Where Los Angeles, October 2015 by California Media Group

OCTOBER 2015 WHERELA.COM

Los Angeles

TRICK OR TREAT

Six spooky events to shake up your Halloween

FALL FOR THE ARTS

DINNER AND A SHOW

The city’s top arts-adjacent dining spots

AIN’T IT GRAND?

Downtown’s arts epicenter

MADONNA, THE NEW BROAD MUSEUM AND EVERYTHING ELSE YOU NEED TO HEAR AND SEE THIS MONTH

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L os An g e l e s â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Be s t - K e p t S e c re t

GALERIE W H E R E

T H E

MICHAEL

M A S T E R S

R E S I D E

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where los angeles

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COntents

The culture issue

departments

the guide

6 Editor’s Note

64 Dining Restaurants by cuisine and neighborhood

Building culture.

8 Hot Dates

82 Entertainment Special events, performing arts and sports

Downtown cultural institutions open their doors for Grand Ave Arts: All Access, top venues kick off fall programs, and outdoor fun and food fests make October all-around awesome.

84 Attractions + museums Theme parks, activities, studio tapings, exhibitions and more

96 30 Things We Love

87 shopping The county’s major retail destinations

Seasonal celebrations, delish dishes and feel-good fashions.

where now Damien Hirst and company stock the Broad museum’s shop, and Uri and Rebecca Minkoff get techy in West Hollywood. On Pico, Enamel Diction marries mani-pedis and horoscopes.

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

Diana Vishneva in the Mariinsky Ballet’s Cinderella

Tomatoes with burrata at Leona in Venice

12 Dining Esters sets up (wine) shop next to Santa Monica's Cassia, and Leona mixes international flavors with local roots in Venice.

14 Entertainment L.A. transforms from sunny into scary come Halloween time. Get in on the fun with these six spooky events.

ON THE COVER Madonna plays the Forum Oct. 27. See p. 17. Photo by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.

City Tours 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 58

features 16 See, Hear L.A. As the mercury drops in October, L.A.’s arts scene heats up. Check out the month’s must-see (and -hear) shows. Bonus: our dining expert’s picks for where to eat nearby. By JUlian Hooper

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22 Fusion 2.0 The term “fusion” may be passé, but L.A. chefs are still combining flavors from across Asia in new, creative ways. By Roger grody

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Knott’s Berry Farm

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Angel Stadium of Anaheim

Staples Center/L.A. Live/ Convention Center

South Coast Plaza/ Segerstrom Center for the Arts

where Los Angeles

from top: N. Razina; courtesy leona

10 Shopping + Beauty

88 NIGHTLIFE Buzzy bars and cool clubs

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SHOP DINE REL A X … M AKE MEMORIES

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where M AG A Z INE

L.A. STYLE OUTLET SAVINGS COACH Kate Spade New York TUMI

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A note from the editor

BUILDING CULTURE

I just got back from a press conference about the new exhibition at LACMA celebrating Frank Gehry, and listening to the architect talk about his work, and seeing the models of so many of his masterpieces, got me fired up about the state of arts and culture in Los Angeles. Gehry, as you probably know, designed the magnificent Walt Disney Concert Hall downtown, and now his sights are on the L.A. River. Though his plans focus on water reclamation, they may spur development projects (à la New York’s High Line) along the river’s route, and the exuberance in his voice when he described what that might mean for the city in which he’s lived and worked for more than half a century belied his 86 years. It’s not just Gehry who's feeling bullish about L.A., of course. All around the city, similarly exciting openings and refurbishments continue to change the cityscape: Most significantly, next to Disney Concert Hall and across the street from MOCA, the brand-new Broad museum just opened its doors, making downtown a veritable contemporary-art epicenter. Not only is this kind of development a testament to the city’s love and support of the arts, but the buildings themselves are wonders to behold. Indeed, Gehry sees artists’ and architects’ “mandates” as fundamentally the same. ”Those of us who make things

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and create things with inert materials, our job is to create feelings that we can transfer to people,” he explained to the crowd. How lucky we are to be in a city increasingly filled with such “things” evoking feelings of optimism, inspiration and local pride. —SUZANNE ENNIS

DANIEL ENNIS

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WHERE CALENDAR OCTOBER 2015 Search the full calendar at wherela.com

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN ARTS AND CULTURE

OCT. 2-10 AFRICAN RHYTHMS The Isango Ensemble puts a South African twist on Bizet’s beloved opera with uCarmen, at the Broad Stage. p. 82 OPENING OCT. 11 NORTH BY WEST The Hammer Museum unveils must-see shows The Idea of North: The Paintings of Lawren Harris and UH-OH: Frances Stark 19912015 (see below). p. 86 OPENING OCT. 11 ZINE SCENE Trace the evolution of pop culture phenom Giant Robot at the Japanese American National Museum’s Giant Robot Biennale 4. p. 86

OCT. 24 ALL IN FOR ART During Grand Ave Arts: All Access, top cultural institutions fill Grand Avenue between Temple and 6th streets downtown with free performances, tours, exhibitions and familyfriendly activities. The Broad museum, Center Theatre Group, Colburn School, Grand Park (whose Día de los Muertos installation is pictured above), L.A. Opera, L.A. Central Library, L.A. Master Chorale, L.A. Philharmonic, MOCA, the Music Center and REDCAT are in on the fun. Call 213.972.8500 or visit grandavearts.tumblr.com for the schedule.

FAIRS, FESTS AND MORE FUN EVENTS

1 LUCKYRICE > OCT. 1-2 The coast-to-coast Asian food festival brings two new events to L.A.: a ramen-tasting Slurpfest and a Moon Festival Cocktail Feast (see left). p. 82

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

2 DODGERS VS. PADRES > OCT. 2-4 Los Angeles’ boys in blue wrap up an exciting 2015 season by taking on the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. p. 84 3 SPA WEEK > OCT. 12-18 This biannual event renders relaxation affordable by offering signature treatments (oil massages, pumpkin facials) at some of the county’s best spas for only $50. Participants include Tikkun Holistic Spa and Marc Edward Skincare. p. 82

4 VEUVE CLICQUOT POLO CLASSIC, L.A. > OCT. 17 This celebrity-favored event brings a classy afternoon of picnicking and polo to Pacific Palisades, with tickets benefiting state parks. p. 82 5 CICLAVIA—HEART OF L.A. > OCT. 18 The beloved car-free event celebrates five years of turning busy streets into pop-up parks. The route includes Chinatown and the Arts District. p. 82 6 LIT CRAWL > OCT. 21 A multitude of venues play host to more than 40 literary happenings during this third annual walkable event in the North Hollywood Arts District. p. 82

7 OKTOBERFEST > ALL MONTH Visit Torrance’s Alpine Village to dance to oompahpah party bands, and raise a stein to one of the oldest, biggest Oktoberfests in SoCal. p. 82

THROUGH OCT. 31 YODELAYHEEHOO! The Ahmanson is alive with The Sound of Music. p. 82 ALL MONTH ON THE MENU Dig in to a trove of vintage menus at the To Live and Dine in L.A. exhibit at downtown’s Central Library. p. 84 ONGOING PREHISTORIC PLANTS Descanso’s newest garden, Ancient Forest, focuses on plants dating back to the days of the dinosaurs. p. 84

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: COURTESY GRAND PARK; FRANCES STARK, THE NEW VISION, 2008, IMAGE COURTESY GREENGRASSI, LONDON, PHOTO BY KATRIN SCHILLING; COURTESY LUCKYRICE

HOT DATES

Top Stops

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los angeles

The best in shopping, beauty, dining and entertainment

Shopping+Beauty

Museum Shopping The Broad museum’s collection includes works by contemporary masters such as Damien Hirst. Now, you, too, can have a Hirst in your collection: Products and publications from Other Criteria, the retailer and gallery founded by the British artist, are for sale at The Shop at The Broad (the only stockist to carry the products in L.A.). Among the assortment are limited-edition, pill-adorned gold jewelry; pieces from the Eternal collection of butterfly images in Lalique crystal panels; and—for a slightly less precious price than the original, and seasonally apropos to boot—a poster featuring Hirst’s 2007 diamond-studded skull, For the Love of God, pictured here. See p. 86 and othercriteria.com.

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opposite: courtesy other criteria. this page, from top: courtesy rebecca minkoff; fariha ali @nailjob

Uri Minkoff in his eponymous flagship

sibling revelry Rebecca Minkoff and her brother, Uri, have unveiled their latest (and most innovative) goods at their new Los Angeles boutique. Here, you’ll find the first Uri Minkoff flagship: a shop-alongside-shop, with its own entrance, in which you’ll find the line of men’s bags, shoes and accessories. Angular shapes and clean lines, from the Anto backpack to the wooden displays, speak to Scandinavian influence, while pops of color lend a mod Japanese vibe. Designed for style-seeking techies, totes and briefcases have interior and exterior slip, tablet and zippered pockets that are both travel- and GoToMeeting-ready. The team also created the boutique’s wowing touch-screen dressing-room technology, which you’ll find in the adjacent women’s shop, along with Rebecca’s urban-bohemian collection, coveted handbags and new athleisure line. 8335 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.451.7414, uriminkoff.com and rebeccaminkoff.com

Nail Stars The Coco Chanel quote on the front door of Enamel Diction reads, “The best color in the whole world is the one that looks good on you.” Spoken truth by a chic Leo. Inside this airy nail studio, polishes aren’t organized by color or brand, but by star sign, and the manipedi is reinvented with a by-appointment astrological experience. The first read-

ing option with astrologer Rose Theodora (Aquarius) is a “color analysis,” during which Theodora examines your birth chart and recommends go-to colors for your sign. The second is an in-depth “color scope,” rich with color-therapy advice to apply to your fingernails and other parts of your life. Come prepared with the exact time you were

born, and Theodora can dig deeper into which colors empower or balance you—and which you should avoid. A bespoke manicure that includes nail art follows each reading. You can get a simple polish job at Enamel Diction, but we bet it won’t be as enlightening, or as fun. 5405 W. Pico Blvd., L.A., 323.900.0355, enameldiction.com

Customized nail art at Enamel Diction

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dining

Chef Nyesha Arrington—whom you may recognize from Top Chef and Knife Fight—brings her multicultural background and formidable culinary chops to Leona, a few blocks east of the Venice pier. Focusing on what she calls “progressive California cuisine,” Arrington serves globally inspired, seasonally driven and “consciously prepared” dishes such as cóctel mixto featuring local seafood, tomato-watermelon jus and crispy rice paper, and lamb-belly wontons with Bloomsdale spinach and crispy artichoke. Weekend brunch is a similarly international affair: Dig in to a California Benedict featuring soft-shell crab, avocado and tomato hollandaise, or try a Korean latke with crème fraîche and scallions. Named after the original moniker of the boulevard out front and established in partnership with fellow Venice locals Kristian and Breegan Vallas, this worldly spot has deep local roots. 123 W. Washington Blvd., Venice, 310.822.5379, leonavenice.com

Chicken “brick” with slow-roasted apricots and sauce vert

from top: ryan tanaka; emily hart roth

Blended

Wine and Dine There’s a marriage of culinary power couples manifesting on Santa Monica’s 7th Street. First off, restaurateurs Josh Loeb and Zoe Nathan (Rustic Canyon Wine Bar and Seasonal Kitchen, Huckleberry, Milo & Olive) teamed with chef Bryant Ng (the Spice Table) and his wife, Kim, to open Cassia (p. 24), a Southeast Asian brasserie with a Cali-

fornia sensibility that’s been packed with eager foodies since it bowed in June. And now open, in the same 1937 art deco Telephone Building, is Esters, an adjoining wine shop and bar from Loeb, Nathan and husband-andwife duo Kathryn Coker, Rustic Canyon’s wine director, and husband Tug. Here you’ll find more than 200 bottles from small produc-

ers and boutique wineries. Purchase a bottle to go with a housemade sandwich or a loaf of Nathan’s renowned bread, or settle onto the inviting alfresco patio with a glass of vino. Elevated bar snacks and small plates are on offer, courtesy of Rustic Canyon executive chef Jeremy Fox. 1314 7th St., Santa Monica, 310.899. 6900, esterswineshop.com

Esters co-owners Kathryn and Tug Coker

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angeles Philip Glass performing his score for Dracula with the Kronos Quartet, conducted by Michael Riesman

entertainment

Halloween Haunts Throughout October, Los Angeles’ most beloved attractions turn sinister, with All Hallow’s Eve events that range from slightly spooky to downright bone-chilling. Here are a few of the city’s top offerings and what you can expect at each. Note: Many of the most intense options request that kids under 13 not attend. —Gillian Glover

Oct. 2-31, the popular L.A. Haunted Hayride finds groups of scare-seekers piling into the back of a tractor to be paraded through Griffith Park’s Old Zoo, where several scares are lurking—including this year’s advertised “Boogeyman.” A maze and new immersive scare zones complete the experience. Check website for schedule. $25-$43, VIP $50-$59. 4730 Crystal Springs Ave., Griffith Park, L.A., 310.993.8289, losangeleshauntedhayride.com Halloween horror nights

Universal Studios Hollywood’s iconic—and crazy packed—Halloween attraction, open through Nov. 1, features four scare zones and six movie- and TV-themed mazes based on the likes of Halloween, Alien vs. Predator and This

Is the End (in 3D). Re-creating the hit zombie show, maze The Walking Dead: Wolves Not Far features moments from season five and two times the number of undead “walkers.” Check website for schedule. $55-$85. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 800.864.8377, halloweenhorrornights.com The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor

Long Beach’s supposedly haunted ship-slash-hotel is the perfect setting for a Halloween scare Oct. 1-Nov. 1. Fight your way through six spooky mazes— Circus, Deadrise, Soulmate, B340, Voodoo Village and the all-new Lullaby—and gaze upon oddities at a freak show. Check website for schedule. $20-$39, VIP varies. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0742, queenmary.com

Boo at the L.A. Zoo

All month, the Los Angeles Zoo offers Halloween fun the kids can get in on, with haunted caves, a pumpkin patch, costumed characters, bat- and spider-themed crafts, jack-o’-lantern-carving demonstrations and creepy, crawly creature encounters. 10 am-4 pm. Free with zoo admission. ($15-$20, under 2 free.) 5333 Zoo Drive, Griffith Park, L.A., 323.644.4200, lazoo.org Dracula With Philip glass and the Kronos Quartet

For a more understated scare, head to downtown’s hip Ace Hotel Oct. 29-31 to experience the classic horror film in an all-new way. L.A. Opera Off Grand presents Dracula on the big screen, accompanied by a live performance of Philip Glass’ 1998 score by Glass himself and the Kronos Quartet. On

Halloween night, stick around for a special Black and White Ball in the lobby, featuring guest DJs, themed rooms, bars and more. (Ages 21+, black-and-white attire required.) Th, F 8 pm; Sa 4 pm, 8 pm. $34$160. 929 S. Broadway, downtown, 213.623.3233, acehotel.com West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval

Billed as the largest Halloween street party in the world, this wild Halloween-night costume bash is also one of L.A. County’s biggest annual events, complete with live music and entertainment, photo stations, food vendors and the crowning of a celebrity “queen.” 6-11 pm. Free. Santa Monica Boulevard from La Cienega Boulevard to Doheny Drive, West Hollywood, 800.368.6020, visitwesthollywood.com

didier dorval

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride Oct. 2-31

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SEE, HEAR L.A.

THE EXHIBITIONS, CONCERTS AND OTHER ARTSY HAPPENINGS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS

Fall has officially arrived in Los Angeles, and the forecast looks bright. October’s arts calendar showcases some of the year’s best offerings in music, theater, dance and art (we’re looking at you, the Broad). Whether your idea of culture is soaking up Puccini at Opera at the Beach, revisiting supernatural prom night at Carrie: The Killer Musical Experience, or snapping the perfect selfie inside Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room, we’ve got you covered. Here are our picks of the month, from the blockbuster gotta-see-’ems to the under-the-radar gems. —JULIAN HOOPER

The Broad museum on Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles. Opposite, top: Alexander Yulish’s Twins

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Artwalk is partnering with the Los Angeles Philharmonic to give walkers the chance to experience Van Beethoven, a virtual-reality trip that allows participants to be immersed in a private concert with the L.A. Phil from its specially designed touring truck. } See p. 82.

ART TALK Street-art fans, check out "An Evening With Shepard Fairey in Conversation With Moby" Oct. 6 at Santa Monica’s Moss Theater. The famed graphic designer and street artist (who famously created the iconic Obama “Hope” poster) goes one-on-one with musician and animal activist Moby in support of Fairey’s new book, Covert to Overt. }New Roads School, Herb Alpert Educational Village, 3131 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, mosstheater.com. For tickets, visit livetalksla.org.

MUSIC

FROM TOP: ALEXANDER YULISH, COURTESY ACE GALLERY; TRAVIS SHINN. OPPOSITE: IWAN BAAN

ART

THE BROAD The Broad is, hands down, the most exciting arrival in Los Angeles this year. Founded by philanthropists and longtime art collectors Eli and Edythe Broad, the highly anticipated museum is getting worldwide attention for its honeycomblike outside, as well as for what’s inside: the nearly 2,000-piece Broad collection, considered one of the world’s most prominent holdings of masterworks of postwar and contemporary art. The museum opened in September, but with summer officially over and kids back at school, October’s a great time to visit. One must-see from the inaugural exhibition: Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room—The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away. The infinity room in question is a meditative chamber for the senses that’s been called a reflection of life, love and the afterlife. Prepare to selfie. } See p. 86.

WHILE YOU’RE DOWNTOWN After you visit the Broad, head across the street to see selections from the excellent permanent collection at MOCA Grand Avenue. Then, make your way to the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA in Little Tokyo Historic District,

where you can catch Matthew Barney: River of Fundament, an intriguing tribute to Barney’s controversial operatic film, loosely based on Norman Mailer’s epic novel Ancient Evenings. The exhibition includes 14 large-scale sculptures, photographs, drawings and other media used during the making of the film. } See p. 87.

GALLERY SHOW New York-born, L.A.based artist Alexander Yulish unveils one of the biggest exhibitions of his career, Immovable Thoughts, at Ace Gallery beginning Oct. 8. The son of sculptor Barbara Pearlman paints vivid imagery of a colorful childhood and autobiographical characters. }Ace Gallery Los Angeles, 5514 Wilshire Blvd., Second Floor, L.A., 323.935.3388, acegallery.net.

PARTY LIKE IT’S 1989 Some of the greatest ’80s acts descend upon the City of Angels this month. First up: Duran Duran at the Hollywood Bowl (Oct. 1) alongside Chic with Nile Rodgers. Might as well jump back to the Hollywood Bowl Oct. 2 and 4 when Pasadena rockers Van Halen hit the stage. And drumroll, please: Madonna, the Queen of Pop, arrives at the Forum in Inglewood Oct. 27 for the California leg of her Rebel Heart extravaganza. The tour, which pays homage to the superstar’s greatest hits, as well as to songs from her 13th studio album, is already being called “brilliant” by early rehearsal witnesses; expect dancing nuns, surprise guests à la Taylor Swift (Amy Schumer and Diplo opened for Madge in New York and Montreal, respectively) and a powerhouse performance from an entertainer still at the top of her game. } See p. 83.

ART WALK Put on your walking shoes and head downtown to what’s been called the world’s largest art complex: the Brewery Artwalk. Home to more than 500 artists and spanning over 23 acres, the Brewery hosts an open studio Oct. 3-4, with over 100 residential artists opening their studios to the public. Plus, there’ll be sweet sounds;

JR JR plays the Teragram Ballroom Oct. 10.

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JR JR Detroit rockers JR JR take to the Teragram Ballroom Oct. 10 in support of their highly anticipated third album, JR JR. Poised on the brink of stardom, the boys recently changed their name from their original moniker, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., and are flying high with the release of what just may become fall’s greatest anthem: “Gone.” } 1234 W. 7th St., L.A., teragramballroom.com. For tickets, call 800.745.3000 or visit jrjrmusic.com.

FATHER JOHN MISTY Expect the unexpected with folk singer-songwriter Father John Misty, aka former Fleet Foxes band member Joshua Tillman. Misty headlines the Wiltern Oct. 16-17 in support of his sophomore disc, the critically acclaimed I Love You, Honeybear. }3790 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., wiltern.com. For tickets, call 800.745.3000 or visit fatherjohnmisty.com.

