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September 2015 whereLA.com
Los Angeles
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Fresh Fall Fashion
10 hot new boutiques
next-Gen Fusion Modern culinary Mashups
it’s showtime the broad debuts downtown
Jet-Set Style
A conversAtion with fAshion designer Tadashi shoji
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GALERIE W H E R E
T H E
MICHAEL
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On Rodeo Drive For Thirty Years 224 North Rodeo Drive | 2 Rodeo Drive Building | Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310.273.3377 | art@galeriemichael.com | /galeriemichael.com Monday to Saturday 10 am - 7 pm | Sunday 11 am - 5 pm OLD MASTERS | MODERN MASTERS | 19th CENTURY PAINTING | CONTEMPORARY
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CONTENTS
THE SHOPPING ISSUE
departments
the guide
6 Editor’s Note
64 DINING Restaurants by cuisine and neighborhood
Style essentials.
8 Hot Dates
81 ENTERTAINMENT Special events, performing arts and sports
E.T. and the L.A. Philharmonic are out of this world at the Hollywood Bowl, arts venues travel from ancient Greece and Egypt to the hills of Salzburg, and fairs and fests usher in fall.
82 ATTRACTIONS + MUSEUMS Theme parks, activities, studio tapings, exhibitions and more 86 SHOPPING The county’s major retail destinations
96 30 Things We Love The season’s changing, and we’re celebrating with fresh fashion, food and fun.
88 NIGHTLIFE Buzzy bars and cool clubs
where now
89 BEACHES Sandy stops along L.A.’s coastline
10 Dining
89 TOURS + TRANSPORT Getting out, getting around and getting to know Los Angeles
The Grove’s got a winner in Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill, Forma takes Italian to another level on Montana Avenue, and Red O and Herringbone come ashore on Ocean Avenue.
CITY TOURS 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 58
You're never too old for a back-to-school shopping spree. Get your fall fashion fix at 10 chic new L.A. boutiques.
14 Culture Frank Gehry at LACMA and Power and Pathos at the Getty are the month’s major must-see shows.
22
The piña colada at Cassia in Santa Monica
features 16 Flights of Fancy
ON THE COVER Crepe bateau-neck swing-cape dress in Flame by Tadashi Shoji. See page 16.
Globe-trotting, L.A.-based fashion designer Tadashi Shoji shares his tips for packing smartly and traveling in style. BY SUZANNE ENNIS
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22 Fusion 2.0 The term “fusion” is passé, but L.A. chefs are still combining flavors from across Asia in creative ways, and the results couldn’t be hotter. BY ROGER GRODY
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RICK POON. COVER: COURTESY TADASHI SHOJI
12 Shopping
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OSKA 9693 Wilshire Boulevard Beverly Hills 90212 beverlyhills.oska.com OSKA 13 Douglas Alley Pasadena 91103 pasadena.oska.com
Beverly Hills / Chicago / Edina / Healdsburg / Mill Valley / New York / Pasadena / Seattle / Calgary / Vancouver / Shanghai / Sydney London / Paris / Munich
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Welcome
Shopping is fun at this high-end designer resale store, offering the best of recent and vintage Chanel, Vuitton, Prada and more!
A note from the editor
STYLE ESSENTIALS One of the perks of being a writer is
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that you have an excuse to talk to fascinating public figures. Such was the case this summer when I interviewed Tadashi Shoji for our fashion feature on page 16. I knew that the designer’s dresses were a favorite of pop singers, actresses and first ladies, as well as everyday women who appreciate flattering, feminine silhouettes. What I didn’t know until I got to spend a few hours with Shoji in his L.A. headquarters was that he is down-toearth, charming, quick to laugh, thoughtful and, simply, a pleasure to know. He may preside over an occasion-dress empire, but whether he’s jetting around the world, taking a bow on the runway or chatting with a journalist, wearing his familiar bright blue cashmere cardigan and driving moccasins, the Japanese-born American designer rocks a personal style that’s all about being comfortable—and comfortable in his own skin. I took Shoji’s packing tips to heart when filling my carry-on for a recent weekend getaway to Catalina Island, and I can attest that his all-whiteand-blue formula worked like a charm. And as summer turns to fall and my thoughts turn to updating my wardrobe, I will look to Tadashi Shoji the brand to fill my formalwear needs. But as I select daytime
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staples from the new L.A. boutiques we’ve rounded up on page 12, I hope to channel Tadashi Shoji the person, at ease in a signature look, accessorized with a warm smile. To my eye, there’s nothing more stylish than that. —SUZANNE ENNIS
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WHERE CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 2015 Search the full calendar at wherela.com
HOT DATES
Top Stops
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN ARTS AND CULTURE
OPENING SEPT. 10 REVENGE IS SWEET An ancient Greek tragedy gets an East L.A. spin in Mojada: A Medea in Los Angeles at the Getty Villa’s outdoor theater. p. 85 OPENING SEPT. 13 UP THE RIVER MOCA’s Matthew Barney: River of Fundament combines film and sculpture—and counts Norman Mailer as an influence. p. 86
SEPT. 4-6 PHONE HOME The Hollywood Bowl adds to the growing repertoire of films it live-scores under the stars with Steven Spielberg’s 1982 sci-fi blockbuster, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. Labor Day weekend sees the family-friendly flick about a young boy and his alien friend screened in HD in full while the L.A. Philharmonic provides live accompaniment, performing John Williams’ classic, uplifting and Academy Award-winning score. Take in the sounds— and keep an eye on the moon for possible bicycle sightings. p. 82
7
FAIRS, FESTS AND MORE FUN EVENTS
1 THE TASTE > SEPT. 4-6 While away Labor Day weekend sampling drinks and bites (like the treat pictured left) from L.A.’s best eateries at this annual Los Angeles Times-presented festival in Hollywood. p. 81
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.
4 NAUTICA MALIBU TRIATHLON > SEPT. 19-20 Athletes, philanthropists and celebrities turn out to swim, run and bike at Zuma Beach in support of pediatric-cancer research. p. 81 5 PORT OF LOS ANGELES LOBSTER FESTIVAL > SEPT. 25-27 Maine lobsters, tall ships, stilt walkers and other family-friendly attractions star at this nautical food festival on San Pedro’s waterfront. p. 81
2 L.A. COUNTY FAIR > SEPT. 4-27 Milk a goat, ride a roller coaster and chow down on deep-fried cookie dough at the county’s annual fair, in Pomona. Train and Skillet are among the bands lined up for the event’s concert series. p. 81
6 MID-AUTUMN MOON FESTIVAL > SEPT. 26 Chinatown’s 77th annual lunar festival brings full-moon viewings, live music, a craft-beer garden and more to the Central Plaza. p. 81
3 L.A. LOVES ALEX’S LEMONADE > SEPT. 12 More than 50 top chefs and mixologists offer tastings for a cause at this philanthropic culinary event, held at UCLA. p. 81
7 ABBOT KINNEY FESTIVAL > SEPT. 27 Venice’s coolest drag features beer gardens, food trucks, live-music stages, kids‘ rides, vendors and more at its annual neighborhood fest. p. 81
OPENING SEPT. 20 THE HILLS ARE ALIVE Revisit the beloved musical as The Sound of Music takes the stage at the Ahmanson. p. 81 OPENING SEPT. 20 STATE OF THE ART Contemporary-art museum The Broad opens downtown. p. 84 THROUGH SEPT. 26 DRESS UP Glimpse costumes from shows like Gotham and Wolf Hall at FIDM’s ninth annual Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design. p. 84
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: ™ & © UNIVERSAL STUDIOS; © 2015 THE FIELD MUSEUM/JOHN WEINSTEIN; COURTESY THE TASTE
OPENING SEPT. 18 UNDER WRAPS Learn secrets from the tomb—and see the mummy mask replica below—at the Natural History Museum’s new Mummies exhibit. p. 86
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JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES 1621 12th Street Santa Monica, CA 90404 310.828.4438
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THE BEST IN DINING, SHOPPING AND CULTURE
DINING
Winner, Winner, Chicken (and Sushi) Dinner You may not associate shopping centers with high-caliber cuisine, but, then again, with its cobblestone streets, trolley and dancing fountain, the Grove is no mere mall. Its newest restaurant, the fountain-adjacent Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill, is the first California outpost of the award-winning Blue Ribbon empire founded by brothers Eric and Bruce Bromberg in New York City in 1992 (Las Vegas is home to the only other non-N.Y. location). The sushi menu is extensive and extravagant; sit at the bar to watch the chefs expertly slice fresh catch from the Atlantic and the Pacific such as yellowtail, served with jalapeño and ponzu, and whole horse mackerel, the bones of which are fried and served after you’ve picked them clean. Non-seafood dishes, such as the beef marrow with sea salt, shaved bonito and teriyaki sauce (pictured here) and the fried chicken, prepared “Blue Ribbon style,” are equally enticing. Pair your selections with Blue Ribbon’s own sake to fuel up for a decadent day of shopping. 189 The Grove Drive, L.A., 323.352.9300, blueribbonrestaurants.com
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The marble bar and plush dining room at Forma in Santa Monica
OPPOSITE: BEN STARKMAN. THIS PAGE, FROM TOP: COURTESY FORMA; MARIE BUCK PHOTOGRAPHY
SAY FORMAGGIO Cheese and pasta: wonderful alone, together the stuff of dreamy dates and leisurely lunches. On tony Montana Avenue, new Forma Restaurant & Cheese Bar raises the equation to the power of two, serving several of its pastas dalla forma: taken steaming from the pan and placed into a huge, hollowed-out wheel of cheese, where they’re gently tossed before landing on your plate. The resulting dishes, such as tortellini mixed with seasonal mushrooms, truffle oil and creamy Bella Lodi Grana cheese, aren’t the only mouthwatering menu items here, however. There’s a weekend brunch that’s a sonnet to rustic bread, eggs and espresso. Also divine for lunch and dinner are bites from the cheese bar, the “savory doughnut duo sandwich” and pizzas, especially paired with a glass or two of vino. Enjoy with loved ones and without concern for the clock or waistline. Now that’s Italian. 1610 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, 424.231.2868, formarestaurant.com
Down by the Seashore Santa Monica says goodbye to summer and hello to two new outposts of acclaimed SoCal restaurants. First up, The Taste alum Brian Malarkey brings his Herringbone seafood concept to the plaza of luxury development the Seychelle (1755 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.971.4460). His “fish meats field”
philosophy yields inventive yet accessible choices like grilled local halibut and littleneckclam flatbread, and the Salt & Brine bar boasts Pacific-bred oysters, uni and more. Also on Ocean Avenue, James Beard Award winner Rick Bayless furthers his mastery of Mexican cuisine with the third location
of his Red O (p. 73). The menu emphasizes authentic sauces and includes dishes like bone-in filet mignon with sauce amarillo and seafood standouts like jumbo scallops con fideos. Between the flavorful fare, the ocean views and the open-air cabanas, you’ll think you’ve stumbled into Cabo San Lucas.
