where
to eat:
aoc
ask any local about this tapas wine bar - and you'll be
told to drop what your doing immediately and make an a-line. a
scene it is, but most vow it's worth the visit. 8022
west 3rd street . 323.653.6359
www.aocwinebar.com
grace
now here's an example of a restaurant that's surely earned
its name. not knowing what to have off the menu is an understatement,
and any true gourmand would appreciate the simple design and well
thought out menu. 7360 beverly boulevard . 323.934.4400
www.gracerestaurant.net
il
sole
ask some about il sole and they may tell you to
go elsewhere. but only because they don't know that this once questionable
spot is under new ownership, and the italian menu, intimate tables,
and pasta dishes are out of this world. 8741
sunset boulevard . 310.657.1182
the
ivy
yes, so lunch at the ivy could be the epitome of
l.a. dining. especially outside under the umbrellas, with their signature
chopped salad. but you have to do at least once.133 north robertson
boulevard . 310.274.8303
koi
everyone will tell you to visit while in l.a., but others
will also shrug their shoulders about whether or not the constant
recommendation is actually that good. 730 north cienega boulevard
. 310.659.9449
www.koirestaurant.com
mix
not to be confused with mix in new york - this
mediterranean inspired restaurant is chock full of atmosphere, with
al fresco dining, a mouth-watering menu, and romance spilling out
of its seams. 1114 north crescent heights boulevard
. 323.650.4649
www.mixfreely.com
patina
don't be overwhelmed (or turned off) by frank gehry's adjoining
disney concert hall. this west coast french could be one of the harder
places to get a reservation these days since it's usually jam-packed
with pre-theatre visiting diners. 141 south
grand avenue . 213.972.3331
www.patinagroup.com
table
8
somehow table 8 manages to combine both intimate
and chic without being overly pretentious. its neighborhood charm,
warm tones and nouveau californian menu keep diners clamouring for
a reservation. 7661 melrose avenue . 323.782.8258
www.table8la.com
yi
cuisine
the former chef from koi has migrated to a place
most are still learning about. the asian-french menu and outdoor
waterfall wowed most at its recent opening soiree.
7910 west 3rd street . 323.658.8028
www.yicuisine.com
where
to stay:
the
argyle
jeff klein (owner of new york's city club hotel)
has packed his bags and headed out west. he's bringing new life back
into this stunning hollywood classic with a redesign and restaurant
opening that will probably make most take notice when completed. 8358
sunset boulevard . 323.654.7100
www.argylehotel.com
chateau
marmont
yes, the invisible red velvet rope policy at the restaurant
could be a bit much, but only because marilyn manson is dining (wearing
reading glasses) with his girlfriend and a party of 10. still, this
andre balazs hotel is unlike any other in l.a., and you can't help
but feel it's truly a magical place. 8221 sunset boulevard .
323.656.1010
www.chateaumarmont.com
four seasons
although not in one of what some consider to be the best locations
in beverly hills, if laying poolside is your forte - consider
it home. 300 south doheny drive . 310.273.2222
www.fourseasons.com
hotel
bel-air
you may pass this hotel while looking for it, because you'll
be distracted by other real estate, i.e. gated homes with football
stadium size front lawns. but this quiet classic sophisticate is
set amidst one of the most beautiful areas in bel air estates. 701
stone canyon road . 310.472.1211
www.hotelbelair.com
l'ermitage
check in at this just-around-the-corner from rodeo
zen-like hotel, and you'll appreciate the personalized business
cards and letterhead that come with - just in case you need
to schmooze. 9291 burton way . 310.278.3344
www.lermitagehotel.com
the
peninsula
if a chauffeur is what you need, and you picture a beverly
hills swimming pool like one out of an old hollywood movie - look
no further. although probably one of the more expensive hotels in
beverly hills, you get what you pay for. 9882 south santa monica
blvd . 310.551.2888
www.peninsula.com
know
someone who frequents l.a.? forward
this issue to a friend.