KYGO Norwegian DJ Kygo travels from Soundcloud to the Greek stage Oct. 17. Fresh off a headlining performance last summer at Lollapalooza, Kygo will perform fan favorites including his much-downloaded remix of Ed Sheeran’s “I See Fire” and a remix of Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing.” } See p. 83.

CLASSICAL AND OPERA Fans of classical music will want to experience Los Angeles Philharmonic music and artistic director Gustavo Dudamel’s latest symphony cycle, which celebrates a classical legend alongside a living master. The Immortal Beethoven series features nine symphonies and two orchestras (shared between the L.A. Phil and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela), all conducted by L.A.’s biggest classicalmusic rock star: Dudamel. } See p. 83.

OPERA AT THE BEACH Los Angeles Opera is celebrating its 30th anniversary

JEAN-YVES THIBAUDET Oct. 30, the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts hosts a classical collaboration with Colburn School artist-in-residence Jean-Yves Thibaudet, who’s been called “one of the best pianists in the world.” } See p. 83.

THEATER CARRIE—THE KILLER MUSICAL EXPERIENCE Theater fans are abuzz with

the October premiere of a cult classic that’s being billed as “the immersive Carrie experience.” Carrie: The Killer Musical Experience, opening Oct. 1 at the lavishly decorated 1931 Los Angeles Theatre on downtown’s Broadway, reimagines the supernatural 1976 horror film starring Sissy Spacek and drags audiences back to the high school prom. There will be blood. }615 S. Broadway, downtown, losangelestheatre.com. For tickets, visit experiencecarrie.com. ALI MACGRAW AND RYAN O’NEAL REUNITE One of the biggest October surprises? Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal, stars of the 1970 blockbuster film Love Story, reunite Oct. 13-25 at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts for A.R. Gurney’s Love Letters, a Pulitzer Prizenominated play about a couple’s 50-year mail correspondence. } See p. 83.

Rika Okamoto and Matthew Dibble in Twyla Tharp’s 50th Anniversary Tour. Above left: a scene from Carrie: The Killer Musical Experience

FROM TOP: JASON NIEDLE; RUVEN AFANDOR. OPPOSITE, FROM TOP: ADAM LATHAM; V. BARONOVSKY

season, and its Opera at the Beach splashes back in a big way. Oct. 3, fans can once again enjoy their favorite operas in a stunning outdoor setting: the Santa Monica Pier. This month’s double bill is Woody Allen’s staging of Puccini’s Schicchi and Franco Zeffirelli’s production of Pagliacci, broadcast in highdefinition video from the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Limited free tickets are available online. } For tickets, call 213.972.8001 or visit laopera.org.

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Gustavo Dudamel conducts the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Below: The Mariinsky Ballet performs Cinderella.

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DESDEMONA Shakespeare’s Othello is reimagined at the Center for the Art of Performance (CAP) at UCLA Oct. 8-11, and it’s a star-studded affair. Peter Sellars directs the play by Nobel laureate Toni Morrison and Malian singer-songwriter Rokia Traoré, with Tina Benko in the role of Othello’s other half, the tragic Venetian beauty Desdemona. }See p. 82.

Hollywood, Broadway, film, TV, skating, ballet and more. } See p. 83.

SHAPING SOUND Billed as a “mashup of dance styles and musical genres,” Shaping Sound, at Santa Monica’s Broad Stage Oct. 23-24, is a celebration of dance brought to you by the Emmy Award-nominated choreographers of So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing With the Stars. } See p. 82.

CINDERELLA The Cinderella story gets a glamorous twist at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Oct. 8-11. Russia’s world-renowned Mariinsky Ballet (formerly the Kirov Ballet) opens the 12th season of the Music Center’s acclaimed dance series, Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at the Music Center, with Alexei Ratmansky’s celebrated work set to Sergei Prokofiev’s score performed by the Mariinsky Orchestra. } See p. 83.

MIRANDA JULY’S NEW SOCIETY Acclaimed filmmaker, artist and writer Miranda July’s latest creation, at UCLA’s Freud Playhouse Oct. 17-18, promises to break the fourth wall—and that’s all the artist wants you to know. Spoiler alert: CAP UCLA says July “tests the limits of what is possible when given two hours and a room full of strangers.” }See p. 82.

DANCE

TWYLA THARP Twyla Tharp’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, at the Wallis’ Bram Goldsmith Theater Oct. 1-4, pays homage to the legendary choreographer, a dance visionary who has left her bold imprint on

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Artistic Dining

ULINARY ARTISTRY CAN STAND ON ITS own, but Los Angeles offers remarkable opportunities to combine memorable dining with world-class performing or visual arts. Every concert hall, museum and theater is within close proximity of exceptional cuisine. Here we explore some of the city’s best arts-convenient dining opportunities, both classic and new to the scene. The Broad—one of L.A.’s most eagerly awaited museums—sits almost next door to Frank Gehry’s now-iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall. Even the most dismissive critics of L.A. would have to admit this pair of architectural/cultural achievements is extraordinary. Disney Hall has Patina, where chef Paul Lee creates exquisite tasting menus served in an elegant setting. Adjacent to the Broad’s olive-tree-shaded plaza is Otium, due open this month with a kitchen overseen by former French Laundry chef de cuisine Timothy Hollingsworth. The cuisine—think heirloomtomato tart with caramelized onions and burrata, or spot prawns with Spanish chorizo, piquillo peppers and caper emulsion—balances rusticity and sophistication, while the vibe is fine dining without the fuss. With the Music Center’s multiple stages just up the block and MOCA across the street, Otium is a perfect

by ROGER GRODY

complement to whatever art you crave. Also located amid this impressive collection of cultural institutions is Vespaio (pictured above), a project of veteran restaurateur Agostino Sciandri (Ago, Toscanova). Located in the Emerson, the exclusive residential tower designed by Miami-based Arquitectonica, Vespaio offers a Californiainfluenced Italian menu that includes citrusmarinated tuna with fennel, and sautéed veal kidney with lentils and mushrooms. The restaurant’s expansive patio, reflecting a design inspired by midcentury men’s fashion and Italian yacht culture, is a welcome addition to Bunker Hill. Beverly Hills’ Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts is another venue that doubles as an architectural landmark, and while there’s no full-service restaurant inside, an easy stroll presents multiple possibilities. Just a block down Cañon Drive is Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, whose founder was headwaiter at Brooklyn’s legendary Peter Luger Steak House. Enough said. Two blocks farther is Spago, home to L.A.’s most famous Wolfgang, Wolfgang Puck. There, in a refined indoor-outdoor setting, the celebrity chef applies French technique to Hong Kong-style steamed fish and offers a

veal Wiener Schnitzel from his native Austria as part of a special prix-fixe pretheater menu. The Broad Stage at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center—another philanthropic contribution by Eli and Edythe Broad—is close to some of Southern California’s best restaurants. Just three blocks away is Cassia, the new restaurant helmed by talented young chef Bryant Ng (see p. 23), and less than two blocks away is Mélisse, which combines exquisite modern French cuisine with an approachability that suits Santa Monica’s coastal setting. In summary, even if your significant other is simply not into Puccini or Pissarro, the excellent neighboring dining opportunities will surely generate some interest!

DETAILS Cassia 1314 7th St., Santa Monica,

310.393.6699 Mélisse 1104 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.395.0881 Otium 222 S. Hope St., downtown, otiumla.com Patina Walt Disney Concert Hall, 141 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.3331 Spago 176 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.385.0880 Vespaio The Emerson, 225 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.221.7244 Wolfgang’s Steakhouse 445 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.385.0640

COURTESY VESPAIO

CULTURE IS BEST CONSUMED ON A FULL STOMACH.

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2.0

As Los Angeles continues to celebrate its ever-increasing diversity, chefs experiment with menus that unabashedly bend borders. by ROGER GRODY 22â&#x20AC;&#x201A; WHERELA.COM

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THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE: RICK POON

FUSION

THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE: RICK POON

COUPLE OF DECADES AGO, L.A. chefs began experimenting with bold cross-cultural menus, combining the best elements of disparate cuisines. The movement, which usually involved Pacific Rim influences, was generally known as “fusion.” That term has since fallen out of favor with contemporary chefs, but the passion for combining eclectic elements from contrasting cuisines certainly has not. L.A., a bona fide capital of the Pacific Rim, is a natural place to see a variety of Asian cuisines popping up in kitchens of professional chefs of all backgrounds. Consider Cassia, part of the burgeoning dining empire of restaurateurs Josh Loeb and Zoe Nathan, the couple responsible for Rustic Canyon Wine Bar & Seasonal Kitchen, Huckleberry Bakery & Café and Milo & Olive. Ensconced in a historic art deco building in downtown Santa Monica, Cassia combines the concept of a French brasserie with the flavors of Southeast Asia, courtesy of immensely talented chef Bryant Ng. His former restaurant, the Spice Table, enjoyed a fiercely loyal following, so the young chef’s emergence at Cassia is welcome news. This new restaurant features several distinct spaces, including a lounge, private dining room and wood grill. The overall look is modern, combining raw wood and concrete, but retains the soul of a bustling Montparnasse brasserie. Ng, who cooked refined French cuisine with heavyweight chefs Roland Passot at San Francisco’s La Folie and Daniel Boulud at Daniel in New York, appreciates classical technique but is passionate about the flavors of Southeast Asia. At Cassia, therefore, one might find a traditional French pot-au-feu, but with a broth in the spirit of a Vietnamese pho, while escargots are prepared with lemongrassinfused butter. Although Cassia is not intended to be a reincarnation of the Spice Table, some of Ng’s signature dishes were in such demand by his followers that leaving them off the menu would be almost cruel. Among them are kaya toast, a soulful Singaporean street

The sunlightfilled dining room at Cassia. Opposite: the restaurant’s charcuterie platter, paired with a dirty martini

food with coconut jam and a slow-cooked egg, and an exotic jellyfish salad with chicken, crispy rice and sesame-bacon dressing. When it comes to a modern interpretation of Vietnamese cuisine, the An family— consisting of matriarch Helene and her five daughters—is the closest thing L.A. has to royalty, and The District by Hannah An is its latest achievement. The An dynasty began in San Francisco, where Hannah’s grandmother opened the family’s first restaurant, followed by the original Crustacean. The Beverly Hills edition of Crustacean is a perennial celebrity hangout that’s also welcoming to civilians. After her sisters opened restaurants in Orange County and Santa Monica, Hannah, who was pursuing a career in engineering, returned to the family business. Early this year, it was her turn to create a new restaurant concept, debuting the District in a twolevel building near Cedars Sinai that fuses colonial charm with modern sophistication. The District is Hannah An’s very personalized interpretation of her native cuisine: a restaurant where classic Vietnamese dishes are created with high-quality, seasonal

California ingredients and where influences from France, Spain, China and Japan remind diners of Vietnam’s complex culinary history. The menu celebrates the five elements of Vietnamese cuisine—spicy, sour, bitter, salty and sweet—in dishes that are inspired by both street vendors and French-trained Vietnamese chefs. One can start with a pork-belly bánh mì or a bone-marrow dish that features elements of French onion soup before moving on to a signature dish of noodles with crab and uni or Vietnamese braised short ribs. Like Hannah An, chef Shawn Pham took a circuitous journey to opening his own restaurant. As a chef, Pham worked in some of the top kitchens in California: the French Laundry, Craft and the Bazaar by José Andrés. Eager to explore his Vietnamese heritage, the chef, who was born and raised in America, spent several years in Ho Chi Minh City, immersing himself in Vietnamese culture and cuisine. When he returned to L.A., Pham opened a restaurant that reflected his multiple personalities as a chef. Little Tokyo’s Simbal combines the

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Badmaash 108 W. 2nd St., downtown, 213.221.7466 Cassia 1314 7th St., Santa Monica, 310.393.6699 The District by Hannah An 8722 W. 3rd St., L.A., 310.278.2345 E.P. & L.P. 603 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.855.9955 House of Macau 1600 Vine St., Hollywood, 323.745.5038 Sambar 9531 Culver Blvd., Culver City, 310.558.8800 Bánh mì salad at Simbal in Little Tokyo

best of Ho Chi Minh City’s food stalls with sophisticated Western technique and Pham’s playful attitude. The creative chef plays fast and loose with international borders, suiting L.A.’s cultural sensibilities and generating excitement. Pham proves that sweetbreads, long associated with staid Continental restaurants, can be brought to life with Asian flavors. At Simbal, they’re served crispy with a fish-sauce glaze and plated with pickled Chinese mustard greens. Pham deconstructs a Vietnamese bánh mì sandwich into a salad inspired by an Italian panzanella, and his short-rib potpie with bone marrow, a nod to the beef stew called bo kho that he grew up eating, is seasoned with lemongrass and annatto. Other innovations at Simbal are the presence of dim-sum-style carts and a 14-seat kitchen-view counter that hosts improvisational guest chefs. Mixologist Brandyn Tepper follows Pham’s lead, incorporating intriguing Asian ingredients like Thai-basil syrup, lemongrass, carbonated green tea and shiso into his creative cocktails. The potential for Indian cuisine to withstand contemporary, progressive treatments has long been underestimated. Badmaash, a contemporary Indian gastropub, has advanced the cause. There, cross-cultural items like chicken tikka poutine; a samosa filled with Thanksgiving-inspired ingredients; and cheddar-stuffed naan that mimics an American grilled cheese sandwich demonstrate Indian cuisine’s versatility. Recently, chef-restaurateur Akasha Richmond, whose eponymous restaurant helped establish downtown Culver City as a dining

Simbal 319 E. 2nd St., downtown, 213.626.0244

destination, unveiled Sambar just steps from her original establishment. The pioneering Richmond has devised a fun, approachable cuisine at Sambar, which applies Indian concepts to familiar American foods. Under the menu heading “New Wave Masala” are various Indian treatments of iconic, all-American dishes, including masala-spiced chicken wings and a burger topped with preserved tomato chutney instead of ketchup. For her sev puri, a ubiquitous stuffed-bread snack in India, Richmond substitutes California avocado for the typical potato filling. Conversely, she gives the beet-and-goat-cheese salad, a staple on contemporary American menus, an Indian makeover by using Indian paneer as the cheese and dressing it with a turmericoil-lime vinaigrette. Visitors to Australia are sometimes surprised to discover how many of the trendiest restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne get their inspiration from Asia. In fact, the proximity of Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam makes the land Down Under even more of a Pacific Rim culinary melting pot than L.A., a city for which Aussies have a natural affinity. These factors drove Australian entrepreneurs Grant Smillie and David Combes to West Hollywood, where they recently opened E.P. & L.P. The musical inspiration—E.P. (“extended play”) is the second-story dining room, and L.P. (“long play”) is the sprawling rooftop lounge—is natural, considering Smillie’s status as a globe-trotting DJ and investors who include a former member of the band Swedish House Mafia. Note: Expect a line at the door to this hot hangout. The chef at E.P. & L.P. is Australia-born

Louis Tikaram, whose heritage includes Fijian, Indian and Chinese roots and who is himself a product of Australia’s underappreciated culinary diversity. The young Lakers fan honed his skills at one of Sydney’s most exclusive Japanese restaurants and rose to prominence as executive chef at Longrain, a trendsetting Southeast Asian-influenced eatery in the same city. A signature dish at E.P. & L.P. is nama “sea pearls,” a version of one of the first things Tikaram cooked in Fiji with his grandmother, who inspired his passion for cooking. Nama, a salty seaweed, is served ceviche-style with coconut milk, lime and chili. Other intriguing starters include wood-grilled baby greenlipped abalone on the half shell with curry paste and aromatic Thai seasonings, and Bison Cracker Party: hot-and-sour bison tartare that’s served with cassava and rice crackers. Larger plates include crispy-skinned chicken with black vinegar, chili and lemon; assorted curries; and wood-grilled short ribs. L.P.’s late-night menu is designed to pair with exotic beverages consumed at the rooftop lounge. Boba pearl cocktails or Pump Up the Jam (served in a wild-looking vessel shared by four) can be accompanied by Thai-style beef jerky, soft-shell-crab sliders or Tikaram’s Southeast Asian chicken wings. A seductive Pacific Rim-inspired scene has arrived in Hollywood at House of Macau, named after the Chinese resort destination whose casinos rival those of Las Vegas. Bathed in sexy red and illuminated by jewellike contemporary chandeliers, the multilevel space features plush lounge furniture, two cocktail bars and a raw bar. In the kitchen, chef Christoffer Binotto, who has worked for celebrity toques Masaharu Morimoto and Graham Elliot, turns out an enticing Far Eastmeets-L.A. menu that includes blinis elegantly topped with caviar and yuzu-infused crème fraîche; salt-and-pepper Maine lobster; various dim sum; and the classic Macanese dish of galinha à portuguesa (chicken in curry sauce), whose very name evokes the territory’s colonial heritage. A venture of music-industry entrepreneur Manny Halley, House of Macau is not only a quintessential Hollywood spot to be sipping a Pataca (vodka, coconut rum, lime juice, lemongrass and a kaffir leaf) with some beautiful people, but it also celebrates the spirit of the cooking style once called “fusion.” Welcome to “fusion 2.0.”

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Border-Bending Eateries

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MainStr

A world away from the ordinary. A block away from beach.

Santa Monica

Join us for the annual Main Street Holiday Event on Saturday, December 5, beginning at 6pm with the tree lighting at the California Heritage Museum and Edgemar followed by more than fifty parties at businesses up and down the street.

FROM TOP: JÉSUS BAÑUELOS; HEADS ABOVE WATER

Gioia

Manchego

La Vecchia Cucina

2721 Main Street 310 392 3378 gioiaclothing.com

2518 Main Street 310 450 3900 manchegosm.com

2654 Main Street 310 399 7979 lavecchia.com

Gioia (joy-a), Italian for “joy”. Women’s ethnic-style apparel and accessories. Artistic clothing that is feminine, unique, comfortable and affordable. Parking in back. Voted Santa Monica’s most loved boutique.

Manchego’s seasonal menu features Spanish tapas with a Mediterranean influence, housemade sangria and a unique Spanish wine list.

Santa Monica’s finest neighborhood Italian restaurant since 1990. Offering outstanding cuisine, great wine, full bar and warm hospitality. L, D (daily).

A Real Treat

Basement Tavern

O’Brien’s Irish Pub

2724 Main Street 424 272 5416 arealtreat.com

2640 Main Street 310 396 2469 thevictorian.com

2941 Main Street 310 396 4725 obrienspub.com

A Real Treat is a unique candy experience for the allergy sensitive, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and lover of natural sweets - a place where everyone can be a kid in a candy store!

The Victorian, frequently used as a wedding/ events venue, has a hidden “speak-easy” style bar called Basement Tavern at the Victorian. Live music 6 days a week. Happy hour (daily), Br (Su).

This cozy neighborhood pub has been around since 1995, proudly serving a great range of brews, whiskeys and spirits as well as fine Irish and American cuisine. Live music and happy hour nightly. B (Sa-Su); L, D (daily).

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San Fernando BLVD. between Magnolia BLVD. and Angeleno Ave.

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THE O R I G I NAL H YBR I D No doubt, hybrid cars are the vehicles of choice in Los Angeles for their efficiency. At the Getty Villa you can see antiquity’s version of a hybrid, half bird, half cat. This feline mix can prey faster than a regular cat and gets unlimited miles to the gallon. Come visit this winged wonder and the more than 1,200 antiquities on display. The Getty Villa. One mile north of Sunset on PCH. Reserve your free ticket today. Admission is free. An advance timed-entry ticket is required. Winged Feline, Tartessian, 700–575 B.C. Bronze. The J. Paul Getty Museum. Text and Design © 2015 J. Paul Getty Trust

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where abouts 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.

DAVE LAURIDSEN

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 the region’s moniker of Tinseltown might suggest. Nonetheless, the triumvirate of Beverly Hills, Holmby Hills and Bel-Air still attracts its share of famous residents. Hop on the Beverly Hills Trolley Tour or book ahead with Starline Tours to see notable homes in the ‘hood, along with other local landmarks packed into the city’s 5 square miles. Among the more storied and oft-filmed estates nestled in the hills is the 19th-century English Revival-style Greystone Park & Mansion, whose graceful city-owned grounds are open for strolling.

