Where Los Angeles, December 2015

DECEMBER 2015 WHERELA.COM

Los Angeles

®

+ PRESENT PERFECT An L.A.inspired gift guide

’CUE THE MEAT Dining picks for carnivores

DRAMATIC FASHION

New shops from Rick Owens and Helmut Lang

Seasonal Splendor FROM MALIBU TO LONG BEACH, CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS

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where los angeles

12.15

CONTENTS

THE GIFT GUIDE ISSUE

departments

the guide

6 Editor’s Note

60 DINING Restaurants by cuisine and neighborhood

Past and presents.

8 Hot Dates

74 ENTERTAINMENT Special events, performing arts and sports

The city lights up with shopping, snow and songs for the holidays, while plays and standout art installations make for a cultured start to the new year.

76 ATTRACTIONS + MUSEUMS Theme parks, activities, studio tapings, exhibitions and more

96 30 Things We Love

84 SHOPPING The county’s major retail destinations

Sparkly accessories, decadent desserts, pop-up gift shops and everything else getting us into the holiday spirit this month.

86 SPAS Havens for pampering and beauty

where now

89 NIGHTLIFE Buzzy bars and cool clubs

10 Shopping + Beauty

89 TOURS + TRANSPORT Getting out, getting around and getting to know Los Angeles

Arbiters of stark cool Helmut Lang and Rick Owens open flagship stores on Melrose and La Brea avenues, respectively.

At the Grove, get pretty at the pop-up of Jessica Alba’s new Honest Beauty skin-care and makeup brand.

CITY TOURS

12 Dining

12

Cheers to Viviane at the Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills

features 15 Inspired Gifts

ON THE COVER A twinkling winter wonderland at L.A. Zoo Lights. See p. 8.

Photo by Jamie Pham

There’s no place like Los Angeles for holiday shopping. Herewith, eight great stores that stock locally inspired gifts. BY MARINA CHETNER

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18 Meat Done Well Whether barbecued, cured, fileted, smoked, grilled, roasted or prepared raw, meat is having its moment at L.A.’s top dining destinations. BY ROGER GRODY

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Knott’s Berry Farm

Get the up-to-the-minute buzz from our Southern California Where editors online and on your smartphone.

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Angel Stadium of Anaheim

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where Los Angeles

MEGHAN BOB PHOTOGRAPHY

Viviane brings Parisian charm to the Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills in a Kelly Wearstler-designed, midcentury-modern space.

And Portland, Oregon, favorite Blue Star offers brioche doughnuts in inventive flavors on Abbot Kinney Boulevard.

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Grove_2

Santa Photos · Winterland Decór · 100’ Christmas Tree Nightly Snowfall · Entertainment · Extended Hours Caruso Rewards Double Points · Concierge Services

TheGroveLA.com

Nordstrom ¬ Barneys New York ¬ Topshop Topman ¬ Nike The Grove Sephora √ Apple √ American Girl Place ¬ Crate & Barrel Barnes & Noble √ Vince ¬ Honest Beauty ¬ Brandy Melville ¬ And More!

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where M AG A Z INE

L.A. STYLE HOLIDAY PRESENCE

PUBLISHER EDITOR

Jeff Levy

Suzanne Ennis

ART DIRECTOR

Carol Wakano

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Benjamin Epstein

PRODUCTION ARTIST Diana Gonzalez CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER Heidi Schwindt ASSOCIATE EDITOR Gillian Glover CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Marina Chetner,

Roger Grody, Joshua Lurie, Constance Sommer, Barbara Thornburg

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dale Berman, Angela DeCenzo, Daniel Ennis, Matt Hartman, Dave Lauridsen, Lisa Romerein, Edwin Santiago

Coach Michael Kors Kate Spade TUMI Hugo Boss A/X Disney Tommy Hilfiger Nike Levis

SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jessica Levin Poff

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Richard Blankley, Kerry Brewer, Heather Heintz, Julie Hoffman, Joanna McLean Stickel, Heather Price BUSINESS MANAGER

Leanne Killian Riggar

CIRCULATION / SPECIAL EVENTS MANAGER

Danielle Riffenburgh

PRODUCTION MANAGER Dawn Kiko Cheng WEB EDITOR Christina Xenos MARKETING MANAGER Anna Ciric ADMINISTRATION

Amina Karwa, Lisa Kelley, Laura Okey VICE PRESIDENT OF NATIONAL SALES Rick Mollineaux 202.463.4550 WEST COAST NATIONAL SALES Tiffany Reinhold 714.813.6600 DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL DIGITAL SALES Bridget Cody 706.821.6663

Find Your Holiday Style at Citadel Outlets. Shop some of the world’s leading designers. Find the perfect gifts among 130 stores flaunting big brand style and fashion-conscious savings. Come shop, save and see how L.A. does the holidays.

HONORARY PRESIDENT

Ted Levy

where Los Angeles

3679 Motor Ave., Suite 300 Los Angeles, California 90034 Phone: 310.280.2880 Fax: 310.280.2890 EMAIL Editorial Suzanne.Ennis@WhereLA.com Art Art@WhereLA.com Production Ads@WhereLA.com Website Christina.Xenos@WhereLA.com Circulation Danielle.Riffenburgh@WhereLA.com Plan for your next visit to Los Angeles.

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Contact: Danielle Riffenburgh. Phone: 310.280.2880 Email: Danielle.Riffenburgh@WhereLA.com © 2015 Southern California Media Group. All rights reserved.

Published by Southern California Media Group. where makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions.

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On the Web: WhereLA.com A MAGGIE AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION BEST CONSUMER VISITOR’S GUIDE

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Cop. Copine U.S. is more than just another fashion brand; it is simply one woman’s vision. As a physician/surgeon, entrepreneur, humanitarian, artist and a visionary with a heart, the founder behind Cop. Copine U.S., Dr. Lillie Mosaddegh has always expressed herself differently than the average physician.

She believes a woman can be great at her profession without compromising her expression of self; whether through fashion or the gentleness of her spirit. As a dedicated customer of Cop. Copine for nearly 15 years, she knew that if Cop. Copine could make her happy given all of her lifestyle demands, it could make other U.S. women happy as well.

Cop. Copine US is simply a piece of Paris in U.S. Cop. Copine takes pride in giving women unmatched quality in a Parisian design at prices that do not insult a woman's intelligence.

This brand is all about attention to detail, in creating pieces that will stand the test of time, and it makes it easy to build a wardrobe over time. Cop. Copine does not discriminate against age, women of all ages can find great pieces to complement their unique lifestyle!

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Pasadena:

One Colorado Old Town Pasadena 12 Douglas Alley Pasadena, CA 91103 Tel: (626) 796-1985

San Francisco:

352 Sutter St. San Francisco, CA 94108 Tel: (415) 989-9035 sf@cop-copineus.com

Shop on line:

www.Cop-CopineUS.com

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Welcome

Shopping is fun at this high-end designer resale store, offering the best of recent and vintage Chanel, Vuitton, Prada and more!

Clothes Heaven

111 E. Union St. 626.440.0929 clothesheaven.com

A note from the editor

PAST AND PRESENTS

My parents always made the holidays magical for my siblings and me, so when Dec. 1 rolls around, nostalgia sets in. One of my strongest memories involves my mother bringing us to the town drugstore to shop for gifts: We bought Dad soap-on-a-rope and chocolate-covered cherries; Mom got Jean Naté bath splash. I also recall poring over the J.C. Penney catalog to create a wish list for Santa (a ventriloquist doll and white go-go boots were among my more inspired selections). Christmas morning, we’d wake up to a blanket of fresh snow outside, a fire in the fireplace, Bing Crosby on the record player and presents stacked high by the tree. The scene was downright Rockwellian.

I still love holiday shopping and making wish lists, but as you’ll see in our annual gift guide (p. 15), my sources for gifts have improved exponentially. Between Valerie Confections, MOCA’s store and Kitson Kids, I’ve got my whole family covered (I’ll take some brut rosé from Harry’s, Santa). I also like to hit the local craft fairs for handmade gifts every year—Echo Park’s is a bohemian gold mine (p. 74). Meanwhile, the Music Center venues provide an eclectic soundtrack of holiday music all month (p. 75), and although L.A. won’t see a white Christmas, we do have ice-skating rinks galore, and even a snow-covered sledding hill by the beach (p. 74). December in Los Angeles may not precisely

(323)424.4807 WWW.PYRRHA.COM

re-create the holidays of my youth, but it is wondrous all the same.

Whatever traditions you celebrate, I hope that this issue helps you tap into that magic, track down that perfect gift and create happy memories for yourself and your loved ones, too. —SUZANNE ENNIS

DANIEL ENNIS

8315 WEST 3RD. STREET

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DANIEL ENNIS

OYSTER PERPETUAL MILGAUSS

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oyster perpetual and milgauss are trademarks.

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Where calendar december 2015 Search the full calendar at wherela.com

Top Stops

what’s happening in arts and culture

Dec. 1-6 SONG AND DANCE Travel from the Pantages Theatre to dear old Ireland during Riverdance’s 20th-anniversary extravaganza. p. 74 opening Dec. 8 BURNING BRIDGES Star-crossed lovers bring song and romance to the Ahmanson Theatre in the Tony Award-winning musical The Bridges of Madison County. p. 75

Hot dates

DEC. 24 Mirth, merriment and music The 56th annual, Emmy Award-winning L.A. County Holiday Celebration returns to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion with a free, family-friendly three-hour show featuring ensembles, choirs and dance companies that honor Los Angeles’ many neighborhoods and cultures. This year’s participants include Invertigo Dance Theatre (above); Grammynominated, all-female ensemble Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles Entertainment; and, new to the program, Mostly Kosher, with the Hanukkah song “Ma’oz Tzur” (Rock of Ages). p. 75

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FAIRS, FESTS AND MORE FUN EVENTS

1 UNIQUE L.A. HOLIDAY MARKET > DEC. 5-6 Downtown’s California Market Center turns into a one-stop shop for handmade presents, free DIY crafts and manicures. Who said shopping was stressful? p. 74

Here for the weekend? Go to WhereLA.com for the Weekend Roundup, where you can get the lowdown on the coolest festivals, performingarts events, dining promotions and more.

2 Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade > Dec. 12 Expect fireworks, festooned boats and holiday fun at this year’s “Adventures on the Sea”-themed parade on the water. p. 74 3 Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks > Dec. 13 At this annual fun-for-all event, the picturesque beachside city gets a blanket of real snow for sledding and snowmanmaking before fireworks light up the pier. p. 74

4 ARTISTS & FLEAS > Dec. 19-20 This hip monthly flea market in the Arts District is the perfect place to support artists and score oneof-a-kind gifts. p. 74 5 TOURNAMENT OF ROSES > BEGINNING DEC. 27 Volunteer for some last-minute float decorating, or get to know the Rose Parade’s marching bands and horses before they hit the streets of Pasadena on New Year’s Day. p. 74 6 CHILL > ALL MONTH Head to Long Beach’s Queen Mary for a bona fide winter wonderland, complete with outdoor ice skating, ice tubing and towering ice sculptures. p. 74 7 L.A. ZOO LIGHTS > ALL MONTH The animal kingdom gets in on the holiday spirit during this family-friendly event. See the zoo decked out in lights (left), and meet real reindeer. p. 76

Dec. 31 IN WITH THE NEW Ring in a soulful 2016 at Walt Disney Concert Hall’s New Year’s Eve With Gladys Knight. p. 75 ALL MONTH MIRROR IMAGE The Broad museum’s mind-bending Infinity Mirrored Room is the backdrop for the coolest selfie in town. p. 80 ALL MONTH RAIN OR SHINE In LACMA’s surreal Rain Room (below), guests move through falling water without getting wet. p. 82

clockwise from top: Joe lambie, invertigo dance theatre; courtesy Random International; jamie pham

Opening Dec. 8 DATE WITH DESTINY Broadway superstar Idina Menzel explores two potential life paths in the musical If/Then, at the Pantages. p. 74

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where now

los angeles

THE BEST IN SHOPPING, BEAUTY AND DINING

SHOPPING+BEAUTY

Calm, Cool Collection A 7,000-square-foot former gallery space in the West Hollywood Design District is a fitting home for the new U.S. flagship of Helmut Lang, the fashion brand renowned for its pared-down, elegant aesthetic. After all, each of its designs—be it a buttery soft lamb napa leather jacket, a pair of relaxed-fit, tapered-leg jeans or a surprisingly sensual neoprene scuba skirt—has a markedly sculptural quality. In store is the women’s ready-to-wear collection, which includes an on-point array of shoes and boots, as well as the full collection of the brand’s cult-favorite signature fragrances (the Brentwood store carries the men’s collection, too). The look may be minimal, but it’s infused with maximum style. 8808 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 310.623.1900, helmutlang.com

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Opposite: courtesy helmut lang. clockwise from top left: alba, getty images; products courtesy the honest company; Owenscorp

Clockwise from left: Actress/mogul Jessica Alba; Honest Beauty lip gloss in Inspired Kiss; eye shadow trio in Forest Green; the product-packed Travel Kit

girl power Jessica Alba won our hearts through her film roles, but with her mega-successful, Santa Monica-based lifestyle brand the Honest Company, she infiltrated our cabinets and nurseries, too. Now, Alba has her sights set on our makeup bags with Honest Beauty, which recently launched its first retail experience at the Grove. The pretty six-month pop-up carries the full 70-piece makeup collection and 12-piece range of skin-care products—plus, for the holidays, there’s an all-in-one limited-edition palette filled with Honest Beauty favorites—all formulated with safe, botanically derived and effective ingredients. Visitors are invited to “stay and play” with digital, interactive mirrors and a photo booth, and a portion of the proceeds from every purchase benefits Girls Who Code, an organization that empowers girls to pursue tech and computer-science opportunities. What’s not to love? 189 The Grove Drive, L.A., 323.746.5002, honestbeauty.com

Epic Proportions When unconventional fashion icon Rick Owens opens a store, especially in his native California, expect a larger-than-life shopping experience.

Although the designer is based in Paris, he spent his 20s in L.A., inventing a name for himself as a fashion outsider. It was here he got his taste for

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the cinematic, so it’s fitting that for the designer’s first West Coast store, he incorporated dramatic elements like his signature fog wall and a water tank that slowly emits bubbles.

Inside the stark structure, you’ll find Owens’ full men’s and women’s collections, high-end home goods and accessories

including jewelry from Owens’ wife and muse, Michèle Lamy. And if you want a peek at the designer himself, simply head to the dressing rooms, where mannequin re-creations of Owens await, welcoming you to take a seat. 819 N. La Brea Ave., L.A., 323.931.4960, rickowens.eu

A look from Rick Owens’ FW15 collection

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where now / los

angeles

dining

Pretty Provisions No sooner had award-winning chef Michael Hung left downtown’s acclaimed Faith & Flower than foodies were anticipating his next move.

Enter Viviane at the Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills, a new restaurant from Hung and restaurateur Stephane Bombet (Terrine, Hanjip). Lending a California sensibility to Continental cuisine, Hung presents a menu of artfully prepared dishes at Viviane, including a stunning salad of young lettuces, crispy pork belly with Brussels sprouts kraut, and handmade linguine with geoduck and Manila clams. Start with a 1950s-inspired flight of Manhattans, and finish with an irresistible milk-chocolate crémeux. SoCal resident and superstar designer Kelly Wearstler shaped the spot into a midcenturymodern oasis with a dramatic teal interior and poolside cabanas adorned with Gio Ponti-inspired geometric designs. Viviane is where old-Hollywood glamour meets Parisian chic, and it hits the spot.

9400 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.407.7791, vivianerestaurant.com

sweet treats L.A.’s doughnut fervor is at a fever pitch, thanks to the grand opening of the first California outpost of Blue Star Donuts, on Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Heralded

by USA Today as having some of the country’s tastiest doughnuts, the Portland, Oregon-based shop specializes in gourmet, brioche-style

doughnuts in overthe-top flavors such as blueberry bourbon basil, O.G. (orxata glaze) and—new for L.A.— piña colada, featuring a pineapple, coconut, rum and mint-flavored cake doughnut topped with shredded coconut.

The 18-hour production process involves frying top-quality dough in rice

oil at a temperature that minimizes oil absorption, resulting in a delicate, decadent pastry.

And since doughnuts without joe is basically a crime, coffee and cold brew from Stumptown Coffee Roasters are on the menu, too. 1142 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.450.5630, bluestardonuts.com

From top: meghan bob photography; marie buck

Blue Star Donuts

Salad of young leaf lettuces, radish and fennel with buttermilk vinaigrette and spice candied almonds

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L.A.’s quintessentiAL

sh o p p i ng exp e r i e nc e 150 Premier Boutiques, 30 Inspired Restaurants and Refined Open-air Surroundings

10250 Santa Monica Blvd. loS angeleS, ca 90067 | 310.277.3898 | WeStfield.coM

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Inspired Gifts When in Los Angeles, do as style-savvy Angelenos do: Shop local for fabulous holiday gifts. We’ve rounded up boutiques from Santa Monica to Silver Lake stocked with fun and festive items instilled with the spirit of the Golden State.

By Marina Chetner

Clockwise from top: Hound ornament, available at Jonathan Adler; The Charlie Chaplin Archives, available at Taschen; Darth Vader backpack by Loungefly, available at Kitson Kids; Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards 2012 Sta. Rita Hills pinot noir blend, available at Harry's Wines; Hollywood duvet cover and shams, available at Jonathan Adler; Owl Zoo Lunch Kit by Skip Hop, available at Kitson Kids

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THE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART (MOCA) STORE Once you’ve emerged from MOCA’s subterranean galleries, make a beeline for its airy store, located steps above street level.

There you’ll find shelves filled with art books, jewelry, home wares and perfumes by Santa Monica-based Fiele Fragrances ($85). Watch for the Los Angeles Mug by Sisters of Los Angeles ($15), artsy tote bags (from $34) and ceramics made

by Ben Medansky in his downtown studio ($60-$190). Perhaps the most coveted gift of all is the limited-edition Jeff Koons Balloon Dog (Yellow) sculpture plate: a collaboration between the artist and French porcelain company Bernardaud. The price is steep—$8,000—yet priceless in the eyes of an art collector or Koons fan. Reserve the piece by calling or emailing storeonline@ moca.org. Your purchase is for a good cause: The net proceeds benefit MOCA’s endowment.

250 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.621.1710, moca.org

Top left: Jeff Koons’ Balloon Dog, available at the MOCA Store.

Above: Sugarfina's Taste of Beverly Hills candy bento box.

Below left: My Little Pony Backpack

by Hasbro, available at Kitson Kids

KITSON KIDS This trendy boutique basks in the spotlight of the rich and famous, who are frequently photographed toting blue bags labeled “Kitson.”

Since launching in 2000, the brand has branched into Kitson Men’s and Kitson Kids, perpetuators of the mommy-and-me and daddy-and-me dressing trends (see Kim Kardashian and daughter North West). The children’s store on Robertson carries kids’ clothing by popular lines like Loud Apparel and Haus of JR, as well as Ray Bans, My Little Pony and Hello Kitty accessories, Darth Vader backpacks ($48), adorable lunch kits and books about all sorts of fun stuff, including food trucks and Star Wars.

Kitson has multiple locations, but the Kitson Kids stores on Robertson Boulevard and in the Malibu Lumber Yard are dedicated to, well, kids. 116 N. Robertson Blvd., Ste. C, L.A., 310.657.0450; Malibu Lumber Yard, 3939 Cross Creek Road, Malibu, 310.317.1421, shopkitson.com

SUGARFINA Sugarfina gives adults full license to act like kids in a candy store.

The stylish sweets boutique, decorated in blue and white, channels Marie Antoinette, the queen of France, whose flair for lavishing tables with exquisite dessert stands and tiered tortes is reimagined here by stacking pretty see-through boxes filled with Rainbow Raisins, Apricot Hearts and Espresso Caramels, plus grown-up candies like Absinthe Chocolate Cordials and Martini Olive Almonds. Need to satisfy someone’s sweet tooth back home? He or she will love the Beverly Hills Candy Box, available until the end of 2015, which comes as a three-piece “bento box” (Champagne Bears, Chocolate Mint Caviar and Sugarfina Pearls; $30) or eight-piece set ($65) including Peach Bellini, Sugar Lips and Bling Ring. In the queen’s not-so-exact words, we say, “Let them eat candy!” 9495 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 855.784.2734; One Colorado, 20 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, 424.384.8515; The Point, 850 S. Sepulveda Blvd., El Segundo, 855.784.2734, sugarfina.com

TASCHEN STORE L.A. has the luxury of two Taschen bookstores; the Grove-adjacent Farmers Market location is a laid-back version of the refined North Beverly Drive boutique. Titles by the book publisher that encapsulate the city’s zeitgeists include Hollywood in the 30s ($49.99; 162 pages), a world of silent films, talking pictures, glamorous stars and movie-industry politics, re-created by illustrator Robert Nippoldt and film critic Daniel Kotherschulte; The Charlie Chaplin Archives ($200), a 560-page history of the world’s first international film star as told through letters, scripts and a 12-frame strip from City Lights (included in the first 10,000 copies only); and Los Angeles.

Portrait of a City ($69.99; 562 pages). Check out the collection of 2016 calendars and diaries as well. 354 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.274.4300; 6333 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.931.1168, taschen.com Below: Taschen’s Hollywood in the 30s and Los Angeles. Portrait of a City

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Left: Matsuda sunglasses, available at Wittmore

WITTMORE This menswear store is one of the few shops that carry the optical and sunglass collections by L.A.-based brand Matsuda. Each pair of glasses, handmade in Japan using precious metals and mineral glass, requires more than 250 manufacturing steps. Check out the collection (from $475) at Wittmore’s downtown flagship location. Other top L.A.-made items include watches made with Swiss precision by Weiss Watch Co. (from $950; they sell out fast); the popular and incredibly soft Jungmaven hemp cotton tees (from $35); ties, handkerchiefs, pocket squares, bags and hats by the Essential Man (from $58); and new brand CWST (pronounced “quest”), whose understated sweats, tees, shirts and hoodies epitomize upscale California cool (from $146). The Yards at One Santa Fe, 300 S. Santa Fe Ave., downtown, 213.626.0780; 8236 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.782.9791, shopwittmore.com

VALERIE CONFECTIONS A few years ago, renowned chocolatier Valerie Gordon introduced a Classic California Cakes line that pays homage to the city’s bygone bakeries. Her renditions are based on recipes hunted down from childhood haunts, like the Coffee Crunch Cake from Blum Bakery, whose layers of sponge cake and coffee whipped cream covered in honeycomb crunch have turned it into a born-again best-seller. There’s also the rum-laced Chasen’s Banana Shortcake inspired by the glamorous 1930s Hollywood hot spot; and Bullock’s Wilshire Tea Room’s Coconut Cream Pie, a daily tearoom tradition for ladies who lunched at the onetime luxury department store on Wilshire Boulevard (its art deco building still stands). In addition to the Valerie Confections shop in south Silver Lake, Valerie has cafés in Echo Park and downtown’s Grand Central Market.

Enjoy cakes by the slice at Grand Central Market ($6), otherwise buy them whole (available in various sizes from $45) online or in the shops. 3360 W. 1st St., L.A., 213.739.8149; 1665 Echo Park Ave., L.A., 213.250.9365; Grand Central Market, 317 S. Broadway, E3-4, downtown, 213.621.2781, valerieconfections.com

Above: Valerie Confections preserves and storefront

HARRY’S WINE & SPIRITS Harry’s Wine & Spirits is located among the juice bars, beauty salons and coffee shops of bustling Brentwood and has a well-edited selection of California, French and Italian wines. Now that Malibu wineries have been granted their own AVA, options have increased: Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards 2012 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills ($29.50) is a top drop, thanks to well-rounded berry flavors that linger on the palate; the estate also makes an excellent 2013 chardonnay with Malibu Coast-grown grapes ($39). For bubbles, try N/V Roederer Estate Brut Rosé ($29.99), a sparkling wine from Anderson Valley with a fine effervescence and hints of strawberries on the nose. As for spirits, Casamigo Blanco tequila ($49.95; co-owned by George Clooney and Randy Gerber) and Anchor Distilling Co. Junipero Gin from San Francisco ($39.50) are sure bets, though the staff (including Harry himself, who has run the shop for over 35 years) is always on hand to help navigate the selection. 11684 San Vicente Blvd., L.A., 310.820.9988, harryswinela.com

JONATHAN ADLER Jonathan Adler is a lover of midcentury modern, a designer of beautiful gifts and a purveyor of colorful home wares. Basically, if you’re looking for the perfect gift, head to his stores. During the winter holidays, the branded collection comes alive with beautiful Christmas decorations—the gilded King and Queen collection set ($58), a dove ($24) and a wide-eyed owl ($24) are impossible to resist (if traveling, bubble-wrap these fragile items well). If you’d prefer something Los Angeles-inspired, consider the Lucite Bel Air Scoop vases (various colors and sizes from $98), which make luxurious stocking stuffers. Adler also offers a chic Hollywood duvet (from $268) in gray-on-white or his classic navy-on-white print.

8125 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.658.8390; 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, 310.393.6803; Westfield Topanga, the Village, 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Canoga Park, 818.491.3738, jonathanadler.com

Top center: Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards 2013 chardonnay. Top right: Jonathan Adler mouse ornament. Above: Jonathan Adler Bel Air mini scoop vase in cobalt

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Meat Done Well Los Angeles chefs are increasingly infatuated with meat, applying sophisticated, handcrafted techniques to world-class proteins.

The outsider’s perception of the Los Angeles dining scene frequently involves images of models picking at salads, or trend-conscious chefs using tweezers to meticulously arrange microgreens. While these practices certainly occur in local restaurants, they are not the dominant trend: In L.A., both chefs and diners are currently obsessed with meat.

From platters of charcuterie to massive slabs of generously marbled Kobe beef, internationally inspired meat dishes are turning Angelenos into major-league carnivores. Contemporary steakhouses, Brazilian churrascarias and Korean barbecue restaurants are all enormously popular, even among the salad-pickers who previously defined the local food culture. In addition to the cultural diversity involved, what distinguishes the meat scene in L.A. is a passionate commitment to artisanal practices.

Downtown L.A.’s Arts District, a swath of crumbling, largely vacant factories, is rapidly transforming into a collection of trendy galleries, bistros, boutiques, industri-

al-chic office spaces and stylish lofts. Bestia was one of the first restaurants to make the A.D. a major culinary destination, thanks to chef Ori Menashe’s handmade pasta and his bold, in-your-face flavors. The restaurant’s design features chandeliers crafted from vintage meat hooks hanging over a marble counter, not far from a glass-ensconced curing chamber for Menashe’s artisanal meats.

At Bestia, all meats are procured locally, then butchered and cured in the restaurant’s own kitchen, thereby maintaining control over the entire process. The current selection includes fennel-pollen salami, speck, duck prosciutto, lardo, coppa di testa (head cheese), bresaola and basturma. Ordering a platter for the table, with mostarda and grilled rustic bread, is one of the best ways to ease into the Bestia experience, which is enhanced by a quirky bottle of Lambrusco or celebratory prosecco.

