One night in L.A.

[Wilfrid]

If I get a chance to eat one dinner in L.A. - and it needs to be somewhere fairly accessible by taxi, and where I can get a table with less than a week's notice - what shouldn't I miss?

I am happy with upscale, and I incline towards European/American rather than Asian unless there are compelling arguments in the other direction.

Thanks for any help.

[Kikujiro]

I dunno from upscale European (wasn't that wowed by Campanile a couple of years back) but if you don't go to the Museum of Jurassic Technology in Culver City (assuming you haven't already), you will be missing out big time.

[hollywood]

If I get a chance to eat one dinner in L.A. - and it needs to be somewhere fairly accessible by taxi, and where I can get a table with less than a week's notice - what shouldn't I miss?

I am happy with upscale, and I incline towards European/American rather than Asian unless there are compelling arguments in the other direction.

Thanks for any help.

If you are not driving, the answer may be partly dictated by how much time you have and where you are staying. All other things being complex, your best bets are the New American food of Josie in Santa Monica, the Cal-Euro at Spago in Beverly Hills, or the Italian at Valentino in Santa Monica. lizziee may offer other thoughts.

[lizziee]

Wilfrid,

I would second hollywood's thoughts re Spago Beverly Hills. Unfortunately, Valentino is not as good as it once was. Also, in walking distance, there are a number of choices for lunch among them Mako (pan-Asian) and the new De Mori ( Italian although I have not eaten there). Hotels are not crazy expensive - Radisson ($109), Beverly Plaza ($120), Meridien ($169). All are either a quick taxi or walking distance - sort of.

[chantrelle]

I had a wonderful lunch at De Mori in December. The waiter was really funny and nice (he was from Romania i think?? i forget now). I had a yummy ahi-burger, my friend had really good fish (shoot, what did she have?? i wrote it down but i don't have my book).

[sam_harmon]

I've become a big fan of Balboa Steakhouse in the Grafton Hotel on Sunset--As good a steak as a Morton's or S&W with a much hipper atmosphere (think porn star chic) and a great bar. If I'm in town without plans, I'll often have dinner at the bar.

For fine dining, I've been very impressed lately with Zax in Brentwood. Spago--Beverly Hills, of course, is a great standby--Kevin O'Connell being possibly (no definately) the best sommelier in Southern California.

Edited January 30, 2003 by sam_harmon (log)

[awbrig]

Mr. Chows

Crustacean

[Wilfrid]

Many thanks. I need to decide if I'm staying in Santa Monica or Beverley Hills - love those hotel prices - and then I'll see where I can get a table. Several of these options sound perfect.

I need to research Jurassic cuisine in order to evaluate Kiku's tip .

[hollywood]

Mr. Chows

Crustacean

With all respect awbrig, these spots (and Eurochow) are more about eye candy than about food. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

[hollywood]

Many thanks.  I need to decide if I'm staying in Santa Monica or Beverley Hills - love those hotel prices - and then I'll see where I can get a table.  Several of these options sound perfect.

I need to research Jurassic cuisine in order to evaluate Kiku's tip  .

Alas, there's no cafe at the Museum of Jurassic Technology.

http://www.mjt.org/vistinfo/shopdine.html

[Wilfrid]

Thank you for clarifying the eye candy aspect of those restaurants, which I shall now avoid at all costs (or at least not report about on the Board

[hollywood]

For something completely different, you could stay in Hollywood at the Hollywood Roosevelt (home of the first Academy Awards and site of a swimming pool painted/decorated by Hockney; also many years ago the residence of one Charles Manson). The part of Hollywood bounded by Hollywood and Sunset Blvds. between Vine and La Brea is sort of like the French Quarter without the architecture. Anyway, you could do dinner and a movie (on a digital screen) at Monkeymay's CineSpace (see menu) a short walk down Hollywood Blvd. Within walking distance from that venue are various bars and clubs such as The Opium Den, Catalina's, Club Lingerie, The Ivar, Boardners, Bob's Frolic Room #2, The Room, The Burgundy Room, etc. Here's the menu.

http://www.cine-space.com/menu.pdf

[Kikujiro]

I stayed at the Hollywood Roosevelt (during the Democratic convention) and it was great, a kind of hyperreal version of what's already a hyperreal place.

Don't miss out on the MJT. Honestly. And try not to read up on it too much in advance.