Rodeo Drive + Golden Triangle

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

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

The Industry + the Arts

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

here. Rub shoulders with the power-lunchers at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon or Wolfgang Puck’s legendary Spago on Cañon, or grab dinner and a jazz performance at Spaghettini & the Dave Koz Lounge just up the street. The city’s cultural treasure troves include the Paley Center for Media and the Samuel Goldwyn Theater at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, both of which hold screenings. There is even more cultural programming at the 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, with luxury boutiques and dining venues to rival those of Beverly Hills.

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 Isaia

The Neapolitan menswear brand—an A-list favorite—opens its first U.S. flagship. 9527 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills, 424.204.1169

Salvatore Ferragamo

Founded a century ago in Hollywood, the legendary luxury brand unveils its redesigned flagship. 357 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.273.9990

Sambar

Chef-owner Akasha Richmond’s new restaurant concept is a contemporary take on Indian cuisine. 9531 Culver Blvd., Culver City, 310.558.8800

Westime

The luxury watch and jewelry boutique’s latest location features brands such as Omega, Hermès and Jacob & Co. 216 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.888.8880

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

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

The Culver City station on the Metro Expo Line

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

UCLA

A few miles northeast of Century City is the University of California, Los Angeles, one of the top public universities in the country. Visitors are welcome at several university attractions, including the Fowler Museum at UCLA and the outdoor Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden 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 works. 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 prime star-spotting territory. Another don’t-miss venue is the award-winning Geffen Playhouse, located on Le Conte Avenue in one of the oldest buildings in Westwood.

Culver City

Covering 5 square miles about 4 miles southeast of Westwood, Culver City has benefited from a polish in the past few years and now boasts a thriving downtown. The Kirk Douglas Theatre and the Ivy Substation, home to the Actors’ Gang, bookend

the downtown area and stage excellent live productions throughout the year. Traveling east on Washington Boulevard, don’t miss the sprawling Helms Bakery complex, which contains dozens of high-end furniture showrooms. Moving along Washington, the scene-y Arts District has more than 30 art galleries and exhibition spaces clustered along Washington and La Cienega boulevards. At the intersection of Washington and National boulevards is one end of the Expo Line, a Metro light rail that goes from Culver City to Exposition Park and the University of Southern California to downtown. 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 the Spider-Man franchise produced on the historic lots at Sony. Fully experience Culver City’s screen heritage by taking the Sony Pictures Studio Tour. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see page 92.

/ciao bellas

in the ’60s, the Hollywood elite favored the luxurious Italian accessories. Today, Taylor Swift is a modern Lauren Bacall toting a yellow Ani handbag, proving Serapian’s timeless appeal. The store offers the brand’s full range of handbags, men’s leather goods and luggage, all designed and manufactured in Milan, where Arda Serapian (the son of founding husband-wife duo Stefano Serapian and Gina Flori) oversees a workshop of 100 artisans. Signature styles like the woven Mosaico are classically beautiful, but material innovations like waterproof and scratch-proof calfskin and two-tone leather make this one heritage brand designing for the now. 204 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.247.8881, us.serapian.com —S.D.

TOP: MATT HARTMAN

➺ It’s fitting for Serapian to choose Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive for its U.S. debut—

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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 or gawk at the myriad street artists. If they don’t refuel at the many eateries along the Promenade, visitors can venture to the surrounding blocks to Mercado or the Misfit and enjoy drinks at The Bungalow or the many pubs such as Ye Olde King’s Head that hint at Santa Monica’s large population of British expats. Anchoring the promenade at Broadway is Santa Monica Place, a beautiful open-air shopping center with Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, 80 boutiques and the top-level Dining Deck with chef-driven restaurants and great views. East on Broadway is the legendary Fred Segal, an emporium of high-end shops such as JET John Eshaya. Santa Monica Pier, built in 1909, is at the end of Colorado Avenue and features Pacific Park, a mini amusement park with food stands and rides, including a solar-powered, LED-lit Ferris wheel.

Main Street + Montana Avenue

Compared with the hustle and bustle of Third Street Promenade, Montana Avenue is downright tranquil. Between 6th and 17th streets are plenty of fashionable boutiques, including Moondance and Clare V. Father’s Office is known for its burgers, new Ox & Son and Forma are tops for upscale fare, and Sweet Lady Jane is famous for its cakes. Just minutes south of downtown Santa Monica, Main Street exudes a beachy, pscale vibe. The long stretch between Pico Boulevard and Rose Avenue contains a number of galleries, pubs, restaurants including Chinois on Main, and shops such as Lost & Found and Planet Blue. The California Heritage Museum is in a transplanted Victorian-era home, as is the 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 entertain-

ment is at the Broad Stage, Santa Monica College’s first-rate, 499-seat performingarts, film, dance and theater venue. As L.A. has emerged as a fine-arts capital, the campuslike Bergamot Station arts center on Michigan Avenue has become an important destination. It’s home to some 30 galleries and a café.

Malibu

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

TOP LEFT AND OPPOSITE: DALE BERMAN

Third Street + the Pier

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NEW IN TOWN Cassia

Two culinary couples joined forces to create this Southeast Asian brasserie—already a city hot spot. 1314 7th St., Santa Monica, 310.393.6699

Red O

Rick Bayless’ elegant Mexican restaurant opens a third location, offering prime steaks, seafood, cocktails and more. 1541 Ocean Ave., Ste. 120, Santa Monica, 310.458.1600

Vince

The designed-in-L.A. label opens a new men’s and women’s outpost in Venice (due mid-September). 1353/1355 Abbot Kinney Blvd., L.A., vince.com

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

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

is also coming up, thanks to the emergence of hot restaurants such as Superba Snack Bar, a smattering of hip shops and industrial-chic lofts. Looky-loos stroll Ocean Front Walk to ogle the vendors and performers, as well as the bodybuilders at Muscle Beach.

Brentwood

Skateboarders take a break at Venice Beach

with historic tile. The celebrity-frequented Malibu Country Mart serves as the area’s town square. Together with the adjacent Malibu Village and Malibu Lumber Yard shopping centers, there are enough shops and restaurants to while away an afternoon. Inland, nearing Calabasas, is wine country. Malibu Discovery offers tours of the region, with stops at tasting rooms such as Malibu Wines and Sip Malibu.

Topanga + Pacific Palisades

In the 1960s, hippies and musicians such as Neil Young hid out in idyllic Topanga, 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 the land that would become Venice in a coin toss. He sought to develop it as an American version of the Italian city; the canals are still there, today lined with million-dollar bungalows. His namesake Abbot Kinney Boulevard is Venice’s coolest section, where Gjelina, Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea and boutiques such as Alexis Bittar and Huset are the main attractions. Rose Avenue

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

Marina del Rey

Marina del Rey celebrates its 50th birthday this year. Its main attraction is the marina, the largest man-made small-craft harbor in the world. Restaurants such as Cast & Plow and Cafe del Rey are positioned to take advantage of the views. For an up-close look at the harbor’s marine life, rent kayaks from Marina del Rey Boat Rentals. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see page 92.

/ summer lovin’

up shop at the far-west end of Abbot Kinney Boulevard and filled its shelves with everything a wanderlusty beach bum could want. Need a bikini? The cabana is filled with options from Kiini, Babajaan and other top brands. Guys and kids, they have clothing for you, too—plus skateboards, jewelry, flowy caftans, Eberjey lingerie and more. Decorated with maps, vintage suitcases and a floor feature reminiscent of a glass-bottom boat, the happy blue-and-white-striped store will inspire you to embrace its motto (a quote attributed to the Dalai Lama): “Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.” Stock up and set sail. 1043 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 424.252.9715, beachhousebrand.com —M.R.

TOP: ANGELA DECENZO

➺ Inspired by the idea of an endless summer, Beach House Brand recently set

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速

See the hottest spots in Hollywood, Beverly Hills and the Sunset Strip where celebrities go to play and get in trouble. Hear inside information about Hollywood celebs, and the stories that TMZ made famous. Tour guides direct from TMZ on TV, on the look-out and ready to film celebrities.

GET TICKETS!

(855)-4TMZ-TOUR

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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 many legendary establishments. The Roxy, the Whisky a Go Go and the Viper Room have a long history of hosting performances from rock ‘n’ roll’s finest. Other Sunset Strip nightclubs include Rock & Reilly’s and newer 1 OAK. The Comedy Store continues to showcase the leading names in stand-up, as well as emerging stars. During the day, boutiques such as beloved Book Soup draw traffic. Hotels are an integral part of the Sunset Strip scene. Chateau Marmont, a glorious and notorious celebrity hangout throughout the decades, remains a discreet local getaway. Skybar, at the style-conscious Mondrian, retains its aura of exclusivity. At the Sunset Tower Hotel, Bugsy Siegel’s former suite has been converted into the Tower Bar.

Sunset Plaza

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

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

Melrose Avenue

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

is the quiet, fashionable three-block street of Melrose Place, where Bentleys line up for chic salons such as Frédéric Fekkai and cutting-edge boutiques such as the Row, Monique Lhuillier and Isabel Marant.

West Hollywood Design District Melrose Avenue’s massive Pacific Design Center is the hub of the city’s flourishing art, fashion and design district, formerly known as the Avenues, which runs along the pedestrian-friendly retail corridors of Melrose and Beverly and Robertson boulevards. The complex—monolithic blue, green and red buildings designed by celebrated architect Cesar Pelli—is itself noteworthy, and its 1.2 million square feet house more than 130 showrooms catering to professional designers and luxury homeowners. PDC is also home to a satellite of downtown’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and a stylish Wolfgang Puck eatery, Red Seven.

Beverly + West 3rd

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

DALE BERMAN (2). OPPOSITE: DAVE LAURIDSEN

Sunset Strip

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NEW IN TOWN

Eric Buterbaugh Florals The celebrity florist’s flagship boutique pairs his exquisite new fragrances with an art gallery. 8271 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.651.9844

Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill

Sushi and fried chicken star on the menu at the New York- and Las Vegas-beloved restaurant’s first California location. 189 The Grove Drive, L.A., 323.352.9300

Saks Off 5th

The Saks Fifth Avenue offshoot brings two stories of discounted designer duds to L.A. for the first time. 100 N. La Cienega Blvd., L.A., 323.602.0177

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

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M Beverly Hills may be the toniest shopping district in L.A., but Robertson Boulevard is not far behind.

rants, design showrooms and boutiques from some of the hottest up-and-coming clothing designers. The two streets bracket the landmark eight-level Beverly Center, whose design is reminiscent of Paris’ Centre Pompidou. Bloomingdale’s, Henri Bendel, Fendi, Gucci, Giuseppe Zanotti, True Religion Brand Jeans, Uniqlo, Maje and Sandro boutiques are among more than 160 establishments drawing consumers. On West 3rd Street east of Beverly Center, you’ll find favorite boutiques such as Flight 001 for stylish travel supplies, OK for designminded gifts and Wittmore for contemporary menswear. Great dining options include Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo’s Son of a Gun, plus a branch of Magnolia Bakery. On Beverly Boulevard, you can browse vintage couture at Beige or high-end home decor and accessories at Garde. Afterward, you can experience market-fresh American cuisine at Cooks County or hearty Italian on the romantic patio at Dominick’s.

G R E AT F I N D

Robertson Boulevard

Beverly Hills may be the county’s toniest shopping district, but Robertson Boulevard is not far behind, particularly if you’re young and hot and have your own reality show. The celebutante set hits 3.1 Phillip Lim for womenswear, Lululemon for haute yoga duds and Kitson for trendy accessories. A cutting-edge Chanel concept store illustrates the difference between Robertson Boulevard and more staid Rodeo Drive. For a breather between boutique-hopping, consider a cocktail with crab cakes on the picket-fenced patio of Ivy restaurant, where famous faces practically outnumber those of civilians.

Fairfax District

Part of the city of Los Angeles, the Fairfax District is one of the most culturally diverse and artsy neighborhoods in the West Hollywood area. At Fairfax Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard is the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), a renowned mul-

/ next of kin

➺ Tucked inconspicuously into a mini strip mall on the Sunset Strip is fashionable

treasure trove Kin. The boutique has been around just over 10 years but feels as fresh and cutting-edge as ever following a recent revamping that added a homegoods and accessories section. (A second location, in Bel-Air, opened a couple years back.) The Kin experience is akin to shopping in a (very stylish) someone’s house, with adjoining rooms boasting a curated collection of mens- and womenswear from au courant designers like Phillip Lim and Opening Ceremony. It’s a trendsetter’s onestop shop for goodies like oversize Wonderland sunnies, comfy Alexander Wang striped tees, boho-chic jewelry and dishware that will add charm to any kitchen. 8555 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.360.1444, kinlosangeles.com —G.G.

FROM TOP: COURTESY THE ROW; COURTESY KIN

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

tifaceted facility with more than 100,000 works from around the world. The Broad Contemporary Art Museum, designed by architect Renzo Piano, showcases art from the contemporary and modern eras, while more recent additions to the LACMA campus include the Lynda and Stewart Resnick Exhibition Pavilion and Ray’s and Stark Bar. Adjacent to LACMA is the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum, where the Ice Age comes alive in the heart of L.A. Additional venues on this formidable Museum Row include the Craft and 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. Be prepared to eat with your hands! One of the district’s anchors is the historic Farmers Market, established in 1934, with more than 100 open-air produce stalls, shops and eateries. There are spots to satisfy virtually any craving, including a wine bar, taqueria and stands with authentic Louisiana gumbo and Korean barbecue. Adjacent and connected by a vintage trolley is The Grove, an outdoor, pedestrian-only shopping center. The Grove has the character of an old-fashioned village square, with stained-glass streetlamps and a central fountain. Nordstrom, a movie theater and stores such as Topshop Topman are joined by myriad restaurants. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see pages 92-93.

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MEMORIES MADE FRESH DAILY FROM AN 81 YEAR–OLD FAMILY RECIPE.

LOS ANGELES’ FAVORITE SHOPPING & DINING DESTINATION SINCE 1934 Since its inception, The Original Farmers Market has delivered exceptional shopping, fresh food and fond memories. This Southern California landmark features open-air ambiance and an ecletic mix of over 100 specialty shops, artisan grocers, and world-class restaurants — many of which are still owned and operated by generations-old family merchants. We invite you to visit one of the city’s most iconic destinations, made from the timeless ingredients of family, friends and fun.

6333 W. Third ST. • LoS AngeLeS 323.933.9211 • fArmerSmArkeTLA.com #fArmerSmArkeTLA Insta

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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, fun dining spots and shops such as Sweet! candy store and Louis Vuitton. Next door to Hollywood & Highland is the TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman’s Chinese Theatre), famous for its celebrity handprints embedded in the concrete out front.

Showtime

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

was discovered—screens eclectic artsy and classic fare. The landmark Pantages Theatre has staged megahit musicals including The Book of Mormon and Wicked, and the Hollywood Palladium has a rich history of showcasing 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 the feet of tourists, but the roster is not without its quirks—Pee-wee Herman has one, but Clint Eastwood doesn’t. Marilyn Monroe’s star is steps from Hollywood & Highland, and John Lennon’s is appropriately located in front of the Capitol Records Building, the structure designed to resemble a stack of records.

Museums, Hollywood-style

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

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

Around Vine

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

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

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 A.P.C.

The cult-fave French brand offers minimalist men’s and women’s fashions at its third L.A. boutique. 3517 Sunset Blvd., L.A., 424.252.2761

House of Macau

A modern Macanese restaurant from entrepreneur and music mogul Manny Halley. 1600 Vine St., L.A., 323.745.5038

Wanderlust

This new community center and social club offers yoga, nutrition classes, film screenings, wine tastings and more. 1357 N. Highland Ave., L.A., 323.967.8855

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

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

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

Nightcrawling

The revival of Hollywood has only enhanced its endless nightlife opportunities, and a lively bar-and-club scene permeates the district. On Hollywood Boulevard, you can party under

g r e at f i n d

the guise of literary advancement at librarythemed Hemingway’s and attempt to get past the velvet rope at Playhouse (or try Lure on Ivar Avenue). Cahuenga Boulevard also hosts dozens of clubs. Quintessentially L.A. but a galaxy removed from Hollywood Boulevard is the Hollywood Bowl, the largest outdoor amphitheater in the U.S., where the Los Angeles Philharmonic takes up residence from June to September. Picnicking under the stars here is among the most memorable experiences in L.A. Nearby is the historic Ford Amphitheatre, which is closed for major renovations.

Los Feliz + Silver Lake

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

increasing sophistication. A once-forgotten stretch of Hollywood Boulevard in Los Feliz now houses boutiques such as Paper Moon Vintage and restaurants including cult fave Umami Burger. Fully transformed is Silver Lake Boulevard, now crowded with eateries and upscale retailers. At Sunset Junction, where Sunset and Santa Monica boulevards intersect, Los Feliz transitions into Silver Lake. Foodies hang at casual Forage or the Cheese Store of Silverlake, while aspiring screenwriters hammer at their laptops and sip lattes at Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea. Farther east on Sunset Boulevard, cool beach gear at Mollusk Surf Shop and chic handbags at the Clare V. flagship beckon.

Griffith Park

Among the largest urban parks in America, Griffith Park is an ideal place to hike, take a train ride, picnic, golf and more. The Charlie Turner Trailhead begins at Griffith Observatory, one of the great planetariums in the world and a frequent film location. The hike up Mount Hollywood provides views of the Hollywood sign, and the Greek Theatre, a 5,700-seat amphitheater, is a legendary music venue. Also located here are the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens and the Western heritage-oriented Autry National Center, both accessible from the Ventura (SR 134) or Golden State (I-5) freeways. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see page 93.

/ family matters

and Pickett on Sunset Boulevard has long provided Silver Lake shoppers with artistic home goods, jewelry and art (think framed L.A.-centric photographs by George Byrne and a cutting board made from a slab of fallen tree). But when owner Toby Burke Hemingway saw a need for well-made, well-priced menswear basics, he branched out with a second shop nearby: Hemingway and Sons. Here, fashion-forward gents can find San Francisco brands Taylor Stitch and Welcome Stranger, as well as Stetson hats, Volley sneakers and more. Like Hemingway’s original shop, the new store’s name is a nod to the Melbourne, Australia, business founded in 1888 by his grandfather. Clearly, discerning taste runs in the family. 1615 Silver Lake Blvd., L.A., 323.669.7388, hemingwayandsons.com —G.G.

top: dale berman

➺ Hemingway

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EXPLORING

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

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

deco structures share the streetscape with glass-clad towers, and even movie stars are snapping up lofts in century-old buildings. The arts scene roars to life here, where the image of L.A. as “laid-back” hardly applies. Union Station was the last of the grand railroad terminals built in the U.S. Its importance faded as the automobile began to dominate life in L.A., but the station, which celebrated its 75th anniversary last year, has staged a comeback, thanks to a renovation and downtown’s new energy. From Union Station, the hub of the Metro system, you can board the Red Line to Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley, or connect to the Blue Line to Long Beach or Expo Line to Culver City. The Gold Line runs to Pasadena. Nonstop bus service to LAX is available 24/7. Metrolink commuter trains connect distant suburbs, and Amtrak trains offer scenic coastal journeys.

Grand Avenue + Music Center

The heart of L.A.’s performing-arts scene and the site of its most dramatic architecture, Grand Avenue is beginning to live up to its name. On Bunker Hill, once filled with Victorian mansions, four venues make up a formidable collection of stages at the Music Center. The 3,200-seat Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is home to L.A. Opera, and the Ahmanson Theatre and the Mark Taper Forum host

theatrical productions. The flashiest venue is architect Frank Gehry’s lauded Walt Disney Concert Hall, winter home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and its vivacious music director, Gustavo Dudamel. Also housed at Disney Hall is REDCAT, which offers visual, media and performing-arts productions. After a show, take a stroll through the 12-acre Grand Park, between Grand Avenue and Hill Street and First 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, The Broad, the magnificent new museum built by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad. Both 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 amid the concrete jungle. 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 Los Angeles Public Library.