After enjoying those cured meats, guests might move on to pan-roasted chicken gizzards with beets, agnolotti alla vaccinara (cacao pasta stuffed with oxtail) or whole branzino. Menashe, a native Angeleno who

grew up in Israel, naturally is passionate about Middle Eastern flavors and will soon be applying them to a Mediterranean-spiced charcuterie program at a new, yet-to-benamed Arts District restaurant.

Mélisse, awarded a pair of Michelin stars for its modern French cuisine, is about the closest thing L.A. has to a bona fide temple of gastronomy. Now chef/owner Josiah Citrin is introducing Charcoal in Venice, a casual spot (due open soon) where everything will be cooked over an open flame.

The concept for Charcoal was partially inspired by a restaurant in Biarritz—back when Citrin and fellow L.A. chef Raphael Lunetta were cooking and surfing in France on the Bay of Biscay—and its menu suits L.A.’s current obsession with meat. At Charcoal, 20-something chef Joseph Johnson, a Citrin protégé, will cook premium-grade proteins and farmers-market produce with very few sauces to mask any mistakes in execution. The menu includes beef-heart or duck tartare, smoked and grilled bonein short rib, Sonoma duck and a colossal, 48-ounce dry-aged porterhouse.

ANDREA BRICCO

by ROGER GRODY

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: SIERRA PRESCOTT; ANDY KEILEN; SIERRA PRESCOTT; CLAY MCLACHLAN

Butchers & Barbers is an American bistro from Jonnie and Mark Houston, the twin brothers whose collection of hip Hollywood watering holes has furthered the district’s resurgence. A full menu of well-executed fare is what distinguishes B&B from the brothers’ other enterprises. All meats that go onto the formidable charcuterie platter are cured in-house by executive chef Luke Reyes, who whole-beast butchers on-site. The charcuterie is great for snacking on while sipping a cocktail that cleverly combines rye whiskey, amaretto, black-walnut bitters and a Chartreuse-flamed artichoke. It’s also the perfect prelude to an 18-ounce fennel-pollen-dusted pork chop with plum/pine-nut gremolata or a hanger steak with Point Reyes blue cheese.

Occupying a former barbershop next to No Vacancy, one of the brothers’ lively Hollywood bars, Butchers & Barbers has plenty of visual appeal, with warm retro architectural elements creating a comforting environment for tourists as well as local foodies.

Belcampo Meat Co., which raises cattle on a 12,000-acre ranch in Northern California, now operates a premium butchery at downtown’s reinvigorated Grand Central Market. There you can find virtually anything, nose-to-tail, for your home kitchen or enjoy a lamb burger or pulled-pork Benedict right there at the Market. The company also operates a full-service restaurant of the same name in Santa Monica: a handsome, unfussy place with an adjoining butcher shop. Guests might begin with tallow chips and Taleggio cheese, grilled beef heart with salsa verde or goat tartare before proceeding to short ribs or steak frites.

It’s not Kansas City or Memphis, but L.A. has always been a respectable barbecue town, although most of the good joints were opened by transplants from those places where ’cue is like a religion. Although Phillips and Bludso’s serve sensational slowcooked, smoked meats, the spotlight now is on upscale barbecue, and one of the most

notable spots is Studio City’s Barrel and Ashes. Simple smoked meats may sound like an odd choice for accomplished chef/owner Timothy Hollingsworth—the former chef de cuisine at the French Laundry is also launching the Broad museum-adjacent Otium downtown—but this is no ordinary barbecue.

At Barrel and Ashes, currently one of the toughest reservations in the Valley, protein is sourced from the finest ranches and butchers, and no compromises are made in the quality of the local produce. As a result, the Frito pie served here is nothing like the one you may have concocted in college, and it’s paired not with a can of Pabst Blue Ribbon but cocktails from esteemed mixologist Julian Cox. The succulent shards of pulled pork originate at Idaho’s Salmon Creek Farms, and regulars swear that the Best Damn Chick’n Sandwich isn’t just hyperbole.

Further demonstrating that barbecue is trending in L.A. is Culver City’s Maple Block Meat Co., opened by fine-dining chefs Adam

Clockwise from top left: Inside Bestia in downtown’s Arts District; the lounge at Butchers & Barbers in Hollywood; smoked brisket and spareribs at Barrel and Ashes in Studio City; the Belcampo Meat Co. farm in California's Cascade Range. Opposite: Smoked prime rib at Maple Block Meat Co. in Culver City

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The Cannibal’s charcuterie board



Carnivore Club Barrel and Ashes 11801 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 818.623.8883

Belcampo Meat Co. 1026 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.744.8008 Bestia 2121 E. 7th Place, downtown, 213.514.5724

BierBeisl Imbiss Spring Arcade Bldg., 541 S. Spring St., downtown, 213.935.8035 Butchers & Barbers 6531 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.461.1464 The Cannibal Platform, 8850 Washington Blvd., Culver City Charcoal 425 W. Washington Blvd., Venice, charcoalvenice.com

Maple Block Meat Co. 3973 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, 310.313.6328 Odys + Penelope 127 S. La Brea Ave., L.A., 323.939.1033

Terrine 8265 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.746.5130

Cyclists who show up in racing attire will receive their second beer free, not to mention musette bags, rice energy bars and use of a bike valet.

Influential husband-and-wife restaurateurs Quinn and Karen Hatfield call their new place, Odys + Penelope, a modern churrasco and grill. Located a few doors from the couple’s casual Sycamore Kitchen in La Brea

Avenue’s burgeoning design district, Odys + Penelope is partially inspired by a Brazilian churrascaria, where massive amounts of protein are consumed. Here everything is ordered à la carte, and the joy of tucking into big slabs of grilled meat permeates the room. Odys + Penelope is clad in brick and reclaimed wood, a rusticity that properly reflects the menu. In addition to an open kitchen, there’s a recessed compartment for the storage of split logs, a constant reminder of the live-fire cooking.

The menu features churrasco porchetta with plum-and-pluot mostarda, slow-grilled tri-tip with the house’s special béarnaise sauce, and a massive hunk of applewoodsmoked short rib with a sweet, Westernstyle barbecue sauce. There are notable vegetarian dishes as well, such as grilled asparagus with hollandaise-gribiche sauce, and shaved Brussels sprouts with almonds, capers and dried apricots. In the spirit of a genuine churrascaria, the menu offers a dry-aged sirloin cap, a cut commonly referred to as picanha in São Paulo. And with Karen Hatfield’s credentials as a pastry chef—think brown-butter crostata with macerated strawberries and lemon-verbena ice cream, ricotta fritters or chocolate-meringue pie— the finales are not to be missed.

Chef Kris Morningstar has long been regarded as one of the city’s top charcuterie specialists, and at Terrine, he continues to present artisanal cured meats and terrines for a trendy crowd. The restaurant’s beloved charcuterie plate, served on a wood board, generally includes andouille sausage, pork rillettes and a rustic pâté, along with velvety truffled chicken-liver mousse and condiments. Although Terrine has French roots, the spirit of this brasserie is pure California, and there are few settings in L.A. as lovely as this restaurant’s secluded, shady patio.

In 2012, BierBeisl arrived in Beverly Hills and sadly disappeared before most people could experience it—but not before chef/ owner Bernhard Mairinger nabbed a James Beard Award nomination. Fortunately, he just opened BierBeisl Imbiss in downtown’s revitalized Spring Arcade Building, a more casual version of the original concept.

Warmed by exposed brick and tabletops clad in wood salvaged from an old neighborhood gymnasium, this is a casual place to enjoy a handcrafted bratwurst with a German beer or a remarkably good Wiener schnitzel with a glass of Austrian wine.

COURTESY THE CANNIBAL

Cole (The Bazaar, Ink.) and Daniel Weinstock (Spago). Humanely raised animals are butchered on-site to keep the chefs emotionally connected to the product—a sense of commitment that definitely trickles down to guests. In addition, meats are smoked over indigenous Southern California peach wood, an attempt to distinguish this ’cue from the hickory-perfumed meats of the Deep South or the fragrance of oak prevalent in Texas.

The beef brisket, however, has the kind of gorgeous bark and smoke ring that you’d find in the Lone Star State, and for lunch, it’s layered into a soft-but-sturdy challah bun along with red slaw, pickled shallots and an herbal green sauce. Pork spareribs are juicy and succulent, and at dinnertime, a whole roasted chicken, finished over a wood grill, pairs beautifully with biscuits, a killer macand-cheese or smoked peewee potatoes with Espelette pepper and crème fraîche. The restaurant is uncharacteristically bright and airy for this genre, and in the evening hours, the best seats in the house are the stools at the maple-block cutting board. They afford an up-close-and-personal view of Cole—he’s the partner who was born in Texas and raised in North Carolina—and his designerdenim apron-clad crew turning out a quintessentially L.A. brand of ’cue.

The Cannibal, a meat eater’s mecca in Manhattan’s Flatiron District, is putting down West Coast roots at Culver City’s new Metro-station-adjacent development called Platform, certain to be a multimodal destination. Charcuterie is a religion at the Cannibal, and artisanal selections at the soon-to-open outpost will include Thai-style sausage and Peking duck rillettes. Raw-meat aficionados will appreciate the steak and lamb tartares.

A chef’s selection of cured meats, almost exclusively domestic, may include the likes of handcrafted La Quercia speck (the best thing to come out of Iowa since Maytag blue cheese) or prosciutto from New York’s beloved Salumeria Biellese.

In addition to the Cannibal’s superb charcuterie, executive chef Francis Derby will offer alluring bar snacks that include bone marrow, a variety of hot dogs, tandoori lamb belly and an interesting selection of veggies.

True to the restaurant’s tagline of “beer and butcher,” you can wash it all down with a brew from a formidable multinational list boasting more than 500 labels. If you’re a cyclist—founder Christian Pappanicholas is passionate about the sport—you’re in luck.

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COURTESY THE CANNIBAL

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At the corner of N Third St. and Orange Grove Ave. behind City Hall

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Downtown Burbank’s most festive holiday tradition returns for outdoor ice skating, fundraising events, and performances at The Rink in Downtown Burbank.

A great way to celebrate the season, The Rink is just steps away from hundreds of shops and restaurants decked out for the holiday, making it a joyous family outing and memorable getaway.

Glenoaks

Burbank High School Police & Fire

csb

Court House

asb City Hall

IKEA

Verdugo

Holiday Inn

Tujunga

Angeleno

AMC-16

Olive

San Fernando Orange Grove

Cypress

AMC-6

Burbank Town Center

Palm

AMC-8

Magnolia

E. Grinnell

Burbank

YMCA

First Residence Inn I-5 Metrolink Station

For full session schedule please and more information visit DTNBUR.com or call (818) 238-5180.

The Burbank Farmers Market is located across the street in the Community Service Parking Lot!

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EXPLORING

Beverly Hills BEVERLY HILLS IS A LUXURY LOVER’S MECCA: DESIGNER SHOPPING, FINE DINING, MANSIONS. CENTURY CITY, WESTWOOD AND CULVER CITY ARE POCKETS WITH THEIR OWN DRAWS.

➺It’s only 5 square miles, but Beverly Hills looms large in pop culture as a posh locale that boasts some The Mansions

The launch of Beverly Hills’ glamorous reputation dates to the early 20th century, when the then-new Beverly Hills Hotel ushered in a frenzy of movie-star mansionbuilding in the hills north of Sunset Boulevard. Today, the population of 35,000 is more diverse than the region’s moniker Tinseltown might suggest. Nonetheless, the triumvirate of Beverly Hills, Holmby Hills and Bel-Air still attracts its share of famous residents. Hop on the Beverly Hills Trolley Tour, or book ahead with Starline Tours, to see notable homes in the ‘hood, along with other local landmarks packed into the city’s 5 square miles. Among the more storied and oft-filmed estates nestled in the hills is the 19th-century English Revival-style Greystone Park & Mansion, whose graceful city-owned grounds are open for strolling.

Rodeo Drive + Golden Triangle

From Greystone, head west on Sunset Boulevard, then hang on to your wallet as you turn south onto Rodeo Drive. After passing through a tony residential neighborhood, you enter the shopping district known as

the Golden Triangle, bounded by Santa Monica and Wilshire boulevards and Cañon Drive. Burberry, Saint Laurent and Gucci each recently debuted new or renovated flagships on Rodeo, reminding retailers that 90210 is still the most prestigious ZIP code in the States. Ascend the Italian-esque side street to fine-art destination Galerie Michael and Tiffany & Co., perched atop Two Rodeo.

Pause for the quintessential Beverly Hills snapshot before continuing on to the Beverly Wilshire Hotel (of Pretty Woman fame) at the south end of Rodeo Drive. Continuing west, pass Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and recently revamped Barneys New York, the reigning luxury retail titans along this stretch of Wilshire. At Santa Monica Boulevard, you hit the Beverly Hilton hotel, which rolls out 30,000 square feet of red carpet annually to host the Golden Globe Awards.

The Industry + the Arts

Beverly Hills isn’t all shopping sprees and gated estates: Talent agencies William Morris Endeavor and United Talent Agency are just two of the entertainment businesses based

here. Rub shoulders with the power-lunchers at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon or Wolfgang Puck’s legendary Spago on Cañon, or grab dinner and a jazz performance at Spaghettini & the Dave Koz Lounge just up the street.

The city’s cultural treasure troves include the Paley Center for Media and the Samuel Goldwyn Theater at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, both of which hold screenings. There is even more cultural programming at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, which transformed the historic Beverly Hills Post Office into an entertainment destination.

Century City

Heading west from Beverly Hills on Santa Monica Boulevard, you enter the 0.7-squaremile modern acropolis of Century City. ICM Partners and Creative Artists Agency are located here, as are a Fox Studios lot and countless legal, financial, entertainment and hospitality firms. But those outside the biz won’t be excluded. Past Avenue of the Stars, you hit the upscale Westfield Century City shopping center, with luxury boutiques and dining venues to rival those of Beverly Hills.

FROM LEFT: COURTESY BEVERLY HILLS CVB; EDWIN SANTIAGO. OPPOSITE: MATT HARTMAN

of the priciest mansions in L.A. County, not to mention the world’s most recognizable ZIP code. Rodeo Drive, perhaps the world’s most famous shopping street, offers virtually every luxury fashion brand.

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NEW IN TOWN Canon Club

Seafood, farmersmarket-driven dishes and beautiful craft cocktails are on the menu at this Cañon Drive spot. 340 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.858.4500

Scotch & Soda

Not a bar but a vintage-inspired clothing boutique for men and women, this shop marks the Amsterdam brand’s fourth Euroboho outpost in SoCal. 365 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.284.7300

Viviane

The Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills’ swanky new poolside restaurant features a menu by chef Michael Hung (Faith & Flower), 1950s-inspired cocktails and a midcenturymodern design by Kelly Wearstler. 9400 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.407.7791

Storefronts along North Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.

Opposite, from left: Welcome to Beverly Hills; the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

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The pedestrian-friendly Westwood Village features independent shops and cafés among its Mediterranean Revival and art deco buildings.

Nearby on Constellation Boulevard, epicures are drawn to Tom Colicchio’s Craft and Hinoki & the Bird, inside the towering residential complex the Century. (Candy Spelling claims the top two floors.) The Annenberg Space for Photography displays cutting-edge exhibits of digital and print photography.

UCLA

A few miles northeast of Century City is the University of California, Los Angeles, one of the top public universities in the country.

Visitors are welcome at several university attractions, including the Fowler Museum at UCLA and the outdoor Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden on the north campus, the planetarium on the south campus and the 7-acre Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Gardens.

The free Hammer Museum is nearby and houses Impressionist paintings, as well as cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions. Paid parking is available in UCLA lots and structures throughout the 419-acre campus.

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Westwood Village

Just south of the campus, the pedestrianfriendly Westwood Village features independent shops and cafés among its Mediterranean Revival and art deco buildings, as well as two landmark movie theaters at the intersection of Broxton and Weyburn avenues: the 1936 marquee-wrapped Bruin theater and the Fox theater across the street.

Built circa 1931, the Fox is a favorite for movie premieres and thus prime star-spotting territory. Another don’t-miss venue is the award-winning Geffen Playhouse, located on Le Conte Avenue in one of the oldest buildings in Westwood.

Culver City

Covering 5 square miles southeast of Westwood, Culver City boasts a thriving downtown with new restaurants including Koreanbarbecue spot Hanjib and Indian-inspired Sambar. The Kirk Douglas Theatre and the Ivy Substation, home to the Actors’ Gang,

/gourmet gifting

➺ When shopping in Beverly Hills, duck into Wally’s Beverly Hills for the foodie equivalent of browsing designer duds. Christian Navarro and Guess founders Maurice, Paul and Armand Marciano opened the European-style vinoteca as a companion to Westwood mainstay Wally’s Wine and Spirits, offering a fine-dining restaurant and a gourmet marketplace under one roof. Sit on the patio for a little you time with a glass of vino and a black-truffle pizzetta (courtesy of executive chef David Féau), then browse the selection of over 2,500 bottles of wine, Champagne, high-end gift baskets, truffles (pictured right), chocolates, caviar and more. With these gifts in hand, you’ll be the most popular guest at any party.

447 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.475.3540, wallysbeverlyhills.com —G.G.

from top: matt hartman; courtesy wally’s

The Culver City station on the Metro Expo Line

bookend the downtown area and stage live productions throughout the year. Traveling east on Washington Boulevard, don’t miss the sprawling Helms Bakery complex, which contains dozens of high-end furniture showrooms. Moving along Washington, the scene-y Arts District has more than 30 art galleries and exhibition spaces clustered along Washington and La Cienega boulevards. At the intersection of Washington and National boulevards is one end of the Expo Line, a Metro light rail that goes from Culver City to Exposition Park and the University of Southern California to downtown.

Hollywood gets all the attention, but it’s Culver City whose seal proclaims it “The Heart of Screenland.” In 1915, Ince/Triangle Studios, today Sony Pictures Studios, opened on Washington. In 1924, the site became Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios. Classics including The Wizard of Oz would eventually be filmed on its movie lots. (News reports of the time indicate that the “Munchkins” partied hard during their stay at the Culver Hotel.) Today, Culver City’s screen culture is still going strong, with 16 soundstages accommodating TV-show and feature-film shoots at Culver Studios and hits such as the Spider-Man franchise produced on the historic lots at Sony. Fully experience Culver City’s screen heritage by taking the Sony Pictures Studio Tour.

For bold items, see listings in the where guide.

For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see page 92.

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exploring

Santa Monica Santa Monica has the approachable vibe of a beach town with the attractions of a major city. Malibu, Venice and marina del rey are appealing options nearby.

➺In the 1800s, orator Tom Fitch called Santa Monica “the Zenith City by the Sunset Sea.” The 21st-century

version of Santa Monica fulfills its early promise, with a bustling downtown and beach that attract millions of visitors per year. Pacific Coast Highway connects SaMo with draws such as Malibu and Marina del Rey. Third Street Promenade, three pedestrianonly blocks on 3rd Street between Broadway and Wilshire Boulevard, is perpetually teeming with people. Visitors can hit dozens of boutiques, watch movies at three cinemas or gawk at the myriad street artists.

If they don’t refuel at the many eateries along the Promenade, visitors can venture to the surrounding blocks to Mercado or the Misfit and enjoy drinks at The Bungalow or the many pubs, such as Ye Olde King’s Head, that hint at Santa Monica’s large population of British expats.

Anchoring the promenade at Broadway is Santa Monica Place, a beautiful open-air shopping center with Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, 80 boutiques, ArcLight Cinemas and the top-level Dining Deck with chef-driven restaurants and great views. East on Broadway is the legendary Fred Segal, an emporium of high-end shops such as JET John Eshaya.

Santa Monica Pier, built in 1909, is at the end of Colorado Avenue and features Pacific Park, a mini amusement park with food stands and rides, including a solar-powered, LED-lit Ferris wheel.

Main Street + Montana Avenue

Compared with the hustle and bustle of Third Street Promenade, Montana Avenue is downright tranquil. Between 6th and 17th streets are plenty of fashionable boutiques and beauty destinations, including Moondance, Clare V., Dermalogica and new Malin + Goetz. Father’s Office is known for its burgers, new Ox & Son and Forma are tops for upscale fare, and Sweet Lady Jane is famous for its cakes.

Just minutes south of downtown Santa Monica, Main Street exudes a beachy, upscale vibe. The long stretch between Pico Boulevard and Rose Avenue contains a number of galleries, pubs, restaurants, including Chinois on Main, and shops such as Lost & Found and Planet Blue. The California Heritage Museum is in a transplanted Victorianera home, as is the Victorian, adjacent to the museum, which features a cool downstairs speakeasy, Basement Tavern.

The Arts

Visitors can take in plays at Main Street’s Edgemar Center for the Arts, housed in an angular concrete structure designed by Frank

Gehry. An even wider variety of entertainment is at the Broad Stage, Santa Monica College’s first-rate, 499-seat performingarts, film, dance and theater venue.

As L.A. has emerged as a fine-arts capital, the campuslike Bergamot Station arts center on Michigan Avenue has become an important destination. It’s home to some 30 galleries and a café.

Malibu

Twenty miles north of Santa Monica on Pacific Coast Highway is Malibu. Formerly known as Rancho Malibu, Malibu’s land was once so coveted that May K. Rindge, who took ownership of it in 1905 after the death of her scion husband, used armed guards to defend it from trespassers. In the 1920s, Rindge’s hefty legal bills, racked up from fighting developers, forced her to invite stars to live in Malibu Colony in the 1920s, and the legacy of Malibu as celebrity-home central continues today.

Many of Malibu’s best destinations are visible from PCH, including renowned restaurants with ocean views, from the casual (Malibu Seafood) to the upscale (Nobu Malibu). Adjacent to the Malibu Lagoon and

top left and opposite: dale berman

Third Street + the Pier

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new in town Blue Star Donuts

The Portland, Oregon, chain churns out brioche doughnuts in inventive flavors at its first L.A. shop. 1142 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.450.5630

Current/Elliott

The L.A.-based label—beloved for its vintage-inspired denim—opens its debut brick-andmortar shop. 1132 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 424.291.3300

Ted Baker

The London-based clothing designer arrives at the Malibu Country Mart with a whimsical boutique that marries quirky British sayings with 1950s surf culture. 3835 Cross Creek Road, Ste. 12, Malibu, 310.456.1785

.

The Getty Center in Brentwood. Opposite, from left: Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica; Santa Monica State Beach

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Malibu’s land was once so coveted that heiress May K. Rindge, who took ownership of it in 1905, used armed guards to defend it from trespassers.

main attractions. Rose Avenue is also coming up, thanks to the emergence of hot restaurants such as Superba Snack Bar and reborn Rose Cafe-Restaurant, plus a smattering of hip shops. Visitors strolling Ocean Front Walk get an eyeful, between the performers, the vendors and the Muscle Beach bodybuilders.

Brentwood

Bird Sanctuary, the Adamson House is filled with historic tile. The celebrity-frequented Malibu Country Mart serves as the area’s town square. Together with the adjacent Malibu Village and Malibu Lumber Yard shopping centers, there are enough shops and restaurants for whiling away an afternoon.

Inland, nearing Calabasas, is wine country, where you can sample the local vino at tasting rooms such as Malibu Wines.

Topanga + Pacific Palisades

In the 1960s, hippies and musicians such as Neil Young hid out in idyllic Topanga, accessible by Topanga Canyon Boulevard from Pacific Coast Highway. Removed from urban activity, it retains its bohemian vibe and independently owned businesses. Hiking trails allow visitors to bask in Topanga’s woodsy beauty, and restaurants such as Inn of the Seventh Ray accommodate creekside dining.

There’s more than initially meets the eye

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in seemingly sleepy, family-friendly Pacific Palisades, south of Topanga on PCH and accessed from Temescal Canyon Road.

Hikers love the shady trails in Temescal Gateway Park, and cafés and upscale momand-pop shops can be found between Via de la Paz and Monument Street near Sunset Boulevard. The Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine on Sunset is a 10-acre oasis with a lush garden and koi- and swan-filled lake.

The crown jewel of the Palisades is the Getty Villa. Styled as a Julius Caesar-era villa, it’s filled with Greco-Roman antiquities.

Venice

Abbot Kinney won in a coin toss the land that would become Venice. He sought to develop it as an American version of the Italian city; the canals are still there, today lined with million-dollar bungalows. His namesake Abbot Kinney Boulevard is Venice’s coolest section, where Gjelina, Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea and boutiques such as Heist and Huset are the

/ rub-a-dub

➺ The first thing you notice when you walk into Soaptopia is the scent. Or rather,

scents. There’s a whiff of floral, a trace of vanilla, an aroma of … hmm, might that be eucalyptus? It’s all that and more at this West L.A. body-products store, where the manufacturing kitchen is separated from the retail boutique by a mere wall of open shelving. The store’s tagline promises 100 percent junk-free body products, and from the sights and smells wafting from the kitchen stove, it’s easy to believe. Come here to find one-of-a-kind gifts like L.A. Squeeeeeeze soap (key ingredients: lemon and lavender), Flower to the People body balm (cedarwood, rose geranium and patchouli) and Feeling Pine bath salts (black spruce and lavender). 12228 ½ Venice Blvd., Mar Vista, 310.398.8333, soaptopia.com —C.S.

Marilyn Monroe once called this enclave northeast of Santa Monica home; it remains a favorite stamping grounds of the affluent and famous. San Vicente Boulevard functions as the neighborhood’s main street, with copious independent shops, bakeries, cafés and restaurants. The petite Brentwood Country Mart, a unique open-air shopping center built in 1948, keeps retail offerings contemporary and upscale.

The area’s biggest draw is the Getty Center, the hilltop museum that houses J. Paul Getty’s spectacular art collection.

Marina del Rey

Marina del Rey’s main attraction is the marina, the largest man-made small-craft harbor in the world. Newer Catch & Release draws area foodies, and restaurants such as Cast & Plow and Cafe del Rey are positioned to take advantage of the views. For an up-close look at the harbor’s marine life, rent kayaks from Marina del Rey Boat Rentals.

For bold items, see listings in the where guide.­­ For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see page 92. from top: Angela DeCenzo; courtesy soaptopia

Skateboarders take a break at Venice Beach.

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G

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EXPLORING

West Hollywood TRENDS IN FASHION, DESIGN AND FOOD OFTEN BEGIN IN L.A., AND MANY OF THOSE INNOVATIONS CAN BE TRACED TO THE PIONEERING COMMUNITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD.

➺For a municipality measuring less than 2 square miles and with fewer than 35,000 residents, West

Hollywood wields enormous influence over the L.A. lifestyle. With a number of world-class art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, nightclubs and theaters, it’s a frequent destination for locals and tourists alike.

After dark, this iconic stretch of Sunset Boulevard between Doheny Drive and Crescent Heights Avenue becomes the hottest stretch of asphalt in L.A. County. The club scene here rocks with legendary establishments like the Roxy, the Whisky a Go Go and the Viper Room, which have a long history of hosting performances by rock ‘n’ roll’s finest.

Other Sunset Strip nightclubs include Rock & Reilly’s and newer 1 OAK. The Comedy Store continues to showcase the leading names in stand-up, as well as emerging stars. During the day, boutiques such as beloved Book Soup draw traffic.

