reserved in advance for rentals up to six days at participating Southern California Exotic Car Collection locations. Participating locations are available by calling 1 866 458-9227. Rates are as posted at time of reservation by calling 1 866 458-9227. Weekly rates may apply depending on length of rental or for longer rental needs. Rental must end by December 31, 2011. Offer may not be used with other coupons, offers or discounted rates. Vehicles are subject to availability. Standard rental qualifications apply. Offer does not apply to taxes, surcharges, recovery fees, and optional products. Check your auto insurance policy and/or credit card agreement for rental vehicle coverage. Other restrictions, including holiday and blackout dates, may apply. Pickup and drop-off service is subject to geographic and other restrictions. Void where prohibited.

dAN BLOCkEr BEACh Sandy, narrow beach draws surfers and divers. Great spot for scuba enthusiasts. Limited free roadside parking. 26000 block of Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu Map northwest of K9 dOCkwEiLEr StAtE BEACh Near LAX. Wide expanse of beach: 3.7 miles of ocean frontage and 255 acres of beach. Bonfires permitted. Beach wheelchairs available. 12501 Vista del Mar, Playa del Rey Map C1 EL mAtAdOr StAtE BEACh One of the prettiest beaches in L.A. County. Steep stairs lead to 18 acres of narrow, sandy beach with scenic rock formations. 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu Map northwest of K9 EL pESCAdOr StAtE BEACh Stairs lead to 10 acres of narrow, sandy beach. 32900 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu Map northwest of K9 hErmOSA BEACh Two-mile stretch of beach that runs along Santa Monica Bay before running into the Palos

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Beaches Look for our helpful Downtown Ambassadors for maps and information!

Verdes Peninsula. Metered street parking. Hermosa Avenue and 33rd Street, Hermosa Map L13 LA piEdrA StAtE BEACh Stairs lead to nine acres of narrow, sandy beach. 32700 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu. Map northwest of K9 LEO CArriLLO StAtE BEACh One-and-a-half miles of beach for swimming, surfing, windsurfing, surf fishing and beachcombing. Tide pools, coastal caves and reefs for exploring. There are two sections of beach along a loop road of a campground. 36000 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu Map northwest of K9 mALiBu BEACh One hundred sixty-seven-acre beach includes Malibu Pier and Malibu Lagoon with museum. 23050 and 23200 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu Map northwest of K9 mALiBu SurfridEr BEACh World-renowned surfing area. Swimming areas exist but are limited. 23050 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu Map northwest of K9 mANhAttAN BEACh Beach is bisected by a 900foot pier. Classic sand volleyball beach nets extend to Hermosa Beach. Metered street and lot parking. Beach wheelchairs available. 400–4500 The Strand, Manhattan Beach Map L13 mAriNA/mOthEr’S BEACh Non-ocean–facing beach best suited for children and windsurfers. Beach wheelchairs available. 4135 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey Map N9 NiChOLAS CANyON BEACh Less crowded than many Malibu beaches and has 23 acres of property. 33850 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu Map northwest of K9 pENiNSuLA BEACh Moderate width, sandy. Along Ocean Boulevard, 54th Place to 72nd Place, Long Beach Map O17 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 pOiNt viCENtE Located on the southwestern corner of the peninsula, the small Point Vicente Park offers a whale-watching deck and displays of local history and ecology. Palos Verdes Drive, Palos Verdes Map O13 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 tOpANGA BEACh The first real beach in Malibu is rocky and narrow. A popular surfing spot, but too rocky for safe swimming. Beach wheelchairs available. 18700 Pacific Coast Hwy., Topanga Map northwest of K9 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 three-mile beach is starting point for the Marvin Braude Bicycle Trail. Beach wheelchairs available. 17700 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades Map K7 ZumA BEACh The ultimate SoCal beach. Food stands at each end of its four-mile expanse along PCH. Beach wheelchairs available. 30050 block of Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu Map northwest of K7

$5 OFF

Located next to Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in the heart of Hollywood!