Olvera Street

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

Historic Districts

Undergoing a renaissance is the Broadway Theatre District, home to once-opulent movie palaces. Several, such as the United Artists theater (now the stylish Theatre at Ace Hotel), have been revived or restored to their original grandeur. Hip shops such as Acne Studios and Aesop lend cachet to the area. The Bradbury Building, built in 1893 in

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

Union Station

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NEW IN TOWN Simbal

Chef-owner Shawn Pham’s elegant take on Southeast Asian cuisine, with fun dim-sum-style carts. 319 E. 2nd St., Ste. 202, downtown, 213.626.0244

Yes

Minimalist homegoods shop with a “buy less, but better” ethos. 954 S. Broadway, downtown, 213.332.4254

The Broad

New museum (opens Sept. 20) features more than 2,000 works of contemporary art donated by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad. 221 S. Grand Ave., downtown, thebroad.org

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

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

Geffen Contemporary, a branch of MOCA, is next door. At 2nd and Main streets is the former St. Vibiana’s cathedral, now home to stylish Redbird restaurant. To Little Tokyo’s east is the rapidly gentrifying Arts District.

L.A. Live

the Italian Renaissance Revival style, was featured in the film Blade Runner. Spring Street from 4th to 7th streets is a rapidly awakening area once referred to as the “Wall Street of the West.” Steps from this historic district is a row of 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, centered around the California Market Center, you can find designer clothing items. At Santee Alley, an open-air bargain bazaar, designer trends breed low-priced knockoffs. The Flower District offers blooms at wholesale prices. For an awesome mix of old-school produce vendors and lunch counters and new, upscale specialty stalls, Grand Central Market, near the foot

G R E AT F I N D

of Angels Flight, is the place to go. And the burgeoning Figat7th shopping center boasts trendy new boutiques and eateries.

Chinatown

Chinatown remains a great destination for sampling dim sum or browsing for clothing, tea or home goods. Cultural highlights include Thien Hau Temple and the Chinese American Museum. Chung King Road and Gin Ling Way are home to galleries; Broadway boasts boutiques. Dodger Stadium is a short drive away, as is San Antonio Winery, which offers tours, tastings and Maddalena restaurant.

Little Tokyo

Little Tokyo is still a proud ethnic enclave, but it, too, is emerging as an up-and-coming hipster ’hood. The bar scene is popping, and you can nibble on traditional sushi prepared by veteran chefs at Japanese Village Plaza. Just a few steps down 1st Street is the sleek Japanese American National Museum. The

/ market maker

➺ Celebrity designer Nadia Geller—you know her from Trading Spaces and While You Were Out on TLC—has expanded her Nadia Geller Designs Market, adding to the allure of downtown’s Arts District as a home-furnishings destination. Indianinspired pillows by Leah Singh, Noir furniture and Australian sheepskin from Fibre by Auskin are among Geller’s constantly rotating collection of gifts, custom furniture, housewares, jewelry and artwork, displayed in a setting with the spirit of a Parisian flea market. A hub of this creative community, the Market hosts art exhibits, book signings and seminars, while the prices—merchandise ranges from $20 to $2,000—reflect the accessibility of a store that feels as welcoming as a friend’s home. 1801 E. 7th St., Ste. B, downtown, 213.239.5655, nadiageller.com —R.G.

Exposition Park

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

FROM TOP: DANIEL ENNIS; COURTESY NADIA GELLER DESIGNS

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

The $2.5 billion L.A. Live project has been called the epicenter of the downtown renaissance. Staples Center, home to the Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers and Kings, hosts top pop acts, as does 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, Rock’n Fish and Lucky Strike Lanes, to name a few—face a massive urban plaza lined with LED screens. The Los Angeles Convention Center, encompassing 16-plus acres of exhibition space, is also here.

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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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EXPLORING

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

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

A tribute to foresighted urban planning is the 22-square-block shopping district known as Old Pasadena, roughly bounded by Walnut and Green streets, Arroyo Parkway and Pasadena Avenue. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s a collection of restored buildings filled with trendy boutiques, bistros and nightclubs. Merchants range from Tesla Motors to Urban Outfitters, and eateries include Union, a top-rated Italian restaurant. Pedestrian-only alleys meander through the One Colorado project in the heart of Old Pasadena, where restaurants offer alfresco dining overlooking a sculpture-strewn square. iPic Theaters reimagines the moviegoing experience with state-of-the-art technology, plush seats and a bar/café, while boutiques such as Vince and Cop.Copine draw shoppers. Nearby is the Norton Simon Museum, home to one of the finest art collections in the West. The galleries are filled with works dating from the Renaissance to the 20th century, and 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 ArcLight movie theaters, restaurants and shops lining garden promenades. Its open-air design frames views of Pasadena City Hall, a majestic landmark restored to its original Beaux Arts grandeur.

Playhouse District + South Lake Avenue

Anchored by the Mission-style Pasadena Playhouse, this district offers art-house cinema, antique shops, boutiques and bookstores, as well as the Le Cordon Bleu-affiliated College of Culinary Arts and the famed Ice House comedy club, whose stage has hosted George Carlin and Jerry Seinfeld. Other cultural attractions include the Boston Court Performing Arts Center and the USC Pacific Asia Museum, featuring decorative arts from every corner of Asia. The Pasadena Museum of California Art celebrates Golden State painters and sculptors from 1850 to the present. East of the Playhouse District, South Lake Avenue provides a vibrant shopping environment. Inviting boutiques are set around European-style courtyards at the Commons

and Burlington Arcade. A drive south on Lake Avenue through one of the city’s most opulent residential neighborhoods leads to the Langham Huntington. Consider this grand, historic hotel for high tea, Japanese Kobe beef at the Royce steakhouse or pampering at Chuan Spa.

San Marino + San Gabriel Valley

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

The San Francisco import specializes in wagyu and Omaha prime beef. 111 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, 626.486.1111

Elisa B.

Brands like Greylin and Alexander Wang pack the racks at this celeb-approved shop. 16 E. Holly St., Pasadena, 626.397.4770

Olive & June

The Beverly Hills favorite brings its mani-pedi magic to a new Drybaradjacent location. 146 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, 626.440.9700

Spinfish

Go for a signature bowl or build your own at this Old Pas poke place. 36 W. Colorado Blvd., Ste. 7, Pasadena, 626.585.0988

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

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

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

The Road to South Pasadena

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

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

Eagle Rock + Glendale

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

/ bold and the beautiful

➺ California native Trina Turk splits her time between homes in Silver Lake and Palm

Springs, and her lifestyle brand’s headquarters are in Alhambra. During her frequent travels along the state coastline, she draws inspiration from the architecture and landscape she sees en route, distilling the essence of the Golden State into her designs. The result is effortlessly glamorous, often tropical styles that have become Turk’s signature. And now, thanks to South Pasadena’s new Trina Turk Outlet, you can sport the vibrant, joyful looks for a fraction of the price. Nestled among the neighborhood’s charming Craftsman bungalows, the sunny store will outfit you from head to toe—complete with clothes, bags, shoes and jewelry—all for 60 percent off. 1030 Mission St., South Pasadena, 626.441.2721, trinaturk.com —G.G.

FROM TOP: MATT HARTMAN; COURTESY TRINA TURK

The Americana at Brand in Glendale

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

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EXPLORING

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

➺

Universal City

A couple of Metro stops north of the heart of Hollywood is Universal City, a major entertainment-industry outpost. The highlight is Universal Studios Hollywood, which offers a behind-the-scenes peek into moviemaking. The theme park offers rollicking roller coasters and high-tech virtual-reality action rides such as the Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem attraction; the Simpsons Ride (adjacent to which is a new Springfieldthemed “world”); and a new studio-tour grand finale: the Fast & Furious—Supercharged! ride. Splurge for Universal’s VIP Experience, which pampers its guests with such perks as private tour guides, exclusive backlot access and unlimited front-of-line access in the theme park. Among the wide-ranging attractions next door at pedestrian-only Universal CityWalk are skydiving simulations at iFly Hollywood, mechanical bull riding at Saddle Ranch Chop House and rock ‘n’ roll bowling at Jillian’s Hi Life Lanes. Restaurants include Karl Strauss Brewing Co., and boutiques such as Lush Cosmetics and Skechers will loosen your wallet.

Burbank

Burbank calls itself “the town behind the tinsel”—and with good reason. This cosmopolitan city is home to some of the most famous players in the entertainment business, including Walt Disney Studios, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon Animation Studio. Get a taste of the action on a Warner Bros. 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 notable dining destinations, including the iconic Bob’s Big Boy, which hosts a classic-car show every Friday. As vibrant as it is, Burbank’s entertainment industry is hardly the city’s only draw. More than 160 restaurants and shops cater to locals and visitors alike. The downtown district offers a major-mall shopping experience, movie theaters and the ever-popular Ikea, but surrounding streets, such as historic San Fernando Boulevard, have a more homegrown feel, with nightlife destinations, shops and trendy bistros such as Granville Cafe. Another must-visit district is hip Mag-

nolia Park, centered at Magnolia Boulevard and Hollywood Way, which offers indie cafés, antique shops and some of L.A.’s best retro and vintage boutiques (Playclothes and Pinup Girl are favorites). Always-packed Porto’s Bakery—one of the country’s top restaurants, according to Yelp—offers excellent pastries and sandwiches from Europe and the owners’ native Cuba. Do you like the outdoors? Burbank is a gateway to the Verdugo Mountains, which are crisscrossed with hiking trails. A workout here is rewarded with spectacular views of Burbank, the Hollywood Hills and downtown L.A. For golf enthusiasts, DeBell Golf Club features regulation 18-hole and par-3 courses. And during the summer, 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 and downtown L.A., as well as the San Fernando Valley, Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley.

FROM LEFT: EDWIN SANTIAGO; DALE BERMAN. OPPOSITE: DAVE LAURIDSEN

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

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The Federal Bar in North Hollywood. Opposite, from left: Universal CityWalk in Universal City; a dessert from renowned Porto’s Bakery in Burbank

NEW IN TOWN

The Bellwether Two Father’s Office alums helm this new spot with a familystyle menu, 20 taps at the bar and desserts by John Park of Quenelle. 13251 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 818.285.8184

Kaiju Sushi

Chef Go Nakabayashi (Koi) serves up sushi in the former Sweetharts space. 13704 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, 818.990.9939

MidiCi

The first of a planned chain, this pizza place lets you customize your Neapolitan pie with non-GMO ingredients. 14612 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, 818.788.2178

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 hot new bar in a barrel-shaped 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. As it stretches through Studio City, it’s lined with an eclectic mix of eateries, from entertainment-industry-favored Art’s Deli to elegant Bistro Garden, plus a greater concentration of acclaimed sushi bars (such as Asanebo) than Little Tokyo 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. There’s a chance you’ll see famous faces in the Valley, thanks to its family-oriented lifestyle. Farther west, as the boulevard winds its way through Sherman Oaks, you’ll encounter laid-back trattorias and bistros, as well as shops such as Abundance, a boutique showcasing plus-size designer fashions. Sherman Oaks is also home to Westfield Fashion Square, anchored by Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s and featuring upscale boutiques. Sherman Oaks Galleria is near the junction of the 405 and 101 freeways; draws include ArcLight Cinemas.

Deep in the Valley

Westfield Topanga shopping center is loaded with exclusive designer boutiques, including Louis Vuitton and David Yurman. The Village opens this 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 open-air destination. A few exits beyond that is Westlake Village, where locals hit the luxurious spa or do lunch at the Four Seasons. Visitors to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library 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, volleyball and sandy expanses. Farther south beckon the bluffs of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and, beyond them, the bustling waterfronts of San Pedro and Long Beach.

Manhattan Beach

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

Hermosa Beach

Heading south on Manhattan Avenue brings you to Pier Avenue, the heart of Hermosa Beach. Hermosa shares many characteristics 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 new Steak & Whisky are standouts among the specialty shops and bistros that line Pier Avenue. Farther east, Becker’s carries surfboards and beachwear.

Redondo Beach

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

Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center and a recreational waterfront featuring 2 miles of sandy beaches, the popular Redondo Beach Pier and King Harbor. Sepulveda Boulevard becomes Pacific Coast Highway as it enters town; signs point west to King Harbor’s Redondo Beach Marina, one of four marinas in the harbor. Here you find businesses such as Redondo Sportfishing offering 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

A Basq Kitchen

A perfect spot to enjoy pintxos, tapas and wine by the waterfront. 136 N. International Boardwalk, Redondo Beach, 310.376.9215

The Point

Planet Blue, SoulCycle and Superba Food + Bread are just a few of this stylish new center’s draws. 850 S. Sepulveda Blvd., El Segundo, 310.414.5280

Manhattan House

The neighborhood place to tuck into artisanal, locally grown cuisine. 1019 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, 310.574.2277

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.

The horseshoe-shaped pier in Redondo Beach

Palos Verdes Peninsula

Beyond Redondo Beach rises the Palos Verdes Peninsula, a rugged 26-square-mile area known for majestic bluffs that afford sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Catalina island. 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. Nearby, the 18-hole public course at Trump National Golf Club is top-ranked.

G R E AT F I N D

San Pedro

The multicultural city of San Pedro, on the southeastern side of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, was once the largest commercial fishing port in the nation. Today it’s home to the bustling 7,500-acre Port of Los Angeles, which features passenger and cargo terminals as well as entertainment and educational facilities. 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-turned-museum 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 Gehrydesigned Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and Cabrillo Beach—one of the county’s most popular windsurfing spots.

/ island time

➺ Just 22 miles off the L.A. mainland, Catalina offers everything you’d want in an island getaway, including tropical drinks, sandy beaches and a perpetual-vacation vibe. Last year, another attraction came ashore: Island Spa Catalina, a destination resort spa with nine treatment rooms, an extensive treatment menu, a soaking pool, a café and more, all designed with your relaxation and rejuvenation in mind. Try a Catalina Classic massage on a hot sand table (one of four in the country and the only one on the West Coast), or soothe a sunburn with the Sun Undone facial, which incorporates marine-based Osea products. Afterward, sip Champagne on the vista deck and watch the waves lap the shore. Tempted? Bliss is just a quick boat trip away. 163 Crescent Ave., Avalon, 310.510.7300, visitcatalinaisland.com —S.E.

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 and the Pike at Rainbow Harbor entertainment complex are nearby, as is the Aquarium of the Pacific and the family-friendly Shoreline Village. From the village, you can follow the Shoreline pedestrian bike path 3.1 miles, passing the Long Beach Museum of Art and ending at the Belmont Shore neighborhood. Here you’ll find restaurants and shops along 2nd Street, Bay Shore Beach, the Belmont Pier, windsurfing and kite-surfing lessons, and even gondola rides through the canals of Naples. Downtown, along 4th Street between Junipero and Cherry avenues, vintage furniture and clothing shops 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.

FROM TOP: EDWIN SANTIAGO; JOHN VAN HAMERSVELD, COPYRIGHT BRUCE BROWN PRODUCTIONS

Long Beach

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250 BoUTiQUeS, 30 reSTaUranTS anD SegerSTrom cenTer For The arTS apple Store · Barbara Bui · Berluti · Bottega Veneta · Brioni · Burberry · Bvlgari · canali · cartier céline · chanel · charlotte olympia · chopard · coach · Dior · Dolce & gabbana · ermenegildo zegna Fendi · gucci · henri Bendel · intermix · iWc · Jimmy choo · John Varvatos · lanvin · louis Vuitton lululemon athletica · maje · mikimoto · piaget · prada · roger Vivier · rolex · Salvatore Ferragamo · Sandro Sephora · Stuart Weitzman · Tiffany & co. · Tod’s · Tory Burch · Tumi · Vacheron constantin · Valentino anQi by crustacean · The capital grille · Din Tai Fung · hamamori restaurant-Sushi Bar · marché moderne Saks Fifth avenue · Bloomingdale’s · nordstrom · macy’s partial listing

San Diego FWY (405) at Bristol St., costa mesa, ca

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THE BEST OF LA’S DINING SCENE INNOVATIVE DINING GROUP

“Quite simply one of the best steaks in America.” – SUNSET MAGAZINE

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

Hollywood • Pasadena Santa Monica

“Super creative, extraordinary sushi.” – ZAGAT

$3-5 HAPPY HOUR DAILY

8439 W. Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood innovativedining.com

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where

the guide MUSEUMS

THE BROAD’S THIRD FLOOR, PHOTO BY HUFTON + CROW

Grand Opening The Broad, L.A.’s highly anticipated contemporary art museum, finally opens the doors to its mesmerizing “veil and vault” structure on downtown’s Grand Avenue Sept. 20. Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the space houses nearly 2,000 pieces from the Broad Art Foundation and the personal collections of philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad. Artworks by the likes of Andy Warhol, Ed Ruscha and Keith Haring are displayed across two floors of gallery space. A visible hovering vault, a lush outdoor plaza and a restaurant helmed by French Laundry alum Tim Hollingsworth round out the complex, making this one of the most exciting destinations to arrive in the city since the neighboring Walt Disney Concert Hall debuted in 2003. See p. 84.

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Dining American A/K/A BISTRO Menu inspired by California-winecountry cuisine; some 40 wines by the glass. L, D (daily). One Colorado, 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, 626.564.8111 $$ Map Q19 ABIGAILE A venture of Blackhouse Hospitality (Little Sister, Steak & Whisky, Día de Campo), this funky, graffitimuraled American brasserie with rooftop bar is lots of fun. Chef Tin Vuong presents escargot “poppers,” lambbelly poutine and a serious burger, washed down with house-brewed beer. Br (Sa-Su), D (nightly). 1301 Manhattan Ave., Hermosa Beach, 310.798.8227 $$ Map L13 ANIMAL Bare-bones eatery, from the guys known to Food Network fans as the “Two Dudes,” is a carnivore’s dream. Think delectable takes on offal (such as crispy pig’s ear) and a bacon-chocolate-crunch bar for dessert. D (nightly). 435 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A., 323.782.9225 $$$ Map I13

Second Sister Chef Tin Vuong and partner Jed Sanford of Blackhouse Hospitality Management (Día de Campo, Steak & Whisky, Abigaile, Wildcraft) are bringing a new edition of Manhattan Beach’s acclaimed Little Sister to L.A.’s Historic Core. “We’re hungry to be a part of the dynamic dining revolution in downtown L.A. and eager to introduce locals and visitors alike to Little Sister,” says Vuong, who grew up in the San Gabriel Valley and is fluent in multiple cuisines. A trendy French colonial setting features private and communal tables, a kitchen-view counter and a hand-painted mural of butterflies—a Little Sister trademark. Signature dishes include deep-fried Balinese meatballs with banana ketchup (a Filipino condiment) and a salt-andpepper lobster dish that’s apt to turn first-time diners into Little Sister regulars. See p. 74

BIRCH Cahuenga Corridor spot from chef Brendan Collins (Waterloo & City) serves a seasonally driven menu (the rabbit baklava with dates, white beans, pistachio and carrots is a standout) served in a whitewashed, clean-lined space. Br (Sa-Su), L (M-F), D (nightly). 1634 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, 323.960.3369 $$$ Map H13 BUTCHERS & BARBERS Local bar-masters the Houston brothers present this lively American bistro. A charcuterie board and roasted garlic-rosemary popcorn can be shared before moving on to salmon with parsnip puree or an 18-ounce bone-in pork chop with plum-pine-nut gremolata. Creative artisanal cocktails and a vintage setting— Charlie Chaplin once lived in the building—enhance the experience. D (Tu-Su). 6531 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.461.1464 $$ Map H14 THE CHURCH KEY With off-menu items rolled table to table, this trendy spot has adopted the charm and spontaneity of dim sum. Mixologists dressed as Pan Am flight attendants steer airline food carts loaded with liquid-nitro cocktails. Br (Sa-Su), D (nightly). 8730 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 424.249.3700 $$ Map H12 CLAIM JUMPER Saloon-style eatery features hearty grill fare and its own label of craft beer. Br, L (varies by location), D (nightly). 3500 W. Olive Ave., Burbank, 818.260.0505; 820 W. Huntington Drive, Monrovia, 626.359.0463; 9429 Tampa Ave., Northridge, 818.718.2882; 25740 The Old Road, Valencia, 661.254.2628; 6501 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, 562.431.1321 $ Map T22, Q23, north of A1, north of A1, D4 CRAFT New York chef Tom Colicchio of TV’s Top Chef brings his signature concept to L.A. The restaurant delivers an endless, contemporary American à la carte menu, with fun, shareable dishes including roasted octopus and diver scallops with vermouth butter. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 10100 Constellation Blvd., L.A., 310.279.4180 $$$$ Map K11 FREDS AT BARNEYS Inside Beverly Hills retail destination Barneys New York, the first West Coast outpost of the retailer’s signature restaurant is a go-to for brunch, power lunches, shopping breaks and happy hour. Br (Sa-Su), L (daily). 9570 Wilshire Blvd., fifth floor, Beverly Hills, 310.777.5877 $$$ Map J11 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. L (Tu-Su), D (nightly). 205 Broadway, Santa Monica, 310.458.2500 $$$ Map L8

