hollywood

Another excellent point. Part of what you are paying for at a 3 star is the cellar and the sommelier's suggestions regarding marriage of wine and food. Also, the way the staff is able to be there with refills just at the right moment and at the same time make the wine last throughout the meal (Taillevent, I believe is one place that will open another bottle gratis just for this purpose). While theoretically possible to have a 3 star meal without wine, I think the odds are against it.

There is wisdom in these thoughts, Grasshopper. If you've never had a meal in Paris, much less a 1 star or 2 star meal, suddenly encountering a 3 star meal may be so overwhelming (or in some ways, underwhelming) that you don't really get what you are paying for, much less fully appreciate it. (Think about the first time you had sex versus some later encounters by way of analogy.) A 3 star experience could come off as overly snooty and terribly expensive to the uninitiated but wonderful to one with a range of experiences. Perhaps you should start at the one star range and work your way up to the heights--whether on this trip or another. Although I personally find Grand Vefour more charming, I think Taillevent is more accomodating (or less threatening) to someone going for a 3 star meal the first time.

Finish with Cafe Brulot. Worth the show.

If it's a sunny day, a lunch at Cafe Del Rey in the Marina would be nice.

You mean, like this? http://www.chowhound.com/california/boards...sages/6176.html

I used to go to a Pronto Market in West LA. Joe is frequently quoted saying that his inspiration was combining a liqour store with a health food store.

If you like art on your labels, there's Mouton Rothschild. http://www.winespectator.com/Wine/Daily/Ne...45,2304,00.html

The number was busy when I called. Although dinesite speaks of Middle Eastern and Afghan places, they all look to be Middle Eastern--Armenian, Lebanese, Greek, etc.

I'd think the Flo Group would have some places open. Have you tried Cafe Constant?

I think there is one out in the Valley. I'll see if I can find something on it. This is the one I was thinking of. Haven't been. Afghan House 8516 Reseda Blvd. Northridge (818) 709-6233

uh.....actually my secret dream is to be a stand-up commedian who entertains the troops.......and gives out recipes here and there, maybe even cooks a meal or two..... i sort of live my life like this even though there is no camera on me so far as i can tell......... Correction: There's a reason that most food writers are not stand up comics.

There's a reason food writers are writers and not stand up comics.

Definitely. I think the restaurant was on a different level before.

Surf 'n' Turf. Not invented here (DC). And there is no evidence that the surf and turf in DC is any better than in any other city. We need to identify a dish that the entire population, both inside and outside the beltway, would agree is uniquely "DC." Edited to add: Welcome to eGullet Saturnbar. Didn't the Palm originate in New York? In any event there are 2 Palms in LA.

With regard to Le Meurice, I recall eating in the hotel a number of years ago (obviously before the remodel). I seem to recall eating in a windowless room. Is that still the case? The description you've given reminds me more of the downstairs salon where the pianist holds forth and you can get aperitifs, etc.

Los Angeles: DOH! I forgot Langer's pastrami sandwich.

You know, I heard that before I moved there. But during the year that I lived there, I never got the ice cream thing. It remains a mystery to me. I prefer the Indian Pudding.

Um... isn't there an omlette thing associated with Denver? The Denver (here in colorado usually called a Western Omelette) Omelette is not a Denver or Colorado specialty. I don't know the history of the name; does anyone else? Edit to add: the western/denver omelette has ham, green pepper, and onion. Here's one answer.... http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/ente...2576849,00.html

Shiro, Chinois on Main, Parkway Grill, et al. Interesting.. How about Cobb Salad? Being reminded of what was invented in San Francisco by Squeat, Cobb Salad was invented by the Brown Derby in the 1930s. Very Los Angeles, n'est pas? Agreed. We think alike. I edited it in a while ago.

Shiro, Chinois on Main, Parkway Grill, et al.

What about the 4 Way?

How about omakase, deep fried catfish, smoked salmon pizza, bacon cheese burger, tuna tartare, garlic mashed potatoes, Cobb Salad and Hot Dog on a Stick?

I like Bombay Grill in the center at Fuller and Santa Monica Blvd. Zero atmosphere but good cheap food and friendly owners.

is this place new hollywood? what exactly is their ludhiana chicken like anyway? never heard of such a dish-which doesn't mean much. New to Westwood but not to Artesia. Check it out. http://www.laweekly.com/ink/printme.php?eid=46969

If you are going to do Indian, I'd recommend the Ludhiana Chicken at Ambala Dhaba on Westwood Blvd.