A new Uber service is launching in Los Angeles today. It’s called Uber Express Pool, and it works by asking pool riders to walk to and from nearby pick-up and drop-off locations.
The POOL option already offers lower prices to riders who are willing to share their ride with other passengers. This typically takes a bit longer, as drivers take brief detours to pick up and drop off other riders along the way.
Express Pool seeks to streamline that process. Here’s how it works:
In the Uber app, Express POOL will appear as an option on the slider next to POOL. Choose Express Pool, then call for a ride. Within a few minutes, the app will assign you a driver and that driver’s ETA, just like with a standard uberX ride. However, the app will also provide you with walking directions to a nearby location where you will meet your driver. When your driver arrives, you’ll get in a car that may or may not contain other Express Pool passengers. When you get close to your destination you’ll be assigned a drop-off point and provided with walking directions from that spot to your final destination.
Uber Express Pool Photo: Uber
Ideally, this ride will be faster than your typical POOL ride because the driver is picking up and dropping off passengers stationed along the route. Uber also estimates that an Express Pool rides is 50 percent cheaper, on average, than POOL and as much as 75 percent cheaper than uberX.
This is potentially an ideal situation for commuters who regularly rely on ride sharing services to get to and from work, or for people going for a night out who don’t mind a brief walk.
It could also potentially alleviate some of POOL’s problems, such as an anecdote published in Motherboard in which a POOL passenger and their driver spent 40 minutes looking for another passenger who was seemingly lost “somewhere between a road closure and his hotel.” The author finally snapped, using the driver’s speakerphone to ask the passenger why he couldn’t just walk to a nearby gas station.
Uber first launched this service in San Francisco and Boston in late 2017. The service launches in San Diego, Denver, and L.A. today, while Miami, Philly, and D.C. will get it tomorrow.
Of course, there’s another service that already functions very much like Uber Express Pool: the Metro system, where standard fare is always $1.75, with free transfers within two hours. It may not always be as reliable as calling a car, but it’s pretty cheap!
An article published this week by Forbes takes a look at several markets around the country where “the luxury segment is currently showing some weakness signaling buying opportunities.”
According to Forbes, there are currently several luxury markets to consider if you are shopping for your dream home.
“…if you are in the market for a luxury home, now may be the time to make an offer,” said Forbes.
One of the luxury markets compared and talked about in the article is Los Angeles. Forbes interviewed Todd Jones of Rodeo Realty Studio City to get a better idea on the luxury market in the area.
“For the higher end, I look at Days on Market (DOM),” said Todd to Forbes contributor, Ellen Paris. “When I last checked there were 406 active listings with an average of 208 DOM in that luxury category. That would tell you it’s a buyer’s market in that $5 million and up price range.”
The article also looks into the luxury market in Chicago, Atlanta and Boston.
Santa Monica used to be the redheaded stepchild of the Los Angeles culinary scene — sure, there were some good eats in the neighborhood, but restaurateurs focused their efforts on Downtown, Hollywood, and elsewhere, probably figuring our proximity to the beach was a decent enough deal. But no longer! Now we get fancy tasting menus, imported Bolognese pastas, and a sweet ocean breeze: these 30 restaurants — some old, some brand-new, all very delicious — are proof that Santa Monica has something for everyone.
Organic, grass-fed meats for the conscious carnivore
West Hollywood has Animal, but the Westside has Belcampo, where you go to binge on meat-centric dishes like grilled beef heart, goat tartare, and tallow chips. It’s an ethical carnivore’s dream, too, since Belcampo prides itself on humane practices and high-quality, 100% organic cuts.
Craft cocktails and farm-to-table food in an elegant setting
Estate’s good-looking downstairs bar and lounge has SaMo’s best non-basic happy hour, which takes place seven days a week from 5-7pm. While other places are content to ply us with greasy sliders, fried mozzarella sticks, and spinach artichoke dips, Estate supplies an eclectic selection of crisp, panko-breaded shrimp, filet mignon skewers, and grilled salmon salad. And then there are the well-priced (and stiff) drinks — like $5 draft beer, $7 glasses of wine, and $8 mixologist-approved cocktails.
Gourmet Italian deli beloved for its substantial sandwiches
It’s easy to forget that this OG Italian deli makes over 20 different kinds of sandwiches, because most people only talk about its famed Godmother — and we can’t blame ‘em. That salty, satisfying stack of Genoa salami, mortadella, capicola, ham, and prosciutto tucked into a chewy Italian sub is hard to beat, and well worth the trek west.
Michelin-starred restaurant serving fancy French food
This contemporary French spot does things the old-school way; after all, it boasts two Michelin stars, 10-course tasting menus, and the kind of service that includes folding your napkin every time you leave the table. Bring mom and dad here for the egg caviar and foie gras.
Late-night diner with a ‘60s vibe and massive menu
Many an inebriated Westsider has stumbled through the doors of Swingers, which stays open until 3am Thursday through Saturday. This ‘60s-style diner serves alcohol, too, but it’s better-known for classic late-night fare to help sop up all those tequila shots.
Warm, welcoming pizzeria/bakery with wood-burning ovens
Milo & Olive serves as the bread-making epicenter for Josh Loeb and Zoe Nathan’s Rustic Canyon group of standout SM restaurants — which include Rustic Canyon, Huckleberry Cafe, Cassia, Esters, and more. The bread baked in its wood-burning ovens may sneak onto other menus, but the crust is the focal point here at this perpetually busy pizzeria. And if you judge your pizza by its crust (who doesn’t?), you’ll appreciate M&O’s crisp, thin-crust artisanal pies made from Nathan’s 48-hour, whole-wheat dough and topped with seasonal Californian ingredients.