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..............................64 Brewpubs/Gastropubs....66 British......................................66 California...............................66 Chinese..................................66 Eclectic/Fusion...................68 French.....................................68 Italian......................................69 Japanese................................. 71

Mediterranean.................... 72 Mexican/Latin.................... 73 Pan-Asian.............................. 74 Quick Bites........................... 74 Seafood.................................. 74 Spanish.................................. 74 Steak....................................... 74 Thai.......................................... 75

INK. Top Chef winner Michael Voltaggio showcases daring molecular gastronomy at his first restaurant. Try a five-course tasting menu or explore à la carte items including smoked trout with radish and roe. D (nightly). 8360 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.651.5866 $$$ Map I12 JOAN’S ON THIRD Celebrity-frequented café on busy West 3rd Street, as well as a new location in the Valley, offers omelets, sandwiches, salads, soups and sweets, plus picnic baskets, gourmet items. B, L, D (daily). 8350 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.655.2285; 12059 Ventura Place, Studio City, 818.201.3900 $ Map I12, T18 LEDLOW Chef Josef Centeno, who rules downtown’s Old Bank District (Bäco Mercat, Bar Amá, Orsa & Winston) has transformed Pete’s Café into Ledlow, a place with vintage good looks. The versatile chef offers twists on classic bistro dishes, American favorites and diverse cultural staples. B, L, D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). 400 S. Main St., downtown, 213.687.7000 $$ Map I17 M.B. POST Chef David LeFevre serves small plates of seafood, fresh-baked breads, cured meats and more in the space of a former post office. The “Eat Your Vegetables” menu makes green beans and Brussels sprouts look tantalizing. Br (Sa-Su), L (F-Su), D (nightly). 1142 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.545.5405 $$$ Map L13 MUSSO & FRANK GRILL Hollywood’s oldest restaurant (1919). Enjoy flannel cakes, lobster Thermidor and Welsh rarebit with the martini; legend has it that this place invented the drink. B, L, D (Tu-Sa). 6667 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.467.7788 $$ Map H13 ODYS + PENELOPE Churrasco and grill features a live-fire grill and wood-fired smoker. Eclectic, flavorful cuisine is accompanied by a menu of craft beer, wine and handcrafted cocktails. Vegan, vegetarian and glutenfree options also available. D (nightly). 127 S. La Brea Ave., L.A., 323.939.1033 $$$ Map B2 OX & SON Farm-to-table restaurant-and-wine bar from the FNA Hospitality Group (Art’s Table, Ashland Hill, OP Cafe) is a fitting addition to the charming stretch of Santa Monica’s Montana Avenue. Creative comfort-food menu includes gluten-free options. Br (SaSu), D (nightly). 1534 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, 310.829.3990 $$$ Map K8 PLAN CHECK KITCHEN + BAR A growing minichain famous for its innovative comfort food from chef Ernesto Uchimura. Contemporary takes on American classics are complemented with craft beers, cocktails and premium whiskeys. Try the acclaimed Plan Check Burger, topped with dashi cheese and ketchup leather. L, D (daily). 1800 Sawtelle Blvd., L.A., 310.444.1411; 351 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A., 323.591.0094; 1111 Wilshire Blvd., downtown, 213.403.1616 $$ Map K9, I12, H16

Spago (p. 66), Patina (p. 69), Capo (310.394.5550) and Valentino (p. 71) each earned top honors from Wine Spectator ’s 2015 Restaurant Wine List Awards. Cheers!

COURTESY LITTLE SISTER

SPOTLIGHT

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Dining

California Cuisine 208 RODEO This Mediterranean-influenced gem of a café sits above Via Rodeo’s cobblestone street at luxe Two Rodeo. Dishes include Tuscan market salad and seafood fettuccine. B, L, D (daily). Two Rodeo, 208 Via Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.275.2428 $$ Map J11

Ox & Son’s venison sausage, egg, endive and asparagus (p. 64)

REDBIRD Acclaimed chef Neal Fraser’s contemporary American cuisine is offered in the rectory of the former Cathedral of St. Vibiana, making Redbird both a cultural and culinary landmark. Thai-style Dungeness crab soup with cauliflower flan, foie gras with pistachios and cocoa nibs, and chicken potpie are part of an intriguing menu. An updated Spanish baroque decor and retro-inspired cocktails complete the scene. L (M-F), D (nightly). 114 E. 2nd St., downtown, 213.788.1191 $$$ Map H17 THE STRAND HOUSE This beachside restaurant boasts awesome ocean and pier views and a breezy, stylish bar that draws a lively but sophisticated crowd. Executive chef Greg Hozinsky’s menu includes such starters as foie gras and charcuterie, which might be followed by braised lamb shank or branzino with black-truffle risotto. Don’t miss pastry chef Stephanie Franz’s doughnuts! Br (Sa-Su), L (Tu-F), D (nightly). 117 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, 310.545.7470 $$$ Map L13 TASTE A true farm-to-table restaurant, Taste sources much of its produce from the Santa Monica Farmers Market. Enjoy salads, pizzettas, pastas and entrées such as grilled salmon. Br (Sa-Su), L (Tu-F), D (nightly). 8454 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.852.6888; 538 Palisades Drive, Pacific Palisades, 310.459.9808 $$ Map I12, K7

Breweries/Gastropubs FATHER’S OFFICE Microbrew mecca; one of L.A.’s best burgers. Santa Monica: L (Sa-Su), D (nightly). Culver City: L (F-Su), D (nightly). 1018 Montana Ave., Santa Monica; 3229 Helms Ave., Culver City, 310.736.2224 $$ Map L8, L11 PUBLIC KITCHEN & BAR Refined menu offers elevated versions of classic dishes; bar serves cured meats, cheeses and fresh cocktails. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.769.8888 $$$ Map G13 SIMMZY’S Popular pub with locations in Manhattan Beach, Long Beach, Burbank and just off the Venice pier. The newer locations share the Manhattan Beach original’s friendly vibe and wide selection of craft beers, hearty burgers (try the classic Simmzy’s), sandwiches, salads and other fresh fare. Br (Sa-Su), L, D (daily). 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 O’BRIEN’S IRISH PUB Pub and restaurant with brews and spirits, Irish and American cuisine, outdoor patio and live entertainment. L, D (daily). 2941 Main St., Santa Monica, 310.396.4725 $ Map M8

ALMA Chef Ari Taymor adds fine dining to the revitalization of Broadway with his playful but sophisticated prix-fixe menus in an unpretentious space across from Ace Hotel. The ingredients, all freshly picked or foraged, are revealed in a parade of beautiful dishes that have garnered national attention. D (Tu-F). 952 S. Broadway, downtown, 213.244.1422 $$$$ Map I16 CHAYA The original Chaya in Japan remains open after nearly 400 years, and Chaya’s popularity endures in Los Angeles, too. The Japanese-accented French/Italian menus are accomplished and innovative. L (M-F), D (nightly). 525 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.236.9577; 110 Navy St., Venice, 310.396.1179 $$ Map H16, M8 COMMISSARY Buzzworthy poolside eatery from Roy Choi serves farm-to-table dishes in a greenhouse-like setting. Emphasis on fruit- and vegetable-themed dishes and drinks makes it very vegetarian- and vegan-friendly, but you’ll find a few meaty dishes on the menu as well. B, L, D (daily). The Line Hotel, second-floor greenhouse, 3515 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 213.368.3030 $$ Map J14 FIG RESTAURANT Dine on a seasonal menu of bistro fare at this restaurant inside the Fairmont Miramar; charcuterie and cheese bar open at dinnertime. Sunday brunch features the virtuous, as well as the decadent, plus creative cocktails such as the Matcha Man Mai Tai with rum, matcha tea syrup, lime and black cardamom orgeat. B (daily), Br (Sa-Su), L (daily), D (Tu-Sa). Fairmont Miramar Hotel, 101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.319.3111 $$ Map L8 GIRASOL Chef C.J. Jacobson, a former Top Chef contestant, forages for fresh, exotic ingredients in the Santa Monica Mountains to incorporate into an inventive California menu (e.g., hamachi with white fir and wild sorrel, whole crispy red snapper with chili-kumquat sauce). The restaurant, decorated like a giant sunflower (girasol in Spanish), is part of a Studio City dining renaissance. Br (Su), L, D (daily). 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 LOVE & SALT Dine on creative Cali-Italian fare (think 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. Br (Sa-Su), D (nightly). 317 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, 310.545.5252 $$$ Map L13 MAUDE Celebrity chef Curtis Stone, an Aussie with a strong classical background, helms this intimate, 25-seat Beverly Hills restaurant named after his grandmother. Every month a different seasonal ingredient is showcased and artfully presented in a nine-course menu. D (Tu-Sa). 212 S. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.859.3418 $$$$ Map J11 MILO & OLIVE The husband-and-wife team from Rustic Canyon is behind this tiny, casual pizzeria and bakery. Zoe Nathan’s desserts and pastries shouldn’t be

missed. B, L, D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). 2723 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.453.6776 $$ Map K9 NAPA VALLEY GRILLE Wine-country-inspired cuisine including steaks, seafood and choice of tasty sides. Extensive wine list and a popular happy hour. Br (Su), L (M-Sa), D (nightly). 1100 Glendon Ave., Westwood, 310.824.3322 $$ Map J10 PLANT FOOD AND WINE New restaurant from Matthew Kenney takes a raw, locally sourced and plantbased approach to dining. Indoor and outdoor seating, with a patio sheltered by olive trees and complete with a garden of fruits, herbs and edible flowers. Pair brunch, lunch or dinner with a glass of wine from an extensive organic and biodynamic selection. Br (Sa-Su), L, D (daily). 1009 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.450.1009 $$$ Map N9 PUMP Enchanted-garden-themed restaurant and bar from restaurateur and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Vanderpump features a patio with 100-year-old olive trees and a menu created by Food Network Star finalist Penny Davidi. Br (Sa-Su), D (nightly). 8948 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.657.7867 $$ Map I12 RUSTIC CANYON Discover boutique wines while sampling small plates of market-driven, Mediterraneaninspired 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 $$$ Map L8 SPAGO An L.A. institution, Wolfgang Puck’s flagship restaurant features a modern dining room and a daily changing menu that may include dishes like pan-roasted Spanish turbot with matsutake mushrooms, or handmade agnolotti with sweet white corn. Glimpse some of the 30,000 wine bottles on offer in a glass-ensconced “wine wall.” L (Tu-Sa), D (nightly). 176 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.385.0880 $$$$ Map I11 THE TASTING KITCHEN Foodies come for the daily changing menu of innovative yet unpretentious cuisine from culinary-darling chef Casey Lane: small or large plates of cured meats, artisan cheeses, vegetables, seafood and pastas. Br (Sa-Su), D (nightly). 1633 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.392.6644 $$$ Map M9 TAVERN Chef Suzanne Goin’s third L.A. restaurant explores rustic Cal-Med fare in chic environs, including a popular sunlit indoor patio. The frequently changing menu might include “devil’s chicken” with leeks and mustard breadcrumbs. B, L, D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). 11648 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, 310.806.6464 $$$ Map J9 TERRINE Comfortable, elevated California brasserie fare (moules frites; pizza with truffle cheese and sage) from chef Kris Morningstar, restaurateur Stephane Bombet and managing partner/wine director François Renaud. The patio, which is dominated by a magnificent tree and dotted with sparkling lights, is as romantic as they come. A late-night menu is offered Friday and Saturday. Br (F-Su), D (nightly). 8265 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.746.5130 $$$ Map I12 WOLFGANG PUCK AT THE HOTEL BEL-AIR A favorite hideaway of Hollywood elite, the Hotel Bel-Air offers an indoor-outdoor retreat helmed by the father of California cuisine. Puck’s take on Wiener schnitzel reminds diners of his Austrian heritage. B, D (daily), Br (Su), L (M-Sa), tea (F-Sa). 701 Stone Canyon Road, Bel-Air, 310.909.1644 $$$$ Map I10

Chinese HOUSE OF MACAU Modern Chinese-fusion restaurant in the heart of Hollywood from entrepreneur and music mogul Manny Halley. D (nightly). 1600 Vine St., L.A., 323.745.5038 $$ Map H14

COURTESY OX & SON

YE OLDE KING’S HEAD Cozy pub/restaurant with traditional English fare, including acclaimed fish and chips. B, L, D (daily), high tea (Tu-Sa). 116 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.451.1402 $ Map L8

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Pump/V

The Most Refreshing Dining Choice for Beverly Hills Housewives All cocktails (well) all day and night $8

Restaurant & Bar: Open Daily 11:30am-10pm 9601 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310-859-7600

The Sexiest Restaurant & Bar by Lisa Vanderpump

Restaurant & Bar: Open Monday-Friday 5pm-2am; Saturday-Sunday 11:30am-2am Happy Hour: Daily 5pm-7pm 8948 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069 310-657-7867 (P-U-M-P) Saturday and Sunday Special BRUNCH 11:30am-5pm SPECIAL COCKTAIL PITCHERS

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Dining MEIZHOU DONGPO Sichuan fare in ultramodern surroundings at Westfield Century City mall. L, D (daily). 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Century City, 310.788.0120 $$ Map J11

FIND YOURSELF IN SPAIN

MR CHOW This L.A. edition of scene-y restaurants in New York and London offers Imperial Beijing cuisine. Beverly Hills: L (M-F), D (nightly). Malibu: D (nightly). 344 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.278.9911; Malibu Country Mart, 3835 Cross Creek Road, 18A, Malibu, 310.456.7600 $$$ Map I11, K7 OCEAN SEAFOOD Vast and boisterous spot serves amazing array of traditional dishes, superfresh seafood, top-of-the-line dim sum. B, L, D (daily). 750 N. Hill St., Chinatown, 213.687.3088 $$ Map G17

Eclectic/Fusion BÄCO MERCAT Chef Josef Centeno draws international praise for his inspired creations. The bäco, a flatbread sandwich, is his signature dish. Other selections include spicy hamachi crudo. Br (Sa-Su), L, D (daily). 408 S. Main St., downtown, 213.607.7000 $$ Map I16 MAISON AKIRA Fine French cuisine with Japanese flair (such as a bento box with American wagyu beef, miso sea bass and chawan mushi) in Pasadena’s playhouse district. Nine-course omakase available. Br (Su), L (F), D (Tu-Su). 713 E. Green St., Pasadena, 626.796.9501 $$$ Map Q20 TROIS MEC The holy foodie trinity of Ludo Lefebvre (LudoBites) and Vinny Dotolo and Jon Shook (Animal, Son of a Gun) is behind this hot restaurant in a 24-seat former pizzeria. Diners must purchase advance tickets via the restaurant’s website to enjoy Lefebvre’s prix-fixe, five-course meal. New French bar-style spinoff, Petit Trois, is next door. D (M-F). 716 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, troismec.com $$$$ Map H13

140 Pine Ave • Downtown Long Beach • 951 778 0611 • CafeSevilla.com

French BOUCHON The Bouchon bistros from chef Thomas Keller (the French Laundry, Per Se) have become popular for their authentic good looks and superbly executed cuisine. Br (Sa-Su), L (M-F), D (nightly). 235 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.271.9910 $$$ Map J11 CAFÉ PINOT This glass box of a restaurant adjacent to Central Library offers romantic outdoor dining, skyline views—from bottom up—and contemporary Cal-French cuisine from the Patina group. L (M-F), D (nightly). 700 W. 5th St., downtown, 213.239.6500 $$$ Map H16 KENDALL’S BRASSERIE 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). Br (Sa-Su), L (M-F), D (Tu-Su). 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.7322 $$ Map H16 THE LITTLE DOOR For a candlelit dinner in an elegant setting, this is the reservation ne plus ultra. At the West 3rd Street original, dine on rustic Mediterranean dishes under the stars or by a crackling fireplace. An additional location across from the Brentwood Country Mart is also charming, with several private rooms and intimate alcoves and a main dining room featuring a retractable roof. Br (Sa-Su in Santa Monica only), D (nightly). 8164 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.951.1210; 246 26th St., Santa Monica, 310.310.8064 $$$ Map I12, K8 MÉLISSE At Mélisse, among L.A.’s highest-rated restaurants, chef-owner Josiah Citrin executes a sophisticated modern French menu filled with luxe ingredients. Start with lobster bolognese with black truffles before superb game dishes. D (Tu-Sa). 1104 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.395.0881 $$$$ Map M8

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Ye Olde King’s Head World Famous British Pub, Restaurant, Shoppe & Bakery

NE W ED V IMPRONU ME

British Fare, imported beers and world famous Fish & Chips. Open for breakfast weekends at 8am, Fabulous happy hour Mon–Fri 4-7pm. Traditional Afternoon Tea is served Mon-Sat 11:30am-4:30pm. Karaoke Sundays at 9pm. Heated patio. Quiz shows every Wednesday. Call for soccer schedule.

Stop by the gift shoppe for food and collectibles from the British Isles, including bone china, teapots, souvenir items, tea, candy, wine, freshly baked goods and much more.

