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OLD WEST JAM: Musicians and cowboy poets perform at The Autry.

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VOX LUMIERE brings "Phantom of the Opera" to life at the L.A. Theatre Center.

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Dining & Entertainment Guide 2

One-act operas sing of love

Two one-acts, two centuries apart are paired in a performance by L.A. Opera at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Purcell’s tragic tale is of a queen losing her heart in “Dido & Aenea,” while “Bluebeard’s Castle” is another dark tale of young love by Bartok. The production from the Frankfurt Opera contains nudity.

Matinee is on Sun., Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. Performances continue through Sat., Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m. Visit laopera.org.

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Dick Cavett at Annenberg

Among the first intervierers of our time, Dick Cavett will talk about his new book "Brief Encounters: Conversations,

coming adversity, "Reasons To Live." Making its west coast debut, performances are at the Skylight Theatre, 1816 1/2 N. Vermont Ave., Fridays, Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. through Nov. 30. Call 213-761-7061.

8 DIDO, played by Paula Murrihy in the Frankfurt production, above, makes her L.A. Opera debut.

Magic Moments and Assorted Hijinks" Thurs., Nov. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts, Beverly Hills.

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Comedy on adversity

The groom has gone missing in this comedy on over-

International jazz semi-finals, gala

Herbie Hancock and Pharrell Williams will be at the 2014 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Trumpet competition & All-Star Gala Concert.

Semi-finals are Sat., Nov. 8 at UCLA, from noon to 5 p.m.

The gala is on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. President Clinton wll be awarded the Maria Fisher Founders Award. Visit monkinstitute.org.

Wayne Newton to sing at Saban Since he first toured with the Grand Ole Opry and released his first record, Wayne Newton has gone on to entertain 40 million people and counting. Sometimes called "Mr. Las Vegas," he will be at the Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, Sat., Nov. 8. at 8 p.m. Visit sabantheatre.org.

A PRINCESS is among characters in the musical.

Night’s 9 Mid-City Dream gala A gala benefit for Shakespeare in the City, “A MidCity Night’s Dream,” is Sun., Nov. 9 at Studio 11, 4621 W. Washington Blvd. Doors open at 3 p.m. for The Los Angeles Drama Club event, with performances beginning at 3:30 p.m. A feast will be served at 5 p.m. Tickets are $125. Sponsorships are available. RSVP at losangeles-dramaclub.com.

Aladdin tale told as a musical Performances of the Nine O'Clock Players family-friendly musical "Aladdin" are on Sundays at 2 p.m. through Nov. 23, and Sat., Nov 22. The cast signs autographs after the show. The Assistance League of Los Angeles production is the classic story of an evil magician and beautiful princess. Visit nineoclockplayers. com.

“1 of 12 restaurants that matter” Saveur Magazine

The history will bring you in, the food and service will keep you coming back

Some Place to Eat

RESERVATIONS: Call (323) 467-7788 HOURS Tuesday through Saturday 11-11

LOCATION 2 blocks east of the Dolby Theatre

6667 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028 www.mussoandfrank.com

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Dining & Entertainment Guide aglow 16 Holidays 23 at The Grove The annual lighting of a 100-foot tall Christmas tree is set for Sun., Nov. 16, at 7:30 p.m. The event will also include live music, celebrity appearances, dancers and fireworks. Continuing throughout the holidays will be seasonal music and choreography, photo opps at Santa's Workshop and nightly snowfall at 7 and 8 p.m.

Reindeer, light show at zoo

Shhh‌ don’t’ wake the lions. While the animals sleep, the Zoo turns into a nighttime wonderland aglow with “L.A. Lights,â€? animal-themed illuminations from Fri., Nov. 28 to Sun., Jan. 5, from 6 to 10 p.m. (except Christmas Eve and Day). Real live reindeer and an occasional visit from Santa Claus take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Stevie, Santa join parade

Stevie Wonder will serve as grand marshal of the 83rd annual Hollywood Christmas Parade. The event benefits Marine Toys for Tots Foundation on Sun., Nov. 30 at 5 p.m.

CYNDI LAUPER'S show-stopper is headed to the Pantages.

The national tour of the six Tony Award-winning Cyndi Lauper musical "Kinky Boots" opens Tues., Nov. 11 and continues through Nov. 30 at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd. Based on the 2005 British movie about a drag queen who saves a shoe factory, the show is still running on Broadway. Visit hollywoodpantages.com

Irving Berlin's 'White Christmas' Hear "White Christmas" and other enduring songs from America's great composer in "Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin" at the Gil Cates Theater at the Geffen Playhouse Tues., Nov. 11 to Dec. 21. Follow Berlin's journey from Czarist Russia to New York's Lower East Side and eventually the world to epitomize the American Dream. Visit geffenplayhouse.com

Demon 13 Racing L.A. debut "Downton Abbey's" Lesley Nicol joins Alan Mandell in a tale of gay ordination and the priesthood in "Racing Demon." The drama of four clerymen and the Church of England, which debuted 20 years ago in London, is at L.A. Theatre Works, 681 Venice Blvd., Thurs., Nov. 13 through Sun., Nov. 16. Visit latw.org.