(323) 798-1670 Open daily at 10 AM www.MadameTussauds.com

6933 Hollywood Blvd

●

*Present this at the time of purchase and receive $5 OFF the adult and child admissions. Not valid for advance ticket purchases, combo packages or any other offers. Restrictions apply. Valid up to 6 people. The images shown depict wax figures created & owned by Madame Tussauds. Madame Tussauds reserves the right to remove and or change figures in the attraction. CODE 5045. EXPIRES 09/05/11.

The Best Shopping, Dining and Entertainment!

downtownsm.com @DTSantaMonica Downtown Santa Monica

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Tours +Transport Tours + Transport another side oF Los anGeLes tours A wide variety of focused tours, organized by interest—i.e. whale watching, shopping, celebrity homes—or mode of transportation (kayak, Segway, horseback, helicopter). 1102 S. La Cienega Blvd., L.A., 800.311.8987 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 BeverLy hiLLs rent-a-Car Luxury and exotic rentals with pickup service. Hollywood, 323.822.0969; Beverly Hills, 310.274.6969; LAX, 310.670.2020; Marina del Rey, 310.862.1900 BiG BLue Bus Santa Monica city bus line covers the Westside. Well-kept environmentally friendly buses burn cleaner gas. 50¢–$2. 310.451.5444, bigbluebus.com CityPass Hollywood CityPass offers discounted admission to Starline Movie Stars Homes Tour, Behind-the-Scenes Hollywood walking tour with Red Line Tours, Hollywood Wax Museum and either the Kodak Theatre tour or Hollywood Museum access. $59, ages 3–11 $39, under 3 free. Purchase pass at attractions. Southern California CityPass ($259) includes admission to theme parks from L.A. to San Diego. 888.330.5008, citypass.com eaGLe rider Motorcycle rentals from top brands such as Harley-Davidson, Honda, BMW; tours offered. ATVs, watercrafts also available. 4110 Lincoln Blvd., Marina del Rey, 310.302.1239; 11860 S. La Cienega Blvd., Hawthorne, 310.536.6777; 2125 E. Spring St., Long Beach, 562.426.1106 Map N9, C1 and N16 GLitterati tours Private tours at locations across the county and beyond include Coastal Access (beach communities), Underbelly L.A. (local scandals and infamous crime scenes) and Just the Hills (celebrity homes). Reservation required. 310.720.3809, glitteratitours.com downtown art waLk Pedestrians fill the streets of downtown for this self-guided gallery tour. Art Walk Shuttle available from 6–10 p.m. Second Thursday of every month, noon–9 p.m. Free. 213.624.6212, downtownartwalk.com Los anGeLes ConservanCy Self-drive and walking tours with a focus on architecture. More than a dozen fascinating tours focus variously on Broadway’s historic theater district, the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles City Hall and downtown’s central business district. Call for specialty tours. 213.623.2489 Map B3 Los anGeLes heLiCoPters Helicopter “flightseeing tours” of the coast, Bel Air, Hollywood, downtown and more; excursions to Temecula Wine Country, Catalina Island. Heliports in Long Beach, San Pedro, Hawthorne. 562.377.0396, lahelicopters.com maLiBu disCovery tours Themed tours in and around Malibu include the six-hour Malibu Wine Trail Tour with wine tastings, Sunrise Hiking Tour, Malibu Whale Watching & Celebrity Homes Boat Tour and Malibu Celebrity Lifestyle Tour. 310.393.6555, malibugrapes.com meLtinG Pot Food tours Tasting tours of foodie destinations such as Farmers Market or a selection of restaurants. Private tours available. Reservation required. $49–$59. 424.247.9666; tickets, 800.979.3370, meltingpottours.com

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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; Blue Line from Union Station to Long Beach; Green Line from Norwalk to Redondo Beach. $6 day pass. 800.266.6883, 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 OLympiC rENt-A-CAr Luxury sedans and exotics outfitted with Sirius and XM satellite radio service. Cars on offer include those by Maserati, Ferrari, Audi, Bentley and Porsche. 9244 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.757.6501 Map K12 pErry’S BEACh CLuB Rent bikes or skates for the boardwalk. Legends Bike Tour ($35) explores Venice and its hidden canals; guided tour includes architecture and celebrity lore. Eight rental locations along the beach from Santa Monica to Venice. 310.939.0000

