THE HUNGRY CAT

Seafood and cocktails are the norm at this Hollywood hotspot. This is a cocktail lover’s paradise, mixing signature concoctions sure to please the most jaded bar-hoppers. Beer and wine enthusiasts are not neglected either, with interesting brews and an extensive list of wines available.

Start there, then begin the enjoyable task of building a Seafood Platter with the freshest Lobster, Oysters, Pacific blue Prawns, marinated Mussels and Crab Legs. For those with a larger appetite, try the Hawaiian Ono with black rice, long bean, cashews and mango/avocado salsa; or their famous Pug Burger with bacon, avocado, blue cheese and egg. A sensational Ricotta and Cornmeal Cake with cherry coulis and pistachio brittle, completes the fun evening.

We can thank Chef Suzanne Goin, of the remarkable restaurants Lucques and A.O.C., for satiating all of us hungry cats.

1535 Vine St      (323) 462-2155

INN OF THE SEVENTH RAY

It must be love when someone takes you to the Inn of the Seventh Ray, a fine dining piece of heaven in the idyllic Santa Monica Mountains. Perhaps the most romantic restaurant in Los Angeles, guaranteed to impress that special someone.

The drive might take a little longer, but the expedition to this creekside restaurant is worth the extra miles. Nestle at a candlelit table surrounded by rocky mountains, a nearby waterfall and the sounds of birds chirping, while savoring the freshest, most delicious foods and wines that California can offer.

Executive Chef Bradley Miller uses organically grown ingredients from local farms, hormone-free meats and free range poultry. His guilt free creations include Shrimp Cocktail 2010 of fresh belize shrimp, olive oil poached tomatoes and rosemary essence, the Grilled Portobello Mushrooms topped with apricot sauce and truffle oil, and Crispy Vegan Duck with herbed soba noodles, baby bok choy, organic carrots and ginger apple cider emulsion.

The supremely salacious dishes pair easily with one of their robust and earthy organic wines, using grapes from local wineries. End the magical night by sweetening the senses with a spoonful of maple cheesecake and fresh mint cream.

128 Old Topanga Canyon Road     (310) 455-1311

JAR

It is no accident that Suzanne Tracht has been recognized as one of the top female chefs in the Unites States. She has been a revolutionary force in the Los Angeles restaurant scene for over a decade, working with such culinary masters as Chefs Mark Peel from Campanile and Siegbert Wendler. But it's what she has successfully achieved on her own terms that makes Tracht a stand out.

Upon entering into the elegant warm dining room that is Jar, it seems as if you are stepping into another era— one of old-fashioned grace with a perfectly poured martini. The sleek modern design and attention to detail are achieved with effortless brilliance.

Tracht specializes in standard American fare with a graceful, contemporary twist. Grilled and braised meats, seafood, and seasonal farm fresh vegetables adorn the menu. The signature Pot Roast is a must; succulent and homey, served with sweet caramelized onions.

Definitely try one of their signature cocktails, mixed with an expert hand. The outstanding wine list features classics and obscure gems from domestic and international producers.

8225 Beverly Blvd      (323) 655-6566

JIRAFFE

Award winning chef-owner Raphael Lunetta has succeeded at merging the precision and delicacies of fine French cooking with the welcoming and local flavor of California cuisine. The dining experience at JiRaffe is elegant but unpretentious, detailed but approachable. A perfect dining space nestled on a corner in downtown Santa Monica invites romantic meals, celebratory affairs and casual weekday suppers.

While enjoying a seasonal specialty cocktail or a choice from the French and California focused fine wine list, an Amuse-bouche will arrive fresh from the bounty of the nearby farmers market-- preparing your palate for the ever-changing menu.

The roasted Beet Salad with walnuts, dried Bing cherries and goat cheese cream is a signature item. Another favorite is the Roasted Chicken, served with a fresh garden ragout. Caramelized Pork Chop shows off Lunetta’s passion for choosing excellent and well-sourced meats-- the sweet pork perfectly cooked and served with an apple-spiced chutney and wild rice.

JiRaffe demonstrates its creative pursuits with an extraordinary selection of nightly specials and occasional chef’s tasting menus. Mondays are Bistro Night, with a 3-course Prix fixe for $38.

502 Santa Monica Blvd.       (310) 917-6671

KIRIKO            Japanese

Hidden in a humble strip mall is one of the finest sushi places in Los Angeles. Chef/owner Ken Namba brings his influence of spending his youth at the Tsjusiki Fish Market and Tokyo's sushi bars to West LA.

As Japanese restaurants go, Kiriko stands apart by the quality and creativity of their menu. The discriminating clientele, including many renowned Japanese chefs, (it is said to be one of Nobu's favorites), is a sure-fire indicator of the exquisite flavor sensations this restaurant has to offer.

A seat at the Sushi Bar is your best option. Choose from an extensive list of sashimi, the freshest and rarest sushi, and exquisitely formulated specials. Must tries include, Kampachi Carpaccio, a thinly sliced amber jack carpaccio, or the seared Wild Blue Fin Tuna with garlic soy and truffle butter. Smoked Salmon with mango and caviar is the most flavorful you will ever taste outside of Japan. The Omakase (Chef's choice) menu is a Japanese gastronomic experience.

Chef Namba is also a notable sake sommelier, suggesting the perfect sip to compliment your dish. Intimate and authentic, this is definitely sushi worth the seeking.