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Musicians and cowboy poets perform songs of the Old West and cotemporary tunes on Sun., Nov. 16, noon to 3 p.m. at the Western Music Association Monthly Jam at the Autry,

About the cover: The Ratkovich family: Milan and Jenny; Tyler, Mason and Jake at Village Pizzeria.

Photo by Bill Devlin

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Larchmont Chronicle is published monthly and read by 77,000 residents in Hancock Park, Windsor Square, Fremont Place, Park LaBrea, Miracle Mile and Larchmont Village.

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Dining & Entertainment Guide Favorite brunch places serve more than eggs on the menu

By Helene Seifer Indulging in brunch speaks volumes about us: we’re not running errands or schlepping kids, pumping iron or in front of the computer; that we want to slow down and take a breath. Now with eggs anointed as the new “it” food, LA has fallen in love with brunch again. So where are we going—and what are we eating when we get there?

“With kids at home, my husband and I don’t go out for brunch!” claims Chapman professor Madeline Warren, although she has enjoyed morning meals with friends at BLD. “Their eggs Benedict ($14) is excellent!” She also likes LuLu’s Café. “It’s nothing fancy, just good home-cooked food.

The staff’s so friendly!” She recommends the $10.95 house scramble with goat cheese, sundried tomatoes, avocado, mushrooms and spinach.

BLD. 7450 Beverly Blvd.

323-930-9744. LuLu’s Café.

7149 Beverly Blvd. 323-4386095.

OPTIONS are abundant: choices above are French toast from The Sycamore Kitchen and tacos from Antiquera de Oaxaca.

*** Graphic designer Sydney Nichols loves brunch because, “It’s fun to hang out with friends and have some eggs!”

Her favorite is the Sycamore Kitchen, where she gets a cinnamon-laced iced Cubano latte and $11.50 pork belly hash with roasted peppers, onions, potatoes, and spinach, topped with eggs. Nichols

adds, “I also like Go Get Em Tiger. I get the iced almond macadamia latte because it’s amazing, and the baked eggs with chorizo and ricotta.” She enjoys the $10 dish while her fiancé Eric Kufs performs at Larchmont Farmer’s Market.

Sycamore Kitchen. 143 S. La Brea. 323-939-0151. Go Get Em Tiger. 230 N. Larchmont. 323-380-5359.

Retired economist Joyce Davidson agrees that Sycamore’s hash is terrific and accompanies hers with some $3.25 buttercups. “They are incredibly buttery—a perfect morning bun.” Also at the top of her list is Antequera de Oaxaca, a neighborhood holein-the-wall, where she gets $9 chilaquiles with green salsa, black beans, chicken and cabbage over a thick Tlayuda tortilla, a regional specialty.

Antequera de Oaxaca. 5200 Melrose. 323-466-1101. *** Tory Sparkman and fiancé, writer Zach Grossman, had two suggestions. She works at Le Pain Quotidien and they agree their tofu scramble ($10.35) is crispy and flavorful, especially when topped with avocado. Sparkman offers, “You can’t go wrong with the bread and jars of jams and chocolate spread!” They recently tried hot spot Sqirl. “The food was great!” enthused Grossman. “The sorrel pesto rice bowl ($7.75) with

egg was awesome!” Sparkman said her $8 veggie frittata was “the best I’ve ever had!”

Le Pain Quotidien, 113 N. Larchmont.

323-461-7701.

Sqirl. 720 N. Virgil Ave. 323284-8147. *** Stephanie Nakamura, an acupuncture masters degree student, recommends Chinese. “NBC has a wide range of $2 to $6 dim sum. I love their turnip cake with little bits of Chinese sausage. It has a deep earthy flavor!” For Hong Kong style food she raves about Sam Woo Barbeque. “They serve newer versions of old classics, like chow mein and scrambled eggs with shrimp and rice. Their roast meats are fantastic!” Having brunch out is important to Nakamura.

“It almost feels like a form of self-care, to surround yourself with friends and good food.”

NBC, 404 S. Atlantic Blvd., Suite A. Monterey Park. 626282-2323. Sam Woo Barbeque. 514 W. Valley Rd. Alhambra. 626-281-2038.

Marat Daukayev Ballet Theatre

The Nutcracker 2014

at the Luckman Theatre Cal State LA PERFORMANCES

Saturday, Dec. 6 at 2pm and 7pm • Sunday, Dec. 7 at 11:30 am and 4:30pm • Saturday, Dec. 13 at 2pm GALA PERFORMANCES

with guest artist Maria Kochetkova of San Francisco Ballet Saturday, December 13 at 7pm • Sunday, December 14 at 2pm

For TickeTs VisiT MaraT DaukayeV.org Marat Daukayev School of Ballet

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731 S. La Brea Ave, Los Angeles 90036

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Dining & Entertainment Guide Martin dazzles in ‘Pippin,’ ‘Discord’ revives historic trio Ristorante Join the Marino family for traditional Italian cuisine complemented by a fine large wine list.