New Location Now Open in Studio City 12969 Ventura Blvd. (818) 990-9055

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

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Dining PATINA The Walt Disney Concert Hall is a winning composition of classical-music offerings and fine dining at its fine in-house restaurant. Game dishes are a frequent presence on the menu. D (Tu-Su). 141 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.3331 $$$$ Map H16 RÉPUBLIQUE In a landmark once occupied by Charlie Chaplin’s studio—and more recently, Campanile restaurant—fine-dining veteran Walter Manzke and pastrychef wife Margarita turn out bistro classics (think escargots, duck confit and steak-frites) for a trendy clientele huddling at communal tables. Café B, L (daily), Br (Sa-Su); bistro D (M-Sa). 624 S. La Brea Blvd., L.A., 310.362.6115 $$$ Map I13

Italian 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 chicken liver mousse with plum mostarda, crudo and pastas. The chef’s contrarian take on tortellini en brodo features dumplings filled with a hot broth that explodes in your mouth. Desserts include chocolate budino and almond polenta cake. D (Tu-Su). 1710 Silver Lake Blvd., Silver Lake, 323.928.2888 $$ Map east of W23 BESTIA Multiregional Italian restaurant in the hip Arts District. The former executive chef at Angelini Osteria serves up such “beast”-focused dishes as roasted marrow bone with spinach gnocchetti, breadcrumbs and aged balsamic, and a selection of house-cured meats. D (nightly). 2121 E. 7th Place, downtown, 213.514.5724 $$$ Map east of J17 BETTOLINO KITCHEN This family-owned modern Italian restaurant in Riviera Village is run by a brothersister team and is just steps away from the beach. Michelin-star-winning chef Fabio Ugoletti relocated from Florence, Italy, to helm the kitchen. L, D (daily). 211 Palos Verdes Blvd., Redondo Beach, 310.375.0500 $$$ Map M13

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BOTTEGA LOUIE This palatial Italian restaurant, decked out in minimalist white marble, is a hip, noisy hall where young professionals convene over brick-ovencooked pizzas and share small plates of portobello fries and crab beignets. There’s a wee gourmet market and patisserie, too. B, L, D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). 700 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.802.1470 $$ Map I16 CECCONI’S This London-based restaurant caters to a well-heeled clientele who schmooze over bellinis and cicchetti (small plates). Pastas including a beautiful agnolotti del plin and seafood such as grilled octopus with capers are well-executed. B, L, D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). 8764 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 310.432.2000 $$$ Map I12 CULINA A contemporary take on regional Italian cuisine is the theme at Culina, where ample coastal inspirations are evident on the menu. The modern design includes a sleek crudo bar and an impressive 25-foot chandelier. B (M-Sa), Br (Su), L (M-Sa), D (nightly). Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, 300 S. Doheny Drive, L.A., 310.860.4000 $$$ Map J12 DRAGO CENTRO Celestino Drago’s well-executed Italian fare—like garganelli with pork sausage and fennel seeds—and extensive wine list in a contemporary and handsome space. L (M-F), D (nightly). 525 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.228.8998 $$$ Map H16 THE FACTORY KITCHEN Former Valentino chef Angelo Auriana turns his attention to a casual, industrialchic setting in the burgeoning Arts District. Fresh-made pastas, beautiful cheeses and cured meats, 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

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Dining IL FORNAIO Trattoria-style favorite. Beverly Hills: B, L, D (daily). Manhattan Beach: Br (Sa-Su), L, D (daily). Pasadena: Br (Su), L, D (daily). 301 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.550.8330; 1800 Rosecrans Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.725.9555; 24 W. Union St., Pasadena, 626.683.9797 $$ Map J11, L13, Q19 GUSTO Victor Casanova’s intimate neighborhood ristorante has a look and feel reminiscent of his native Bronx. Dishes such as polpette (pork meatballs) plated over chilled, whipped ricotta, charred baby octopus and fresh-made pastas deserve praise. L (M-F), D (nightly). 8432 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.782.1778 $$$ Map I13 JON & VINNY’S Family-friendly Italian diner from chefs-owners Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo has it all— pastries, pizza, pasta (made in-house) and meat entrees. Takeout and delivery are also available. B, L, D (daily). 412 N Fairfax Ave, L.A., 323.334.3369 $$ Map B2 LA VECCHIA Rustic Northern Italian in a laid-back bistro. More than a dozen pastas for dinner, plus pizzas, ossobuco alla Romana and other traditional favorites. L, D (daily). 2654 Main St., Santa Monica, 310.399.7979 $$ Map M8 LOCANDA DEL LAGO Rustic family-owned restaurant overlooking Third Street Promenade. Michelinstarred chef Gianfranco Minuz turns out traditional Northern Italian cuisine made with sustainable proteins and locally sourced ingredients. Br (Su), L, D (daily). 231 Arizona Ave., Santa Monica, 310.451.3525 $$ Map L8 MADDALENA Dining among the casks at San Antonio Winery; fresh pastas, seafood, paninis and more served with European hospitality. Br (Sa-Su), L, D (daily). 737 Lamar St., L.A., 323.223.1401 $$ Map G17 MATTEO’S An old favorite of the Rat Pack endures. Mussels in white wine, ossobuco Milanese. D (TuSu). 2321 Westwood Blvd., L.A., 310.475.4521 $$ Map K10 OSTERIA MOZZA Famed L.A.-based bread maker Nancy Silverton teamed up with affable Mario Batali on Mozza’s duo of contemporary Italian restaurants. Osteria Mozza is a more sophisticated dining room in which to experience the repertoire of these great transcontinental talents. D (nightly). 6602 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.297.0100 $$$ Map H13 PAPARAZZI RISTORANTE Classic southern Italian pasta dishes, seafood and steaks served up in a contemporary-meets-Old Hollywood setting, just blocks from Los Angeles International Airport. D (M-Sa). Sheraton Gateway Hotel, 6101 Century Blvd., Westchester, 310.642.4820 $$ Map O11 PIZZERIA MOZZA/MOZZA2GO The more relaxed sibling of Nancy Silverton and Mario Batali’s Mozza, Pizzeria Mozza features pizzas with Mediterranean ingredients, cheeses and salumi plates and rustic daily specials. Call ahead for delivery or takeout from Mozza2Go. L, D (daily). Pizzeria Mozza: 641 N. Highland Ave., L.A., 323.297.0101; Mozza2Go: 6610 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.297.1130 $$ Map H13 RISTORANTE AL MARE Enjoy tastes of Italy and stellar beach and pier views from the rooftop deck of this three-story restaurant. L, D (daily). 250 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, 310.458.4448 $$ Map L8 SPAGHETTINI & THE DAVE KOZ LOUNGE Saxophone great Dave Koz teams with veteran restaurateurs to create a dining/jazz venue. After dinner, the likes of Bobby Caldwell, Michael Lington and surprise celebrity guests take the stage. D (nightly). 184 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.424.4600 $$$ Map J11 SUPERBA SNACK BAR At this stylish neighborhood pastaria, housemade noodles are lovingly prepared, occasionally smoked and infused for maximum flavor.

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Dining Salumi and small plates featuring local produce. An interesting wine list and a selection of beer- and winebased cocktails are available. Limited reservations available; parties of six or more may inquire about tasting menus. Br (Sa-Su), L (M-F), D (nightly). 533 Rose Ave., Venice, 310.399.6400 $$$ Map M8 TERRONI Southern Italian cooking including excellent thin-crust pizza. The downtown location inhabits a historic bank building. Downtown: Br (Sa-Su), L (M-F), D (nightly). West Hollywood: Br (Sa-Su), L, D (daily). 802 S. Spring St., downtown, 323.954.0300; 7605 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.954.0300 $$ Map I16, J13 VALENTINO For more than 30 years, Piero Selvaggio has maintained his flagship’s status as a 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 $$$$ Map L9 WILDCRAFT Wood-fired sourdough pizzas are the specialty at this colorful art-clad Culver City space, a project of Blackhouse Hospitality (Little Sister, Steak & Whisky). A menu from chef Tin Vuong features fried smelt, thymeblasted scallops and a carbonara pork-belly pizza with soft egg and pistachios. Br (Sa-Su), L (M-F), D (daily). 9725 Culver Blvd., Culver City, 310.815.8100 $$ Map L11

Japanese ASANEBO Hidden in a strip mall, but Michelin-rated, this cozy sushi bar and restaurant offers memorable sushi, seared toro in garlic cream and uni tempura in shiso leaf. L (Tu-F), D (Tu-Su). 11941 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 818.760.3348 $$ Map A1 KATANA Robata-style cuisine: open-flame-grilled meat, vegetables, seafood on skewers. Stylish rooms, patio. D (nightly). 8439 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.650.8585 $$$ Map H12 KATSUYA Sushi chef Katsuya Uechi turns out exotic delicacies in sultry spaces by designer Philippe Starck. From signature cocktails to king crab cooked over the robata grill, Katsuya is never boring. L (varies by location), D (nightly). 11777 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, 310.207.8744; 6300 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.871.8777; 702 Americana Way, Glendale, 818.244.5900; L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.747.9797 $$$ Map K9, H14, northeast of T23, I15

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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

11:50 AM

Country French Restaurant Family Owned & Operated Since 1927 Lunch • Dinner • Lounge • Banquets 7 days

Open Late Wed-Sat ‘til 1:00 am

Five Minutes from the Music Center 1911 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, Ca 90026 (213) 484-1265

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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. D (Tu-Sa). 3455 S. Overland Ave., L.A., 310.836.6252 $$$$ Map L11 NOBU The glitzy flagship of Nobu Matsuhisa attracts celebrities as well as serious foodies. An offers an extensive menu of traditional and avant-garde sushi, including many dishes with beguiling Peruvian accents. Sakes and omakase feasts result in soaring tabs, but the cuisine measures up. West Hollywood: D (nightly). Malibu: B (F-Su), L, D (daily). 903 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.657.5711; Nobu Malibu, 22706 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.317.9140 $$$$ Map H12, east of A1 Q World-class sushi arrives downtown at an intimate restaurant where a sushi bar and a handful of tables accommodate just 26 diners. The omakase-only experience showcases the artistry and discipline of chef/owner

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Dining Hiroyuki Naruke in items like seared bluefin toro, misomarinated uni, monkfish as rich as foie gras and a parade of simply prepared sushi. These strictly traditional interpretations are never flashy but always rewarding. L (TuF), D (Tu-Sa). 521 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.225.6285 $$$$ Map I16 ROBATA BAR Japanese grilling from the Sushi Roku, Katana and Boa team. Striking design by Dodd Mitchell. D (nightly). 1401 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.458.4771 $$$ Map L8 SUSHI ROKU Nouvelle Japanese, sleek decor. Creative menu includes albacore tacos, salmon sashimi with black truffles. For foodies 10 and under, Sushi Roku Pasadena now offers a fun “okosama” kids’ menu with four bento-box options. L.A.: L (M-Sa), D (nightly). Santa Monica and Pasadena: L, D (daily). 8445 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.655.6767; 1401 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.458.4771; 33 Miller Alley, Pasadena, 626.683.3000 $$$ Map I12, L8, Q19

Something for Everyone LUNCH • DINNER • HAPPY HOUR

RESTAURANT & SALOON

URASAWA If you’re serious about sushi, make a date to sit at Urasawa’s bar. Here you’ll be treated to an incredible omakase dinner—don’t even ask about price—that features the freshest, most artfully presented sushi, sashimi and shabu-shabu dishes. Reservation required. D (Tu-Sa). 218 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.247.8939 $$$$ Map I11

Mediterranean A.O.C. Mediterranean-inspired pioneer of two L.A. culinary trends: the small-plates format and the wine bar. Chef-owner Suzanne Goin offers addictive baconwrapped, Parmesan-stuffed dates and an excellent selection of cheeses and cured meats from a charcuterie bar. Br (Sa-Su), L, D (daily). 8700 W. 3rd St., L.A., 310.859.9859 $$ Map I12 BOWERY BUNGALOW Restaurateur George AbouDaoud honors his Middle Eastern heritage here by applying exotic Silk Road flavors to all-American concepts like Southern baby-back ribs. The inventive menu even features Pacific influences: kebabs called “shishkatori” are grilled over binchotan charcoal like authentic Japanese yakitori. D (nightly). 4156 Santa Monica Blvd., Silver Lake, 323.663.1500 $$ Map south of W23 CROSSROADS KITCHEN Chef-partner Tal Ronnen creates exclusively plant-based dishes, many based on nonvegan comfort classics. Try the creative “crab cake” or the attractive artichoke “oysters” topped with crispy oyster mushrooms, tomato béarnaise and kelp caviar. The wine list features organic and biodynamic labels. Br (Su), L (M-F), D (nightly). 8284 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.782.9245 $$ Map H12 ESTÉREL The redesigned restaurant at the Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills features two new spaces—the lovely French garden, Le Jardin, which offers alfresco seating, and an indoor private-party area called the Aviary—along with an open-plan main dining room, two private dining rooms and the adjacent Riviera 31 lounge. The menu is refreshed as well, with farm-to-fork Mediterranean fare from executive chef Victor Boroda (Scarpetta). B, L, D (daily), Br (Su). 8555 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 310.358.3979 $$$ Map I12

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FIG & OLIVE New York-based restaurant’s cuisine is an ode to olive oil. Don’t miss the truffle mushroom croquette with truffle-olive-oil aioli. Br (Sa-Su), L (M-F), D (nightly). 8490 Melrose Place, L.A., 310.360.9100 $$$ Map I12 GJELINA Under the direction of talented young chef Travis Lett, servers in T-shirts and newsboy caps serve seasonal Cal-Med small plates and pizzas to chic Westsiders. It’s one of Venice’s most popular restaurants and the neighborhood’s most lively patio. B (M-F), Br (Sa-Su), L, D (daily). 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.450.1429 $$ Map N9

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Dining LUCQUES Chef-owner Suzanne Goin delivers the next generation of California cuisine, which includes dishes such as grilled club steak for two with potatoes parisienne. Nowhere do vegetables taste as good! L (TuSa), D (nightly). 8474 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.655.6277 $$$ Map I13 PETROS Fine contemporary Greek fare in a cool white dining room or on the covered patio. Dress code for indoor diners. L, D (daily). 451 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, 310.545.4100 $$$ Map L13

Mexican/Latin BROKEN SPANISH The upscale sister of B.S. Taqueria (below), 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., Ste. 102, downtown, 213.749.1460 $$$ Map I15 B.S. TAQUERIA The casual, colorful setting at this Ray Garcia-helmed spot offers the right vibe for lemonpepper chicken chicharrones or clam-and-lardo tacos. L (M-F), D (nightly). 514 W. 7th St., L.A., 213.622.3744 $$ Map H15 CORAZON Y MIEL Inspired by family recipes and the flavors of Latin America, chef Eduardo Ruiz (formerly of Animal) serves both small and shareable plates, as well as an extensive cocktail menu and plenty of draft beer and wine. Dulce de Puerco (bacon, dates, whipped cotija) is a menu favorite. D (Tu-Su). 6626 Atlantic Ave., Bell, 323.560.1776 $$ Map C3 DÍA DE CAMPO Part of Blackhouse Hospitality (Little Sister, Abigaile, Steak & Whisky), this restaurant offers innovative Mexican dishes like chocolate-duck quesadillas, chorizo-stuffed dates, and wood-grilled lobster with chili butter in a sexy surf lodge setting. Br (Sa-Su), D (nightly). 1238 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach, 310.379.1829 $$ Map L13 GRACIAS MADRE Organic, plant-based Mexican fare is served at this beautiful restaurant (the patio’s ambiance can’t be beat) from the team behind Café Gratitude. Inventive dishes like coconut ceviche tostadas or flautas de camote filled with sweet potatoes and cashew nacho cheese please vegans and omnivores alike. Br (Sa-Su), L (M-F), D (nightly). 8905 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.978.2170 $$ Map I12 MALO/MÁS MALO Más Malo combines architectural splendor—it’s in a restored 1920s building—with 21stcentury, Mexico City-meets-L.A. decor and cuisine. The original Malo in Silver Lake is less glam but also hip. Malo: Br, L (Sa-Su), D (nightly). Más Malo: Br, L, D (daily). 4326 W. Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake, 323.664.1011; 515 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.985.4332 $$ Map south of W23, I16 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, whose La Casita Mexicana restaurant in Bell is widely considered one of the best Mexican restaurants in L.A. Try the 46-ingredient poblano mole, a house specialty. L, D (daily). 3650 W. Martin Luther King Blvd., L.A., 323.296.0798 $$$ Map northeast of M12 PETTY CASH TAQUERÍA Mexican street food featuring local, seasonal ingredients and refined technique. Winning dishes include pig-ear nachos with crema poblana, and guacamole with santa barbara sea urchin and chicharrones. The new downtown Arts District location was due at press time. L (Su), D (nightly). 7360 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.933.5300; 712 S. Santa Fe Ave., downtown, 213.624.0210 $$ Map I13, J17 RED O Rick Bayless, one of America’s leading authorities on Mexican cuisine, is consulting chef at these sexy

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Dining Quick Bites THE APPLE PAN Move quickly to grab a seat at the counter of this tiny joint, open since 1927. Burger aficionados wax on about the classic, drippy Steakburger and Hickoryburger. Cash only. Open late. L, D (Tu-Su). 10801 W. Pico Blvd., West L.A., 310.475.3585 $ Map K10 PINK’S HOT DOGS There’s a perpetual queue in front of this hot-dog stand, open since 1939, which serves 30 kinds of dogs and chili cheeseburgers, too. Open late. B, L, D (daily). 709 N. La Brea Ave., L.A., 323.931.4223 $ Map I13

Seafood eateries (the Santa Monica location opened this summer). Many of his thoughtful dishes are grounded in tradition, such as classic albacore ceviche and cochinita pibil. D (nightly). 8155 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.655.5009; 1541 Ocean Ave., Ste. 120, Santa Monica, 310.458.1600 $$$ Map I12, L8 TORTILLA REPUBLIC This casual-chic WeHo restaurant serves up modern Mexican cuisine made with unique ingredients and rich in flavor. Sidle up to the white onyx bar or enjoy alfresco dining on the large patio. Br (Sa-Su), L (Tu-F), D (nightly). 616 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.657.9888 $$ Map I12

Pan-Asian CRUSTACEAN A glass-covered koi-filled stream meanders under the bar at this Cal-Vietnamese eatery, and diners indulge in items from a “secret kitchen” in which only the owners’ family members and select longtime staff members are allowed. The garlic noodles are a signature. L (W-F), D (nightly). 9646 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.205.8990 $$$ Map I11 THE DISTRICT BY HANNAH AN One of the celebrated An sisters—her family introduced Crustacean (above)—celebrates her Vietnamese heritage with a cuisine that reflects authenticity while incorporating California sensibilities in a chic indoor-outdoor space. Dishes like turmeric-crusted sea bass, lobster with handmade noodles, and Vietnamese chicken curry are enjoyed with cocktails infused with Southeast Asian flavors. Br (Su), L (M-F), D (nightly). 8722 W. 3rd St., L.A., 310.278.2345 $$$ Map I12 LITTLE SISTER At these trendy spots, young chef Tin Vuong brings sophisticated accents to every corner of Asia with signatures like deep-fried Balinese meatballs with banana ketchup, Myanmar okra curry and salt-andpepper lobster. Downtown location was due at press time. L (F-Su), D (nightly). 1131 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.545.2096; 523 W. 7th St., downtown $$ Map L13, I16 LUKSHON Sang Yoon of Father’s Office is behind this Southeast Asian eatery with a selection of craft beers and Far East-inspired cocktail program. The crispy whole market fish is not to be missed. L (Th-Sa), D (M-Sa). 3239 Helms Ave., Culver City, 310.202.6808 $$$ Map K12 WP24 From its 24th-floor roost, WP24 proves that Wolfgang Puck, who pioneered Asian fusion, has still got the goods. Highlights include Singapore-style chili prawns and steamed bao filled with pork belly. Restaurant/lounge concept Nest at WP24 is adjacent. Dining room D (Tu-Sa); Nest D (nightly). Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, 900 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.743.8824 $$$$ Map I15

CATCH AND RELEASE Chef Jason Neroni’s childhood summers in Maine inspired this casual seafood spot. Try the lobster-stuffed Parker House roll or the bucatini with Dungeness crab, sweet corn, garlic and chili. Br (Sa-Su), L (M-F), D (nightly). 13488 Maxella Ave., Marina del Rey, 310.893.6100 $$ Map O9 FISHING WITH DYNAMITE David LeFevre, a Water Grill alum, loads his menu with East Coast inspirations as well as some innovative dishes. Among the old-school small plates in this tiny, charming restaurant are New England-style clam chowder with Nueske’s bacon and Maryland blue-crab cakes with housemade pickles and remoulade. Br (Sa-Su), L, D (daily). 1148 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.893.6299 $$$ Map L13 GLADSTONE’S MALIBU One of SoCal’s biggest hits, with a million visitors each year. Dramatic ocean views. Br (Sa-Su), L, D (daily). 17300 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades, 310.454.3474 $$ Map west of K7 THE HUNGRY CAT East Coast fare in hip little spots. Dine on dishes such as crab cakes or chilled crab legs and you-peel or they-peel shrimp by the halfpound. Hollywood: Br (Sa-Su), L (M-F), D (nightly). Santa Monica: Br (Sa-Su), D (nightly). Sunset + Vine, 1535 N. Vine St., Hollywood, 323.462.2155; 100 W. Channel Road, Santa Monica, 310.459.3337 $$ Map H14, L7 PROVIDENCE Chef-owner Michael Cimarusti transforms seafood from the world’s most pristine waters into oft-changing dishes. Outstanding cocktails complement Michelin-recognized cuisine. L (F), D (nightly). 5955 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.460.4170 $$$$ Map I14 SON OF A GUN Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, the meatloving chefs at Animal, turn to the sea for new inspiration. They cook up small shareable plates such as miniature lobster rolls and shrimp-toast sandwiches in a nautically themed space. L, D (daily). 8370 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.782.9033 $$$ Map I12

Spanish BAR PINTXO Spanish tapas bar around the corner from the Santa Monica pier offers authentic tortilla española, paella and croquetas de jamón and Spanish wines. L, D (daily). 109 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.458.2012 $$ Map M8 THE BAZAAR BY JOSÉ ANDRÉS Star chef José Andrés brings a whimsical set of Spanish-style dining experiences to the eminently stylish SLS Hotel. Tasting room Saam offers an unforgettable 20-pluscourse prix-fixe menu. Dining room D (nightly); Saam D (Th-Sa). 465 S. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.246.5555 $$$ Map H16 BESO Celebrity chef Todd English goes Hollywood in a big way, collaborating with Desperate Housewives star