Herringbone’s Buffalo Ranch octopus
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angeles
SHOPPING
Destination Style A bevy of new, revamped and soon-to-open shops promises to upgrade your fall fashion ticket from standard to first class. SALVATORE FERRAGAMO
LOVE ADORNED
The “shoemaker of the stars” beckons luxury shoppers with a redesigned Beverly Hills flagship and a new, exclusive collection. 357 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.273.9990
Jewelry lovers no longer need to travel to New York to browse the contemporary and vintage baubles at this gem of a shop, just opened in Santa Monica. 2923 Main St., Santa Monica, 310.450.2227
SERAPIAN
ISAIA
On Brighton Way, the Neapolitan menswear firm brings custom tailoring to center stage in a luxurious flagship suited to its VIP clientele. 9527 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills, 424.204.1169 CHASER
The L.A.-based brand adored for its soft rocker tees and comfy silk separates is due to debut its first boutique any minute now. 134 S. Robertson Blvd., L.A., 310.461.1200
THE POINT
In the South Bay, a sparkling new outdoor center gathers many of L.A.’s hottest shops and eateries—Prana, Lucky Brand, True Food Kitchen and Superba Food + Bread among them— around a charming plaza. 850 S. Sepulveda Blvd., El Segundo, 310.414.5280 THE VILLAGE AT WESTFIELD TOPANGA
A similarly chic lineup of tenants, including Fabletics (Kate Hudson’s fitness line), Jonathan Adler and EMC Seafood & Raw Bar, fills this just-completed open-air extension of Westfield Topanga shopping center. 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Canoga Park, 818.594.8732
Isaia
Sexy and slouchy silk pants from Chaser
LACAUSA
L.A.-made minimalism reigns at the womenswear brand’s first flagship store, next to Mohawk General Store in Silver Lake. 4015 Sunset Blvd., L.A., lacausaclothing.com REBECCA MINKOFF
The SoCal-raised, New Yorkbased designer pairs her cool handbags, accessories, footwear and apparel with smart tech-
nology at her new shop on the corner of Melrose Avenue and Kings Road. 8335 Melrose Ave., L.A., rebeccaminkoff.com ZIMMERMANN
Finally, the Australia-based, celeb-beloved designer of pretty-yet-sexy swimwear, dresses and separates makes a splash on Melrose Place. 8468 Melrose Place, West Hollywood, 323.746.5456
FROM TOP: COURTESY CHASER; COURTESY ISAIA
A block away, the Italian luxury leather brand puts its full range of handbags, travel goods and accessories on display at its first stateside store. 204 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.247.8881
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© 2015 Pandora Jewelry, LLC • All rights reserved • PANDORA.NET
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Seated Boxer (The Terme Boxer), 300-200 B.C.
URBAN LEGEND Perhaps the most renowned architect of our time, Frank Gehry is the deserving subject of a new retrospective at LACMA. Opening Sept. 13, the exhibition explores the urbanist’s prolific career, reaching from the 1960s to the present. The Canadianborn but L.A.-based architect (he graduated from USC’s School of Architecture) is best known for his mind-bending, fluid designs. The luminary is most famously the mastermind behind such structures as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain; Los Angeles’ own Binoculars Building in Venice; and the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall, which represented a cultural renaissance for downtown L.A. upon its 2003 opening. Head to the museum to see over 200 of Gehry’s drawings (many never before shown in public) and 65 models that provide an intimate look at both the evolution of the legend’s thinking and his innovation in digital design. p. 85
CULTURE
Heavy Metal One can only imagine the wooing that took place to pull off Power and Pathos: Bronze Sculpture of the Hellenistic World, the most comprehensive survey of bronze statuary created from 323 B.C. to 31 B.C., on view at the Getty Center. After all, many of its 50-plus sculptures are the most
prized artworks of their lending museums. But the bigger triumph may be that the exhibition was even possible— large-scale statues were typically melted down and their valuable metal reused. This exhibit is notable not only for the number of surviving bronze sculptures it con-
tains, but also because it unites rare works of art usually exhibited in isolation, inviting comparison as well as contemplation of each within its larger context. Ironically, the most evocative work may be an empty pedestal at the entrance—a memorial of masterpieces lost forever. p. 84
Frank Gehry, Nationale-Nederlanden Building, view from Jiráskovo Street, 1992-96, Prague, Czech Republic
FROM TOP: SU CONCESSIONE DEL MINISTERO DEI BENI E DELLE ATTIVITÀ CULTURALI E DEL TURISMO—SOPRINTENDENZA SPECIALE PER IL COLOSSEO, IL MUSEO NAZIONALE ROMANO E L’AREA ARCHEOLOGICA DI ROMA/© VANNI ARCHIVE/ART RESOURCE, NY; COURTESY GEHRY PARTNERS, LLP
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FLIGHTS of FANCY SHOP TA LK W ITH TA DA SHI SHOJI
For more than 30 years, Tadashi Shoji’s namesake collection of special-occasion dresses has made women around the globe—Oscar winner Octavia Spencer, first lady Michelle Obama and countless wedding-party members among them—look and feel beautiful. In addition to his newly redesigned boutique in Costa Mesa and another due this fall in Doha, Qatar, the Japanese-born American designer has signature boutiques in Shanghai, Beijing, Jakarta and Las Vegas, and his designs are carried in more than 40 countries and 750 stores worldwide. Between trips to his offices in New York and Shanghai, Shoji sat down with Where at his Los Angeles headquarters to discuss his inspirations, aspirations and packing tips. —Suzanne Ennis
Designer Tadashi Shoji in his design studio, standing in front of dresses from his fall 2015 collection. Opposite: a silver dress from the same collection
scene” … I ran away from Japan to the United States as a tourist. I ended up in junior college, Trade-Tech, in the fashion-design department. I had never sewn in my life. In the first semester, they were teaching about drap-
ing, and [I thought], “This is so interesting. This is sculpting! Fabric is sculpting on the woman’s body.” That hooked me. What is your most memorable fashion moment? When I started, maybe my second year or third year, so 30 years ago, Bullocks Wilshire department store [in downtown L.A.] was the best department store at that time. And that year, for the Christmas show, in the six windows facing Wilshire Boulevard, they put all my dresses. It was a highlight. What was the inspiration behind your fall 2015 collection? The beauty of flying. But I didn’t want to do the regular uniform, the goggles. It’s about flying and the feather and bird, all those mixing. Mechanical flying is very interesting. So we started collecting all the pictures and inspiration. That part is fun for me. ... But usually, when our regular customers have to go to a cocktail party or black-tie [event] or wedding, they don’t care about my inspiration. When [a customer] puts on a dress and feels so pretty and so comfortable, that is most important. Who is your muse? Everyday women. Our core customer is [in her] late 20s to late 40s, very self-confident.
Working women or, like a soccer mom, very busy raising kids. The kind of person who loves life. What pieces are key for fall? We do a lot of capes. And the capelet dress. Always very packable, easy to wear. [The dresses are] two-piece, so you can wear [the capelet] with pants, you can wear a jacket, or you can wear the miniskirt. Do you think about travelers as you design? Oh, definitely, because I never check things. In the airport, carrying a bag of heavy stuff is too much. … You have to edit. Edit out—same thing we do [for a] fashion show. Women especially. Do you have any other packing tips? It’s easiest if you do a theme of color. If you do black, then maybe accessorize with scarves or shoes in a different color. In the summertime, it’s all white, or blue and white. Color coordinate, and you can interchange all the occasions, all the items. Also, if [you’re taking] a 10-hour flight [over] the Pacific Ocean, don’t wear high heels. Wear flats. Flat is in! When choosing shoes for travel, how do you bridge the gap between style and comfort? [My priority is] definitely com-
DALE BERMAN. OPPOSITE: COURTESY TADASHI SHOJI
When did you know you wanted to be a designer? I didn’t plan to be a fashion designer. … I wanted to be an artist since I was a kid in Japan. But when I realized, “I can’t make it in this world, in [this] art
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From left: The “beauty of flight” captured on Shoji’s fall 2015 inspiration board; the romantic tulle runway finale gown worn by Michelle Obama; versatile separates from the collection
What essential item should be in a chic traveler’s suitcase? One time, when I was coming back from New York to Los Angeles, this guy [was wrapped] in his own cashmere throw. Oh, that is so chichi, so cool, I think! What are the perfect ingredients for your suitcase? Driver slip-on shoes, drawstring pants and then T-shirts and a cardigan in the summertime. And in the wintertime, a down jacket. Everything you can smash, make tight and, still, it’s OK, doesn’t wrinkle.
or Ralph Lauren on Rodeo. Or, [for] shoes, Bottega Veneta, Barneys or Tod’s. Where do you eat for a special occasion in L.A.? I live in Pasadena, where I go to [an] Italian restaurant, Gale’s. It’s always crowded and always good food. … If it's Korean barbecue, I go to Vermont [Avenue] and Olympic [Boulevard]—Park’s Barbeque grill. … If it’s Japanese wagyu, it’s a very hidden, weird place, Totoraku. It’s not listed— everything [is] referred.
