Where Los Angeles, January 2017 by California Media Group

JANUARY 2017 SOCALPULSE.COM

Los Angeles

BECAUSE YOU’VE ARRIVED

ART SHOWS SHINE PAIRING FOOD AND FUN WHAT’S NEW IN THE ’HOODS

CHEF ON

FIRE The Mind of a Chef star Ludo Lefebvre cooks on all four burners

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G A L E R I E

M I C H A E L

DAVYD WHALEY Retrospective Exhibition Understanding the unconscious mind through the study of dreams, symbols, art, and philosophy

Opening reception Saturday, January 28 from 3:00 - 7:00pm Coffee table book now available for purchase. Proceeds go to Davyd Whaley Foundation which is dedicated to supporting Los Angeles area artists. 224 NORTH RODEO DRIVE | BEVERLY HILLS, CA 90210 | Monday-Friday 10-7 | Sunday 11-5 | 310 273 3377 www.galeriemichael.com | art@galeriemichael.com DAVYD WHALEY, 1967 - 2014 | Big Joan, 2014

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CONTENTS

departments 4 Editor’s Note Eat it up.

THE DINING ISSUE

the guide

Brioche French toast at Descanso Gardens’ Maple

52 DINING Notable restaurants by cuisine and neighborhood

6 Hot Dates The month kicks off with the Tournament of Roses and wraps up with a Chinese New Year's Eve celebration. Plus, DineL.A. lets foodies fill their bellies without emptying their pockets.

63 ENTERTAINMENT Special events, performing arts and sports 63 ATTRACTIONS + MUSEUMS Theme parks, activities, studio tours, exhibitions and more

80 30 Things We Love

68 SHOPPING The county’s major retail destinations

Resolutions? Yeah, right. We’re heading into 2017 with a vow to live it up with gourmet sweets, cocktails with a kick and downright decadent brunches.

70 NIGHTLIFE Buzzy bars and cool clubs for a fun night out

where now

72 TOURS + TRANSPORT Getting out, getting around and getting to know Los Angeles

8 Q+A Between his growing restaurant empire and a starring turn in season five of PBS’ The Mind of a Chef, chef Ludo Lefebvre has a lot of deals cooking.

10 Art + Culture A trio of art fairs fills the month with color. Get the deets, including nearby eats.

Claus Richter’s Samstag, 2015, on view at Art Los Angeles Contemporary

11 Dining The team behind Angelini Osteria now has Angelini Alimentari, an Italian coffee bar and marketplace, right next door.

ON THE COVER Acclaimed L.A. chef Ludo Lefebvre. Photo by Lionel Deluy. See p. 8.

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

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12 Entertaining Eats Food and fun are a pairing nonpareil, and across Los Angeles, it’s increasingly easy to find good eats pre- or post-event. Some cultural and entertainment venues—among them Descanso and Huntington gardens, as well as downtown's Staples Center, L.A. Live and Hauser Wirth & Schimmel—are even stepping up their games with high-caliber chefs and gourmet dining options right on the premises. Why not pick a pair and make a day of it? BY ROGER GRODY

To Topanga Canyon

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Angel Stadium of Anaheim

Staples Center/L.A. Live/ Convention Center

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FROM TOP: COURTESY PATINA RESTAURANT GROUP; COURTESY CLAGES, COLOGNE

CITY TOURS

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OSKA 9693 Wilshire Boulevard Beverly Hills, CA 90212 310 271 2806 OSKA 13 Douglas Alley Pasadena, CA 91103 626 432 1729 Shop online beverlyhills.oska.com

Beverly Hills / Chicago / Minneapolis / Healdsburg / Mill Valley / New York / Pasadena / Seattle / Calgary / Vancouver London / Paris / Munich / Amsterdam / Stockholm

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welcome a note from the editor

where m ag a z ine

publisher EDITOR

Jeff Levy

Suzanne Ennis

ART DIRECTOR

Carol Wakano

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Benjamin Epstein

PRODUCTION ARTIST Diana Gonzalez Contributing designer Heidi Schwindt associate EDITOR Gillian Glover contributing WRITERS

eat it up

I remember the exact meal that made me a foodie. I was a small-town girl visiting family friends abroad, and they took me to a tiny, dimly lit Indian restaurant. There, each of the dishes in the procession from the kitchen was more flavorful, aromatic and completely unfamiliar to me than the next. I left with a full belly but hungry for more extraordinary culinary experiences.

My first magnificent meal in L.A. was at Wolfgang Puck’s legendary Spago, where the waiters coordinated their moves as if dancing a pas de deux. Another standout was a 10-course tasting menu at Josiah Citrin’s Mélisse—easily the most decadent dinner of my life. At Trois Mec, I swooned as chef Ludo Lefebvre (our cover star) created pescatarian dishes especially for me. But getting a cooking lesson from chef Michael Cimarusti, whose Providence is the L.A. Times’ pick for the city’s best restaurant, just might take the cake when it comes to unforgettable gastronomic opportunities. (Find details for these and other top-notch restaurants beginning on p. 52.) Of course, as my Indian feast proved, a meal needn’t be fancy to be outstanding. My favorite sandwich is a Thai-Korean mashup from the Standing Room, which is crammed in the back of a Redondo Beach liquor store. No white-tablecloth dinner beats eating a Petit Trois omelet while sitting at the bistro’s packed bar, watching the chefs work their magic. And countless other gems are hiding in L.A.’s nondescript strip malls and food trucks. So my culinary adventures continue. I may never re-create my long-ago culinary epiphany, but I know that I have plenty of memorable meals ahead of me, right here in L.A. I hope that this dining-themed issue leads you to a few of your own. —Suzanne Ennis

No white-tablecloth dinner beats eating a Petit Trois omelet while sitting at the bistro’s packed bar. ... And countless other gems are hiding in L.A.’s nondescript strip malls and food trucks.

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Deirdre Durkan-Simonds, Roger Grody, Marina Kay, Brenda Wong contributing photographers

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where Los Angeles

3679 Motor Ave., Suite 300 Los Angeles, California 90034 Phone: 310.280.2880 Fax: 310.280.2890 EMAIL Editorial Suzanne.Ennis@WhereLA.com Art Art@WhereLA.com Production Ads@WhereLA.com Website Christina.Xenos@WhereLA.com Circulation Danielle.Riffenburgh@WhereLA.com Plan for your next visit to Los Angeles. Subscribe to where: single copy $4, 12 issues $36. Contact: Danielle Riffenburgh. Phone: 310.280.2880 Email: Danielle.Riffenburgh@WhereLA.com © 2017 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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On the Web: SoCalPulse.com a maggie award-winning publication Best consumer Visitor’s Guide

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THE DAY-DATE 40 The international symbol of performance and success, reinterpreted with a modernized design and a new-generation mechanical movement. It doesn’t just tell time. It tells history.

OYSTER PERPETUAL DAY-DATE 40

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WHERE CALENDAR JANUARY 2017 Search the full calendar at SoCalPulse.com

Top Stops

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN ARTS & CULTURE

THROUGH JAN. 15 OOH LA LA Whimsical Amélie brings her Parisian charm to the Ahmanson Theatre. p. 63

Twice a year, hundreds of restaurants across Los Angeles County participate in DineL.A. Restaurant Week to offer specially priced prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus—and to show off L.A.’s rich culinary diversity. During this winter installation, budget-conscious food aficionados can taste bites from such popular restaurants as Spring downtown and Ivory on Sunset, whose diver scallops (part of a three-course dinner menu) are pictured above. No passes or tickets are required, but reservations are highly recommended. p. 63

FAIRS, FESTS AND MORE FUN EVENTS

1 TOURNAMENT OF ROSES > THROUGH JAN. 3 Head to Pasadena to enjoy this year’s “Echoes of Success”-themed Rose Parade (see left), followed by the Rose Bowl Game, on Jan. 2. The next day, view the flower-covered floats up close. p. 63

HERE FOR THE WEEKEND? Go to SoCalPulse.com for the Weekend Roundup, where you can get the lowdown on the coolest festivals, performingarts events, dining promotions and more.

TORUK—THE FIRST FLIGHT > JAN. 12-15

The Cirque du Soleil show returns to town, bringing the imaginative world of James Cameron’s Avatar to life at the Forum in Inglewood. p. 63 CLIPPERS VS. LAKERS > JAN. 14

Following their Christmas Day showdown, L.A.’s two NBA teams return to the court at downtown’s Staples Center for a rematch. p. 63 3

4 ICE RINKS > THROUGH JAN. 16 Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a simulated snowy winter and ice skate outdoors in Santa Monica and at Pershing Square, downtown. p. 63 5 RIOT L.A. > JAN. 19-22 This alternative comedy festival finds top-notch comics like Mel Brooks, Ali Wong and Eugene Mirman headlining venues across downtown L.A. p. 63 6 UNCORKED L.A. WINE FESTIVAL > JAN. 21 Sip wines from more than 50 wineries while enjoying live music at this second annual fest at Union Station. uncorkedwinefestivals.com 7 CHINESE NEW YEAR’S EVE > JAN. 27 Celebrate a traditional Chinese New Year at the Taoist Thien Hau Temple in Chinatown, complete with blessings, incense, lion dancers and firecrackers. thienhautemple.com

THROUGH JAN. 21 SHALL WE DANCE? Get to know the Tonywinning revival of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King and I at the Pantages Theatre. p. 63 JAN. 28 USE SOMEBODY Nashville alt-rockers Kings of Leon take the stage at the Forum with special guest Deerhunter. p. 63 ONGOING SHINE ON Ogle colorful gems (like the beauty below) at the Natural History Museum’s Diamonds: Rare Brilliance. p. 67 ONGOING INTERSECTING ART LACMA’s Picasso and Rivera: Conversations Across Time tracks the trajectories of the two iconic artists. p. 67

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: MARIE BUCK PHOTOGRAPHY; COURTESY ARGYLE PINK DIAMONDS; COURTESY TOURNAMENT OF ROSES ASSOCIATION

JAN. 13-27 DINE ON A DIME

HOT DATES

JAN. 21 NEW KID ON THE PRAIRIE The long-running radio show’s new host, mandolinist Chris Thile, brings A Prairie Home Companion to the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. visitpasadena.com

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los angeles

The best in dining and art + culture

Q+A

Butter Business Bureau

Ludo Lefebvre has been named L.A.’s best chef and among the world’s top 50 and was knighted in France … but he still calls himself “a redneck from Burgundy.” After studying in master kitchens since the age of 14, he came to America 20 years ago, earning the prestigious Mobil five-star award at both Bastide and L’Orangerie (where he met his wife, Krissy). He then experimented with his now-legendary underground series of LudoBites dinners in spaces all over town—onenight affairs that pioneered the popup concept and taught Lefebvre that he could cook anywhere. So he did. He took fried chicken to the streets with the LudoBird food truck and to the masses at Staples Center. His magnum opus, the sublime Trois Mec, brazenly features five courses for $85 (plus tax and tip) in a dingy mini-mall. It has no menu, no sign and no phone; its 26 seats are sold online as tickets. Two more lauded mini-mall concepts are thriving—traditional French bistro Petit Trois and French-Mexican hybrid Trois Familia—with a second Petit Trois opening in Sherman Oaks by spring. What kind of a person takes so many unconventional risks, yet never fails to pull a “best new restaurant” out of his toque blanche? Find out in PBS’ The Mind of a Chef as it examines Lefebvre’s genius in eight episodes this season. —Vicki Arkoff

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Lefebvre in the kitchen at Trois Mec

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chicken and loved the concept of a fried-chicken sandwich with coleslaw, pickles and a special sauce. Look now how many chefs are doing fried chicken. Everybody!

Petit Trois, adjacent to Trois Mec in Hollywood

How do you describe yourself? Very nice guy. Very calm. Very peaceful. [Laughs]

top and opposite: Capra Photography. chicken, courtesy staples center

You don’t explode like the strict chefs you studied under? I do, actually. I throw things. Of course, I sometimes explode in the kitchen! But now that I’m getting older, I’m more calm. The kids (5-year-old twins Luca and Rêve) calmed me down a bit. But you know what I do? Xanax. [Laughs] Are you a perfectionist? Yes. Yes! Oooooh, yes! I’m a freak, actually. I want my kitchen to look the same every day. I want my knife to be in the same position. I want the onions to always be in the same place. I love discipline in the kitchen. That’s true at home, too, but when you have kids, it’s not your house anymore. What do you do for fun? I work all the time; I don’t go out. For fun, I sleep. I kiss. I do things with my wife and kids. Every Sunday we go to Studio City Farmers Market. My kids play in the entertainment area at the petting zoo and on the rides. Then we go home and cook. We always roast something for family dinner.

Any guilty pleasures? Ice cream. I love ice cream, and my kids do too. We always go to McConnell’s in Studio City. And for the occasional thrill besides a sugar rush? Sometimes I surf in Malibu, and I love to ride motorcycles. I have two Ducatis that I drive to the forest or desert to go 160 miles an hour when there’s no one around. I love the speed, the adrenaline. I love the idea that I can kill myself with one mistake. It’s crazy, but chefs are crazy. Which other crazy L.A. chefs are you most in sync with? My partners, Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, even though they are as American as I am French. They are the best guys I know. Really smart. I really love their restaurants. Animal is amazing, and Son of a Gun is the best, best, best fish restaurant in L.A. Many people consider your fried chicken the best in L.A. What inspired you to tackle an American classic? When I first came here, I loved KFC. It was the first time I ate fried chicken. I’m passionate about fried chicken! When I was cooking LudoBites, I decided that I wanted to bring back fried

Is that why you have a chicken tattoo? I don’t really have tattoos about food. I have the names of my wife and children. L.A. is on my chest. A snail, a chicken, a dragon, koi. I like Japanese-style tattoos done by artist Dan Sartor of Body Electric Tattoo. You’re also an artist, oui? I try to relate my paintings with my passion for food because I have a hard time expressing myself with just one plate. I love Jean-Michel Basquiat and the way he expresses himself. When an artist paints, it’s just you and the canvas. When you are a chef, many others are involved, so it’s frustrating. You teach them, teach them, teach them, but there are so many hands. I wish I could be a painter so no one else can touch it. What was your first impression of L.A., 20 years ago? Everything was so big. The cars. The streets. And the lifestyle is good here: The sun, the beach and the palm trees are just like on Baywatch, which I watched in France because of the beautiful women. Where do you go in L.A. when you’re homesick for France? I go to Vintageweave, a store filled with things from France. Soap, dishes, linens, furniture. The owner is very passionate about France. It’s a magical place. And the truth is that I created Petit Trois because I missed home. It’s very French, very noisy, very tiny. Chefs are

screaming, people are pushing you and waiters are rude to you, like in Paris. Except that Petit Trois and Trois Mec are in a not-so-Parisian mini-mall next to a gas station. It is ugly, but I love mini-malls because they are the culture of Los Angeles. I like the Trois Familia strip mall because it is so big! We have doughnuts! We have pizza! We have an amazing Cuban restaurant, El Cochinito, right next door! We have a dentist! Also, we have a store where you can buy everything for one dollar. And, listen, listen: We have a nail salon, so I get pedicures there. I love it.

LudoBird fried chicken

What are L.A.’s top Frenchfood purveyors? The best food store I like here is The Beverly Cheese Store. They have the best French cheese. They also have the best baguette in town, made by Colleen DeLee, who also bakes them for Petit Trois. The best croissant in town is at Chaumont Bakery in Beverly Hills, because they use Le Beurre Bordier, the best butter in the world. Who makes the best french fries in town? Frites? Me! I fry my fries in clarified butter; nobody else does that in L.A. So trust me, they are very crispy and very good. Everything is better fried in butter.

THE DETAILS / Animal p. 52 / Body Electric Tattoo 7274 1/2 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.954.0408, bodyelectrictattoo.com / Chaumont Bakery & Café 143 S. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.550.5510, chaumontbakery.com / The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills 419 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.278.2855, cheesestorebh.com / El Cochinito 3508 W. Sunset Blvd., 323.668.0737, cochinitola.com / McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams 12073 Ventura Place, Studio City, 818.308.7789, mcconnells.com / Petit Trois p. 55 / Son of a Gun p. 58 / Studio City Farmers Market Ventura Place between Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Radford Avenue, Studio City, studiocityfarmersmarket.com / Trois Familia 3510 Sunset Blvd., L.A., 323.725.7800, troisfamilia.com / Trois Mec p. 54 / Vintageweave Interiors 7928 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.932.0451, vintageweave.com (by appointment)

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1. At ALAC: Daniel MaierReimer‘s Journey From the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea, presented by Claus Richter, 2016 (detail) 2. At the L.A. Art Show: Hunt Slonem’s Day Moth Red Lagoon, 2016. 3. At ALAC: Chadwick Rantanen’s Bluebird Statue (Red Fly), 2016 4. At Photo L.A.: Grey Villet’s Richard and Mildred Loving on Their Couch, King and Queen County, Virginia, 1965

art + Culture

best in shows

Los Angeles may conjure images of surf and sand, but it’s also a hub of contemporary art. Check out three shows heating up January. —Marina Kay

The first winner in January’s art-show trifecta is the 22nd edition of the L.A. Art Show, one of the nation’s largest international art fairs. Jan. 12-15 (following an openingnight premiere party Jan. 11), the downtown Los Angeles Convention Center transforms its West Hall into a public showcase of paintings, sculptures, photographs, videos and installations, displayed by more than 100 galleries hailing from as far off as China. The focus is on postwar modern and contemporary artworks, and this year also launches Roots, a curated display of 18th century European, contemporary realism, California Plein Air and Hudson River School paintings from historical dealers of the old Los Angeles Fine Art Show. One-day pass $30; four-day $60. Receive a $5 discount by booking online. 1201 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 310.822.9145, laartshow.com

For 26 years, photography enthusiasts and serious collectors have converged at international art exposition Photo L.A., the city’s longest-running art fair, held at downtown’s Reef/LA Mart Jan. 13-15 (an openingnight benefit is Jan. 12). This year’s highlights include a travel-photography workshop led by Mark Edward Harris and a curated display of images by Life magazine photographer Grey Villet featuring Richard and Mildred Loving, subjects of Jeff Nichols’ new film, Loving. This year’s fair coincides with the first four days of Month of Photography Los Angeles (monthofphotography.com) and kicks off Converge: 11 Days of Featured Photographic Programming, an initiative of Photo L.A. and the Lucie Foundation. Three-day Photo L.A. pass $40, seniors and students $35. Purchase tickets in advance for a $10 discount. 1933 S. Broadway, downtown, 323.965.1000, photola.com

In Santa Monica, Art Los Angeles Contemporary (ALAC), the “International Contemporary Art Fair of the West Coast,” returns in its eighth iteration from Jan. 27-29 (following a Jan. 26 kickoff) at the soaring Barker Hangar—an art piece in itself. This year’s fair lists newcomers including 313 Art Project (Seoul, South Korea) and Henrique Faria (Buenos Aires, Argentina/ New York), as well as repeat performers such as 1301PE (L.A.) and Peres Projects (Berlin). Rounding out this global forum are talks and lectures, site-specific collaborations of local artists’ works and a new issue of the biannual Art Los Angeles Reader, which gathers prominent local writers and critics to consider the cultural and curatorial issues shaping L.A. One-day pass $25; three-day $30. Barker Hangar, 3021 Airport Ave., Santa Monica, 323.851.7530, artlosangelesfair.com.

EAT HERE > Walk to Cleo L.A. Live (p. 37),

EAT HERE > Break for lunch at L.A. Chapter

EAT HERE > Local Kitchen + Wine Bar

where you can enjoy meze and a margarita. For dinner, Faith & Flower (705 W. 9th St., downtown, 213.239.0642) stands out for oxtail agnolotti and English milk punch. (Call 855.450.7433 for free shuttle service to or from Faith & Flower, courtesy of Downtown Concierge Inc.)

(927 S. Broadway, downtown, 213.235.9660), a trendy indoor-outdoor restaurant at downtown’s Ace Hotel. Later, take to the Arts District for dinner at Bestia (p. 55). The buzzing Italian restaurant is renowned for its nose-to-tail antipasti, housemade pastas and seasonal desserts.

(1736 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.396.9007), from Maire Byrne of Thyme Café & Market down the street, focuses on seasonal plates and wood-fired Neapolitanstyle pizzas. For dinner and drinks, you can’t go wrong with Gjelina (p. 56), a local and celebrity hangout near Venice Beach.

Clockwise from left: courtesy clages, cologne; courtesy eckert fine art; Courtesy the artist and STANDARD (OSLO), Oslo, photo by Vegard Kleven; © Grey Villet

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DINING

La Dolce Vita

JAKOB LAYMAN

Chef Gino Angelini’s flagship restaurant, Angelini Osteria, is one of Los Angeles’ top destinations for authentic Italian dining. But for a more laid-back daytime experience, the Angelini team has opened Angelini Alimentari, an Italian coffee bar and marketplace, right next door to the Fairfax District mainstay. In addition to espresso, the sunny spot serves up breakfast and lunch. Enjoy dishes like a prosciutto di Parma panini or Uova in Purgatorio (baked eggs, cherry tomatoes, onions and spicy ‘nduja sausage, pictured right) on the secret garden patio. For dessert, a scoop of housemade gelato or a pastry, picture-perfect on a patterned plate, will satisfy any sweet tooth. On your way out, pick up some coffee, pasta and a jar of Gino Angelini’s pasta sauce to re-create the Italian experience at home. B, L (daily). 7317 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.297.0070, angelinialimentari.com

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Entertainment, sports and cultural venues throughout L.A. are MAKing great food part of the experience. By R o g e r G ro dy

The trend began at performing-arts centers and museums, and now the irresistible combination of food and entertainment has spread to botanical gardens, cultural centers and even sports arenas, where ordinary nachos simply don’t cut it anymore. As L.A. continues to blossom as a creative capital, its diverse, compelling cuisine is appearing at unexpected venues, making any cultural experience all the more appetizing. Gastronomic Gardens Descanso Gardens, in La Cañada Flintridge, is one of L.A.’s best-kept secrets. Its 160 acres of tranquil gardens are more rustic than the meticulously manicured grounds at the nearby Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens.

Eats

For years, the only on-site dining at Descanso was a relatively conventional café, but Patina Restaurant Group—the organization maintains a presence at cultural centers throughout Southern California—has recently introduced Maple at Descanso Gardens. A sprawling retreat on the northern edge of metropolitan L.A., Descanso is home to North America’s largest collection of camellias, an imposing oak forest and a serene Japanese garden, among other attractions. The new restaurant is housed in a comfortable Craftsman-style building previously used for classes and seminars. Weekend brunch is the main attraction; guests enjoy starters like radish-avocado toast or an heirloom beet tostada before moving on to main courses like executive chef Mark Salazar’s signature take on eggs Benedict, fried chicken paired with beignets instead of waffles, or a cast-iron banana-nut muffin. The lodge-like ambiance, in the midst of such beautiful grounds, feels like summer camp for grown-ups. Currently, Maple serves dinner only during Enchanted: Forest of Light, an interactive nighttime experience offered through Jan. 8. Among the featured seasonal dishes are winter squash-spinach salad with hazelnuts, warm goat cheese, pomegranate and Dijonsherry vinaigrette; orecchiette pasta with a béchamel sauce laced with cheddar and lardons; and chocolate pretzel bread pudding. Equal parts comfort and refinement, this meal

pairs perfectly with the unique attraction in which guests manipulate music and light as they walk through forests and gardens.

Huntington Happenings The Huntington, despite its international reputation and formidable endowment, never offered much in the way of food beyond a standard café and a traditional rose-garden tearoom. A new food-and-beverage concessions deal was recently struck with Bon Appétit Management Co., which brought in celebrity chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken (founders of Border Grill) along with longtime associate and Blue Window co-owner Kajsa Alger. The multivenue package was rolled out in November, delighting visitors to the impressive institution. The former main café has been renamed 1919, transformed into a food-hall concept with several stations to explore, including one identified as Border Grill. Offering everything from pizzas to sushi rolls, the various menus could not be more diverse, extending far beyond Mexican-inspired specialties. In addition to citrus-chicken quesadillas, Peruvian mahimahi ceviche and habaneroapricot wings, available snacks include grilled octopus with watermelon relish, charcuterie and a teriyaki burger with wasabi aioli. Alger oversees the made-to-order sushi, prepared in accordance with the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s strict sustainability guidelines.

from top: courtesy cleo; courtesy patina restaurant group. opposite: laura ford

E n t e rta i n i n g

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Fried quail with watermelon, almonds and lime at Manuela. Opposite, from top: the Janapolitan cocktail at Cleo; Maple's asparagus salad

The Picks Descanso Gardens

The Huntington

L.A. Live

/Maple / 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, 818.864.6435

/1919 / 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, 626.405.2100

/Cleo / 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 424.888.7818

Hauser Wirth & Schimmel

/Freshwater Dumpling & Noodle House / 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, 626.405.2100

Staples Center

/Manuela / 907 E. 3rd St., downtown, 323.849.0480

/Rose Garden Tea Room / 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, 626.405.2100

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/Blaze Pizza / Main Concourse across from Section 109, 1111 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.742.7100 /B.S. Taqueria / Main Concourse next to Section 117, 1111 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.742.7100

/ Dave’s Doghouse / Main Concourse next to Sections 102 and 111, 1111 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.742.7100 / LudoBird / Main Concourse across from Section 119, 1111 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.742.7100

The Wiltern /Terra Cotta/ 3760 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 213.365.1077

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Over at the Chinese Garden, Alger has created a menu at Freshwater Dumpling & Noodle House that includes hand-rolled scallion pancakes, Nepalese vegetarian dumplings, sticky rice with Chinese sausage and mushrooms wrapped in lotus leaves, and tek-tek noodles with stir-fried vegetables and peanut sauce. The setting, at a pagoda with ample terraces overlooking tranquil koi ponds, could hardly be more idyllic, enveloped by the splendor of the Huntington’s 120 acres. The Rose Garden Tea Room, surrounded by the 1,200-variety Rose Garden, is still available for a more traditional experience, and the fare includes everything one expects from high tea: crumpets and scones with Devonshire cream, fresh berries, finger sandwiches and pastries, as well as smoked salmon, salads and, for an added tariff, sparkling wine or blinis topped with caviar.

