Beachfan

I ate their 4 times, and liked it twice and absolutely loved it twice (one of the tmes I only liked it, I loved other peoples food). I'm sure the reason they closed was because of how labor intensive the food was. Pricey as it was, I'm not sure they made real money. But they had techniques there that deserved to be experienced, regardless of your attitude towards fire or meat.

How do I ask them to cook for me off menu? I have a good friend in town and we are going this weekend. I think just ask. While I haven't done it, I heard sitting on the Pato helps.

Joe's. I like Melisse, but for LAX sans car, Joe's.

Not sure I'd go tasting menu unless Lee was cooking for you "off the menu". My favorites Fois gras three ways (with a glass of d'Yquem) Beet salad angliotti with truffles and marscapone pan roasted turbot with leek spagetti (haven't had it but I doubt you could go wrong)

Correct, and panned in last Wednesday's food section. Unfortunately, Posto had slid dramatically.

I was slow to find out that Posto's closed in Sherman Oaks. At one time, it was truly great. But they kept siphoning off the chef's to cook at Valention's (both LA and Vegas).

Let's be realistic. Assuming no traffic is a bad assumption. There is no place within a real 15 minutes of the airport that's better than a Denny's (unless there's some unsung BBQ joint). Don't even try to eat that close. Unless you are going to be drinking, no reason not to go to the restaurants suggested above; not 15 minutes, but not far timewise. But 10 miles away or more.

I love Campanille, you'd have to drop $300 for two to do better (Sona, Melisse when it's on, Spago) even if those places were open.

And sometimes the tasting bar at the Wine Club is very interesting. These are the two best places in that part of town.

Props to Food Zealot for organizing the expedition!!! Which was the sauteed greens that we got first? Exceptional. The Somtom was superb. I really liked the wide noodles with shrimp, chili, basil and tomatoes at the end. And the larb was a winner. It showed the value of a large group. There were good dishes and great dishes and the ones I thought would be the best weren't necessarily.

Do they allow corkage? I have a nice Alsatian wine to bring.

Roger that! I'm in (for 2). Where's tissue?

Is this still on?

Leila's, in Agoura Hills

I've heard great things about Aubergine.

Noah's = Rolls with holes

Sorry, I didn't go, my wife did, and she doesn't remember the details of stuff she didn't like. She didn't even remember the name of the restaurant. Ahhh, but the view of the Grand Canal from our room......

I think Gustaf Anders is not too far (by LA standards) from Costa Mesa. It's in Santa Ana. Great Scandanavian food. Think gravlax and herring.

I'm up for January 11, but not up for a crawl. I'll join you for one of the stops if you do several. My wife went to Jitalda based on the buzz. She was way underwhelmed. Maybe she didn't order right, but she is no stranger to Thai food. The "B" health department rating wasn't encouraging either. She'd be willing to go back if there is someone whose been there before and knows how to order. I propose a 1:00 Lunch somewhere west of downtown.

Didn't care for Lucques the time I was here. My current favorites Sona (4 or 5 times this year, best in LA) Melisse (3 times this year all excellent) Camponille (2 times this year, very good to excellent) Joe's (2 times this year, very good , slightly more casual) Spago was my favorite, but my last meal there was disappointing. First one out of 12 though, I'm gonna give it another try though. I've heard great things about Bastide but because they don't allow corkage, I'm unlikely to try it.

Dates? December 21, Sunday? Jan 4, Sunday? Jan 8, Thursday? January 11, Sunday January xx, up to January 17 (inclusive). (Are they open Sundays?).

I vote for Jitalda (assuming Food Zealot loved the meal as much as I love the pictures).

If it's west of downtown, I'm in! And available before Xmas too!

Glad to see it's still in top form. I've been there twice and loved it both times. The first time it was absolutely sensational. For all you closed minded folks, don't go. The reservations are too hard to get as it is. For those of you who really like great food and don't care what the chef's religion is, or what color underwear they wear, etc., then go! You'll be very pleased with the food.

I really like Joe's. I think it rules in it's price range; you have to go to Camponile or similarly priced places to do better. I wouldn't have called it funky, unless you mean the sort of awkward tables in the bar area and the hall. Food is very professional.