Starline Movie Stars’ Homes Tour

rEd LiNE wALkiNG tOurS Insider look at landmarks new and old, as well as film studios in Hollywood and downtown. $15–$24.95. 6773 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; 304 S. Broadway, downtown, 323.402.1074 Map H13, I16 StArLiNE tOurS Movie Stars’ Home Tour, Trolley Fun Tour, Grand Tour of L.A. New TMZ Hollywood Tour is a multimedia experience highlighting scenes of celebrity scandals. Prices vary. Tours begin at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 800.959.3131 Map H13 SuNSEt rANCh Horseback riding in the Hollywood Hills and Griffith Park daily. Friday sunset rides through Griffith Park to Burbank include dinner at Mexican restaurant and nighttime ride back to ranch. $25–$75. 3400 N. Beachwood Drive, Hollywood, 323.469.5450 Map V21

Madame Tussauds Hollywood

tAkE my mOthEr pLEASE Enthusiastic, “curly headed” Arkansas native packs up to five of your visiting relatives (or other VIPs) in a new hybrid SUV for customized tour of “gloriously unusual” sights. 323.737.2200

Your choice of Kodak Theatre Guided Tour or The Hollywood Museum in the Historic Max Factor Building

Red Line Tours' Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes

BuY CiTYPASS AT THeSe HOLLYWOOD ATTrACTiONS

CityPASS.com Philadelphia

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Atlanta

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SkiP MOST TiCkeT LiNeS GOOD FOr uP TO 9 DAYS

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tOurifiC ESCApES Husband-and-wife team offer sightseeing and food tours such as Hollywood Sites and Bites and Chocolate Indulgence. Prices vary. 424.248.8687, tourificescapes.com tOur du jOur Themed and customized tours, mainly by car. Travel from the Santa Monica Mountains to the shore on the Westside Story tour, or visit the burial sites of celebs on the Hollywood Chills tour. Prices vary. 9663 Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.659.2929, tourdujour.net Map I11 urBAN ShOppiNG AdvENturES Group tours of Melrose Heights, downtown Fashion District. Transportation, shopping tips, maps, goody bags. $36–$54. 213.683.9715 Map I1

New York City

888-330-5008

Pricing and programs are subject to change.

where?

Log on anywhere. WhereLA.com WHERE LOS ANGELES 121

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GO METRO Despite what you may have heard, you can get to many Los Angeles attractions without a car. Metro is the nation’s second-largest public transportation agency, operating 2,200 buses and five rail lines, including a subway that can take you from downtown to Hollywood in about 15 minutes. Whether you’re interested in seeing stars along the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame, catching rays at Santa Monica Beach or touring any number of L.A. landmarks, Metro can take you there.

Where to Start

Use the Trip Planner at metro.net or call 323.GO.METRO for customized travel itineraries. Note that some popular attractions served by Metro Rail are listed to the right.

Fares

Metro’s base fare is $1.50. Pay each time you board a Metro bus (drivers don’t carry change, so you’ll need exact fare) or at a self-service ticket vending machine when entering Metro Rail stations. For complete information, check metro.net. Two children under the age of 5 may travel free with each fare-paying adult. Eating and drinking is not permitted on any Metro bus or train. Note: Metro has installed turnstiles at many Metro Rail stations; others simply operate on the honor system. However, fare inspectors randomly check passengers for valid tickets or passes. You may never be checked, but if you are and you don’t have proof of valid fare, the inspector may issue a citation and you may be fined.

Hours

Most bus and rail lines start around 4 a.m. and keep running past midnight. But they’re less frequent in the late evening, so check the timetables at metro.net regarding your return trip.