Come enjoy our private dining room available for all your Holiday events or contact us for catering.

323-466-8812 • www.marinorestaurant.net 6001 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, Ca. 90038

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This Tony-winning revival of Pippin, the iconic Broadway show, has blasted its way into Los Angeles with megawatt energy. Music and lyrics are by Stephen Schwartz and book by Roger O. Theater Hirson. InjuryReview defying circus by acts, the iconic Patricia in-the-style-of Foster Rye Bob Fosse choreography, an excellent cast with the fabulous Andrea Martin as Berthe, who sings, dances and does a few circus tricks of her own.

Through Nov. 9. Pantages Theatre. 800-982-2787.

4 Stars *** The Gospel According to Jefferson, Charles Dickens and Count Leo Tolstoy: Dis-

cord is a whip-smart new comedy by Scott Carter based on the historical fact that Thomas Jefferson (Larry Cedar), Charles Dickens (David Melville) and Count Leo Tolstoy (Armin Shimerman) all wrote their own versions of the Bible. Ably directed by Matt August, this lively engagement of ideas on man and his maker by this unlikely trio is also exceptionally funny.

Through Sun., Nov. 23. Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte. 310-208-5454. geffenplayhouse.com.

4 stars

Brooklyn flavor California“FRESH” – since 1997.

All we are saying is … “Give a Piece a Chance”

Dear Friends, Nancy and I have enjoyed making friends with our Larchmont community and watching as the family generations grow and change.

We are both grateful and appreciative that Village Pizzeria, a family-run business, has been received so generously by our local families!

Village Pizzeria has tried to return the favor and give back by frequently donating pizza to local schools, churches and community organizations.

131 N. Larchmont Blvd.

323-465-5566

We are fortunate to have seen our Larchmont community grow and change for over 18 years and our Hollywood community for over 8 years.

We are sincerely proud of our business and its achievements. Most of all, we are proud of the acceptance of our two Village Pizzerias in your lives!

Here’s to our future together and always being your place to “hang out” … much as it was in my early life growing up in Brooklyn!

Cheers to you all!

Steve & Nancy 6363 Yucca St.

323-790-0763 Have a Safe Halloween

As seen on Ellen Degeneres, Entourage, HBO, KCAL News and visiting with Huell Howser

• Fresh dough hand-spun • Fresh Produce • The best Wisconsin cheese • Homemade meats, sauces & dressings • Catering & Party needs • Delivery www.villagepizzeria.net

* * * There are still four chances left to catch “Vox Lumiere-The Phantom of the Opera.” This music of the night is a rock performance of music and dance set against the iconic silent film starring Lon Chaney, which was a pleasure to see again.

Nov. 21 and 22 and Dec. 12 and 13 only at Los Angeles Theatre, 514 S. Spring St. 844-VOX-ROCK. 3 Stars

Singer sought in Holiday parade Would you like to perform in front of thousands of people and appear on national television? Here’s your chance for this golden opportunity.

Associated Television International, producers of the 83rd annual Hollywood Christmas Parade benefiting Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, is conducting a national search for a singer under the age of 19 to perform in this year’s parade in Hollywood Sun., Nov. 30.

Emma MacEachern, co-executive producer of the parade, said event representatives are conducting an annual talent search to give a singer his or her first big break. The contest is open to singers.

The winner will perform one song on the red carpet in front of thousands of spectators at the event.

The winner will be chosen by a special talent committee on Thurs., Nov. 6. No submissions will be accepted after Sat., Nov. 1.

Applicants can enter the contest by e-mailing a video to contest@thehollywoodchristmasparade.org.

Chamber music concert at Pavilion

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“Salon de Musiques” musicians will be performing on Sun., Nov. 9 at 4 p.m. as part of its series of chamber music concerts at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

The concert, on the fifth floor of the Pavilion, provides an intimate space without any stage or separation between the audience and the artists.

Champagne and a gourmet buffet catered by Patina is available after the concert as part of the ticket price.

Musicologist Julius Reder Carlson will introduce each performance, and the musicians will answer questions from the audience.

For tickets and more information, see lesalondemusiques. com.

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Dining & Entertainment Guide Young Musicians to perform Ravel at free concert Members of the Young Musicians Foundation Debut Orchestra perform Ravel’s “Le Tombeau de Couperin” and Schubert’s “Symphony no. 4 in C Minor, D. 417" at the L.A. County Museum of Art.

The concert is at 6 p.m. on Sun., Nov. 16 in the Bing Theater. Free.

Comprised of 70, 15- to 25-year-olds, the Young Musicians Foundation is the second-oldest pre-profession-

al training orchestra in the country. For 58 consecutive seasons, the orchestra has performed admission-free concerts for the public in professional venues throughout Los Angeles.

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THE WINDSOR owner Ben Dimsdale, left, with a waiter.