CLEO GOES LIVE FOR YEARS, SOME of the best Mediterranean cuisine—centuries-old traditions from the Middle East and North Africa updated for a hip L.A. crowd—has been found at Hollywood’s Cleo, tucked into an equally

cool boutique hotel called the Redbury. After debuting in Las Vegas, Cleo continues to expand, taking over an 8,000-square-foot space at L.A. Live. The new location features the same innovative cuisine from chef Danny Elmaleh, whose father founded a Moroccan restaurant in Japan. That cross-cultural pedigree gives you a feel for the innovative approach that is truly part of the chef’s DNA. On the other hand, he is relatively restrained when it comes to classic dishes like muhammara, falafel and shawarma. They have a refined quality to them, but he does not alter their essence. The latest Cleo has a sophisticated modern interior with subtle North African elements that suits the downtown location. Guests can load up on lamb sliders, Moroccan fried chicken with harissa aioli and duck bastilla— or choose from a large selection of tapas-size meze—before a Clippers game or visit to the Grammy Museum, a relatively undiscovered gem at L.A. Live.

ARTS DISTRICT EATS THE ARTS DISTRICT is very possibly the most exciting neighborhood in all of downtown L.A. It was only a few years ago that restaurants like Bestia and the Factory Kitchen made tentative moves into the Arts District, an area occupied by crumbling warehouses and factories. Today the momentum seems unstoppable. Massive projects like the 32acre Row DTLA are bringing new shops, galleries and restaurants into an area Angelenos have avoided most of their lives. Art remains a priority, demonstrated by the arrival of Hauser Wirth & Schimmel, a gallery with outposts in Zurich, London and New York.

The sprawling multidisciplinary art center occupies an old flour mill in the AD, and its interior was designed by noted New Yorkbased museum architect Annabelle Selldorf. In addition to exhibition, education and research components, the 100,000-squarefoot complex includes an intriguing dining opportunity, a restaurant called Manuela. The vintage, art-filled space is composed largely of materials reclaimed from the 1930s mill or surrounding Arts District buildings, and the result is a homey, approachable vibe. Orchestrating the cuisine is chef Wes Whitsell, a native Texan who previously cooked at Gjelina, Blair’s and Osteria la Buca. At Manuela, he offers a menu that combines Southern charm with European sophistication and a few Latin notes. Diners might begin with smoked jalapeñolaced elk tartare, chickpea-squash soup or grilled lettuce salad before hooking into trout with almond-brown-butter sauce, or smoked chicken with dirty rice. Finales include cobblers and chocolate-banana bread pudding. Manuela is far more interesting than most museum restaurants, which is just what it might take to draw reluctant patrons into the AD to view fine art.

ARCHITECTURAL TREASURE THERE HAVE BEEN a number of restaurants in the space next to the Wiltern, Koreatown’s 1931 art deco landmark and one of L.A.’s truly grand performance venues. Just opened there, with a name that pays tribute to the material composing the theater building’s distinctive blue-green facade, is Terra Cotta. The dining room includes elements that mirror the vintage opulence of its neighbor,

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: COURTESY THE HUNTINGTON (2); COURTESY STAPLES CENTER. OPPOSITE, FROM TOP: COURTESY CLEO; ARIEL IP

Clockwise from left: 1919’s Baja ceviche at the Huntington; a view of the Huntington’s café; Staples Center’s culinary dream team

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Dishes at Cleo L.A. Live. Below: Crystal chandeliers illuminating Terra Cotta’s dining room

namely crystal chandeliers hanging from 20-foot ceilings, gilded detailing and Spanish-style tiles. Executive chef Danny Ye, formerly of Nobu in New York, has created a menu that speaks to the neighborhood yet ventures far beyond it, with influences from around the globe. Starters include grilled octopus with kochujang-spiked romesco sauce, crispy tempura smelts and hamachi with jalapeñotarragon emulsion; main dishes include salmon with yuzu kosho, shellfish pasta with uni-butter sauce, and filet mignon with a soy-mirin reduction and pomme puree. A seductively backlit bar dispenses creative cocktails that combine classic concepts with global inspirations.

GROWN-UP B-BALL GRUB LEVY RESTAURANTS, which contracts for food concessions at major-league sports venues around the nation, is pushing the envelope at Staples Center, recognizing that an L.A. crowd craves more than the ordinary hot dog. Since 2014, Levy’s celebrity-chefs program has elevated the genre of sports grub and, most recently, brought in chef Ray Garcia (Broken Spanish) to open a branch of his B.S. Taqueria at Staples Center. Garcia adds to the list of celebrity chefs at Staples, which includes Ludo Lefebvre (Trois Mec, Petit Trois, Trois Familia), who introduced his LudoBird gourmet fried chicken to the arena’s Main Concourse, and Josiah Citrin (Mélisse, Charcoal), who applies his classic French sensibilities to the allAmerican hot dog at Dave’s Doghouse. There is also a Blaze Pizza at Staples, helmed by executive chef Bradford Kent (Olio Wood Fired Pizzeria at Grand Central Market), for those who want to customize their own thin-crusted pizzas, cooked before them in an 800-degree oven. Suddenly, it appears, one does not have to eat poorly at the ball game, even in the cheap seats.

MORE CULTURE + EATS The profiled new restaurants are not the only ones in L.A. that conveniently complement a cultural experience. Here are some of the best places to combine the visual or performing arts with culinary expressions: S Before or after a visit to the Broad, L.A.’s spectacular museum of contemporary art, consider a meal at Otium, right on the museum grounds, where former French Laundry chef de cuisine Timothy Hollingsworth turns out innovative American fare. 222 S. Hope St., downtown, 213.935.8500 S Without leaving Disney Hall, guests can enjoy an elaborate modern French meal at Patina. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 141 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.3331 S After digesting some Hockney and Picasso, check out the approachable but sophisticated cuisine at indoor-outdoor Ray’s and Stark Bar. Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.857.6180 S There is no better way to enhance a day at L.A.’s largest museum than with refined cuisine and awesome views at The Restaurant at The Getty Center. 1200 Getty Center Drive, Brentwood, 310.440.6810

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JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES

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where abouts

LACMA, PHOTO BY DAVE LAURIDSEN

Los Angeles is the most populous county in the nation and among the most culturally diverse. Its 4,000 square miles encompass dozens of cities and more than 200 neighborhoods, each with its own vibe. The pages that follow will guide you through the most visited among them, pointing out starring attractions and uncovering hidden gems along the way.

NEIGHBORHOOD INDEX

BEVERLY HILLS

HOLLYWOOD

PASADENA

SANTA MONICA

DOWNTOWN

THE VALLEY

WEST HOLLYWOOD

SOUTH BAY

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EXPLORING

Beverly Hills BEVERLY HILLS IS A LUXURY LOVER’S MECCA: DESIGNER SHOPPING, FINE DINING, MANSIONS. CENTURY CITY, WESTWOOD AND CULVER CITY ARE POCKETS WITH THEIR OWN DRAWS.

➺It’s only 5 square miles, but Beverly Hills looms large in pop culture as a posh locale that boasts some The Mansions

The launch of Beverly Hills’ glamorous reputation dates to the early 20th century, when the then-new Beverly Hills Hotel ushered in a frenzy of movie-star mansionbuilding in the hills north of Sunset Boulevard. Today, the population of 35,000 is more diverse than its depiction on TV and in movies might suggest. Nonetheless, the triumvirate of Beverly Hills, Holmby Hills and Bel-Air still attracts its share of famous residents. Hop on the Beverly Hills Trolley Tour, or book ahead with Starline Tours, to see notable homes in the ‘hood, along with other local landmarks packed into the city’s 5 square miles. Among the more storied and oft-filmed estates nestled in the hills is the 19th-century English Revivalstyle Greystone Mansion, whose graceful city-owned grounds are open for strolling.

Rodeo Drive + Golden Triangle

From Greystone, head west on Sunset Boulevard, then hang on to your wallet as you turn south onto Rodeo Drive. After passing through a tony residential neighborhood, you enter the shopping district known as

the Golden Triangle, bounded by Santa Monica and Wilshire boulevards and Cañon Drive. Burberry, Balenciaga, Fendi and Gucci each recently debuted new or renovated flagships on Rodeo, reminding retailers that 90210 is still the most prestigious ZIP code in the States. Ascend the Italian-esque side street to fine-art destination Galerie Michael and Tiffany & Co., perched atop Two Rodeo. Sip some wine at 208 Rodeo, then pause for the quintessential Beverly Hills snapshot before continuing on to the Beverly Wilshire hotel (of Pretty Woman fame) at the south end of Rodeo Drive. Continuing west, pass Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and recently revamped Barneys New York, the reigning luxury retail titans along this stretch of Wilshire. At Santa Monica Boulevard, you hit the Beverly Hilton hotel, which rolls out 30,000 square feet of red carpet annually to host the Golden Globe Awards.

The Industry + the Arts

Beverly Hills isn’t all shopping sprees and gated estates: Talent agencies William Morris Endeavor and United Talent Agency are just two of the entertainment businesses based

here. Rub shoulders with the power-lunchers at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon or Wolfgang Puck’s legendary Spago on Cañon, or grab dinner and hear live music at Mastro’s Steakhouse just up the street. The city’s cultural treasure troves include the Paley Center for Media and the Samuel Goldwyn Theater at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, both of which hold screenings. There is even more cultural programming at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, which transformed the historic Beverly Hills Post Office into an entertainment destination.

Century City

Heading west from Beverly Hills on Santa Monica Boulevard, you enter the 0.7-squaremile modern acropolis of Century City. ICM Partners and Creative Artists Agency are located here, as are a Fox Studios lot and countless legal, financial, entertainment and hospitality firms. But those outside the biz won’t be excluded. Past Avenue of the Stars, you hit the upscale Westfield Century City shopping center, which is open for business as it undergoes a dramatic redevelopment.

FROM LEFT: COURTESY BEVERLY HILLS CVB; EDWIN SANTIAGO. OPPOSITE: MATT HARTMAN

of the priciest mansions in L.A. County, not to mention the world’s most recognizable ZIP code. Rodeo Drive, perhaps the world’s most famous shopping street, offers virtually every luxury fashion brand.

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NEW IN TOWN AR Cucina

Chef Akasha Richmond shuttered her Indian concept, Sambar, to open this Italian restaurant— which features rustic, seasonal cuisine—in its place. 9531 Culver Blvd., Culver City, 310.558.8800

Jo Malone London

Shop for elegant fragrances, then indulge in a hand and arm massage at the posh British brand’s largest U.S. boutique. 9621 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills, 310.281.0751

What Goes Around Comes Around

The celebrity-beloved destination for designer vintage clothing (e.g., classic rock tees and vintage Chanel bags) arrives in the 90210. 9520 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills, 310.858.0250

Storefronts along North Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Opposite, from left: Welcome to Beverly Hills; the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

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The pedestrian-friendly Westwood Village features independent shops and cafés among its Mediterranean Revival and art deco buildings.

Nearby on Constellation Boulevard, epicures are drawn to Tom Colicchio’s Craft and Hinoki & the Bird, inside the towering residential complex the Century. (Candy Spelling claims the top two floors.) The Annenberg Space for Photography displays cutting-edge exhibits of digital and print photography.

UCLA

A few miles northeast of Century City is the University of California, Los Angeles, one of the top public universities in the country. Visitors are welcome at several university attractions, including the Fowler Museum at UCLA and the outdoor Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden on the north campus, the planetarium on the south campus and the 7-acre Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Gardens. The free Hammer Museum is nearby and houses impressionist paintings, as well as cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions. Paid parking is available in UCLA lots and structures throughout the 419-acre campus.

G R E AT F I N D

Westwood Village

Just south of the campus, the pedestrianfriendly Westwood Village features independent shops and cafés among its Mediterranean Revival and art deco buildings, as well as two landmark movie theaters at the intersection of Broxton and Weyburn avenues: the 1936 marquee-wrapped Bruin theater and the Fox theater across the street. Built circa 1931, the Fox is a favorite for movie premieres and thus is prime star-spotting territory. Another don’t-miss venue is the award-winning Geffen Playhouse, located on Le Conte Avenue in one of the oldest buildings in Westwood.

Culver City

Covering 5 square miles southeast of Westwood, Culver City boasts a thriving downtown with restaurants including Korean-barbecue spot Hanjip and modern American restaurant Akasha. The Kirk Douglas Theatre and the Ivy Substation, home to the Actors’ Gang,

/ closet envy

➺ We all have a friend or colleague whose closet we’d like to raid. You know the one: She’s always wearing fashion-insider brands and puts separates together with enviable panache. In Beverly Hills, Meredith Kaplan is like that girlfriend, but better—her “closet,” Gratus, is 100 percent shoppable. Enter Kaplan’s elegant boutique through a European-esque courtyard to find luxury and contemporary brands such as Rochas, Rosetta Getty, Leur Logette, Re/Done and No. 21 (the spot-on designer lineup is the work of founding member/buying director Christine Moon). Expert stylists await to help you put your look together. With Gratus’ help, you’re just a few purchases away from transforming your own closet into the object of envy. 427 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.276.8200, gratus.com

FROM TOP: MATT HARTMAN; COURTESY GRATUS

The Culver City station on the Metro Expo Line

bookend the downtown area and stage live productions throughout the year. Traveling east on Washington Boulevard, don’t miss the sprawling Helms Bakery complex, which contains dozens of high-end furniture showrooms. Moving along Washington, the scene-y Arts District has more than 30 art galleries and exhibition spaces clustered along Washington and La Cienega boulevards. At the intersection of Washington and National boulevards is a stop on the Expo Line, a Metro light rail that, thanks to a recent extension, goes from downtown L.A. all the way to Santa Monica. Hollywood gets all the attention, but it’s Culver City whose seal proclaims it “The Heart of Screenland.” In 1915, Ince/Triangle Studios, today Sony Pictures Studios, opened on Washington. In 1924, the site became Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios. Classics including The Wizard of Oz would eventually be filmed on its movie lots. (News reports of the time indicate that the “Munchkins” partied hard during their stay at the Culver Hotel.) Today, Culver City’s screen culture is still going strong, with 16 soundstages accommodating TV-show and feature-film shoots at Culver Studios and hits such as Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! being taped on the historic lots at Sony. Fully experience Culver City’s screen heritage by taking the Sony Pictures Studio Tour. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see page 92.

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EXPLORING

Santa Monica SANTA MONICA HAS THE APPROACHABLE VIBE OF A BEACH TOWN WITH THE ATTRACTIONS OF A MAJOR CITY. MALIBU, VENICE AND MARINA DEL REY ARE APPEALING OPTIONS NEARBY.

➺In the 1800s, orator Tom Fitch called Santa Monica “the Zenith City by the Sunset Sea.” The 21st-century

version of Santa Monica fulfills its early promise, with a bustling downtown and beach that attract millions of visitors per year. Pacific Coast Highway connects SaMo with draws such as Malibu and Marina del Rey. Third Street Promenade, three pedestrianonly blocks on 3rd Street between Broadway and Wilshire Boulevard, is perpetually teeming with people. Visitors can hit dozens of boutiques, watch movies at three cinemas and gawk at the myriad street artists. If they don’t refuel at the many eateries along the Promenade, visitors can venture to the surrounding blocks to Mercado or the Misfit and enjoy drinks at The Bungalow or the many pubs, such as Ye Olde King’s Head, that hint at Santa Monica’s large population of British expats. Anchoring the promenade at Broadway is Santa Monica Place, a beautiful open-air shopping center with Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, 80 boutiques, ArcLight Cinemas and the top-level Dining Deck. Steps away is the new western terminus of the Metro Expo Line, which connects Santa Monica by light rail to downtown Los Angeles. Santa Monica Pier, built in 1909, is at the end of Colorado Avenue and features Pacific Park, a mini amusement park with food stands and rides, including a solar-powered, LED-lit Ferris wheel.

Main Street + Montana Avenue

Compared with the hustle and bustle of Third Street Promenade, Montana Avenue is downright tranquil. Between 6th and 17th streets are plenty of fashionable boutiques and beauty destinations, including Moondance, Clare V., Olive & June nail salon and Malin + Goetz. Father’s Office is known for its burgers, Forma is tops for pasta and cheese, and Sweet Lady Jane is famous for its cakes. Just minutes south of downtown Santa Monica, Main Street exudes a beachy, upscale vibe. The long stretch between Pico Boulevard and Rose Avenue contains a number of galleries, pubs, coffeehouses and restaurants, plus shops such as Lost & Found and Planet Blue. The California Heritage Museum is in a transplanted Victorian-era home, as is the aptly named Victorian, adjacent to the museum, which features a cool downstairs speakeasy, Basement Tavern.

The Arts

Visitors can take in plays at Main Street’s Edgemar Center for the Arts, housed in an angular concrete structure designed by Frank

Gehry. An even wider variety of entertainment is at the Broad Stage, Santa Monica College’s first-rate, 499-seat performingarts, film, dance and theater venue. On Michigan Avenue, the Bergamot Station arts center—now a stop on the Expo Line—has emerged as a hub for L.A.’s creative community. It’s home to some 30 galleries and a café.

Malibu

A few miles north of Santa Monica on Pacific Coast Highway is Malibu. Formerly known as Rancho Malibu, Malibu’s land was once so coveted that May K. Rindge, who took ownership of it in 1905 after the death of her scion husband, used armed guards to defend it from trespassers. In the 1920s, Rindge’s hefty legal bills, racked up from fighting developers, forced her to invite stars to live in Malibu Colony in the 1920s, and the legacy of Malibu as celebrity-home central continues today. Many of Malibu’s best destinations are visible from PCH, including renowned restaurants with ocean views, from the casual (Malibu Seafood) to the upscale (Nobu Malibu). Adjacent to the Malibu Lagoon and

TOP LEFT AND OPPOSITE: DALE BERMAN

Third Street + the Pier

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NEW IN TOWN Combatant Gentleman

The O.C.-based online retailer of affordable men’s suits now has a brick-and-mortar store where men can try before they buy. 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, 855.844.3681

Erven

Find plant-based fare at this edgy restaurant and marketplace from former Saint Martha chef Nick Erven. 514-516 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.260.2255

Plan Check

The foodie-favorite kitchen and bar’s fourth location offers new nautical-themed dishes like a Nashville hot fish sandwich. 1401 Ocean Ave., Suite 104, Santa Monica, 310.857.1364

. The Getty Center in Brentwood. Opposite, from left: Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica; Santa Monica State Beach

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Malibu’s land was once so coveted that heiress May K. Rindge, who took ownership of it in 1905, used armed guards to defend it from trespassers.

up, thanks to the emergence of hot restaurants such as reborn Rose Café-Restaurant, plus a smattering of hip shops. Visitors strolling Ocean Front Walk get an eyeful, between the performers, the vendors and the Muscle Beach bodybuilders.

Brentwood

Bird Sanctuary, the Adamson House is filled with historic tile. The celebrity-frequented Malibu Country Mart serves as the area’s town square. Together with the adjacent Malibu Village and Malibu Lumber Yard, there are plenty of shops and restaurants for whiling away an afternoon. Inland, nearing Calabasas, is wine country, where you can sample the local vino at tasting rooms such as Malibu Wines.

Topanga + Pacific Palisades

In the 1960s, hippies and musicians such as Neil Young hid out in idyllic Topanga, accessible by Topanga Canyon Boulevard from Pacific Coast Highway. Removed from urban activity, it retains its bohemian vibe and independently owned businesses. Hiking trails allow visitors to bask in Topanga’s woodsy beauty, and restaurants such as Inn of the Seventh Ray accommodate creekside dining. There’s more than initially meets the eye in seemingly sleepy, family-friendly Pacific

G R E AT F I N D

Palisades, south of Topanga on PCH and accessed from Temescal Canyon Road. Hikers love the shady trails in Temescal Gateway Park, and cafés and upscale momand-pop shops can be found between Via de la Paz and Monument Street near Sunset Boulevard. The Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine on Sunset is a 10-acre oasis with a lush garden and koi- and swan-filled lake. The crown jewel of the Palisades is the Getty Villa. Styled as a Julius Caesar-era villa, it’s filled with Greco-Roman antiquities.

Venice

Abbot Kinney won in a coin toss the land that would become Venice. He sought to develop it as an American version of the Italian city; the canals are still there, lined with multimillion-dollar bungalows. His namesake Abbot Kinney Boulevard is Venice’s coolest section, where Gjelina, Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea and boutiques such as Heist and Huset are the main attractions. Rose Avenue is also coming

/ bossa nova

➺ Just off of Abbot Kinney Boulevard, you’ll find Le Magazyn, a concept store

bringing “Brazilian bossa” design to L.A. Located inside a century-old building, the boutique/gallery resembles a stylish living room, outfitted with exposed brick, patterned tile and photography on the walls. Founder and São Paulo transplant Ana Kozak curates the shop’s selection, with an emphasis on socially conscious purchasing, sourcing the items from artisans and craftspeople in Brazil. Stop by and browse the one-of-a-kind goods for sale: handcrafted clothing, shoes and bags; artfully crafted midcentury and contemporary furniture from Brazilian designers like Sergio Rodrigues and Jorge Zalszupin; and elegantly simple liquid-porcelain ceramics. 904 Pacific Ave., Venice, 310.450.5333, lemagazyn.com

Marina del Rey

Marina del Rey’s main attraction is the marina, the largest man-made small-craft harbor in the world. Restaurants such as Cast & Plow and Cafe del Rey are positioned to take advantage of the views, and at the New England-style Fisherman’s Village, boat-rental and cruise companies such as Hornblower offer visitors myriad ways to get out on the water. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see page 92. FROM TOP: ANGELA DECENZO; COURTESY LE MAGAZYN

Skateboarders take a break at Venice Beach.

Marilyn Monroe once called this enclave northeast of Santa Monica home; it remains a favorite stamping ground of the affluent and famous. San Vicente Boulevard functions as the neighborhood’s main street, with copious independent shops, bakeries, cafés and restaurants. The petite Brentwood Country Mart, a charming open-air shopping center built in 1948, keeps retail offerings contemporary and upscale. The area’s biggest draw is the Getty Center, the hilltop museum that houses J. Paul Getty’s spectacular art collection.

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EXPLORING

West Hollywood TRENDS IN FASHION, DESIGN AND FOOD OFTEN BEGIN IN L.A., AND MANY OF THOSE INNOVATIONS CAN BE TRACED TO THE PIONEERING COMMUNITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD.

➺For a municipality measuring less than 2 square miles and with fewer than 35,000 residents, West

Hollywood wields enormous influence over the L.A. lifestyle. With a number of world-class art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, nightclubs and theaters, it’s a frequent destination for locals and tourists alike. After dark, this iconic stretch of Sunset Boulevard between Doheny Drive and Crescent Heights Avenue becomes the hottest stretch of asphalt in L.A. County. The club scene here rocks with legendary establishments like the Roxy, the Whisky a Go Go and the Viper Room, which have a long history of hosting performances by rock ‘n’ roll’s finest. Other Sunset Strip nightclubs include Rock & Reilly’s and newer 1 OAK. The Comedy Store continues to showcase the leading names in stand-up, as well as emerging stars. During the day, boutiques such as beloved Book Soup draw traffic. Hotels are an integral part of the Sunset Strip scene. Chateau Marmont, a glorious and notorious celebrity hangout throughout the decades, remains a discreet local getaway. Skybar, at the style-conscious Mondrian, retains its aura of exclusivity. At the Sunset Tower Hotel, Bugsy Siegel’s former suite has been converted into the Tower Bar.

Sunset Plaza

Sunset Plaza, between La Cienega and San Vicente boulevards on Sunset Boulevard, is a

collection of tony shops and bistros with an international flavor and free parking—a novelty in this neighborhood. This is the city’s Euro Zone, where you’re apt to hear more French and Italian than Valley Girl. For up-to-the-minute fashion, check out Wildfox, Zadig & Voltaire or either of the two H. Lorenzo shops. Pamper yourself with a facial at Ole Henriksen Face/Body Spa, a mani-pedi at Jessica—The Clinic, a blowout at Drybar or a makeover at Blushington.