Other than clothing, is there any essential item with which you always travel? Not only during travel, but definitely the iPhone and iPad. One time I lost my iPad in the airplane. I was panicked that I couldn’t get it back. I also lost my iPhone one time. If I don’t have that one, I can’t survive!
What are your favorite arts venues in L.A., and why? Nearby my house is the Norton Simon Museum. The garden is beautiful, [as is] the Southeast Asian collection. Farther down is Pacific Asia Museum, a very interesting small museum. And the Huntington Library. You can spend almost half a day in the museum and the library and also the rose garden and restaurant. And then Getty Museum, that’s beautiful. And MOCA and LACMA, as usual. People say L.A. doesn’t have culture, but we have tons!
Where do you shop for men’s clothing in L.A., and what do you like best there? Barneys or Neiman [Marcus]
How does living in L.A. influence your designs? Color. If I lived in New York, maybe my color would be more dark.
[There,] everybody is wearing all black, even now. [With our] lifestyle, in this weather, I think color is much prettier. I think it’s maybe my Japanese-ness, plus living in California, that’s influencing me. If you could wake up tomorrow in any part of the world, where would it be? Morocco. … I did a Moorish theme one time, so maybe I should go there. What’s next for you as a designer? Branching out all different lines. Like now, we are coming out with the mini-Tadashi Shoji girls’ line for 2 years to 10 years old. Occasion dresses, like weddingflower-girl or party dresses. Is there anyone you would like to dress but haven’t? When [my publicist] came to work for us last year … I told her, “You have to dress Michelle Obama.” And it happened! So maybe I can dress a queen of England. [Laughs.] Maybe Princess Kate. I think maybe the next dream is if she wears our dresses!
Find Tadashi Shoji at the South Coast Plaza Tadashi Shoji signature boutique (p. 87). Other local retailers include Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s (Beverly Center, p. 86); Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue (9700 and 9600 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills); and Nordstrom (Santa Monica Place and the Grove, p. 87).
Details
Barneys New York 9570 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills Bottega Veneta 457 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills Gale’s Restaurant 452 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena Getty Museum Getty Center, p. 84 Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens p. 85 Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) p. 85 Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) p. 86 Neiman Marcus (see above) Norton Simon Museum p. 86 Pacific Asia Museum p. 86 Park’s Barbeque 955 S. Vermont Ave., L.A. Ralph Lauren 444 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills Tod’s 333 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills Totoraku 10610 W. Pico Blvd., L.A.
COURTESY TADASHI SHOJI (3)
fort. But, you know, I do bright color, this kind of driver slip-on shoes. My favorite pair is red. Red or blue. Even in black attire, if you wear red shoes, it gives you an “I’m dressed up” kind of feeling.
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h BYO BEAUTY PRODUCTS IN THESE BOBBI BROWN EMPTIES. Sephora, 270 N. Beverly Drive, L.A., 310.860.9581
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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 22  WHERELA.COM
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THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE: RICK POON
FUSION
THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE: RICK POON
A
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. Like any good brasserie, Cassia offers impressive platters from the raw bar, as well as a charcuterie selection that includes Singaporean candied pork, Vietnamese meatloaf and Sichuan lamb ham. A whole Singaporean white-pepper crab is offered, but so are steak-frites with Phu Quoc island peppercorn sauce. For dessert, there are riffs on classic French pastries (e.g., green-tea mille-feuille) and coffee pudding. 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 banh mi 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
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From top: An assortment of Indian-inspired small plates at Akasha Richmond’s Sambar in Culver City; the banh mi salad at Simbal in Little Tokyo
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 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
Border-Bending Eateries 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 Simbal, 319 E. 2nd St., downtown, 213.626.0244
FROM TOP: JÉSUS BAÑUELOS; HEADS ABOVE WATER
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 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 banh mi sandwich into a salad inspired by an Italian panzanella and presents mussels with chili jam and Chinese doughnuts. 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
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
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Getty V
THE O R I G I NAL B EAC H BUN G ALOW
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.
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getty.edu
© 2015 J. Paul Getty Trust
FROM TOP: JÉSUS BAÑUELOS; HEADS ABOVE WATER
The Villa dei Papiri in Herculaneum, Italy, is believed to be one of the most luxurious private residences of the ancient world—and with star power to boot. Evidence suggests it was the home of Julius Caesar’s father-in-law. Unfortunately, this original beach bungalow perched on the Bay of Naples was buried in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. But you can experience a slice of luxurious beach living at the Getty Villa—a re-creation of the Villa dei Papiri— overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
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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 woodgrilled baby green-lipped 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-shellcrab 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 jewel-like 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 East-meetsL.A. menu that includes blinis elegantly topped with caviar and yuzu-infused creme fraiche; 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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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.
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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ca
5, mar
Remembering
PAVAROTTI
g
BENEFITING PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH AT THE SALK INSTITUTE
ANDREA BOCELLI AND RENテ右 FLEMING IN CONCERT FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 5:00 PM VIP reception 6:30 PM Concert followed by dinner
THE MUSIC CENTER, LOS ANGELES For more information contact Rebecca at Grant Associates: 323.904.4400 or rebecca@grantevents.com
c y).
RememberingPavarotti.org
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twitter.com/PanCanCure
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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
32
BEVERLY HILLS
44
HOLLYWOOD
52
PASADENA
36
SANTA MONICA
48
DOWNTOWN
56
THE VALLEY
40
WEST HOLLYWOOD
58
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.
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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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©2014 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. 14-ADV-15836
©2014 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. 14-ADV-15836
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EXPLORING
Downtown L.A.’S URBAN CENTER REFLECTS THE CULTURAL DIVERSITY, WORLD-CLASS ARCHITECTURE AND DYNAMIC COMMERCE THAT MAKE THE CITY A SUPERSTAR ON THE GLOBAL STAGE.
➺Downtown Los Angeles could not be hotter, with new restaurants and shops opening daily. Historic art
deco structures share the streetscape with glass-clad towers, and even movie stars are snapping up lofts in century-old buildings. The arts scene roars to life here, where the image of L.A. as “laid-back” hardly applies. Union Station was the last of the grand railroad terminals built in the U.S. Its importance faded as the automobile began to dominate life in L.A., but the station, which celebrated its 75th anniversary last year, has staged a comeback, thanks to a renovation and downtown’s new energy. From Union Station, the hub of the Metro system, you can board the Red Line to Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley, or connect to the Blue Line to Long Beach or Expo Line to Culver City. The Gold Line runs to Pasadena. Nonstop bus service to LAX is available 24/7. Metrolink commuter trains connect distant suburbs, and Amtrak trains offer scenic coastal journeys.
Grand Avenue + Music Center
The heart of L.A.’s performing-arts scene and the site of its most dramatic architecture, Grand Avenue is beginning to live up to its name. On Bunker Hill, once filled with Victorian mansions, four venues make up a formidable collection of stages at the Music Center. The 3,200-seat Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is home to L.A. Opera, and the Ahmanson Theatre and the Mark Taper Forum host
theatrical productions. The flashiest venue is architect Frank Gehry’s lauded Walt Disney Concert Hall, winter home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic 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.
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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
G R E AT F I N D
former Wrigley Mansion that now houses the Tournament of Roses Association (open for tours). North of Old Pasadena, the boulevard leads to the Gamble House. This, the most famous achievement of architects Greene & Greene, is a classic representation of the Arts and Crafts movement that left its imprint on Pasadena. South Pasadena is a tranquil community whose Craftsman homes range from bungalows to mansions, and its Mission West Historic District is lined with antique shops, art galleries, casual cafés and kid-friendly spots like Fair Oaks Pharmacy, a restored drugstore from 1915 whose vintage soda fountain is straight from a Norman Rockwell painting.
Eagle Rock + Glendale
West of Pasadena is Eagle Rock, a quiet college town reinventing itself as a trendy L.A. neighborhood. Its main drag of Colorado Boulevard is lined with a diverse collection of restaurants including Casa Bianca, a ven-
/ 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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THE BEST OF LA’S DINING SCENE INNOVATIVE DINING GROUP
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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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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 $$$ Map K9, H14, northeast of T23, I15
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MATSUHISA Superchef Nobu Matsuhisa’s more modest original flagship incorporates luxurious Western ingredients and Latin American spices. Monkfish liver pâté with caviar, and lamb chops with miso anticucho sauce are just a couple of his creations. L (M-F), D (nightly). 129 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.659.9639 $$$$ Map I12
11:50 AM
Country French Restaurant Family Owned & Operated Since 1927 Lunch • Dinner • Lounge • Banquets 7 days
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N/NAKA Offerings are crafted in the kaiseki Japanese culinary tradition, with both classic and modern interpretations. The 13-course menus are prepared with produce from n/naka’s organic garden; there is an extensive sake and wine list as well. D (Tu-Sa). 3455 S. Overland Ave., L.A., 310.836.6252 $$$$ Map L11 NOBU The glitzy flagship of Nobu Matsuhisa attracts celebrities as well as serious foodies. An offers an extensive menu of traditional and avant-garde sushi, including many dishes with beguiling Peruvian accents. Sakes and omakase feasts result in soaring tabs, but the cuisine measures up. West Hollywood: D (nightly). Malibu: B (F-Su), L, D (daily). 903 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.657.5711; Nobu Malibu, 22706 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.317.9140 $$$$ Map H12, east of A1 Q World-class sushi arrives downtown at an intimate restaurant where a sushi bar and a handful of tables accommodate just 26 diners. The omakase-only experience showcases the artistry and discipline of chef/owner
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Dining Hiroyuki Naruke in items like seared bluefin toro, misomarinated uni, monkfish as rich as foie gras and a parade of simply prepared sushi. These strictly traditional interpretations are never flashy but always rewarding. L (TuF), D (Tu-Sa). 521 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.225.6285 $$$$ Map I16 ROBATA BAR Japanese grilling from the Sushi Roku, Katana and Boa team. Striking design by Dodd Mitchell. D (nightly). 1401 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.458.4771 $$$ 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 $$$$ Map west of K7
MARIE BUCK PHOTOGRAPHY
The Arthur J’s bone-in rib-eye tomahawk
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MASTRO’S STEAKHOUSE Swanky “steakhouse with personality.” Bone-in filet reigns; warm butter cake melts in your mouth. Penthouse at Mastro’s is an upstairs lounge. D (nightly). 246 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.888.8782 $$$ 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 $$$$ Map L13
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THE STINKING ROSE “We season our garlic with food,” with eclectic options like garlic ice cream. 40-Clove Garlic Chicken, Silence of the Lamb Shank. L, D (daily). 55 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.652.7673 $$ 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
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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
WWW.VESPAIODTLA.COM
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SPECIAL PROMOTION
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
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
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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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Entertainment Special Events
Guidelines Map locators at the end of each listing (Map A3; Map H10,
TWILIGHT CONCERT SERIES Sept. 3, 10 Annual summer concert series at the Santa Monica Pier featuring contemporary up-and-comers and classic bands. Rebirth Brass Band and Tune-Yards headline this month. 7-10 pm. Free. 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, 310.458.8901 Map M8
etc.) refer to maps in the back of this issue. Compendium includes editors’ recommendations and advertisers.