Although no longer here, these restaurants evoke memories

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Remember celebrating an anniversary at The Windsor: or bringing an out-of-town visitor to The Brown Derby?

Here are some bygone restaurants to bring you down memory lane.

The plush booths, copper cove ceiling and chandeliers gave Perino’s a sophisticated elegance that drew both business executives and society matrons. After a fire destroyed the first Perino’s, the restaurant moved to its longtime location at 3927 Wilshire Blvd. Architect Paul Williams designed the new location with oval-shaped rooms, wood

paneling and a spiral staircase leading to the Gold Room.

The Windsor, at Seventh St. and Catalina Ave., was opened in 1945 by Bernard Davis.

Diners will recall its red leather booths, English prints and plaid papered walls. Happy hour drew patrons to its horseshoe-shaped bar. Later Ben Dimsdale purchased the restaurant and operated it until the closure in 1991 (and is now The Prince).

Customers could get a reasonably priced steak at Ollie Hammond’s day and night at 3683 Wilshire Blvd.

Hammond was a refrigerator salesman but ended up owning a restaurant when his client couldn’t pay the bills.

Said one customer, “I was working across the street and would go in to grab a burger and fries to go—the fries were fresh-cut and salted in a brown paper bag to absorb most of the grease and keep them fresh and crisp. I think they made their own sweet pickles for the burgers.”

In 1926, the original Brown Derby restaurant was opened

by Herbet Somborn, the year his divorce from Gloria Swanson became final. A friend told him, “If you know anything about food, you can sell it out of a hat.”

Lucey’s, at 5444 Melrose, not be to confused with Lucy’s El Adobe one block west, offered complete luncheons at $1.75 in 1949. Its authentic Spanish architecture and its celebrity patrons drew tourists and nearby residents to its doors. Neighbors across Melrose were RKO Pictures and Paramount Studios. Specialties were veal scallopini and chicken cacciatore.

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Dining & Entertainment Guide Trio of historic figures inspired Carter’s 'Gospel'

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sic book section one Saturday morning and saw the spine of a book that said 'The Life of our Lord by Charles Dickens.' I didn’t find out until later that this was a book that he kept privately and read so many times to his children that all of them could recite it before they were able to read.

And in his will, he restricted this book from being published until the last of his 10 children died, which wasn’t until 1933. I bought it and as I read it I realized that Dickens’ orientation is the complete counterpoint to Jefferson. He loves the miracles, he loves the pageantry. Later, through a book by Stephen Mitchell, I found out about the Tolstoy gospel.”

When asked about writing dialogue, especially funny dialogue, for these three iconic figures, Carter says, “Dickens has a very strong narrator’s voice in 'A Christmas Carol,' and many other of his books.

And I saw that as something I could take for a way that he (Please turn to page 10)

E P OST

SCOTT CARTER

TU R

By Patricia Rye Theater columnist What do a founding father, a Victorian novelist and a Russian revolutionary have in common?

They all wrote or re-wrote their own versions of the Bible. And they meet in the brilliant new philosophical comedy by Scott Carter, "The Gospel According to Jefferson, Charles Dickens and Count Leo Tolstoy: Discord."

“I found out about the Jefferson Bible through a program that Bill Moyers hosted,” says Carter.” In 1804, Jefferson took a razor and cut out the Bible verses he liked from the King James Version. “Jefferson did not feel obligated to accept all of the Bible to call himself a Christian.” Carter continues. “He felt you can approach the great mysteries of life without feeling that you need to buy into any religion’s complete doctrine. Also, what he didn’t like were miracles.

He’s a son of the enlightenment, a Newtonian, and he rejects any notion that anybody is going to be able to walk on water.” Jefferson’s Bible version stayed in the family until the 1890s when it was sold to the Smithsonian for $400.

Carter is executive producer and writer for “Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher,” and was based in New York. “At the beginning of the fourth season Bill wanted us to move to Los Angeles. I moved to the Larchmont area and found this wonderful independent book store, Chevaliers,” says Carter.

“I was looking at their clas-

contemporary crafts market

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Dining & Entertainment Guide Music gives ‘Rudderless’ meaning; eyes provide mirrors to the soul Rudderless (10/10): William H. Macy’s directorial debut is a smash! This is a sensitive, poignant tale of Sam (Billy Crudup), a successful man who descends into drunkenness after a family tragedy and is rescued by discovering his deceased son’s music. As he gets involved his life takes meaning, but that’s not the end of the story.

The music is good and Macy keeps admirable pace and gets first rate performances from Crudup and Anton Yelchin, both of whom perform their own singing and playing, with fine supporting performances from Felicity Huffman, Laurence Fishburne and Macy himself. This is one of the best films I’ve seen this year.

Laggies (9/10): Chick flick

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310.208.5454

DaviD Melville, larry CeDar anD arMin ShiMerMan. Photo by MiChael laMont.