Hotels are an integral part of the Sunset Strip scene. Chateau Marmont, a glorious and notorious celebrity hangout throughout the decades, remains a discreet local getaway. Skybar, at the style-conscious Mondrian, retains its aura of exclusivity. At the Sunset Tower Hotel, Bugsy Siegel’s former suite has been converted into the Tower Bar.

Sunset Plaza

Sunset Plaza, between La Cienega and San Vicente boulevards on Sunset Boulevard, is a

collection of tony shops and bistros with an international flavor and free parking—a novelty in this neighborhood. This is the city’s Euro Zone, where you’re apt to hear more French and Italian than Valley Girl.

For up-to-the-minute fashion, check out Wildfox, Zadig & Voltaire or either of the two H. Lorenzo shops. Pamper yourself with a facial at Ole Henriksen Face/Body Spa, a mani-pedi at Jessica Nail Clinic, a blowout at Drybar or a makeover at Blushington.

Melrose Avenue

Melrose Avenue has become virtually synonymous with trendiness, and new expressions in fashion, art and food continue to percolate up and down this street with multiple personalities. One stretch of Melrose, east of Fairfax Avenue, has a mix of indie boutiques, cafés, tattoo parlors and vintage shops. Stores such as Wasteland have wild facades and vibrant signage that add energy to the scene. Farther west, Melrose becomes très sophistiqué, showcasing upscale tastes at Ron Herman, Rebecca Minkoff, Kelly Wearstler and Vivienne Westwood. Just off Melrose is the quiet, fashionable three-block

street of Melrose Place, where Bentleys line up for chic salons such as Frédéric Fekkai and cutting-edge boutiques such as the Row, Isabel Marant, Zimmermann and Violet Grey.

West Hollywood Design District

Melrose Avenue’s flourishing art, fashion and design district runs along the pedestrian-friendly retail corridors of Melrose and Beverly and Robertson boulevards. Among its new offerings are a Helmut Lang flagship and the first freestanding RH Modern Gallery. The district’s hub is the Pacific Design Center complex—monolithic blue, green and red buildings designed by celebrated architect Cesar Pelli—which houses more than 130 showrooms catering to professional designers and luxury homeowners and is home to a satellite of downtown’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and a stylish Wolfgang Puck eatery, Red Seven.

Beverly + West 3rd

Beverly Boulevard and West 3rd Street are major east-west streets running through West Hollywood, filled with trendy restaurants, design showrooms and boutiques

DALE BERMAN (2). OPPOSITE: DAVE LAURIDSEN

Sunset Strip

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NEW IN TOWN Estrella

Top Chef’s Dakota Weiss’ restaurant offers California cuisine and cocktails named after classicrock songs. 8800 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.652.6613

Petersen Automotive Museum

The overhauled museum reopens with 25 new galleries and an exterior reminiscent of a racetrack. 6060 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.930.2277

Rick Owens

The fashion icon and California native arrives on La Brea with a “Cecil B. DeMille-worthy” boutique. 819 N. La Brea Ave., L.A., 323.931.4960

Chris Burden’s installation Urban Light at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Opposite, from left: Farmers Market; Topshop at the Grove

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M Beverly Hills may be the county’s toniest shopping district, but Robertson Boulevard is not far behind.

from some of the hottest up-and-coming clothing designers. The two streets bracket the landmark eight-level Beverly Center, whose design is reminiscent of Paris’ Centre Pompidou. Bloomingdale’s, Henri Bendel, Fendi, Gucci, Giuseppe Zanotti, True Religion Brand Jeans, Uniqlo, Maje and Sandro boutiques are among more than 160 establishments drawing consumers.

On West 3rd Street east of Beverly Center, you’ll find favorite boutiques such as Flight 001 for stylish travel supplies, OK for designminded gifts and Wittmore for contemporary menswear. Great dining options include Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo’s seafood spot Son of a Gun and Vic Casanova’s Italian steakhouse Pistola. On Beverly Boulevard, you can shop for fragrances at Eric Buterbaugh Florals and high-end home decor and accessories at Garde, then dine on American cuisine at Cooks County, French-inspired California dishes at Terrine or Italian fare on the romantic patio at Dominick’s.

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Robertson Boulevard

Beverly Hills may be the county’s toniest shopping district, but Robertson Boulevard is not far behind, particularly if you’re young and hot and have your own reality show.

The celebutante set hits 3.1 Phillip Lim for womenswear, Lululemon for haute yoga duds and Kitson for trendy accessories. A cutting-edge Chanel concept store illustrates the difference between Robertson Boulevard and more staid Rodeo Drive. For a breather between boutique-hopping, consider a cocktail with crab cakes on the picket-fenced patio of Ivy restaurant, where famous faces practically outnumber those of civilians.

Fairfax District

L.A.’s Fairfax District is among the most culturally diverse neighborhoods in the West Hollywood area. At Fairfax Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard is the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), a renowned facility with more than 100,000

/ apartment therapy

➺ The Line, a New York-based online retail store under the creative direction of co-founder/stylist Vanessa Traina Snow and Melanie Glass, has arrived on Melrose Place with its second offline home, The Apartment by The Line— Los Angeles. Designed as an elegant residence, the second-floor shop invites you to travel through its rooms to peruse chic fashion and home, beauty and art goods such as Agnes Baddoo totes, Common Projects leather slip-ons, Sophie Buhai jewelry and beautiful textiles (like the blanket at right) from the store’s new home-goods label, Tenfold. Yearning to move in? Book a private appointment to take advantage of bespoke services such as wardrobe and interior styling. 8463 Melrose Place, second floor, L.A., 323.746.5056, theline.com —S.E.

FROM TOP: COURTESY THE ROW; COURTESY THE LINE

The Row on Melrose Place, one of Los Angeles’ most exclusive shopping areas

works. The Broad Contemporary Art Museum, designed by architect Renzo Piano, showcases art from the contemporary and modern eras; more recent additions to the LACMA campus include the Lynda and Stewart Resnick Exhibition Pavilion and Ray’s and Stark Bar. Adjacent to LACMA is the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, where the Ice Age comes alive. Additional venues on this formidable Museum Row include the newly renovated Petersen Automotive Museum and the Craft and Folk Art Museum. South of the museums is a surprise for curious foodies: a neighborhood known as Little Ethiopia, where acclaimed traditional restaurants are located.

One of the district’s anchors is the historic Farmers Market, established in 1934, with more than 100 open-air produce stalls, shops and eateries. There are spots to satisfy virtually any craving, including a wine bar, taqueria and stands with authentic Louisiana gumbo and Korean barbecue.

Adjacent and connected by a vintage trolley is The Grove, an outdoor, pedestrian-only shopping center. The Grove has the character of an old-fashioned village square, with stained-glass streetlamps and a central fountain. Nordstrom, a movie theater and stores such as new Paige and Sephora are joined by myriad restaurants including Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill.

For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see pages 92-93.

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EXPLORING

Hollywood HOLLYWOOD IS IN THE MIDST OF A NEW GOLDEN AGE, AND ITS HIP, UP-AND-COMING NEIGHBORS LOS FELIZ, SILVER LAKE AND ECHO PARK SHARE IN THE LIMELIGHT.

➺“Hollywood is a state of mind” was a popular refrain when this part of Los Angeles was experiencing Hollywood & Highland

Hollywood & Highland has been a catalyst for the rebirth of Hollywood Boulevard. Its Dolby Theatre is the home of the Academy Awards, and the central Babylon Court frames views of the iconic Hollywood sign (built in 1923 to advertise a housing development, the 45-foot-high letters originally read “Hollywoodland”). Other draws include Ohm nightclub, dining spots and shops such as Sweet! candy store and Louis Vuitton. Next door to Hollywood & Highland is the TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman’s Chinese Theatre), famous for its celebrity hand- and footprints embedded in the concrete out front.

Showtime

Just across the street from Hollywood & Highland is the ornate, lavishly illuminated El Capitan Theatre. Masterfully restored

by Disney, it offers special presentations of the studio’s releases, combined with performances using an antique Wurlitzer pipe organ and children-pleasing stage shows.

Jimmy Kimmel Live! tapes in an ABC studio next door. The Egyptian Theatre—built in 1922 around the time that King Tut’s tomb

was discovered—screens eclectic artsy and classic fare. The landmark Pantages Theatre has staged megahit musicals including The Book of Mormon and Wicked, and the Hollywood Palladium has a rich history of showcasing top-notch musicians.

Walk of Fame

The sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard (La Brea Avenue to Gower Street) and three blocks of Vine Street (Yucca Street to Sunset Boulevard) are inlaid with the legendary brass-and-terrazzo stars honoring celebrities from the entertainment industry.

More than 2,400 stars are enshrined beneath the feet of tourists, but the roster is not without its quirks—Pee-wee Herman has one, but Clint Eastwood doesn’t. Marilyn Monroe’s star is steps from Hollywood & Highland, and John Lennon’s is appropriately located in front of the Capitol Records Building, the landmark structure designed to resemble a stack of records.

Museums, Hollywood-style

Hollywood has museums, but don’t expect to encounter Picasso or Monet. Next to

TCL Chinese Theatre is Madame Tussauds Hollywood, filled with more than 100 wax figures ranging from legends like Clark Gable to contemporary stars including Taylor Swift.

You can ponder some zany accomplishments at the Guinness World Record Museum, while the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium offers bizarre exhibitions. Movie buffs head to the Hollywood Museum in the historic Max Factor Building, which displays 10,000 artifacts showcasing 100 years of showbiz history, including Indiana Jones’ whip and the honeymoon dress worn by Marilyn Monroe after she married Joe DiMaggio.

Around Vine

The storied intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, the epicenter of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, boasted a large concentration of entertainment-industry companies in the 1920s. It’s a different Hollywood today, but the magic of this location endures in the soaring W Hollywood Hotel & Residences, which boasts Delphine brasserie.

A Metro station is integrated into the hotel; Hollywood is particularly well served by mass transit. Across the street is boutique hotel the

FROM LEFT: LISA ROMEREIN; DALE BERMAN. OPPOSITE: EDWIN SANTIAGO

a decline not long ago. But with hot new boutiques, restaurants, hotels and condos sprouting up, it has re-emerged as a bona fide destination, and waves of international visitors mingle with colorful locals.

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NEW IN TOWN

Mama Shelter

Part of a Frenchbased chain, this hip boutique hotel boasts interiors by Thierry Gaugain, a bar and a diner with healthy fare. 6500 Selma Ave., L.A., 323.785.6666

MiniBar

Nestled next to 101 Coffee Shop in the Best Western Plus Hollywood Hills Hotel is this retro bar for the sophisticated set. 6141 Franklin Ave., L.A., 323.798.4939

Sugarfish

Kazunori Nozawa’s fine-casual sushi empire adds another location. 6115 W. Sunset Blvd., Ste. 170, Hollywood, 323.320.4800

Hollywood Pantages Theatre.

Opposite, from left: Eclectic gifts at Wacko/Soap Plant in Los Feliz; performers and onlookers on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

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Among the largest urban parks in America, sprawling Griffith Park is an ideal place to hike, picnic, golf, ride horses and more.

Redbury and its stylish Middle Eastern restaurant, Cleo, and bar, the Library.

Sunset Boulevard and Vine is in transition, but dance clubs and eateries give this corner plenty of character. Serious cinephiles catch their flicks at ArcLight Cinemas, where it’s easy to spot a celeb. Close by is Amoeba Music, where music fans and collectors browse the aisles through 31,000 square feet of space packed with rare vinyl records, CDs and memorabilia.

A couple of blocks west is the stylish minicomplex Space 15 Twenty, catering to shoppers well into the evening. The center is anchored by a supersize Urban Outfitters and complemented by other cool boutiques.

Nightcrawling

The revival of Hollywood has only enhanced its nightlife opportunities, and a lively barand-club scene permeates the district. On Hollywood Boulevard, you can party under the guise of literary advancement at library-

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themed Hemingway’s, drink and dine at Houston Hospitality’s hot spots Butchers & Barbers and adjacent No Vacancy, and attempt to get past the velvet ropes at clubs like Playhouse. Cahuenga Boulevard also is home to dozens of clubs and eateries including chef Brendan Collins’ excellent Birch.

Quintessentially L.A. but a galaxy removed from Hollywood Boulevard is the Hollywood Bowl, the largest outdoor amphitheater in the U.S., where the Los Angeles Philharmonic takes up residence from June to September.

Picnicking under the stars here is among the most memorable experiences in L.A.

Los Feliz + Silver Lake

These neighborhoods are among the hippest in the county. Vermont Avenue, the main drag in Los Feliz, presents a collection of shops and restaurants that range from bohemian to chic. Skylight Books and 24/7 diner Fred 62 are popular hangouts. Lounges such as Rockwell represent the neighborhood’s increasing

/ here’s the scoop

➺ One of L.A.’s many perks? Even during wintertime, you can still enjoy frosty

treats without getting frostbite. In Los Feliz, Ohio-based artisanal-ice-cream pioneer Jeni Britton Bauer has opened the first West Coast outpost of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. Made with milk from grass-grazed Ohio cows, each ice cream is filled out with carefully sourced ingredients from around the world, including Fair-Tradecertified African vanilla and Dutch cocoa. Order flavors like salty caramel and wildberry lavender, or opt for wintry treats like sweet potato with praline pecan or dark-chocolate peppermint. Get yours in a cup, handmade waffle cone or by the pint. And don’t miss the signature ice-cream sandwiches (mashed between two hand-piped macaroons). 1954 Hillhurst Ave., L.A., 323.928.2668, jenis.com —G.G.

Griffith Park

Among the largest urban parks in America, Griffith Park is an ideal place to hike, take a train ride, picnic, golf and more. The Charlie Turner Trailhead begins at Griffith Observatory, one of the great planetariums in the world and a frequent film location. The hike up Mount Hollywood provides views of the Hollywood sign, and the Greek Theatre, a 5,700-seat amphitheater, is a legendary music venue. Also located here are the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens and the Western-heritage-oriented Autry Museum of the American West, both accessible from the Ventura (SR 134) or Golden State (I-5) freeways.

For bold items, see listings in the where guide.

For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see pages 93-94.

from top: dale berman; courtesy jeni’s

Visitors ride a miniature train on the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad.

sophistication. Nearby, a stretch of Hollywood Boulevard houses cult-favorite gift shop/ gallery Wacko, hip Bar Covell and Mother Dough, a locals’-favorite pizza parlor. Fully transformed is Silver Lake Boulevard, now crowded with eateries and upscale retailers.

At Sunset Junction, where Sunset and Santa Monica boulevards intersect, Los Feliz transitions into Silver Lake. Foodies hang at casual Forage or the Cheese Store of Silverlake, while aspiring screenwriters hammer at their laptops and sip lattes at Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea. Farther east on Sunset Boulevard, cool beach gear at Mollusk Surf Shop and chic handbags at the Clare V. flagship beckon.

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©2014 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. 14-ADV-15836

©2014 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. 14-ADV-15836

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EXPLORING

Downtown L.A.’S URBAN CENTER REFLECTS THE CULTURAL DIVERSITY, WORLD-CLASS ARCHITECTURE AND DYNAMIC COMMERCE THAT MAKE THE CITY A SUPERSTAR ON THE GLOBAL STAGE.

➺Downtown Los Angeles could not be hotter, with new restaurants and shops opening daily. Historic art

deco structures share the streetscape with glass-clad towers, and even movie stars are snapping up lofts in century-old buildings. The arts scene roars to life here, where the image of L.A. as “laid-back” hardly applies.

Union Station was the last of the grand railroad terminals built in the U.S. Its importance faded as the automobile began to dominate life in L.A., but the station, which celebrated its 75th anniversary last year, has staged a comeback, thanks to a renovation and downtown’s new energy. From Union Station, the hub of the Metro system, you can board the Red Line to Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley or connect to the Blue Line to Long Beach or Expo Line to Culver City. The Gold Line runs to Pasadena. Nonstop bus service to LAX is available 24/7. Metrolink commuter trains connect distant suburbs, and Amtrak trains offer scenic coastal journeys.

Grand Avenue + Music Center

The heart of L.A.’s performing-arts scene and the site of its most dramatic architecture, Grand Avenue is beginning to live up to its name. On Bunker Hill, once filled with Victorian mansions, four venues make up a formidable collection of stages at the Music Center.

The 3,200-seat Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is home to L.A. Opera, and the Ahmanson Theatre and the Mark Taper Forum host

theatrical productions. The flashiest venue is architect Frank Gehry’s lauded Walt Disney Concert Hall, winter home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and its vivacious music director, Gustavo Dudamel. Also housed at Disney Hall is REDCAT, which offers visual, media and performing-arts productions.

After a show, take a stroll through the 12-acre Grand Park, between Grand Avenue and Hill Street and First and Temple streets.

Descending Bunker Hill

Steps from the Ahmanson is the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, designed by Spanish architect José Rafael Moneo. A short walk south on Grand is the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), and across from it is The Broad, the magnificent new museum built by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad. Both house premier collections of contemporary art. The Omni Hotel and California Plaza are adjacent to MOCA; nearby Angels Knoll is a welcome patch of greenery amid the concrete jungle.

Angels Flight, a vintage funicular (now dormant) that climbs to California Plaza from Hill Street below, is billed as “The Shortest

Railway in the World.” At the foot of the hill, the Bunker Hill Steps rise five stories at the U.S. Bank Tower, the tallest building west of the Mississippi. Across the street is the art deco-style Los Angeles Public Library.

Olvera Street

The origin of the city of Los Angeles, dating back to 1781, is El Pueblo de Los Angeles, a collection of 27 buildings along festive pedestrian concourse Olvera Street. The city’s oldest building, Avila Adobe (circa 1818), is located here, along with Mexican restaurants, mariachi bands and merchants offering arts and crafts. A few blocks away is the city’s oldest restaurant, Philippe the Original (1908), where a cup of joe is just 49 cents.

Historic Districts

Undergoing a renaissance is the Broadway Theatre District, home to once-opulent movie palaces. Several, such as the United Artists theater (now the stylish Theatre at Ace Hotel), have been revived or restored to their original grandeur. Cool shops such as Acne Studios and Aesop lend cachet to the area. The Bradbury Building, built in 1893 in

FROM LEFT: MATT HARTMAN; LISA ROMEREIN. OPPOSITE: DALE BERMAN

Union Station

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NEW IN TOWN Clifton’s

After a multimilliondollar renovation, the iconic 1930s cafeteria is back in the spotlight, serving up old-school cafeteria fare (Jell-O, anyone?) and kitsch. 648 S. Broadway, downtown, 213.627.1673

Nick + Stef’s

The Bunker Hill steakhouse reopens after a total transformation, including an extensive redesign and a new menu. 330 S. Hope St., downtown, 213.680.0330

Le Petit Paris

This stunning restaurant—a Cannes transplant—serves classic French staples in a 1913 Historic Core building. 418 S. Spring St., downtown, 213.217.4445

K.G. Louie Co.’s storefront in Chinatown.

Opposite, from left: Grand Park and City Hall; sweets from Bottega Louie on South Grand Avenue

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Downtown’s heritage as a mercantile center can still be experienced in its historic shopping districts, popular with bargain hunters.

former St. Vibiana’s cathedral, now home to stylish Redbird restaurant. To Little Tokyo’s east is the rapidly gentrifying Arts District, which boasts buzzy shops and eateries including Bestia, one of the top restaurants (and hardest reservations to nab) in L.A.

L.A. Live

the Italian Renaissance Revival style, was featured in the film Blade Runner.

Spring Street from 4th to 7th streets is a rapidly awakening area once referred to as the “Wall Street of the West.” Steps from this historic district is a row of trendy bars on 6th Street (between Main and Los Angeles streets) that includes The Varnish.

Shopping Districts

Downtown’s heritage as a mercantile center can still be experienced in its historic shopping districts. The Jewelry District draws shoppers looking for deals on diamonds; in the neighboring Fashion District, you can find designer clothing items. At Santee Alley, an open-air bargain bazaar, designer trends breed low-priced knockoffs. The Flower District offers blooms at wholesale prices. For an awesome mix of old-school produce vendors and lunch counters and new, upscale specialty stalls, Grand Central Market, near the foot of Angels Flight, is the place to go. And the

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burgeoning Figat7th shopping center boasts trendy new boutiques and eateries.

Chinatown

Chinatown is a great destination for sampling dim sum, dining at new foodie-favorite spots like Pok Pok L.A. or browsing for clothing, tea or home goods. Cultural highlights include Thien Hau Temple and the Chinese American Museum. Chung King Road and Gin Ling Way are home to galleries; Broadway boasts boutiques. Dodger Stadium is a short drive away, as is San Antonio Winery, which offers tours, tastings and Maddalena restaurant.

Little Tokyo

Little Tokyo’s bar scene is popping, and you can nibble on traditional sushi prepared by veteran chefs at Japanese Village Plaza. Just a few steps down 1st Street is the sleek Japanese American National Museum. The Geffen Contemporary, a branch of MOCA, is next door. At 2nd and Main streets is the

/ tea party

➺ L.A. loves its coffee, but tea has an undeniable sophistication. Enter American Tea Room, a Beverly Hills staple that has a new outpost downtown. The Arts District space features a chic lounge, a reclaimed-wood bar and an oasis tea garden bedecked with a 25-foot living wallscape and fire pits, plus a retail area that offers tea blends, bowls and glassware. An interactive “Tea Zone” computer system matches patrons with their perfect black, green, white, oolong or caffeine-free tea from more than 200 global varieties, which they can pair with culinary director Valerie Gordon’s pastries and lunch items (think oolong chicken salad and savory hand pies). Whether you’re a tea novice or aficionado, this spot will quickly become your cup of tea. 909 S. Santa Fe Ave., downtown, 213.239.9105, americantearoom.com —G.G.

Exposition Park

Just south of downtown is Exposition Park, whose grounds hold major museums and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The California African American Museum delves into African-American history, and the Beaux Arts-style Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County offers insight into prehistoric giants. The California Science Center has a 3-D Imax theater and exhibits the retired NASA space shuttle Endeavour.

For bold items, see listings in the where guide.

For a detailed map of downtown, see page 93.

FROM TOP: DANIEL ENNIS; COURTESY AMERICAN TEA ROOM

A mural in downtown’s burgeoning Arts District—one of Los Angeles’ best places to see street art

The $2.5 billion L.A. Live project is home to Staples Center, as well as the Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers and Kings, and it hosts top pop acts, as does Microsoft Theater, which boasts state-of-the-art acoustics. The Grammy Museum honors myriad music genres with videos, artifacts and interactive exhibits. A dozen restaurants and nightlife venues—WP24, Rock’n Fish and Lucky Strike Lanes, to name a few—face a massive urban plaza lined with LED screens. The Los Angeles Convention Center, encompassing 16-plus acres of exhibition space, is also here.

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EXPLORING

Pasadena THE BLOOM OF PASADENA DOESN’T FADE AFTER NEW YEAR’S DAY, AS A BLEND OF SMALL-TOWN CHARM AND COSMOPOLITAN ENERGY MAKES THE CROWN CITY A YEAR-ROUND DESTINATION.

➺Minutes from downtown L.A. via the Arroyo Seco Parkway (Pasadena Freeway) or the Metro Gold Line Old Pasadena

A tribute to foresighted urban planning is the 22-square-block shopping district known as Old Pasadena, roughly bounded by Walnut and Green streets, Arroyo Parkway and Pasadena Avenue. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s a collection of restored buildings filled with trendy boutiques, bistros and nightclubs. Merchants range from Tesla Motors to Urban Outfitters, and eateries include Union, a top-rated Italian restaurant.

Pedestrian-only alleys meander through the One Colorado project in the heart of Old Pasadena, where restaurants offer alfresco dining overlooking a sculpture-strewn square.

Boutiques such as Vince and Cop.Copine draw shoppers, while iPic Theaters reimagines the moviegoing experience with state-of-the-art technology, plush seats and a bar/café.

Nearby is the Norton Simon Museum, home to one of the finest art collections in the West. The galleries are filled with works dating from the Renaissance to the 20th century, and the museum’s repertoire of Impressionist masters (e.g., Monet, Cézanne, Van Gogh) is formidable. A sculpture garden features a major tribute to Degas.

East of Old Pasadena is Paseo Colorado, a shopping center with an ArcLight movie theater, restaurants and shops lining garden promenades. Its open-air design frames views of Pasadena City Hall, a majestic landmark restored to its original Beaux Arts grandeur.

Playhouse District + South Lake Avenue

Anchored by the Mission-style Pasadena Playhouse, this district offers art-house cinema, antique shops, boutiques and bookstores, as well as the Le Cordon Bleu-affiliated College of Culinary Arts and the famed Ice House comedy club, whose stage has hosted George Carlin and Jerry Seinfeld.

Other cultural attractions include the Boston Court Performing Arts Center and the USC Pacific Asia Museum, featuring decorative arts from every corner of Asia. The Pasadena Museum of California Art celebrates Golden State painters and sculptors from 1850 to the present.

East of the Playhouse District, South Lake Avenue provides a vibrant shopping environment. Inviting boutiques are set around European-style courtyards at the Commons

and Burlington Arcade. A drive south on Lake Avenue through one of the city’s most opulent residential neighborhoods leads to the Langham Huntington. Consider this grand, historic hotel for high tea, Japanese Kobe beef at its Royce steakhouse or pampering at its Chuan Spa.

San Marino + San Gabriel Valley

South of the Langham is San Marino and its primary attraction, The Huntington, whose library, art collections and botanical gardens occupy one of the most remarkable pieces of real estate in Southern California. Here, the Italianate mansion of railroad magnate Henry Huntington houses an extraordinary collection of 18th- and 19th-century art, and a library with nearly 9 million rare books, photographs and manuscripts occupies another structure. Throughout the 200-acre property are more than a dozen distinct botanical environments, the Helen & Peter Bing Children’s Garden and a formal rose garden boasting more than 1,400 varieties of the flower.

Sharing Pasadena’s eastern border are the communities of Sierra Madre and Arcadia,

FROM LEFT: DALE BERMAN; COURTESY THE NORTON SIMON ART FOUNDATION. OPPOSITE: LISA ROMEREIN

commuter train is Pasadena. Its architectural pedigree is world-class, and renowned institutions including the Tournament of Roses and Caltech lend it cachet. The city’s diverse neighbors are also worth discovering.

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NEW IN TOWN

Communal Food & Drink

This rustic beer garden serves elevated pub fair (think steak frites and shrimp and grits) with small-production craft beer and wine in a greenhouselike space. 1009 El Centro St., South Pasadena, 626.345.5128

Kit and Ace

The Pasadena outpost of the expanding Vancouver brand specializing in “technical luxury” clothing (hello, machine-washable cashmere) opened in November. 107 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 844.548.6223

Sangers & Joe

Wood & Vine’s Scott Kay and Dario Dell’Anno present their global take on breakfast and lunch (“sanger” is Australian slang for “sandwich”) in Old Pasadena. 57 E. Holly St., Pasadena, 323.553.0563

The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens. Opposite, from left: Windowshoppers in Old Pasadena; a gallery at the Norton Simon Museum

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The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden’s natural Southern California habitat is famous for its wild peafowl.

home to Santa Anita Park, a storied thoroughbred horse-racing venue. Arcadia is also home to the 127-acre Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, whose natural Southern California habitat is famous for its wild peacocks. Farther east, scattered along the San Bernardino Freeway (I-10), are the communities of San Gabriel, Temple City, Monterey Park and Alhambra, which have attracted large numbers of Chinese and Vietnamese immigrants, so the opportunity for enjoying Asian cuisine is virtually unrivaled in Southern California. Tourists passionate about history, architecture or faith explore the 1771 San Gabriel Mission, and the San Gabriel Mountains present hiking opportunities for nature lovers.