Melrose Avenue

Melrose Avenue has become virtually synonymous with trendiness, and new expressions in fashion, art and food continue to percolate up and down this street that has multiple personalities. One stretch of Melrose, east of Fairfax Avenue, has a mix of indie boutiques, cafés, tattoo parlors and vintage shops. Stores such as Wasteland have wild facades and vibrant signage that add energy to the scene. Farther west, Melrose becomes très sophistiqué, showcasing upscale tastes at Ron Herman, Assembly, Kelly Wearstler and Vivienne Westwood. Just off Melrose is the fashionable three-

block stretch of Melrose Place, where Bentleys line up for chic salons such as Nine Zero One and such cutting-edge boutiques as Irene Neuwirth, Isabel Marant, the Apartment by the Line and Violet Grey.

West Hollywood Design District

Melrose Avenue’s flourishing art, fashion and design district runs along the pedestrian-friendly retail corridors of Melrose and Beverly and Robertson boulevards. Among its newer offerings are a Helmut Lang flagship and RH: the Gallery on Melrose Avenue. The district’s hub is the Pacific Design Center complex—monolithic blue, green and red buildings designed by celebrated architect Cesar Pelli—which houses more than 130 showrooms catering to professional designers and luxury-home owners and is home to a satellite of downtown’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and a stylish Wolfgang Puck eatery, Red Seven.

Beverly + West 3rd

Beverly Boulevard and West 3rd Street, major east-west streets running through West Hollywood, are filled with restaurants,

DALE BERMAN (2). OPPOSITE: DAVE LAURIDSEN

Sunset Strip

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NEW IN TOWN Catch LA

The hot N.Y. seafood restaurant expands to the West Coast, reeling in an A-list crowd to its stylish rooftop perch. 8715 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.347.6060

Delilah

Start with dinner and drinks, then dance the night away inside this gilded, art deco showstopper from H.Wood Group. 7969 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.745.0600

Nightingale Plaza

SBE’s newest nightlife entry combines elegance with cuttingedge technology. 643 N. La Cienega Blvd., L.A., 424.296.1600

Chris Burden’s installation Urban Light at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Opposite, from left: Farmers Market; Topshop at the Grove

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One of the Fairfax District’s anchors is the Original Farmers Market, established in 1934, with more than 100 produce stalls, shops and eateries.

design showrooms and boutiques from some of the hottest up-and-coming clothing designers. The two streets bracket the landmark eight-level Beverly Center, which is undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation. Bloomingdale’s, Fendi, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Uniqlo, Sandro and Jimmy Choo boutiques are among the center’s more than 160 establishments. On West 3rd Street east of Beverly Center, you’ll find favorite boutiques such as Flight 001 for stylish travel supplies, OK for designminded gifts, Pyrrha for handcrafted jewelry and Wittmore for contemporary menswear. Great dining options include Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo’s seafood spot, Son of a Gun, and Vic Casanova’s two Italian concepts, Gusto and Pistola. On Beverly Boulevard, you can shop for high-end home decor and accessories at Garde and fragrances at Eric Buterbaugh Florals, dine on Frenchinspired California dishes at Terrine and finish with a sweet treat from Cake Monkey.

G R E AT F I N D

Robertson Boulevard

Robertson Boulevard is no longer a paparazzi magnet, but it’s still home to shops that appeal to the modish set. Hit Chaser for vintage-inspired T-shirts; Reservoir for cool, under-the-radar brands like Suno and PB 0110; and Kitross, from the founder of nowdefunct Kitson, for L.A.-inspired gifts. A cutting-edge Chanel concept store illustrates the difference between Robertson Boulevard and more staid Rodeo Drive. For a breather between boutique-hopping, consider a cocktail with crab cakes on the picket-fenced patio of Ivy restaurant, legendary for its celebrity clientele. Cecconi’s, just off Robertson, is also popular for power lunches.

Fairfax and Mid-Wilshire

L.A.’s Fairfax District and neighboring MidWilshire are among the most culturally diverse neighborhoods in the Mid-City/ West Hollywood area. At Fairfax Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard is the Los Angeles

/ style scout

➺ Martine

and Armand Hadida founded their avant-garde concept shop, L’Eclaireur, in a gallery on the Champs-Élysées in 1980 and immediately set about championing such visionary designers as Martin Margiela, Prada and Yohji Yamamoto. Three-plus decades and five Parisian outposts later, L’Eclaireur (“scout,” in English) is bringing its eye for style stateside for the first time by way of a new West Hollywood Design District location. With the Hadidas’ daughter Meryl Hadida Shabani at the helm, the three-story, continually evolving “residence” focuses on interior design and home accessories such as rare Fornasetti furniture and wares, but it also presents limited-edition fashion pieces and temporary exhibitions. 450 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.360.0262, leclaireur.com

FROM TOP: COURTESY THE ROW; SAMUEL FROST

The Row on Melrose Place, one of Los Angeles’ most exclusive shopping areas

County Museum of Art (LACMA), a renowned facility with more than 100,000 works dating from the ancient period to today. Adjacent to LACMA is the famous La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, where the ice age comes alive. Additional venues on this Museum Row include the newly renovated Petersen Automotive Museum and the Craft & Folk Art Museum. South of the museums is a surprise for curious foodies: a neighborhood known as Little Ethiopia, where acclaimed traditional restaurants are located. To the museums’ east is the burgeoning District La Brea, a walkable stretch filled with hot restaurants like Odys + Penelope and hip boutiques including American Rag Cie and A+R. One of the Fairfax District’s anchors is the Original Farmers Market, established in 1934, with more than 100 produce stalls, shops and eateries. There are spots to satisfy virtually any craving, including a wine bar, a taqueria and a stand with authentic Louisiana gumbo. Adjacent and connected by a vintage trolley is The Grove, an outdoor, pedestrianonly shopping center. The Grove has the character of an old-fashioned village square, with stained-glass streetlamps and a central fountain. Nordstrom, a movie theater and stores such as American Girl Place, Apple, Paige and the first-ever Elizabeth and James boutique are joined by myriad restaurants including Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see pages 92-93.

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MEMORIES MADE FRESH DAILY FROM AN 82 YEAR–OLD FAMILY RECIPE.

LOS ANGELES’ FAVORITE SHOPPING & DINING DESTINATION SINCE 1934

6333 W. THIRD ST. • LOS ANGELES 323.933.9211 • FARMERSMARKETLA.COM #FARMERSMARKETLA Insta

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Every day, The Original Farmers Market delivers exceptional shopping, fresh food and fond memories. Conveniently located in the heart of Los Angeles, this historic landmark features open-air ambiance and an eclectic mix of over 100 specialty shops, artisan grocers, and world-class restaurants—many of which are still owned and operated by generations-old family merchants. We invite you to visit one of the city’s most iconic destinations, re-created daily with the timeless ingredients of family, friends and fun.

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EXPLORING

Hollywood HOLLYWOOD IS IN THE MIDST OF A NEW GOLDEN AGE, AND ITS HIP, UP-AND-COMING NEIGHBORS LOS FELIZ, SILVER LAKE AND ECHO PARK SHARE IN THE LIMELIGHT.

➺“Hollywood is a state of mind” was a popular refrain when this part of Los Angeles was experiencing Hollywood & Highland

Hollywood & Highland has been a catalyst for the rebirth of Hollywood Boulevard. Its Dolby Theatre is the home of the Academy Awards, and the central Babylon Court frames views of the iconic Hollywood sign (built in 1923 to advertise a housing development, the 45-foot-high letters originally read “Hollywoodland”). Other draws include Ohm nightclub, dining spots and shops such as Sweet! candy store and Louis Vuitton. Next door to Hollywood & Highland is the TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman’s Chinese Theatre), famous for its celebrity hand- and footprints embedded in the concrete out front.

Showtime

Just across the street from Hollywood & Highland is the ornate, lavishly illuminated El Capitan Theatre. Masterfully restored by Disney, it offers special presentations of the studio’s releases, combined with performances using an antique Wurlitzer pipe organ and children-pleasing stage shows. Jimmy Kimmel Live! tapes in an ABC studio next door. The Egyptian Theatre—built in 1922 around the time that King Tut’s tomb

was discovered—screens eclectic artsy and classic fare. The landmark Pantages Theatre has staged megahit musicals including The Book of Mormon and Wicked, and the Hollywood Palladium has a rich history of showcasing top-notch musicians.

Walk of Fame

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

Museums, Hollywood-style

Hollywood has museums, but don’t expect to encounter Picasso or Monet. Next to TCL Chinese Theatre is Madame Tussauds

Hollywood, filled with more than 100 wax figures ranging from legends like Clark Gable to contemporary stars including Taylor Swift. You can ponder some zany accomplishments at the Guinness World Record Museum, while the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium offers bizarre exhibitions. Movie buffs head to the Hollywood Museum in the historic Max Factor Building, which displays 10,000 artifacts showcasing 100 years of showbiz history, including Indiana Jones’ whip, a costume worn by Leonardo DiCaprio and the honeymoon dress worn by Marilyn Monroe after she married Joe DiMaggio.

Around Vine

The storied intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, the epicenter of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, boasted a large concentration of entertainment-industry companies in the 1920s. It’s a different Hollywood today, but the magic of this location endures in the soaring W Hollywood Hotel & Residences and its Delphine brasserie. A Metro station is integrated into the hotel; Hollywood is particularly well served by mass transit. Across the street is boutique hotel the

FROM LEFT: LISA ROMEREIN; DALE BERMAN. OPPOSITE: EDWIN SANTIAGO

a decline not long ago. But with hot new boutiques, restaurants, hotels and condos sprouting up, it has re-emerged as a bona fide destination, and waves of international visitors mingle with colorful locals.

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NEW IN TOWN

Burke Williams The day-spa chain’s expansive new location offers innovative spa concepts and treatments. 925 N. La Brea Ave., L.A., 323.822.9007

Shake Shack

The East Coast chain opens its third SoCal location, serving milkshakes and burgers well worth the inevitable wait. 6201 Hollywood Blvd., L.A., 323.593.7763

Valerie Confections Boutique

Award-winning chocolatier Valerie Gordon’s new Silver Lake shop, next to her flagship location, carries her full suite of handmade chocolates, petits fours, pastries and more. 3364 W. 1st St., L.A., 213.739.8149

Hollywood Pantages Theatre. Opposite, from left: Eclectic gifts at Wacko/Soap Plant in Los Feliz; performers and onlookers on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

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Among the largest urban parks in America, sprawling Griffith Park is an ideal place to hike, picnic, golf, ride horses and more.

Redbury and its stylish Middle Eastern restaurant, Cleo, and bar, the Library. Sunset Boulevard and Vine is in transition, but dance clubs and eateries give this corner plenty of character. Serious cinephiles catch their flicks at ArcLight Cinemas, where it’s easy to spot a celeb. Close by is Amoeba Music, where music fans and collectors browse the aisles through 31,000 square feet of space packed with rare vinyl records, CDs and memorabilia. A couple of blocks west is the stylish minicomplex Space 15 Twenty, catering to shoppers well into the evening. The center is anchored by a supersize Urban Outfitters and complemented by cool boutiques.

Nightcrawling

The revival of Hollywood has only enhanced its nightlife opportunities, and a lively barand-club scene permeates the district. On Hollywood Boulevard, you can party under the guise of literary advancement at library-

G R E AT F I N D

themed Hemingway’s, drink and dine at Houston Hospitality hot spot No Vacancy, and attempt to get past the velvet ropes at nightclubs like Playhouse and Project Club LA. Cahuenga Boulevard also is home to dozens of clubs and eateries, including chef Brendan Collins’ excellent Birch. Quintessentially L.A. but a galaxy removed from Hollywood Boulevard is the Hollywood Bowl, the largest outdoor amphitheater in the U.S., where the Los Angeles Philharmonic takes up residence from June to September. Picnicking under the stars here is among the most memorable experiences in L.A.

Los Feliz + Silver Lake

These neighborhoods are among the hippest in the county. Vermont Avenue, the main drag in Los Feliz, presents a collection of shops and restaurants that range from bohemian to chic. Skylight Books and 24/7 diner Fred 62 are popular hangouts. Lounges such as Rockwell represent the neighborhood’s

/ creative cooperation

➺ At L.A.’s trendy weekly and biannual craft fairs, shopping is an opportunity to discover vintage finds and beautiful baubles made by local artisans. But at Los Feliz’s Co-op 28, you can find a carefully curated selection of handcrafted and locally produced treasures from more than 150 talented artists every day. Inside the shop, beautiful jewelry, handmade cards and the store’s signature subway signs mingle with vintage glassware. You’ll also find midcentury-modern furniture from the boutique’s exclusive, custom-made Los Feliz Collection. As if that weren’t enough to entice shoppers, the Co-op team is hard at work on Bukowski’s Los Feliz, “the intellectual’s dive bar,” due to open directly behind the shop on Feb. 14. 1728 N. Vermont Ave., L.A., 323.669.2828, coop28.com

Griffith Park

Among the largest urban parks in America, Griffith Park is an ideal place to hike, take a train ride, picnic, golf and more. The Charlie Turner Trailhead begins at Griffith Observatory, one of the great planetariums in the world and a frequent film location. The hike up Mount Hollywood provides views of the Hollywood sign, and the Greek Theatre, a 5,700-seat amphitheater, is a legendary music venue. Also here are the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens and the Western-heritage-oriented Autry Museum of the American West, 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 93-94.

FROM TOP: DALE BERMAN; HIGH Q DIGITAL

Visitors ride a miniature train on the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad.

increasing sophistication. Nearby, a stretch of Hollywood Boulevard houses cult-favorite gift shop/gallery Wacko and hip Bar Covell, and Barnsdall Art Park offers recreational opportunities including tours of Frank Lloyd Wright’s recently restored Hollyhock House. At Sunset Junction, where Sunset and Santa Monica boulevards intersect, Los Feliz transitions into Silver Lake. Foodies hang at casual Forage or the Cheese Store of Silverlake, while aspiring screenwriters hammer at their laptops and sip lattes at Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea. Farther east on Sunset Boulevard, cool beach gear at Mollusk Surf Shop and chic handbags at the Clare V. flagship beckon.

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EXPLORING

Downtown L.A.’S URBAN CENTER REFLECTS THE CULTURAL DIVERSITY, WORLD-CLASS ARCHITECTURE AND DYNAMIC COMMERCE THAT MAKE THE CITY A SUPERSTAR ON THE GLOBAL STAGE.

➺Downtown Los Angeles could not be hotter, with new restaurants and shops opening daily. Historic art

deco structures share the streetscape with glass-clad towers, and even movie stars are snapping up lofts in century-old buildings. The arts scene roars to life here, where the image of L.A. as laid-back hardly applies. Union Station was the last of the grand railroad terminals built in the U.S. Its importance faded as the automobile began to dominate life in L.A., but the 77-year-old station has staged a comeback, thanks to a renovation and downtown’s new energy. From the station—the hub of the Metro system—you can board the Red Line to Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley or connect to the Blue Line to Long Beach or Expo Line to Santa Monica. The Gold Line runs to Pasadena. Nonstop bus service to LAX is available 24/7. Metrolink commuter trains connect distant suburbs, and Amtrak trains offer coastal journeys.

Grand Avenue + Music Center

The heart of L.A.’s performing-arts scene and the site of its most dramatic architecture, Grand Avenue is beginning to live up to its name. On Bunker Hill, once filled with Victorian mansions, four venues make up a formidable collection of stages at the Music Center. The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is home to L.A. Opera, and the Ahmanson Theatre and the Mark Taper Forum host theatrical productions. The flashiest venue is architect

Frank Gehry’s lauded Walt Disney Concert Hall, winter home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, led by its vivacious music director, Gustavo Dudamel. Also housed at Disney Hall is REDCAT, which offers visual, performing and multimedia arts programming. After a show, take a stroll through the 12-acre Grand Park, between Grand Avenue and Hill Street and 1st and Temple streets.

Descending Bunker Hill

Steps from the Ahmanson 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), and across from it is The Broad museum, built by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad. Both sites house premier collections of contemporary art. The Omni Hotel and California Plaza are adjacent to MOCA; nearby Angels Knoll is a welcome patch of greenery. Angels Flight, a vintage funicular (now dormant) that climbs to California Plaza from Hill Street below, is billed as “The Shortest Railway in the World.” At the foot of the hill, the Bunker Hill Steps rise five stories at the

U.S. Bank Tower, the tallest building west of the Mississippi. Across the street is the art deco-style Central Library.

Olvera Street

The origin of the city of Los Angeles, dating back to 1781, is El Pueblo de Los Angeles, a collection of 27 buildings along festive pedestrian concourse Olvera Street. The city’s oldest building, Avila Adobe (circa 1818), is located here, along with Mexican restaurants, mariachi bands and merchants offering arts and crafts. A few blocks away is the city’s oldest restaurant, Philippe the Original (1908), where a cup of joe is just 49 cents.

Historic Districts

Undergoing a renaissance is the Broadway Theatre District, home to once-opulent movie palaces. Several, such as the United Artists theater (now the stylish Theatre at Ace Hotel), have been revived or restored to their original grandeur. Cool shops such as Acne Studios and new BNKR lend cachet to the area. The Bradbury Building, constructed in 1893 in the Italian Renaissance Revival style, was featured in the film Blade Runner.

FROM LEFT: MATT HARTMAN; LISA ROMEREIN. OPPOSITE: DALE BERMAN

Union Station

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NEW IN TOWN

Cleo L.A. Live

SBE’s popular Mediterranean, Cleopatrathemed meze bar opens a second L.A. outpost, which offers breakfast and lunch as well. 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 424.888.7818

Here’s Looking at You

This hot Koreatown spot features fruity cocktails and an inventive JapaneseMexican fusion menu from former Animal chef Jonathan Whitener. 3901 W. 6th St., L.A., 213.568.3573

Salt & Straw

The popular artisanal Oregon-based icecream company is now serving scoops of its inventive flavors in the hip Arts District. 829 E. 3rd St., downtown, 213.988.7070

K.G. Louie Co.’s storefront in Chinatown. Opposite, from left: Grand Park and City Hall; sweets from Bottega Louie on South Grand Avenue

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Downtown’s heritage as a mercantile center can still be experienced in its historic shopping districts, popular with bargain hunters.

east is the Arts District, which boasts buzzy shops and markets; galleries including Hauser Wirth & Schimmel; a bevy of craft breweries; and such lauded restaurants as The Factory Kitchen, Officine Brera and Bestia.

L.A. Live

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

Shopping Districts

Downtown’s heritage as a mercantile center can still be experienced in its historic shopping districts. The Jewelry District draws shoppers looking for deals on diamonds; in the neighboring Fashion District, you can find designer clothing items. At Santee Alley, an open-air bargain bazaar, designer trends breed low-priced knockoffs. The Flower District offers blooms at wholesale prices. For an awesome mix of old-school produce vendors and lunch counters and new, upscale specialty stalls, Grand Central Market, near the foot of Angels Flight, is the place to go. And the Figat7th shopping center is home to trendy boutiques and eateries.

G R E AT F I N D

Chinatown

Chinatown is a great destination for sampling dim sum, dining at new foodie-favorite spots like Pok Pok LA and Howlin’ Ray’s or browsing for clothing, tea or home goods. Cultural highlights include Thien Hau Temple and the Chinese American Museum. Chung King Road and Gin Ling Way are home to galleries; Broadway is lined with boutiques. Dodger Stadium is a short drive away, as is San Antonio Winery, which offers tours and tastings.

Little Tokyo

Little Tokyo’s bar scene is popping, and dining options range from traditional sushi at Japanese Village Plaza to upscale Asian fusion at Simbal. Just a few steps down 1st Street is the sleek Japanese American National Museum. The Geffen Contemporary, a branch of MOCA, is next door. At 2nd and Main streets is the former St. Vibiana cathedral, now home to stylish Redbird restaurant. To Little Tokyo’s

/ look sharp

➺ The 2014 arrival of Ace Hotel in downtown L.A. heralded an influx of high-end retail that’s steadily transforming the area around 9th and Broadway. Among the latest cult-favorite, cutting-edge boutiques to join the neighborhood is Mykita, the Berlin-based eyewear brand known for its hand-assembled frames, patented screwless hinges and collaborations with the likes of Damir Doma and Maison Margiela. Occupying the ground floor of the Eastern Columbia Building, the store—Mykita’s first on the West Coast—is a bright, clean-lined and modern capsule that stands in contrast to the surrounding art deco building. Here, visitors can find the full optical and sunglasses lines, including the Mykita DTLA Edition style, which is exclusive to this location. 847 S. Broadway, downtown, 213.335.5815, mykita.com

Exposition Park

Just south of downtown is Exposition Park, whose grounds hold major museums and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, temporary home of the L.A. Rams. The California African American Museum delves into black history, and the beaux arts-style Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County offers insight into prehistoric giants. The California Science Center has a 3-D Imax theater and exhibits the retired NASA space shuttle Endeavour. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of downtown, see page 93.

FROM TOP: DANIEL ENNIS; COURTESY MYKITA

A mural in downtown’s burgeoning Arts District—one of Los Angeles’ best places to see street art

The $2.5 billion L.A. Live project is home to Staples Center, as well as the Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers and Kings, and it hosts top pop acts, as does Microsoft Theater, which boasts state-of-the-art acoustics. The Grammy Museum honors myriad music genres with videos, artifacts and interactive exhibits. A dozen restaurants and nightlife venues—WP24, new Cleo and Lucky Strike Lanes, to name a few—face a massive urban plaza lined with LED screens. The Los Angeles Convention Center, encompassing 16-plus acres of exhibition space, is also here.

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L.A. STYLE OUTLET SAVINGS

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CitadelOutlets.com I-5 at Atlantic Blvd. exit.

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EXPLORING

Pasadena THE BLOOM OF PASADENA DOESN’T FADE AFTER NEW YEAR’S DAY, AS A BLEND OF SMALL-TOWN CHARM AND COSMOPOLITAN ENERGY MAKES THE CROWN CITY A YEAR-ROUND DESTINATION.

➺Minutes from downtown L.A. via the Arroyo Seco Parkway (Pasadena Freeway) or the Metro Gold Line Old Pasadena

A tribute to foresighted urban planning is the 22-square-block shopping district known as Old Pasadena, roughly bounded by Walnut and Green streets, Arroyo Parkway and Pasadena Avenue. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s a collection of restored buildings filled with trendy boutiques, bistros and nightclubs. Merchants range from Tesla Motors to Urban Outfitters, and eateries include Union, a top-rated Italian restaurant. Pedestrian-only alleys meander through the One Colorado project in the heart of Old Pasadena, where restaurants offer alfresco dining overlooking a sculpture-strewn square. Boutiques such as Vince and Cop. Copine draw shoppers, while iPic Theaters reimagines the moviegoing experience with state-of-theart technology, plush seats and a bar/café. Nearby is the Norton Simon Museum, home to one of the finest art collections in the West. The galleries are filled with works dating from the Renaissance to the 20th century, and the museum’s repertoire of impressionist masters (e.g., Monet, Cézanne, Van Gogh) is formidable. A sculpture garden features a major tribute to Degas.

East of Old Pasadena is Paseo Colorado, a shopping center with an ArcLight movie theater, restaurants and shops lining garden promenades. Its open-air design frames views of Pasadena City Hall, a majestic landmark restored to its original beaux-arts grandeur.

Lake Avenue through one of the city’s most opulent residential neighborhoods leads to the Langham Huntington. Consider this grand, historic hotel for high tea, Japanese Kobe beef at its Royce steakhouse or pampering at its award-winning Chuan Spa.

Playhouse District + South Lake Avenue

San Marino + San Gabriel Valley

Anchored by the Mission-style Pasadena Playhouse, this district offers art-house cinema, antique shops, boutiques and bookstores, as well as the famed Ice House comedy club, whose stage has hosted George Carlin and Jerry Seinfeld. Other cultural attractions include the Boston Court Performing Arts Center and the USC Pacific Asia Museum (which is closed through May 2017 for a seismic retrofit). The Pasadena Museum of California Art celebrates Golden State painters and sculptors from 1850 to the present. East of the Playhouse District, South Lake Avenue provides a vibrant shopping environment. Inviting boutiques are set around European-style courtyards at the Commons and Burlington Arcade. A drive south on

South of the Langham is San Marino and its primary attraction, The Huntington, whose library, art collections, botanical gardens and new education and visitor center occupy one of the most remarkable pieces of real estate in Southern California. Here, the Italianate mansion of railroad magnate Henry Huntington houses an extraordinary collection of 18th- and 19th-century art, and a library with nearly 9 million rare books, photographs and manuscripts occupies another structure. Throughout the 200-acre property are more than a dozen distinct botanical environments, the Helen and Peter Bing Children’s Garden and a formal rose garden boasting more than 1,400 varieties of the flower. Sharing Pasadena’s eastern border are the communities of Sierra Madre and Arcadia,

FROM LEFT: DALE BERMAN; COURTESY THE NORTON SIMON ART FOUNDATION. OPPOSITE: LISA ROMEREIN

commuter train is Pasadena. Its architectural pedigree is world-class, and renowned institutions including the Tournament of Roses and Caltech lend it cachet. The city’s diverse neighbors are also worth discovering.

