Yes, we all know that these fine eateries can serve up a mean steak, but here are a few must-try specialties that you might not have known about…
The Palm (Downtown): Best Crabcakes. Broiled not fried, and in my opinion the best crab to filler ratio. These light, yet meaty and savory cakes are served with a mango salsa that is absolutely delightful. Continue reading
The Porch Restaurant (House of Blues), Sunset Strip. Delicious down-home Cajun style cooking served in a vibrant Louisiana country-house veranda type setting. The Pan-Seared Voodoo Shrimp and White Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding are to die for!! 
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. 
FUNIANI (fun-ee-AN-ee) pl. noun: Joe Pescie ala Good Fellas inspired collective noun for the kind of people who crack jokes. Usually used disparagingly. Those who constantly attempt humor, often to the point of annoyance.USAGE:
(From Good Fellas) “I’m funny how? I mean funny like I’m a clown? I amuse you? I make you laugh? I’m here to f*ckin’ amuse you? What do you mean funny?? Funny how? How am I funny??”
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Correspondingly, one might say: “Hey this f*ckin guy. What are you? You think you’re funny?? What are you, part of the funiani?? You think you got jokes? Who the f*ck is this guy?!??”
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.
Only a few months old, Covell is a very small but intimate wine bar where the bartenders get to know you, figure out what you like, and present you with numerous tasters until you find the wine of your choosing. In the Los Feliz area, and offers about 4 savory french snacks including croque-monsieur, cheese plate, and an antipasto type plate (yes, I realize not French, but don’t recall the French name for it). Excellent service. Their schtick is that you don’t buy a glass until you are satisfied. Plus the bartenders are a wealth of recommendations. Fun, tasty and intoxicating (literally). Two thumbs up.
4628 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90027-5408
(323) 660-4400
Great joint for old school Italian. Checkered tablecloths, host in full tuxedo, cozy intimate atmostphere, and a virtual guarentee to spot at least one if not two A-list actors. Dan Tana’s is always hoppin’ so I suggest you call a few days in advance and make reservations and be sure to try the spaghetti carbonara! http://www.dantanasrestaurant.com/
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. Continue reading 
BOTTEGA LOUIE. The non-L.A., L.A. restaurant. Not only is the food delicious (and surprisingly affordable) but the sixty foot ceilings and large open dining room make you feel like you’re dining in an upscale Manhattan eatery. 
Dating, Debating & Recreating: Los Angeles 