The Road to South Pasadena

The scenic route to South Pasadena on Orange Grove Boulevard passes through a stretch once known as Millionaire’s Row. Some splendid homes remain, including the

G R E AT F I N D

former Wrigley Mansion that now houses the Tournament of Roses Association.

North of Old Pasadena, the boulevard leads to the Gamble House. This, the most famous achievement of architects Greene & Greene, is a classic representation of the Arts and Crafts movement that left its imprint on Pasadena. South Pasadena is a tranquil community whose Craftsman homes range from bungalows to mansions, and its Mission West Historic District is lined with antique shops, art galleries, casual cafés and kid-friendly spots like Fair Oaks Pharmacy, a restored drugstore from 1915 whose vintage soda fountain is straight from a Norman Rockwell painting.

Eagle Rock + Glendale

West of Pasadena is Eagle Rock, a quiet college town reinventing itself as a trendy L.A. neighborhood. Its main drag of Colorado Boulevard is lined with a diverse collection of restaurants including Casa Bianca, a ven-

/ nailspiration

➺ Sarah Gibson Tuttle’s Beverly Hills nail salon, Olive & June, was an instant in-

crowd hit when it opened a few years back, and it remains an Instagram favorite (see the proof at #oliveyourmani). Now, Pasadena-area ladies can enjoy the O&J treatment without the commute, thanks to the opening of an outpost in the Commons outdoor shopping complex. There you’ll find the salon’s signature sunny, blushtoned interior, nontoxic polishes, friendly staff and expert mani-pedis—we’re fans of the Margot, featuring organic California beauty brands—plus a small but spot-on selection of Tuttle’s favorite beauty products. There’s also an adjacent Drybar, so you can leave with tresses as impeccable as your tips. Olive & June, you’ve nailed it again. 146 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, 626.440.9700, olivejune.com —S.E.

FROM TOP: MATT HARTMAN; COURTESY OLIVE & JUNE

The Americana at Brand in Glendale

erable old-school pizza joint. In Eagle Rock, students from highly ranked Occidental College—where a young Barack Obama once studied—mingle with young couples who are snapping up hillside real estate.

On the far side of Eagle Rock is Glendale, the third-largest city in Los Angeles County.

There, office workers pour out of high-rises for happy hour at The Americana at Brand, an open-air shopping, residential and entertainment development. Style-savvy shoppers can browse at boutiques, catch a movie or recharge at the Americana’s restaurants, which include the Philippe Starck-designed Katsuya and celebrity chef Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak.

Home to a large Armenian community, Glendale offers a wealth of ethnic eateries specializing in kebabs, shawarma and belly dancing. Marked by a towering neon obelisk is the Alex Theatre, a restored art deco masterpiece that hosts concerts and musicals. Steps from the Alex is the new Museum of Neon Art, dedicated to showcasing a quintessentially L.A. craft.

North of Glendale is Montrose, whose main street of Honolulu Avenue is more Mayberry than L.A. Close by, in La Cañada Flintridge, is sprawling Descanso Gardens, with North America’s largest camellia collection—an awesome sight when in full bloom during January and February.

For bold items, see listings in the where guide.

For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see page 94.

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EXPLORING

The Valley HOLLYWOOD MIGHT BE THE SPIRITUAL CENTER OF THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY, BUT THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, AKA “THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HILL,” IS WHERE MOVIEMAKING MAGIC HAPPENS.

➺

Universal City

A couple of Metro stops north of the heart of Hollywood is Universal City, a major entertainment-industry outpost. The highlight is Universal Studios Hollywood, which offers a behind-the-scenes peek into moviemaking. The theme park offers rollicking roller coasters and high-tech virtual-reality action rides such as the Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem attraction; the Simpsons Ride (adjacent to which is a new Springfieldthemed “world”); and a new studio-tour grand finale: the Fast & Furious—Supercharged! ride. Splurge for Universal’s VIP Experience, which pampers its guests with such perks as private tour guides, exclusive backlot access and unlimited front-of-line access in the theme park.

Among the wide-ranging attractions next door at pedestrian-only Universal CityWalk are skydiving simulations at iFly Hollywood, mechanical bull riding at Saddle Ranch Chop House and rock ‘n’ roll bowling at Jillian’s Hi Life Lanes. Restaurants include Karl Strauss Brewing Co., and boutiques such as Lush Cosmetics and Skechers will loosen your wallet.

Burbank

Burbank calls itself “the town behind the tinsel”—and with good reason. This cosmopolitan city is home to some of the most famous players in the entertainment business, including Walt Disney Studios, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon Animation Studio.

Get a taste of the action on a Warner Bros.

Studio Tour Hollywood or as part of the studio audience at a taping of one of your favorite programs, such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The media district, which encompasses most of these companies, also boasts some newer cafés and dining destinations, including Coffee Commissary and Simmzy’s, as well as the iconic Bob’s Big Boy, which hosts a classic-car show every Friday.

As vibrant as it is, Burbank’s entertainment industry is hardly the city’s only draw.

More than 160 restaurants and shops cater to locals and visitors alike. The downtown district offers a major-mall shopping experience, movie theaters and the ever-popular Ikea, but surrounding streets, such as historic San Fernando Boulevard, have a more homegrown feel, with nightlife destinations, shops and trendy bistros such as Granville

Cafe. Another must-visit district is hip Magnolia Park, centered at Magnolia Boulevard and Hollywood Way, which offers indie cafés, antique shops and some of L.A.’s best retro and vintage boutiques (Playclothes and Pinup Girl are favorites). Always-packed Porto’s Bakery—one of the country’s top restaurants, according to Yelp—offers excellent pastries and sandwiches from Europe and the owners’ native Cuba.

Do you like the outdoors? Burbank is a gateway to the Verdugo Mountains, which are crisscrossed with hiking trails. A workout here is rewarded with spectacular views of Burbank, the Hollywood Hills and downtown L.A. For golf enthusiasts, DeBell Golf Club features regulation 18-hole and par-3 courses. And during the summer, outdoor amphitheater the Starlight Bowl hosts a music series.

If you’re jetting into or out of L.A., you can escape the hassles of LAX by opting for Burbank’s uncongested Bob Hope Airport. It offers nonstop flights to many cities across the country and is centrally located, with easy access to Hollywood, downtown L.A. and the San Gabriel Valley.

FROM LEFT: EDWIN SANTIAGO; DALE BERMAN. OPPOSITE: DAVE LAURIDSEN

The Valley is a sprawling collection of communities, each with its own attractions and charms.

Immortalized in movies as diverse as Chinatown and Valley Girl, the area derives its name from Mission San Fernando Rey de España, the historic landmark on the Valley’s northernmost edge.

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The Federal Bar in North Hollywood.

Opposite, from left: Universal CityWalk in Universal City; a dessert from renowned Porto’s Bakery in Burbank

NEW IN TOWN Forman’s Tavern

This rustic Toluca Lake gastropub specializes in whiskey and elevated bar food. 10149 Riverside Drive, L.A., 818.760.6900

Sweet Rose Creamery

The Rustic Canyon empire expands with this organic-ice-cream shop in Tujunga Village. 4377 Tujunga Ave., Studio City, 310.260.2663

The Village at Topanga

Westfield Topanga’s open-air shopping and dining addition boasts offerings like Drybar and YogaWorks. 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Canoga Park, 818.594.8732

North Hollywood

North Hollywood wasn’t much of a tourist destination until the community transformed its commercial core into the NoHo Arts District, now filled with nearly two dozen professional theaters, including the landmark El Portal Theatre. These venues present some of the most innovative stage performances in L.A., and neighboring dance studios and art galleries contribute to the scene. With restaurants like the Federal Bar, a lively gastropub with a full calendar of music and comedy, and Idle Hour, a hot new bar in a barrel-shaped landmark building from the 1940s, the momentum continues for this transit-linked urban village.

From NoHo’s Metro station, you can access central Hollywood and downtown via the Red Line subway or board the Orange Line, a sleek express bus that traverses the entire San Fernando Valley.

Ventura Boulevard

This iconic, palm-lined boulevard stretches 20 miles across the San Fernando Valley.

Immortalized in music by Frank Zappa and

Tom Petty, the boulevard is an integral part of L.A. culture and home to a burgeoning dining scene.

In Studio City, it’s lined with eateries, including entertainment-industry-favored Art’s Deli, elegant Bistro Garden and a greater concentration of acclaimed sushi bars (such as Asanebo) than Little Tokyo claims.

For shopping, there are charming boutiques, including Dari and Voyage et Cie, and beauty retreats such as Face Haus facial bar. Hip bars and restaurants including Firefly have helped to launch a nightlife scene.

Farther west, as the boulevard winds its way through Sherman Oaks, you’ll encounter laid-back trattorias and bistros, as well as shops such as Abundance, a boutique showcasing plus-size designer fashions. Sherman Oaks is also home to Westfield Fashion Square, anchored by Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s and featuring upscale boutiques. Sherman Oaks Galleria is near the junction of the 405 and 101 freeways; draws include ArcLight Cinemas, where there’s a chance you’ll see famous faces, thanks to the Valley’s family-oriented lifestyle.

Deep in the Valley

Westfield Topanga shopping center is loaded with exclusive designer boutiques, including Louis Vuitton and David Yurman.

The Village lifestyle destination opened this fall, expanding the center’s retail and dining options. Farther west off the Ventura Freeway (U.S. 101) is Calabasas, where celebrities move for more elbow room. Upscale shopping and casual eateries live at the Commons at Calabasas, an elegant openair destination. A few exits beyond that is Westlake Village, where locals hit the luxurious spa or do lunch at the Four Seasons.

Visitors to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in neighboring Simi Valley can step aboard an actual Air Force One, visit a full-size replica of the White House Oval Office and learn all about America’s 40th president. North on the Golden State Freeway (I-5) in Valencia, coaster enthusiasts gather at Six Flags Magic Mountain for rides too wild for Disneyland.

For bold items, see listings in the where guide.

For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see page 94.

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EXPLORING

South Bay

➺In the South Bay, the cities of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach occupy an idyllic

coastal stretch renowned for surfing and volleyball. To the north is El Segundo; to the south are the beautiful bluffs of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and the bustling waterfronts of San Pedro and Long Beach.

Manhattan Beach

Nineteen miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach boasts 2 miles of beaches with sand so fine that developers from Waikiki Beach in Honolulu imported it in the 1920s. This laid-back city is home to many professional athletes: You may spot an L.A. Kings player as you walk along the Strand, the pedestrian promenade sandwiched between multimillion-dollar homes and the beachfront bike trail. At the end of the city’s picturesque pier, the Roundhouse Aquarium delights with touch tanks. The pier features plaques commemorating winners of the Manhattan Beach Open—the South Bay is die-hard beach-volleyball country. It’s also a playground for water-sports enthusiasts, including bodyboarders and surfers. East of the pier along Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Manhattan Avenue are chic boutiques and a burgeoning dining scene, with restaurants such as The Arthur J, Love & Salt, Little Sister and The Strand House drawing gourmets from across L.A. The Metlox center is a popular gathering spot, with shops such as the Beehive and hot spots including Zinc at the Shade Hotel.

Hermosa Beach

Heading south on Manhattan Avenue brings you to Pier Avenue, the heart of Hermosa Beach. Hermosa shares many characteristics with Manhattan Beach, including a scenic 2-mile stretch of beachfront punctuated by volleyball nets, fitness buffs weaving along the Strand (here merged with the bike path) and a pier studded with bronze plaques commemorating surfing legends. Come late afternoon, the pedestrian plaza at Pier Avenue west of Hermosa Avenue becomes a different kind of South Bay scene, thanks to spillover from packed bars and restaurants such as Hennessey’s and Killer Shrimp.

Beyond Pier Plaza, on Hermosa Avenue, Jay Leno still draws crowds to the Comedy & Magic Club with Sunday-night shows. To the plaza’s east, café/boutique Gum Tree and Steak & Whisky are standouts among the specialty shops and bistros that line Pier Avenue. Farther east, Becker’s carries surfboards and beachwear.

Redondo Beach

The largest of L.A. County’s beach cities, Redondo Beach is home to the 1,457-seat

Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center and a recreational waterfront featuring 2 miles of sandy beaches, the popular Redondo Beach Pier and King Harbor. Sepulveda Boulevard becomes Pacific Coast Highway as it enters town; signs point west to King Harbor’s Redondo Beach Marina, one of four marinas in the harbor. Here you find businesses such as Redondo Sportfishing offering fishing excursions and whale-watching tours, while other local outfitters rent out kayaks, paddleboats, bicycles and wave runners. South of the harbor, the historic Redondo Beach Pier has had its ups and downs, but it keeps rising from the ashes to attract locals and visitors to quick-andcasual eateries, amusements and souvenir shops. South of the pier, the gentle waves and somewhat narrow strip of Redondo State Beach draw crowds during the summer, while the bike path meanders by on its way to its terminus at Torrance State Beach.

One block east of the beach, the Riviera Village shopping district has a small-town feel, with restaurants and specialty boutiques such as Cami and the Catalina Cooking Store covering a six-block radius.

FROM LEFT: COURTESY HERMOSA BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND VISITORS BUREAU; COURTESY FISHING WITH DYNAMITE. OPPOSITE: EDWIN SANTIAGO

THE SOUTH BAY’S BEACHES AND HARBORS ARE ACTION-PACKED, BUT THE LIVING IS EASY. LOOK FOR OCEAN-VIEW DINING, MOM-AND-POP SHOPS AND SEASIDE ATTRACTIONS.

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NEW IN TOWN Pike Outlets

The reinvigorated outlet-shopping center welcomes new stores, including H&M, Gap and Nike. 95 S. Pine Ave., Long Beach, visitlongbeach.com

Sausal

This new downtown El Segundo hot spot serves “nuevo rancho cuisine” in a stylish, rustic space that honors SoCal history. 219 Main St., El Segundo, 310.322.2721

Seafolly

Shop the Australian swimwear brand’s notice-me suits at this new concept store. 209 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, 310.545.4200

The Queen Mary in Long Beach. Opposite, from left: Hermosa Beach Pier; Fishing With Dynamite in Manhattan Beach

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Among Long Beach’s most popular draws is the 1,020-foot-long Queen Mary, a historic, supposedly haunted ship-turned-hotel.

The horseshoe-shaped pier in Redondo Beach

Palos Verdes Peninsula

Beyond Redondo Beach rises the Palos Verdes Peninsula, a rugged 26-square-mile area known for majestic bluffs that afford sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Catalina island. Head a few miles inland via Palos Verdes Drive North to the 87-acre South Coast Botanic Garden, a yearround attraction boasting 200,000 plants.

Or hug the coast on Palos Verdes Drive West to Rancho Palos Verdes’ Point Vicente Interpretive Center, a popular gray-whalewatching site. Just beyond the adjacent Point Vicente lighthouse is the Mediterraneanstyle Terranea Resort, which offers fine dining, a 50,000-square-foot oceanfront spa and a public nine-hole golf course. Farther along is the Wayfarers Chapel, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s son Lloyd Wright. The impressive Swedenborgian “glass church” is a popular wedding venue. The nearby 18-hole public course at Trump National Golf Club is top-ranked.

G R E AT F I N D

San Pedro

The multicultural community of San Pedro, on the southeastern side of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, was once the largest commercial fishing port in the nation. Today it’s home to the bustling 7,500-acre Port of Los Angeles, which features passenger and cargo terminals, as well as entertainment and educational facilities. Catalina Express operates from Berth 95, offering daily boat service to Catalina’s quaint city of Avalon and rustic village of Two Harbors. More than a million travelers pass through the World Cruise Center (Berths 91-93) annually; adjacent to the complex is the battleship-turned-museum USS Iowa. The New England-style Ports O’ Call Village offers waterfront restaurants and shops, and beyond it is the marina, part of the Cabrillo Beach Recreational Complex.

The complex also includes the Frank Gehrydesigned Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and Cabrillo Beach—one of the county’s most popular windsurfing spots.

/ artisan marketplace

➺ No crafts fair this weekend? Not to worry. There’s a permanent place to get your craft fix—not to mention some sea air—at the Port of Los Angeles. Art purveyor Wayne Blank has revitalized Warehouse No. 10 in San Pedro into a permanent crafts marketplace called Crafted. The 76,000-square-foot space houses dozens of artisans offering unique handmade specialties including glass, beads, candles, carved leather and artisanal foods. Indulge in a drunken chocolate-chip-martini cake pop as you peruse the craft cubicles. Brouwerij West, known for its delicious Belgian-inspired beers, is due this winter in adjacent Warehouse No. 9, and crafts demonstrations, live music and food trucks in the outdoor courtyard are scheduled for every weekend.

112 E. 22nd St., San Pedro, 310.732.1270, craftedportla.com —B.T.

In the county’s southwest corner, Long Beach boasts a busy commercial port, an attraction-packed waterfront and more than 5 miles of beaches. A popular draw is the 1,020-foot-long Queen Mary, a historic, supposedly haunted ship-turned-hotel, dining and shopping attraction permanently moored in Long Beach Harbor.

The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, the Pike Outlets, the Aquarium of the Pacific and Shoreline Village are nearby. From the village, you can follow the Shoreline pedestrian bike path 3.1 miles, past the Long Beach Museum of Art and into the Belmont Shore neighborhood. Here you’ll find shops and restaurants along 2nd Street, Bay Shore Beach, the Belmont Pier and windsurfing and kite-surfing lessons. Across a small channel is Naples, where you can take gondola rides through the canals and dine at restaurants such as Michael’s on Naples.

Downtown, along 4th Street between Junipero and Cherry avenues, vintagefurniture and -clothing shops make up funky “Retro Row.” In the emergent East Village Arts District, hip galleries and boutiques are sprouting where Linden Avenue meets Broadway. Farther east, an impressive collection of modern and contemporary works decks the walls of the Museum of Latin American Art. For bold items, see listings in the where guide.

For a detailed map of these neighborhoods, see page 93.

FROM TOP: EDWIN SANTIAGO; COURTESY CRAFTED AT THE PORT OF LOS ANGELES

Long Beach

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L.A.’S PREMIER RESTAURANTS INNOVATIVE DINING GROUP

9200 Sunset Blvd. / West Hollywood / 310.278.2050 101 Santa Moncia Blvd. / Santa Monica / 310.899.4466 boasteak.com

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Š FRANS LANTING/WWW.LANTING.COM

where

the guide

M USEUM S

Life in Focus Voyage from the Big Bang to the present in Life: A Journey Through Time, a traveling exhibition of works by acclaimed photographer Frans Lanting on view at the Annenberg Space for Photography. The multiyear project brought the National Geographic contributor and his longtime partner and collaborator, Christine Eckstrom, to the rim of active volcanoes, deep into the Okavango Delta and to wondrous landscapes beyond. The result features more than 70 extraordinary images (including the flower hat jelly seen here), as well as an original documentary short film and four short videos exclusive to the Annenberg’s presentation. 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Century City, 213.403.3000

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Dining SPOTLIGHT

American

Guidelines

abigailE A venture of Blackhouse Hospitality (Little Sister, Steak & Whisky, Día de Campo), this funky, graffitimuraled American brasserie with rooftop bar is lots of fun. Chef Tin Vuong presents escargot “poppers,” lambbelly poutine and a serious burger, washed down with house-brewed beer. D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su). 1301 Manhattan Ave., Hermosa Beach, 310.798.8227 $$ Map L13

Index

ANIMAL Bare-bones eatery, from the guys known to Food Network fans as the “Two Dudes,” is a carnivore’s dream. Think delectable takes on offal (such as crispy pig’s ear) and a bacon-chocolate-crunch bar for dessert. D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su). 435 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A., 323.782.9225 $$$ Map I13

Map locators at the end of each listing (Map A3; Map H10, etc.) refer to maps in the back of this issue. Compendium includes editors’ recommendations and advertisers.

American..............................60 Japanese................................65 Brewpubs/Gastropubs....62 Mediterranean....................66 British/Irish..........................62 Mexican/Latin....................66 California...............................62 Pan-Asian..............................66 Chinese..................................63 Seafood.................................. 67 Eclectic/Fusion...................63 Spanish.................................. 67 French.....................................63 Steak.......................................68 Italian......................................63 Thai..........................................69

Noodle Around Miyamoto Musashi is a legendary samurai, but even his twin blades couldn’t achieve the precision of Musashiya, a new udon restaurant from Justice Foods USA that honors his name in Westwood Village.

Musashiya runs housemade dough through a machine up to a dozen times, until the noodles’ thickness registers 3 millimeters. Springy noodles are available either cold and coiled or bobbing in hot water. Choose from three different dipping broths: rich miso sprinkled with sesame, simmered beef with thin-sliced meat, and spicy soy milk with ground pork. Classic udon preparations are also available, as are carbonara with bacon and soft-boiled egg, tempura-fried items and filled hug (hand) rolls. Really, though, it’s all about udon. L, D (M-Sa). 1049 Gayley Ave., L.A., 310.208.5999 $ Map J9 —J.L.

butchers & barbers Local bar-masters the Houston brothers present this lively American bistro. A charcuterie board and roasted garlic-rosemary popcorn can be shared before moving on to an 18-ounce bone-in pork chop with plum-pine-nut gremolata. Creative artisanal cocktails and a vintage setting—Charlie Chaplin once lived in the building—enhance the experience. D (Tu-Su). 6531 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.461.1464 $$ Map H14 THe church key With off-menu items rolled table to table, this trendy spot has adopted the charm and spontaneity of dim sum. Signature dishes include the tapiocacrusted tai snapper. Mixologists dressed as Pan Am flight attendants steer airline food carts loaded with liquid-nitro cocktails. L (M-F), D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su). 8730 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 424.249.3700 $$ Map H12 claim jumper Saloon-style eatery features grill fare and its own label of craft beer. L (varies by location), D (nightly); Br (varies by location). 3500 W. Olive Ave., Burbank, 818.260.0505; 820 W. Huntington Drive, Monrovia, 626.359.0463; 9429 Tampa Ave., Northridge, 818.718.2882; 25740 The Old Road, Valencia, 661.254.2628; 6501 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, 562.431.1321 $ Map T22, Q23, north of A1, D4 Clifton’s This kitschy downtown cafeteria, which dates back to the 1930s, recently reopened after a multimilliondollar renovation. The huge, multiple-story eatery offers old-school cuisine like a roast-meat carving station and Jell-O for dessert, as well as a craft-beer bar, all with woodland ambiance. Check website for new offerings and extended hours. L, D (daily). 648 S. Broadway, downtown, 213.627.1673, cliftonsla.com $$ Map I16 CRAFT New York chef Tom Colicchio of TV’s Top Chef brings his signature concept to L.A. The restaurant delivers an endless, contemporary-American à la carte menu, with fun, shareable dishes including roasted octopus and diver scallops with vermouth butter. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 10100 Constellation Blvd., L.A., 310.279.4180 $$$$ Map K11 freds at barneys Inside Beverly Hills retail destination Barneys New York, the first West Coast outpost of the retailer’s signature restaurant is a go-to for brunch, power lunches, shopping breaks and happy hour. Try the robiolawith-truffle-oil pizza. L (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 9570 Wilshire Blvd., fifth floor, Beverly Hills, 310.777.5877 $$$ Map J11 Independence This bright, friendly tavern in downtown Santa Monica pays homage to the Los Angeles & Independence Railroad, which connected downtown L.A.

with what is now the Santa Monica Pier back in 1875. The restaurant’s casual setting belies its refined New American cuisine that includes a kale chopped salad and orecchiette tuna confit. L (Tu-Su), D (nightly). 205 Broadway, Santa Monica, 310.458.2500 $$$ Map L8 ink. Top Chef winner Michael Voltaggio showcases daring molecular gastronomy at his first restaurant. Try a five-course tasting menu or explore à la carte items including smoked trout with radish and roe. D (nightly). 8360 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.651.5866 $$$ Map I12 Joan’s on Third Celebrity-frequented café on busy West 3rd Street, as well as a new location in the Valley, offers omelets, sandwiches, salads, soups and sweets, plus picnic baskets, gourmet items. B, L, D (daily). 8350 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.655.2285; 12059 Ventura Place, Studio City, 818.201.3900 $ Map I12, T18 LEDLOW Chef Josef Centeno, who rules downtown’s Old Bank District (Bäco Mercat, Bar Amá, Orsa & Winston) has transformed Pete’s Café into Ledlow, a place with vintage good looks. The versatile chef offers twists on classic bistro dishes, American favorites and diverse cultural staples (think brioche French toast and chicken schnitzel). B, L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 400 S. Main St., downtown, 213.687.7000 $$ Map I17 m.b. post Chef David LeFevre serves small plates of seafood, fresh-baked breads, cured meats and more in the space of a former post office. The “Eat Your Vegetables” menu makes green beans and Brussels sprouts look tantalizing. L (F-Su), D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su). 1142 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.545.5405 $$$ Map L13 Odys + Penelope Churrasco and grill features a live-fire grill and wood-fired smoker. Eclectic, flavorful cuisine is accompanied by a menu of craft beer, wine and handcrafted cocktails. Vegan, vegetarian and glutenfree options also available. D (nightly). 127 S. La Brea Ave., L.A., 323.939.1033 $$$ Map B2 Ox & Son Farm-to-table restaurant and wine bar (now offering cocktails) is a fitting addition to charming Montana Avenue. Creative comfort-food menu includes items like mushroom parmesan cavatelli, plus glutenfree options. Br, L, D (daily). 1534 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, 310.829.3990 $$$ Map K8 Plan Check Kitchen + Bar A growing minichain from chef Ernesto Uchimura. Contemporary takes on American classics are complemented with craft beers and premium whiskeys. Try the acclaimed Plan Check Burger, topped with dashi cheese and ketchup leather. L, D (daily). 1800 Sawtelle Blvd., L.A., 310.444.1411; 351 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A., 323.591.0094; 1111 Wilshire Blvd., downtown, 213.403.1616 $$ Map K9, I12, H16

During the Great Depression, Clifton’s iconic downtown cafeteria was known for never turning away hungry diners who couldn’t pay for their meals. See listing above.

joshua lurie

BIRCH Cahuenga Corridor spot from chef Brendan Collins (Waterloo & City) serves a seasonally driven menu (the rabbit baklava with dates, white beans, pistachio and carrots is a standout) served in a whitewashed, clean-lined space. L (Tu-F), D (nightly); Br (Su).