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NEW IN TOWN

Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop

The healthy-eating minichain has a new outpost across from the Americana at Brand—part of the stretch’s recent influx of foodie-favored entries. 252 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale, 747.215.6788

Lost at Sea

Locals Tim Carey and Santos Uy (Papilles) are behind this restaurant, serving up fresh seafood, wine and French technique—a novelty for Old Pasadena. 57 E. Holly St., Pasadena, 626.385.7644

Maple

Dine on fare like fried chicken ’n’ beignets at Patina Group’s new brunch restaurant at Descanso Gardens, then stroll through the lovely camellia collection. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, 818.864.6435

The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens. Opposite, from left: Windowshoppers in Old Pasadena; a gallery at the Norton Simon Museum

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The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden’s natural Southern California habitat is famous for its wild peacocks.

home to Santa Anita Park, a storied thoroughbred-horse-racing venue. Arcadia is also home to the 127-acre Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, whose natural Southern California habitat is famous for its wild peacocks. Farther east, scattered along the San Bernardino Freeway (I-10), are the communities of San Gabriel, Temple City, Monterey Park and Alhambra, which have attracted large numbers of Chinese and Vietnamese immigrants, so the opportunity for enjoying Asian cuisine is virtually unrivaled in Southern California. Tourists passionate about history, architecture or faith explore the 1771 San Gabriel Mission, and the San Gabriel Mountains present hiking opportunities for nature lovers.

The Road to South Pasadena

The scenic route to South Pasadena on Orange Grove Boulevard passes through a stretch once known as Millionaires Row. Some splendid homes remain, including

G R E AT F I N D

the former Wrigley Mansion (Tournament House), which now houses the Tournament of Roses Association. North of Old Pasadena, the boulevard leads to the Gamble House. This, the most famous achievement of architects Greene and Greene, is a classic representation of the Arts and Crafts movement that left its imprint on Pasadena. South Pasadena is a tranquil community whose Craftsman homes range from bungalows to mansions, and its Mission West Historic District is lined with antique shops, art galleries, casual cafés and kid-friendly spots like Fair Oaks Pharmacy, a restored drugstore from 1915 whose vintage soda fountain is straight from a Norman Rockwell painting.

Eagle Rock + Glendale

West of Pasadena is Eagle Rock, a quiet college town reinventing itself as a trendy L.A. neighborhood. Its main drag of Colorado Boulevard is lined with a diverse collection of restaurants including Casa Bianca, a ven-

/ endless summer

➺ Love everything Lilly? Then you must know about LadyBird—a Lilly Pulitzer

Signature Store in San Marino. It’s one of only two such stores in California and offers a dizzying array of fashions and accessories in the brand’s distinctive bold colors and block-printed fabrics. The sunny resortwear may have been inspired by designer Lilly Pulitzer’s Palm Beach, Fla., lifestyle, but its appeal is universal. “Because Lilly doesn’t ship internationally and we’re close to LAX, we have a lot of customers who come in to get their Lilly fix,” LadyBird assistant manager Erin Prim says. The 2017 resort collection is in, featuring breezy styles like the Lettie top at right. The whole line “feels happy, like you’re ready to have an adventure,” Prim enthuses. 2556 Mission St., San Marino, 626.441.4550, lillypulitzer.com

FROM TOP: MATT HARTMAN; COURTESY LILLY PULITZER

The Americana at Brand in Glendale

erable old-school pizza joint. In Eagle Rock, students from highly ranked Occidental College—where a young Barack Obama once studied—mingle with young couples who are snapping up hillside real estate. On the far side of Eagle Rock is Glendale, the third-largest city in Los Angeles County. There, office workers pour out of high-rises for happy hour at The Americana at Brand, an open-air shopping, residential and entertainment development. Style-savvy shoppers can browse at boutiques, catch a movie or recharge at the Americana’s restaurants, which include the Philippe Starck-designed Katsuya and celebrity chef Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak. Home to a large Armenian community, Glendale offers a wealth of ethnic eateries specializing in kebabs, shawarma and belly dancing. Marked by a towering neon obelisk is the Alex Theatre, a restored art deco masterpiece that hosts concerts and musicals. Steps from the Alex is the new Museum of Neon Art, dedicated to showcasing a quintessentially L.A. craft. North of Glendale is Montrose, whose main street of Honolulu Avenue is more Mayberry than L.A. Close by, in La Cañada Flintridge, is sprawling Descanso Gardens, with North America’s largest camellia collection—an awesome sight when in full bloom during January and February. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see page 94.

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HH_Wh

SHOPS DINING NIGHTLIFE ENTERTAINMENT Hollywood & Highland features the Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards®, conveniently located on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. With world-class shopping, dining, and red carpet movie premieres, it’s the ultimate Hollywood experience.

Photo, Shawn Farrington

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EXPLORING

The Valley HOLLYWOOD MIGHT BE THE SPIRITUAL CENTER OF THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY, BUT THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, AKA “THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HILL,” IS WHERE MOVIEMAKING MAGIC HAPPENS.

➺

Universal City

A couple of Metro stops north of the heart of Hollywood is Universal City, a major entertainment-industry outpost. The highlight is Universal Studios Hollywood, which offers a behind-the-scenes peek into moviemaking, plus a theme park with rollicking roller coasters and high-tech virtual-reality action rides. The new Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction is all the buzz; also thrilling are the Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem attraction and the Simpsons Ride and its adjacent Springfield-themed “world.” Splurge for Universal’s VIP Experience, which pampers its guests with such perks as private tour guides, exclusive backlot access and unlimited front-of-line access in the theme park. Among the wide-ranging attractions next door at pedestrian-only Universal CityWalk are skydiving simulations at iFly Hollywood and mechanical bull riding at Saddle Ranch Chop House. Restaurants include new Blaze Pizza, Smashburger and chef Ludo Lefebvre’s LudoBird, and stores such as Lush Cosmetics and Skechers will loosen your wallet.

Burbank

Burbank calls itself the “media capital of the world”—and with good reason. This cosmopolitan city is home to some of the most famous players in the entertainment business, including Walt Disney Studios, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon Animation Studio. Get a taste of the action on a Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood or as part of the studio audience at a taping of one of your favorite programs, such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The media district, which encompasses most of these companies, also boasts some newer cafés and dining destinations, including Coffee Commissary and Simmzy’s, as well as the iconic Bob’s Big Boy, which hosts a classic-car show every Friday. As vibrant as it is, Burbank’s entertainment industry is hardly the city’s only draw. More than 160 restaurants and shops cater to locals and visitors alike. The downtown district offers a major-mall shopping experience, movie theaters and the ever-popular Ikea, but surrounding streets, such as historic San Fernando Boulevard, have a more homegrown feel, with nightlife destinations, shops and trendy bistros such as Granville

Cafe. Another must-visit district is hip Magnolia Park, centered at Magnolia Boulevard and Hollywood Way, which offers indie cafés, antique shops and the area’s best retro and vintage boutiques (Playclothes and Pinup Girl are favorites). Always-packed Porto’s Bakery—the country’s best place to eat, according to Yelp—offers excellent pastries and sandwiches from Europe and the owners’ native Cuba. Do you like the outdoors? Burbank is a gateway to the Verdugo Mountains, which are crisscrossed with hiking trails. A workout here is rewarded with spectacular views of Burbank, the Hollywood Hills and downtown L.A. For golf enthusiasts, DeBell Golf Club features regulation 18-hole and par-3 courses. And during the summer, outdoor amphitheater the Starlight Bowl hosts a music series. If you’re jetting into or out of L.A., you can escape the hassles of LAX by opting for Burbank’s uncongested Bob Hope Airport. It offers nonstop flights to many cities across the country and is centrally located, with easy access to Hollywood, downtown L.A. and the San Gabriel Valley.

FROM LEFT: DAVID SPRAGUE/UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD; DALE BERMAN. OPPOSITE: DAVE LAURIDSEN

The Valley is a sprawling collection of communities, each with its own attractions and charms. Immortalized in movies as diverse as Chinatown and Valley Girl, the area derives its name from Mission San Fernando Rey de España, the historic landmark on the Valley’s northernmost edge.

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The Federal Bar in North Hollywood. Opposite, from left: A dragon in Hogwarts Castle at Universal Studios Hollywood; a dessert from Porto’s Bakery in Burbank

NEW IN TOWN Guisados

The popular Boyle Heights-born taco chain brings its homestyle braises to the Valley. 312 N. San Fernando Blvd., Burbank, 818.238.9806

Ramen Room

Oinkster chef Andre Guerrero shifts gears with this new Japanese-Filipino restaurant. 13355 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, 818.855.1706

Rent the Runway

Try on designer looks at the online service’s chic shop at the Village at Westfield Topanga. 6320 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Suite 1660, Woodland Hills, renttherunway.com

North Hollywood

North Hollywood wasn’t much of a tourist destination until the community transformed its commercial core into the NoHo Arts District, now filled with nearly two dozen professional theaters, including the landmark El Portal Theatre. These venues present some of the most innovative stage performances in L.A., and neighboring dance studios and art galleries contribute to the scene. With restaurants like the Federal Bar, a lively gastropub with a full calendar of music and comedy, and Idle Hour, a bar in a barrel-shaped, refurbished landmark building from the 1940s, the momentum continues for this transit-linked urban village. From NoHo’s Metro station, you can access central Hollywood and downtown via the Red Line subway or board the Orange Line, a sleek express bus that traverses the entire San Fernando Valley.

Ventura Boulevard

This iconic, palm-lined boulevard stretches 20 miles across the San Fernando Valley. Immortalized in music by Frank Zappa and

Tom Petty, the boulevard is an integral part of L.A. culture and home to a burgeoning dining scene. In Studio City, it’s lined with eateries, including entertainment-industry-favored Art’s Deli, newer favorite the Bellwether and a greater concentration of acclaimed sushi bars (such as Asanebo) than Little Tokyo claims. For shopping, there are charming boutiques, including Dari and Voyage et Cie, and beauty retreats such as Face Haus facial bar. Hip bars and restaurants including Firefly have helped to launch a nightlife scene. Farther west, as the boulevard winds its way through Sherman Oaks, you’ll encounter laid-back trattorias and bistros, as well as shops such as Abundance, a boutique showcasing plus-size designer fashions. Sherman Oaks is also home to Westfield Fashion Square, anchored by Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s and featuring upscale boutiques. Sherman Oaks Galleria is near the junction of the 405 and 101 freeways; draws include ArcLight Cinemas, where there’s a chance you’ll see famous faces drawn to the Valley by its familyoriented lifestyle.

Deep in the Valley

Westfield Topanga shopping center is loaded with exclusive designer boutiques, including Louis Vuitton and David Yurman. The Village lifestyle destination opened last fall, expanding the center’s retail and dining options. Farther west off the Ventura Freeway (U.S. 101) is Calabasas, where celebrities move for more elbow room. Upscale shopping and casual eateries live at the Commons at Calabasas, an elegant openair destination. A few exits beyond that is Westlake Village, where locals hit the luxurious spa or do lunch at the Four Seasons. Visitors to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in neighboring Simi Valley can step aboard an actual Air Force One, visit a full-size replica of the White House Oval Office and learn all about America’s 40th president. North on the Golden State Freeway (I-5) in Valencia, coaster enthusiasts gather at Six Flags Magic Mountain for rides too wild for Disneyland. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see page 94.

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EXPLORING

South Bay

➺In the South Bay, the cities of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach occupy an idyllic

coastal stretch renowned for surfing and volleyball. To the north is El Segundo; to the south are the beautiful bluffs of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and the bustling waterfronts of San Pedro and Long Beach.

Manhattan Beach

Nineteen miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach boasts 2 miles of beaches with sand so fine that developers from Waikiki Beach in Honolulu imported it in the 1920s. This laid-back city is home to many professional athletes: You may spot an L.A. Kings player as you walk along the Strand, the pedestrian promenade sandwiched between multimillion-dollar homes and the beachfront bike trail. At the end of the city’s picturesque pier, the Roundhouse Aquarium delights with touch tanks. The pier features plaques commemorating winners of the Manhattan Beach Open—the South Bay is die-hard beach-volleyball country. It’s also a playground for water-sports enthusiasts, including bodyboarders and surfers. East of the pier along Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Manhattan Avenue are chic boutiques and a burgeoning dining scene, with restaurants such as Fishing With Dynamite, Love & Salt, Little Sister and The Strand House drawing gourmets from across L.A. The Metlox center is a popular gathering place, with shops such as the Beehive and hot spots including Zinc at the Shade Hotel.

Hermosa Beach

Heading south on Manhattan Avenue brings you to Pier Avenue, the heart of Hermosa Beach. Hermosa shares many characteristics with Manhattan Beach, including a scenic 2-mile stretch of beachfront punctuated by volleyball nets, fitness buffs weaving along the Strand (here merged with the bike path) and a pier studded with bronze plaques commemorating surfing legends. Come late afternoon, the pedestrian plaza at Pier Avenue west of Hermosa Avenue becomes a different kind of South Bay scene, thanks to spillover from packed bars and restaurants such as Hennessey’s and Killer Shrimp. Beyond Pier Plaza, on Hermosa Avenue, Jay Leno still draws crowds to the Comedy & Magic Club with Sunday-night shows. To the plaza’s east, café/boutique Gum Tree and Steak & Whisky are standouts among the specialty shops and eateries that line Pier Avenue. Farther east, Becker’s carries surfboards and beachwear.

Redondo Beach

The largest of L.A. County’s beach cities, Redondo Beach is home to the 1,457-seat

Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center and a recreational waterfront featuring 2 miles of sandy beaches, the popular Redondo Beach Pier and King Harbor. Sepulveda Boulevard becomes Pacific Coast Highway as it enters town; signs point west to King Harbor’s Redondo Beach Marina, one of four marinas in the harbor. Here you find businesses such as Redondo Sportfishing offering fishing excursions and whale-watching tours, while other local outfitters rent out kayaks, paddleboats, bicycles and wave runners. South of the harbor, the historic Redondo Beach Pier has had its ups and downs, but it keeps rising from the ashes to attract locals and visitors to quick-andcasual eateries, amusements and souvenir shops. South of the pier, the gentle waves and somewhat narrow strip of Redondo State Beach draw crowds during the summer, while the bike path meanders by on its way to its terminus at Torrance State Beach. One block east of the beach, the Riviera Village shopping district has a small-town feel, with restaurants and specialty boutiques such as Cami and the Catalina Cooking Store covering a six-block radius.

FROM LEFT: COURTESY HERMOSA BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND VISITORS BUREAU; COURTESY FISHING WITH DYNAMITE. OPPOSITE: EDWIN SANTIAGO

THE SOUTH BAY’S BEACHES AND HARBORS ARE ACTION-PACKED, BUT THE LIVING IS EASY. LOOK FOR OCEAN-VIEW DINING, MOM-AND-POP SHOPS AND SEASIDE ATTRACTIONS.

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NEW IN TOWN Beer Belly

Koreatown’s craft-beer mecca sets up down south with 24 taps, a full-liquor license and exclusive menu items. 255 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach, 562.436.2337

Gum Tree

The cute Hermosa Beach home and gift boutique opens a new outpost. 324 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, gumtreela.com

Sea Level

Dine on California coastal cuisine with a side of marina views at the new Shade Hotel’s restaurant and lounge. 655 N. Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach, 310.921.8950

The Queen Mary in Long Beach. Opposite, from left: Hermosa Beach Pier; Fishing With Dynamite in Manhattan Beach

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Among Long Beach’s most popular draws is the 1,020-foot-long Queen Mary, a historic, supposedly haunted ship-turned-hotel. Long Beach

Palos Verdes Peninsula

Beyond Redondo Beach rises the Palos Verdes Peninsula, a rugged 26-square-mile area known for majestic bluffs that afford sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Catalina Island. Head a few miles inland via Palos Verdes Drive North to the 87-acre South Coast Botanic Garden, a yearround attraction boasting 200,000 plants. Or hug the coast on Palos Verdes Drive West to Rancho Palos Verdes’ Point Vicente Interpretive Center, a popular gray-whalewatching site. Just beyond the adjacent Point Vicente lighthouse is the Mediterraneanstyle Terranea Resort, which offers fine dining, a 50,000-square-foot oceanfront spa and a public nine-hole golf course. Farther along is the Wayfarers Chapel, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s son Lloyd Wright. The impressive Swedenborgian “glass church” is a popular wedding venue. The nearby 18-hole public course at Trump National Golf Club is top-ranked.

G R E AT F I N D

San Pedro

The multicultural community 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 bustling 7,500-acre Port of Los Angeles, which features passenger and cargo terminals, as well as a crafts marketplace and new brewery Brouwerij West. Catalina Express operates from Berth 95, offering daily boat service to Catalina’s quaint city of Avalon and rustic village of Two Harbors. More than a million travelers pass through the World Cruise Center (Berths 91-93) annually; adjacent to the complex is the battleship-turnedmuseum USS Iowa. The New England-style Ports O’ Call Village offers waterfront restaurants and shops, and beyond it is the marina, part of the Cabrillo Beach Recreational Complex. The complex also includes the Frank Gehry-designed Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and Cabrillo Beach—one of the county’s most popular windsurfing spots.

/ one-stop beauty shop

➺ Founded in Washington, D.C., circa 1999, Bluemercury is one of the country’s fastest-growing beauty emporiums—yet when you enter each location, you feel like you’re in your friendly neighborhood beauty shop (albeit one on steroids). Take, for example, the new Bluemercury at upscale shopping center the Point in El Segundo. Here, expert staff offers recommendations based on a personally vetted selection of niche and traditional brands including Darphin, Juice Beauty, La Mer and Bluemercury’s own natural Lune+Aster makeup and M-61 skin care lines. The icing on top: an in-store spa offering skin care treatments, waxing and brow styling (some locations offer massages, too). Stop in and start getting gorgeous. 840 S. Sepulveda Blvd., El Segundo, 310.416.1006 (additional L.A. locations at bluemercury.com)

FROM TOP: EDWIN SANTIAGO; COURTESY BLUEMERCURY

The horseshoe-shaped pier in Redondo Beach

In the county’s southwest corner, Long Beach boasts a busy commercial port, an attraction-packed waterfront and more than 5 miles of beaches. A popular draw is the 1,020-foot-long Queen Mary, a historic, supposedly haunted ship-turned-hotel, dining and shopping attraction permanently moored in Long Beach Harbor. The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, the Pike Outlets, the Aquarium of the Pacific and Shoreline Village are nearby. From the village, you can follow the Shoreline pedestrian bike path 3.1 miles, past the Long Beach Museum of Art and into the Belmont Shore neighborhood. Here you’ll find shops and restaurants along 2nd Street, Bay Shore Beach, the Belmont Pier and windsurfing and kite-surfing lessons. Across a small channel is Naples, where you can take gondola rides through the canals and dine at restaurants such as Michael’s on Naples. Downtown, along 4th Street between Junipero and Cherry avenues, vintagefurniture and clothing shops make up funky “Retro Row.” In the emergent East Village Arts District, hip galleries and boutiques are sprouting where Linden Avenue meets Broadway. Farther east, an impressive collection of modern and contemporary works decks the walls of the Museum of Latin American Art. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see page 93.

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Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Always

More to Seaâ&#x201E;˘ in Redondo Beach...

Where skies are crystal blue, and palm trees sway from cool ocean breezes is a picturesque beach community that is classic Southern California. Redondo Beach is the perfect blend of ideal coastal beauty and fun in the sun. Just seven miles south of LAX, but removed from the hustle and bustle of the big city. This is the place where you can either get away from it all or do-it all. #VisitRedondo For more information visit or call:

www.visitredondo.com 800.282.0333

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L.A.’S PREMIER RESTAURANTS INNOVATIVE DINING GROUP

9200 Sunset Blvd. / West Hollywood / 310.278.2050 101 Santa Moncia Blvd. / Santa Monica / 310.899.4466 boasteak.com

Pasadena / Santa Monica Newport Beach

$3-5 HAPPY HOUR DAILY

8439 W. Sunset Blvd.

“Super creative, extraordinary sushi.” – ZAGAT

West Hollywood

innovativedining.com

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where

the guide MUSEUM S

Girl’s-eye view

PURPLE BY AMAAL SAID, 20, LONDON, ENGLAND

To “amplify” its powerful exhibition Identity: Timothy Greenfield-Sanders The List Portraits, the Annenberg Space for Photography presents #Girlgaze: a frame of mind, on view across the park at Skylight Studios through Feb. 26. The interactive exhibit, curated by Amanda de Cadenet’s Girlgaze collective, features more than 150 photographs by young female-identifying photographers, including Amaal Said’s Purple, pictured here. 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Century City, 213.403.3000

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THE GUIDE | DINING

ANIMAL Bare-bones eatery, from the guys known to Food Network fans as the “Two Dudes,” is a carnivore’s dream. Dishes include delectable takes on offal (such as crispy pig ear) and a bacon-chocolate-crunch bar for dessert. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 435 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A., 323.782.9225 $$$ Map I13 AREAL Community restaurant serves locally grown, sustainable food paired with cocktails crafted from organic, fresh produce. The daily happy hour is a draw, as is the dog-friendly patio. L (Tu-F), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 2820 Main St., Santa Monica, 310.392.1661 $$ Map M9 BIRCH Cahuenga Corridor spot from chef Brendan Collins serves a seasonally driven menu in a whitewashed, clean-lined space. Weekday lunch offers pasta, sandwiches and salads by Andare by Cento. L (M-F), D (Tu-Su), Sunday roast noon-4 pm. 1634 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, 323.960.3369 $$$ Map H13

Raise Your Glass Back in the day, if you wanted a glass of, say, 2000 Château Cheval Blanc, you had to— gulp—commit to the bottle. But thanks to a nifty system called Coravin (coravin.com), which lets users pour from the bottle without removing the cork, top L.A. restaurants are breaking out their finest vintages. Wally’s Beverly Hills (447 Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.475.3540) serves 100 wines by the glass, including a $250 glass of the aforementioned Bordeaux. Cast & Plow (p. 63) in the Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey offers flights featuring rare estate wines. Redbird (right), Georgie at Montage Beverly Hills (225 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.860.7970) and new Vinoteca, adjacent to Culina (p. 65) at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, also use the system. Sip, savor and save.

CLAIM JUMPER Saloon-style eatery features grill fare and its own label of craft beer. L (varies by location), D (nightly), Br (varies by location). 3500 W. Olive Ave., Burbank, 818.260.0505; 820 W. Huntington Drive, Monrovia, 626.359.0463; 9429 Tampa Ave., Northridge, 818.718.2882; 25740 The Old Road, Valencia, 661.254.2628; 6501 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, 562.431.1321 $ Map T22, Q23, north of A1 (2), D4 CLIFTON’S This kitschy downtown cafeteria, which dates to the 1930s, recently reopened after a multimillion-dollar renovation. The multiple-story eatery offers old-school cuisine, with a roast-meat-carving station, and Jell-O for dessert, as well as a craft-beer bar and the new Pacific Seas Tiki bar. L, D (daily). 648 S. Broadway, downtown, 213.627.1673 $$ Map I16 CRAFT New York chef Tom Colicchio of TV’s Top Chef brings his signature concept to L.A. The restaurant delivers an endless, contemporary American à la carte menu, with fun, shareable dishes including roasted octopus and diver scallops with vermouth butter. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 10100 Constellation Blvd., L.A., 310.279.4180 $$$$ Map K11

guidelines

Map locators at the end of each listing (Map A3; Map H10, etc.) refer to maps in the back of this issue. Compendium includes editors’ recommendations and advertisers.

index American..............................62 Japanese................................66 Breweries/Gastropubs....63 Mediterranean....................66 British/Irish..........................63 Mexican/Latin....................66 California...............................63 Pan-Asian.............................. 67 Chinese..................................64 Seafood..................................68 Eclectic/Fusion...................64 Spanish..................................68 French.....................................64 Steak.......................................68 Italian......................................65 Thai..........................................69

dishes, American favorites and diverse cultural staples (e.g., brioche French toast and chicken schnitzel). Half of the space has now been transformed into the vegetablefocused concept P.Y.T. Ledlow: B, L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). P.Y.T.: D (Tu-Sa), Br (Sa-Su). 400 S. Main St., downtown, 213.687.7015 $$ Map I17 M.B. POST Chef David LeFevre serves small plates of seafood, fresh-baked breads, cured meats and more in the space of a former post office. L (F-Su), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 1142 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.545.5405 $$$ Map L13 ODYS + PENELOPE Churrasco and grill from Karen and Quinn Hatfield features a live-fire grill and woodfired smoker. Eclectic, flavorful cuisine is accompanied by a menu of craft beer, wine and handcrafted cocktails. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options also available. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 127 S. La Brea Ave., L.A., 323.939.1033 $$$ Map B2

GWEN Maude chef Curtis Stone and brother Luke’s new restaurant—named after their maternal grandmother— features meat-centric, five-course tasting menus served in an art deco dining room, plus a European-style butcher shop in the front that offers sandwiches. L (Tu-F), D (TuSa). 6600 Sunset Blvd., L.A., 323.946.7513 $$$ Map H14

PLAN CHECK KITCHEN + BAR Growing minichain offers contemporary takes on American classics, complemented with craft beers and premium whiskeys. Try the acclaimed Plan Check Burger, topped with dashi cheese and ketchup leather. New Santa Monica location offers seafood dishes like a Nashville hot fish sandwich and lobster roll. L, D (daily); Br (Su). 1800 Sawtelle Blvd., L.A., 310.444.1411; 351 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A., 323.591.0094; 1111 Wilshire Blvd., downtown, 213.403.1616; 1401 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.857.1364 $$ Map K9, I12, H16, L8

INDEPENDENCE This bright, friendly tavern in downtown Santa Monica pays homage to the Los Angeles & Independence Railroad, which connected downtown L.A. with what is now the Santa Monica Pier back in 1875. The restaurant’s casual setting belies its refined new American cuisine. D (Tu-Su), Br (Sa-Su). 205 Broadway, Santa Monica, 310.458.2500 $$$ Map L8

REDBIRD Chef Neal Fraser’s contemporary American cuisine is offered in the rectory of the former Cathedral of St. Vibiana. Rack of red wattle pork and chicken potpie are part of an intriguing menu. An updated Spanish baroque decor and retro-inspired cocktails complete the scene. L (F), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 114 E. 2nd St., downtown, 213.788.1191 $$$ Map H17

INK. Top Chef winner Michael Voltaggio recently debuted a new menu at his first restaurant, offering an expanded dry-aged-beef program alongside inventive riffs on steakhouse sides, such as king crab with curry ghee, grilled naan and pickles. D (nightly). 8360 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.651.5866 $$$ Map I12

SADDLE PEAK LODGE Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, this elegant hunt-lodge-themed spot is a study in romantic rusticity, with moose heads overlooking candlelit tables. The menu focuses on game dishes such as grilled Blue Mountain wapiti elk tenderloin. D (nightly), Br (Su). 419 Cold Canyon Road, Calabasas, 818.222.3888 $$$$ Map northwest of A1

JOAN’S ON THIRD Celebrity-frequented café on busy West 3rd Street and a newer location in the Valley offer omelets, sandwiches, salads, soups and sweets, plus picnic baskets and gourmet items. B, L, D (daily). 8350 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.655.2285; 12059 Ventura Place, Studio City, 818.201.3900 $ Map I12, T18 LEDLOW/P.Y.T. At Ledlow, chef Josef Centeno, who rules downtown’s Old Bank District (Bäco Mercat, Bar Amá, Orsa & Winston), offers twists on classic bistro

THE STRAND HOUSE This beachside restaurant boasts awesome ocean and pier views and a breezy, stylish bar. Executive chef Greg Hozinsky’s menu includes such starters as foie gras and charcuterie, which might be followed by branzino with black-truffle risotto. Don’t miss pastry chef Stephanie Franz’s doughnuts! L (Tu-F), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 117 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, 310.545.7470 $$$ Map L13

Bon Appétit named Baroo (p. 64) No. 5 on its list of America’s best new restaurants of 2016—and its kimchi fried rice the 2016 dish of the year.