— los angeles Times

or no, I loved it. Keira Knightley is an amazing actress. She does things with her eyes that provide mirrors to the soul of her characters. And Chloë Grace Moretz is not far behind her. For one of such tender years, her two roles this year, as a prostitute in “The Equalizer” and a kind of wild teenager here, display an admirable range. Sam Rockwell, Jeff Weber and Jeff Garlin round out the cast with equally persuasive performances.

The Judge (9/10): Finally Robert Downey takes some time off from squandering his God-given talent on the deplorable “Sherlock Holmes” franchise and superhero twaddle like “Iron Man,” and takes on a role more befitting his talent. To see him with Robert Duvall, a good script, and fine director is long overdue.

St. Vincent (8/10): Outstanding performances by Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy, newcomer Jaeden Lieberher, and Naomi Watts as a Russian prostitute, highlight this moving, funny tale of an unlikely alignment of a cantankerous older man and an 11-year-old boy who understands him like no other person does or even tries.

Fury (8/10): This has the Alpha and Omega of World War II movies. For the Ome-

ALADDIN Presents

Book, Music & Lyrics by CAROL WEISS Directed by RANDY BRENNER Musical Direction by GERALD STERNBACH

ga, director David Ayer has the war completely stop when any of the main characters dies so the audience can hear their Hollywood-scripted farewell speeches, aping scenes from Terrence Malick’s dismal

At the Movies with

Tony Medley remake of James Jones’ “The Thin Red Line” (1998). But the Alpha more than makes up for this as it is probably one of the most realistic depictions of war battles ever filmed, and that’s most of the movie, well worth the price of admission.

Gone Girl (7/10): The problem with “Gone Girl” is that it pales in comparison with the bestselling book. It’s not that Ben Affleck and Rosamond Pike are not delightful incarnations of Nick and Amy Dunne or that the supporting cast is not equally pleasing (except for an unconvincing Neil Patrick Harris). What’s disappointing is that in the first half of the movie Nick is not nearly as unsympathetic nor Amy as sympathetic as in the book. Worse, Gillian Flynn, who wrote both book and screenplay, changed the ending so that readers of the book “would not lose interest.” That makes no sense because by the end of the movie they will either have lost interest or not, and, given the gender point they’re trying to make, it’s disingenuous. Regardless,

this is a fine, entertaining movie on its own.

Force Majeure (5/10): The movie is filled with allegories if you’re looking for them, and the ending has all sorts of interpretations one could make. There are some funny lines, some beautiful scenes of people skiing, and it is interesting, but the story doesn’t justify a film of almost two hours duration, which is what one often gets when, as here, a writer (Ruben Öslund) directs his own script and can’t bring it upon himself to cut anything because he finds the writing so wonderful. In Swedish and English.

Dracula Untold (3/10): There’s a good reason why it was untold.

Carter's 'Gospel' (Continued from page 9)

would see things. In the case of Tolstoy, the character of Pierre in “War and Peace” and Levin in “Anna Karenina” are based very much on himself.

After a severe asthma attack that hospitalized him, Carter felt a sense of re-birth. “I had this very strong feeling about the beauty of life, but also the sense of having to clarify issues about why are we here.

Is there a God? What is life about? One of the purposes of this play is to get people to have that same sense of urgency, to ask those questions and clarify the issues for themselves.”

Carter lives in Windsor Square with wife Bebe Johnson and two children.

For more on play go to p. 6.

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Dining & Entertainment Guide Dine on steaks at historic sites; Mexican, Greek among area offerings Antonio’s Run, don’t walk, to eat a meal at this Hollywood Mexican food institution. We had the chicken enchiladas con mole—amazing! We also ordered the guacamole appetizer and bean tamales—both excellent. My husband ordered a margarita and said it was insanely good and strong. The service was also top-notch and

old world classy. Antonio still gets dressed in a suit and sits by the front door. Such a magical place—they don’t make places like this anymore.

7470 Melrose Ave., 323658-9060, antoniosonmelrose.com Chan Dara I always enjoy all the dishes every time I dine here. My ab-

solute faves are the Chilean seabass with soba noodles, black seabass (miso based), eggplant with tofu, and the papaya salad.

The servers are polite and they also have outside patio seating which is great for lunch hours. Valet in front of the restaurant or you can park on the street.

310 N. Larchmont Blvd., 323-467-1052, chandararestaurants.com El Coyote Amazing food. I had fish tacos, my husband had the ostrich tacos and loved them.

But the best thing on the menu was their margaritas.

The scratch margarita was my favorite. Loaded with alcohol but tasted great. Amazing experience.

7312 Beverly Blvd., 323939-2255, elcoyotecafe.com

Come Celebrate 49 Years of Tradition with Us

Mexican Style!

Food • Cocktails • Dancing • Tequila Bar Happy Hour Tues-Fri 3-8 pm & Sat 5-8 pm Deliveries with grubhub.com or Eat24.com 3668 Beverly Blvd. (just east of Vermont) 213-385-0479 • www.themexicanvillage.com

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Open for Lunch & Dinner Tue-Fri 11am-2am • Sat. 5pm-2am

HMS Bounty My boyfriend and I stumbled upon this place and felt like we’d hit the jackpot. The ambiance was divey in a spectacular way. Great low moodlighting and comfy welcoming booths. The service was good.