1634 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, 323.960.3369 $$$ Map H13

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Pump/V

The Most Refreshing Dining Choice for Beverly Hills Housewives All cocktails (well) all day and night $8

Restaurant & Bar: Open Daily 11:30am-10pm 9601 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310-859-7600

The Sexiest Restaurant & Bar by Lisa Vanderpump

Restaurant & Bar: Open Monday-Friday 5pm-2am; Saturday-Sunday 11:30am-2am Happy Hour: Daily 5pm-7pm 8948 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069 310-657-7867 (P-U-M-P) Saturday and Sunday Special BRUNCH 11:30am-5pm SPECIAL COCKTAIL PITCHERS

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Dining REDBIRD Acclaimed chef Neal Fraser’s contemporary American cuisine is offered in the rectory of the former Cathedral of St. Vibiana, making Redbird both a cultural and culinary landmark. Rack of red wattle pork and chicken potpie are part of an intriguing menu. An updated Spanish baroque decor and retro-inspired cocktails complete the scene. L (M-F), D (nightly). 114 E. 2nd St., downtown, 213.788.1191 $$$ Map H17 SALT CREEK GRILLE Enjoy mesquite-grilled burgers, chops, steaks and seafood and an interesting selection of California beers and wines at this classic American restaurant, which boast outdoor patios and live music at both L.A.-area locations. El Segundo: L, D (daily). Valencia: L,D (daily); Br (Su). 2015 E. Park Place, El Segundo, 310.335.9288; 24415 Town Center Drive, 115, Valencia, 661.222.9999 $$ Map L14, north of A2 THE STRAND HOUSE This beachside restaurant boasts awesome ocean and pier views and a breezy, stylish bar that draws a lively but sophisticated crowd. Executive chef Greg Hozinsky’s menu includes such starters as foie gras and charcuterie, which might be followed by branzino with black-truffle risotto. Don’t miss pastry chef Stephanie Franz’s doughnuts! L (Tu-F), D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su). 117 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, 310.545.7470 $$$ Map L13

Breweries/Gastropubs FATHER’S OFFICE Microbrew mecca; one of L.A.’s best burgers. Santa Monica: L (Sa-Su), D (nightly).

Culver City: L (F-Su), D (nightly). 1018 Montana Ave., Santa Monica; 3229 Helms Ave., Culver City, 310.736.2224 $$ Map L8, L11 PUBLIC KITCHEN & BAR Refined menu offers elevated versions of classic dishes; bar serves cured meats, cheeses and fresh cocktails. L (M-F), D (M-Sa).

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.769.8888 $$$ Map G13 SIMMZY’S Popular pub with locations in Manhattan Beach, Long Beach, Burbank and just off the Venice pier.

The newer locations share the Manhattan Beach original’s friendly vibe and wide selection of craft beers (many locally brewed), hearty burgers (try the classic Simmzy’s), sandwiches, salads and other fresh fare. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 3000 W. Olive Ave., Burbank, 818.962.2500; 5271 E. 2nd St., Long Beach, 562.439.5590; 229 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, 310.546.1201; 37 Washington Blvd., Venice, 424.835.6580 $ Map T20, O17, L13, N9

Ye Olde King’s Head

World Famous British Pub, Restaurant, Shoppe & Bakery

British/Irish O’BRIEN’S IRISH PUB Pub and restaurant with brews and spirits, Irish and American cuisine, outdoor patio and live entertainment. L, D (daily); Br (Su). 2941 Main St., Santa Monica, 310.396.4725 $ Map M8 YE OLDE KING’S HEAD Cozy pub/restaurant with traditional English fare, including acclaimed fish and chips. B, L, D (daily); high tea (M-Sa). 116 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.451.1402 $ Map L8

British Fare, imported beers and world famous Fish & Chips.

Open for breakfast weekends at 8am, Fabulous happy hour Mon–Fri 4-7pm.

Traditional Afternoon Tea is served Mon-Sat 11:30am-4:30pm.

Karaoke Sundays at 9pm. Heated patio. Quiz shows every Wednesday.

Call for soccer schedule.

Stop by the gift shoppe for food and collectibles from the British Isles, including bone china, teapots, souvenir items, tea, candy, wine, freshly baked goods and much more.

California Cuisine 208 RODEO This Mediterranean-influenced gem of a café sits above Via Rodeo’s cobblestone street at luxe Two Rodeo. Dishes include tomahawk steak and seafood fettuccine. B, L, D (daily). Two Rodeo, 208 Via Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.275.2428 $$ Map J11 CAVATINA Esteemed East Coast chef Michael Schlow’s first L.A. restaurant serves simple, local, delicious cuisine inside the rock 'n' roll-steeped Sunset Marquis Hotel.

Don’t miss Schlow’s award-winning burger. B, L, D (daily); Br (Su). 1200 Alta Loma Road, West Hollywood, 310.358.3759 $$$ Map H12

116 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica (310) 451-1402 www.yeoldekingshead.com

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Dining COMMISSARY Buzz-worthy poolside eatery from Roy Choi serves farm-to-table dishes in a greenhouselike setting. Emphasis on fruit- and vegetable-themed dishes and drinks makes it very vegetarian- and veganfriendly, but you’ll find a few meaty dishes on the menu as well. B, L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). The Line Hotel, secondfloor greenhouse, 3515 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 213.368.3030 $$ Map J14 FIG RESTAURANT Dine on a seasonal menu of bistro fare at this restaurant inside the Fairmont Miramar; charcuterie and cheese bar open at dinnertime. Sunday brunch features the virtuous, as well as the decadent, plus creative cocktails. B, L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). Fairmont Miramar Hotel, 101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.319.3111 $$ Map L8 GIRASOL Chef C.J. Jacobson, a former Top Chef contestant, forages for fresh, exotic ingredients in the Santa Monica Mountains to incorporate into an inventive California menu (e.g., hamachi with white fir and wild sorrel, whole crispy red snapper with chili-kumquat sauce). The restaurant, decorated like a giant sunflower (girasol in Spanish), is part of a Studio City dining renaissance. D (nightly); Br (Su). 11334 Moorpark St., Studio City, 818.924.2323 $$$ Map U19 HINOKI & THE BIRD Inside luxury residential tower the Century, taste Japanese and Southeast Asian flavors in such dishes as lobster rolls with green curry and Thai basil, and black cod scented with the smoke of the namesake hinoki wood. L (M-F), D (Tu-Sa). 10 W. Century Drive, Century City, 310.552.1200 $$$ Map J10 LOVE & SALT Dine on creative Cal-Italian fare (think duck-egg pizza and whole roasted pig head) in this buzzy South Bay spot. Chef de cuisine/pastry chef Rebecca Merhej’s desserts are divine. D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su). 317 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, 310.545.5252 $$$ Map L13 MAUDE Celebrity chef Curtis Stone, an Aussie with a strong classical background, helms this intimate, 25-seat Beverly Hills restaurant named after his grandmother. Every month a different seasonal ingredient is showcased and artfully presented in a nine-course menu. D (Tu-Sa). 212 S. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.859.3418 $$$$ Map J11 MILO & OLIVE The husband-and-wife team from Rustic Canyon is behind this casual pizzeria and bakery.

Zoe Nathan’s desserts and pastries shouldn’t be missed.

B, L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 2723 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.453.6776 $$ Map K9 NAPA VALLEY GRILLE Wine-country-inspired cuisine including steaks, seafood and choice of tasty sides.

Extensive wine list and a popular happy hour. L (M-F), D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su). 1100 Glendon Ave., Westwood, 310.824.3322 $$ Map J10 PLANT FOOD AND WINE Restaurant from Matthew Kenney takes a raw, locally sourced and plant-based approach to dining. Indoor and outdoor seating, with a patio sheltered by olive trees and complete with a garden of fruits, herbs and edible flowers. Pair your meal with a glass of wine from an extensive organic and biodynamic selection. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 1009 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.450.1009 $$$ Map N9

RICK POON

PUMP Enchanted-garden-themed restaurant and bar from restaurateur and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Vanderpump features a patio with 100-year-old olive trees and a menu created by Food Network Star finalist Penny Davidi. D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su). 8948 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.657.7867 $$ Map I12 RUSTIC CANYON Discover boutique wines while sampling small plates of market-driven, Mediterraneaninspired fare. Clam pozole is just one of the winners.

Hide in a cozy booth or mingle at the communal table. D (nightly). 1119 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.393.7050 $$$ Map L8

SPAGO An L.A. institution, Wolfgang Puck’s flagship restaurant features a modern dining room and a daily changing menu that may include dishes like veal “Wiener schnitzel” and spicy tuna tartare. Glimpse some of the 30,000 wine bottles on offer in a glass-ensconced “wine wall.” L (Tu-Sa), D (nightly). 176 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.385.0880 $$$$ Map I11 THE TASTING KITCHEN Foodies come for the daily changing menu of innovative yet unpretentious cuisine from culinary-darling chef Casey Lane: small or large plates of cured meats, artisan cheeses, vegetables, seafood and pastas. D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su). 1633 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.392.6644 $$$ Map M9 TAVERN Chef Suzanne Goin’s third L.A. restaurant explores rustic Cal-Med fare in chic environs, including a popular sunlit indoor patio. The frequently changing menu might include “devil’s chicken” with leeks and mustard breadcrumbs. B, L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 11648 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, 310.806.6464 $$$ Map J9 TERRINE Comfortable, elevated California brasserie fare (moules frites, pizza with truffle cheese and sage) from chef Kris Morningstar, restaurateur Stephane Bombet and managing partner/wine director François Renaud.

The patio, which is dominated by a magnificent tree and dotted with sparkling lights, is as romantic as they come.

L (M-F), D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su). 8265 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.746.5130 $$$ Map I12

Chinese HOUSE OF MACAU Modern Chinese-fusion restaurant in the heart of Hollywood from entrepreneur and music mogul Manny Halley. D (Tu-Su). 1600 Vine St., L.A., 323.745.5038 $$ Map H14 MEIZHOU DONGPO Sichuan fare in ultramodern surroundings at Westfield Century City mall. L, D (daily). 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Century City, 310.788.0120 $$ Map J11 MR CHOW The L.A. County editions of scene-y restaurants in New York and London offer Imperial Beijing cuisine. Beverly Hills: L (M-F), D (nightly). Malibu: D (nightly). 344 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.278.9911; Malibu Country Mart, 3835 Cross Creek Road, 18A, Malibu, 310.456.7600 $$$ Map I11, K7 OCEAN SEAFOOD Vast and boisterous spot serves amazing array of traditional dishes, superfresh seafood, top-of-the-line dim sum. B, L, D (daily). 750 N. Hill St., Chinatown, 213.687.3088 $$ Map G17

Eclectic/Fusion BÄCO MERCAT Chef Josef Centeno draws international praise for his inspired creations. The bäco, a flatbread sandwich, is his signature dish. Other selections include spicy hamachi crudo. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 408 S. Main St., downtown, 213.607.7000 $$ Map I16 CASSIA Part of restaurateurs Josh Loeb and Zoe Nathan’s burgeoning dining empire, this bustling Southeast Asian-inspired brasserie finds chef Bryant Ng (Spice Table) serving dishes like jellyfish salad and escargots with lemongrass-infused butter in a 1930s art deco building. D (Tu-Su). 1314 7th St., Santa Monica, 310.393.6699 $$$ Map L8 MAISON AKIRA Fine French cuisine with Japanese flair (such as a bento box with American wagyu beef, miso sea bass and chawan mushi) in Pasadena’s playhouse district. Nine-course omakase available. L (F), D (Tu-Su); Br (Su). 713 E. Green St., Pasadena, 626.796.9501 $$$ Map Q20 TROIS MEC The holy foodie trinity of Ludo Lefebvre (LudoBites) and Vinny Dotolo and Jon Shook (Animal, Son

Laksa and kaya toast at Cassia

of a Gun) is behind this hot restaurant in a 24-seat former pizzeria. Diners must purchase advance tickets via the restaurant’s website to enjoy Lefebvre’s prix-fixe, fivecourse meal. New French-bar-style spinoff, Petit Trois, is next door. D (M-F). 716 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, troismec.com $$$$ Map H13

French BOUCHON The Bouchon bistros from chef Thomas Keller (the French Laundry, Per Se) have become popular for their authentic good looks and superbly executed cuisine. L (M-F), D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su). 235 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.271.9910 $$$ Map J11 KENDALL’S BRASSERIE Located at the Music Center, Kendall’s is a convenient spot for before or after a performance. In addition to dishes with a contemporary flair, all the brasserie favorites are here (e.g., moules frites). L (M-F), D (Tu-Su); Br (Sa-Su). 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.7322 $$ Map H16 THE LITTLE DOOR For a candlelit dinner in an elegant setting, this is the reservation ne plus ultra. At the West 3rd Street original, dine on rustic Mediterranean dishes under the stars or by a crackling fireplace. An additional location across from the Brentwood Country Mart is also charming, with several private rooms and intimate alcoves and a main dining room featuring a retractable roof. D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su in Santa Monica only). 8164 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.951.1210; 246 26th St., Santa Monica, 310.310.8064 $$$ Map I12, K8 MÉLISSE At Mélisse, among L.A.’s highest-rated restaurants, chef/owner Josiah Citrin executes a sophisticated modern French menu filled with luxe ingredients. Start with lobster bolognese with truffles before superb game dishes. D (Tu-Sa). 1104 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.395.0881 $$$$ Map M8 PATINA The Walt Disney Concert Hall pairs classicalmusic offerings with fine dining thanks to its fine inhouse restaurant. Game dishes are a frequent presence on the menu. D (Tu-Su). 141 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.3331 $$$$ Map H16 RÉPUBLIQUE In a landmark once occupied by Charlie Chaplin’s studio, fine-dining veteran Walter Manzke and pastry-chef wife Margarita turn out bistro classics (think escargots, duck confit and steak frites) for a trendy clientele huddling at communal tables. Café: B, L (daily); Br (Sa-Su). Bistro D (M-Sa). 624 S. La Brea Ave., L.A., 310.362.6115 $$$ Map I13

Italian ALIMENTO Zach Pollack, half of the talent behind acclaimed Sotto, is behind this tiny, hip space in Silver Lake, where a clever menu features addictive chicken-

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Dining liver mousse with plum mostarda, crudo and pastas.

The chef’s contrarian take on tortellini en brodo features dumplings filled with a hot broth that explodes in your mouth. Desserts include chocolate budino and almond polenta cake. D (Tu-Su). 1710 Silver Lake Blvd., Silver Lake, 323.928.2888 $$ Map east of W23 BESTIA Multiregional Italian restaurant in the hip Arts District. The former executive chef at Angelini Osteria serves up such “beast”-focused dishes as roasted marrow bone with spinach gnocchetti, breadcrumbs and aged balsamic, and a selection of house-cured meats.

D (nightly). 2121 E. 7th Place, downtown, 213.514.5724 $$$ Map east of J17

Something for Everyone LUNCH • DINNER • HAPPY HOUR

RESTAURANT & SALOON

BOTTEGA LOUIE This palatial Italian restaurant, decked out in minimalist white marble, is a hip, noisy hall where young professionals convene over brick-ovencooked pizzas and share small plates of portobello fries and crab beignets. There’s a gourmet market and patisserie, too. B, L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 700 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.802.1470 $$ Map I16 CECCONI’S This London-based restaurant caters to a well-heeled clientele who schmooze over bellinis and cicchetti (small plates). Pastas including a beautiful agnolotti del plin and seafood such as grilled octopus with capers are well-executed. B, L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su).

8764 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 310.432.2000 $$$ Map I12 CULINA A contemporary take on regional Italian cuisine is the theme at Culina, where ample coastal inspirations are evident on the menu. The modern design includes a sleek crudo bar and an impressive 25-foot chandelier. B (M-Sa), L (M-Sa), D (nightly); Br (Su). Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, 300 S. Doheny Drive, L.A., 310.860.4000 $$$ Map J12 DRAGO CENTRO Celestino Drago’s well-executed Italian fare—like l’anatra (duck breast, sweet-potato puree, cipollini onion, butternut squash and saba)—and extensive wine list in a contemporary and handsome space. L (M-F), D (nightly). 525 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.228.8998 $$$ Map H16 THE FACTORY KITCHEN Former Valentino chef Angelo Auriana turns his attention to a casual, industrialchic setting in the Arts District. Fresh-made pastas, beautiful cheeses and cured meats, complemented by an inventive cocktail program, contribute to a daily changing menu. L (M-F), D (nightly). 1300 Factory Place, downtown, 213.996.6000 $$$ Map J17 IL FORNAIO Trattoria-style favorite. Beverly Hills: B, L, D (daily). Manhattan Beach: L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su).

Pasadena: L, D (daily); Br (Su). 301 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.550.8330; 1800 Rosecrans Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.725.9555; 24 W. Union St., Pasadena, 626.683.9797 $$ Map J11, L13, Q19

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GUSTO Victor Casanova’s intimate neighborhood ristorante has a look and feel reminiscent of his native Bronx. Dishes such as polpette (pork meatballs) plated over chilled, whipped ricotta, charred baby octopus and fresh-made pastas deserve praise. L (M-F), D (nightly). 8432 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.782.1778 $$$ Map I13 JON & VINNY’S Family-friendly Italian diner from chefs/owners Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo has it all—pastries, pizza, pasta (made in-house) and meat entrees. Takeout and delivery are also available. B, L, D (daily). 412 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A., 323.334.3369 $$ Map B2 LA VECCHIA CUCINA Rustic Northern Italian in a laid-back bistro. More than a dozen pastas for dinner, plus pizzas, ossobuco alla Romana and other traditional favorites. L, D (daily). 2654 Main St., Santa Monica, 310.399.7979 $$ Map M8 LOCANDA DEL LAGO Rustic family-owned restaurant overlooking Third Street Promenade. Michelin-

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Dining starred chef Gianfranco Minuz turns out traditional Northern Italian cuisine made with sustainable proteins and locally sourced ingredients. L, D (daily); Br (Su). 231 Arizona Ave., Santa Monica, 310.451.3525 $$ Map L8 MADDALENA Dining among the casks at San Antonio Winery; fresh pastas, seafood, paninis and more served with European hospitality. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su).

737 Lamar St., L.A., 323.223.1401 $$ Map G17 MATTEO’S An old favorite of the Rat Pack endures.

Classic dishes include mussels in white wine and ossobuco Milanese. D (Tu-Su). 2321 Westwood Blvd., L.A., 310.475.4521 $$ Map K10 OSTERIA MOZZA Famed L.A.-based bread maker Nancy Silverton teamed up with affable Mario Batali on Mozza’s duo of contemporary Italian restaurants. Osteria Mozza is a more sophisticated dining room in which to experience the repertoire of these great transcontinental talents. D (nightly). 6602 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.297.0100 $$$ Map H13 PIZZERIA MOZZA/MOZZA2GO The more relaxed sibling of Nancy Silverton and Mario Batali’s Mozza, Pizzeria Mozza features pizzas with Mediterranean ingredients, cheeses and salumi plates and rustic daily specials.

Call ahead for delivery or takeout from Mozza2Go. L, D (daily). Pizzeria Mozza: 641 N. Highland Ave., L.A., 323.297.0101; Mozza2Go: 6610 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.297.1130 $$ Map H13 RISTORANTE AL MARE Enjoy tastes of Italy and stellar beach and pier views from the rooftop deck of this three-story restaurant. L, D (daily). 250 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, 310.458.4448 $$ Map L8 SPAGHETTINI & THE DAVE KOZ LOUNGE Saxophone great Dave Koz teams with veteran restaurateurs to create a dining/jazz venue. After dinner, the likes of Bobby Caldwell, Michael Lington and surprise celebrity guests take the stage. D (M-Sa). 184 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.424.4600 $$$ Map J11 SUPERBA SNACK BAR At this stylish neighborhood pastaria, housemade noodles are lovingly prepared.

Salumi and small plates feature local produce. An interesting wine list and a selection of beer- and winebased cocktails are available. D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su).

533 Rose Ave., Venice, 310.399.6400 $$$ Map M8 TERRONI Southern Italian cooking including excellent thin-crust pizza. The downtown location inhabits a historic bank building. Downtown: L (M-F), D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su). West Hollywood: L, D (daily); Br (SaSu). 802 S. Spring St., downtown, 213.221.7234; 7605 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.954.0300 $$ Map I16, J13

ZAGAT 2015

Fine French Cuisine with a Japanese Flair

VALENTINO For more than 30 years, Piero Selvaggio has maintained his flagship’s status as a pre-eminent temple of Italian gastronomy. A telephone-book-sized wine list— often cited as America’s best—is supported by a cellar containing more than 100,000 bottles. L (F), D (M-Sa). 3115 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.829.4313 $$$$ Map L9

Japanese ASANEBO Hidden in a strip mall, but Michelin-rated, this cozy sushi bar and restaurant offers memorable sushi and inventive fare like seared toro in garlic cream and uni tempura in shiso leaf. L (Tu-F), D (TuSu). 11941 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 818.760.3348 $$ Map A1 KATANA Robata-style cuisine: open-flame-grilled meat, vegetables, seafood on skewers. Stylish rooms, patio. D (nightly). 8439 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.650.8585 $$$ Map H12

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L (varies by location), D (nightly). 11777 San Vicente

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Dining A.O.C. Mediterranean-inspired pioneer of two L.A. culinary trends: the small-plates format and the wine bar. Chef/owner Suzanne Goin offers addictive baconwrapped, Parmesan-stuffed dates and an excellent selection of cheeses and cured meats from a charcuterie bar. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 8700 W. 3rd St., L.A., 310.859.9859 $$ Map I12

Balinese-style fried meatballs at Little Sister

Blvd., Brentwood, 310.207.8744; 6300 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.871.8777; 702 Americana Way, Glendale, 818.244.5900; L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.747.9797 $$$ Map K9, H14, northeast of T23, I15 MATSUHISA Superchef Nobu Matsuhisa’s more modest original flagship incorporates luxurious Western ingredients and Latin American spices. Monkfish liver pâté with caviar, and lamb chops with miso anticucho sauce are just a couple of his creations. L (M-F), D (nightly). 129 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.659.9639 $$$$ Map I12 N/NAKA Offerings are crafted in the kaiseki Japanese culinary tradition, with both classic and modern interpretations. The 13-course menus are prepared with produce from n/naka’s organic garden; there is an extensive sake and wine list as well. D (Tu-Sa). 3455 S. Overland Ave., L.A., 310.836.6252 $$$$ Map L11 NOBU The flagship of chef Nobu Matsuhisa offers an extensive menu of traditional and avant-garde sushi, including many dishes with beguiling Peruvian accents.

West Hollywood: D (nightly). Malibu: B (F-Su), L, D (daily). 903 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.657.5711; Nobu Malibu, 22706 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.317.9140 $$$$ Map H12, east of A1 Q The omakase-only experience at this intimate sushi bar showcases the artistry and discipline of chef/owner Hiroyuki Naruke in items like miso-marinated uni and monkfish as rich as foie gras. L (Tu-F), D (Tu-Sa). 521 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.225.6285 $$$$ Map I16

BOWERY BUNGALOW Restaurateur George AbouDaoud honors his Middle Eastern heritage here by applying exotic Silk Road flavors to all-American concepts like Southern baby-back ribs. The inventive menu even features Pacific influences: kebabs called “shishkatori” are grilled over binchotan charcoal like authentic Japanese yakitori. D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su). 4156 Santa Monica Blvd., Silver Lake, 323.663.1500 $$ Map south of W23 CROSSROADS KITCHEN Chef/partner Tal Ronnen creates exclusively plant-based dishes, many based on nonvegan comfort classics. Try the “crab cake” or the attractive artichoke “oysters” topped with crispy oyster mushrooms. The wine list features organic and biodynamic labels. L (M-F), D (nightly); Br (Su). 8284 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.782.9245 $$ Map H12 ESTÉREL The redesigned restaurant at the Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills features two new spaces—the lovely French garden, Le Jardin, which offers alfresco seating, and an indoor private-party area called the Aviary—along with an open-plan main dining room, two private dining rooms and the adjacent Riviera 31 lounge. The menu is refreshed as well, with farm-to-fork Mediterranean fare from executive chef Victor Boroda (Scarpetta). B, L, D (daily); Br (Su). 8555 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 310.358.3979 $$$ Map I12 FIG & OLIVE New York-based restaurant’s cuisine is an ode to olive oil. Don’t miss the paella del mar and the Provence roasted chicken. L (M-F), D (nightly); Br (SaSu). 8490 Melrose Place, L.A., 310.360.9100 $$$ Map I12 GJELINA Under the direction of talented young chef Travis Lett, servers in T-shirts and newsboy caps serve seasonal Cal-Med small plates and pizzas to chic Westsiders. It’s one of Venice’s most popular restaurants and the neighborhood’s most lively patio.

B (M-F), L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.450.1429 $$ Map N9

ROBATA BAR Japanese grilling from the Sushi Roku, Katana and Boa team. Striking design by Dodd Mitchell. D (nightly). 1401 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.458.4771 $$$ Map L8

LUCQUES Chef/owner Suzanne Goin delivers the next generation of California cuisine, which includes dishes such as grilled club steak for two with potatoes parisienne. Nowhere do vegetables taste as good! L (TuSa), D (nightly). 8474 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.655.6277 $$$ Map I13

ROKU This new Sunset Strip hot spot from the team behind Sushi Roku presents elevated teppanyaki (think A-5 Japanese wagyu and Santa Barbara spot prawns) prepared at interactive grill tables, as well as sushi, omakase offerings and an extensive selection of Japanese whiskeys. L (M-F), D (nightly). 9201 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.278.2060 $$$ Map H12

PETROS Fine contemporary-Greek fare in a cool white dining room or on the covered patio. Dress code for indoor diners. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 451 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, 310.545.4100 $$$ Map L13

SUSHI ROKU Nouvelle Japanese, sleek decor and a creative menu. For foodies 10 and under, Sushi Roku Pasadena offers a fun “okosama” kids’ menu with four bento-box options. L, D (daily). 1401 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.458.4771; 33 Miller Alley, Pasadena, 626.683.3000 $$$ Map L8, Q19 URASAWA If you’re serious about sushi, make a date to sit at Urasawa’s bar. Here you’ll be treated to an incredible omakase dinner—don’t even ask about price—that features the freshest, most artfully presented sushi, sashimi and shabu-shabu dishes. Reservation required. D (Tu-Sa). 218 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.247.8939 $$$$ Map I11

Mexican/Latin BROKEN SPANISH The upscale sister of B.S. Taqueria (below), this “modern Mexican” restaurant near L.A. Live serves classically trained chef Ray Garcia’s innovative twists on traditional dishes. D (nightly). 1050 S. Flower St., Ste. 102, downtown, 213.749.1460 $$$ Map I15 B.S. TAQUERIA The casual, colorful setting at this Ray Garcia-helmed spot offers the right vibe for lemonpepper chicken chicharrones or clam-and-lardo tacos. L (M-F), D (nightly). 514 W. 7th St., L.A., 213.622.3744 $$ Map H15

CORAZON Y MIEL Inspired by family recipes and the flavors of Latin America, chef Eduardo Ruiz (formerly of Animal) serves both small and shareable plates, an extensive cocktail menu and offers plenty of draft beer and wine. Dulce de Puerco (bacon, dates, whipped cotija) is a menu favorite. D (Tu-Su); Br (Su). 6626 Atlantic Ave., Bell, 323.560.1776 $$ Map C3 DÍA DE CAMPO Part of Blackhouse Hospitality (Little Sister, Abigaile, Steak & Whisky), this restaurant offers innovative Mexican dishes like chocolate-duck quesadillas, chorizo-stuffed dates and wood-grilled lobster with chili butter in a sexy surf-lodge setting. D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su). 1238 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach, 310.379.1829 $$ Map L13 GRACIAS MADRE Organic, plant-based Mexican fare is served at this beautiful restaurant (the patio’s ambiance can’t be beat) from the team behind Café Gratitude.