COURTESYTHE RITZ-CARLTON, MARINA DEL REY

American

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DINING

Ye Olde King’s Head

World Famous British Pub, Restaurant, Shoppe & Bakery

Breweries/Gastropubs ABIGAILE A venture of Blackhouse Hospitality (Little Sister, Steak & Whisky, Día de Campo), this funky, graffitimuraled American brasserie with rooftop bar is lots of fun. Executive chef Tin Vuong presents escargot “poppers” washed down with house-brewed beer. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 1301 Manhattan Ave., Hermosa Beach, 310.798.8227 $$ Map L13 ASHLAND HILL Casual craft-beer and wine garden features a rotating selection of small-batch artisanal and “super-local” drafts and craft wines. Dine on creative bar bites in the cool taproom, or dig into the signature pork-belly tacos on the garden patio. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 2807 Main St., Santa Monica, 310.392.3300 $$ Map M9 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; 3229 Helms Ave., Culver City, 310.736.2224 $$ Map L8, L11

British Fare, imported beers and world famous Fish & Chips. Heated patio. Call for soccer schedule. Stop by the gift shoppe for food and collectibles from the British Isles, including bone china, teapots, souvenir items, tea, candy, wine, freshly baked goods and much more. Open daily for breakfast, lunch & dinner Weekdays 9 am | Weekends 8 am Happy Hour Afternoon Tea Karaoke Trivia Live Soccer

M-F 4-7 pm Mon-Sat 11:30 am-4 pm Su 9 pm Every Wed 8 pm Check Schedule

116 Santa Monica Blvd. Santa Monica (310) 451-1402 www.yeoldekingshead.com

SIMMZY’S Popular pub with locations in Manhattan Beach, Long Beach, Burbank and just off the Venice pier serves up hearty burgers (try the classic Simmzy’s), sandwiches, salads and other fresh fare. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 3000 W. Olive Ave., Burbank, 818.962.2500; 5271 E. 2nd St., Long Beach, 562.439.5590; 229 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, 310.546.1201; 37 Washington Blvd., Venice, 424.835.6580 $ Map T20, O17, L13, N9

British/Irish TEA ROSE GARDEN This whimsical, English-garden tearoom, an Old Pasadena fixture for 20 years, serves traditional fare including scones, finger sandwiches and salads sprinkled with flower petals. A florist and boutique selling tea trays and loose-leaf teas are also onsite. B, L, Br (daily). 70 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, 626.578.1144 $$ Map Q20 YE OLDE KING’S HEAD Cozy pub/restaurant with traditional English fare, including acclaimed fish and chips. B, L, D (daily); high tea (M-Sa). 116 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.451.1402 $ Map L8

California Cuisine CAST & PLOW The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey’s restaurant offers a sophisticated dining room and a romantic terrace with fire pits and water views. Its commitment to locally sourced and organic ingredients is evident in enticing entrées such as sustainably farmed salmon and seasonal salads. Enjoy wine flights and creative cocktails, as well as a late-night menu. B, L, D (daily); Br (Su). RitzCarlton, Marina del Rey, 4375 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, 310.823.1700 $$$ Map O9 CAVATINA Esteemed East Coast chef Michael Schlow’s first L.A. restaurant serves simple, local, delicious cuisine inside the rock ‘n’ roll-steeped Sunset Marquis hotel. Don’t miss Schlow’s award-winning burger. B, L, D (daily); Br (Su). 1200 Alta Loma Road, West Hollywood, 310.358.3759 $$$ Map H12 CHAYA The original Chaya in Japan remains open after nearly 400 years. In L.A., the Japanese-Californian menus feature modern izakaya dishes in addition to fresh seafood from local waters and Kyushu, Japan. Check out the Venice location’s newly updated look and menu. Downtown: L (M-F), D (M-Sa). Venice: L (M-F), D (nightly). 525 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.236.9577; 110 Navy St., Venice, 310.396.1179 $$ Map H16, M8 COMMISSARY Poolside eatery from Roy Choi in a greenhouse-like setting. Emphasis on fruit- and vegetable-

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DINING themed dishes and drinks. B, L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). The Line Hotel, Second-Floor Greenhouse, 3515 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 213.368.3030 $$ Map J14 FIG RESTAURANT Dine on a seasonal menu of bistro fare at this restaurant inside the Fairmont Miramar. Sunday brunch features the virtuous, as well as the decadent, plus creative cocktails. B, L, D (daily); Br (SaSu). Fairmont Miramar Hotel, 101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.319.3111 $$ Map L8 THE FRONT YARD This restaurant at the Garland hotel features fresh farm-to-table cuisine from chef Larry Greenwood. Start your meal with chive flatbread topped with chimichurri butter, then move on to entrées like Mary’s Chicken. B, L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 4222 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood, 818.255.7290 $$ Map U19 GIRASOL Chef CJ Jacobson, a former Top Chef contestant, incorporates foraged ingredients into an inventive California menu (e.g., hamachi with white fir and wild sorrel). D (nightly), Br (Su). 11334 Moorpark St., Studio City, 818.924.2323 $$$ Map U19 HINOKI & THE BIRD Inside luxury residential tower the Century, taste Japanese and Southeast Asian flavors in such dishes as lobster rolls with green curry and Thai basil, and black cod scented with the smoke of the namesake hinoki wood. L (M-F), D (Tu-Sa). 10 W. Century Drive, Century City, 310.552.1200 $$$ Map J10 LEONA Top Chef and Knife Fight alum chef Nyesha Arrington serves upscale, seasonally driven “progressive California cuisine” (bulgogi-braised short rib, coctel mixto) a few blocks east of the Venice pier. L (Tu-F), D (Tu-Su), Br (Sa-Su). 123 W. Washington Blvd., Venice, 310.822.5379 $$$ Map N9 LOVE & SALT Dine on creative Cal-Italian fare (e.g., duck-egg pizza and whole roasted pig head) in this buzzy South Bay spot. Chef de cuisine/pastry chef Rebecca Merhej’s desserts are divine. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 317 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, 310.545.5252 $$$ Map L13 MAUDE Celebrity chef Curtis Stone, an Aussie with a strong classical background, helms this intimate, 24-seat Beverly Hills restaurant named after his paternal grandmother. Every month a different seasonal ingredient is showcased and artfully presented in a 10-course menu. D (Tu-Sa). 212 S. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.859.3418 $$$$ Map J11 MILO & OLIVE The husband-and-wife team from Rustic Canyon is behind this casual pizzeria and bakery. Zoe Nathan’s desserts and pastries shouldn’t be missed. B, L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 2723 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.453.6776 $$ Map K9 PLANT FOOD AND WINE Restaurant from Matthew Kenney takes a raw, locally sourced and plant-based approach to dining. Pair your meal with a glass of wine from an extensive organic and biodynamic selection. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 1009 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.450.1009 $$$ Map N9 PUMP Enchanted-garden-themed restaurant and bar from restaurateur and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Vanderpump features a patio with 100-year-old olive trees and a menu created by Food Network Star finalist Penny Davidi. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 8948 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.657.7867 $$ Map I12 RUSTIC CANYON Discover boutique wines while sampling small plates of market-driven, Mediterraneaninspired fare. Clam pozole is just one of the winners. Hide in a cozy booth or mingle at the communal table. D (nightly). 1119 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.393.7050 $$$ Map L8 SPAGO An L.A. institution, Wolfgang Puck’s flagship restaurant features a modern dining room and a daily changing menu that may include dishes like veal

“Wiener schnitzel” and spicy tuna tartare. Glimpse some of the 30,000 wine bottles on offer in a glass-ensconced “wine wall.” L (Tu-Sa), D (nightly). 176 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.385.0880 $$$$ Map I11 TAR & ROSES Santa Monica Yacht Club chef Andrew Kirschner’s first restaurant focuses on small, rustic shareable plates cooked in his wood-burning oven, but with a week’s notice, he can also whip up large, lavish family-style suppers of Moroccan-spiced goat or standing rib rack. D (nightly). 602 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.587.0700 $$$ Map L8 THE TASTING KITCHEN Foodies come for the daily changing menu of innovative yet unpretentious cuisine from culinary-darling chef Casey Lane: small or large plates of cured meats, artisan cheeses, vegetables, seafood and pastas. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 1633 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.392.6644 $$$ Map M9 TAVERN Chef Suzanne Goin’s third L.A. restaurant explores rustic Cal-Med fare in chic environs, including a popular sunlit indoor patio. The frequently changing menu might include “devil’s chicken” with leeks and mustard breadcrumbs. B (M-F); L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 11648 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, 310.806.6464 $$$ Map J9 TERRINE Comfortable, elevated California brasserie fare (e.g., moules frites) from chef Kris Morningstar. The patio, which is dominated by a magnificent tree and dotted with sparkling lights, is as romantic as they come. D (Tu-Su), Br (Sa-Su). 8265 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.746.5130 $$$ Map I12 VIVIANE The Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills’ poolside restaurant features California takes on European and American dishes. 1950s-inspired seasonal cocktails complement the hotel’s midcentury-modern design. B, L (M-F); D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su). 9400 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.407.7791 $$$ Map J11

Chinese BAO DIM SUM Premier dim-sum restaurant serves delicious, authentic dim sum in a relaxing, lantern-lit atmosphere. Favorites include juicy pork dumplings and shrimp shumai, followed by bao milk buns for dessert. L, D (daily). 8256 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.655.6556 $$ Map I12 DIN TAI FUNG At this popular and critically acclaimed dumpling house, founded in Taiwan, foodies line up for soup dumplings with filling combinations such as pork and crab or truffle and pork. L, D (daily). 177 Caruso Ave., Glendale, 818.551.5561; 400 S. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, 626.446.8588 $$ Map U23, R23 MR CHOW The L.A. County editions of scene-y restaurants in New York and London offer Imperial Beijing cuisine. Beverly Hills: L (M-F), D (nightly). Malibu: D (nightly). 344 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.278.9911; Malibu Country Mart, 3835 Cross Creek Road, 18A, Malibu, 310.456.7600 $$$ Map I11, K7 ROC At this Little Osaka dumpling house, popular menu items include a scallion pancake, three-cup chicken and made-from-scratch soup dumplings stuffed with pork and fresh crab. Additional locations are on West 3rd Street and in Playa Vista, with a Culver City outpost on the way. L, D (daily). 2049 Sawtelle Blvd., L.A., 310.235.2089 $$ Map K10 YANG CHOW Fine Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine and an elegant atmosphere have made this restaurant a Chinatown mainstay since 1977. Outposts recently opened in the Valley and Pasadena. L, D (daily). 819 N. Broadway, downtown, 213.625.0811; 6443 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Canoga Park, 818.347.2610; 3777 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626.432.6868 $$ Map G17, west of A1, Q22

Eclectic/Fusion BÄCO MERCAT Chef Josef Centeno draws international praise for his inspired creations. The bäco, a flatbread sandwich, filled with ingredients such as oxtail hash or chicken escabeche, is his signature dish here. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 408 S. Main St., downtown, 213.687.8808 $$ Map I16 BAROO Tucked in a homely Hollywood strip mall, this highly acclaimed restaurant from chef Kwang Uh, who was raised in Korea and staged at Noma in Copenhagen, is a celebration of experimentation and fermentation. The concise, oft-changing menu includes bibim salads, rice bowls and handmade pastas. L, D (Tu-Sa). 5706 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., 323.819.4344 $$ Map H14 CASSIA This bustling Southeast Asian-inspired brasserie finds chef Bryant Ng (Spice Table) serving dishes like Vietnamese pot au feu and, on the lunch menu, an updated version of Ng’s celebrated Spice Table burger. L (M-F), D (nightly). 1314 7th St., Santa Monica, 310.393.6699 $$$ Map L8 MAISON AKIRA Fine French cuisine with Japanese flair (such as a bento box with American wagyu beef, miso sea bass and chawan mushi) in Pasadena’s Playhouse District. Nine-course omakase available. L (F), D (TuSu), Br (Su). 713 E. Green St., Pasadena, 626.796.9501 $$$ Map Q20 ORSA & WINSTON Chef/owner Josef Centeno draws on Japanese and Italian traditions at his acclaimed third restaurant. Select a vegetable, fish or meat grain bowl for lunch; for dinner, enjoy a daily changing six-course tasting menu with nightly supplements and an optional wine pairing. L (Tu-F), D (Tu-Sa). 122 W. 4th St., downtown, 213.687.0300 $$$$ Map I16 TROIS MEC The foodie trinity of Ludo Lefebvre, Vinny Dotolo and Jon Shook is behind this hot restaurant in a 26-seat former pizzeria. Diners must purchase advance tickets via the restaurant’s website to enjoy Lefebvre’s prix-fixe, five-course meal. D (M-F). 716 N. Highland Ave., L.A., troismec.com $$$$ Map H13

French AVEC NOUS Contemporary French bistro where chef Olivier Quignon, previously at Bar Boulud in New York City, offers dishes inspired by the French Riviera. B, L, D (daily). Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills, 9291 Burton Way, Beverly Hills, 310.860.8660 $$$ Map J12 BOUCHON The Bouchon bistros from chef Thomas Keller (the French Laundry, Per Se) have become popular for their authentic good looks and superbly executed cuisine. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 235 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.271.9910 $$$ Map J11 CAFÉ PINOT This glass box of a restaurant adjacent to Central Library offers romantic outdoor dining, sky line views—from the bottom up—and contemporary Cal-French cuisine from the Patina Group. L (M-F), D (nightly). 700 W. 5th St., downtown, 213.239.6500 $$$ Map H16 KENDALL’S BRASSERIE AND BAR Located at the Music Center, Kendall’s is a convenient spot for before or after a performance. In addition to dishes with a contemporary flair, all the brasserie favorites are here (e.g., moules frites). L (M-F), D (Tu-Su), Br (Sa-Su). 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.7322 $$ Map H16 THE LITTLE DOOR For a candlelit dinner in an elegant setting, this is the reservation ne plus ultra. Dine on rustic French-Mediterranean dishes under the stars or by a crackling fireplace. The restaurant’s charming, casual extension, Little Next Door, serves modern French brasserie fare. D (nightly), Br (Su). 8164 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.951.1210 $$$ Map I12

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FRESH START Michael McCarty’s influential farm-to-table restaurant, Michael’s, opened in 1979, is fresh from a makeover and back in the spotlight. New to the kitchen is acclaimed chef Miles Thompson (Allumette, Nobu, Son of a Gun), whose menu includes such ingredient-driven dishes as this duck breast with huckleberryjuniper pickle, water spinach and delicata squash. Ask about California cult wines in the cellar collection. D (M–Sa). 1147 3rd St., Santa Monica, 310.451.0843

MÉLISSE At Mélisse, among L.A.’s highest-rated restaurants, chef/owner Josiah Citrin executes a sophisticated, modern French menu filled with luxe ingredients. Start with lobster bolognese with truffles before superb game dishes. D (Tu-Sa). 1104 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.395.0881 $$$$ Map M8 PATINA The Walt Disney Concert Hall pairs classicalmusic offerings with fine dining, thanks to its fine inhouse restaurant. Game dishes are a frequent presence on the menu. D (Tu-Su). 141 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.3331 $$$$ Map H16 PETIT TROIS Trois Mec’s French-bar-style spinoff offers an a la carte menu of classic dishes such as confit-fried chicken leg, croque monsieur and a delectable omelet with Boursin cheese. L, D (daily). 718 N. Highland Ave., L.A., 323.468.8916 $$$ Map H13 RÉPUBLIQUE In a landmark once occupied by Charlie Chaplin’s studio, fine-dining veteran Walter Manzke and pastry-chef wife Margarita turn out bistro classics (e.g., escargots, duck confit and steak frites) for a trendy clientele huddling at communal tables. Café B, L (daily); Br (Sa-Su). Bistro D (nightly). 624 S. La Brea Ave., L.A., 310.362.6115 $$$ Map I13

RACHEL JACOBSON

Italian ALIMENTO Zach Pollack, half of the talent behind acclaimed Sotto, is behind this tiny, hip space in Silver Lake, where a clever menu features addictive chickenliver crostone with quince mostarda, crudo and pastas. The chef’s contrarian take on tortellini in brodo features dumplings filled with a hot broth that explodes in your mouth. D (Tu-Su). 1710 Silver Lake Blvd., Silver Lake, 323.928.2888 $$$ Map east of W23 BESTIA Multiregional Italian restaurant in the hip Arts District. The former executive chef at Angelini Osteria serves up such “beast”-focused dishes as roasted marrow bone with spinach gnocchetti, breadcrumbs and

aged balsamic, and a selection of house-cured meats. D (nightly). 2121 E. 7th Place, downtown, 213.514.5724 $$$ Map east of J17 BOTTEGA LOUIE This palatial Italian restaurant, decked out in white marble, is a hip, noisy hall where young professionals convene over brick-oven-cooked pizzas and portobello fries. There’s a gourmet market and patisserie, too. B, L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 700 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.802.1470 $$ Map I16 CECCONI’S This London-based restaurant caters to well-heeled clients who schmooze over Bellinis and cicchetti (small plates). Pastas including a beautiful agnolotti del plin and seafood such as grilled octopus are wellexecuted. B, L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 8764 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 310.432.2000 $$$ Map I12 CULINA The Four Seasons’ acclaimed Italian restaurant boasts coastal influences and a sleek crudo bar. Adjacent is new Vinoteca, an Italian-inspired wine and espressobar concept. B, L (M-Sa); D (nightly); Br (Su). Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, 300 S. Doheny Drive, L.A., 310.860.4000 $$$ 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 $$$ Map I11 DRAGO CENTRO Chef Celestino Drago’s well-executed Italian fare and extensive wine list are presented in a contemporary and handsome space. L (M-F), D (nightly). 525 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.228.8998 $$$ Map H16 THE FACTORY KITCHEN Former Valentino chef Angelo Auriana turns his attention to a casual, industrialchic setting in the Arts District. Fresh-made pastas, beautiful cheeses and cured meats, complemented by an inventive cocktail program, contribute to a daily changing menu. L (M-F), D (nightly). 1300 Factory Place, downtown, 213.996.6000 $$$ Map J17

GUSTO Victor Casanova’s intimate neighborhood ristorante has a look and feel reminiscent of his native Bronx. Dishes such as polpette (pork meatballs) plated over chilled, whipped ricotta and fresh-made pastas deserve praise. D (nightly). 8432 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.782.1778 $$$ Map I13 IL FORNAIO Trattoria-style favorite. Beverly Hills: B, L, D (daily). Manhattan Beach: L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). Pasadena: L, D (daily); Br (Su). 301 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.550.8330; 1800 Rosecrans Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.725.9555; 24 W. Union St., Pasadena, 626.683.9797 $$ Map J11, L13, Q19 JON & VINNY’S Family-friendly diner from chefs/ owners Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo has it all—pastries, pizza, pasta (made in-house) and meat entrées. Takeout and delivery are also available. B, L, D (daily). 412 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A., 323.334.3369 $$ Map B2 LA VECCHIA CUCINA Rustic Northern Italian in a laid-back bistro. More than a dozen pastas for dinner, plus pizzas, osso buco alla Romana and other traditional favorites. L, D (daily). 2654 Main St., Santa Monica, 310.399.7979 $$ Map M8 MATTEO’S An old favorite of the Rat Pack endures. Classic dishes include mussels in white wine and osso buco Milanese. D (Tu-Su). 2321 Westwood Blvd., L.A., 310.475.4521 $$ Map K10 OFFICINE BRERA From the team behind the Factory Kitchen around the corner, this stylish trattoria serves a daily changing, northern Italy-inspired menu in a rusticmeets-contemporary space. The rice dishes, spit-roasted meats and handmade pastas are superb. L (M-F), D (nightly). 1331 E. 6th St., downtown, 213.553.8006 $$$ Map J17 OSTERIA MOZZA Famed L.A.-based bread maker Nancy Silverton teamed up with affable Mario Batali on Mozza’s group of contemporary Italian restaurants. Osteria Mozza is a more sophisticated dining room in

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which to experience the repertoire of these great transcontinental talents. D (nightly). 6602 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.297.0100 $$$ Map H13 PIZZERIA MOZZA/MOZZA2GO The more relaxed sibling of Nancy Silverton and Mario Batali’s Osteria Mozza, Pizzeria Mozza features pizzas with Mediterranean ingredients, cheeses and salumi plates and rustic daily specials. Call ahead for delivery or takeout from Mozza2Go. L, D (daily). Pizzeria Mozza: 641 N. Highland Ave., L.A., 323.297.0101. Mozza2Go: 6610 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.297.1130 $$ Map H13 SOTTO This restaurant specializes in regionally inspired Italian cooking, including beautifully executed rustic trattoria dishes; soft, chewy Neapolitan pizzas cooked in an 8-ton wood-burning oven; and intriguing housemade pastas. D (nightly). 9575 W. Pico Blvd., L.A., 310.277.0210 $$$ Map J11 TERRONI Southern Italian cooking including excellent thin-crust pizza. The downtown location inhabits a historic bank building. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 802 S. Spring St., downtown, 213.221.7234; 7605 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.954.0300 $$ Map I16, J13 VALENTINO For more than 40 years, Piero Selvaggio has maintained his flagship’s status as a pre-eminent temple of Italian gastronomy. A telephone-book-sized wine list—often cited as America’s best—is supported by a cellar containing more than 100,000 bottles. L (F), D (Tu-Sa). 3115 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.829.4313 $$$$ Map L9 VILLA BLANCA Stylish white dining room and Asianaccented Italian menu from reality star Lisa Vanderpump. L, D (daily). 9601 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills, 310.859.7600 $$$ Map J11

Japanese ASANEBO Hidden in a strip mall but Michelin-rated, this cozy sushi bar and restaurant offers memorable sushi and inventive fare like seared toro and uni tempura in shiso leaf. L (Tu-F), D (Tu-Su). 11941 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 818.760.3348 $$ Map A1 ISE-SHIMA Located in the Miyako Hybrid Hotel in Old Town Torrance, Ise-Shima provides fresh sushi and other exciting Japanese dishes, recalling the array of seafood and marine delicacies Japan’s Ise Shima region offers. The expansive restaurant consists of a sushi bar, lounge space, large communal table and terrace. B, L, D (daily). 21381 S. Western Ave., Torrance, 310.320.6700 $$ Map M14 KABUKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT Fun, casual atmosphere and more than 200 items from which to choose, including extensive vegetarian and gluten-free options, plus a great happy hour. 13 locations in Southern California. L, D (daily). 201 N. San Fernando Blvd.,

Mediterranean menu from executive chef David Codney. Menu favorites include Dover sole, taramasalata and beautiful desserts. The extravagant, seafood-centric Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne brunch is a don’t-miss. B, L, D (daily); Br (Su). 9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.788.2306 $$$$ Map J11

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

BOWERY BUNGALOW Restaurateur George Abou-Daoud honors his Middle Eastern heritage at this Silver Lake restaurant by applying exotic Silk Road flavors to all-American concepts like Southern baby-back ribs. D (Tu-Su), Br (Sa-Su). 4156 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., 323.663.1500 $$ Map south of W23