THE TASTE Sept. 4-6 The Los Angeles Times’ annual food and wine fest offers a look at what’s hot in the city’s vibrant food and cocktail culture. Learn from key players in the L.A. dining scene at tastings and seminars like “Field to Fork” and “Flavors of L.A.”—co-hosted by famed Times food critic Jonathan Gold. Check website for schedule. $100-$175. Paramount Pictures Studios, 5555 Melrose Ave, L.A., 213.237.5000, events.latimes.com/taste Map I14
Theater..................................81 Museums............................84
LOS ANGELES COUNTY FAIR Sept. 4-27 Head to the outskirts of L.A. for a distinctly non-Angeleno experience. Cheer on a racing pig, learn about farming, take a spin on a Ferris wheel, watch a concert by the likes of the Beach Boys or ZZ Top, and dine on plenty of deep-fried food. W noon-10 pm; Th noon-11 pm; F noon-midnight; Sa 10 am-midnight; Su 10 am-10 pm. $8-$20, under 6 free. 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, 909.623.3111, lacountyfair.com Map east of B5 CINESPIA Sept. 5-6, 11-12, 19 Cinespia’s screenings at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, now in their 14th season, find crowds jostling for spots to watch cult flicks projected on a mausoleum wall. Also on hand are DJs and themed photo booths. Closing out the season this month are highlights like Psycho and Carrie. Check website for full schedule. Gates 6:45 pm; movie 8:30 pm. $15. Parking $10-$15. 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, 877.435.9849, cinespia.org Map H14 STREET FOOD CINEMA Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26 Outdoor summer film series features screenings every Saturday night at various locations across L.A., as well as live music and food from the city’s top trucks. Highlights this month include The Outsiders, Fight Club and Ghostbusters. See website for a full schedule and times. $6-$20, under 5 free. 323.254.5068, streetfoodcinema.com L.A. LOVES ALEX’S LEMONADE Sept. 12 More than 50 top chefs—including Roy Choi and Giada De Laurentiis—and mixologists serve signature menu items for a good cause at this beloved philanthropic culinary event that helps fund the fight against childhood cancer. Noon–4 pm. $195. Royce Quad, UCLA, 405 Hilgard Ave., L.A., 610.649.3034, alexslemonade.org Map I10 NAUTICA MALIBU TRIATHLON PRESENTED BY EQUINOX Sept. 19-20 Athletes, philanthropists and celebrities (the likes of Teri Hatcher, Jon Cryer and James Marsden have participated in recent years) are among the more than 5,000 people who turn out to swim, bike and run at Zuma Beach, all to benefit the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles’ Pediatric Cancer Research Program. 7 am. Participant registration $210-$340. 30000 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 818.707.8866, nauticamalibutri.com Map west of K7 PORT OF LOS ANGELES LOBSTER FESTIVAL Sept. 25-27 Enjoy discounted Maine lobsters, live music, stilt walkers, tall ships, an interactive exhibit from the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, shopping and more at this world-record-winning food festival on the waterfront. F 5-11 pm; Sa 11 am-11 pm; Su 11 am-7 pm. $10, under 12 free. Ports O’ Call Village, 77 Berth, San Pedro, 310.798.7478 Map O15 MID-AUTUMN MOON FESTIVAL Sept. 26 Celebrate the 77th traditional Chinese lunar festival in Chinatown with a moon viewing, a cooking demo and storytelling, plus live music and a craft-beer garden. 5-11 pm.
Index Special Events.....................81 Studio Tapings...................84 Music + Dance.....................81 Shopping Destinations.... 86 Sports.................................... 82 Nightlife................................88 Attractions.......................... 82 Beaches................................89 Studio Tours........................ 83 Tours + Transport..............89
Free. Central Plaza & West Plaza, 943-951 N. Broadway, downtown, 213.680.0243, chinatownla.com Map G17 TARFEST Sept. 26 Enjoy live music, a biergarten, food trucks, kids’ activities and more at this fun cultural event in Hancock Park. 1–8 pm. Free. LaBrea Tar Pits, 5801 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., tarfest.com Map J13 ABBOT KINNEY FESTIVAL Sept. 27 This festival—now in its 31st year—spotlights the eclectic offerings along the boulevard. Find shopping, dining, beer gardens, art galleries, live music and more. 10 am-6 pm. Free. Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice, abbotkinney.org Map N9
Theater THESE PAPER BULLETS! Opening Sept. 8 Subtitled A Modish Ripoff of William Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing,’ this play, which lends the classic work a decidedly Fab Four twist, makes its West Coast premiere, boasting songs by Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong. Gil Cates Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood, 310.208.5454 Map J10 AN EVENING WITH DENZEL WASHINGTON Sept. 17 The two-time Oscar winner takes the stage to regale the audience with tales from his prolific career on screen and stage. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.746.4000 Map I11 THE SOUND OF MUSIC Opening Sept. 20 Perhaps the world’s most beloved musical, The Sound of Music launches its North American tour at the Ahmanson, with a lavish new production directed by Tony winner Jack O’Brien. The story of Maria and the von Trapp family features familiar classics “My Favorite Things“ and “Edelweiss,“ among others. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772 Map H16 APPROPRIATE Opening Sept. 23 Branden JacobsJenkins’ outrageous family drama tells the story of three grown children who discover a gruesome relic after their plantation-owner father’s death and must deal with both historical sin and the resentment they feel toward each other. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772 Map H16
Music + Dance DOROTHY CHANDLER PAVILION Sept. 12, 17, 20, 24, 27 L.A. Opera, Schicchi / Pagliacci, director Woody Allen, conductor Grant Gershon, starring Plácido Domingo. 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.0711 Map H16 THE FORUM Sept. 11 Juan Gabriel. Sept. 18 Kevin Hart. Sept. 19 Ricky Martin. Sept. 20 Def Leppard With Styx and Tesla. Sept. 21-22 Foo Fighters. 3900 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, 310.330.7300 Map O12
Hit Rewind It’s Throwback Thursday all month long at L.A.’s top concert venues. The Hollywood Bowl transforms into a love shack as it hosts The B-52s and The Psychedelic Furs from Sept. 11-13. The trio of totally tubular ‘80s nights will conclude with a fireworks finale. And on Sept. 19, the Bowl is digging the dancing queen with a set by ABBA. The always-fun “Weird Al” Yankovic, who’s recently experienced a major resurgence in popularity, takes the stage at the Greek Theatre Sept. 19. Expect a highenergy night of pitch-perfect parodies. Also on Sept. 19, Latin pop icon Ricky Martin lives la vida loca at the Forum, touring behind his 10th album. And finally, The Who’s Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey and company (pictured above) play the Staples Center on Sept. 21, part of the band’s 50th-anniversary tour. See listings pp. 81-82.