Inventive dishes like coconut ceviche tostadas or flautas de camote filled with sweet potatoes and cashew nacho cheese please vegans and omnivores alike. L (M-F), D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su). 8905 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.978.2170 $$ Map I12 MEXICANO Indoor-outdoor restaurant in the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw shopping center is run by James Beard Award-nominated chefs Jaime Martin Del Campo and Ramiro Arvizu, whose La Casita Mexicana restaurant in Bell is widely considered one of the best Mexican restaurants in L.A. County. Try the poblano mole, a house specialty. L, D (daily). 3650 W. Martin Luther King Blvd., L.A., 323.296.0798 $$$ Map northeast of M12 PETTY CASH TAQUERÍA Mexican street food featuring local, seasonal ingredients and refined technique.

Winning dishes include pig-ear nachos with crema poblana, and guacamole with Santa Barbara sea urchin and chicharrones. Buzzy new downtown Arts District location. Beverly: L (Su), D (nightly). Downtown: L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 7360 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.933.5300; 712 S. Santa Fe Ave., downtown, 213.624.0210 $$ Map I13, J17 RED O Rick Bayless, one of America’s leading authorities on Mexican cuisine, is consulting chef at these sexy eateries (the Santa Monica location opened last summer). Many of his thoughtful dishes are grounded in tradition, such as classic albacore ceviche and cochinita pibil. D (nightly). 8155 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.655.5009; 1541 Ocean Ave., ste. 120, Santa Monica, 310.458.1600 $$$ Map I12, L8 TORTILLA REPUBLIC This casual-chic WeHo restaurant serves up modern Mexican cuisine made with unique ingredients and rich in flavor. Sidle up to the white onyx bar or enjoy alfresco dining on the large patio. L (Tu-F), D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su). 616 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.657.9888 $$ Map I12

Pan-Asian CRUSTACEAN A glass-covered koi-filled stream meanders under the bar at this Cal-Vietnamese eatery, and diners indulge in items from a “secret kitchen” in which only the owners’ family members and select longtime staff members are allowed. The garlic noodles are a signature. L (M-F), D (nightly). 9646 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.205.8990 $$$ Map I11 THE DISTRICT BY HANNAH AN One of the celebrated An sisters—her family introduced Crustacean (above)—celebrates her Vietnamese heritage with a cuisine that reflects authenticity while incorporating California sensibilities in a chic indoor-outdoor space.

Dishes like turmeric-crusted sea bass, lobster with handmade noodles, and Vietnamese chicken curry are enjoyed with cocktails infused with Southeast Asian flavors. L (M-F), D (nightly); Br (Su). 8722 W. 3rd St., L.A., 310.278.2345 $$$ Map I12

COURTESY LITTLE SISTER

Mediterranean

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Dining LITTLE SISTER At these trendy spots, young chef Tin Vuong brings sophisticated accents to pan-Asian cuisine with signatures like deep-fried Balinese meatballs with banana ketchup, Myanmar okra curry and saltand-pepper lobster. Downtown location opened in October. M.B.: L (F-Su), D (nightly). Downtown: B, L, D (daily). 1131 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.545.2096; 523 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.628.3146 $$ Map L13, I16 LUKSHON Sang Yoon of Father’s Office is behind this Southeast Asian eatery with a selection of craft beers and Far East-inspired cocktail program. The crispy whole market fish is not to be missed. L (Tu-F), D (Tu-Sa). 3239 Helms Ave., Culver City, 310.202.6808 $$$ Map K12 WP24 From its 24th-floor roost, WP24 proves that Wolfgang Puck, who pioneered Asian fusion, has still got the goods. Highlights include Singapore-style chili prawns and steamed bao filled with pork belly. Restaurant/lounge concept Nest at WP24 is adjacent.

Dining room D (Tu-Sa). Nest D (nightly). Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, 900 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.743.8824 $$$$ Map I15

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Try the lobster-stuffed Parker House roll or the bucatini with Dungeness crab, sweet corn, garlic and chili. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 13488 Maxella Ave., Marina del Rey, 310.893.6100 $$ Map O9 FISHING WITH DYNAMITE David LeFevre, a Water Grill alum, loads his menu with East Coast inspirations, as well as some innovative dishes. Among the old-school small plates in this tiny, charming restaurant are New England-style clam chowder with Nueske’s bacon and Maryland blue-crab cakes with housemade pickles and remoulade. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 1148 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.893.6299 $$$ Map L13 GLADSTONE’S MALIBU One of SoCal’s biggest hits, with a million visitors each year. Dramatic ocean views. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 17300 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades, 310.454.3474 $$ Map west of K7 THE HUNGRY CAT East Coast fare in hip little spots.

Dine on dishes such as crab cakes or chilled crab legs and you-peel or they-peel shrimp by the halfpound. Hollywood: L (M-F), D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su).

Santa Monica: D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su). Sunset + Vine, 1535 N. Vine St., Hollywood, 323.462.2155; 100 W. Channel Road, Santa Monica, 310.459.3337 $$ Map H14, L7 PROVIDENCE Chef/owner Michael Cimarusti transforms seafood from the world’s most pristine waters into oft-changing dishes. Outstanding cocktails complement Michelin-recognized cuisine.

L (F), D (nightly). 5955 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.460.4170 $$$$ Map I14

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SON OF A GUN Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, the meat-loving chefs at Animal, turn to the sea for new inspiration. They cook up small shareable plates such as miniature lobster rolls and shrimp-toast sandwiches in a nautically themed space. L, D (daily). 8370 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.782.9033 $$$ Map I12

Spanish BAR PINTXO Spanish tapas bar around the corner from the Santa Monica Pier offers authentic tortilla española, paella and croquetas de jamón and Spanish wines.

L, D (daily). 109 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.458.2012 $$ Map M8

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Dining THE BAZAAR BY JOSÉ ANDRÉS Star chef José Andrés brings a whimsical set of Spanish-style dining experiences to the eminently stylish SLS Hotel.

Tasting room Saam offers an unforgettable 20-pluscourse prix-fixe menu. Dining room D (nightly). Saam D (Th-Sa). 465 S. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.246.5555 $$$ Map H16 SMOKE.OIL.SALT “Casual world cuisine” and an impressive list of Spanish wines served in a lively location on Melrose. D (nightly); Br (Su). 7274 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.930.7900 $$ Map I13

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Steak ALEXANDER’S STEAKHOUSE This ultra-luxurious interpretation of the classic American steakhouse incorporates Asian influences. Certified Angus beef and one of L.A.’s widest selections of domestic and imported wagyu star on the menu. D (nightly). 111 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, 626.486.1111 $$$ Map Q20 THE ARTHUR J This swanky Manhattan Beach steakhouse, helmed by chef David LeFevre (M.B. Post, Fishing With Dynamite), offers a classic menu that will delight any carnivore, but the seafood dishes and sides-with-a-twist are excellent as well. Sit in the midcentury-inspired, spacious dining room or at the bar.

D (nightly). 903 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.878.9620 $$$$ Map C2 BALTAIRE Helmed by executive chef Travis Strickland, the sophisticated Brentwood restaurant offers plenty of prime steaks, wines by the glass, old-school charm and sun-or-star dining on its 2,500-square-foot terrace—perhaps best enjoyed with the Baltaire Julep cocktail in hand.

L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 11647 San Vicente Blvd., L.A., 424.273.1660 $$$$ Map J12 BOA Way hip, way fine steakhouse. Steak rubs and dips; out-there cocktails. Santa Monica: L, D (daily).

West Hollywood: L (M-F), D (nightly). 101 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.899.4466; 9200 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.278.2050 $$$ Map M8, H12 FOGO DE CHÃO Arguably the city’s best churrascaria—those Brazilian steakhouse-barbecue restaurants—is offered at this restaurant with locations in Beverly Hills and downtown. Guests are treated to an endless procession of meats carved right onto their plates. L (M-F, Su), D (nightly). 133 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.289.7755 $$$; 800 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.228.4300 Map J12, I16 MASTRO’S OCEAN CLUB At this on-the-waterfront eatery—the views are pure Malibu—starters like ahi tartare, lobster cocktail and caviar service are followed by fresh fish, whole Maine lobster or expertly prepared steaks. Sides like lobster mashed potatoes and Alaskan king crab/black-truffle gnocchi are legendary. D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su). 18412 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.454.4357 $$$$ Map west of K7

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MASTRO’S STEAKHOUSE Swanky “steakhouse with personality.” Bone-in filet reigns; warm butter cake melts in your mouth. Penthouse at Mastro’s is an upstairs lounge. D (nightly). 246 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.888.8782 $$$ Map J11 MORTON’S Clubby ambiance, show-and-tell menu, huge portions. Beverly Hills, Woodland Hills: D (nightly). Downtown, Burbank: L (M-F), D (nightly). 435 S. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.246.1501; 6250 Canoga Ave., Woodland Hills, 818.703.7272; 735 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.553.4566; the Pinnacle, 3400 W. Olive Ave., Burbank, 818.238.0424 $$$ Map I11, west of A1, I16, T20 NICK + STEF’S A modern interpretation of the classic American steakhouse, Bunker Hill institution Nick

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Dining

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+ Stef’s recently underwent a complete overhaul to both its menu and its dining rooms, now a midcenturymodern vision in hues of coral, blue and caramel with brass touches. The menu from new executive chef Andreas Roller includes showstopping meat dishes as well as an expanded seafood menu. USDA Prime beef is aged on-site in a glass-encased aging chamber. L (M-F), D (nightly). Wells Fargo Building, 330 S. Hope St., downtown, 213.680.0330 $$$ Map H16

800 W. Olympic Blvd. Suite A120, Los Angeles, CA 90015 | 213.747.3700 XIAO LONG BAOS & LOBSTER RICE PORRIDGE SERVED ALL NIGHT!

PISTOLA The sister restaurant to Victor Casanova’s Gusto opened last year, giving classic Italian steakhouse fare a modern twist. Enjoy classic dishes such as shrimp scampi, dry-aged Delmonico steak and bonein veal chop in an elegant space with a sleek, 1950s New York feel. D (nightly). 8022 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.951.9800 $$$ Map I13 STEAK & WHISKY Rustic meets modern at Steak & Whisky, which recently opened in downtown Hermosa Beach. The fifth joint from chef/partner Tin Vuong and partner Jed Sanford of Blackhouse Hospitality Management (sister restaurants Abigaile and Día de Campo are steps away), it applies a blend of cultural influences to American classics like traditional porterhouse and dry-aged beef. D (nightly). 117 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach, 310.318.5555 $$$$ Map L13 THE STINKING ROSE True to its motto, “We season our garlic with food,” this Restaurant Row mainstay offers eclectic, garlicky menu options including 40-Clove Garlic Chicken, Silence of the Lamb Shank and even garlic ice cream. Premium steak options include Little Devil Petite Filet Mignon and Dracula’s Porterhouse. Pianist Gary Sherer performs Th-Sa evenings in the Gar Bar. L, D (daily). 55 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.652.7673 $$ Map I12

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STK The One Group’s renowned steakhouse has a sleek new L.A. home. Expect signature savory steaks, shellfish platters and jalapeño cheddar grits, as well as new dishes such as seared foie gras with spiced rum and crispy lobster tails. D (nightly). W Los Angeles—West Beverly Hills, 930 Hilgard Ave., L.A., 310.659.3535 $$$ Map J10

Thai JITLADA THAI The wait for a table is long at this top-rated restaurant in East Hollywood’s Thai Town, but the Southern Thai specialties, such as moo mae chan (grilled pork Southern-style with papaya salad and sticky rice), are authentic and exceptional. L, D (Tu-Su). 5233 1/2 Sunset Blvd., L.A., 323.667.9809 $$ Map W22 NATALEE THAI Traditional Thai dishes are served amid edgy, modern decor. Among entrées are Nutty Chicken (a spicy combo of chicken, onion and dried chilies) and a sole filet in red curry sauce. Veggie lovers favor the spicy maha jumlong curry. L, D (daily).

10101 Venice Blvd., Culver City, 310.202.7003; 998 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.855.9380 $ Map L11, I11 NIGHT + MARKET For authentic Thai food, head to either the WeHo or Silver Lake location (the latter is Night + Market Song) of this hip spot from L.A.-born chef Kris Yenbamroong. Celebrity diners include Gwyneth Paltrow and Lena Dunham. WeHo: L (Tu-Th), D (Tu-Su). Silver Lake: L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 9043 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.275.9724; 3322 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A., 323.665.5899 $$ Map I12, south of W23

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LADINING 208 RODEO Set atop the “Spanish steps” of Beverly Hills’ Via Rodeo, 208 Rodeo serves seasonal cuisine with California, pan-Asian and French flair. The restaurant’s proximity to such luxury retailers as Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Chanel makes it a celebrity hot spot as well as convenient stop for a post-shopping repast.

Share a meal in its warm and modern Hollywood Regency-style dining room, or take a seat on the romantic patio overlooking the Beverly Wilshire Hotel (setting of the film Pretty Woman). Beautifully presented and imaginatively prepared dishes include a signature 28-ounce tomahawk rib-eye steak and a 1.5-pound lobster tail, and a children’s menu, a full bar and tempting desserts such as gelato round out the offerings. B, L, D (daily).

208 Via Rodeo, Beverly Hills 310.275.2428 • 208rodeo.com

THE STINKING ROSE— A GARLIC RESTAURANT The Stinking Rose has been a mainstay on the dining scene since 1996. The restaurant’s latest addition is a supplemental Garlic Stake menu, which includes such premium beef specialties as the Little Devil petite filet mignon, Dracula’s Porterhouse (a carnivore’s dream of the perfectly prepared cut, with New York and filet mignon cooked separately) and a “to die for” bone-in filet mignon. The newly remodeled Gar Bar is the perfect setting to enjoy an evening of standards and pop songs performed by piano man Gary Sherer, who tickles the ivories Thursday through Saturday nights. Settle into a cozy booth or find a seat at the bar and enjoy an evening of fine food and pure entertainment. L, D (daily).

55 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills 310.652.7673 • thestinkingrose.com

MATTEO’S RESTAURANT Frequented in its early days by celebs including Frank Sinatra and the rest of the Rat Pack, Matteo’s Restaurant has redefined its look and cuisine while maintaining its status as the epitome of classic cool. Now in its 50th year, Matteo’s continues to offer unique seasonal fare in a homey and hip setting. Executive chef Antonio Orlando’s menu features sumptuous, cosmopolitan Italian fare like veal tartufato, lamb and weekly game specials. Happy hour specials Tuesday through Friday and on Sunday include half-off drinks and a $7-and-under bar menu.

Gluten-free and vegetarian options also available. For lunch, visit adjacent cafe Hoboken, open weekdays. D (Tu-Su).

2321 Westwood Blvd., L.A. 310.475.4521 • matteosla.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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LADINING IL FORNAIO Il Fornaio’s award-winning authentic Italian cuisine is a favorite in Los Angeles. Specialties include house-made pastas, wood-fired pizza, grilled fish, authentic risotto and rotisserie meats. Fresh pastas are made daily. Each month a special menu from a different region of Italy is featured. With an event coordinator on-site to handle all of your needs, Il Fornaio is the perfect location for special events and business functions.

Repeat recipient of The Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence.”

301 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills • 310.550.8330 1800 Rosecrans Ave., Manhattan Beach • 310.725.9555 1 Colorado, Pasadena • 626.683.9797 ilfornaio.com

LOCANDA DEL LAGO Locando del Lago blends organic produce from the Santa Monica Farmers Market and many other local purveyors with Italian ingredients to create dishes from Northern Italy’s Lombardy region. This family-run restaurant attracts celebrities, foodies, locals and travelers with its authentic and traditional recipes.

Dishes feature high-quality meats and pastas such as all-natural Niman ranch veal shank, Lake Superior whitefish and housemade ravioli and tortelloni. A full vegetarian menu is also available.

Enjoy the breads, desserts and gelato, made in-house daily. The warm interior and sidewalk patio overlooking the bustling Third Street Promenade, also offers a daily happy hour that features specialty cocktails and local and Italian wines. B (Su), L, D (daily).

231 Arizona Ave., Santa Monica 310.451.3525 • lagosantamonica.com

NAPA VALLEY GRILLE Get a taste of West Coast living at Napa Valley Grille, where executive chef Andrew Bice’s rustic-yet-refined dishes, including salads, harvest platters, prime cuts and seafood, emphasize seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The signature California cuisine is complemented by an impressive selection of regional wines, many of which are offered by the glass during the popular daily happy hour. Located in the heart of Westwood and one of 14 brands operated by Tavistock Restaurant Collection, the restaurant features vineyard-inspired decor, a rustic communal table and a welcoming patio that reflect the hospitable spirit of the Napa Valley wine region. Br (Sa-Su), L (M-F), D (nightly).

1100 Glendon Ave., L.A. 310.824.3322 • napavalleygrille.com

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RESTAURANTS City Index Our superguide by area, with cross reference to listings by cuisine.

BEVERLY HILLS

CULVER CITY

LA CIENEGA BOULEVARD

SOUTH BAY/LONG BEACH

208 RODEO (California)..................................... 62

FATHER’S OFFICE (Brew/Pub)..................... 62

RESTAURANT ROW

ABIGAILE (American)................................................ 60

THE BAZAAR (Spanish).................................... 68

LUKSHON (Pan-Asian)........................................... 67

BOUCHON (French).............................................. 63

MEXICANO (Mexican)............................................66

CRUSTACEAN (Pan-Asian)............................... 66

NATALEE THAI (Thai).........................................69

FIG & OLIVE (Mediterranean)........................... 66 FOGO DE CHAO (Steak).................................. 68 MATSUHISA (Japanese)..................................... 66

CULINA (Italian).....................................................64 FREDS AT BARNEYS (American)................... 60

DOWNTOWN

MORTON’S (Steak).............................................. 68

IL FORNAIO (Italian)..........................................64

BÄCO MERCAT (Eclectic)...................................63

NOBU (Japanese)..................................................... 66

MASTRO’S STEAKHOUSE (Steak).......... 68

BESTIA (Italian)......................................................... 64

THE STINKING ROSE (Steak)...................... 69

MAUDE (California)............................................... 63

BOTTEGA LOUIE (Italian)..............................64

MORTON’S (Steak).............................................. 68 MR CHOW (Chinese)............................................ 63 NATALEE THAI (Thai)...................................... 69 SPAGHETTINI (Italian)...................................... 65 SPAGO (California)................................................. 63 URASAWA (Japanese)......................................... 66

BROKEN SPANISH (Mexican).........................66 B.S. TAQUERIA (Mexican).................................66 COMMISSARY (California)..................................63 CORAZON Y MIEL (Mexican)..........................66 DRAGO CENTRO (Italian)................................ 64 FACTORY KITCHEN (Italian)......................... 64

3RD STREET MELROSE AVENUE A.O.C. (Mediterranean).......................................... 66 CROSSROADS KITCHEN (Mediterranean).6 6 THE DISTRICT (Pan-Asian).................................66 ESTÉREL (Mediterranean)................................... 66 GRACIAS MADRE (Mexican)......................... 66 GUSTO (Italian).......................................................64 INK. (American)....................................................... 60 JOAN’S ON THIRD (American)................... 60 THE LITTLE DOOR (French).......................... 63 LUCQUES (Mediterranean)................................. 66 OSTERIA MOZZA (Italian)............................. 65

MALIBU

PIZZERIA MOZZA (Italian)............................ 65

M.B. POST (American)........................................ 60 PETROS (Mediterranean)............................................66

MASTRO’S OCEAN CLUB (Steak)........... 68

SIMMZY’S (Brew/Pub)......................................... 62

MR CHOW (Chinese)............................................ 63

STEAK & WHISKY (Steak)................................... 69

NOBU MALIBU (Japanese)............................... 66

THE STRAND HOUSE (American).............. 62

KENDALL’S BRASSERIE (French)..............63

CATCH & RELEASE (Seafood)...................... 67

VALLEY ASANEBO (Japanese).......................................... 65 CLAIM JUMPER (American)........................... 60

LEDLOW (American).............................................. 60

PASADENA

MADDALENA (Italian)..........................................65 ALEXANDER’S STEAKHOUSE (Steak)... 68

GIRASOL (California)........................................... 63 JOAN’S ON THIRD (American)................... 60 KATSUYA (Japanese)........................................... 65

IL FORNAIO (Italian)..........................................64

MORTON’S (Steak).............................................. 68

OCEAN SEAFOOD (Chinese)..........................63

MAISON AKIRA (Eclectic)............................... 63

SALT CREEK GRILLE (American).................... 62

PATINA (French)........................................................63

SUSHI ROKU (Japanese).................................... 66

SIMMZY’S (Brew/Pub)......................................... 62

SANTA MONICA

VENICE

NICK + STEF’S (Steak)............................................ 68

PETTY CASH TAQUERIA (Mexican)..........66 PLAN CHECK (American)................................... 60 Q (Japanese)....................................................................66 REDBIRD (American).............................................. 62 TERRONI (Italian).....................................................65 WP24 (Pan-Asian)...................................................... 67

PISTOLA (Steak).................................................... 69 PETTY CASH TAQUERIA (Mexican)........ 66

LITTLE SISTER (Pan-Asian)............................. 67

GLADSTONE’S MALIBU (Seafood).......... 67

MARINA DEL REY

MORTON’S (Steak).................................................68

SALT CREEK GRILLE (American).................... 62

LOVE & SALT (California).................................. 63

KATSUYA (Japanese)..............................................65

LITTLE SISTER (Pan-Asian)............................. 67

DÍA DE CAMPO (Mexican)....................................66 FISHING WITH DYNAMITE (Seafood).... 67 IL FORNAIO (Italian)..........................................64

FOGO DE CHAO (Steak)....................................68

BEVERLY BOULEVARD

THE ARTHUR J (Steak)........................................... 68 CLAIM JUMPER (American)........................... 60

BAR PINXTO (Spanish)...................................... 67 BOA (Steak)............................................................... 68 CASSIA (Eclectic)................................................... 63

GJELINA (Mediterranean)................................... 66 PLANT FOOD AND WINE (California)... 63 SIMMZY’S (Brew/Pub)......................................... 62 SUPERBA SNACK BAR (Italian)..................... 65

FATHER’S OFFICE (Brew/Pub).................... 62

HOLLYWOOD/EASTSIDE

FIG RESTAURANT (California)..................... 63

THE TASTING KITCHEN (California)........ 63

ALIMENTO (Italian)................................................ 64

THE HUNGRY CAT (Seafood)........................ 67

PROVIDENCE (Seafood)................................... 67

WEST HOLLYWOOD

BIRCH (American)..................................................... 60

INDEPENDENCE (American)........................ 60

RED O (Mexican)..................................................... 66

BOA (Steak)............................................................... 68

BOWERY BUNGALOW (Mediterranean)...66

LA VECCHIA CUCINA (Italian)...................64

CECCONI’S (Italian)............................................64

THE LITTLE DOOR (French).......................... 63

CAVATINA (California)........................................ 62

SMOKE.OIL.SALT (Spanish).......................... 68

BUTCHERS & BARBERS (American)......... 60

SON OF A GUN (Seafood)............................... 67

HOUSE OF MACAU (Chinese).........................63

SUSHI ROKU (Japanese).................................... 66

THE HUNGRY CAT (Seafood).......................... 67

LOCANDA DEL LAGO (Italian)..................64

THE CHURCH KEY (American).................... 60

MÉLISSE (French).................................................. 63

KATANA (Japanese).............................................. 65

TERRINE (California)............................................ 63

JITLADA THAI (Thai)...........................................69

TERRONI (Italian).................................................. 65

KATSUYA (Japanese)..............................................65

MILO & OLIVE (California)............................... 63

NIGHT + MARKET SONG (Thai).................69

O’BRIEN’S IRISH PUB (British).................. 62

PUBLIC KITCHEN + BAR (Brew/Pub)........ 62

OX & SON (American)......................................... 60

BRENTWOOD BALTAIRE (Steak)........................................................ 68

TROIS MEC (Eclectic).............................................63

KATSUYA (Japanese)........................................... 65 TAVERN (California).............................................. 63

JON & VINNY’S (Italian)..................................64

ROBATA BAR (Japanese).................................. 66 RUSTIC CANYON (California)........................ 63

WESTSIDE MATTEO’S (Italian)............................................... 65 NAPA VALLEY GRILLE California)............ 63

SUSHI ROKU (Japanese).................................... 66

N/NAKA (Japanese).................................................66

PLAN CHECK (American)................................ 60

VALENTINO (Italian)........................................... 65

PLAN CHECK (American)................................ 60

RÉPUBLIQUE (French)....................................... 63

YE OLDE KING’S HEAD (British).............. 62

STK (Steak)......................................................................... 69

CRAFT (American)................................................. 60

ODYS + PENELOPE (American).................. 60

HINOKI & THE BIRD (California)................. 63 MEIZHOU DONGPO (Chinese)..................... 63

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ROKU (Japanese)..................................................... 66

RED O (Mexican)..................................................... 66

ANIMAL (American)............................................. 60

CENTURY CITY

PUMP (California)..................................................... 63

TORTILLA REPUBLIC (Mexican)............... 66 RISTORANTE AL MARE (Italian).............. 65

LA BREA/MID-CITY

NIGHT + MARKET (Thai)................................ 69

11/13/15 3:03 PM

DINE_W

SPECIAL PROMOTION

MENU HIGHLIGHTS Shared Plates Farro macaroni Oysters Tuna tartare Pan-seared scallops Cauliflower steak Zucchini beignets

ESTÉREL RESTAURANT Located in the Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, the recently redesigned Estérel Restaurant boasts a range of dining settings in which to enjoy executive chef Victor Boroda’s seasonally driven, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Guests can sip an aperitif in the French garden patio, Le Jardin, or host a private cocktail party in the Aviary. Two private dining rooms are available, as well; one serves as a chef’s table, where chef Borda blends French and California cuisines in custom tasting menus. In the open-plan main dining room, high-backed booths and deep blue walls create a sophisticated atmosphere, and an exhibition kitchen with a wood-burning oven provides a show. Additionally, guests can enjoy cocktails created by Ferrari Watts, Riviera 31 Lounge Bar’s resident mixologist. B,L,D (daily), Br (Su).

Plates Seared ahi tuna Grass-fed burger Squid-ink tagliatelle Grass-fed Angus skirt steak frites Poulet rôti Lamb shank Grilled Maine lobster Ancient grain bowl

Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, 8555 Beverly Blvd., L.A.