KATSUYA Sushi chef Katsuya Uechi turns out exotic delicacies in sultry spaces by designer Philippe Starck. L (varies by location), D (nightly). 11777 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, 310.207.8744; 6300 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.871.8777; 702 Americana Way, Glendale, 818.244.5900; L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.747.9797 $$$ Map K9, H14, northeast of T23, I15 MATSUHISA Superchef Nobu Matsuhisa’s more modest original flagship incorporates luxurious Western ingredients and Latin American spices. Monkfish liver pâté with caviar, and lamb chops with miso anticucho sauce are just a couple of his creations. L (M-F), D (nightly). 129 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.659.9639 $$$$ Map I12 N/NAKA Offerings are crafted in the kaiseki Japanese culinary tradition, with both classic and modern interpretations. The 13-course menus are prepared with produce from N/Naka’s organic garden; there is an extensive sake and wine list as well. Chef/owner Niki Nakayama was one of six chefs featured in the Netflix documentary series Chef’s Table. D (W-Sa). 3455 S. Overland Ave., L.A., 310.836.6252 $$$$ Map L11 NOBU The flagship of chef Nobu Matsuhisa offers an extensive menu of traditional and avant-garde sushi, including many dishes with beguiling Peruvian accents. West Hollywood: D (nightly). Malibu: B (Sa-Su); L, D (daily). 903 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.657.5711; Nobu Malibu, 22706 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.317.9140 $$$$ Map H12, east of A1 Q The omakase-only experience at this intimate sushi bar showcases the artistry and discipline of chef/owner Hiroyuki Naruke in items like monkfish as rich as foie gras. L (Tu-F), D (Tu-Sa). 521 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.225.6285 $$$$ Map I16 ROBATA BAR Japanese grilling from the Sushi Roku, Katana and Boa team. Striking design by Dodd Mitchell. D (nightly). 1401 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.458.4771 $$$ Map L8 ROKU Sunset Strip hot spot from the team behind Sushi Roku presents elevated teppanyaki prepared at interactive grill tables, as well as sushi, omakase offerings and an extensive selection of Japanese whiskeys. L (M-F), D (nightly). 9201 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.278.2060 $$$ Map H12 SUSHI ROKU Nouvelle Japanese, sleek decor and a creative menu. For foodies 10 and under, Sushi Roku Pasadena offers a fun “okosama” kids’ menu with four bento-box options. L, D (daily). 1401 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.458.4771; 33 Miller Alley, Pasadena, 626.683.3000 $$$ Map L8, Q19

Mediterranean A.O.C. Mediterranean-inspired pioneer of two L.A. culinary trends: the small-plates format and the wine bar. Chef/owner Suzanne Goin offers addictive bacon-wrapped, Parmesan-stuffed dates and an excellent selection of cheeses and cured meats from a charcuterie bar. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 8700 W. 3rd St., L.A., 310.859.9859 $$ Map I12 THE BELVEDERE The Peninsula Beverly Hills’ elegant restaurant has a modernized interior, a new terrace and a

CROSSROADS KITCHEN Chef/partner Tal Ronnen creates exclusively plant-based dishes, many based on non-vegan comfort classics. Try the “crab cake,” the attractive artichoke “oysters” topped with crispy oyster mushrooms or, for brunch, the “chicken” and waffles. The wine list features organic and biodynamic labels. D, Br (daily). 8284 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.782.9245 $$$ Map H12 ESTÉREL The redesigned restaurant at the Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills features lovely indoor and outdoor seating areas and farm-to-fork Mediterranean fare. B, L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 8555 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 310.358.3979 $$$ Map I12 FIG & OLIVE New York-based restaurant’s cuisine is an ode to olive oil. Don’t miss the paella del mar and the Provence roasted chicken. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (SaSu). 8490 Melrose Place, L.A., 310.360.9100 $$$ Map I12 GJELINA Under the direction of talented young chef Travis Lett, Cal-Med small plates and pizzas are served to chic Westsiders. It’s one of Venice’s most popular restaurants and the neighborhood’s most lively patio. B (M-F); L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.450.1429 $$ Map N9 LUCQUES Chef/owner Suzanne Goin delivers the next generation of Cal-Med cuisine, which includes dishes such as grilled club steak for two with potatoes parisienne. Nowhere do vegetables taste as good! L (TuSa), D (nightly). 8474 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.655.6277 $$$ Map I13 MAMA SHELTER Mediterranean menus at this hip hotel’s dining venues are helmed by chef Gerard Sampson, formerly of Laurel Hardware. The rooftop menu features such shareable plates as falafel and shawarma platters. Restaurant B, L, D (daily); Br (Su). Rooftop D (nightly). 6500 Selma Ave., Hollywood, 323.785.6600 $$$ Map H14 PETROS Fine contemporary-Greek fare in a cool white dining room or on the covered patio. Dress code for indoor diners. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 451 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, 310.545.4100 $$$ Map L13

Mexican/Latin BROKEN SPANISH The upscale sister of B.S. Taqueria, this “modern Mexican” restaurant near L.A. Live serves classically trained chef Ray Garcia’s innovative twists on traditional dishes. D (nightly). 1050 S. Flower St., Suite 102, downtown, 213.749.1460 $$$ Map I15 B.S. TAQUERIA The colorful setting at this Ray Garcia-helmed spot—a casual sibling of Broken Spanish, above—offers the right vibe for lemon-pepper chicken chicharrones or clam-and-lardo tacos. A B.S. Taqueria concession stand serving tacos and churros recently debuted at Staples Center. L (M-F), D (nightly). 514 W. 7th St., L.A., 213.622.3744 $$ Map H15 DÍA DE CAMPO Part of Blackhouse Hospitality (Little Sister, Abigaile, Steak & Whisky), this restaurant offers innovative Mexican dishes like chocolate-duck quesadil-

RYAN TANAKA

Officine Brera’s Torrone dessert. p. 55

Burbank, 818.843.7999; 1545 N. Vine St., Hollywood, 323.464.6003; 6081 Center Drive, L.A., 310.641.5524; 88 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626.568.9310; 3539 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, 626.351.8963; 20940 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, 818.704.8700 $$ Map T23, H14, N11, Q19, Q22, west of A1

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DINING las, chorizo-stuffed dates and wood-grilled lobster with chili butter in a sexy surf-lodge setting. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 1238 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach, 310.379.1829 $$ Map L13

PRIME STEAKS. LEGENDARY SERVICE. SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills 435 S. LaCienega Blvd. 310-246-1501

Burbank

RED O Rick Bayless, one of America’s leading authorities on Mexican cuisine, is culinary director of these sexy eateries, where creative dishes are grounded in tradition. WeHo: D (nightly). Santa Monica: L (Sa-Su), D (nightly). 8155 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.655.5009; 1541 Ocean Ave., Suite 120, Santa Monica, 310.458.1600 $$$ Map I12, L8

Los Angeles

735 South Figueroa St. 213-553-4566

TORTILLA REPUBLIC This casual-chic WeHo restaurant serves up modern Mexican cuisine made with unusual ingredients and rich in flavor. Sidle up to the white onyx bar or enjoy alfresco dining on the large patio. L (Tu-F), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 616 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.657.9888 $$ Map I12

Costa Mesa

1641 W. Sunflower Ave. 714-444-4834

Pan-Asian

Woodland Hills

6250 Canoga Ave. 818-703-7272

CRUSTACEAN A glass-covered koi-filled stream meanders under the bar at this Cal-Vietnamese eatery, and diners indulge in items from a “secret kitchen” in which only the owners’ family members and select longtime staff members are allowed. The garlic noodles are a signature. L (M-F), D (nightly). 9646 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.205.8990 $$$ Map I11

Anaheim

1895 South Harbor Blvd. 714-621-0101

THE DISTRICT BY HANNAH AN One of the celebrated An sisters—her family introduced Crustacean, above—celebrates her Vietnamese heritage with a cuisine that reflects authenticity while incorporating California sensibilities. Dishes like lobster with handmade noodles and Vietnamese chicken curry are enjoyed with cocktails infused with Southeast Asian flavors. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 8722 W. 3rd St., L.A., 310.278.2345 $$$ Map I12

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T H A I

C U I S I N E

MEXICANO Indoor-outdoor restaurant in the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw shopping center is run by James Beard Award-nominated chefs Jaime Martin Del Campo and Ramiro Arvizu. Try the poblano mole, a house specialty. L, D (Tu-Su). 3650 W. Martin Luther King Blvd., L.A., 323.296.0798 $$$ Map northeast of M12 PETTY CASH TAQUERIA Chef Walter Manzke’s “semi-authentic taqueria” serves Mexican street food (e.g., tacos, ceviche) featuring local, seasonal ingredients and refined technique. L (W-Su), D (nightly). 7360 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.933.5300 $$ Map I13

3400 West Olive Ave. 818-238-0424

NATALE E

GRACIAS MADRE Organic, plant-based Mexican fare is served at this beautiful restaurant (the patio’s ambiance can’t be beat) from the team behind Café Gratitude. Inventive dishes like coconut ceviche tostadas and flautas de papas filled with sweet potatoes and cashew nacho cheese please vegans and omnivores alike. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 8905 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.978.2170 $$ Map I12

“Readers’ Choice Award 2011-2012” ~LA Times “Best of The West Side 2013-2015” ~The Argonaut

Venice (310) 202-7003 10101 Venice Blvd. Full Bar | Sushi Bar Beverly Hills (310) 855-9380 998 S. Robertson Blvd. Full Bar | Valet Parking

Dine In | Delivery Take Out | Order Online

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LITTLE SISTER At these trendy spots from young chef Tin Vuong, sophisticated accents are added to panAsian cuisine, as evidenced in signatures like deep-fried Balinese meatballs with banana ketchup, Myanmar okra curry and salt-and-pepper lobster. M.B.: L (F-Su), D (nightly). Downtown: B, L, D (daily). 1131 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.545.2096; 523 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.628.3146 $$ Map L13, I16 LUKSHON Sang Yoon of Father’s Office is behind this Southeast Asian eatery with a selection of craft beers and a Far East-inspired cocktail program. The crispy whole market fish is not to be missed. L (Tu-F), D (Tu-Sa). 3239 Helms Ave., Culver City, 310.202.6808 $$$ Map K12 SIMBAL This tricky-to-find Little Tokyo spot, from chef Shawn Pham (the French Laundry, Craft, the Bazaar by José Andrés), offers a cuisine that combines the best

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DINING

THE LOBSTER Enjoy a view of the Pacific while indulging in superlative seafood from this Santa Monica Pieradjacent restaurant with a newly remodeled interior. The outdoor patio is most coveted for sampling the eponymous crustacean in various iterations. L, D (daily). 1602 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.458.9294 $$$ Map L8

Clams in broth at Maré (see right)

of Ho Chi Minh City’s food stalls with sophisticated technique and Pham’s playful attitude. Don’t miss the bar’s creative cocktails. D (Tu-Sa). 120 S. San Pedro St., downtown, 213.626.0244 $$$ Map H17 WP24 From its 24th-floor roost, WP24 proves that Wolfgang Puck, who pioneered Asian fusion, has still got the goods. Highlights include XO seafood dumplings and steamed bao filled with pork belly. Restaurant/ lounge concept Nest at WP24 is adjacent. Dining room D (Tu-Sa). Nest D (nightly). Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, 900 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.743.8824 $$$$ Map I15

Seafood BLUE PLATE OYSTERETTE Putting a “California twist on East Hampton summer lobster bakes,” this casual-yet-stylish restaurant has locations by the pier in Santa Monica and inland on West 3rd Street. 3rd Street: D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). Santa Monica: B, L, D (daily). 8048 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.656.5474; 355 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.576.3474 $$$ Map I12, L8 CAFE DEL REY Ogle impressive pleasure boats in the marina at this waterfront restaurant with plentiful fresh catch, a raw bar and prime cuts of steak. Stop in for its great nightly happy hour, too. L (M–F), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 4451 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, 310.823.6395 $$$ Map N9 DUKE’S MALIBU Named after the father of international surfing, Duke Kahanamoku, this oceanfront restaurant captures the spirit of aloha. Not to be outshone by the spectacular views is the cuisine, which features a daily selection of fresh fish and tropical cocktails. L (Tu-Sa), D (nightly), Br (Su). 21150 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.317.0777 $$ Map west of K7 ENTERPRISE FISH CO. Established in 1979, this restaurant is a local favorite when it comes to seafood. Wild-caught fish, fresh seafood and steaks are cooked over a mesquite charcoal grill in an exhibition kitchen set in the middle of the dining room. L, D (daily). 174 Kinney St., Santa Monica, 310.392.8366 $$$ Map M9 FISHING WITH DYNAMITE Chef David LeFevre (also behind the Arthur J and Manhattan Beach Post) loads his menu with East Coast inspirations, as well as some innovative dishes. Among the old-school small plates in this tiny, charming restaurant are New England-style clam chowder with Nueske’s bacon and Maryland blue-crab cakes with house-made pickles and remoulade. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 1148 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.893.6299 $$$ Map L13 THE HUNGRY CAT East Coast fare is served in a hip little spot. Dine on dishes such as crab cakes or chilled crab legs and you-peel or they-peel shrimp by the half-

MARÉ Chef Eric Greenspan’s charming patio-only, seafood-focused restaurant on Melrose (accessed through the kitchen of Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese) recently extended its concept to the coast. Mix-and-match your shellfish and broth (try the shrimp with vadouvan curry and green apple); dessert might be blood-orange trifolo or a chocolate chili crepe adorned with Nutella and coffee whipped cream. Melrose: D (nightly). Santa Monica: L, Br (Sa-Su); D (nightly). 7465 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.592.3326; 502 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.917.6671 $$$ Map I13, L8 PROVIDENCE Chef/owner Michael Cimarusti (who’s also behind Connie and Ted’s and new fish shop Cape Seafood and Provisions) transforms sustainable seafood from the world’s most pristine waters into oft-changing dishes. Outstanding cocktails complement Michelinrecognized cuisine. L (F), D (nightly). 5955 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.460.4170 $$$$ Map I14 SALT AIR Seafood prepared with traditions from around the world is offered at this laid-back Venice eatery. Favorites include a lobster tartine with grapefruit, sprouts and herb aioli, followed by caramel-coated monkey bread for dessert. L (M-F; 3-5 pm Sa-Su), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 1616 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.396.9333 $$$ Map N9 SANTA MONICA YACHT CLUB Nautically stylish, seafood-centric restaurant from chef/owner Andrew Kirschner (Tar & Roses) offers a globally inspired menu, raw bar and market-driven craft-cocktail program. D (Tu-Su). 620 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.587.3330 $$$ Map L8 SON OF A GUN Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, the meat-loving chefs at Animal, turn to the sea for new inspiration. They cook up small shareable plates, such as miniature lobster rolls and shrimp-toast sandwiches, in a nautically themed space. L, D (daily). 8370 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.782.9033 $$$ Map I12

Spanish BAR PINTXO Spanish tapas bar around the corner from the Santa Monica Pier offers authentic tortilla española, paella, croquetas de jamón and Spanish wines. L, D (daily). 109 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.458.2012 $$ Map M8 THE BAZAAR BY JOSÉ ANDRÉS Star chef José Andrés brings a whimsical set of Spanish-style dining experiences to the SLS Hotel. Cuisine ranges from rustic fare to the cutting-edge creations that have made Spain a culinary leader. Tasting room Saam offers an unforgettable 20-plus-course prix-fixe menu. Dining room D (nightly). Saam D (Th-Sa). 465 S. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.246.5555 $$$ Map H16

Steak ALEXANDER’S STEAKHOUSE This ultraluxurious interpretation of the classic American steakhouse incorporates Asian influences. Certified Angus beef and one of L.A.’s widest selections of domestic and imported wagyu star on the menu. New Bull & Barrel bar concept offers the menu plus an expanded, whiskeyforward cocktail menu and social-hour food menu with specialty items. D (nightly). 111 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, 626.486.1111 $$$ Map Q20

THE ARTHUR J This swanky Manhattan Beach steakhouse, helmed by chef David LeFevre (M.B. Post, Fishing With Dynamite), offers a classic menu that will delight any carnivore, but the seafood dishes and sides-with-a-twist are excellent as well. Sit in the midcentury-inspired, spacious dining room or at the bar. D (nightly). 903 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.878.9620 $$$$ Map C2 BALTAIRE Helmed by executive chef Travis Strickland, this sophisticated Brentwood restaurant offers prime steaks, wines by the glass, old-school charm and sun-orstars dining on its 2,500-square-foot terrace. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 11647 San Vicente Blvd., L.A., 424.273.1660 $$$$ Map J12 BOA Way hip, way fine steakhouse. Steak rubs and dips; out-there cocktails. L (M-F), D (nightly). 101 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.899.4466; 9200 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.278.2050 $$$ Map M8, H12 CUT A collaboration between Getty Center architect Richard Meier and celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, Cut is the place to savor genuine wagyu beef steaks or dryaged Nebraska beef. Puck’s menu is short on nostalgia but long on flavor. D (M-Sa). Beverly Wilshire Hotel, 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.276.8500 $$$ Map J11 THE GRILL ON THE ALLEY The Grill is a venerable industry hangout, where polished waiters deliver steaks, Cobb salads and other old-school fare to Hollywood heavyweights in a dining room with classic good looks. Beverly Hills: L (M-Sa), D (nightly). Westlake Village: L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 9560 Dayton Way, Beverly Hills, 310.276.0615; 120 E. Promenade Way, Westlake Village, 805.418.1760 $$$ Map I11, west of A1 MASTRO’S OCEAN CLUB At this on-the-waterfront eatery—the views are pure Malibu—starters like ahi tartare, lobster cocktail and caviar are followed by fresh fish, whole Maine lobster and expertly prepared steaks. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 18412 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.454.4357 $$$$ Map west of K7 MASTRO’S STEAKHOUSE Swanky “steakhouse with personality.” Bone-in filet reigns; warm butter cake melts in your mouth. Penthouse at Mastro’s is an upstairs lounge. D (nightly). 246 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.888.8782 $$$ Map J11 MORTON’S Clubby ambiance, show-and-tell menu, huge portions. Beverly Hills, Woodland Hills: D (nightly). Downtown, Burbank: L (M-F), D (nightly). 435 S. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.246.1501; 6250 Canoga Ave., Woodland Hills, 818.703.7272; 735 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.553.4566; The Pinnacle, 3400 W. Olive Ave., Burbank, 818.238.0424 $$$ Map I11, west of A1, I16, T20 MUSSO & FRANK GRILL Hollywood’s oldest restaurant (1919). Enjoy flannel cakes, lobster Thermidor and Welsh rarebit with the martini; legend has it that this place invented the drink. B, L, D (Tu-Sa). 6667 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.467.7788 $$ Map H13 NICK + STEF’S A modern interpretation of the classic American steakhouse, Bunker Hill institution Nick + Stef’s is a midcentury-modern vision whose menu includes showstopping meat dishes, as well as an expanded seafood menu. USDA Prime beef is aged on-site in a glass-encased aging chamber. L (M-F), D (nightly). Wells Fargo Building, 330 S. Hope St., downtown, 213.680.0330 $$$ Map H16 PISTOLA The sister restaurant to Victor Casanova’s Gusto gives classic Italian steakhouse fare a modern twist. Enjoy classic dishes such as shrimp scampi, dryaged Delmonico steak and bone-in veal chop in an elegant space with a sleek, 1950s New York feel. D (nightly). 8022 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.951.9800 $$$ Map I13

T.S. JENSEN

pound. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). Sunset + Vine, 1535 N. Vine St., Hollywood, 323.462.2155 $$ Map H14

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DINING

SOMETHING FOR

EVERYONE THE SEARCH FOR GREATNESS IS OVER

LUNCH • DINNER • HAPPY HOUR

STEAK & WHISKY Rustic meets modern at this South Bay spot from chef/partner Tin Vuong and partner Jed Sanford of Blackhouse Hospitality Management (also behind Little Sister). A blend of cultural influences updates American classics like traditional porterhouse and dry-aged beef. D (nightly). 117 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach, 310.318.5555 $$$$ Map L13 THE STINKING ROSE True to its motto, “We season our garlic with food,” this Restaurant Row mainstay offers eclectic, garlicky menu options and premium steaks. Pianist Gary Sherer performs Th-Sa evenings in the Gar Bar. L, D (daily). 55 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.652.7673 $$ Map I12 STK The One Group’s renowned steakhouse has a sleek and sultry new L.A. home inside the W hotel in Westwood. Expect signature savory steaks, shellfish platters and jalapeño-cheddar grits, as well as new dishes such as seared foie gras with spiced rum, and crispy lobster tails. D (nightly). W Los Angeles—West Beverly Hills, 930 Hilgard Ave., L.A., 310.659.3535 $$$ Map J10

Thai JITLADA THAI The wait for a table is long at this top-rated restaurant in East Hollywood’s Thai Town, but the southern Thai specialties, such as moo mae chan (grilled pork southern-style with papaya salad and sticky rice), are authentic and exceptional. L, D (Tu-Su). 5233 1/2 Sunset Blvd., L.A., 323.667.9809 $$ Map W22 NATALEE THAI Traditional Thai dishes are served amid edgy, modern decor. Among entrées are Nutty Chicken (a spicy combo of chicken, onion and dried chilies) and a sole filet in red curry sauce. Veggie lovers favor the spicy maha jumlong curry. L, D (daily). 10101 Venice Blvd., Culver City, 310.202.7003; 998 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.855.9380 $ Map L11, I11

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NIGHT + MARKET For authentic Thai food, head to either the WeHo or Silver Lake location (the latter is Night + Market Song) of this hip spot from L.A.born chef Kris Yenbamroong, who was named one of 2016’s best new chefs by Food & Wine. A third location, Night + Market Sahm, is due open at 2533 Lincoln Blvd. in Venice any day now. WeHo: L (TuTh), D (Tu-Su). Silver Lake: L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 9043 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.275.9724; 3322 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A., 323.665.5899 $$ Map I12, south of W23 PALMS THAI This spot near the Pantages theater is known more for its entertainment than its cooking, but both are worth the trip. Kavee Thongpreecha, “the Thai Elvis,” does campy interpretations of the King’s repertory. Unusual menu items include frog legs with chili and basil. L, D (daily). 5900 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.462.5073 $ Map H14 POK POK LA The menu at this 200-seat Mandarin Plaza restaurant from award-winning chef Andy Ricker is divided into five categories that include drinking food, grilled things and sweet things. Standout items include Ike’s Vietnamese Fish Sauce Wings, sticky with umami. Ricker also works wonders with duck, ribs and vegetables. L, D (daily). 978 N. Broadway, downtown, 213.613.1831 $$ Map G17

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

MENU HIGHLIGHTS Shared Plates Zucchini beignets Albacore tuna crudo Spanish octopus Braised pork belly Seared scallops Macaroni gratin

ESTÉREL RESTAURANT Located in the Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, the recently redesigned Estérel Restaurant boasts a range of dining settings in which to enjoy executive chef Victor Boroda’s seasonally driven, Mediterraneaninspired cuisine. Guests can sip an aperitif in the French garden patio, Le Jardin, or host a private cocktail party in the Aviary. Two private dining rooms are available, as well; one serves as a chef’s table, where chef Boroda blends French and California cuisines in custom tasting menus. In the open-plan main dining room, high-backed booths and deep blue walls create a sophisticated atmosphere, and an exhibition kitchen with a wood-burning oven provides a show. Additionally, guests can enjoy cocktails created by Frederic Zemmour, Riviera 31 Lounge Bar’s manager and resident mixologist. B,L,D (daily); Br (Su).

Plates Linguine alle vongole Albacore tuna Pan seared steelhead salmon Grass fed filet mignon Le jardin burger Braised lamb shank Poulet rôti

Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, 8555 Beverly Blvd., L.A.

310.358.3979 esterelrestaurant.com

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LADINING IL FORNAIO Il Fornaio’s award-winning authentic Italian cuisine is a favorite in Los Angeles. Specialties include housemade pastas, wood-fired pizza, grilled fish, authentic risotto and rotisserie meats. Fresh pastas are made daily. Each month a special menu from a different region of Italy is featured. With an event coordinator on-site to handle all of your needs, Il Fornaio is the perfect location for special events and business functions. Repeat recipient of The Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence.”

301 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills • 310.550.8330 1800 Rosecrans Ave., Manhattan Beach • 310.725.9555 24 West Union St., Pasadena • 626.683.9797 6320 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills • 818.297.1700 ilfornaio.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 its status as the epitome of classic cool. Now in its 50th year, Matteo’s continues to offer unique seasonal fare in a homey and hip setting. Executive chef Antonio Orlando’s menu features sumptuous, cosmopolitan Italian fare like veal tartufato, lamb and weekly game specials. Happy hour specials Tuesday through Friday and on Sunday include half-off drinks and a $7-and-under bar menu. Gluten-free and vegetarian options also available. For lunch, visit adjacent cafe Hoboken, open weekdays. D (Tu-Su).

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

O+O SICILIAN KITCHEN & BAR Chef Georgi Yaneff’s new O+O Sicilian Kitchen & Bar brings the flavors of Sicily to the corner of Ocean Avenue and Olympic Drive in Santa Monica, blocks from the beach. Inside, the dark wood, modern bar and paintings by artist Vincenzo Magno create a casual, contemporary-meets-Old World Italian atmosphere, and outside a fire pit warms a cozy, partially covered patio strung with market lights. O+O offers fresh salads and fish, as well as Sicilian street foods and traditional dishes. Enjoy meatballs, ravioli alla norma, eggplant parmesan, arancini classico and, for dessert, cannoli and cheesecake, all executed with California flair by Sicilian chef de cuisine Gianluca Maita. L, D (daily).