Fashion designers Monique Lhuillier, Karen Kane and Lauren Conrad are among the notable alumni of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, downtown. p. 84
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HOLLYWOOD BOWL Sept. 1, 3 Los Angeles Philharmonic, conductor Bramwell Tovey, soprano Audra McDonald, American Ballet Theatre. Sept. 2 Pink Martini, Doc Severinsen and His Big Band. Sept. 4-6 E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial in Concert, featuring L.A. Philharmonic, introduced by John Williams. Sept. 8 L.A. Philharmonic, conductor Lahav Shani, pianist Khatia Buniatishvili. Sept. 10 L.A. Philharmonic, conductor Pablo Heras-Casado, pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet. Sept. 11-13 Fireworks Finale With the B-52s, the Psychedelic Furs. Sept. 16 Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Chick Corea and Béla Fleck, Cécile McLorin Salvant. Sept. 19 ABBA: The Concert. Sept. 20 Empire of the Sun, St. Lucia, host Anne Litt. Sept. 27 Grace Jones, Future Islands, host Jason Bentley. 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 323.850.2000 Map G13
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GREEK THEATRE Sept. 5 The Gipsy Kings. Sept. 6 Yes; Toto. Sept. 10 Little Big Town. Sept. 11 Lenny Kravitz. Sept. 12 Social Distortion. Sept. 14 Ms. Lauryn Hill. Sept. 18 Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals. Sept. 19 “Weird Al” Yankovic. Sept. 27 Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley; Barrington Levy; Morgan Heritage; Tarrus Riley. 2700 N. Vermont Ave., Griffith Park, L.A., 323.665.5857 Map V22
STAPLES CENTER Sept. 5 Chayanne. Sept. 11 Ariana Grande. Sept. 18 Zedd. Sept. 21 The Who. 1111 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.742.7100 Map I15 WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL Sept. 29 Opening Night Concert & Gala, featuring Los Angeles Philharmonic, Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, conductor Gustavo Dudamel. 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 323.850.2000 Map H16
Sports
MUSEUM OF TOLERANCE www.museumoftolerance.com
9786 west pico boulevard los angeles, ca 90035 t: 310.772.2506
DODGER STADIUM Aug. 31-Sept. 2 Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Francisco Giants. Sept. 14-16 Dodgers vs. Colorado Rockies. Sept. 18-20 Dodgers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates. Sept. 21-24 Dodgers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks. 1000 Elysian Park Ave., L.A., 323.224.1507 Map G17 STAPLES CENTER Sept. 3 Los Angeles Sparks vs Washington. Sept. 6 Sparks vs. Tulsa. Sept. 22 Los Angeles Kings vs. Arizona. Sept. 29 Kings vs. Anaheim. 1111 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.742.7100 Map I15
Attractions AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC Focus is on Pacific Ocean sea life. Pet the sharks at Shark Lagoon; other exhibits include Lorikeet Forest, Turtle Vision 4D and June Keyes Penguin Habitat. New and expanded jellies exhibits include touchable moon jellies and bioluminescent jellies in the Wonders of the Deep gallery. Sink or Swim: Designing for a Sea Change, an exhibition organized by the Annenberg Space for Photography, runs through Sept. 15. 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
“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. LIVE Bustling entertainment center is home to the Grammy Museum, Microsoft Theater and Club Nokia; restaurants including Nest at WP24 and Tom’s Urban; high-tech bowling lanes; and nightspots such as the Conga Room. 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.763.5483 Map I15
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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THE GRAMMY MUSEUM® PRESENTS
Attractions + Museums L.A. ZOO AND BOTANICAL GARDENS More than 250 wildlife species (many of which are rare or endangered) and 800 plant species in parklike setting. New Rainforest of the Americas exhibit. Daily 10 am-5 pm except Christmas. Ticket sales cease one hour before closing. $15-$20, under 2 free. 5333 Zoo Drive, Griffith Park, L.A., 323.644.4200 Map T23 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. Pick up a patriotic souvenir at the museum store, and dine at your choice of two on-site restaurants. Daily 10 am-5 pm except New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. $6-$16, under 2 free. 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, 800.410.8354 Map northwest of A1
BLACK
GREEN
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD Movie-based theme park. Rides include Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem and adjacent Super Silly Fun Land; the Simpsons Ride and its new immersive environment, Springfield. Tram studio tour includes King Kong 360 3-D, film and TV sets and the new Fast & Furious— Supercharged hydraulic motion-based thrill ride. Call or check universalstudioshollywood.com for hours and current prices. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 800.864.8377 Map U20
ON OPEN EXHIBITI R 4, 2015 OCTOBE THROUGH
BROWN BLACK
WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL Frank Gehry-designed architectural landmark at the Music Center. Tour options include hourlong, self-guided audio tours and docent-led tours. Hours and days vary. Visit musiccenter.org for schedule. Free for individuals or groups of up to 14 people. Tours for 15 or more by reservation, $15 per guest guided or $10 per guest self-guided. 151 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.4399 Map H16
WWW.GRAMMYMUSEUM.ORG WHITE GREEN
BROWN
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
WHITE
SONY PICTURES STUDIO TOUR Two-hour walking tour of working motion-picture studio includes sets of television shows and films. Reservation, photo ID required. M-F 9:30 am-2:30 pm. $40, under 12 not admitted. Parking free. 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, 310.244.8687 Map L11 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD Legendary studio tour (see listing under “Attractions”). VIP Experience includes private tour of movie studio, prop warehouse, front-of-line privileges, gourmet lunch and other perks. Call or check universalstudioshollywood.com for hours and current prices. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 818.622.3801 Map U20
©2015 GLAZA. All rights reserved.
Explore the rainforest, jungle and savanna... all in the heart of L.A.! With immersive exhibits, live presentations and shows, it’s wild fun for the whole family.
Open daily, 10AM to 5PM • Located in Griffith Park • Tickets and info at LAZoo.org/WHERE
WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR HOLLYWOOD Twohour tour of working TV and film studio includes backlots, soundstages, costume department, museum, observation of filming (when possible) and new Stage 48: Script to Screen soundstage. Deluxe tour available. Reservation recommended; photo ID required. Daily except Christmas 8 am-4 pm (call for extended summer hours). $62, under 8 not admitted. 3400 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank, 818.972.8687 Map U20
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Attractions + Museums Studio Tapings
– The Stage, London
AUDIENCES UNLIMITED Free tickets to live tapings of TV shows produced in the L.A. area, such as The Big Bang Theory, Girl Meets World and 2 Broke Girls. Minimum age 10-18, varies by show. 818.260.0041, ext. 1, tvtickets.com THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW Free tickets to taping of comedian’s daytime talk show. Minimum age 14; minors must show photo ID and be accompanied by a parent. Advance tickets, go to ellen.warnerbros. com/tickets; day-of tickets, call before noon. Warner Bros. Studios, 3400 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank, 818.954.5929 Map U20 JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE! Free tickets to live tapings of late-night ABC show. Minimum age 18. El Capitan Entertainment Centre, 6840 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 1iota.com Map H13 ON-CAMERA AUDIENCES Free tickets to live tapings of TV shows including So You Think You Can Dance?, The Price Is Right and American Idol. Minimum age varies by show. 818.295.2700, mytvtickets.com
Museums THE ANNENBERG SPACE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY Cultural venue dedicated solely to digital and print photography. Multimedia studio and retail gallery Skylight Studios is across the park from the photography space. Through Sept. 20 Emerging; Emerging Experience. W-Su 11 am-6 pm. Free. Parking $3.50, $1 after 4:30 pm and all day Sa-Su. 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Century City, 213.403.3000 Map J11 AUTRY NATIONAL CENTER Opening Sept. 12 California Impressionism: The Gardena High School Collection. Continuing Empire and Liberty: The Civil War and the West; New Acquisitions Featuring the Kaufman Collection. Ongoing Art of the West; Western Frontiers: Stories of Fact and Fiction; Four Centuries of Pueblo Pottery. Tu-F 10 am-4 pm; Sa-Su 10 am-5 pm. $4-$10, under 3 free. 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, L.A., 323.667.2000 Map H14 THE BROAD Opening Sept. 20, this art museum built by philanthropists and longtime art collectors Eli and Edythe Broad contains nearly 2,000 works of postwar and contemporary art. A restaurant and a 24,000-square-foot public plaza are adjacent to the museum. Check thebroad.org for hours. Free. 221 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.232.6200 Map H16 FASHION INSTITUTE OF DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING (FIDM) Museum & Galleries on fashion school campus. Through Sept. 26 Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design. Continuing Inspired Eye: The Donald and Joan Damask Design Collection at the FIDM Museum; Fleurs: Botanicals in Dress From the Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection. T–Sa 10 am–5 pm. Free. 919 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.624.1200 Map I16 FOWLER MUSEUM Art and material culture from Africa, Asia, the Pacific, the Americas. Through Sept. 6 Making Strange: Gagawaka + Postmortem by Vivan Sundaram; Singular Spaces: From the Eccentric to the Extraordinary in Spanish Art Environments. Opening Sept. 13 A:shiwi A:wan Ulohnanne–The Zuni World; Treasured Textiles From the American Southwest: The Durango Collection. Through Sept. 20 Fowler in Focus: The Art of Hair in Africa. Opening Sept. 27 Fowler in Focus: Encountering Ancient Colombia–A Journey Through the Magdalena Valley. Ongoing Intersections: World Arts, Local Lives. W, F-Su noon-5 pm; Th noon-8 pm. Free. Parking $3-$12. UCLA, 308 Charles E. Young Drive N., L.A., 310.825.4361 Map I10
AHMANSON THEATRE SEP 20 – OCT 31 213.972.4400 CenterTheatreGroup.org season sponsor
@CTGLA
GETTY CENTER Travertine-clad hilltop facility houses stunning collections of paintings, drawings, antiquities, photographs and decorative arts. Fabulous Central Gar-
