TAVERN

Angelenos Caroline Styne and chef Suzanne Goin continue with their spectacular success of the award winning Lucques and AOC. Now Brentwood has something else to brag about with Tavern, the rustic, cozy, open space restaurant featuring an outstanding, local, warm and hearty menu.

Chorizo and Egg Sofrito followed by a variety of exquisite brunch pastries including heavenly almond croissants, pain au chocolat, cherry and almond scones, will satisfy your morning hunger pangs. The Grand Fromage Sandwich, is a winner for lunch. The dinner menu ignites with an excitement to the senses with dishes such as Grilled Quail with faro, roasted squash, cavolo nero and pomegranate, and a Braised Lamb Ravioli with ricotta salata. Desserts are joyful indulgences, including the “Snickers” Bar with salted peanut caramel and vanilla ice cream.

Adjacent to the main area, The Larder (a bakery-deli) offers fresh culinary creations, pastries, inventive sandwiches, cheese and charcuterie-- perfect for a healthy and filling lunch.

11648 San Vicente Blvd       (310) 806-6464

URASAWA            Japanese

In the tiny minimalist dining area, Chef Hiro Urasawa reigns supreme, as the smiling and friendly Sushi King. He leads you through a menu of exotic fresh fish, flown directly from Tokyo, artistically sliced with precision using his custom made Japanese knife. Watch him create his culinary works of art, including the sesame seed Tofu, topped with Beluga caviar and 24 carat gold flakes, the melt in your mouth Toro, Foie Gras Shabu Shabu, Shark Fin soup, the freshest Sashimi served in a hand carved ice bowl, and the many other tasty dishes presented to the fortunate diners. Of course, the service is impeccable.

Urasawa is not a Japanese restaurant where you can frequent often …unless you have unlimited funds. By the end of the evening, you might not mind spending $275 per person. For dedicated Japanese foodies, it will be one of the most memorable dining experiences ever.

218 N Rodeo Drive       (310) 247-8939

WATER GRILL

A gleaming bar within the opulent marble and deco inspired surroundings invites the diner into a lush, comfortable dining room of marble columns, banquettes and crisp white linens.

The exceptional hands of executive chef Amanda Baumgarten leads you through the Asian-influenced menu, with an impressive variety of poetic and intricate choices.

Start with the raw bar showcasing a stunning array of oysters, clams, sea urchin, and lobster. The seasonal menu changes daily, flaunting chef Le Febre’s imagination and attunement to arisanal ingredients such as the Clam Chowder with Weiser Farm potatoes and Niman Ranch bacon, a Jumbo Crab Cake served with house-brined pickles, and the main course of Alaskan Halibut sautéed with lavender, Meyer lemon and vanilla bean oil.

The elegant wine list offers domestic and international selections, assembled to complement the delicate and intricate flavors of each dish. Desserts are ambitious yet impeccable, and should not be missed.

544 S. Grand Ave.      (213) 891-0900

WP24        Asian Fusion

High above the downtown skyscrapers in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel is home to one of the most dynamic additions to the LA Culinary scene, WP24. An ultra-modern, sexy and sophisticated dining room, surrounded by floor to ceiling glass windows showcasing spectacular panoramic views of the city. Here is where superstar chef Wolfgang Puck reflects on his travels to the Far East, as he enlivens our palates with a symphony of Asian flavors and ingredients.

The signature Asian small plates include Crispy Shrimp & Crab hand cut sushi rolls, Sichuan Chicken “Dan Dan” Dumplings with ground peanuts and chili oil, Baby Bao Buns with sautéed Duck Liver, and Thai Basil and Sweet Prawn Wontons. Chinese dishes make an appearance with a modern artisanal flair, such as Crispy Suckling Pig with black plum puree and wild flower-licorice honey, a 1000 year old traditional Chinese Hot Pot with Kobe Beef Cheek, and Roasted Duckling “Peking Style”. An adequate but elegant list of international and domestic wines, Asian beers, and sakes.

Between the conceptual cuisine, spectacular views and excellent service, WP24 is a sensational LA dining experience well deserved of praise.

900 W Olympic Blvd at the Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles
(213) 743-8800

WURSTKÜCHE

LA may have its fair share of 'dogs', but for the true sausage lover there is only one place to go to. Located in the downtown Historic Arts District is Wurstküche, the Belgium/German "Purveyor of exotic grilled sausages". Simple and clean, but with a unique gritty edge, living up to LA's quintessential relaxed, laid back vibe. The communal tables encourage a friendly community atmosphere, as foodies and wurst fanatics bite into the juiciest sausages in the city, gulped down with cold crisp beers.

The selection is overwhelming— with sausages for a variety of food types all served on a freshly baked roll. For the traditionalists, there is nothing better than the savoury grilled Bratwurst with mustard and chioice of two toppings. For vegetarians, the Mexican Chipotle will make fellow meat-eaters envious. For the gourmet, the apricot & ginger Chicken & Turkey sausage in a lamb casing is beyond sensational. And for those with daring exotic tastes, how about Rattlesnake and Rabbit with jalapeño peppers, or perhaps Alligator and Pork smoked andouille sausage? The crispy Belgian fries are outstanding, and even more satisfying with one of the homemade dipping sauces such as blue cheese, walnut & bacon or white truffle oil glaze.

Beer is a perfect combination with this hearty fare, and the bar pours a nice selection of mostly Belgian and German drafts and bottles. Don’t be discouraged by the line, it will be worth the wait.

800 E. 3rd Street       (213) 687-4444