1705 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 424.272.8700 • oosantamonica.com

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

BEVERLY HILLS

MEXICANO (Mexican)............................................ 57

LA CIENEGA BOULEVARD

THE ARTHUR J (Steak)........................................... 58

AVEC NOUS (French).......................................... 54

NATALEE THAI (Thai)......................................... 59

RESTAURANT ROW

CLAIM JUMPER (American)............................ 52

THE BELVEDERE (Mediterranean)............... 56

DOWNTOWN

THE BAZAAR (Spanish).................................... 58

DÍA DE CAMPO (Mexican).................................... 56

BOUCHON (French).............................................. 54

BÄCO MERCAT (Eclectic)...................................54

FIG & OLIVE (Mediterranean)........................... 56

FISHING WITH DYNAMITE (Seafood).... 58

CRUSTACEAN (Pan-Asian)............................... 57

BESTIA (Italian).......................................................... 55

MATSUHISA (Japanese)..................................... 56

IL FORNAIO (Italian).......................................... 55

CULINA (Italian)..................................................... 55

BOTTEGA LOUIE (Italian).............................. 55

MORTON’S (Steak).............................................. 58

ISE-SHIMA (Japanese)......................................... 56

CUT (Steak).................................................................... 58

BROKEN SPANISH (Mexican).........................56

NOBU (Japanese)..................................................... 56

B.S. TAQUERIA (Mexican).................................56

THE STINKING ROSE (Steak)...................... 59

IL FORNAIO (Italian).......................................... 55 THE GRILL ON THE ALLEY (Steak)....... 58 MASTRO’S STEAKHOUSE (Steak).......... 58 MAUDE (California)............................................... 54 MORTON’S (Steak).............................................. 58 MR CHOW (Chinese)............................................ 54 NATALEE THAI (Thai)...................................... 59 SPAGO (California)................................................. 54 VILLA BLANCA (Italian).................................. 56 VIVIANE (California)............................................. 54

BEVERLY BOULEVARD 3RD STREET MELROSE AVENUE A.O.C. (Mediterranean).......................................... 56 BAO DIM SUM (Chinese)................................... 54 BLUE PLATE OYSTERETTE (Seafood).. 58 CROSSROADS KITCHEN (Mediterranean).5 6 THE DISTRICT (Pan-Asian)................................. 57 ESTÉREL (Mediterranean)................................... 56 GRACIAS MADRE (Mexican)......................... 57 GUSTO (Italian)....................................................... 55 INK. (American)........................................................ 52 JOAN’S ON THIRD (American).................... 52 THE LITTLE DOOR (French).......................... 54 LUCQUES (Mediterranean)................................. 56

CAFÉ PINOT (French)...........................................54

MALIBU

CHAYA (California)................................................. 53

DUKE’S (Seafood)................................................... 58

CLIFTON’S (American).......................................... 52

MASTRO’S OCEAN CLUB (Steak)........... 58

COMMISSARY (California).................................. 53

MR CHOW (Chinese)............................................ 54

DRAGO CENTRO (Italian)................................. 55

NOBU MALIBU (Japanese)............................... 56

FACTORY KITCHEN (Italian).......................... 55

MARINA DEL REY

KATSUYA (Japanese)..............................................56

CAFE DEL REY (Seafood)................................ 58

KENDALL’S BRASSERIE (French)..............54

CAST & PLOW (California)............................... 53

LEDLOW/P.Y.T. (American)............................... 52

PASADENA

LITTLE SISTER (Pan-Asian)............................. 57

ALEXANDER’S STEAKHOUSE (Steak)... 58

THE FRONT YARD (California)..................... 54

MORTON’S (Steak)................................................. 58

DIN TAI FUNG (Chinese)................................... 54

GIRASOL (California)........................................... 54

IL FORNAIO (Italian).......................................... 55

THE GRILL ON THE ALLEY (Steak)....... 58

KABUKI (Japanese)....................................................... 56

JOAN’S ON THIRD (American).................... 52

NICK + STEF’S (Steak)............................................ 58 OFFICINE BRERA (Italian)............................ 55 ORSA & WINSTON (Eclectic)........................ 54 PATINA (French)........................................................ 55 PLAN CHECK (American).................................... 52 POK POK LA (Thai)............................................ 59 Q (Japanese)....................................................................56 REDBIRD (American).............................................. 52 SIMBAL (Pan-Asian).............................................. 57 TERRONI (Italian).....................................................56 WP24 (Pan-Asian)...................................................... 58 YANG CHOW (Chinese)........................................54

HOLLYWOOD/EASTSIDE ALIMENTO (Italian)................................................. 55

MARÉ (Seafood)....................................................... 58

BAROO (Eclectic).......................................................54

OSTERIA MOZZA (Italian)............................. 55

BIRCH (American)...................................................... 52

PETTY CASH TAQUERIA (Mexican)........ 57

BOWERY BUNGALOW (Mediterranean)...56

PISTOLA (Steak).................................................... 58 PIZZERIA MOZZA (Italian)............................ 56 PROVIDENCE (Seafood)................................... 58

LITTLE SISTER (Pan-Asian)............................. 57 LOVE & SALT (California).................................. 54

GWEN (American)...................................................... 52 THE HUNGRY CAT (Seafood).......................... 58 JITLADA THAI (Thai)........................................... 59

RED O (Mexican)..................................................... 57

KABUKI (Japanese)....................................................... 56

SON OF A GUN (Seafood)............................... 58

KATSUYA (Japanese)..............................................56

TERRINE (California)............................................ 54

MAMA SHELTER (Mediterranean)...................56

TERRONI (Italian).................................................. 56

MUSSO & FRANK GRILL (Steak).............. 58

BRENTWOOD

NIGHT + MARKET SONG (Thai)................. 59

BALTAIRE (Steak)........................................................ 58

PALMS THAI (Thai)................................................ 59

M.B. POST (American)......................................... 52 PETROS (Mediterranean)............................................ 56 SIMMZY’S (Brew/Pub)......................................... 53 STEAK & WHISKY (Steak)................................... 59 THE STRAND HOUSE (American).............. 52

VALLEY ASANEBO (Japanese).......................................... 56 CLAIM JUMPER (American)............................ 52

KATSUYA (Japanese)........................................... 56

KABUKI (Japanese)....................................................... 56

MAISON AKIRA (Eclectic)............................... 54

MORTON’S (Steak).............................................. 58

SUSHI ROKU (Japanese).................................... 56

SADDLE PEAK LODGE (American).......... 52

TEA ROSE GARDEN (British)...................... 53 YANG CHOW (Chinese)........................................54

SANTA MONICA AREAL (American).................................................... 52 ASHLAND HILL (Brew/Pub).............................. 53 BAR PINXTO (Spanish)...................................... 58 BLUE PLATE OYSTERETTE (Seafood).. 58 BOA (Steak)............................................................... 58 CASSIA (Eclectic)................................................... 54 ENTERPRISE FISH CO. (Seafood)............. 58

SIMMZY’S (Brew/Pub)......................................... 53 YANG CHOW (Chinese)........................................54

VENICE CHAYA (California)................................................. 53 GJELINA (Mediterranean)................................... 56 LEONA (California)................................................. 54 PLANT FOOD AND WINE (California)... 54 SALT AIR (Seafood).............................................. 58 SIMMZY’S (Brew/Pub)......................................... 53

FATHER’S OFFICE (Brew/Pub).................... 53

THE TASTING KITCHEN (California)........ 54

FIG RESTAURANT (California)..................... 54

WEST HOLLYWOOD

INDEPENDENCE (American)......................... 52

BOA (Steak)............................................................... 58

LA VECCHIA CUCINA (Italian)................... 55

CAVATINA (California)........................................ 53

THE LOBSTER (Seafood)..................................... 58

CECCONI’S (Italian)............................................ 55

MARÉ (Seafood)....................................................... 58

DAN TANA’S (Italian)............................................ 55

MÉLISSE (French).................................................. 55

KATANA (Japanese).............................................. 56

MICHAELS (California)........................................ 55 MILO & OLIVE (California)............................... 54 PLAN CHECK (American)................................. 52 RED O (Mexican)..................................................... 57 ROBATA BAR (Japanese).................................. 56

NIGHT + MARKET (Thai)................................ 59 PUMP (California)..................................................... 54 ROKU (Japanese)..................................................... 56 TORTILLA REPUBLIC (Mexican)............... 57

WESTSIDE

KATSUYA (Japanese)........................................... 56

PETIT TROIS (French)........................................ 55

RUSTIC CANYON (California)........................ 54

TAVERN (California).............................................. 54

TROIS MEC (Eclectic).............................................54

SANTA MONICA YACHT CLUB (Seafood).58

CENTURY CITY

LA BREA/MID-CITY

SUSHI ROKU (Japanese).................................... 56

CRAFT (American).................................................. 52

ANIMAL (American).............................................. 52

TAR & ROSES (California)................................. 54

HINOKI & THE BIRD (California)................. 54

JON & VINNY’S (Italian).................................. 55

VALENTINO (Italian)........................................... 56

CULVER CITY

ODYS + PENELOPE (American)................... 52

YE OLDE KING’S HEAD (British).............. 53

ROC (Chinese)...............................................................54

FATHER’S OFFICE (Brew/Pub)..................... 53

PLAN CHECK (American)................................. 52

SOUTH BAY/LONG BEACH

SOTTO (Italian)....................................................... 56

LUKSHON (Pan-Asian)........................................... 57

RÉPUBLIQUE (French)....................................... 55

ABIGAILE (Brew/Pub)................................................. 53

STK (Steak)......................................................................... 59

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KABUKI (Japanese)....................................................... 56 MATTEO’S (Italian)............................................... 55 N/NAKA (Japanese).................................................56 PLAN CHECK (American)................................. 52

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T h e G u i d e | E n t e r ta i n m e n t

Special Events tournament of roses Through Jan. 3 Rose Parade (Jan. 2, 8 am), Rose Bowl Game (Jan. 2, 1:30 pm) and a post-parade float showcase. Check website for detailed schedule. Free curbside viewing of parade on first-come, first-served basis; grandstand seats start at $50 on sharpseating.com. Rose Bowl tickets start at $150. Check website for schedule, locations and fees for other events. 626.449.4100, tournamentofroses.com

CHILL at the queen mary Through Jan. 8 The Queen Mary hosts this annual winter wonderland, which features outdoor ice skating, ice tubing and more. This year’s immersive Alice in Winterland experience reimagines Lewis Carroll’s classic story with color and light. Check website for hours. $34.99-$49.99. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0752, queenmary.com/chill Map O16 DINEL.A. RESTAURANT WEEK Jan. 13-27 Hundreds of the county’s top restaurants offer specially priced prixfixe menus for lunch and dinner. See website for list of participating eateries. discoverlosangeles.com/dinelalos-angeles-restaurant-week HOLIDAY ICE RINK Pershing Square Through Jan. 16 Skate among the skyscrapers at this ice-skating rink, which materializes every holiday season at Pershing Square. See website for hours and skate-session schedule. $9, skate rental $4. 532 S. Olive St., downtown, holidayicerinkdowntownla.com Map I16 ice at santa monica Through Jan. 16 This 8,000-square-foot outdoor skating rink in downtown Santa Monica brings holiday spirit to the beach. M-Th 2-10 pm; F 2 pm-midnight; Sa 10 am-midnight; Su 10 am-10 pm. Admission, including skate rental, $15. 5th Street and Arizona Avenue, Santa Monica, 310.260.1199, downtownsm.com Map L8

Riot L.A. Jan. 19-22 Some 75 comedians, including headliners Mel Brooks and Ali Wong, perform throughout the weekend at this downtown alternative-comedy festival. Find podcasts, panels and more at venues like the Microsoft Theater, the Novo by Microsoft, the Theatre at Ace Hotel and the Orpheum. Check website for full lineup, schedule and individual tickets. Premium pass $159.50; VIP pass $349.50. riotla.com

Theater AMÉLIE, A NEW MUSICAL Through Jan. 15 This mesmerizing new musical is based on the beloved Oscarnominated French film of the same name. Hamilton’s Phillipa Soo stars as the quirky Amélie in this pre-Broadway production. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772 Map H16 Rodgers & Hammerstein’s THE KING AND I Through Jan. 21 Set in 1860s Bangkok, this musical tells the story of the relationship between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher, and features classic songs like “Getting to Know You” and “I Whistle a Happy Tune.” Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770 Map H13

Music + Dance

courtesy l.a. kings

Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Jan. 28 L.A. Opera, The Abduction From the Seraglio, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, conductor James Conlon. 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.0711 Map H16 The forum Jan. 12-15 Toruk—The First Flight. Jan. 28 Kings of Leon with special guest Deerhunter. 3900 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, 310.330.7300 Map O12

guidelines Map locators at the end of each listing (Map A3; Map H10, etc.) refer to maps in the back of this issue. Compendium includes editors’ recommendations and advertisers.

index Special Events.................... 63 Studio Tapings...................66 Theater................................. 63 Museums............................66 Music + Dance.................... 63 Shopping Destinations.... 68 Sports.................................... 63 Nightlife................................70 Attractions.......................... 63 Tours + Transport.............. 72 Studio Tours........................66

WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL Jan. 5, 7-8 Tchaikovsky & Sibelius, featuring Los Angeles Philharmonic, conductor Bramwell Tovey, violinist Ray Chen. Jan. 10 Chamber Music: Bach/Carter/Schumann. Jan. 13-15 L.A. Philharmonic, conductor Zubin Mehta, sitar Anoushka Shankar. Jan. 14, 21 Toyota Symphonies for Youth: The Planets, featuring L.A. Philharmonic. Jan. 17 Green Umbrella: All-Reich, featuring L.A. Phil New Music Group. Jan. 19-21 Gil Shaham Plays Prokofiev, featuring L.A. Philharmonic, conductor Lionel Bringuier. Jan. 22 USC Thornton Symphony. Jan. 24 Itzhak Perlman. Jan. 26-28 L.A. Philharmonic, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, pianist Emanuel Ax. Jan. 29 Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs. Jan. 31 Chamber Music: Mozart & Brahms. 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 323.850.2000 Map H16

Sports Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Jan. 1 Los Angeles Rams vs. Arizona Cardinals. 3911 S. Figueroa St., Exposition Park, L.A., 213.747.7111 Map K15 Staples center Jan. 1 Los Angeles Lakers vs. Toronto Raptors. Jan. 2 Los Angeles Clippers vs. Phoenix Suns. Jan. 3 Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies. Jan. 4 Clippers vs. Memphis Grizzlies. Jan. 5 Los Angeles Kings vs. Detroit Red Wings. Jan. 6 Lakers vs. Miami Heat. Jan. 7 Kings vs. Minnesota Wild. Jan. 8 Clippers vs. Miami Heat; Lakers vs. Orlando Magic. Jan. 9 Kings vs. Dallas Stars. Jan. 10 Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers. Jan. 11 Clippers vs. Orlando Magic. Jan. 12 Kings vs. St. Louis Blues. Jan. 14 Clippers vs. Lakers; Kings vs. Winnipeg Jets. Jan. 15 Lakers vs. Detroit Pistons. Jan. 16 Kings vs. Tampa Bay Lightning; Clippers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder. Jan. 17 Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets. Jan. 18 Kings vs. San Jose Sharks. Jan. 19 Clippers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves. Jan. 20 Lakers vs. Indiana Pacers. Jan. 29 NHL All-Star Game. Jan. 31 Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets. 1111 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.742.7100 Map I15

Attractions Aquarium of the Pacific Focus is on Pacific Ocean sea life. Touch the ocean’s predators in Shark Lagoon and jellies in the Wonders of the Deep gallery, and meet penguins, sea otters, sea lions and 11,000 other animals. Daily 9 am-6 pm. $17.95-$29.95, under 3 free. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, 562.590.3100 Map O16 Artists & fleas Hip artist, designer and vintage market also offers food trucks, workshops and DJs. Downtown: Sa 10 am-4 pm; Venice: Sa 11 am-5 pm. Free. 740 E. 3rd St., downtown; 1010 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.900.9987 Map J17, N9 barnsdall art park Park features Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House, the L.A. Municipal Art Gal-

Rink Kings Whether or not the Los Angeles Kings win their third Stanley Cup this year, the 2016-2017 season is cause for celebration: They’re marking 50 years since the NHL awarded the L.A. franchise to Jack Kent Cooke and, eight months later, the team played its first NHL game. A series of special events to celebrate the golden anniversary kicked off last February and culminates with the 2017 NHL All-Star Weekend at Staples Center Jan. 28-29. It’s the Kings’ third time hosting the event, which includes an NHL All-Star Skills competition on Saturday, followed by the AllStar Game on Sunday. Those lucky enough to score tickets are in for a weekend of action as the league’s star players show off their moves and battle it out on the ice. Visit nhl.com/kings and staplescenter.com for more information.

During the 1913 Tournament of Roses in Pasadena, New Year’s Day games included a race between a camel and an elephant (the elephant won).

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AT T R A C T I O N S + M U S E U M S

THE GRAMMY MUSEUM® AND DELTA AIR LINES® PRESENT

lery, Barnsdall Art Center, Junior Art Center and Barnsdall Gallery Theatre. Park: daily 6 am-10 pm; Municipal Art Gallery: Th-Su noon-5 pm; Hollyhock House tours: Th-Su 11 am-4 pm. Hollyhock House tours $3-$7. Closed New Year’s Day. 4800 Hollywood Blvd., L.A., 323.913.4031, barnsdall.org Map W22

DESCANSO GARDENS Collections include the Ancient Forest and a camellia garden. New restaurant Maple is open for weekend brunch and will offer dinner Nov. 25-Jan. 8, coinciding with the interactive light experience Enchanted: Forest of Light (tickets priced separately). Daily 9 am-5 pm. $4-$9, under 5 free. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, 818.949.4200 Map Q19 DISNEYLAND Mickey Mouse’s theme park. Attractions include Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage and updated Star Tours. Disney California Adventure is adjacent. Call for hours. $95-$119, under 3 free. 1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map D6 EL PUEBLO DE LOS ANGELES Birthplace of Los Angeles; the site of this historical monument dates to 1781. Historic buildings, 11 of which are open to the public, include 1818 Avila Adobe, L.A.’s oldest. 125 Paseo de la Plaza, downtown, 213.628.1274 Map H17 GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY Iconic attraction with spectacular views of L.A. and the Hollywood sign. Hourly shows at planetarium. Tu-F noon-10 pm; Sa-Su 10 am-10 pm. Admission free; planetarium shows $3-$7, under 5 free. 2800 E. Observatory Road, Griffith Park, L.A., 213.473.0800 Map U23

SEPTEMBER 16, 2016 THROUGH FEBRUARY 2017 www.grammymuseum.org GRAMMY Museum® and the Museum logo are registered trademarks of The Recording Academy® and are used under license.

IFLY HOLLYWOOD “Indoor skydiving” via a vertical wind tunnel. Two to four flights per session. M-Th 9 am-9 pm; F-Sa 9 am-10 pm; Su 10 am-9 pm. $59.95-$99.95. Universal CityWalk, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 818.985.4359 Map G13 L.A. LIVE Bustling entertainment center is home to the Grammy Museum, Microsoft Theater and the Novo by Microsoft (formerly Club Nokia), restaurants including new Cleo, WP24, Ford’s Filling Station and Tom’s Urban, high-tech bowling lanes and nightspots such as the Conga Room. 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.763.5483 Map I15  L.A. ZOO AND BOTANICAL GARDENS Home to more than 250 animal species, many of them endangered. Holiday-themed L.A. Zoo Lights is ticketed separately. Daily 10 am-5 pm. Ticket sales cease one hour before closing. $15-$20, under 2 free. 5333 Zoo Drive, Griffith Park, L.A., 323.644.4200 Map T23 LEGOLAND Resort features more than 60 rides, shows and attractions, Sea Life Aquarium, Legoland Water Park and Legoland Hotel. See legoland.com for hours, ticket packages. Parking $15-$25. 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, 760.918.5346 MADAME TUSSAUDS HOLLYWOOD World-famous museum of wax figures. Hours vary. $22.95-$29.95, under 3 free. 6933 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.798.1670 Map H13 ORIGINAL FARMERS MARKET Local landmark with 120 produce stalls, restaurants and gift shops in open-air setting. Adjacent to the Grove shopping center. 6333 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.933.9211 Map I13 OUE SKYSPACE L.A. California’s tallest open-air observation deck, at nearly 1,000 feet above the city, boasts 360-degree views and a 45-foot-long glass “Skyslide” from the 70th to the 69th floor. 633 W. 5th St., downtown, 213.894.9000 Map I16

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BATTLESHIP IOWA Former battleship (the “Battleship of Presidents”) is permanently docked as a floating museum. Daily 10 am-5 pm; last ticket sold at 4 pm. $11.95-$19.95, under 5 free. Pacific Battleship Center, USS Iowa BB-61, 250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro, 877.446.9261 Map O15

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AT T R A C T I O N S + M U S E U M S PACIFIC PARK Amusement park at the end of the famous Santa Monica Pier offers games, food and rides, including a Ferris wheel. See pacpark.com for hours and ticket prices. 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, 310.260.8744 Map M8 QUEEN MARY Historic ocean liner permanently berthed in Long Beach Harbor. Shops, hotel, art deco lounge, a 4-D theater and restaurants. Daily self-guided and guided tours; night tours available. Check queenmary.com for schedule and pricing. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0738 Map O16 RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM Visit the Air Force One Pavilion and see a full-size replica of the White House Oval Office. Daily 10 am-5 pm. $6-$16, under 2 free. Closed on New Year’s Day. 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, 800.410.8354 Map northwest of A1 SEAWORLD The 189-acre adventure park features thousands of marine animals including killer whales, fish, reptiles and birds. Open daily; call for hours, ticket packages and discounts. $87-$93, under 3 free. Parking $17-$30. 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, 800.257.4268 Map I8

SMORGASBURG This popular Brooklyn transplant is a “market for food, design, vintage and events,” set on the site of the weekday Alameda Produce Market, in the Row DTLA redevelopment complex. Choose from dozens of local cult-favorite vendors, including Donut Friend and Cheezus. Su 10 am-4 pm. Free. 746 Market Court, downtown, la.smorgasburg.com Map J17 TCL CHINESE THEATRE Historic, meticulously restored Hollywood movie palace (formerly Grauman’s Chinese Theatre) with Imax screen and walkway of stars’ handprints and footprints in the forecourt. Visit tclchinesetheatres.com or call for movie schedule. 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.461.3331 Map H13 UNIVERSAL CITYWALK Dining, shopping and entertainment promenade includes new dining options such as Dongpo Kitchen and LudoBird, a state-of-the-art cinema and Imax theater and simulated skydiving wind tunnel iFly Hollywood. Call for hours. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 818.622.4455 Map U20  UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD Movie-based theme park. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and The Walking Dead Attraction are recent additions. Call or check universalstudioshollywood.com for hours and prices. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 800.864.8377 Map U20

STUDIO TOURS PARAMOUNT PICTURES STUDIO TOUR Two-hour group tour of Hollywood’s longest-operating and only remaining major studio. Reservation recommended. Tours daily (except some holidays) every half-hour 9:30 am-3 pm. $55; VIP tour $178, under 10 not admitted. 2.5-hour After Dark Tour every 15 minutes F-Sa 7:30-8 pm. $78, under 12 not admitted. Closed on New Year’s Day. 5515 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, 323.956.1777 Map I14 SONY PICTURES STUDIO TOUR Two-hour walking tour of working motion-picture studio includes stages where television shows and movies including The Wizard of Oz and Spider-Man were filmed. Reservation, photo ID required. M-F 9:30 am-2:30 pm. $40, under 12 not admitted. Parking free. 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, 310.244.8687 Map L11 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD Legendary studio tour (also see listing under “Attractions”). VIP Experience includes front-of-line privileges, gourmet lunch and other perks. Check universalstudioshollywood.com or call for hours and current prices. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 818.622.3801 Map U20

WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR HOLLYWOOD Three-hour tour of working TV and film studio includes observation of filming (when possible). The Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts Exhibit is new. Deluxe tour available. Reservation recommended; photo ID required. Daily 9 am-3 pm. $62, under 8 not admitted. 3400 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank, 877.492.8687 Map U20

Studio Tapings AUDIENCES UNLIMITED Free tickets to live tapings of TV shows on CBS, Fox, NBC and the CW produced in the L.A. area, such as The Big Bang Theory, Girl Meets World and 2 Broke Girls. Minimum age 10-18, varies by show. 818.260.0041, ext. 1, tvtickets.com THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW Free tickets to taping of comedian’s daytime talk show. Minimum age 14; minors must show photo ID and be accompanied by a parent. Day-of tickets, call before noon; advance tickets, go to ellen.warnerbros.com/tickets. Warner Bros. Studios, 3400 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank, 818.954.5929 Map U20 JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE! Free tickets to live tapings of late-night ABC show. Minimum age 18. El Capitan Entertainment Centre, 6840 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 1iota.com Map H13 ON-CAMERA AUDIENCES Free tickets to live tapings of TV shows including Hell’s Kitchen, Family Feud, So You Think You Can Dance and The Price Is Right. Minimum age 12-18, varies by show. 818.295.2700, mytvtickets.com