Metro Rail Destinations

Here’s a sampling of attractions that are within easy walking distance of Metro Rail stations: METRO RED/PURPLE LINE Union Station • Olvera Street

Civic Center • Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels • Museum of Contemporary Art • Music Center • Walt Disney Concert Hall 7th Street/Metro Center • Macy’s Plaza (dining, shops) Hollywood/Vine • Capitol Records Tower • Hollywood Walk of Fame • Pantages Theatre Hollywood/Highland • Grauman’s Chinese Theatre • Hollywood & Highland (dining, shops) • Kodak Theatre Universal City • Gibson Amphitheater • Universal CityWalk (dining, shops) • Universal Studios Hollywood North Hollywood • El Portal Center for the Arts • NoHo Arts District (dining, shops, theatres)

METRO BLUE LINE

Pico • Los Angeles Convention Center • STAPLES Center/L.A. LIVE 103rd Street • Watts Towers Transit Mall • Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific • Pine Avenue (dining, shops) • Queen Mary

METRO GOLD LINE

Little Tokyo/Arts District • Japanese American National Museum Memorial Park • Norton Simon Museum Lake Avenue • Pasadena Playhouse SEE THE METRO ROUTE MAP ON PAGE 127

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things we love Los Angeles 4

The Cucumber-Clementine Skinny Margarita from True Food Kitchen in Santa Monica. p. 76 Hibiscus tea soda and Spicy Ramen from Breadbar on West 3rd Street. p. 24 Tuna-topped crispy rice cakes from Koi on La Cienega Boulevard. p. 82

The late-night menu at Public Kitchen & Bar at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. p. 76 The diorama halls at the Natural History Museum of L.A. County in Exposition Park. p. 110 Weekend brunch on the patio at Dominick’s on Beverly Boulevard. p. 20

Beach-ready sportswear from the O’Neill flagship store in Santa Monica. 657.859.3721

Innovative tacos at tiny Escuela Taquería. 323.939.8226

Couture swimwear from Zimmerman on Robertson Boulevard. 310.285.9680

Sipping cocktails in speakeasy style at Next Door Lounge in Hollywood. 323.465.5505

One-dollar bench seats at the Hollywood Bowl in Hollywood Hills. p. 104

Brightly colored Mango Bangles from Cusp at Westfield Century City. p. 113

CC Skye costume jewelry at Revolve Clothing on Melrose Avenue. 323.944.0311

Taking the Metro from Union Station downtown. p. 53

Soaking up the Hollywood scene at Lexington Social House. 323.461.1700

where in the world

Shakespearean plays in Griffith Park from Independent Shakespeare Co. 818.710.6306

Where is an international network of magazines first published in 1936 and distributed in 4,000 leading hotels in more than 50 places around the world. Look for us when you visit any of the following cities, or plan ahead for your next trip by visiting us online at wheretraveler.com UNITED STATES Alaska & Yukon, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charleston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Georgia, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Maui, Miami, Minneapolis/

The new Ocean Science Center at Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. p. 105

Eyelash extensions from Beba Beauty in Westwood. 310.474.2524

Alfresco theater at Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga Canyon. 310.455.3723

The self-serve beer tap tables at City Tavern in Culver City. p. 114

Hot-stone massages from Ciel Spa at the SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills. 310.246.5560

Passport holders from accessories mecca Henri Bendel at the Beverly Center. p. 111

Playing paparazzi for a day on the Starline Tours TMZ Hollywood Tour. p. 121

The Seaweed Birch Wrap from Le Posh Salon/Spa/ Lounge on Sunset Boulevard. 323.851.5558

Zip-line canopy tours in the San Gabriel Mountains from Navitat Canopy Adventures. 855.628.4828

Fresh-squeezed juices from Fresh East in West Hollywood. 310.859.9989

Creative ice cream sandwiches from the Coolhaus truck. twitter.com/coolhaus

Watching the eclectic performance artists at Supperclub in Hollywood. p. 78

Flatbreads and tabbouleh at Mezze in West Hollywood. p. 84

This year, we expand our list! For the complete rundown of 75 things we love, go to wherela.com/75-things

The Walk of Style on Rodeo Drive. p. 34

St. Paul, New Orleans, New York, Northern Virginia, Oahu, Orange County (CA), Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix/Scottsdale, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, Washington, D.C. ASIA Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore CANADA Calgary, Canadian Rockies, Edmonton, Halifax, Mississauga, Muskoka/Parry Sound, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler, Winnipeg EUROPE Budapest, London, Milan, Moscow, Paris, Rome, St. Petersburg

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