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Attractions + Museums den and city views. Through Sept. 6 A Kingdom of Images: French Prints in the Age of Louis XIV, 1660-1715; Light, Paper, Process: Reinventing Photography. Through Sept. 13 Andrea del Sarto: The Renaissance Workshop in Action. Opening Sept. 15 Louis Style: French Frames, 1610–1792. Through Sept. 27 Touching the Past: The Hand and the Medieval Book. Continuing In Focus: Animalia; Degas: “Russian Dancers” and the Art of Pastel; Power and Pathos: Bronze Sculpture of the Hellenistic World. Ongoing The Life of Art: Context, Collecting, and Display. Tu-F, Su 10 am-5:30 pm; Sa 10 am-9 pm. Free. Parking $15, $10 Sa after 5 pm. 1200 Getty Center Drive, L.A., 310.440.7300 Map H9 GETTY VILLA Getty Center’s exquisite coastal counterpart features Roman and Greek antiquities. Ongoing Molten Color: Glassmaking in Antiquity. W-M 10 am-5 pm. Free. Parking $15, $10 after 5 pm for evening programs. Advance timed tickets required for entry. 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades, 310.440.7300 Map K7 GRAMMY MUSEUM Museum on L.A. Live campus explores music, the creative and recording processes and Grammy Award history. Through Sept. 20 Joan Rivers: Can We Talk? Continuing All Eyez on Me: The Writings of Tupac Shakur; Legends of Motown: Celebrating the Supremes; Rare Guitars; Ravi Shankar: A Life in Music; The Taylor Swift Experience. (See grammymuseum. org for ongoing and permanent exhibits.) M-F 11:30 am-7:30 pm; Sa-Su 10 am-7:30 pm. $10.95-$12.95, under 6 free. 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.765.6800 Map I15 HAMMER MUSEUM Traveling shows and installations and permanent collection. Through Sept. 13 Perfect Likeness: Photography and Composition. Through Sept. 20 Hammer Projects: Joseph Holtzman. Through Sept. 27 Mark Bradford: Scorched Earth; Hammer Projects: Mary Reid Kelley; The Afghan Carpet Project. Tu-F 11 am-8 pm; Sa-Su 11 am-5 pm. Free. 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood, 310.443.7000 Map J10
Discover the
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HEART BEAT of Southern
California’s culture
2015 TRAVEL AWARD RECIPIENT: BEST ARTS SCENE
There’s something significant around every corner, whether you’re into architecture, design, fashion, music, theatre, museums, galleries—or the joy of discovering the city’s hidden gems without an agenda. Pasadena is the heartbeat that houses Southern California’s cultural side. Pasadena Museum of California Art Pasadena Playhouse Pasadena Museum of History Kidspace Children’s Museum Norton Simon Museum USC Pacific Asia Museum
MUSEUM Located in the historic 4/7/15 5:56HOLLYWOOD PM
Max Factor Building, steps from the Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Museum houses 10,000 authentic showbiz treasures that showcase 100 years of Hollywood’s entertainment industry. Don’t miss Max Factor’s makeup rooms, where Marilyn Monroe became a blonde and Lucille Ball a redhead, and Hannibal Lecter’s jail cell from Silence of the Lambs. Through Sept. 6 Marilyn Monroe: The Exhibit. Through Sept. 27 Reel to Real: Portrayals and Perceptions of Gays in Hollywood. W-Su 10 am-5 pm. $5-$15. 1660 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 323.464.7776 Map H13 HUNTINGTON LIBRARY, ART COLLECTIONS, AND BOTANICAL GARDENS Art, buildings and grounds, with more than a dozen themed gardens. New education and visitor center. Through Sept. 7 Velvet Paintings: 18th-Century Pastels From the Huntington’s Art Collections. Through Sept. 21 Between Modernism and Tradition: British Works on Paper, 1914-1948. Continuing Magna Carta: Law and Legend, 1215-2015. M, W-Su 10:30 am-4:30 pm. $10-$25, under 4 free. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, 626.405.2141 Map R21 LA BREA TAR PITS AND MUSEUM Watch paleontologists at work uncovering Ice Age L.A. Among the main attractions are the ever-bubbling tar pits, which make up the world’s most famous fossil-excavation site. Daily 9:30 am-5 pm. $5-$12, under 3 free. 5801 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.934.7243 Map J13
VISITPASADENA.COM
LOS ANGELES COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART Diverse, superb collections housed on 20-acre campus. Through Sept. 7 Christian Marclay: The Clock; Four Allegories by Veronese: A Rediscovery and a Reunion; Miracle Mile. Through Sept. 13 50 for 50: Gifts on the Occasion of LACMA’s Anniversary. Opening Sept. 13 Frank Gehry. Through Sept. 20 Japanese Paintings and Prints: Celebrating LACMA’s 50th Anniversary. Through Sept. 27 STUDIO: Norbert Tadeusz; Noah Purifoy: Junk Dada. (See lacma. org for continuing and ongoing exhibits, programs and
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Shopping special events.) M-Tu, Th 11 am-5 pm; F 11 am-8 pm; SaSu 10 am-7 pm. $10-$15, under 18 free. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.857.6000 Map J13 MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART Premier contemporary art museum housed in three facilities. Through Sept. 13 Tongues Untied (PDC). Opening Sept. 13 Matthew Barney: River of Fundament (GC). Ongoing Selections From MOCA’s Permanent Collection (GA). GA and GC: M, F 11 am-5 pm; Th 11 am-8 pm; Sa-Su 11 am-6 pm. PDC: Tu-F 11 am-5 pm; Sa-Su 11 am-6 pm. $7-$12, under 12 free, Th 5-8 pm free; free at PDC. MOCA Grand Avenue (GA), 250 S. Grand Ave., downtown; Geffen Contemporary (GC), 152 N. Central Ave., downtown; MOCA Gallery at Pacific Design Center (PDC), 8687 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 213.626.6222 Map H16, H17, I12 MUSEUM OF TOLERANCE Exhibits on prejudice and discrimination, legacy of the Holocaust and human-rights issues, plus an immersive look at Anne Frank’s life and legacy. (See museumoftolerance. com for additional exhibits.) Su-W, F 10 am-5 pm; Th 10 am-9:30 pm (extended hours for Anne only). $11.50-$15.50, under 5 free. 9786 W. Pico Blvd., L.A., 310.553.8403 Map J11 NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY Thirty-three million objects from dinosaur fossils to fish. The 3.5-acre Nature Gardens and interactive Nature Lab are new to the museum. The Tyrannosaurus rex growth series is a highlight of the Dinosaur Hall. Through Sept. 7 Butterfly Pavilion. Through Sept. 13 Grandes Maestros. Opening Sept. 18 Mummies: New Secrets From the Tombs. Opening Sept. 27 Spider Pavilion. (See nhm.org for additional exhibits.) Daily 9:30 am-5 pm. $5-$12, under 3 free. 900 Exposition Blvd., Exposition Park, L.A., 213.763.3466 Map K15
13604 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks 818.990.6128 AbundancePlusSizes.com
NORTON SIMON MUSEUM Stellar collection of Renaissance to 20th-century masterworks and sculpture garden. Continuing Fragonard’s Enterprise: The Artist and the Literature of Travel; A Revolution of the Palette: The First Synthetic Blues and Their Impact on French Artists. M, W-Th noon-5 pm; F-Sa 11 am-8 pm; Su 11 am-5 pm. $9-$12; students with photo ID, under 19 free. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626.449.6840 Map Q19 SKIRBALL CULTURAL CENTER The American Jewish experience. Opening Sept. 1 Petit Takett: Love, Legacy, and Recipes From the Maghreb. Continuing Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution. Ongoing Noah’s Ark; Visions and Values. Tu-F noon-5 pm; Sa-Su 10 am-5 pm. $5-$10, under 2 free, free Th. 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A., 310.440.4500 Map G9 USC PACIFIC ASIA MUSEUM Southeast Asian and Pacific Island art and culture. Opening Sept. 11 Reshaping Tradition: Contemporary Ceramics From East Asia. Continuing The View From a Scholar’s Studio: Japanese Literati Paintings from Tiezudingzhai Collection. W-Su 10 am-6 pm. $7-$10, under 13 free. 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, 626.449.2742 Map R20
Shopping Destinations THE AMERICANA AT BRAND Downtown Glendale hot spot from the creators of the Grove with Main Street, U.S.A., atmosphere and trolley. Some 90 stores and dining options. Boutiques include Kate Spade, Kiehl’s, Sugarfina and David Yurman; other draws include Pacific Theatres cinema. 889 Americana Way, Glendale, 818.637.8900 Map U23 BEVERLY CENTER Trendsetting mall near West Hollywood has more than 100 boutiques (Burberry, Fendi, Gucci, Saint Laurent, Tiffany & Co. and Z Zegna) and restaurants including Obica Mozzarella Bar and P.F. Chang’s China Bistro. Anchors include Macy’s, Macy’s Men’s Store and Bloomingdale’s. 8500 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 310.854.0070 Map I12
M
illions of lives have been touched by the man simply known as “Ron” to his many friends. The true story of his life would fill volumes. Yet many know little about him beyond his name and the value of his works. L. Ron Hubbard has been aptly described as “a man ahead of his time defying any simple categorization.” Fully professional in many different fields, his life was one of constant adventure. You can walk through the chapters of Mr. Hubbard’s life at the L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition. Winner of the prestigious Legacy Award, this exhibition is unique amongst museums
and exhibits, its intimate life details, history and works of only one man, in more than 30 imaginative and innovative displays and exhibits. To learn even more about Ron’s life read the Ron Series. Available in the museum bookstore. The L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition is located at 6331 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, in the historic Hollywood Guaranty Building at the corner of Hollywood and Ivar. It is open 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week. Advance bookings are recommended — call (323) 960-3511.
WWW.LRONHUBBARD.ORG
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Shopping
BEFORE YOU FLY, SURF.
CAMARILLO PREMIUM OUTLETS Luxury outlet center just north of L.A. County. More than 160 stores are represented, including Barneys New York and St. John. The Promenade is anchored by Neiman Marcus Last Call and Saks Off 5th. 740 E. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, 805.445.8520 Map northwest of A1
www.WhereLA.com
CITADEL OUTLETS Assyrian architecture south of downtown stands out along the Golden State (5) Freeway; the center offers discounted duds from Kate Spade, H&M, Banana Republic, Levi’s and Converse, to name just a few. 100 Citadel Drive, L.A., 323.888.1724 Map B4
Discover timely
FIGAT7TH Center features hip eateries such as Loteria Grill, the Melt, City Tavern and Sprinkles Cupcakes, plus shops including City Target, Zara and H&M. Bespoke Cycling Studio and Gold’s Gym also on-site. Retail M-F 10 am-9 pm, Sa-Su 10 am-7 pm; dining M-F 11 am-9 pm, Sa-Su 11 am-7 pm. 735 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.955.7150 Map H16
information on current events, restaurants, sights and attractions on the WHERE Magazine website.