310.358.3979 esterelrestaurant.com

DINE_WLA_1015_Sofitel.indd731 072-73_Reverse_WLA.indd

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Entertainment

Hit the road this month and head to the Petersen Automotive Museum. After a 13-month transformation— including a can’t-miss-it new exterior, pictured above—the beloved institution that shines a light on all things car-related is reopening to the public Dec. 7. (There’s a limited-admission Preview Day, Dec. 6.) A Miracle Mile fixture since 1994, the museum always has housed an impressive collection of significant cars, trucks and motorcycles, but now there are 25 new galleries to explore. Also on offer are Forza Motorsports racing simulators, a Pixar Cars Mechanical Institute and a restaurant run by L.A.’s renowned Drago brothers. The new Petersen provides a fresh way to learn about the history, industry and art of the automobile, as well as its unique significance to Southern California culture. p. 82

Guidelines Map locators at the end of each listing (Map A3; Map H10,

UNIQUE L.A. HOLIDAY MARKET Dec. 5-6 Huge indie design show features handcrafted wares by a plethora of designers and artists. Free DIY crafts and manicure stations, photo-booth portraits, gift-wrapping and more. 11 am-6 pm. $10, under 13 free. Parking $6. The Penthouse at California Market Center, 110 E. 9th St., downtown, uniqueusa.com/markets-la Map I16

etc.) refer to maps in the back of this issue. Compendium includes editors’ recommendations and advertisers.

THE NUTCRACKER Dec. 5-6, 8-9, 12-13, 18-20, 26-27 The Los Angeles Ballet performs Tchaikovsky’s beloved holiday tale at the Alex Theatre, Valley Performing Arts Center, Dolby Theatre, Royce Hall at UCLA and the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. See losangelesballet.org for schedule and ticket information. Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale, 818.243.2539; Valley Performing Arts Center, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge, 818.677.8800; Dolby Theatre, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.308.6300; Royce Hall at UCLA, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood, 310.825.4401; Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach, 310.318.0610 Map T23, north of A1, H13, I10, L14

Music + Dance.................... 75 Shopping Destinations....84

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS FROZEN Dec. 9-14 Bring the kids to see the wintry world of Frozen, the No. 1 animated movie of all time and Academy Award winner, come to life on ice. Hear the film’s instant-classic songs, including “Let It Go” and “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” The show will be hosted by Mickey and Minnie Mouse, with special appearances by Disney princesses and other characters. Arrive early for a preshow that will teach kids the snowman dance. See website for showtimes. Tickets start at $35. Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.742.7100, disneyonice. com/frozen Map I15 MARINA DEL REY HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE Dec. 12 Annual parade of decorated yachts and boats in Marina del Rey preceded by fireworks show. This year’s theme is “Adventures on the Sea.” Fireworks, 5:55 pm; parade, 6-8 pm. Free. Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey, 310.670.7130, mdrboatparade.org Map 09

ECHO PARK CRAFT FAIR Dec. 12-13 This popular homegrown arts and design event showcases the wares of talented local artisans. Shop jewelry, shoes, ceramics, food items and more. Check website for hours. One day $10; weekend pass $16. Mack Sennett Studios, 1215 Bates Ave., L.A., echoparkcraftfair.com Map W23 MANHATTAN BEACH HOLIDAY FIREWORKS Dec. 13 The picturesque beachside city’s annual holiday celebration features a Skechers-sponsored snow park, a Santa float and live music, capped off by a fireworks show over the pier. Snow park, float, 4 pm; fireworks, 7 pm. Free (new, unwrapped toy or cash donation requested for snow-park admission). Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach, mbfireworks.com Map L13

ARTISTS & FLEAS Dec. 19-20 Hip artist, designer and vintage market is an import from Brooklyn and Chelsea, New York. Find one-of-a-kind gifts in an Arts District setting reminiscent of an Old World marketplace. Food trucks, workshops, DJs and guest entertainers are also on hand. The market takes place on the third weekend of each month in a former truck-service station. 11 am-5 pm. Free. 647 Mateo St., downtown, 310.900.9987 Map J17 TOURNAMENT OF ROSES Dec. 27-Jan. 3 Float decorating, Bandfest, Equestfest, Rose Parade (Jan. 1, 8 am), Rose Bowl Game (Jan. 1, 1:30 pm). Check website for detailed schedule. Free curbside viewing of parade on first-come, first-served basis; grandstand seats $48$95 on sharpseating.com. Rose Bowl tickets start at $150. Fees for other events vary. Rose Parade: Green

Index Special Events.................... 74 Studio Tapings................... 78 Theater................................. 74 Museums............................ 78 Sports.................................... 75 Spas........................................ 86 Attractions.......................... 76 Nightlife................................89 Studio Tours........................ 77 Tours + Transport..............89

Street and Orange Grove Boulevard, Colorado and Sierra Madre boulevards, Pasadena; Rose Bowl Stadium: 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, 626.449.4100, tournamentofroses.com Map Q18 CHILL All month The Queen Mary’s adjacent dome is filled with 2 million pounds of ice for tubing, skating (in front of the ship) and more. Walk among 2.5-storytall ice sculptures at a frigid 9 degrees. Hours vary; visit queenmary.com/chill for details. $24.99-$44.99.

1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0752 Map O16 HOLIDAY ICE RINK IN PERSHING SQUARE All month Skate among the skyscrapers at this pristine ice-skating rink, which materializes every holiday season at Pershing Square, in the heart of downtown L.A. See website for hours and skate-session schedule. $9, skate rental $4. 532 S. Olive St., downtown, holidayicerinkdowntownla.com Map I16 ICE AT SANTA MONICA All month Holiday spirit by the beach: an 8,000-square-foot outdoor skating rink in downtown Santa Monica. M-Th 2-10 pm; F 2 pm-midnight; Sa 10 am-midnight; Su 10 am-10 pm. Admission, including skate rental, $15. 1324 5th St., Santa Monica, 310.260.1199 Map L8

Theater RIVERDANCE—THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY WORLD TOUR Dec. 1-6 The worldwide Irish-dance phenomenon returns with a special 20th anniversary show on the heels of a sold-out run across Europe and Asia. See its exciting blend of traditional Irish dancing, music and song. Children under 5 not admitted. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770 Map H13 GUYS AND DOLLS Dec. 1-20 The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is behind this production of the classic musical from 1950 that was made famous with a feature-film version starring Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando. The story of gambling and romance is responsible for hits like “Luck Be a Lady.” Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.746.4000 Map I11 JANE AUSTEN UNSCRIPTED Dec. 4-20 Romantics should enjoy this witty show about lovestruck girls and charming cads, put on by the Impro Theatre troupe. The spontaenous show changes every night. Austen-philes can choose to come in costume. The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, 310.434.3200 Map L8 IF/THEN Opening Dec. 8 Broadway sensation and Tony winner Idina Menzel reprises her critically acclaimed role for the national tour of this thought-provoking musical that simultaneously follows one woman’s two possible

According to the WRCC, the record-high temperature for December at LAX was a toasty 94 degrees, recorded in 1958. The record low: 32 degrees, recorded in 1968. Brrr!

COURTESY PETERSEN MUSEUM

Revving Up

Special Events

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Entertainment “GORGEOUS, POWERFUL & RAPTUROUS!” NEW YORK MAGAZINE

life paths. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770 Map H13 THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY Opening Dec. 8 See the new production of the Tony-winning Broadway rendition of Robert James Waller’s best-selling romantic novel. Bridges tells the story of a married Italian woman in the Midwest who has an affair with a National Geographic photographer. Tony winner for original score and orchestrations Jason Robert Brown will conduct the L.A. presentation. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772 Map H16

Music + Dance CENTER FOR THE ART OF PERFORMANCE AT UCLA Dec. 4 Booker T. Jones and Black Joe Lewis. Dec. 5 Tigran Hamasyan: Luys i Luso, featuring members of the Yerevan State Chamber Choir. Dec. 13 Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra: Beethoven & Mendelssohn. Royce Hall, UCLA, 405 Hilgard Ave., Westwood, 310.825.2101, cap.ucla.edu Map J10 DOROTHY CHANDLER PAVILION Dec. 2, 5, 10, 13 L.A. Opera, Norma, conductor James Conlon. Dec. 24 L.A. County Holiday Celebration. 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.0711 Map H16 REDCAT Dec. 3-6 Camille A. Brown and Dancers: Black Girl: Linguistic Play. Dec. 7 Ben Rivers: Film Portraits. Dec. 9 Charles Gaines: Manifestos 2. Dec. 10 ARRAY @ The Broad: Paris Blues. Dec. 11-12 Liminar Sonido #13: The Music and Legacy of Julián Carrillo. Dec. 14 Mike Kelley: Single Channel Videos. Dec. 18-19 CalArts Winter Dance.

631 W. 2nd St., downtown, 213.237.2800 Map H16 STAPLES CENTER Dec. 4 KIIS FM’S Jingle Ball. Dec. 9-14 Disney on Ice Presents Frozen. Dec. 18-19 Muse.

Dec. 28, 30-31 Mötley Crüe. 1111 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.742.7100 Map I15 WALLIS ANNENBERG CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Dec. 9 Amanda McBroom: Let’s Fall in Love. Dec. 10 An Evening With Christine Andreas: Love Is Good.

Dec. 11 Alice Ripley: All Sondheim. Dec. 12 Freda Payne: A Tribute to the Great Ladies of Jazz and the American Songbook. Dec. 16 Melissa Manchester: Joy. Dec. 17 Ute Lemper: Last Tango in Berlin. Dec. 19 Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra: Holidays. No Ice. 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.746.4000 Map I11

BASED ON THE NOVEL BY

ROBERT JAMES WALLER BOOK BY

MARSHA NORMAN

MUSIC & LYRICS BY

JASON ROBERT BROWN

DIRECTED BY

BARTLETT SHER

AHMANSON THEATRE

DEC 8, 2015 – JAN 17, 2016

season sponsor

CenterTheatreGroup.org 213.972.4400

WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL Dec. 1 Chamber Music, featuring violinists Martin Chalifour, Nathan Cole, Bing Wang and more. Dec. 3-6 Los Angeles Philharmonic, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, violinist Gil Shaham. Dec. 5 Toyota Symphonies for Youth: The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, featuring L.A. Philharmonic. Dec. 8 Calder Quartet, Formalist Quartet, Lyris Quartet. Dec. 10-12 L.A. Philharmonic, conductor Mirga Gražinyte-Tyla, violinist Hilary Hahn. Dec. 17 A Chanticleer Christmas. Dec. 18-20 All-Rachmaninoff, featuring L.A. Philharmonic, conductor Cristian Macelaru, pianist Kirill Gerstein. Dec. 18 Holiday Organ Spectacular, featuring organist David Higgs. Dec. 19 Holiday Sing-Along, featuring special guest Melissa Peterman. Dec. 21 A Swingin’ Christmas: The Count Basie Orchestra, featuring special guest Carmen Bradford. Dec. 22 White Christmas Sing-Along. Dec. 23 Soweto Gospel Choir. Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve With Gladys Knight. 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 323.850.2000 Map H16

Sports STAPLES CENTER Dec. 1 Los Angeles Kings vs. Vancouver. Dec. 2 Los Angeles Clippers vs. Indiana. Dec. 5 Kings vs. Pittsburgh; Clippers vs. Orlando. Dec. 6 Kings vs. Tampa Bay. Dec. 15 Los Angeles Lakers vs. Milwaukee.

Dec. 16 Clippers vs. Milwaukee. Dec. 17 Lakers vs. Houston. Dec. 21 Clippers vs. Oklahoma City. Dec. 22 Kings vs. San Jose. Dec. 23 Lakers vs. Oklahoma City. Dec. 25 Lakers vs. Clippers. 1111 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.742.7100 Map I15

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Attractions + Museums Attractions AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC Focus is on Pacific Ocean sea life. Pet the sharks at Shark Lagoon; other exhibits include Lorikeet Forest, Turtle Vision 4D and June Keyes Penguin Habitat. New and expanded jellies exhibits include touchable moon jellies and bioluminescent jellies in the Wonders of the Deep gallery. Daily 9 am-6 pm except Christmas and during the Grand Prix of Long Beach. $14.95-$28.95, under 3 free. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, 562.590.3100 Map O16 BARNSDALL ART PARK Eleven-acre park features Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House, the L.A. Municipal Art Gallery, Barnsdall Art Center, Junior Art Center and Barnsdall Gallery Theatre. Park daily 5 am-10 pm; Municipal Art Gallery Th-Su noon-5 pm; Hollyhock House tours Th-Su 11 am-3 pm. Hollyhock House tours $3-$7 (credit card only). 4800 Hollywood Blvd., L.A., 323.913.4031, barnsdall.org Map W22 CATHEDRAL OF OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS Stunning contemporary cathedral opposite Music Center. M-F 6:30 am-6 pm; Sa 9 am-6 pm; Su 7 am-6 pm. 555 W. Temple St., downtown, 213.680.5200 Map H17 DESCANSO GARDENS Collections include coast live oaks, roses and an award-winning camellia garden. The Oak Woodland and the Ancient Forest are recent additions. Daily except Christmas 9 am-5 pm. $4-$9, under 5 free. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, 818.949.4200 Map Q19 DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE PARK Soarin’ Over California, A Bug’s Land, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Toy Story Mania!, Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, Cars Land and more. Call for hours. Admission (includes all rides and attractions): $93-$99, under 3 free. 1600 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map D6

C

R B E AT E L E THE

HOLIDAYS in

DOW N TOW N L A with UNIQUE STORES and FESTIVE EVENTS

DISNEYLAND Mickey Mouse’s theme park. Attractions include Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. Updated Star Tours, Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain.

Fireworks, fantastic Fantasmic! continues. Call for hours.

Admission (includes all rides and attractions): $93-$99, under 3 free. 1600 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map D6 EL PUEBLO DE LOS ANGELES Birthplace of Los Angeles, the site of this historical monument dates to 1781. Historic buildings, eleven of which are open to the public, include 1818 Avila Adobe, L.A.’s oldest. 125 Paseo de la Plaza, downtown, 213.628.1274 Map H17 FARMERS MARKET Local landmark with 120 produce stalls, restaurants and gift shops in open-air setting.

M-F 9 am-9 pm; Sa 9 am-8 pm; Su 10 am-7 pm.

6333 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.933.9211 Map I13 GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY Iconic attraction overlooking Hollywood. Hourly shows at planetarium. Tu-F noon-10 pm; Sa-Su 10 am-10 pm. Admission free; planetarium shows $3-$7, under 5 free. 2800 E. Observatory Road, Griffith Park, L.A., 213.473.0800 Map U23 L.A. LIVE Bustling entertainment center is home to the Grammy Museum, Microsoft Theater and Club Nokia; restaurants including Nest at WP24 and Tom’s Urban; high-tech bowling lanes; and nightspots such as the Conga Room. 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.763.5483 Map I15 L.A. ZOO AND BOTANICAL GARDENS More than 250 wildlife species (many of which are rare or endangered) and 800 plant species in parklike setting.

Daily 10 am-5 pm except Christmas. Ticket sales cease one hour before closing. $15-$20, under 2 free. 5333 Zoo Drive, Griffith Park, L.A., 323.644.4200 Map T23

DowntownLA.com/Holiday Everything you need to know, all in one place.

7 7

One-of-a-kind Shops Holiday Concerts Family Activities Hotel Deals Exclusive Offers Parking & Metro Info

7

Presented by

Downtown Center Business Improvement District

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Attractions + Museums “Bigger. Brighter. More lights than ever.”

LA ZOO LIGHTS

NIGHTLY N I G NOV H 27T— LJANY3*

NOV 27–JAN 3

LEGOLAND Legoland California Resort features more than 60 rides, shows and attractions, Sea Life Aquarium, Legoland Water Park and Legoland Hotel. New Lego Friends Heartlake City attraction and 8-foot-wide Lego Death Star model display in Lego Star Wars miniland.

Frequent trains depart from L.A. Union Station to Oceanside station, 7.5 miles from the park. See legoland.com for hours, ticket packages, hotel accommodations and discounts. Parking $15-$25. 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, 760.918.5346 POINT VICENTE INTERPRETIVE CENTER Small park adjacent to the Point Vicente Lighthouse offers a whale-watching deck and an interpretive center. 31501 Palos Verdes Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes, 310.377.5370 Map O13 QUEEN MARY SHIP AND SEAPORT Historic ocean liner—bigger than the Titanic!—permanently berthed in Long Beach Harbor. Shops, hotel, art deco lounge and restaurants including Sir Winston’s. Daily 10 am-6 pm for self-guided and guided tours. Night tours available. Check queenmary.com for pricing. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0738 Map O16 RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM Air Force One Pavilion houses the flying White House. Daily 10 am-5 pm except New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. $6-$16, under 2 free. 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, 800.410.8354 Map northwest of A1 SAN ANTONIO WINERY Complimentary tastings and tour of the only producing winery in L.A., which celebrates its 98th anniversary this year. Restaurant and wine shop on-site. Su-Th 9 am-7 pm; F-Sa 9 am-8:30 pm. 737 Lamar St., downtown, 323.223.1401 Map G17 SEAWORLD The 189-acre adventure park features thousands of marine animals including killer whales plus fish, reptiles and birds. Open daily; call for hours, ticket packages and discounts. $83-$89, under 3 free.

Parking $16-$21. 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, 800.25.SHAMU Map I8 TCL CHINESE THEATRE Historic, meticulously restored Hollywood movie palace (formerly Grauman’s Chinese Theatre) with Imax screen and walkway of stars’ handand footprints in the forecourt. Visit tclchinesetheatres. com or call for movie schedule. 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.461.3331 Map H13

L.A.’s must-see holiday light experience returns — now more brilliant than ever before. Explore a dazzling winter wonderland of illuminated animals, 3D projections and lasers while enjoying toasty treats and other enchanting seasonal delights.

Tickets on sale now at LAZooLights.org * Closed December 24 & 25

SPECIAL OFFER FOR WHERE MAGAZINE READERS:

$2 OFF ADULT/$1 OFF CHILD L.A. ZOO LIGHTS ADMISSION WITH CODE 15TTZL Discount on online purchases only. Not for daytime admission.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD Movie-based theme park. Rides include Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem and the Simpsons Ride and its immersive environment, Springfield. Tram studio tour includes King Kong 360 3-D, film and TV sets and the new Fast & Furious—Supercharged hydraulic motion-based thrill ride. Call or check universalstudioshollywood.com for hours and current prices. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 800.864.8377 Map U20 USS IOWA Former battleship (the “Battleship of Presidents”) is permanently docked as a floating museum.

The ongoing exhibit follows the ship’s history through World War II, the Korean War and the Cold War. Also explore the missile decks, bridge, mess areas and Captain’s Cabin. Daily 10 am-5 pm; last ticket sold at 4 pm. $10-$18, under 5 free. Pacific Battleship Center, USS Iowa BB-61, 250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro, 877.446.9261 Map O15

Studio Tours PARAMOUNT PICTURES STUDIO TOUR Two-hour group tour of Hollywood’s longest-operating and only remaining major studio. Reservation recommended.

Tours daily (except some holidays) every half-hour 9:30 am-2 pm. $55; VIP tour $178, under 10 not admitted. After Dark Tour Th-Sa 7:30 pm; $78, under 12 not admitted. 5515 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, 323.956.1777 Map I14

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Attractions + Museums SONY PICTURES STUDIO TOUR Two-hour walking tour of working motion-picture studio includes sets of television shows and films including Spider-Man. Reservation, photo ID required. M-F 9:30 am-2:30 pm. $40, under 12 not admitted. Parking free. 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, 310.244.8687 Map L11 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD Legendary studio tour (also see listing under “Attractions”). VIP Experience includes private tour of movie studio, prop warehouse, front-of-line privileges, gourmet lunch and other perks. Call or check universalstudioshollywood. com for hours and current prices. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 818.622.3801 Map U20

Studio Tapings AUDIENCES UNLIMITED Free tickets to live tapings of TV shows produced in the L.A. area, such as The Big Bang Theory, Girl Meets World and 2 Broke Girls. Minimum age 10-18, varies by show. 818.260.0041, ext. 1, tvtickets.com THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW Free tickets to taping of comedian’s daytime talk show. Minimum age 14; minors must show photo ID and be accompanied by a parent. Advance tickets, go to ellen.warnerbros. com/tickets; day-of tickets, call before noon. Warner Bros. Studios, 3400 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank, 818.954.5929 Map U20

K e n V e e d e r /© C a p i t o l P h o t o A rch ive s

WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR HOLLYWOOD Two-hour tour of working TV and film studio includes backlots, soundstages, costume department, museum, observation of filming (when possible) and new Stage 48: Script to Screen soundstage gives guests behind-the-scenes access to the world of film and TV production. Deluxe tour available. Reservation recommended; photo ID required. Daily except Christmas 8 am-4 pm. $62, under 8 not admitted. 3400 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank, 818.972.8687 Map U20

OCTOBER 21, 2015 THROUGH FEBRUARY 15, 2016 WWW.GRAMMYMUSEUM.ORG

JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE! Free tickets to live tapings of late-night ABC show. Minimum age 18. El Capitan Entertainment Centre, 6840 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 1iota.com Map H13 ON-CAMERA AUDIENCES Free tickets to live tapings of TV shows including So You Think You Can Dance, The Price Is Right and American Idol. Minimum age varies by show. 818.295.2700, mytvtickets.com

“Engrossing . . . a great success.”

Museums

—THE ECONOMIST

A+D MUSEUM Progressive-architecture and design museum recently relocated from Miracle Mile to the Arts District. Continuing Pushing the Press: The Typecraft Design Library. Tu-F 11 am-5 pm; Sa-Su noon-6 pm. $5-$7, under 12 free. 900 E. 4th St., downtown, 213.346.9734 Map I17 THE ANNENBERG SPACE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY Cultural venue dedicated solely to digital and print photography. Multimedia studio and retail gallery Skylight Studios is across the park from the photography space.

Continuing Life: A Journey Through Time. W-Su 11 am-6 pm. Free. Parking $3.50, $1 after 4:30 pm and all day Sa-Su. 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Century City, 213.403.3000 Map J11 AUTRY MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN WEST Museum in Griffith Park explores the art, history and cultures of the American West and houses one of the U.S.’ top collections of Native American materials. Continuing Empire and Liberty: The Civil War and the West; New Acquisitions Featuring the Kaufman Collection; California Impressionism: The Gardena High School Collection. (See theautry.org for ongoing exhibits.) Tu-F 10 am-4 pm; Sa-Su 10 am-5 pm. Closed on Christmas. $4-$10, under 3 free. 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, L.A., 323.667.2000 Map H14

Through

January 3, 2016

Final Weeks!

EXHIBITION SPONSORED IN PART BY

Susan and Carl W. Robertson Lora A. and Robert U. Sandroni

MEDIA SPONSOR

4700 Western Heritage Way . Los Angeles, CA 90027—1462 323.667.2000 . TheAutry.org Across from the L.A. Zoo . Free Parking

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NOW OPEN! November 1, 2015 — January 18, 2016 Corner of 5th Street and Arizona Avenue

Everyone’s ICE skating in Downtown Santa Monica this holiday season!

GENEral HourS of opEratIoN Mon-thu: 2PM–10PM fri: 2PM–Midnight Sat: 10AM–Midnight Sun: 10AM–10PM Skate rental: $15 | locker rental: $5

ICE SkatE ClaSSES November 7—January 17

SaturdayS: Private Lessons

20-min. lessons with a private instructor 8AM—9:45AM | 1 Skater: $45, 2 Skaters: $60

SundayS: Beginner Basics & Intermediate 30-min. lessons, maximum of 15 students 8AM—9:45AM | $30 per class

EvENt CabaNaS

Skaters of all ages can celebrate their birthday, throw a corporate bash or special event at ICE at Santa Monica! Host your party in one of our private event cabanas. $300 per 2-hour time block. Add a party package for $150 and let ICE at Santa Monica staff handle the food and drinks.

For more information on ice skating lessons or to rent an event cabana, visit or call:

ICEatSantaMonica.com

310.260.1199

DowntownSantaMonica @DTSantaMonica

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GETTY VILLA Getty Center’s exquisite coastal counterpart features Roman and Greek antiquities.

Continuing Greece’s Enchanting Landscape: Watercolors

by Edward Dodwell and Simone Pomardi. Ongoing Molten Color: Glassmaking in Antiquity. W-M 10 am-5 pm. Closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day. Free. Parking $15, $10 after 5 pm for evening programs. Advance timed tickets required for entry. 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades, 310.440.7300 Map K7

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CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER Exhibits for budding scientists. Continuing Earth in Concert; Journey to Space.

Ongoing Mission 26: The Big Endeavour. Daily 10 am-5 pm.

Permanent gallery, free; admission for other exhibits and Imax varies. Parking $10. 700 Exposition Park Drive, Exposition Park, L.A., 323.724.3623 Map K15 GETTY CENTER Facility houses collections of paintings, drawings, antiquities, photographs and decorative arts.

Fabulous Central Garden and city views. Opening Dec. 15 Woven Gold: Tapestries of Louis XIV. Continuing The Edible Monument: The Art of Food for Festivals; Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: Food in the Middle Ages and Renaissance; Art of the Fold: Drawings of Drapery and Costume; The Younger Generation: Contemporary Japanese Photography; Ishiuchi Miyako: Postwar Shadows; Louis Style: French Frames, 16101792; In Focus: Daguerreotypes. Ongoing The Life of Art: Context, Collecting, and Display. Tu-F, Su 10 am-5:30 pm; Sa 10 am-9 pm. Closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day. Free. Parking $15, $10 Sa after 4 pm. 1200 Getty Center Drive, L.A., 310.440.7300 Map H9

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THE BROAD This new art museum built by Eli and Edythe Broad contains nearly 2,000 works of contemporary art. The inaugural installation features Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room (separate free timed tickets are required). Tu-W 11 am-5 pm; Th-F 11 am-8 pm; Sa 10 am-8 pm; Su 10 am-6 pm. Closed on Christmas. Free.

Advance online reservations encouraged. 221 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.232.6200 Map H16

CT scan composite © 2015 Field Museum, Katarina Kaspari. Photo © 2015 Field Museum, A115214d_030B, photographer John Weinstein.

Attractions + Museums

MUSEUM OF TOLERANCE www.museumoftolerance.com

9786 west pico boulevard los angeles, ca 90035 t: 310.772.2506

GRAMMY MUSEUM Museum on L.A. Live campus explores music, the creative and recording processes and Grammy Award history. Continuing Sinatra: An American Icon; All Eyez on Me: The Writings of Tupac Shakur; George Carlin: A Place for My Stuff; Legends of Motown: Celebrating the Supremes; Rare Guitars; Ravi Shankar: A Life In Music. (See grammymuseum.org for permanent exhibits.) M-F 10:30 am-6:30 pm; Sa-Su 10 am-6:30 pm. Closed on Christmas. $10.95-$12.95, under 6 free. 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.765.6800 Map I15 HAMMER MUSEUM Traveling shows and installations and permanent collection. Continuing The Idea of North: The Paintings of Lawren Harris; UH-OH: Frances Stark 19912015; Hammer Projects: Njideka Akunyili Crosby; Hammer Contemporary Collection: Jessica Jackson Hutchins; Hammer Projects: Avery Singer. Tu-F 11 am-8 pm; Sa-Su 11 am-5 pm.