The drinks and food were very inexpensive. To top it off, our meals were excellent!

We started with the wings, which were deep fried and breaded. The perfect comfort

food. I had the sea bass and he had the fish and chips. Both were delicious.

3357 Wilshire Blvd., 213385-7275, thehmsbounty. com La Brea Bakery Café For brunch I ordered the French toast rosette and an iced latte. My husband tried the farro salad and the kale and feta rosette, both were great! I highly recommend the cobb salad and tomato/ veggie focaccia.

They also have some of the best cookies money can buy.

And they keep it simple: oatmeal raisin, chocolate chip, double chocolate chip and peanut butter.

468 S. La Brea Ave. 323939-6813, labreabakery.com The Larchmont Beautiful restaurant with an amazing patio. The food here was fantastic. Fresh, vibrant flavors. Standouts were the tuna tartare special, yellowtail crudo, kale salad, lamb meatballs, and scallops with romesco sauce. Banana and toffee tart dessert was also a winner!

5750 Melrose Ave., 323464-4277, thelarchmont. com Le Petit Greek I went here for lunch. I ordered the moussaka, which was delicious! The zucchini, eggplant and ground lamb were cooked perfectly, topped with a light béchamel sauce.

Accompanying this large serving of moussaka were two lemon potatoes and a generous helping of salad, covered with finely grated feta cheese. I wasn’t able to finish the dish,

there was so much food!

127 N. Larchmont Blvd., 323-464-5160, lepetitgreek. com Little Bar A perfect, small neighborhood bar. The decor is very eclectic, with lots of references to Boston, MA. Good jukebox, so bring your single dollar bills. Beer selection is really good because they have many types of beers that you don’t get at most other bars.

They have a Karaoke night, a trivia night and a night where a live band will play.

It’s a nice place for a night out with friends, or a casual date.

757 S. La Brea Ave., 323937-9210, littlebarlounge. com Marino’s The grilled calamari and fried calamari are both keepers. We also ordered their famous eggplant Parmesan, ravioli with sage butter sauce, spaghetti Bolognese and chicken Parmesan and everything was fabulous.

6001 Melrose Ave., 323466-8812, marinorestaurant. net Mexican Village My favorite dish is the steak picado, which has a rich, thick, flavorful sauce. The steak is prepared just right: tender and hot! The staff is always attentive and refills appear without asking.

3668 Beverly Blvd., 213385-0479, themexicanvillage.com Taylor’s This is an historic steak house in LA. It’s famous for (Please turn to page 13)

BUILT IN 1936 ART DECO DESIGN GRAND BALLROOM HISTORIC LANDMARK

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323-467-7124 5969 Melrose Avenue (corner of Wilcox)

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November 2014

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Dining & Entertainment Guide Hand-made items at Crafts Market American-made jewelry, ceramics, sculptural glass, alabaster, wood, scarves and textiles are featured at the Contemporary Crafts Market Fri., Oct. 31 through Sun., Nov. 2.

The show, at the Pasadena Convention Center at 300 E. Green St., celebrates American artisans, many of whom will be at the event.

Formerly in Santa Monica, the show prides itself on its eclectic collection of art styles, media, outlooks and voices.

Admission is $8; children under 12 are free. Call 310285-3655 or go to craftsource. org.

Japanese female troupe at East West Players East West Players presents the Los Angeles premiere of "Animals Out of Paper" at David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center for the Arts, 120 Judge John Aiso St. In the play, the top star of an all-female Japanese performance troupe is haunted by the ghost of a former top star.

Preview performances run Thurs., Nov. 6 through Sat.,

Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. and Sun., Nov. 9 at 2 p.m.

Opening night is Wed., Nov. 12 at 8 p.m., preceded by a cocktail reception at 7 p.m. and a post show reception with the cast and creative team. Regular performances run Thurs., Nov. 13 to Sun., Dec. 7. A special “pay-whatyou-can” performance will be offered on Wed., Nov. 26.

Visit www.eastwestplayers.org. Student, senior and group discounts are available.

Hello! Kitty Explore the super cute world of the pop phenomenon turning 40 at an exhibit at the Japanese American National Museum, 100 N. Central Ave., through April 26.

Winner Top 10 Best Italian Restaurant in L.A.! -Citysearch GLASS SCULPTURE pieces are among items at the market.

Dine on steaks to Mexican, Greek (Continued from page 12)

three things, its baseball steak (essentially top sirloin), its wedge salad, and its bananas foster.

The wedge salad is a quarter of a head of iceberg lettuce served cold with blue cheese crumbles, bacon bits, chopped tomatoes, and blue cheese dressing. It is the best (and biggest) wedge salad I have ever had. The top sirloin was almost as tender as a filet mignon, and certainly more flavorful.