YOUR PRIVATE RIDE
THE GROVE Popular outdoor center has some 40 shops including Apple and Diane von Furstenberg, plus Nordstrom and restaurants including new Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill in a setting that suggests a grand old downtown. Movie theater, trolley and dancing fountain are draws. Adjacent to Farmers Market. 189 The Grove Drive, L.A., 888.315.8883 Map I13 MALIBU COUNTRY MART Outdoor center with upscale boutiques such as Curve, Wildfox, Vintage Malibu and Madison, plus Cie Sparks salon, a children’s play area and other amenities and services. Restaurants include Tra di Noi and Taverna Tony. 3835 Cross Creek Road, Malibu, 310.456.7300 Map northwest of K7
where
ONE COLORADO Quaint outdoor plaza with upscale boutiques such as Cop. Copine, Sugarfina and Vince, plus iPic Theaters. Restaurants include Il Fornaio, A/K/A Bistro and Sushi Roku. 41 Hugus Alley, Old Pasadena, 626.564.1066 Map Q19
BEC AUSE YOU’ VE ARR IVED
WORLD PREMIERE · NOW OPEN
ONTARIO MILLS OUTLETS California’s largest outlet shopping destination. Among 200 stores are Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss Factory Store, DKNY, Saks Off 5th, Last Call by Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom Rack. Thirty-screen cineplex. 1 Mills Circle, Ontario, 909.484.8300 Map east of B6
FOOTBALL!
SANTA MONICA PLACE Sleek outdoor mall at one end of Third Street Promenade. Anchored by Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s. More than 80 boutiques including CB2 and Barneys New York, plus a rooftop dining deck. 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, 310.394.1049 Map L8
THE EXHIBITION AT THE REAGAN LIBRARY
REAGANLIBRARY.COM/FOOTBALL 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, CA 93065 | 805.522.2977 ZAGAT 2015
SOUTH COAST PLAZA High-end center boasts nearly 300 boutiques, 30 restaurants and several spas. Stores include Chanel, Gucci, Valentino, Chloé, Jimmy Choo, Christian Dior, Tadashi Shoji. Concierge at four locations. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 800.782.8888 Map E6 THIRD STREET PROMENADE Pedestrian-only shopping zone includes Zara, Cotton On, Converse, Anthropologie, kiosks and a wide array of very entertaining street performers. 1351 3rd St. Promenade, Santa Monica, 310.393.8355 Map L8 TWO RODEO Center with cobblestones in the heart of Beverly Hills features high-end boutiques including Jimmy Choo, Vilebrequin and Tiffany & Co., plus restaurants such as 208 Rodeo and fine-art gallery Galerie Michael. 9478 Dayton Way, Beverly Hills, 310.247.7040 Map J11
Fine French Cuisine with a Japanese Flair
Special Menu available Tues-Thurs, Sunday (except special event day) Your choice appetizer and main course or main course and dessert for only $36
713 East Green Street Pasadena 626 796 9501
WESTFIELD AT LAX Visitors flying out of LAX can enjoy top L.A. retail and dining establishments, curated by Westfield, in the Tom Bradley International Terminal. Shop at Fred Segal, Kitson and more. Fine-dining options include James’ Beach and Border Grill. 380 World Way, L.A., 310.646.1770 Map O10
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Nightlife
The Fun Starts Here! “Surprisingl y fun & informative. .”
Nightlife
!
1 OAK Strikingly seductive, art-filled club in from New York. 9039 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.274.2326 Map H12 BAR MARMONT Dreamy bar next door to historic Chateau Marmont. 8171 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, 323.650.0575 Map H12
r Movie StarS HoMeS tou
!
As seen o
n TV
“Ellen”
BASEMENT TAVERN Underground speakeasy in a Victorian abode; live music. The Victorian, 2640 Main St., Santa Monica, 310.396.2469 Map M8
!
BOARDWALK Nautical-themed club in former Colony space. 1743 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, 323.525.2450 Map H14 BOOTSY BELLOWS H.wood Group’s recently refreshed club with glam decor and VIP lounge, plus burlesque shows and other live entertainment. 9229 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.274.7500 Map H12 BREAK ROOM 86 ’80s-style bar from Houston Hospitality inside Koreatown’s Line Hotel. Private karaoke suites, guest DJs, fruity drinks and live entertainment. 630 S. Ardmore Ave., L.A., 213.368.3056 Map west of H15
Over 70 stops
ur The #1 Celebrity To
MULTILINGUAL COMMENTARY
Movie LocationS tour - La “Bladerunner” at Bradbury Bldg.
THE BUNGALOW Seaside cottage-style nightspot with great ocean views and gourmet bites by Fig Restaurant. The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, 101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.899.8530 Map L8
“Iron Man 3” at Chinese Theatre
“The Dark Knight Rises” at Union Station
GOOD TIMES AT DAVEY WAYNE’S ’70s-themed bar from the Houston brothers. 1611 N. El Centro Ave., L.A., 323.962.3804 Map H14 GRANDPA JOHNSON’S Nightlife veteran Johnny Zander makes cocktails a family affair at his stylish art deco lounge. 1638 N. Cahuenga Blvd., L.A., 323.467.7300 Map H14 HARLOWE Spacious, vintage-glam restaurant and bar. 7321 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.876.5839 Map H13
Bus Interior
Over 50 Movie Locations from 100 Hollywood Movies
HONEYCUT Inventive cocktails and a colorful, underlit glass dance floor await at this subterranean spot. 819 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.688.0888 Map I16
Other Grand Tour of LA, TMZ Celebrity Tour, Beach Tour, Night Tour, Tours 1-Hour Hollywood Fun Tour, Disneyland, Universal Studios, Six Flags, Include: Warner Bros Studio Tour, Sea World, San Diego and Tijuana
LA DESCARGA Cuban-inspired rum bar. Live band and dance performances. Reservation recommended. Upscale dress code. 1159 N. Western Ave., L.A., 323.466.1324 Map east of H14
Grand City Tour of L.A. available in:
MELROSE UMBRELLA CO. Rustic-chic space with creative cocktails and inventive fare. 17465 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.951.0709 Map I12
THE SPARE ROOM Gaming parlor and cocktail lounge with bowling lanes and fancy drinks. Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.769.7296 Map H13
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Portuguese
Français
Deutsch
/starlinetours
PERCH Open-air roost in a historic building; indoor cabaret lounge Bar Thirteen is underneath. 448 S. Hill St., downtown, 213.802.1770 Map I16
SEVEN GRAND Whiskey bar with tongue-in-cheek hunt-club decor. 515 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.614.0737 Map I16
English
Italiano
starlinetours.com • citysightseeingla.com
NO VACANCY Gin cocktails and live entertainment in a Victorian boutique hotel. 1727 N. Hudson Ave., Hollywood, 323.465.1902 Map H14
SASSAFRAS Lounge styled as a (stylishly) decaying Savannah town house specializes in barrel-aged cocktails. 1233 N. Vine St., Hollywood, 323.467.2800 Map H14
Español
Tel: 1-800-959-3131 or 1-323-463-3333 Main Starline Terminal is at TCL Chinese Theatre, 6925 Hollywood Blvd., 90028
5
Santa Monica Terminal is at 1434 2nd St., Santa Monica 90401
Anaheim Terminal is at M3 Live, 2232 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim 92802
$
OFF
PER PERSON FOR ANY TOUR TICKETS*
SPECIAL WHERE OFFER *VALID FOR ANY STARLINE TOUR EXCLUDING “SPECIALS”. HOTEL PICK-UPS AVAILABLE. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER DISCOUNT. NOT VALID FOR ONLINE RESERVATIONS OR PRIOR BOOKINGS. VALID ONLY FOR CUSTOMERS WHO PURCHASE TICKETS DIRECTLY AT STARLINE KIOSK AT CHINESE THEATRE OR CONTACT STARLINE DIRECTLY AT 1-323-463-3333 OR 1-800-959-3131. VALID THROUGH 12/25/15.
8/20/15 4:15 PM
Beaches
“The Official Museum of Hollywood” -Hollywood’s Honorary Mayor, Johnny Grant
UPSTAIRS Sip drinks and enjoy stunning city views atop Ace Hotel, in the historic United Artists Building. 929 S. Broadway, downtown, 213.623.3233 Map I16 THE VARNISH The mixing of Prohibition-era cocktails is an art form at this bar in the back of Cole’s diner. 118 E. 6th St., downtown, 213.622.9999 Map I17
IN THE HISTORIC MAX FACTOR BUILDING
Beaches BELMONT SHORE Wide and sandy; on-site dog beach. Along Ocean Boulevard, from 54th Place to Belmont Pier, Long Beach Map O17 HERMOSA BEACH Two-mile stretch of beach with combination bike path/boardwalk and pier. Hermosa Avenue and 33rd Street, Hermosa Beach Map L13 MALIBU BEACH 167-acre beach includes Malibu Pier, Malibu Lagoon and a museum that highlights the area’s history. 23050 and 23200 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu Map northwest of K9 MALIBU SURFRIDER BEACH World-renowned surfing area. Swimming areas are limited. 23050 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu Map northwest of K9 MANHATTAN BEACH Beach is bisected by a 900-foot pier. Beach-volleyball nets extend to Hermosa Beach. Metered street and lot parking. 400-4500 The Strand, Manhattan Beach Map L13 SANTA MONICA STATE BEACH Wide, sandy expanses divided by Santa Monica Pier. 100-2900 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica Map M8
Milton Greene Photograph, 1953 © 2013 The Hollywood Museum
SEE 10,000 AUTHENTIC SHOWBIZ TREASURES SHOWCASING 100 YEARS OF HOLLYWOOD!
The most extensive collection of costumes, props, posters, and photographs in the world!