11301 W. Olympic Blvd #102       (310) 478-7769

LANGER'S

For over 60 years this Jewish deli known for their stellar pastrami, has been a long-standing institution in what is now a predominantly Latin neighborhood near downtown Los Angeles. In 2001, Langer’s Delicatessen was honored with the James Beard Award.

It was Al Langer who invented the technique of “re-baking” the rye bread on which the sandwiches are served, giving it the quintessential crispy crust surrounding a heavenly sour rye softness. Langer got his start in a variety of delis in the New York area that brought him a breadth of experience, including superior hand-slicing skills— one of the secrets to juicy and tender pastrami and corned beef.

The most popular sandwich, #19, is a great combo of pastrami, homemade coleslaw and Swiss cheese on rye. Other NY deli delights abound, such as potato latkes, smoked salmon, brisket, stuffed cabbage, blintzes, and a robust all day breakfast menu.

704 S. Alvarado St      (213) 483-8050

LAZY OX CANTEEN

This cute and cozy eatery is a favorite for all local gastronomes in the know. Chef Josef Centeno blends his diverse, ethnic heritage with his impressive experience, having worked in such prestigious restaurants as Daniel and La Cote Basque in New York, Charles Nob Hill and Aubergine in California.

The hard to define magical menu is inspired by modern and traditional French, Mexican, Japanese and Catalan dishes. Chef Centeno’s ingredient-driven creativeness conjures up inventive dishes such as Lamb Neck Hash with jidori egg and pickled mint onions, melt in your mouth Ricotta Fritters with saffron honey, Dashi marinaded Yellowtail, and a guilt ridden Crispy Pork Belly sandwich with garlic alioli. The crunchy, salty-sweet Caramelized Cauliflower with pine nuts, chili flakes & mint will create cauliflower converts everywhere.

Bustling and vibrant, the packed bar is filled with foodies taking advice from the friendly bartenders for the perfect libation to match their dishes. A remarkable selection of wines, beers, sakes and shochu. Begin with one of their selections of crisp Belgium Beers, or the lighter Bundaberg ginger beer. Be sure to save room for dessert with the creamiest, most luxurious rice pudding on the planet.

241 S San Pedro St.      (213) 626-5299

LOTERIA GRILL            Mexican

There is stiff competition in the City of Los Angeles, when it comes to claiming the top spot for Best Mexican Restaurant. Everyone has their own special eatery to chow down their choice of Taco. But Loteria is a cut above the rest. Consistent, fresh, and reasonably priced, serving traditional and creative takes on standard Mexican dishes. A favorite not just for the food, but the fun, Latin ambience.

Business is booming at their multiple locations, but on Hollywood Blvd, amongst the colourful Mexican artwork, you can indulge in vibrant dishes such as Enchilada de Mole Poblano, Chicharron de Queso, Cochinita Pibil and Huachinago a la Veracruzana- Pan seared red snapper, prepared the Mexican way. Come in a group and enjoy the Taco Sampler, featuring 12 mini hand-made tortillas filled with a variety of creative fillings.

Drinks are plentiful, with a large variety of ice cold Mexican Beers, and fresh, seasonal fruit juices. The Watermelon Agua Fresca, is perfect on a warm LA evening. A great place to get your Arroz y Frijoles fix!

6627 Hollywood Blvd      (323) 465-2500

LOU

Hidden within an unsightly strip mall lie a secret treasure for the venturing gastronome, Lou the Hollywood restaurant and Wine Bar. Charmed with a soulful ambience throughout its rustic, rectangular candlelit room, Lou is the perfect romantic surprise guaranteed to excite the senses.

The seasonal menu is displayed on a large blackboard and chalk drawn map of the artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, and their origins. A popular choice is the Cheese Plank with well-aged Wisconsin Cheddar, herbed Cowgirl Creamery cheese, a Triple Cream, Goat’s cheese, Sheep’s milk cheese and a Blue cheese such as Rogue Creamery Smoky Blue. Their produce is fresh from local farmers markets, meats are hormone free, and the fish is wild, not farmed.

A trip to culinary heaven continues with sample tapas-style dishes, such as the House made country-style Pate with pistachios, fresh figs, speck, arugula and toasted almonds, or a larger plate of mouthwatering Maine Scallops, corn puddin’, and tomato-avocado relish. Try pairing it perfectly with some Bundaberg ginger beer.

An extensive wine list offers over thirty wines by the glass that changes 3 or 4 times a week, ranging from $6- $16. Look for special Monday suppers, wine tastings and food pairing events occurring weekly. Be aware that there is a no-reservation policy on Friday and Saturday or for groups of 6 or less.

724 Vine Street      (323) 962-6369

M CAFÉ DE CHAYA

M Café de Chaya changes what is normally thought of as macrobiotic cuisine. Corporate executive chef, Shigefumi Tachibe has created a mouth-watering menu that Angelenos have been dreaming about, representing their healthy California lifestyle.

Relax in the European setting, and enjoy a balanced, nutritious, and creative cuisine prepared fresh daily. The dishes exclude any traces of refined sugars, eggs, dairy, meat or poultry. Lunch is the time to see and be seen, where young, beautiful and health conscious locals chow down favorites such as the popular Kale with spicy peanut dressing, Seafood Sushi platters, and The Big Macro Burger— a wholegrain brown rice & vegetable burger, with soy mozzarella. The wraps and salads are nothing short of heavenly.

Babycakes, non-gluten cupcakes, complete the guilt-free gastronomical power lunch with a smile.

7119 Melrose Avenue     (323) 525-0588