“Eat” listings
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COAST
Literally on Santa Monica's famous beach, Coast regularly serves up fresh oysters, clams, crab and shrimp. Chef Ray Luna, formerly of Spago, puts together elegant but hearty dishes, like grilled red snapper tacos and baby back ribs. $$ (12/2007)
1 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica
310-587-1707
www.coastsantamonica.com -
FLIGHT BISTRO & SOCIAL LOUNGE
New to lazy Huntington Beach is the fashionable and modern bistro. Sprawling over 7,900 square feet, this restaurantcum- lounge serves small plates of American food with Asian and Italian influences. $$ (12/2007)
8082 Adams Ave, Huntington Beach
714-374-8300
www.flightoc.com -
ZENCU SUSHI & GRILL
Hidden in Little Tokyo, Zencu is a sushilover's treasure. The dimly lit restaurant has good food at great prices and an informal atmosphere. You can also get a Kirin beer for $1.50-if they have any left on draft. $$ (12/2007)
319 E 2nd St
213-687-7780 -
TRILUSSA RISTORANTE
For al fresco dining in Beverly Hills, Trilussa is second to none. Stop in for tender carpaccio, a Peroni and a pizza, and look for Chanel bags and Gucci shades on passing shoppers as you wind down the meal with a cappuccino. $$$ (12/2007)
9601 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills
310-859-0067 -
THE PARK GRILL
The Park Grill in the Intercontinental is a favorite for power breakfasts and business lunches during the day, but come dinnertime the atmosphere changes as diners forget the office and luxuriate in the four-course market menu and subtle California cuisine. $$$$ (12/2007)
2151 Avenue of the Stars
310-284-6500 -
THE FARM
Have the lox and capers in the morning, and for an off-Rodeo lunch snack make it a rich brownie. The Farm is a Beverly Hills institution and a great refueling station after a long shopping trip. $$ (11/2007)
439 N Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills
310-273-5578
www.thefarm...lyhills.com -
THE VILLAGE IDIOT
An English pub in Los Angeles would have to be healthier than the beer-battered fare found across the pond. At the Village Idiot, expect to find delicate salads and light sandwiches along with the standard fish and chips. $$ (11/2007)
7383 Melrose Ave
323-655-3331 -
WEST
On the penthouse level of Hotel Angelino, West has amazing views over Brentwood. The exquisite space is only outdone by its fine selection of steaks and wine. $$$ (11/2007)
170 N Church Ln, 17th fl
310-481-7878
www.westatangeleno.com -
CATCH
This restaurant at the Hotel Casa Del Mar matches seafood and sushi with an ocean view. The seafood fare is marked by both Italian and Japanese influences. $$$$ (11/2007)
1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica
310-581-7714
www.catchsantamonica.com -
ROMANOV
Welcome to the Czar's Winter Palace in Studio City. This fine Russian eatery just opened this year and has quickly earned a reputation for its exquisite caviar and topshelf vodka. $$$$ (11/2007)
12229 Ventura Blvd, Studio City
818-760-3177
www.romanovla.com -
THE COURTYARD
If you took Spain and dumped it in West Hollywood, you'd have something like The Courtyard. Take great tapas and better sangria in an open-air patio, add the strumming of a Spanish guitar, and you have a fiesta. $$ (10/2007)
8543 Santa Monica Blvd
310-358-0301
www.dinecourtyard.com -
LE PAIN QUOTIDIEN
This Frenchified Belgian import has big wooden tables in the shade of trees on a patio that overlooks Melrose Avenue. The fare is anything that goes with good bread: charcuterie, capers, saumon fume-take your pick. $$ (10/2007)
8607 Melrose Ave
310-854-3700
www.lepainquotidien.com