SPECIAL EXHIBITS Celebrating Emmy® Awards...Best of TV 2015 Marilyn: The Exhibit Reel to Real: Portrayals and Perceptions of LGBTs in Hollywood In Partnership with Los Angeles City Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell (CD-13)
Open: Wed. - Sun. 10am-5pm “#1 Hollywood Tourist Attraction” –LA Weekly “One of LA’s Top 10 Museums” –LA Tourism and Convention Board “Certificate of Excellence” –Trip Advisor 1660 North Highland Avenue at Hollywood Boulevard Hollywood, California 90028 323.464.7776 www.TheHollywoodMuseum.com
VENICE CITY BEACH Boardwalk with street performers and shops is one of SoCal’s biggest attractions. The north end is home to “Muscle Beach.” Beach wheelchairs available. 2700-3100 Ocean Front Walk, Venice Map N9 WILL ROGERS STATE BEACH Sandy 3-mile beach is starting point for the Marvin Braude Bike Trail. Popular for swimming and skin diving; volleyball courts. Beach wheelchairs available. 17700 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades Map K7 ZUMA BEACH The ultimate SoCal beach. Food stands at each end of its 4-mile expanse along PCH. Beach wheelchairs available. 30050 block of Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu Map northwest of K7
Tours + Transport A LIST LIMOUSINE A List Limo offers an all-new fleet of luxury cars, including Lincoln MKTs and Mercedes S550s, complete with state-of-the-art technology and professionally trained chauffeurs. Private custom city tours with multiple language options are also available. 310.568.1590, alistlimo.com AMTRAK Train and bus service within the county, along the coast and to major California locations. Nationwide connections, multiple-day rail passes. Stations in Burbank, downtown (Union Station), Long Beach, Pasadena and Van Nuys. The Coast Starlight connects L.A. to Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Portland and Seattle. 800.872.7245, amtrak.com CATALINA EXPRESS Year-round boat service to Catalina Island. Daily departures from Long Beach, Dana Point, San Pedro. Reservation recommended. Call for hours. San Pedro, Long Beach: $29.50-$37.25 one-way, $59-$74.50 round-trip; Dana Point: $30.50-$38.25 one-way, $61-$76.50 round-trip; under 2 $2.50 one-way, $5 round-trip. Ride free on your birthday. 800.481.3470, catalinaexpress.com CITYPASS Southern California CityPass offers discounted admission to Disneyland Resort and Disney
California Adventure (including one Magic Morning admission), Legoland California (excluding water park and Sea Life Aquarium) and SeaWorld San Diego. $329, ages 3-9 $286, under 3 free. Purchase pass at attractions or order online. 888.330.5008, citypass.com DODGER STADIUM TOUR Behind-the-scenes tour allows guests to visit the field and the dugout, walk through the Vin Scully Press Box and get an exclusive look at the Lexus Dugout Club—the VIP restaurant and lounge hidden behind home plate—where World Series trophies and more awards are on display. $15-$20. 100 Elysian Park Ave., downtown, 866.363.4377 Map G17 HORNBLOWER CRUISES Take in harbor views while you dine on one of Hornblower’s cruises, then dance under the stars on the outdoor deck. Choose from dinner-dance and Champagne brunch options. Fisherman’s Village, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, 888.467.6256, hornblower.com Map O9 LOS ANGELES CONSERVANCY More than a dozen walking tours, including Broadway’s Historic Theatre District, the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Union Station and Angelino Heights, with a focus on architecture. Call for specialty tours. 213.623.2489, laconservancy.org METRO City bus, light rail and subway. Rail lines connect downtown, Hollywood, Pasadena, Long Beach. Underground Red Line from Union Station through Hollywood to San Fernando Valley; Gold Line from Union Station to Pasadena and East L.A.; Blue Line from downtown to Long Beach; Green Line from Norwalk to Redondo Beach; Expo Line from Culver City to downtown. 323.466.3876, metro.net METROLINK Regional train system connects Los Angeles County with Ventura, Orange and San Diego counties. Six of seven Metrolink rail lines (including the Orange County lines, San Bernardino lines and Ventura County lines) begin at Union Station in downtown Los Angeles. 800.371.5465, metrolinktrains.com MOVIE LOCATIONS TOUR—L.A. See more than 50 movie locations while viewing clips from films shot around L.A. Bus features stadium seating, 65-inch HDTV and panoramic windows. $45-$60. Tours begin at TCL Chinese Theatre, 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 800.959.3131, movielocationstour.com Map H13 STARLINE TOURS Hollywood’s largest celebrity-tour company offers Movie Stars’ Homes tour plus tours to movie locations, beaches, theme parks, San Diego and more. The CitySightseeing double-decker hop-on, hop-off tour has more than 70 stops around L.A. Prices vary. Tours begin at TCL Chinese Theatre, 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 800.959.3131, starlinetours.com Map H13 SUPERSHUTTLE Shared-ride shuttle service to and from airport. Group rates, charters, and frequent-flier points and miles with select airlines. 800.258.3826, supershuttle.com TMZ CELEBRITY TOUR, HOLLYWOOD Bus tour with state-of-the-art audio-video system explores celebrity haunts and sites of famous scandals. TMZ guides are at the ready to interview celebrities and send footage back to the newsroom. $49-$59. Tours begin at TCL Chinese Theatre, 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 855.486.9868, tmztour.com Map H13
where?
Log on anywhere. WhereLA.com WHERE LOS ANGELES 89
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GO METRO Despite what you may have heard, you can get to many Los Angeles attractions without a car. Metro is the nation’s third-largest public transportation agency, operating 2,200 buses and six rail lines, including a subway that can take you from downtown to Hollywood in about 15 minutes. Whether you’re interested in seeing stars along the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame, catching rays at Santa Monica Beach or touring any number of L.A. landmarks, Metro can take you there.
Where to Start
Use the Trip Planner at metro.net or call 323.GO.METRO for customized travel itineraries. Note that some popular attractions served by Metro Rail are listed to the right.
Fares
Metro’s base fare is $1.75. It’s best to pay using a TAP card, a reloadable plastic card that can store Metro passes or individual rides. TAP cards cost $1 and are available from self-service vending machines at Metro Rail stations, or onboard buses with the purchase of a 1-Day Pass. For complete information, check metro.net/fares.
Metro Rail Destinations
Here’s a sampling of attractions that are within easy walking distance of Metro Rail stations: METRO RED/PURPLE LINE Union Station • Olvera Street
Civic Center/Grand Park • Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels • Museum of Contemporary Art • Music Center • Walt Disney Concert Hall • Grand Park 7th Street/Metro Center • Macy’s Plaza (dining, shops) • FIGat7th (dining, shops) Hollywood/Vine • Capitol Records Tower • Hollywood Walk of Fame • Pantages Theatre Hollywood/Highland • TCL Chinese Theatre • Hollywood & Highland (dining, shops) Universal City/Studio City • Universal CityWalk (dining, shops) • Universal Studios Hollywood
Two children under the age of 5 may travel free with each fare-paying adult. Eating and drinking is not permitted on any Metro bus or train.
North Hollywood • El Portal Theatre • NoHo Arts District (dining, shops, theatres)
Hours
METRO BLUE LINE
Most bus and rail lines start around 4 a.m. and keep running past midnight. But they’re less frequent in the late evening, so check the timetables at metro.net regarding your return trip.
Pico • Los Angeles Convention Center • STAPLES Center/L.A. LIVE 103rd Street/Watts Tower • Watts Towers Downtown Long Beach • Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific • Pine Avenue (dining, shops) • Queen Mary
METRO GOLD LINE
Little Tokyo/Arts District • Japanese American National Museum • The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA Memorial Park • Norton Simon Museum Lake • Pasadena Playhouse
METRO EXPO LINE
Expo Park/USC • California Science Center • Natural History Museum SEE THE METRO ROUTE MAP ON PAGE 95.
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20 On Sept. 20, the grand opening (finally!) of The Broad downtown. p. 84
Four days of vintage glamour at The Queen Mary’s art deco festival, Sept. 4-7. p. 83
Ultra luxe, eco-friendly Rahua hair products at Selects Apothecary. 424.284.3468
All things T-Swizzle at The Grammy Museum’s exhibit The Taylor Swift Experience. p. 85
Velvet Lavender perfume at Eric Buterbaugh Florals on Beverly Boulevard. p. 41
Lobster rolls at new Cousins Maine Lobster in West Hollywood. 424.204.9923
Mani-pedis at the new Olive & June in Pasadena. p. 53
A customized facial at Dermalogica’s concept space on Montana Avenue. 310.260.8682
Dining in the très belle Le Jardin at Estérel. p. 72
The Mark Bradford: Scorched Earth exhibit, through Sept. 27 at the Hammer Museum. p. 85
The hiking trails and heavenly views from Griffith Observatory. p. 82 Lounging on the patio at Hyde Sunset Kitchen + Cocktails. 323.940.1650 The labyrinth of books at The Last Bookstore, downtown. 213.488.0599 Opening night with Beethoven and Dudamel at Disney Concert Hall. p. 82 Elevated bar nuts at Simbal in Little Tokyo. p. 24
where in the world
Heels with attitude from the limited-edition Hollywood collection at Salvatore Ferragamo in Beverly Hills. p. 12 Browsing the stylish home decor and furniture shops in the West Hollywood Design District. p. 40 Sipping a County Line cocktail at The Bungalow in Santa Monica. p. 88 Vegetable-tanned leather bags by All Hands, available at Lost & Found. 323.856.5872
Where is an international network of magazines first published in 1936 and distributed in 4,000 leading hotels in more than 50 places around the world. Look for us when you visit any of the following cities, or plan ahead for your next trip by visiting us online at wheretraveler.com UNITED STATES Alaska, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charleston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Georgia, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Maui, Minneapolis/St. Paul,
New evening bags and shoes by Monique Lhuillier, at her Melrose Place flagship. 323.655.1088 Lobster noodles at The District by Hannah An. p. 24 Watching the chefs slice and dice at Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill. p. 10 The newly redesigned Sunset Strip nightclub Bootsy Bellows. p. 88 Sipping a Bon Appétit cocktail at Pour Vous in Hollywood. 323.871.8699 Intimate concerts under the stars at the Greek Theatre. p. 82
Balayage by Joey Carrera at Sally Hershberger salon. 310.854.4922 Fall accessories like this Moto Hobo at the new Rebecca Minkoff store. p. 12 The refreshing kombucha and flavorful affogatos at Copa Vida in Pasadena. 626.213.3952 Beautiful, light-as-air gowns by Tadashi Shoji, available at his South Coast Plaza store. p. 87 Mad Fritz’s limited-edition Lion and the Mouse beer at the Peninsula Beverly Hills’ The Club Bar. 310.551.2888
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