Museums THE ANNENBERG SPACE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY Cultural venue dedicated solely to digital and print photography. Multimedia studio and retail gallery Skylight Studios is across the park from the photography space. W-Su 11 am-6 pm. Free. Parking $3.50, $1 after 4:30 pm and all day Sa-Su. 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Century City, 213.403.3000 Map J11 AUTRY MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN WEST Museum explores the art, history and cultures of the American West and houses one of the top U.S. collections of Native American materials. Tu-F 10 am-4 pm; Sa-Su 10 am-5 pm. $4-$10, under 3 free. 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, L.A., 323.667.2000 Map H14 THE BROAD Museum built by philanthropists and art collectors Eli and Edythe Broad contains more than 2,000 works of contemporary art. Otium restaurant is adjacent. Tu-W 11 am-5 pm; Th-F 11 am-8 pm; Sa 10 am-8 pm; Su 10 am-6 pm. Free. Advance online reservations encouraged. 221 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.232.6200 Map H16 CALIFORNIA AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM Exhibits showcasing the history, culture and art of African-Americans, with an emphasis on California and the western United States. Tu-Sa 10 am-5 pm; Su 11 am-5 pm. Free. Parking $12, $15 after 5 pm. Closed on New Year’s Day. 600 State Drive, Exposition Park, L.A., 213.744.7432 Map M8 CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER Interactive exhibits for budding scientists; Imax theater. Daily 10 am-5 pm. Permanent gallery, free; admission for other exhibits and Imax varies. Parking $12. Closed on New Year’s Day. 700 Exposition Park Drive, Exposition Park, L.A., 323.724.3623 Map K15 GETTY CENTER Hilltop facility houses collections of paintings, drawings, antiquities, photographs and decorative arts. Fabulous Central Garden and city views. Tu-F, Su 10 am-5:30 pm; Sa 10 am-9 pm. Free. Parking $15, $10 after 3 pm. Closed on New Year’s Day. 1200 Getty Center Drive, L.A., 310.440.7300 Map H9

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AT T R A C T I O N S + M U S E U M S GETTY VILLA Getty Center’s exquisite coastal counterpart features Etruscan, Roman and Greek antiquities. W-M 10 am-5 pm. Free. Parking $15, $10 after 3 pm. Advance timed tickets required for entry. Closed on New Year’s Day. 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades, 310.440.7300 Map K7 GRAMMY MUSEUM Museum on L.A. Live campus explores music, the creative and recording processes and Grammy Awards history. M-F 10:30 am-6:30 pm; Sa-Su 10 am-6:30 pm. $10.95-$12.95, under 6 free. 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.765.6800 Map I15 HOLLYWOOD MUSEUM In the historic Max Factor Building, steps from the Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Museum houses 10,000 authentic showbiz treasures that showcase 100 years of Hollywood’s entertainment industry. W-Su 10 am-5 pm. $5-$15. 1660 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 323.464.7776 Map H13 HUNTINGTON LIBRARY, ART COLLECTIONS, AND BOTANICAL GARDENS Art, buildings and grounds, with more than a dozen themed gardens, several new dining concepts and a beautiful education and visitor center. W-M 10 am-5 pm. $10-$25, under 4 free. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, 626.405.2141 Map R21 JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM Promotes understanding of ethnic diversity with a focus on the Japanese American experience. Tu-W, F-Su 11 am-5 pm; Th noon-8 pm. $6-$10, under 5 free, Th 5-8 pm and third Th of the month free. Closed on New Year’s Day. 100 N. Central Ave., downtown, 213.625.0414 Map H17 LA BREA TAR PITS AND MUSEUM Watch paleontologists at work uncovering ice age L.A. Among the main attractions are the ever-bubbling tar pits, which make up the world’s most famous fossil-excavation site. The Observation Pit was recently reopened after 20 years. Daily 9:30 am-5 pm. $5-$12, under 3 free. Closed on New Year’s Day. 5801 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.934.7243 Map J13

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LOS ANGELES COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART The largest art museum in the western U.S., with diverse, superb collections housed on a 20-acre campus. MTu, Th 11 am-5 pm; F 11 am-8 pm; Sa-Su 10 am-7 pm. $10-$15, under 18 free. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.857.6000 Map J13 MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART Premier contemporary-art museum housed in three facilities. GA and GC: M, W, F 11 am-6 pm; Th 11 am-8 pm; Sa-Su 11 am-5 pm. PDC: Tu-W 11 am-5 pm; Th-Su 11 am-8 pm. $6-$12, under 12 free; free at PDC. Closed on New Year’s Day. MOCA Grand Avenue (GA), 250 S. Grand Ave., downtown; The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA (GC), 152 N. Central Ave., downtown; MOCA Gallery at Pacific Design Center (PDC), 8687 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 213.626.6222 Map H16, H17, I12

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MUSEUM OF TOLERANCE Exhibits on prejudice and discrimination, legacy of the Holocaust, humanrights issues and Anne Frank’s life and legacy. Su-W, F 10 am-5 pm; Th 10 am-9:30 pm (extended hours for Anne only). $11.50-$15.50, under 5 free. 9786 W. Pico Blvd., L.A., 310.553.8403 Map J11 NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY Thirty-three million objects, from dinosaur fossils to fish. The 3.5-acre Nature Gardens, interactive Nature Lab and Tyrannosaurus rex growth series exhibit are highlights. Daily 9:30 am-5 pm. $5-$12, under 3 free. 900 Exposition Blvd., Exposition Park, L.A., 213.763.3466 Map K15 NORTON SIMON MUSEUM Stellar collection of Renaissance to 20th-century masterworks and sculpture garden. M, W-Th noon-5 pm; F-Sa 11 am-8 pm; Su 11 am-5 pm. $9-$12; students with photo ID, under 19 free. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626.449.6840 Map Q19

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SHOPPING PASADENA MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA ART California art, architecture, design. $5-$7, under 13 free, first F and third Th of the month free. 490 E. Union St., Pasadena, 626.568.3665 Map Q20 PETERSEN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM Recently renovated museum displays some 135 vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles in permanent and rotating exhibits. Daily 10 am-6 pm. $7-$15, under 3 free. Vault tours $20, under 10 not admitted. 6060 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.930.2277 Map J13

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SKIRBALL CULTURAL CENTER The American Jewish experience. Tu-F noon-5 pm; Sa-Su 10 am-5 pm. $7$12, under 2 free, free Th. Closed on New Year’s Day. 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A., 310.440.4500 Map G9

Shopping Destinations THE AMERICANA AT BRAND Downtown Glendale hot spot from the creators of the Grove with Main Street, U.S.A., atmosphere and trolley. Some 90 stores such as Kate Spade and Toms. Dining options include Din Tai Fung and Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina. 889 Americana Way, Glendale, 818.637.8900 Map U23 BEVERLY CENTER Trendsetting mall near West Hollywood, undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation, has more than 100 boutiques (Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, True Religion concept store, Uniqlo, Cos) and is anchored by Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s. 8500 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 310.854.0070 Map I12 CITADEL OUTLETS Assyrian architecture south of downtown stands out along the Golden State (5) Freeway; the center offers discounted clothes from Kate Spade, H&M, Banana Republic, Levi’s and Converse, to name just a few. 100 Citadel Drive, L.A., 323.888.1724 Map B4

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FIGAT7TH Center features hip eateries such as Loteria Grill, Mendocino Farms, the Melt, City Tavern and Sprinkles Cupcakes, plus shops including City Target, Zara and H&M. 735 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.955.7150 Map H16 THE GROVE Popular outdoor center has some 40 shops and restaurants including Apple and Elizabeth and James, all in a setting that suggests a grand old downtown. Movie theater, trolley and dancing fountain are draws. Adjacent to Original Farmers Market. 189 The Grove Drive, L.A., 888.315.8883 Map I13 ONE COLORADO Quaint outdoor plaza with upscale boutiques such as OSKA, Cop. Copine, Mohawk General Store and Sugarfina, plus iPic Theaters and restaurants including Sushi Roku. 41 Hugus Alley, Old Pasadena, 626.564.1066 Map Q19 SANTA MONICA PLACE Sleek outdoor mall at south end of Third Street Promenade anchored by Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s. More than 80 boutiques, plus a rooftop Dining Deck and new ArcLight Cinemas. 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, 310.394.1049 Map L8 SOUTH COAST PLAZA High-end center in Orange County boasts nearly 300 boutiques (Chanel, Céline, Gucci, Chloé, Jimmy Choo) and 40 restaurants, including new Water Grill. Concierge at four locations. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 800.782.8888 Map E6

THIRD STREET PROMENADE Pedestrian-only shopping zone includes trendy shops, kiosks and an array of entertaining street performers. 1351 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, 310.393.8355 Map L8 TWO RODEO Center with cobblestones in the heart of Beverly Hills features high-end boutiques including Jimmy Choo and Tiffany & Co., plus restaurant 208 Rodeo and fine-art gallery Galerie Michael. 9478 Dayton Way, Beverly Hills, 310.247.7040 Map J11

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D O D G ER STADI UM TO U RS

E XC LUSI V E BEH IN D THE SCEN E S ACCESS

Trophy Gallery

Dodger Dugout

Vin Scully Press Box

BOO K O N LI N E AT DO D G E R S .C OM/ TO U R S O R C A LL 8 6 6 - DO D G E R S

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NIGHTLIFE WESTFIELD AT LAX Retail and dining options curated by Westfield (Fred Segal, MAC Cosmetics, Wolfgang Puck, Spanx, SeaLegs Wine Bar, Porsche Design, Rock & Brews) available to travelers flying out of LAX’s Tom Bradley International Terminal, as well as terminals 1, 2, 3 and 6. 380 World Way, L.A., 310.646.1770, westfieldatlax.com Map O10

Nightlife 1 OAK Strikingly seductive, art-filled club in from New York. 9039 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.274.2326 Map H12 THE ABBEY David Cooley’s world-famous gay bar and nightclub serves flavored mules, mojitos and martinis galore. New concept, the Chapel at the Abbey, is adjacent. 692 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.289.8410 Map H12 ARTS DISTRICT BREWING CO. 213 Hospitality’s Arts District brewery and tasting room. 828 Traction Ave., downtown, 213.519.5887 Map I17 AVALON HOLLYWOOD Storied, recently renovated dance club and concert venue. More intimate club Bardot is upstairs. 1735 Vine St., Hollywood, 323.462.8900 Map H14 BAR JACKALOPE Intimate whiskey bar hidden in the back of downtown’s Seven Grand, featuring more than 120 premium whiskeys, including many of the au courant Japanese labels. 515 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.614.0736 Map I16

50 YEARS OF NURTURING WILDLIFE & ENRICHING THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE Help us mark our 50th year as L.A.’s landmark zoo! Discover our commitment to making this world a better place for animals and the best place in town for you, family, and friends to connect with wildlife. It’s a yearlong celebration that’ll have you roaring with satisfaction — and migrating back for more! Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free parking.

ZooLAbrate50.org

BAR MARMONT Dreamy bar just down the hill from the historic Chateau Marmont. 8171 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, 323.650.0575 Map H12 BASEMENT TAVERN Underground speakeasy in a Victorian abode; live music. The Victorian, 2640 Main St., Santa Monica, 310.396.2469 Map M8 BLIND BARBER Craft-cocktail-driven speakeasy hidden in the rear of a barbershop. 10797 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 310.841.6679 Map L11 BOOTSY BELLOWS Nightclub with burlesque shows and other live entertainment. 9229 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.274.7500 Map H12 BRACK SHOP TAVERN Cozy new cocktail pub from the team behind Silver Lake’s Same Same offers eclectic bar food, from a patty melt to Welsh rarebit. 525 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.232.8657 Map I16

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BREAK ROOM 86 ’80s-style bar inside the Line Hotel with karaoke suites, guest DJs, fruity drinks, break-roomstyle snacks and live entertainment. 630 S. Ardmore Ave., L.A., 213.368.3056 Map west of H15 THE BUNGALOW Seaside cottage-style nightspot with gourmet bites by Fig Restaurant. The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, 101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.899.8530 Map L8

COVELL Intimate Los Feliz neighborhood wine bar from Dustin Lancaster, who’s also behind Silver Lake’s L&E Oyster Bar and El Condor. 4628 Hollywood Blvd., L.A., 323.660.4400 Map W23 DOHENY ROOM Stylish new art deco-style bar and lounge from the SBE Group offers a diverse menu by Cleo chef Danny Elmaleh. 9077 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 424.777.0266 Map H12

Ride for two for the price of one with Catalina Express. Share your birthday ride to Catalina Island. Explore deals and discounts from hotel stays to activities as you create memories together.

GRANDPA JOHNSON’S Stylish art deco lounge. 1638 N. Cahuenga Blvd., L.A., 323.467.7300 Map H14 HARLOWE Spacious, vintage-glam restaurant and bar. 721 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.876.5839 Map H13

CatalinaExpress.com

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Mention “Wh ere receive a Starl 101” to ine Tours Cap when bookin g your tour!*

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THE FUN STAR TS HERE Movie Locations Tour

1-Hour Hollywood Fun Tour

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TO U R S + T R A N S P O RT HYDE SBE lounge with offshoots around the country. Reservation recommended; open during arena concerts and games. Hyde at Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 323.330.8018 Map I15 THE LINCOLN Newer neighborhood bar displays a 1927 Model T Roadster and serves up craft spirits. 2536 Lincoln Blvd., Venice, 310.822.1715 Map M10 MELROSE UMBRELLA CO. Rustic-chic space with creative cocktails and inventive fare. 7465 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.951.0709 Map I12 THE NICE GUY H.Wood Group’s reservation-only, Italian-inspired restaurant and mixology lounge. 401 N. La Cienega Blvd., L.A., 310.360.9500 Map I12 NIGHTINGALE PLAZA SBE’s exclusive new nightclub has a main club room, two bars/lounges and an outdoor garden “oasis.” 643 N. La Cienega Blvd., L.A., 323.457.2211 Map I12 NO VACANCY Gin cocktails and live entertainment in a Victorian boutique hotel. 1727 N. Hudson Ave., Hollywood, 323.465.1902 Map H14 PERCH Open-air roost in a historic building; indoor cabaret lounge Bar Thirteen is underneath. 448 S. Hill St., downtown, 213.802.1770 Map I16 POUR VOUS Parisian-inspired Champagne and cocktail salon. Upscale dress code. 5574 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, 323.871.8699 Map I14 SASSAFRAS Lounge styled as a (stylishly) decaying Savannah town house specializes in barrel-aged cocktails. 1233 N. Vine St., Hollywood, 323.467.2800 Map H14 SEVEN GRAND Whiskey bar with tongue-incheek hunt-club decor. 515 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.614.0737 Map I16 THE SPARE ROOM Gaming parlor and cocktail lounge with bowling lanes and fancy drinks. Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.769.7296 Map H13 THE STANDARD DOWNTOWN Rooftop bar with panoramic city views and a pool, plus a rooftop beer garden and pingpong club Spin. 550 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.892.8080 Map I16 THE STANDARD HOLLYWOOD Lounge with swinging seats, glowing purple walls. 8300 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.650.9090 Map H12 STARK BAR Alfresco bar at LACMA with handcrafted cocktails and great small plates. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.857.6180 Map J13 TABULA RASA Casual, lively wine bar in Thai Town from two Bestia alums. 5125 Hollywood Blvd., L.A., 213.290.6309 Map B3

TROUBADOUR Historic spot books up-and-coming alt-rock and local bands. 9081 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.276.1158 Map H12 UPSTAIRS Sip drinks and enjoy stunning city views atop Ace Hotel, in the historic United Artists Building. 929 S. Broadway, downtown, 213.623.3233 Map I16 WHISKY A GO GO Legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famer still rocks. 8901 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.652.4202 Map H12

Tours + Transport AMTRAK Train and bus service within the county, along the coast and to major California locations, with nationwide connections. 800.872.7245, amtrak.com

“The Official Museum of Hollywood” BEVERLY HILLS RENT-A-CAR Luxury and exotic rentals. 9732 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.274.6969; 6085 Venice Blvd., Hollywood, 310.659.5555; LAX, 9220 S. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A., 310.670.2020, bhrentacar.com Map K12, J11, O10 BIKES AND HIKES L.A. Biking and/or hiking tours in customizable or preset itineraries. Daily tours include L.A. in a Day, Movie Star or Hollywood bike tours, daily morning or sunset hikes. Advance reservations required. Daily 9 am-5 pm. 8743 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.796.8555, bikeshikes.com Map H12

-Hollywood’s Honorary Mayor, Johnny Grant

IN THE HISTORIC MAX FACTOR BUILDING

CATALINA EXPRESS Year-round boat service to Catalina Island. Up to 30 daily departures from Long Beach, Dana Point, San Pedro. Reservation recommended. Ride Free on Your Birthday program. Call or check website for hours and pricing. 800.481.3470, catalinaexpress.com DELISH TOURS Culinary tour of “hidden gem” restaurants in Venice Beach. Reservation required. Private tours available. F-Su 11 am-2 pm; private tours offered daily. $65. Westminster Avenue and Ocean Front Walk, Venice, 323.412.9077, delishtours.com Map N9 DODGER STADIUM TOUR Behind-the-scenes tour allows guests to visit the field and the dugout, walk through the Vin Scully Press Box and more. $15$20, under 4 free. 1000 Vin Scully Ave., L.A., 866.363.4377 Map G17 DOWNTOWN ART WALK Self-guided gallery tour/ party centered on Spring and Main streets between 2nd and 9th streets. Second Th of every month, noon-10 pm; lounge open from 6-10 pm. Free. 213.617.4929, ext. 206, downtownartwalk.org Map I16 HORNBLOWER CRUISES & EVENTS Dine, dance and take in beautiful harbor views aboard one of Hornblower’s cruises. Choose from dinner and Champagne brunch options. Fisherman’s Village, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, 888.4676256, hornblower.com Map O9 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 East L.A. and through Pasadena to Azusa; Blue Line from downtown to Long Beach; Green Line from Norwalk to Redondo Beach; Expo Line from Santa Monica to downtown. 323.466.3876, metro.net METROLINK Regional train system connects Los Angeles County with Ventura, Orange and San Diego counties. Six of seven Metrolink rail lines (including the Orange County lines, San Bernardino lines and Ventura County lines) begin at Union Station in downtown Los Angeles. 800.371.5465, metrolinktrains.com STARLINE TOURS Celebrity-tour company offers Movie Stars’ Homes tour plus tours to beaches, theme parks, San Diego and more. The CitySightseeing double-decker hop-on, hop-off tour has more than 70 stops around L.A. Prices vary. Tours begin at TCL Chinese Theatre, 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 800.959.3131, starlinetours.com Map H13

TMZ CELEBRITY TOUR, HOLLYWOOD Two-hour bus tour highlights celebrity hot spots in Hollywood, Beverly Hills and on the Sunset Strip. See website for pickup locations, schedule, pricing. 844.TMZ.TOUR (869.8687), tmztour.com

where? LOG ON ANYWHERE. SOCALPULSE.COM

SEE 10,000 AUTHENTIC SHOWBIZ TREASURES SHOWCASING 100 YEARS OF HOLLYWOOD!

The most extensive collection of costumes, props, posters, and photographs in the world!

SPECIAL EXHIBITS Marilyn Monroe The Exhibit Child Stars: Then and Now Max Factor: Glamour of Hollywood Makeup Magic

Open: Wed. - Sun. 10am-5pm “#1 Hollywood Tourist Attraction” –LA Weekly “One of LA’s Top 10 Museums” –LA Tourism and Convention Board “Certificate of Excellence” –Trip Advisor 1660 North Highland Avenue at Hollywood Boulevard Hollywood, California 90028 323.464.7776 www.TheHollywoodMuseum.com

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

Where to Start

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

Fares

Metro’s base fare is $1.75. It’s best to pay using a TAP card, a reloadable plastic card that can store Metro passes or individual rides. TAP cards cost $1 and are available from self-service vending machines at Metro Rail stations, or onboard buses with the purchase of a 1-Day Pass. For complete information, check metro.net/fares.

Metro Rail Destinations

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

Civic Center/Grand Park • Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels • Museum of Contemporary Art • Music Center • Walt Disney Concert Hall • Grand Park 7th Street/Metro Center • Macy’s Plaza (dining, shops) • FIGat7th (dining, shops) Hollywood/Vine • Capitol Records Tower • Hollywood Walk of Fame • Pantages Theatre Hollywood/Highland • TCL Chinese Theatre • Hollywood & Highland (dining, shops) Universal City/Studio City • Universal CityWalk (dining, shops) • Universal Studios Hollywood

Two children under the age of 5 may travel free with each fare-paying adult. Eating and drinking is not permitted on any Metro bus or train.

North Hollywood • El Portal Theatre • NoHo Arts District (dining, shops, theatres)

Hours

METRO BLUE LINE

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

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

METRO GOLD LINE

Little Tokyo/Arts District • Japanese American National Museum • The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA Memorial Park • Norton Simon Museum Lake • Pasadena Playhouse

METRO EXPO LINE

Expo Park/USC • California Science Center • Natural History Museum SEE THE METRO ROUTE MAP ON PAGE 79

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angeles

Mast’s L.A.-inspired chocolates, with custom artwork by Block Shop. 213.261.0757

The DJ, views and celebrityspotting at Catch LA. p. 29

Peppermint cookies from Valerie Confections’ new Silver Lake chocolate boutique. p. 33

Petit Trois’ omelet: the best you’ll ever eat. p. 9 The Roberta’s Pizza pop-up at Platform in Culver City. platformla.com Tasty tacos and churros at Danny Trejo’s Trejo’s Cantina in Hollywood. 323.461.8226 Betty Fussell’s new book of essays, Eat Live Love Die, available at Skylight Books in Los Feliz. 323.660.1175 Pre-game bites and cocktails at Cleo L.A. Live. p. 37 Renting party frocks at Rent the Runway, new to the Village at Westfield Topanga. p. 45

Whimsical Fornasetti wall plates at L’Eclaireur in West Hollywood. p. 30 Matthew Kenney NM, a new plant-based restaurant inside Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills. 310.550.5900 Finding calm in the chaos— and shopping—at Donna Karan’s new Urban Zen store in West Hollywood. 424.335.0655 Rick Owens’ brutal yet elegant furniture, at MOCA Pacific Design Center. p. 67

Girls’ cute activewear by Ivivva, at the brand’s Santa Monica store. 310.451.2960 Sef Pinney Design’s Flow bench, custom-made for The Autry museum. p. 66 Chic, travel-friendly clothes by Zero + Maria Cornejo, on Melrose Place. 323.782.4915 Angelini Alimentari’s housemade sorbets and gelatos. p. 11 Mansur Gavriel bucket bags at the brand’s new shop-in-shop at Opening Ceremony on La Cienega. 310.652.1120

Organic scoops at new Rori’s Artisanal Creamery in West Hollywood. 310.734.7418

Cooking lessons with chef Michael Cimarusti at Cape Seafood and Provisions. 323.556.2525

Gucci’s Flora fine-jewelry collection, available at its Rodeo Drive boutique. 310.278.3451

Sunday brunch at Napa Valley Grille in Westwood. 310.824.3322

The spicy, tequila-based Nightshade cocktail at Manuela in the Arts District. p. 13

Design-minded gifts at the Poketo pop-up at Platform in Culver City. 310.237.5752

where in the world

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

Alex Israel’s collaboration with Vilebrequin on a Californiainspired swimsuit. 310.899.8576 Dinner with a side of rock ’n’ roll at Riot House at Andaz West Hollywood. 323.656.1234 Fashion-forward vegan shoes by L.A. and Porto, Portugal-based designer Sydney Brown. sydney-brown.com Enjoying a seasonal dinner at Descanso Gardens’ new Maple, then exploring the Enchanted light show, through Jan. 8. p. 13 NASA’s kid-friendly Orbit Pavilion at the Huntington. p. 67 Arrive Revived travel mist from new Saje Natural Wellness in Malibu. 310.317.0421

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

1, krissy lefebvre; 10, courtesy l’eclaireur; 15, laura ford; 18, Suzanne Méjean-Pinney/courtesy the autry; 20, jakob layman; 27, courtesy Sydney brown

where 30 things we love / los

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SEE $$1100 THE STARS ooffff

Located next toto the TCL Chinese Theatre onon Hollywood Blvd. Located next the TCL Chinese Theatre Hollywood Blvd. www.madametussauds.com/hollywood www.madametussauds.com/hollywood

Present this this coupon at Madame Tussauds Hollywood and and receive $10 $10 off up same day day Adult/Child admissions. Not Not validvalid on advance and and combo ticket purchase Present coupon at Madame Tussauds Hollywood receive offto upsix to (6) sixregular (6) regular same Adult/Child admissions. on advance combo ticket purchase or with any any other discounts. Restrictions maymay apply. The The images shown depict waxwax figures created and and owned by Madame Tussauds. ÂŠ Marvel 2016. Promo Code: WHEREMTH or with other discounts. Restrictions apply. images shown depict figures created owned by Madame Tussauds. ÂŠ Marvel 2016. Promo Code: WHEREMTH

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