[monkeymay]

If you stay in Santa Monica, you could try the Viceroy, the new, chic, British colonial motif inspired hotel. Very boutique, with some wacky/wonderful design elements and candelight dining in the cabanas surrounding the pool.The restaurant there is run by Tim Goodell of Aubergine, and I've heard some interesting things. It certainly could be fun, the eye candy at the hotel bar fetching, and it would certainly put you within distance of MJT.

www.viceroysantamonica.com

I find Beverly Hills totally boring unless you're staying at either the pink palace that is the Beverly Hills Hotel or the Regent Beverly Wishire Hotel.

For a dose of old school, why not stay at the Chateau Marmont? It puts you on the Strip in the center of things, with easy access to B.H. via taxi.

They have a great garden area for evening cocktails as the famous and ghosts of the famous float by.

(I love the Chateau) If you decide to do Balboa, it's an easy walk down the street. Of course I would love to have you visit CineSpace. The menu Hollywood has so kindly provided is not entirely implemented, and I have been changing things around a bit as we have been open just 3 weeks. But I think things are going well, so if you want to stop by let me know - it would be my pleasure (and the invitation is extended to everyone).

Monkey

p.s. the Roosevelt is also completely wonderful. Lots of great ghosts banging around those doors too.

[Retired Chef]

Don't miss Lucques in Beverly Hills. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

[southern girl]

Spago is outstanding!!

[Beachfan]

If you are choosing one, let it be Spago!

[mixmaster b]

For fine dining, I've been very impressed lately with Zax in Brentwood. 

Alas, Brooke Williamson, the protoge chef (all of 23, I think) has recently left Zax. I would be surprised if the food was still as good--she really has talent!! Last I heard she was doing catering, but I hope she turns up soon!

I think Lucques is generally very good, and a nice balance of chic and good food. However, I think the chef and manager are very distracted by the opening of AOC, their new restaurant on Third. (The last meal I had at Lucques was not up to the usual standards.) AOC is very fun--elegant tapas, wine bas, cheese bar. Very good food, but not fine dining by any means.

I am sorry to say I have not tried the newer spots like Sona, Bastide, or Mako, nor have I been to Cinespace. (Must go soon!)

If you have not been to Spago, I would vote in that direction. Very civilized and quite excellent food.

And have sushi for lunch! Matsuhisa, Sushi Mori, Takao. Wonderful.

For hotels, Maison 140 and The Avalon are both trendy, boutiqey hotels. Maison 140 has a very tiny, very cool bar. The Avalon is a newly redone mid-century type place. If you stay there, don't let them put you in a room over pool, as it becomes a big, trendy bar scene on Saturdays. These places would be fun and a bit more lively than some of the other Bev Hills spots.

I agree that the Beverly Hills Hotel is fab in a very retro way--and the downstairs lunch counter is the best!

I hope you have a good visit!

[tabras]

Anyone familiar with Joe's in Venice? I've heard great things about it.

[hollywood]

Anyone familiar with Joe's in Venice?  I've heard great things about it.

It's been some time since I've eaten there. The food was always excellent. Formerly, it was an excellent value but the prices have been raised. I also loved the back patio especially when the jacaranda were in bloom, but now it's been covered so you don't get falling petals anymore. Alas. There was a split off in the Valley called Joe Joe's. Don't know if it's still extant.

[ferdlisky]

Have to agree with Lucques--it's fab. As is Josie. Those are probably my two favorite places in LA at the moment, along with Angelini.

But why the emphasis on fine dining, as they say in the newspapers. How about tamales at Guelaguetza? Or Korean bbq in Korea town?

[Louisa Chu]

I also say Spago - especially a table in the garden. A quintessential southern California experience.

Maison 140, the Avalon and the Viceroy are all owned by the same group. I absolutely adore them but only wish that they put half as much thought into their staff training as they do their impeccable design.

If you do choose Spago, stay at Maison 140 for more reasonable rooms - starting around $150. Extraordinary and my preference and I do love the bar too. But be forewarned that they are tiny and rather intensely modern Chinoiserie. And no pool. You are allowed access to the idyllic pool at the Avalon, but it's just not realistic to use it without a car.

Or stay at the Avalon - starting around $200 - for a luxurious midcentury modern experience. Again, the wonderful pool. And heed the warning about avoiding a room overlooking it. The last time I was there Keifer Sutherland jumped in fully clothed and the ever attendant Beverly Hills Police were summoned. In fact, I think the rooms in what I think they call the Townhouse - a converted apartment building across the street on Canon - are much more pleasant. And quiet.

I'm partial to these hotels and Spago because I used to live in the neighborhood.

And walk. But take the side streets. Circumnavigate around Wilshire at all costs. I can give you a walking route if you'd like - my dog and I know every step well.