Josie? Joe's? Chinois?

[Amuse Bouche]

My husband and I are combining duty and pleasure and celebrating our anniversary by visiting my relatives in L.A. We decided to make it more anniversaryish by staying in Santa Monica one night (staying at the Loew's, though I'm eyeing the rates at the Fairmont Miramar), and we want to have a nice dinner. Don't want to break the bank (Melisse is a little more than we really want to spend, especially since we can get great formal French meals in New York). I'd love something that's very California, since I'm trying to get my husband to move back there. Of these restaurants, which is better for us? Are there other suggestions within not too long a drive? (We're Manhattanites -- 20 blocks is a long way to go for dinner, plus I don't want to scare the husband away with L.A. Traffic). I think we're meeting my parents for brunch at Shutters the next day. Wine list is less important, though a decent selection of wines by the glass would be nice. (We're also used to cabs, so we probably won't be ordering a bottle).

[JFLinLA]

We had a lovely dinner at Joe's last August when, for a very few days, both kids were away. Great food, relaxing, no attitude. Never been to Josie's. Haven't been to Chinois in many years but I think Joe's would have a more relaxed feel . . . if that's what you're going for.

[mongo_jones]

We had a lovely dinner at Joe's last August when, for a very few days, both kids were away. Great food, relaxing, no attitude. Never been to Josie's. Haven't been to Chinois in many years but I think Joe's would have a more relaxed feel . . . if that's what you're going for.

joe's is always good. is jiraffe still around? the last time i was there was about 4 years ago and it was very good--casual, in santa monica, not crazy-expensive. chinois is, in my opinion, one of the most over-rated restaurants in los angeles--though you could walk to it from either one of those hotels.

[hollywood]

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

[mixmaster b]

Josie's is really nice but has more of an East-coast feel.

I haven't had dinner at Joe's but brunch, which was nice. The street it is on, Abbot Kinney, is fun to stroll along; lots of interesting shops and restaurants.

I am still a fan of Chaya Venice, which is very CA. Good sushi and "fusion" type food. A little slick, but still fun.

Chinois is pretty casual. I ate there once and enjoyed it, but haven't been compelled to return.

You should check out the Viceroy Hotel for drinks either before or after dinner. Quite a scene, with great, over-the-top decor by LA designer Kelly Wearstler. Don't eat there, just a quick drink.

All of the places in question are close to where you are staying.

Please let us know where you go!

[Amuse Bouche]

Realized I never updated this. We ended up going to Joe's in Venice, which was lovely. Sat out on the patio, had the game menu, which was phenomenal (some of the best venison I've had) and enjoyed a few glasses of wine. I would definitely go back to Joe's, and it was very reasonable.

[hollywood]

Realized I never updated this. We ended up going to Joe's in Venice, which was lovely. Sat out on the patio, had the game menu, which was phenomenal (some of the best venison I've had) and enjoyed a few glasses of wine. I would definitely go back to Joe's, and it was very reasonable.

Did you close the deal? Is your husband ready to move to California? How was brunch at Shutters?

[Amuse Bouche]

My husband is a lot closer than he was! I think it helped that it was 80 degrees and gorgeous while we were there, but it was snowing when we got back to New York. Brunch at Shutters was very good, though overpriced (as always). I had the Tasso ham hash which was very spicy, and a terrific mai tai, but there's really a limit to how creative you can get with brunch dishes. To some extent, people really want comfort food at brunch. Still, the setting on the patio at One Pico can't be beat.

We also had a terrific lunch at Nonya in Pasadena -- they have an amazing lunch special, with and appetizer and main course for something like $7. I had a crispy duck salad which was really excellent.