Closed on Christmas. Free. 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood, 310.443.7000 Map J10 HOLLYWOOD MUSEUM Located in the historic Max Factor Building, steps from the Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Museum houses 10,000 authentic showbiz treasures that showcase 100 years of Hollywood’s entertainment industry. Don’t miss Max Factor’s makeup rooms, where Marilyn Monroe became a blonde and Lucille Ball a redhead, and Hannibal Lecter’s jail cell from Silence of the Lambs. W-Su 10 am-5 pm. $5-$15. 1660 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 323.464.7776 Map H13 HUNTINGTON LIBRARY, ART COLLECTIONS, AND BOTANICAL GARDENS Art, buildings and grounds, with more than a dozen themed gardens. Gallery includes Pinkie and The Blue Boy. New education and visitor center. Opening Dec. 12 Alex Israel. Continuing Y.C. Hong; World of Strangers: Crowds in American Art; American Made: Selections From the Huntington’s Early American Art Collections. M, W-Su 10:30 am-4:30 pm. $10-$25, under 4 free. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, 626.405.2141 Map R21

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CT scan composite © 2015 Field Museum, Katarina Kaspari. Photo © 2015 Field Museum, A115214d_030B, photographer John Weinstein.

N OW O P E N Get a rare, up-close look at over 20 mummies from Egypt and Peru in this world premier exhibition, only at the Natural History Museum.

Buy your timed tickets today.

Unravel the mysteries at NHM.ORG/Mummies

Mummies: New Secrets from the Tombs was developed by The Field Museum, Chicago.

SPONSORED BY

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Attractions + Museums

D

JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM Promotes understanding of ethnic diversity with a focus on the Japanese American experience. Continuing Giant Robot Biennale 4. Ongoing Common Ground: The Heart of Community. Tu-W, F-Su 11 am-5 pm; Th noon-8 pm. Closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day. $5-$9, under 6 free. 100 N. Central Ave., downtown, 213.625.0414 Map H17 LA BREA TAR PITS AND MUSEUM Watch paleontologists at work uncovering Ice Age L.A. Among the main attractions are the ever-bubbling tar pits, which make up the world’s most famous fossil-excavation site. Closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day. Daily 9:30 am-5 pm. $5-$12, under 3 free. 5801 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.934.7243 Map J13 LOS ANGELES COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART Diverse, superb collections housed on 20-acre campus. Continuing Rain Room; Frank Gehry; Japanese Paintings: Celebrating LACMA’s 50th Anniversary; Noah Purifoy: Junk Dada.

Opening Dec. 20 Senses of Time: Video and Film-Based Works of Africa. (See lacma.org for additional continuing and ongoing exhibits, programs and special events.)

M-Tu, Th 11 am-5 pm; F 11 am-8 pm; Sa-Su 10 am-7 pm. Closed on Christmas. $10-$15, under 18 free. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.857.6000 Map J13 MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART Premier contemporary-art museum housed in three facilities.

Continuing The Art of Our Time (GA); Matthew Barney: River of Fundament (GC); Storefront: Noah Davis: Imitation of Wealth (GA); Magdalena Fernández (PDC). GA and GC: M, W, F 11 am-6 pm; Th 11 am-8 pm; Sa-Su 11 am-5 pm. PDC: Tu-F 11 am-5 pm; Sa-Su 11 am-6 pm. Closed on Christmas. $6-$12, under 12 free, Th 5-8 pm free; free at PDC. MOCA Grand Avenue (GA), 250 S. Grand Ave., downtown; Geffen Contemporary (GC), 152 N. Central Ave., downtown; MOCA Gallery at Pacific Design Center (PDC), 8687 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 213.626.6222 Map H16, H17, I12

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MUSEUM OF TOLERANCE Exhibits on prejudice and discrimination, legacy of the Holocaust, human-rights issues and Anne Frank’s life and legacy. (See museumoftolerance.com for additional exhibits.)

Su-W, F 10 am-5 pm; Th 10 am-9:30 pm (extended hours for Anne only). Closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day. $11.50-$15.50, under 5 free. 9786 W. Pico Blvd., L.A., 310.553.8403 Map J11 NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY 33 million objects from dinosaur fossils to fish. Continuing Mummies: New Secrets From the Tombs.

(See nhm.org for additional exhibits.) Daily 9:30 am-5 pm. Closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day. $5-$12, under 3 free. 900 Exposition Blvd., Exposition Park, L.A., 213.763.3466 Map K15 NORTON SIMON MUSEUM Stellar collection of Renaissance to 20th-century masterworks and sculpture garden. Continuing Fragonard’s Enterprise: The Artist and the Literature of Travel; A Revolution of the Palette: The First Synthetic Blues and Their Impact on French Artists; Indoor/ Outdoor: Vuillard’s Landscapes and Interiors. M, W-Th noon-5 pm; F-Sa 11 am-8 pm; Su 11 am-5 pm. Closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day. $9-$12; students with photo ID, under 19 free. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626.449.6840 Map Q19 PETERSEN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM Newly renovated museum houses some 150 vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles and features permanent and rotating exhibits on display. Additions include 25 new galleries, Forza Motorsports Racing Experience and Disney/Pixar Cars Mechanical Institute. Reopens to the public Dec. 7. Daily 10 am-6 pm. $7-$15, under 3 free. 6060 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.930.2277 Map J13 SKIRBALL CULTURAL CENTER The American Jewish experience. Continuing A Path Appears: Actions for a Better World; Manzanar: The Wartime Photographs of Ansel Adams; Citizen 13660: The Art of Miné Okubo;

M

illions of lives have been touched by the man simply known as “Ron” to his many friends. The true story of his life would fill volumes. Yet many know little about him beyond his name and the value of his works.

L. Ron Hubbard has been aptly described as “a man ahead of his time defying any simple categorization.” Fully professional in many different fields, his life was one of constant adventure. You can walk through the chapters of Mr. Hubbard’s life at the L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition. Winner of the prestigious Legacy Award, this exhibition is unique amongst museums

and exhibits, its intimate life details, history and works of only one man, in more than 30 imaginative and innovative displays and exhibits.

To learn even more about Ron’s life read the Ron Series. Available in the museum bookstore.

The L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition is located at 6331 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, in the historic Hollywood Guaranty Building at the corner of Hollywood and Ivar. It is open 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week.

Advance bookings are recommended — call (323) 960-3511.

WWW.LRONHUBBARD.ORG

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D O D G ER STADI UM TO U RS

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Shopping Petit Takett: Love, Legacy, and Recipes From the Maghreb.

Ongoing Visions and Values; Noah’s Ark. Tu-F noon-5 pm; Sa-Su 10 am-5 pm. Closed on Christmas. $5-$10, under 2 free, free Th. 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A., 310.440.4500 Map G9

Shopping Destinations THE AMERICANA AT BRAND Downtown Glendale hot spot from the creators of the Grove with Main Street, U.S.A., atmosphere and trolley. Some 90 stores and dining options. 889 Americana Way, Glendale, 818.637.8900 Map U23 BEVERLY CENTER Trendsetting mall near West Hollywood has more than 100 boutiques (Burberry, Fendi, Gucci) and restaurants including Obica Mozzarella Bar. Anchors include Macy’s, Macy’s Men’s Store and Bloomingdale’s. 8500 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 310.854.0070 Map I12 CAMARILLO PREMIUM OUTLETS Luxury outlet center just north of L.A. County. 740 E. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, 805.445.8520 Map northwest of A1 CITADEL OUTLETS Outlet center south of downtown offers discounted duds from Kate Spade, H&M and more. 100 Citadel Drive, L.A., 323.888.1724 Map B4 FIGAT7TH Center features hip eateries such as Loteria Grill, Mendocino Farms, the Melt, City Tavern and Sprinkles Cupcakes, plus shops including City Target, Zara and H&M. Bespoke Cycling Studio and Gold’s Gym also on-site. Retail M-F 10 am-9 pm, Sa-Su 10 am-7 pm; dining M-F 11 am-9 pm, Sa-Su 11 am-7 pm. 735 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.955.7150 Map H16 THE GROVE Popular outdoor center has some 40 shops including Apple and Nordstrom, plus restaurants including new Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill in a setting that suggests a grand old downtown. Adjacent to Farmers Market. 189 The Grove Drive, L.A., 888.315.8883 Map I13 HOLLYWOOD & HIGHLAND Home of the Academy Awards’ Dolby Theatre. Tinseltown-themed retail, dining and entertainment center features restaurants, a cinema, high-tech bowling lanes, stores such as Louis Vuitton and Lucky Brand Jeans, a 28,000-square-foot Sweet! candy store and Ohm nightclub. 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.467.6412 Map H13

get where, whereever you are.

MALIBU COUNTRY MART Outdoor center with upscale boutiques such as new Bed Stu, Curve, Wildfox, Vintage Malibu and Madison, plus Cie Sparks salon, a children’s play area and other amenities and services. Restaurants include Tra di Noi and Taverna Tony. 3835 Cross Creek Road, Malibu, 310.456.7300 Map northwest of K7 ONE COLORADO Quaint outdoor plaza with upscale boutiques such as Cop.Copine and Sugarfina, plus iPic Theaters and restaurants including Sushi Roku.

41 Hugus Alley, Old Pasadena, 626.564.1066 Map Q19 ONTARIO MILLS OUTLETS California’s largest outlet shopping destination. Thirty-screen cineplex.

1 Mills Circle, Ontario, 909.484.8300 Map east of B6 SANTA MONICA PLACE Sleek outdoor mall at one end of Third Street Promenade. Anchored by Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s. More than 80 boutiques, plus a rooftop dining deck. 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, 310.394.1049 Map L8 SOUTH COAST PLAZA High-end center boasts nearly 300 boutiques, 30 restaurants and several spas. Stores include new Balenciaga, Bally, Ralph Lauren and Samsonite Black Label. Concierge at four locations. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 800.782.8888 Map E6

where los angeles is now available to view on your computer, tablet or mobile device.

visit wherela.com whenever, wherever.

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Bring this coupon and receive $8.00 off regular Adult/Child admission up to six (6) total admissions. Not valid for advance ticket purchase, combo packages or any other offers. Restrictions apply. The images shown depict wax figures created and owned by Madame Tussauds. Š 2015 MARVEL. Promo code 5053. Expires 12/31/16.

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Spas

WORLD PREMIERE · NOW OPEN

SUNSET PLAZA Upscale row of boutiques and sidewalk cafés is L.A.’s Euro hang. Calypso, Calleen Cordero and H. Lorenzo stores; Ole Henriksen spa and Eden by Eden Sassoon salon. 8600-8700 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.652.2622 Map H12

FOOTBALL!

THIRD STREET PROMENADE Pedestrian-only shopping zone includes Zara, Cotton On, Converse, Anthropologie, kiosks and a wide array of street performers. 1351 3rd St. Promenade, Santa Monica, 310.393.8355 Map L8 TWO RODEO Center with cobblestones in the heart of Beverly Hills features high-end boutiques including Jimmy Choo, Vilebrequin and Tiffany & Co., plus restaurants such as 208 Rodeo and fine-art gallery Galerie Michael. 9478 Dayton Way, Beverly Hills, 310.247.7040 Map J11

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WESTFIELD AT LAX Visitors flying out of LAX can enjoy top L.A. retail and dining establishments, curated by Westfield, in the Tom Bradley International Terminal. Shop Fred Segal, Kitson Michael Kors, Coach and more. Fine-dining options include James’ Beach and Border Grill. 380 World Way, L.A., 310.646.1770 Map O10 WESTFIELD CENTURY CITY Open-air mall in the midst of a $800+ million revitalization has more than 175 stores, including Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and Tiffany & Co. Luxe AMC multiplex with Imax screen, food-court atrium and terrace; and restaurants including Obica Mozzarella Bar and Toscanova. 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Century City, 310.277.3898 Map J11

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BLISS SPA Hotel spa goes hip. Full-service spa also includes nail stations, expansive boutique with Bliss products. Sauna, steam showers. W Los Angeles, 930 Hilgard Ave., Westwood, 310.443.8228; W Hollywood, 6250 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.798.1386 Map J10, H14 CIEL SPA Heavenly modern retreat with Robert Vetica Salon at the SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills offers luxurious face, body, nail and hair treatments. Access to fitness center and Altitude pool deck. Herbal steam room, showers. 465 S. La Cienega Blvd., L.A., 310.246.5560 Map I12 HOTEL BEL-AIR SPA BY LA PRAIRIE The skin-care products of the Swiss luxury brand La Prairie are spotlighted at the Hotel Bel-Air. Steam rooms, showers, relaxation room. 701 Stone Canyon Road, L.A., 310.909.1681 Map I10 KATE SOMERVILLE SKIN HEALTH EXPERTS Hollywood’s favorite facials (try the DermalQuench Oxygen Treatment) are offered in a feminine salon on superexclusive Melrose Place. 8428 Melrose Place, West Hollywood, 323.655.7546 Map I12

SPA MONTAGE The last word in luxury spas, with deluxe services including caviar facials and facilities that include dry redwood saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools, showers and a co-ed mineral pool. Also on-site are Kim Vo Salon, Gornik & Drucker barbershop and fitness facilities. 225 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.860.7840 Map J11

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OLE HENRIKSEN FACE/BODY SPA Full-service spa to the stars specializes in face and body care and also offers nail services. Co-ed steam room. Sunset Plaza, 8622 Sunset Blvd., L.A., 310.854.7700 Map H12 SPA AT BEVERLY WILSHIRE The spa’s aromatherapy crystal steam room is as delightful to look at as it is to experience. The Nail Bar offers shellac manicures and pedicures. Showers available. 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.385.7023 Map J11

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Nightlife

“The Official Museum of Hollywood” -Hollywood’s Honorary Mayor, Johnny Grant

Nightlife 1 OAK Strikingly seductive, art-filled club in from New York. 9039 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.274.2326 Map H12

IN THE HISTORIC MAX FACTOR BUILDING

BAR MARMONT Dreamy bar next door to historic Chateau Marmont. 8171 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, 323.650.0575 Map H12 BASEMENT TAVERN Underground speakeasy in a Victorian abode; live music. The Victorian, 2640 Main St., Santa Monica, 310.396.2469 Map M8 BOARDWALK Nautical-themed hot spot. 1743 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, 323.525.2450 Map H14 BOOTSY BELLOWS Glam club with burlesque shows and other live entertainment. 9229 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.274.7500 Map H12 BREAK ROOM 86 ‘80s-style bar inside the Line Hotel with karaoke suites and live entertainment. 630 S. Ardmore Ave., L.A., 213.368.3056 Map west of H15 THE BUNGALOW Seaside cottage-style nightspot with great ocean views and gourmet bites by Fig Restaurant. The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, 101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.899.8530 Map L8 GOOD TIMES AT DAVEY WAYNE’S ’70s-themed bar from the Houston brothers. 1611 N. El Centro Ave., L.A., 323.962.3804 Map H14 HARLOWE Spacious, vintage-glam restaurant and bar. 7321 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.876.5839 Map H13

Milton Greene Photograph, 1953 © 2013 The Hollywood Museum

SEE 10,000 AUTHENTIC SHOWBIZ TREASURES SHOWCASING 100 YEARS OF HOLLYWOOD!

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Open: Wed. - Sun. 10am-5pm “#1 Hollywood Tourist Attraction” –LA Weekly “One of LA’s Top 10 Museums” –LA Tourism and Convention Board “Certificate of Excellence” –Trip Advisor 1660 North Highland Avenue at Hollywood Boulevard Hollywood, California 90028 323.464.7776 www.TheHollywoodMuseum.com

LAUGH FACTORY Famed comedy nightclub.

8001 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A., 323.656.1336; 151 S. Pine Ave., Long Beach, 562.495.2844 Map H12, N16 MELROSE UMBRELLA CO. Rustic-chic space with creative cocktails and inventive fare. 7465 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.951.0709 Map I12 NO VACANCY Gin cocktails and live entertainment in a Victorian boutique hotel. 1727 N. Hudson Ave., Hollywood, 323.465.1902 Map H14 PERCH Open-air roost in a historic building; indoor cabaret lounge Bar Thirteen is underneath. 448 S. Hill St., downtown, 213.802.1770 Map I16 SASSAFRAS Lounge styled as a (stylishly) decaying Savannah town house specializes in barrel-aged cocktails. 1233 N. Vine St., Hollywood, 323.467.2800 Map H14 SEVEN GRAND Whiskey bar with tongue-in-cheek hunt-club decor. 515 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.614.0737 Map I16 THE SPARE ROOM Gaming parlor and cocktail lounge with bowling lanes and fancy drinks. Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.769.7296 Map H13 THE VARNISH The mixing of Prohibition-era cocktails is an art form at this bar in the back of Cole’s diner.

118 E. 6th St., downtown, 213.265.7089 Map I17

AMTRAK Train and bus service within the county, along the coast and to major California locations.

Nationwide connections, multiple-day rail passes.

Stations in Burbank, downtown (Union Station), Long Beach, Pasadena and Van Nuys. The Coast Starlight connects L.A. to Ventura, Santa Barbara, the Bay Area, Portland and Seattle. 800.872.7245, amtrak.com CATALINA EXPRESS Year-round boat service to Catalina Island. Daily departures from Long Beach, Dana Point, San Pedro. Reservation recommended.

Call for hours. San Pedro, Long Beach: $29.50-$37.25 one-way, $59-$74.50 round-trip; Dana Point: $30.50-$38.25 one-way, $61-$76.50 round-trip; under 2: $2.50 one-way, $5 round-trip. Ride free on your birthday. 800.481.3470, catalinaexpress.com DODGER STADIUM TOUR Behind-the-scenes tour of the legendary baseball park. $15-$20. 1000 Elysian Park Ave., downtown, 866.363.4377 Map G17 DOWNTOWN L.A. WALKING TOURS Guided walking tours of downtown Los Angeles including the Downtown Architecture tour, Old & New Downtown L.A. tour and the new Hollywood in Downtown L.A. tour. 213.399.3820, dtlawalkingtours.com HORNBLOWER CRUISES Take in harbor views while you dine on one of Hornblower’s cruises, then dance under the stars on the outdoor deck. Choose from dinner-dance and Champagne brunch options.

Fisherman’s Village, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, 888.467.6256, hornblower.com Map O9 METRO City bus, light rail and subway. Rail lines connect downtown, Hollywood, Pasadena, Long Beach.

Underground Red Line from Union Station through Hollywood to San Fernando Valley; Gold Line from Union Station to Pasadena and East L.A.; Blue Line from downtown to Long Beach; Green Line from Norwalk to Redondo Beach; Expo Line from Culver City to downtown. 323.466.3876, metro.net METROLINK Regional train system connects Los Angeles County with Ventura, Orange and San Diego counties. Six of seven Metrolink rail lines (including the Orange County lines, San Bernardino lines and Ventura County lines) begin at Union Station in downtown Los Angeles. 800.371.5465, metrolinktrains.com MOVIE LOCATIONS TOUR—L.A. See 50-plus movie locations while viewing clips from films shot around L.A. Bus features stadium seating, 65-inch HDTV and panoramic windows. $45-$60. Tours begin at TCL Chinese Theatre, 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 800.959.3131, movielocationstour.com Map H13 STARLINE TOURS Hollywood’s largest celebrity-tour company offers Movie Stars’ Homes tour plus tours to movie locations, beaches, theme parks, San Diego and more. The CitySightseeing double-decker hop-on, hop-off tour has more than 70 stops around L.A. Prices vary. Tours begin at TCL Chinese Theatre, 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 800.959.3131, starlinetours.com Map H13 TMZ CELEBRITY TOUR, HOLLYWOOD Bus tour with state-of-the-art audio-video system explores celebrity haunts and sites of famous scandals. TMZ guides are at the ready to interview celebrities and send footage back to the newsroom. $49-$59. Tours begin at TCL Chinese Theatre, 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 855.486.9868, tmztour.com Map H13

Tours + Transport A LIST LIMOUSINE A List Limo offers an all-new fleet of luxury cars, including Lincoln MKTs and Mercedes S550s, complete with state-of-the-art technology and professionally trained chauffeurs. Private custom city tours with multiple language options are also available. 310.568.1590, alistlimo.com

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GO METRO Despite what you may have heard, you can get to many Los Angeles attractions without a car. Metro is the nation’s third-largest public transportation agency, operating 2,200 buses and six rail lines, including a subway that can take you from downtown to Hollywood in about 15 minutes.

Whether you’re interested in seeing stars along the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame, catching rays at Santa Monica Beach or touring any number of L.A. landmarks, Metro can take you there.

Where to Start

Use the Trip Planner at metro.net or call 323.GO.METRO for customized travel itineraries.

Note that some popular attractions served by Metro Rail are listed to the right.

Fares

Metro’s base fare is $1.75. It’s best to pay using a TAP card, a reloadable plastic card that can store Metro passes or individual rides. TAP cards cost $1 and are available from self-service vending machines at Metro Rail stations, or onboard buses with the purchase of a 1-Day Pass. For complete information, check metro.net/fares.

Metro Rail Destinations

Here’s a sampling of attractions that are within easy walking distance of Metro Rail stations: METRO RED/PURPLE LINE Union Station • Olvera Street

Civic Center/Grand Park • Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels • Museum of Contemporary Art • Music Center • Walt Disney Concert Hall • Grand Park 7th Street/Metro Center • Macy’s Plaza (dining, shops) • FIGat7th (dining, shops) Hollywood/Vine • Capitol Records Tower • Hollywood Walk of Fame • Pantages Theatre Hollywood/Highland • TCL Chinese Theatre • Hollywood & Highland (dining, shops) Universal City/Studio City • Universal CityWalk (dining, shops) • Universal Studios Hollywood

Two children under the age of 5 may travel free with each fare-paying adult. Eating and drinking is not permitted on any Metro bus or train.

North Hollywood • El Portal Theatre • NoHo Arts District (dining, shops, theatres)

Hours

METRO BLUE LINE

Most bus and rail lines start around 4 a.m. and keep running past midnight. But they’re less frequent in the late evening, so check the timetables at metro.net regarding your return trip.

Pico • Los Angeles Convention Center • STAPLES Center/L.A. LIVE 103rd Street/Watts Tower • Watts Towers Downtown Long Beach • Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific • Pine Avenue (dining, shops) • Queen Mary

METRO GOLD LINE

Little Tokyo/Arts District • Japanese American National Museum • The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA Memorial Park • Norton Simon Museum Lake • Pasadena Playhouse

METRO EXPO LINE

Expo Park/USC • California Science Center • Natural History Museum SEE THE METRO ROUTE MAP ON PAGE 95.

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Ragnar Kjartansson’s immersive The Visitors at The Broad downtown. p. 80 Chic cuts by Benjamin Mohapi at his Benjamin salon in West Hollywood. 424.249.3296 Brown sugar vanilla bean ice cream from Carmela in Pasadena. 626.797.1405 The citrusy Beverly Hills candle, available only at Diptyque Beverly Hills.

310.385.5941 Gold-and-diamond jewelry

by L.A.-based Carbon + Hyde, available at Theory on Melrose Avenue. 323.782.0163 The Holiday Lights skintightening treatment at Ole Henriksen Face/Body Spa. 310.854.7700 Mani-pedis in the Peninsula Spa’s poolside nail cabana. 310.975.2854

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20 Party-perfect, limitededition Pavé Nudist stilettos, available at Stuart Weitzman in Beverly Hills. 310.860.9600 Pretty lingerie at the new Anine Bing L.A. flagship.

323.424.3165 Sexy Helmut Lang Cuiron perfume. p. 10 The Valrhona Chocolate Crunch doughnut at Blue Star Donuts in Venice. p. 12 Rejuvenating massages at The Now, new to Beverly Boulevard. 323.746.5525 The iced-tea and lemonade cart at The Church Key in West Hollywood. p. 60 The David Yurman Starburst pendant necklace, at the Rodeo Drive store. 310.888.8618 Cassia’s jujube sherry cobbler cocktail. p. 63

Where is an inter­national network of magazines first published in 1936 and distributed in 4,000 leading hotels in more than 50 places around the world. Look for us when you visit any of the following cities, or plan ahead for your next trip by visiting us online at wheretraveler.com United States Alaska, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charleston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Georgia, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Maui, Minneapolis/St. Paul,

Stellar views from the rooftop bar at E.P. & L.P. 310.855.9955 The pork carnitas at Sausal in El Segundo. p. 55 Happy hour at Sambar in Culver City. 310.558.8800 Free 15-minute minimakeovers at the new Sephora at the Grove. 323.937.0347 Craft beer and smoked almond snacks at Maple Block Meat Co. in Culver City. p. 20 Tony Award winner Idina Menzel in If/Then at Hollywood’s Pantages Theatre. p. 74 AS by DF’s festive Slim City Fringe Dress, available at LouLou’s Nouvelle in Manhattan Beach. 310.545.8800 Finding decorating inspiration at L.A.’s first Serena & Lily design shop. 323.852.3191

Atmosphere Protection Cream by Malibu-based Osea, available at Fred Segal at LAX. 424.750.9271 Circa 55’s Beverly Hilton TV Dinner. 310.887.6055 Hip DIY holiday gifts from MakersKit, at the L.A. company’s Sherman Oaks Fashion Square pop-up. makerskit.com Honest Beauty’s holiday Everything Makeup Palette. p. 11 The Nathan Turner pop-up at The Village at Westfield Topanga. 310.275.1209 The Babe jean in Vixen Destroy by L.A.-based Amo, available at Jill Roberts in Santa Monica. 310.260.1966 Extravagant 111Skin Celestial Black Diamond serum, available at Barneys New York in Beverly Hills. 310.276.4400

New Orleans, New York, Northern Virginia, Oahu, Orange County (CA), Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix/Scottsdale, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, South Florida, St. Louis, Tampa, Washington, D.C. ASIA Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore AUStrALIA Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne Canada Calgary, Canadian Rockies, Edmonton, Halifax, Muskoka/Parry Sound, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler, Winnipeg Europe Budapest, London, Milan, Moscow, Paris, Rome, St. Petersburg

8, courtesy stuart weitzman; 11, Marie buck; 14, courtesy david yurman; 20, andrea bricco

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HOLIDAY HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS HAPPENINGS

Story Time with Mrs. Claus Story Time with Mrs. Claus December 2 2 December Special Holiday Kids Club Special Holiday Kids Club December 2, 2, 9& December 9 16 & 16 Breakfast with Santa Breakfast with Santa December 5 5 December Paws & Claws Pet Photos Paws & Claws Pet Photos December 7, 7, 1414 & 21 December & 21 Photos with Santa Photos with Santa November 1919 - December 2424 November - December

ForFor more information visit, more information visit, SantaMonicaPlace.com SantaMonicaPlace.com @SantaMonicaPlace @SantaMonicaPlace @SantaMonicaPlc @SantaMonicaPlc

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QUESTIONS? WEWE HAVE ANSWERS. QUESTIONS? HAVE ANSWERS. TEXT US US AT AT 310.499.2928 TEXT 310.499.2928

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