3361 W. 8th St., 213-3828449, taylorssteakhouse.com Village Pizzeria Whether you want your pizza Neapolitan (thin crust) or Sicilian (thick crust), you won’t be disappointed. We ordered the Village Special (18 in.), and it was absolutely superb. The toppings were piled on generously as you can tell

visually and during each bite.

Inside the restaurant there are a myriad of iconic pictures, articles, and memorabilia posted on every square inch.

131 N. Larchmont Blvd., 323-465-5566; 6363 Yucca St., 323-790-0763, villagepizzeria.net Ulysses Voyage The Greek salad was generous in portion and generous in taste. The calamari was spectacular—lightly battered, fresh, nice. The lamb gyros were to die for. It comes with chips. The chips, well I have to give it to the Greeks, they make good chips. Really fresh ingredients, really great vibe and atmosphere—fun to sit outside people watching.

Farmers Market, #750, 323-939-9728, ulyssesvoyage.com.

Above reviews were exceperted from Yelp. ADVERTORIAL

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3Twenty is where wine tasting and food pairing meet. We have a wide selection of family owned, and sustainably produced, wines available to taste. We pair those wines to a seasonal menu under the direction of Chef Carlos Lool.

We would love the opportunity to share our passion for the beauty of fine wine with you.

Also, a special thanks to our community is in order for all of the enthusiastic support and patronage since we opened in 2011. As a small, family-owned business, your support has been immensely appreciated.

7470 Melrose Ave. • (323) 658-9060 Open Tue-Sun, 11am - 11pm; Closed Monday antoniosonmelrose.com

-Edgar Poureshagh, proprietor and sommelier © LC1113

Offering over 300 Tequilas plus Antonio's own personal tequilas

•

DISTINCTIVE CATERING

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November 2014

SECTION THREE

Larchmont Chronicle

Dining & Entertainment Guide Korean comfort food at POT, eclectic Spanish menu at SOS are cloth aprons; pitchers of cold barley tea abound. A plate with braised vegetable banchan, typical accompaniments to Korean meals, arrives, is rapidly consumed, and filled again.

We ordered $9 grilled veggies, which pack some heat, and the $16 Roger Wants Moore Octopussy, a James Bondian description of tiny, crispy octopuses tossed with celery and mizuna, a Japanese

CHOW TIME

ANYTIME

213-385-7275 3357 Wilshire Blvd. hmsbounty.net

they never arrived.

However, the $7 dish ($12 with sausage) was bursting with flavor. We couldn’t resist the $18 sea urchin flan with caviar and shrimp chili oil. The first spoonful was briny, spicy, musky, and luscious, but the taste and texture wore thin and by the third bite I was ready to move on.

The meaty and tender octopus was perfectly cooked, but the grilled Moroccan-spiced yellowtail collar was nearly raw—not a good decision in my book. By now we were fix-

Ulysses Voyage Discover the Fantasy

Enjoy a romantic Greek dinner on our patio among the olive trees and twinkling lights. or at a fireside table inside.

The not-so-ordinary Thai Restaurant

Take Out • Delivery • Catering

Full Bar & Live Music • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner In the Farmers Market • 3rd & Fairfax 323.939.9728 • www.ulyssesvoyage.com

ated on how often our water glasses were refreshed—yet no one had asked if we needed more wine.

Our displeasure was distracted by our final dish—a $13 plate of potato wedges with serrano ham, chorizo and topped with a fried egg.

This homey dish was extraordinarily good. The potatoes were crunchy, yet fluffy on the inside. The meats added welcome smoky notes and the runny yolk pulled it all together.

Together, however, does not describe the restaurant. Some of the food is very, very good; some not. Sometimes the service was attentive; sometimes not so much. The restaurant (Please turn to page 15)

ACME THEATER 135 N LA BREA AVE LOS ANGELES CA 90036

A Culinary Odyssey in Traditional Greek Dining!

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©LC1006

Between Alexandria & Catalina

©LC 0406

GREAT STEAKS, FRESH SEAFOOD, SALADS AND SANDWICHES ARE IN BOUNTIFUL QUANTITY & QUALITY ON BOARD THE H.M.S. BOUNTY. LUNCH & DINNER ARE SERVED 7 DAYS A WEEK. WELCOME ABOARD MATES.

green.

The menu’s focus is, of course, the hot pots. We were momentarily tempted to try the Boot Knocker, a wry combination On the of tofu, instant Menu ramen, Spam, by tinned corned Helene beef hash, fish Seifer cakes and other seemingly random meats and seasonings, but instead ordered the $38 Old School—a tangle of delicious marinated paper thin ribeye, with noodles, kimchi, scallions and sesame. Korean comfort food at its finest. Wash it all down with beer, wine, sake or a soju curry cocktail.

POT, 3515 Wilshire Blvd. in Line Hotel. 213-368-3030.

Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily. Dinner 5 to 11 p.m. *** Although the world has gone small plates crazy, very few focus on the Spanish inspiration for the trend. One spot that does is smoke.oil. salt., Chef Perfecto Rocher’s seafood-centric tapas cafe. We started with Catalan tomato toast: grilled bread slathered with astoundingly garlicky pulverized tomatoes. We thought we ordered the version with sausages, but the waiter thought otherwise and

OpeN 7 Days a Week

323-467-1052 • Fax 323-467-8013 310 N. Larchmont Blvd. (North of Beverly Blvd.)

©LC1006

Lovers of puns will be amused by POT, Kogi food truck chef Roy Choi’s hipster Korean hot pot restaurant.

Its neon sign is in marijuana-dispensary green, and the menu sports the admonition “Let’s Smoke” above a photo of a woman puffing a giant… something.

Plays on words aside, POT is packed with flavor and loads of fun. Utensils are stored in under-table cubbies; napkins

Larchmont Chronicle

November 2014

SECTION THREE

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Dining & Entertainment Guide Music, art, food at House of Lebanon Sat., Nov. 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. with Maha & Co. Percussionist Marc El Khoury and opera singer Raed Saade will give a voice and rhythm course on Sat., Nov. 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. Visit ksrour@houseoflebanon.com or call 323-965-8000.

Artist work at Reef Kathleen Losey, S. Norton Ave., is among several artists featured in an exhibit at Studio Eleven at The Reef, formerly the L.A. Mart, 1933 S. Broadway, on the 11th floor.

The opening reception is on Sat., Nov. 15 from 5 to 9 p.m.

The exhibit is through Sat., Dec. 6.

Losey is a long-time area interior designer.

Please join us for our Grand Opening Nov. 1 We are now featuring a New Breakfast Menu,.

New Salads, Soups & Sandwiches too.

We are also serving Espresso, Cappuccino & Latte.

Come try our new fare for yourself!

It’s Delicious, Healthy & Yummy!

323-466-1193

©LC1114

While the featurArab world ing works is shrouded by sevin conflict, eral artthe House of ists, is up Lebanon Artthrough ists Group is Sat., Nov. promoting 15. art and culIn additure at its tion sevh e a d q u a reral workters, 4800 s h o p s Wilshire are being Blvd. offered, such as The aim is to showcase “Lebanese the rich heriC o o k tage of the ing—FlaMiddle East ART exhibit, cuisine featured at site. vors from and to help the Mezze deconstruct negative stereo- Table” on Sat., Nov, 8 from types, spokesman Lara Aki 3 to 6 p.m. with chef Najwa said.

Massoud.

Beyond Borders, an exhibit Middle Eastern dance is on

5210 W. Beverly Blvd. (just around the corner from Larchmont)

Herend artist demonstrates talents at Zahran Lucy Zahran & Co. invites shoppers to meet Herend master artist Marianna Steigervald as she demonstrates painting on porcelain and personalizes Herend purchases.

Steigervald was born in Veszprem, Hungary, where she gained a love of painting and art. She was admitted to the Vocational Secondary School of the Herend Manufactory, where she learned to paint porcelain. Steigervald currently works in the Herend sales division in Budapest, Hungary.

The event will take place Tues., Nov. 4 and Wed., Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lucy Zahran & Co. store at the Grove.

Call 323-933-3166.

Spirit of Hollywood "The Spirit of Hollywood" looms at the American Legion, 2035 N. Highland Ave., on Sun., Nov. 2 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., sponsored by the Hollywood Art Council.

Celebrity psychic Patti Negri will conduct ghost walks, and guests can bid on a seat at a seance. Cost for members is $35. Call 323-462-2355.

esar Brelaz arvalho & C Francisco C ll Pampas Gri 8 61 # ll Sta

Janet Nicholson Sushi a Go Go Stall #434

“ TEN THOUSAND TASTE BUDS Your tongue may have more than

but we have just as many ways to excite them.

”

Neal Fraser Fritzi Dog Stall #742

Enter weekly through November 19 for a chance to win a $75 gift certificate to these and other great Farmers Market merchants.

Visit farmersmarketla.com for details.

Dean Schwartz za Deano’s Gourmet Piz Stall #310

ON THE MENU

(Continued from page 14) abbreviates itself as SOS, and indeed, they seem to need a little help smoothing out some rough edges. smoke.oil.salt. 7274 Melrose Ave. 323-930-7900. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 5:30 to midnight. Bar menu until 2 am.

“I am FARMERS MARKET.” 6333 W. THIRD ST. • LOS ANGELES 323.933.9211 • FARMERSMARKETLA .COM

SECTION THREE

November 2014

Larchmont Chronicle

L.A.’S FINEST SINCE 1953

Wishing You & Your Family A Safe Healthy & Happy Holiday Season Celebrating Our 61st Anniversary “This is an upscale steak house with prices half those of its competitors. Taylor’s doesn’t have competitors. It’s achieved the status of legend.”

-Merrill Shindler KLSX Radio 3361 W. EIGHTH ST. LOS ANGELES • (213) 382-8449 Lunch 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. ~ MONdAy - FrIdAy • dinner 4-10 p.m. ~ Nightly

FuLL bAr • VALET pArkING

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