Eva Longoria and setting up shop near Hollywood and Vine. The Latin menu ranges from Spanish paella to Mexican tortilla soup (Longoria’s recipe) to Peruvian ceviche. D (M–Sa). 6350 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.467.7991 $$$ Map G14 CAFE SEVILLA Authentic Spanish fare and tapas bar on a bustling strip in downtown Long Beach. Dinner show on Saturdays; nightclub upstairs. L (Sa-Su), D (nightly). 140 Pine Ave., Long Beach, 562.495.1111 $$ Map N16 SMOKE.OIL.SALT “Casual world cuisine” and an impressive list of Spanish wines served in a lively location on Melrose. D (nightly). 7274 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.930.7900 $$ Map I13

Steak ALEXANDER’S STEAKHOUSE This ultra-luxurious 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. D (nightly). 111 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, 626.486.1111 $$$ Map Q20 THE ARTHUR J This swanky new Manhattan Beach steakhouse, helmed by chef David LeFevre (M.B. Post, Fishing With Dynamite), offers a classic menu that will delight any carnivore, but the seafood dishes and sides-with-a-twist are excellent as well. Sit in the midcentury-inspired, spacious dining room or at the bar. D (nightly). 903 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.878.9620 $$$$ Map C2 BALTAIRE Helmed by executive chef Travis Strickland, the sophisticated Brentwood restaurant offers plenty of prime steaks, wines by the glass, old-school charm and sun-or-star dining on its 2,500-square-foot terrace—perhaps best enjoyed with the Baltaire Julep cocktail in hand. Br (Sa-Su), L, D (daily). 11647 San Vicente Blvd., L.A., 424.273.1660 $$$$ Map J12 BOA Way hip, way fine steakhouse. Steak rubs and dips; out-there cocktails. Santa Monica: L, D (daily). West Hollywood: L (M-F), D (nightly). 101 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.899.4466; 9200 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.278.2050 $$$ Map M8, H12 FOGO DE CHÃO Arguably the city’s best churrascaria—those Brazilian steakhouse-barbecue restaurants—is this restaurant with locations in Beverly Hills and, now, downtown. Guests are treated to an endless procession of meats carved right onto their plates. L (M-F, Su), D (nightly). 133 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.289.7755 $$$; Fogo de Chão 800 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.228.4300 Map J12, I16 THE GRILL ON THE ALLEY The Grill is a venerable industry hangout, where the maître d’ juggles Hollywood heavyweights, each demanding his or her favorite table for deal-making lunches. Polished waiters deliver steaks, Cobb salads, chicken potpies and other old-school fare in a dining room with classic good looks. Beverly Hills: L (M-Sa), D (nightly). Hollywood: Br (Sa-Su), L, D (daily). Westlake Village: Br (Sa-Su), L, D (daily). 9560 Dayton Way, Beverly Hills, 310.276.0615; the Grill on Hollywood, Hollywood & Highland Center, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.856.5530; 120 E. Promenade Way, Westlake Village, 805.418.1760 $$$ Map I11 , H13, North of G7 MASTRO’S OCEAN CLUB At this on-the-waterfront eatery—the views are pure Malibu—starters like ahi tartare, lobster cocktail and caviar service are followed by fresh fish, whole Maine lobster or expertly prepared steaks. Sides like lobster mashed potatoes and Alaskaking crab-black-truffle gnocchi are legendary. Br (SaSu), D (nightly). 18412 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.454.4357 $$$$ Map west of K7

MARIE BUCK PHOTOGRAPHY

The Arthur J’s bone-in rib-eye tomahawk

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Dining

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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 PISTOLA The sister restaurant to Victor Casanova’s Gusto opened last year, giving classic Italian steakhouse fare a modern twist. Enjoy classic dishes such as shrimp scampi and 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 $$$ Map I13 STEAK & WHISKY Rustic meets modern at Steak & Whisky, which recently opened in downtown Hermosa Beach. The fifth joint from chef-partner Tin Vuong and partner Jed Sanford of Blackhouse Hospitality Management (sister restaurants Abigaile and Día de Campo are steps away), it applies a blend of cultural influences to American classics like traditional porterhouse and dryaged beef. D (nightly). 117 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach, 310.318.5555 $$$$ Map L13

HORNBLOWER.COM | 855-559-3571 NEWPORT BEACH MARINA DEL REY LONG BEACH SAN DIEGO SAN FRANCISCO BERKELEY NEW YORK *Valid for up to 6 adults in Marina del Rey & Newport Beach. Terms and conditions apply. Not valid on holidays or special events. Cannot be combined with other offers. Exp. 11/30/15.

THE STINKING ROSE “We season our garlic with food,” with eclectic options like garlic ice cream. 40-Clove Garlic Chicken, Silence of the Lamb Shank. L, D (daily). 55 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.652.7673 $$ Map I12 STK The One Group’s renowned steakhouse has a sleek new L.A. home. Expect signature savory steaks, shellfish platters and jalapeño cheddar grits, as well as new dishes such as seared foie gras with spiced rum and crispy lobster tails. D (nightly). W Los Angeles—West Beverly Hills, 930 Hilgard Ave., L.A., 310.659.3535 $$$ 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

RESTAURANT + BAR RELAXATION AND REPOSE BETWEEN THE MUSEUM AND THE THEATER. CHEF AGO INTRODUCES MEDITERRANEAN ITALY TO BUNKER HILL’S FLOURISHING ARTS SCENE.

LUNCH

DINNER

HAPPY HOUR

BRUNCH

PRIVATE EVENTS

225 SOUTH GRAND AVE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90012 | (213) 221-7244 |

AGO

CAFFE ROMA

SOR TINO

TOSCANOVA

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. Celebrity diners include Gwyneth Paltrow and Lena Dunham. WeHo: L (Tu-Th), D (TuSu); 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

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MENU HIGHLIGHTS Starters Cocomero & pomoderi Little gem Caesar salad Burrata cheese and heirloom tomatoes

PAPARAZZI RISTORANTE Sit beside Hollywood royalty and bask in the elegance of old tinsel town, while enjoying world-class cuisine at Paparazzi Ristoranti, a hidden gem in the heart of the city and one of Gayot’s picks for the best Italian restaurants in L.A. Our Chef, inspires the senses with simple, classic Italian dishes that nod to southern Italy and incorporate surprising culinary twists. Savor fresh pastas in authentic sauces, as well as artistically prepared seafood, poultry and top-notch steaks. House specialties include merluzzo cileno al pistachio, a pistachio-crusted Mediterranean sea bass with clams, roasted tomato-saffron risotto, English pea emulsion, Fiesole artichokes and pea shoots (pictured here). Other favorites include the hearty il cioppino dei Paparazzi, an enticing combination of seafood in a fennel pomodoro broth served with classic garlic ciabatta. Gather with friends in the private dining room, which accommodates up to 40 people and is outfitted with audio-visual equipment, and enjoy Our Chef’s robustly flavored creations. Your taste buds will thank you. D (M–Sa).

Entrees Merluzzo cileno al pistacchio Regatoni alla bolognese Garganelli con salsiccia Lasagna al brasato Il cioppino dei Paparazzi Filetto alla griglia La bistecca del vaccaro Ossobuco Organic lamb chops Pan-seared branzino al salmoriglio Sicilian pistachio-crusted Alaskan halibut Desserts Crema fredda al limoncello Profiteroles Tiramisu

6101 W. Century Blvd., Westchester

310.642.4820 sheratonlax.com/paparazzi

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LADINING LOCANDA DEL LAGO Locando del Lago blends organic produce from the Santa Monica Farmers Market and many other local purveyors with Italian ingredients to create dishes from Northern Italy’s Lombardy region. This family-run restaurant attracts celebrities, foodies, locals and travelers with its authentic and traditional recipes. Dishes feature high-quality meats and pastas such as all-natural Niman ranch veal shank, Lake Superior whitefish and housemade ravioli and tortelloni. A full vegetarian menu is also available. Enjoy the breads, desserts and gelato, made in-house daily. The warm interior and sidewalk patio overlooking the bustling Third Street Promenade, also offers a daily happy hour that features specialty cocktails and local and Italian wines. B (Su), L, D (daily).

231 Arizona Ave., Santa Monica 310.451.3525 • lagosantamonica.com

SEASONS 52 Celebrate what’s good now. This casually sophisticated grill and wine bar offers seasonally inspired cuisine and an award-winning international wine list, with 52 wines available by the glass. Market-fresh ingredients are prepared with rustic cooking techniques and presented in appropriate serving sizes, resulting in dishes that are rich in flavor but light in calories. Enjoy live music in the piano lounge every evening beginning at 6 p.m. L, D (daily).

1501 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica 310.451.1152 • seasons52.com

SONOMA WINE GARDEN Sonoma Wine Garden showcases bold Mediterranean flavors with a California touch. Its chefs source produce at local farmers markets to ensure the menu reflects the freshest ingredients. With almost 50 by-the-glass offerings, the extensive wine list complements a diverse menu of small plates. The main dining room features a mammoth chandelier made with wine bottles, a floor-to-ceiling wine cellar and walls paneled with genuine wine cases. A picture window provides views of the Pacific Ocean, and the deck affords an excellent view of the restaurant’s bar and gardens. Sample some of the world’s finest wines by the ounce or glass via the 16-bottle Enomatic wine-dispensing machine. Happy hour Monday through Friday, noon-7 p.m. Br (Sa-Su), L (M-F), D (nightly). 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica 424.214.4560 • sonomawinegardensantamonica.com

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LADINING 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

NAPA VALLEY GRILLE Get a taste of West Coast living at Napa Valley Grille, where executive chef Andrew Bice’s rustic-yet-refined dishes, including salads, harvest platters, prime cuts and seafood, emphasize seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The signature California cuisine is complemented by an impressive selection of regional wines, many of which are offered by the glass during the popular daily happy hour. Located in the heart of Westwood and one of 14 brands operated by Tavistock Restaurant Collection, the restaurant features vineyard-inspired decor, a rustic communal table and a welcoming patio that reflect the hospitable spirit of the Napa Valley wine region. Br (Sa-Su), L (M-F), D (nightly).

1100 Glendon Ave., L.A. 310.824.3322 • napavalleygrille.com

208 RODEO Set atop the “Spanish steps” of Beverly Hills’ Via Rodeo, 208 Rodeo serves seasonal cuisine with California, pan-Asian and French flair. The restaurant’s proximity to such luxury retailers as Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Chanel makes it a celebrity hot spot as well as convenient stop for a post-shopping repast. Share a meal in its warm and modern Hollywood Regency-style dining room, or take a seat on the romantic patio overlooking the Beverly Wilshire Hotel (setting of the film Pretty Woman). Beautifully presented and imaginatively prepared dishes include a signature 28-ounce tomahawk rib-eye steak and a 1.5-pound lobster tail, and a children’s menu, a full bar and tempting desserts such as gelato round out the offerings. B, L, D (daily).

208 Via Rodeo, Beverly Hills 310.275.2428 • 208rodeo.com

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

301 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills • 310.550.8330 1800 Rosecrans Ave., Manhattan Beach • 310.725.9555 1 Colorado, Pasadena • 626.683.9797 ilfornaio.com

RISTORANTE AL MARE Savor fresh and authentic handmade pastas, thin crust pizzas and Italian seafood classics such as cioppino and branzino at Ristorante al Mare, a new Italian eatery from the team behind Trastevere and La Piazza at the Grove. Located on the Santa Monica Pier, the three-story restaurant features a rooftop dining deck and full bar with unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean and Malibu coastline (a perfect spot to enjoy happy hour, 4:30-7:30 daily). The restaurant also boasts second floor balcony terraces and a private dining room, as well as firstfloor decks overlooking the bustling boardwalk and beautiful Santa Monica beaches. Find live music on the rooftop every weekend and some Fridays. L, D (daily).

250 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica 310.458.4448 • ristorantealmare.com

THE STINKING ROSE— A GARLIC RESTAURANT The Stinking Rose has been a mainstay on the dining scene since 1996. The restaurant’s latest addition is a supplemental Garlic Stake menu, which includes such premium beef specialties as the Little Devil petite filet mignon, Dracula’s Porterhouse (a carnivore’s dream of the perfectly prepared cut, with New York and filet mignon cooked separately) and a “to die for” bone-in filet mignon. The newly remodeled Gar Bar is the perfect setting to enjoy an evening of standards and pop songs performed by piano man Gary Sherer, who tickles the ivories Thursday through Saturday nights. Settle into a cozy booth or find a seat at the bar and enjoy an evening of fine food and pure entertainment. L, D (daily).

55 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills 310.652.7673 • thestinkingrose.com

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

CULVER CITY

LA BREA/MID-CITY

VALENTINO (Italian).................................... 71

208 RODEO (California)..................................... 66

FATHER’S OFFICE (Brew/Pub).....................66

ANIMAL (American)..............................................64

YE OLDE KING’S HEAD (British).............. 66

THE BAZAAR (Spanish).................................... 74

LUKSHON (Pan-Asian)........................................... 74

JON & VINNY’S (Italian).................................. 70

BOUCHON (French).............................................. 68

MEXICANO (Mexican)............................................ 73

ODYS + PENELOPE (American)...................64

CRUSTACEAN (Pan-Asian)............................... 74

NATALEE THAI (Thai)......................................... 75

PINK’S HOT DOGS (Quick Bites)....................... 74

ABIGAILE (American)..........................................64

CULINA (Italian)..................................................... 69

WILDCRAFT (Italian)............................................. 71

PLAN CHECK (American).................................64

THE ARTHUR J (Steak)........................................... 74

FREDS AT BARNEYS (American)....................64

RÉPUBLIQUE (French)....................................... 69

SOUTH BAY/LONG BEACH

BETTOLINO KITCHEN (Italian).................. 69 CAFE SEVILLA (Spanish)................................. 74

THE GRILL ON THE ALLEY (Steak)............ 74

DOWNTOWN

IL FORNAIO (Italian).......................................... 70

ALMA (California).......................................................66 BÄCO MERCAT (Eclectic)...................................68

LA CIENEGA BOULEVARD RESTAURANT ROW

CLAIM JUMPER (American)............................64

MASTRO’S STEAKHOUSE (Steak).......... 75 MAUDE (California)............................................... 66

BESTIA (Italian)..........................................................69

FIG & OLIVE (Mediterranean)........................... 72

FISHING WITH DYNAMITE (Seafood).... 74

MORTON’S (Steak).............................................. 75

BOTTEGA LOUIE (Italian).............................. 69

FOGO DE CHAO (Steak).................................. 74

IL FORNAIO (Italian).......................................... 70 LITTLE SISTER (Pan-Asian)............................. 74

MR CHOW (Chinese)............................................ 68

DÍA DE CAMPO (Mexican).................................... 73

BROKEN SPANISH (Mexican)......................... 73

MATSUHISA (Japanese)...................................... 71

NATALEE THAI (Thai)...................................... 75

B.S. TAQUERIA (Mexican)................................. 73

MORTON’S (Steak).............................................. 75

LOVE & SALT (California).................................. 66

SPAGHETTINI (Italian)...................................... 70

CAFÉ PINOT (French)...........................................68

NOBU (Japanese)...................................................... 71

M.B. POST (American).........................................64

CHAYA (California)....................................................66

THE STINKING ROSE (Steak)...................... 75

SPAGO (California)................................................. 66 URASAWA (Japanese)......................................... 72 WOLFGANG PUCK (California).................... 66

BEVERLY BOULEVARD 3RD STREET MELROSE AVENUE A.O.C. (Mediterranean).......................................... 72 CROSSROADS KITCHEN (Mediterranean).72 THE DISTRICT (Pan-Asian)................................. 74 ESTÉREL (Mediterranean)................................... 72 GRACIAS MADRE (Mexican)......................... 73 GUSTO (Italian)....................................................... 70 INK. (American)........................................................64 JOAN’S ON THIRD (American)....................64 THE LITTLE DOOR (French).......................... 68 LUCQUES (Mediterranean)................................. 73 OSTERIA MOZZA (Italian)............................. 70 PISTOLA (Steak).................................................... 75 PETTY CASH TAQUERIA (Mexican)........ 73 PIZZERIA MOZZA (Italian)............................ 70 PROVIDENCE (Seafood)................................... 74 RED O (Mexican)..................................................... 73 SMOKE.OIL.SALT (Spanish).......................... 74 SON OF A GUN (Seafood)............................... 74 SUSHI ROKU (Japanese).................................... 72 TASTE (American)................................................... 66 TERRINE (California)............................................ 66 TERRONI (Italian)................................................... 71

COMMISSARY (California)..................................66 CORAZON Y MIEL (Mexican).......................... 73 DRAGO CENTRO (Italian).................................69 FACTORY KITCHEN (Italian)..........................69 FOGO DE CHAO (Steak).................................... 74 KATSUYA (Japanese)............................................... 71 KENDALL’S BRASSERIE (French)..............68 LEDLOW (American).............................................. 64 LITTLE SISTER (Pan-Asian)............................. 74 MADDALENA (Italian)..........................................70 MÀS MALO (Mexican)............................................ 73 MORTON’S (Steak)................................................. 75 OCEAN SEAFOOD (Chinese)..........................68 PATINA (French)........................................................69 PETTY CASH TAQUERIA (Mexican).......... 73 PLAN CHECK (American)................................... 64 Q (Japanese)..................................................................... 71 REDBIRD (American)..............................................66 TERRONI (Italian)...................................................... 71 WP24 (Pan-Asian)...................................................... 74

HOLLYWOOD/EASTSIDE ALIMENTO (Italian).................................................69 BESO (Spanish)............................................................ 74 BIRCH (American)..................................................... 64 BOWERY BUNGALOW (Mediterranean)... 72 BUTCHERS & BARBERS (American)......... 64 THE GRILL ON HOLLYWOOD (Steak)... 74

PAPARAZZI (Italian)........................................... 70 PETROS (Mediterranean)............................................ 73

MALIBU

SIMMZY’S (Brew/Pub)......................................... 66

GLADSTONE’S MALIBU (Seafood).......... 74

STEAK & WHISKY (Steak)................................... 75

MASTRO’S OCEAN CLUB (Steak)........... 74

THE STRAND HOUSE (American).............. 66

MR CHOW (Chinese)............................................ 68 NOBU MALIBU (Japanese)................................ 71

VALLEY

MARINA DEL REY

CLAIM JUMPER (American)............................64

ASANEBO (Japanese)........................................... 71

CATCH AND RELEASE (Seafood).............. 74

GIRASOL (California)........................................... 66 THE GRILL ON THE ALLEY (Steak)............ 74

PASADENA

JOAN’S ON THIRD (American)....................64

A/K/A BISTRO (American)..............................64

MORTON’S (Steak).............................................. 75

ALEXANDER’S STEAKHOUSE (Steak)... 74

SIMMZY’S (Brew/Pub)......................................... 66

IL FORNAIO (Italian).......................................... 70 KATSUYA (Japanese)............................................ 71

VENICE

MAISON AKIRA (Eclectic)............................... 68

CHAYA (California)................................................. 66

SUSHI ROKU (Japanese).................................... 72

GJELINA (Mediterranean)................................... 72 PLANT FOOD AND WINE (California)... 66

SANTA MONICA

SIMMZY’S (Brew/Pub)......................................... 66

BAR PINXTO (Spanish)...................................... 74

SUPERBA SNACK BAR (Italian)...................... 71

BOA (Steak)............................................................... 74

THE TASTING KITCHEN (California)........ 66

FATHER’S OFFICE (Brew/Pub).................... 66 FIG RESTAURANT (California)..................... 66

WEST HOLLYWOOD

THE HUNGRY CAT (Seafood)........................ 74

BOA (Steak)............................................................... 74

INDEPENDENCE (American).........................64

CECCONI’S (Italian)............................................ 69

LA VECCHIA CUCINA (Italian)................... 70

THE CHURCH KEY (American).....................64

THE LITTLE DOOR (French).......................... 68

KATANA (Japanese)............................................... 71

LOCANDA DEL LAGO (Italian).................. 70

NIGHT + MARKET (Thai)................................ 75

MÉLISSE (French).................................................. 68

PUMP (California)..................................................... 66

MILO & OLIVE (California)............................... 66

TORTILLA REPUBLIC (Mexican)............... 74

BRENTWOOD

HOUSE OF MACAU (Chinese).........................66

BALTAIRE (Steak)........................................................ 74

THE HUNGRY CAT (Seafood).......................... 74

O’BRIEN’S IRISH PUB (British).................. 66

KATSUYA (Japanese)............................................ 71

JITLADA THAI (Thai)........................................... 75

OX & SON (American)..........................................64

TAVERN (California).............................................. 66

KATSUYA (Japanese)............................................... 71

RED O (Mexican)..................................................... 73

THE APPLE PAN (Quick Bites)............................. 74

MALO (Mexican)......................................................... 73

RISTORANTE AL MARE (Italian).............. 70

MATTEO’S (Italian)............................................... 70

WESTSIDE

CENTURY CITY

MUSSO & FRANK GRILL (American)........ 64

ROBATA BAR (Japanese).................................. 72

NAPA VALLEY GRILLE California)............ 66

CRAFT (American)..................................................64

NIGHT + MARKET SONG (Thai)................. 75

RUSTIC CANYON (California)........................ 66

N/NAKA (Japanese).................................................. 71

HINOKI & THE BIRD (California)................. 66

PUBLIC KITCHEN + BAR (Brew/Pub)........66

SUSHI ROKU (Japanese).................................... 72

PLAN CHECK (American).................................64

MEIZHOU DONGPO (Chinese)..................... 68

TROIS MEC (Eclectic).............................................68

TASTE (American)................................................... 66

STK (Steak)......................................................................... 75

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MENU HIGHLIGHTS Shared Plates Farro macaroni Oysters Tuna tartare Pan-seared scallops Cauliflower steak Zucchini beignets

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, Mediterranean-inspired 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 Borda 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 Ferrari Watts, Riviera 31 Lounge Bar’s resident mixologist. B,L,D (daily), Br (Su).

