Terrific L.A. Date Ideas

The Magic Castle. An evening of magical enchantment. If you can find a way to get invited to this up-scale highly exclusive member’s only club, it is an experience you will never forget. Magic and mystery exist at every turn in this extravagant and whimsical establishment.

The Best Italian Is Served With Love

Osteria La Buca. 

Some of the best Italian I have had, well…EVER.  The Bruschetta Trio is guaranteed to delight even the most stubborn taste buds.  The Papardelle Fume embodies the zenith of savory flavor without being too rich to clean your plate (which you will). The salmon is light, full of flavor, and served atop a yogurt, mint, dill sauce- an astoundingly satisfying dish for the calories saved.  The ambiance is cozy and quaint.  The service is impeccable. The pasta is handmade. The cocktails are mixed to perfection. You will definitely want to make reservations because this small Melrose restaurant fills to the brim by about 7:30. I prefer the upstairs seating near the fireplace.

As if I needed to sell this place any further, I wanted to mention that the restaurant has very generously teamed up with the Susan G. Komen foundation and will be donating its October profits to the charity in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

5210 melrose ave.
los angeles, ca 90038
323.462.1900

See also: BOTTEGA LOUIE., Dan Tana’s Restaurant.

Trendy & Upscale L.A. Dining

The BAZAAR @ SLS 

Located in prime Beverly Hills real estate, this restaurant certainly lives up to its name. The decor is classy yet thought provoking (note the potted ferns hanging from the pillars above). It is the food, however, that truly embodies the namesake.

The Lounge @ the W Hotel- Hollywood

As I walked into the W Lounge on Grammy night this past February, and after exchanging nods with Slash (that’s right), the first thing that came to mind was the movie Scarface.  Something about the 70ft ceilings, larger than life icicle chandelier, and delightfully gaudy red carpeted winding staircase just took me there.