AMMO

Healthy food has never tasted so delicious. Dining at Ammo is like whisking through light and airy fresh vegetable fields, infusing every mineral, vitamin and gastronomic goodness into your LA-conscious body. The ambiance reflects its cuisine– Light, simple and clean.

Favorite local, organic dishes include the Summer Vegetable Cazuela with eggplant, zucchini, roasted tomato, fresh ricotta & breadcrumbs, the Sweet Corn Succotash with basil brown butter, and the Salad of local squid and shrimp with chick peas, cherry tomatoes, pickled chili and mint. Even the desserts will put a guilt-free smile on your face. Picture long, sunny California afternoons picking fruit, whenever you spoon into the Peach Melba with pistachio nougatine and peach sorbet. A handful of wines are served by the glass or in half bottles.

In the serene setting of this popular Hollywood hideaway, expect cheery, attentive waiters to serve you with a smile and quick step. Restaurants may come and go quickly in this city, but Ammo will be around for a long, healthful time to come.

1155 N Highland Avenue       (323) 871-2666

THE BAZAAR        Spanish

Award winning Chef Jose Andres is known as an International culinary innovator, and may be responsible for creating the Spanish food boom in America. With the success of his highly acclaimed Washington D.C restaurants, the innovative Bazaar is developing a new following of Angelenos. Andres fuses a mix of Spanish tradition and modern techniques to create an “anything but average style of dining experience”.

Designed by Phillip Starck, the Spanish themed decor is composed of two immaculate spaces-- Bar Rojo and Bar Blanca. Each with intimate seating, ethereal woods, white leather banquets and deep reds. Bar Rojo is distinguished by a long Spanish Tapas bar, where the chefs can be seen in action.

Captivating lists of Traditional and Modern Spanish Tapas brighten up the menu. Expect many of the classic Spanish appetizers and regional Cheeses, such as Manchego, La Serena, and Valdeon, served with crispy bread, quince jam and marcona almonds. Succulent Jamón Ibérico de Bellota (acorn fed free-range Iberian ham) sliced on a traditional Jamonero is divine. For entrées, sample the sharing-sized tapas with a modern twist, such as Tortilla de Patatas ‘new way’, with potato foam, egg 63, and caramelized onions. Bunuelos are perfectly crunchy codfish fritters, served with honey and alioli. ‘Not your everyday Caprese’ is an explosion of flavors with cherry tomatoes and liquid mozzarella. Foie Gras makes a star appearance, showing off with the Cotton Candy Foie Gras Cone, and the Foie Gras floating Island soup.

Even the cocktails are a feast for the eyes. Behold the Magic Mojito, strained over cotton candy, and the LN Squared Caipirinha with Brazilian cachaca, fresh lime and liquid nitrogen infused sugar. The wide range of Spanish, International, sparkling and rare vintage wines are exceptional. Come to The Bazaar to impress and be impressed.

544 S. Grand Ave. at the SLS Hotel     (310) 246-5567

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

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

MUSSO and FRANK GRILL

If it was good enough for Hollywood icons Charlie Chaplin, Rudolph Valentino, Humphrey Bogart, Gary Cooper, and Steve McQueen, it’s still good. With a successful run for over 80 years, Musso and Frank Grill is the ‘Oldest Restaurant in Hollywood’.

Exuding old school charm, the chophouse is validated by solid, traditional American cuisine. Expect large, masculine portions of Steaks and Seafood, and the quintessential Spaghetti Bolognese. The Thursday special Chicken Pot Pie is legendary. In addition to the extensive menu, there are specials such as the stick-to-your-ribs Oyster Stew, Corned Beef & Cabbage, and Welsh Rarebit. It’s unfussy, hearty and satisfying food.

The bar and its cocktails are reminiscent of the old-time motion picture era. Practically every major star and writer has had a seat at this bar at one time or another to indulge in perfectly mixed classics. Ask one of the knowledgeable bartenders to shake up the signature ‘Pico Punch’, a favorite of Bing Crosby’s.

Open Saturdays and Sundays till 2 am. Go there late for an old fashioned Shrimp Cocktail, while listening to live music from the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s. Musso and Frank's is a true original Hollywood experience. Even the highly professional waitstaff have great stories to tell.

6667 Hollywood Blvd      (323) 467-7788