Plates Seared ahi tuna Grass-fed burger Squid-ink tagliatelle Grass-fed Angus skirt steak frites Poulet rôti Lamb shank Grilled Maine lobster Ancient grain bowl

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

310.358.3979 esterelrestaurant.com

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Entertainment

Ancient Egypt comes to Los Angeles in Mummies: New Secrets From the Tombs, an exhibition developed by Chicago’s Field Museum that’s making its world debut at L.A.’s Natural History Museum. Get an up-close look at more than 20 mummies from Egypt and Peru, where mummification originated. Walk into a re-creation of a tomb, complete with sarcophagi fragments, animalheaded jars for preserved organs, a painted coffin dating to 600 B.C. and even mummies of birds, cats and crocodiles. Learn vivid details from subjects’ lives—like the “Gilded Lady” pictured above, who modern CT scans revealed was 40 years old, had Cleopatra-like curly hair and a slight overbite. With new insight into burial techniques and culture, Mummies makes ancient history feel closer than ever. p. 87.

Guidelines Map locators at the end of each listing (Map A3; Map H10,

Luckyrice Oct. 1-2 This Asian-food-and-culture festival, presented by Bombay Sapphire East, hosts fun events from coast to coast. This month, it introduces two new incarnations to L.A.: on Thursday, a ramentasting Slurpfest, and on Friday, an L.A. Moon Festival Cocktail Feast. Th seatings from 5:30-10 pm; F 10 pmmidnight. Th $100; F $50-$88. 21+. Th: Millwick, 800 E. 4th Place, downtown; F: Vibiana, 214 S. Main St., downtown, luckyrice.com Map I17

etc.) refer to maps in the back of this issue. Compendium includes editors’ recommendations and advertisers.

The Brewery Artwalk Oct. 3-4 This biannual art walk takes place in what claims to be the world’s largest art complex, which is inside a former Pabst Blue Ribbon factory. A beer garden and food trucks are also on site. 11 am-6 pm. Free. 2100 N. Main St., downtown, 323.638.9382 Map east of G17

Sports....................................84 Nightlife................................88

Vegan Oktoberfest Oct. 3-4 Those who steer clear of animal products but don’t want to miss out on the month’s Bavarian boozy fun, raise a stein to this vegan event. Find entertainment; food from the likes of Sage Organic Vegan Bistro, Donut Friend and the Springs; and beer from breweries including Angel City Brewery and the Dudes’ Brewing Co. A portion of ticket proceeds benefit Expand Animal Rights Now. Noon-5 pm. $45-$55, nondrinking $20. Tickets not sold at door. L.A. Center Studios, 450 S. Bixel St., downtown, veganoktoberfest.com Map H16 National Spa week Oct. 12-18 Biannual event sees participating spas offering signature treatments for just $50. Choose from top L.A. spas including Tikkun Holistic Spa, the Raven Spa and Marc Edward Skincare. See website for a full roster of participating spas and treatments. 212.352.8098, spaweek.com Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, L.A. Oct. 17 This year marks the sixth annual Los Angeles edition of this classy, celebrity-frequented sporting event in Pacific Palisades. Picnic and see professional polo at its best as Argentine polo player Nacho Figueras leads his team. Ticket sales benefit California State Parks. Event is 21+. 11 am-5 pm. $65-$400. Ticket purchase includes shuttle transportation between dedicated lot and event grounds. Will Rogers State Historic Park, 1501 Will Rogers State Park Road, Pacific Palisades, veuveclicquot.tumblr.com Map J8 The beverly hills artshow Oct. 17-18 This longrunning outdoor art showcase displays artwork from some 240 exhibitors twice a year. This month features Weather in Art. Wine and beer gardens and food trucks are also on site. 10 am-5 pm. Free. Beverly Gardens Park along Santa Monica Boulevard from Rodeo to Rexford drives, Beverly Hills, 310.285.6830 Map J11 ciclavia—Heart of L.A. Oct. 18 Six miles of L.A.’s normally congested streets turn into a car-free park for a walk and bike tour of celebrated downtown attractions. October features a fifth-year anniversary route that extends into areas including the Arts District, Little Tokyo and Chinatown. See website for route details. 9 am-4 pm. Free. 213.355.8500, ciclavia.org Map G17 Lit Crawl Oct. 21 Third annual walkable event for lovers of all things literary finds 35-plus venues in North Hollywood’s Arts District playing host to 40-plus happenings including readings series, performance groups and more. The night includes an opening event, three 45-minute rounds and a closing party. 6 pm. Check website for updated schedule. Free. NoHo Arts District, anchored by intersection of Lankershim and Magnolia boulevards, North Hollywood, litcrawl.org Map T19 oktoberfest All month You’ll find L.A.’s oldest (since 1968) and largest Oktoberfest at Torrance’s Alpine Village. The German marketplace plays host to traditional

Index Special Events.................... 82 Studio Tapings...................85 Theater................................. 82 Museums............................85 Music + Dance.................... 82 Shopping Destinations.... 87 Attractions..........................84 Tours + Transport..............88 Studio Tours........................85

Bavarian fun including oompah-pah bands, chicken-dancing, traditional food and beers brewed by Warsteiner. F-Sa 21+, Su all ages. F 6 pm-midnight (after-party until 2 am); Sa 5 pm-midnight (after-party until 2 am); Su 1-6 pm. $6-$25; Dine Stein No Line $65-$75. 833 W. Torrance Blvd., Torrance., 310.327.4384 Map M15

Theater UCarmen Oct. 2-10 South Africa’s Isango Ensemble returns to the Broad’s stage with a reimagining of Georges Bizet’s classic opera as a supernatural story of township lovers. The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, 310.434.3200 Map L8 Annie Opening Oct. 13 The beloved musical about the optimistic redheaded orphan returns with a brand-new incarnation that honors the classic. Original lyricist and director Martin Charnin directs the play, complete with iconic songs like “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard Knock Life.“ Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770 Map H13 Kansas City Choir Boy Opening Oct. 15 Courtney Love stars as the lover-muse in this intimate musical, written by and co-starring Todd Almond. His character looks back at their time as small-town lovers before she moved on to bigger things. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213.628.2772 Map L11 The Sound of Music Through Oct. 31 The beloved musical’s lavish new production is directed by Tony winner Jack O’Brien and features familiar classics “My Favorite Things“ and “Edelweiss,“ among others. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772 Map H16 Appropriate All month Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ family drama tells the story of three grown children who discover a gruesome relic after their plantation-owner father’s death. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772 Map H16

Music + Dance The Broad Stage Oct. 3 Joey Alexander Trio. Oct. 11 Marcelo Álvarez with the LA Virtuosi Orchestra, conducted by Carlo Ponti. Oct. 16 Jonathan Biss. Oct. 18 Beethoven, Bagels & Banter. Oct. 23-24 Shaping Sound. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, 310.434.3200 Map L8 Center for the Art of Performance at UCLA Oct. 1-3, 7-10 Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes’ The Daisy Theatre (at UCLA’s Baryshnikov Arts Center). Oct. 3 An Evening With Randy Newman. Oct. 6 Zakir Hussain, Dave Holland & Shankar Mahadevan: Jazz—A Musical Bridge East to West. Oct. 8-11 Desdemona by Toni Morrison and Rokia Traoré With

Basement Tavern, located underneath the Victorian in Santa Monica, is said to be haunted by a former owner, Delia. Sip the Delia’s Elixir cocktail to keep her at bay. p. 88

Wrap It Up

Special Events

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Entertainment Tina Benko, directed by Peter Sellars (at UCLA’s Freud Playhouse). Oct. 8 Model Mavericks Post-Show Benefit Dinner. Oct. 10 An Evening With David Sanborn. Oct. 14 Demonstration Performance AXIS Dance (at UCLA’s Glorya Kaufman Theater). Oct. 16-17 Sankai Juku: UMUSUNA—Memories Before History. Oct. 17-18 Miranda July: New Society (at Freud Playhouse). Oct. 18 Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra: Mozart to Marimba. Oct. 23-24 Julia Wolfe/SITI Company/Bang on a Can All-Stars: Steel Hammer. Oct. 25 Bang on a Can All-Stars: Field Recordings. Royce Hall, UCLA, 405 Hilgard Ave., Westwood, 310.825.2101, cap.ucla.edu Map J10

Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Oct. 3 L.A. Opera, Schicchi/Pagliacci by Giacomo Puccini/Ruggero Leoncavallo, starring Plácido Domingo. Oct. 8-11 Mariinsky Ballet and Orchestra’s Cinderella. Oct. 10 Sleepless: The Music Center After Hours. Oct. 31 L.A. Opera, MobyDick, conductor James Conlon. 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.0711 Map H16 The forum Oct. 3 Scorpions, Queensrÿche. Oct. 9 Don Henley. Oct. 14 Neil Young, Promise of the Real. Oct. 16 Janet Jackson. Oct. 17 Pepe Aguilar. Oct. 27 Madonna. 3900 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, 310.330.7300 Map O12

OCTOBER 21, 2015 THROUGH FEBRUARY 15, 2016 WWW.GRAMMYMUSEUM.ORG

Greek theatre Oct. 2 Thievery Corporation. Oct. 3 L.A. Bluegrass Situation featuring Dawes, Punch Brothers, the Lone Bellow, Gregory Alan Isakov, Della Mae, Jonny Fritz, Sam Outlaw, Spirit Family Reunion, the Dustbowl Revival and the Wild Reeds. Oct. 4 Camila. Oct. 7 Ben Howard. Oct. 8 Garbage. Oct. 15 Twenty One Pilots. Oct. 16 The War on Drugs. Oct. 17 Kygo. Oct. 19 Marina and the Diamonds. Oct. 24 Eek! At the Greek! Oct. 29 Walk the Moon. 2700 N. Vermont Ave., Griffith Park, L.A., 323.665.5857 Map V22 hollywood bowl Oct. 1 Duran Duran, CHIC featuring Nile Rodgers. Oct. 2, 4 Van Halen. Oct. 3 Idina Menzel. Oct. 9-10 Zac Brown Band. Oct. 15 Alt-J. Oct. 16-17 Florence and the Machine. Oct. 20 Blur, Courtney Barnett. Oct. 22 Jimmy Buffett. 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 323.850.2000 Map G13

Feed the imagination... not the sweet tooth. Welcome to an all-new, wildly unique Halloween celebration, featuring weird, wonderful and mysterious critters, plus activities and adventures that are a little bit spooky and a whole lot of fun.

October 1 – 31, 2015 Daily, 10AM to 4PM, with special entertainment and crafts on weekends. Activities FREE with paid admission or GLAZA membership. Costumes encouraged. Proudly sponsored by

Los Angeles Zoo

Located in Griffith Park

Tickets and info at LAZoo.org/Boo

REDCAT Oct. 8-11 L.A. Opera, Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek: Song From the Uproar. Oct. 16-17 Samita Sinha: Cipher. Oct. 18 A Moving Sound. Oct. 22-25 John Fleck: Blacktop Highway. Oct. 26 Roberta Friedman and Grahame Weinbren. Oct. 27 Piano Spheres: Nadia Shpachenko. Oct. 29-Nov. 1 Astrid Hadad. 631 W. 2nd St., downtown, 213.237.2800 Map H16 The theatre at ace hotel Oct. 1 The Milk Carton Kids. Oct. 21 Marilyn Manson. Oct. 24 Allen Stone. Oct. 26 Shakey Graves. Oct. 29-31 L.A. Opera Off Grand presents Dracula With Philip Glass and the Kronos Quartet. Oct 31 All Hallow’s Eve: Dracula With Philip Glass and the Kronos Quartet + Black & White Ball. 929 S. Broadway, downtown, 213.623.3233 Map I16 Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts Oct. 1-4 Twyla Tharp. Oct. 10 It Gets Better. Oct. 13-25 Love Letters (theater). Oct. 27 Arturo Sandoval Master Class. Oct. 30 Colburn Chamber Music Society with Jean-Yves Thibaudet. 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.746.4000 Map I11 WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL Oct. 1, 8 Immortal Beethoven: Symphonies 1 & 2, featuring Los Angeles Philharmonic, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, violinist Simone Porter. Oct. 2, 9 Immortal Beethoven: Symphonies 3 & 4, featuring Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Oct. 3, 9 Immortal Beethoven: Symphonies 5 & 6, featuring Los Angeles Philharmonic, conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Oct. 3, 10 Toyota Symphonies for Youth: Immortal Beethoven: Ludwig’s Legacy, featuring Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela; Immortal Beethoven: Symphonies 7 & 8, featuring Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Oct. 4, 6-7, 11 Immortal Beethoven: The Ninth, featuring L.A. Philharmonic, Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of

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Venezuela, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, soprano Mariana Ortiz, mezzo-soprano J’nai Bridges, tenor Joshua Guerrero, bass Soloman Howard, Los Angeles Master Chorale. Oct. 13 Chamber Music: All-Beethoven, featuring Simón Bolívar String Quartet, violinist Lyndon Johnston Taylor and others. Oct. 15-18 The Rite of Spring, featuring L.A. Philharmonic, conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Oct. 18 Pianist Sir András Schiff. Oct. 20 Eddie Palmieri, Chucho Valdés: Irakere 40. Oct. 21 Music 101 With Classical KUSC’S Alan Chapman. Oct. 22-24 Mozart & Haydn, featuring L.A. Philharmonic, conductor-pianist Sir András Schiff, Los Angeles Master Chorale and more. Oct. 25 Bach Collegium Japan. Oct. 27 Mendelssohn’s Chamber Music, featuring violinist Elizabeth Baker, cellist David Garrett and more. Oct. 29-30 Mendelssohn & Strauss, featuring L.A. Philharmonic, conductor Semyon Bychkov, violinist Renaud Capuçon. Oct. 31 Halloween Organ With Film: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, featuring organist Clark Wilson. 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 323.850.2000 Map H16

Attractions + Museums

DODGER STADIUM Oct. 2-4 Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres. 1000 Elysian Park Ave., L.A., 323.224.1507 Map G17 STAPLES CENTER Oct. 2 Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State (preseason). Oct. 7 Los Angeles Kings vs. San Jose. Oct. 9 Kings vs. Arizona. Oct. 11 Los Angeles Lakers vs. Maccabi Haifa (preseason). Oct. 13 Kings vs. Vancouver. Oct. 16 Kings vs. Minnesota. Oct. 18 Kings vs. Colorado. Oct. 19 Lakers vs. Portland (preseason). Oct. 22 Clippers vs. Portland (preseason). Oct. 23 Kings vs. Carolina. Oct. 25 WWE Hell in a Cell. Oct. 28 Lakers vs. Minnesota. Oct. 29 Clippers vs. Dallas. Oct. 31 Kings vs. Nashville; Clippers vs. Sacramento. 1111 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.742.7100 Map I15

MUSEUM OF TOLERANCE www.museumoftolerance.com

9786 west pico boulevard los angeles, ca 90035 t: 310.772.2506

Attractions AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC Focus is on Pacific Ocean sea life. Exhibits include Lorikeet Forest, Turtle Vision 4D, June Keyes Penguin Habitat and new and expanded jellies exhibits. Daily 9 am-6 pm except Christmas and during the Grand Prix of Long Beach. $14.95-$28.95, under 3 free. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, 562.590.3100 Map O16 CENTRAL LIBRARY Downtown beaux arts-style landmark is the nation’s third-largest public library in terms of book and periodical holdings. It also holds many archival collections. M-Th 10 am-8 pm; F-Sa 9:30 am-5:30 pm; Su 1-5 pm. Free. 630 W. 5th St., downtown, 213.228.7000 Map I16 DESCANSO GARDENS Collections include coast live oaks, roses and an award-winning camellia garden. The Oak Woodland and the Ancient Forest are recent additions. Daily except Christmas 9 am-5 pm. $4-$9, under 5 free. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, 818.949.4200 Map Q19

“Engrossing . . . a great success.” —THE ECONOMIST

Now on View

FARMERS MARKET Local landmark with 120 produce stalls, restaurants and gift shops in open-air setting. M-F 9 am-9 pm; Sa 9 am-8 pm; Su 10 am-7 pm. 6333 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.933.9211 Map I13 GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY Iconic attraction overlooking Hollywood. Hourly shows at planetarium. Tu-F noon-10 pm; Sa-Su 10 am-10 pm. Admission free; planetarium shows $3-$7, under 5 free. 2800 E. Observatory Road, Griffith Park, L.A., 213.473.0800 Map U23 L.A. ZOO AND BOTANICAL GARDENS More than 250 wildlife species (many of which are rare or endangered) and 800 plant species in parklike setting. Daily 10 am-5 pm except Christmas. Ticket sales cease one hour before closing. $15-$20, under 2 free. 5333 Zoo Drive, Griffith Park, L.A., 323.644.4200 Map T23

EXHIBITION SPONSORED IN PART BY

Susan and Carl W. Robertson Lora A. and Robert U. Sandroni

MEDIA SPONSOR

4700 Western Heritage Way . Los Angeles, CA 90027—1462 323.667.2000 . TheAutry.org Across from the L.A. Zoo . Free Parking Frémont Planting the American Standard on the Rocky Mountains (New York: Baker & Godwin, circa 1856). Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division

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Attractions + Museums QUEEN MARY SHIP AND SEAPORT Historic ocean liner—bigger than the Titanic!—permanently berthed in Long Beach Harbor. Shops, hotel, art deco lounge and restaurants including Sir Winston’s. Daily 10 am-6 pm for self-guided and guided tours. Night tours available. Check queenmary.com for pricing. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0738 Map O16 RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM Air Force One Pavilion houses the flying White House. Daily 10 am-5 pm except New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. $6-$16, under 2 free. 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, 800.410.8354 Map northwest of A1

N OW O P EN Buy your timed tickets today. Unravel the mysteries at NHM.ORG/Mummies

Studio Tours

PARAMOUNT PICTURES STUDIO TOUR Two-hour group tour of Hollywood’s longest-operating and only remaining major studio. Reservation required. Tours daily (except some holidays) every half-hour 9:30 am-2 pm. $53; VIP tour $178, under 10 not admitted. After Dark Tour F-Sa 7:30 pm; $78, under 12 not admitted. 5555 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, 323.956.1777 Map I14

Mummies: New Secrets from the Tombs was developed by The Field Museum, Chicago.