Tasty, quick, street-style tacos for cheap
If you’re looking for an authentic taqueria on the Westside, this cheap, no-frills joint is it. Go for the street-style tacos — made with corn tortillas, fresh toppings, and salsa that’s legitimately spicy — and massive burritos.
Seafood-focused menu in a stunning atmosphere
To be fair, there aren’t enough oyster happy hours anywhere (a discussion for another day) — but Herringbone’s, which runs daily from 4-7pm, is still exceptional. For just a buck each, load up on as many juicy, fresh-shucked West Coast oysters as you can handle, in addition to $6 wines, $5 beers, and more substantial fare like shrimp louie toast and three-cheese arancini balls.
Charming Hawaiian-inspired burger joint with craft beers and wines
Pono has perfected the art of the creative burger. After locking down the base — patties made from organic, grass-fed, locally sourced beef and cooked over an oak-fire grill — chef Makani focused on dressing each one up with Hawaiian-fusion-inspired extras. The popular Kuawa Crunch oozes spicy guava rum sauce, the Paniolo (which is also stacked with onion rings and smoked cheddar) is decked out with Kona coffee bourbon BBQ sauce, and the Sassy Wahine includes wasabi mayo and sesame ponzu dressing.
Reservations-needed Asian fusion spot with al fresco seating
This Southeast Asian fusion spot — which has been lauded a dozen times over by critics from all over the country — has much more to offer than seafood, but Angelenos know that Cassia boasts the city’s most stunning seafood tower. The other chilled seafood options are equally delectable, like Vietnamese prawns, raw scallops in chili oil, and snow crab claws accompanied by grilled country bread. As for the mains, you can’t go wrong with either a delicate black cod bathed in clear, light broth or the perfectly seasoned whole grilled sea bass. Pro tip: If the weather’s nice, dine alfresco; with exposed lights strung up overhead and plenty of heat lamps, the patio’s a looker.
Family-owned restaurant with consistently good eats
From its owner (a third-generation SM resident) to the surf-inspired décor and hearty breakfast dishes featuring fresh farmers market ingredients, this Ocean Park café is a neighborhood institution. Even better, the prices are budget-friendly with all entrees under $15.
Contemporary Greek eatery for modern palates
The name’s a mouthful, which is fitting since the modern Hellenic food here is meant to be ordered en masse. There’s no Greek mother to ensure you leave with a full stomach, but between the scallops saganaki, moussaka, and spanakopita, you’ll do a fine job by yourself.
Experimental, beautifully plated French-inspired fare
This four-month-old gem is the brainchild of two Parisians with a love of good food and sweet sneakers. The latter might seem irrelevant, but this duo’s passion for design is all over the food, from edible egg-white filigrees decorating your mashed potatoes to artfully arranged rows of pickled veggies. There’s an unmistakable French stamp on everything, but the menu culls influences from Japan (tempura escargot), the US (fatty foie gras-topped burger), and other countries. Every ingredient — even dressings and mayo — are made in-house, but the 55 various still and sparkling waters are imported from all over the world. And while the fancy H2O offerings are actually shockingly good, we’re guessing this spot will get more popular when its liquor license is approved.
Perpetually buzzy, New American date night favorite
When Tar & Roses took an extended hiatus in 2015 due to a kitchen fire, the neighborhood was — quite literally — starved for its phenomenal food (which, because of its kinda-New American, sorta-Asian-slash-Mediterranean-leaning feel, is sometimes hard to categorize). Luckily, the restaurant made a wildly successful comeback last year and returned to becoming a date night favorite thanks to shareable small plates (including bacon-and-brown-sugar popped corn, melt-in-your-mouth oxtail dumplings, and Sriracha-and-honey-glazed pig tails) and close-quarters candlelit dining. If you want something heavier, the star entree — a crunchy whole snapper fried to a delicate, golden crisp — serves two… and then some.
Elevated diner food with an emphasis on local produce
Ingo’s does food that others have done before, but with more farm-to-table finesse (a lot of its produce is sourced from the Santa Monica Farmers Market). Brussels sprouts get an upgrade with tangy goat cheese sauce; juicy Jidori chicken is marinated in lemon, herbs, and roasted garlic; and the prime rib French dip boasts fatty, marbled beef just begging for a dunk in the flavorful au jus. Plus, there’s always a platter of complimentary French sea salt chocolate chip cookies by the door. And if you’re a fan of Misfit, you’ll love the similar vibe and solid eats at Ingo’s — which is owned by the same people but doesn’t quite attract the same decibel level.
Ojai transplant specializing in quality wagyu burgers
High-quality, 100% grass-fed wagyu beef makes all the difference at HiHo, a burger joint that uprooted its Ojai operation and relocated to Santa Monica earlier this year. The lean menu has only three burger options, but take our word for it and order the HiHo — two tender, beefy patties nestled inside a squishy bun with sweet onion jam and melty cheese. It’s an uncomplicated but irresistibly tasty combination that goes well with crispy, hand-cut, perfectly salted fries and, if you still have room, a slice of made-from-scratch banana cream pie.
Build-your-own poke bowls with inventive toppings and fresh fish
Dozens of poke places have sprung up around the Westside to service our seemingly never-ending obsession with raw, cubed fish over rice. But, if you judge your bowls by the freshness of its seafood, no one does it better than Sweetfin. This California chain also one-ups the rest by offering unique toppings, such as wasabi-toasted coconut flakes and blistered shishito peppers, and quality sauces like citrusy yuzu kosho, or a Sriracha ponzu that packs some heat.
Upscale hotel restaurant with seafood-heavy menu and ocean views
Shutters on the Beach — a hotel with a West Coast-meets-Nantucket vibe — is a Santa Monica institution. Out-of-towners book rooms for its proximity to the water, and even locals come here for staycations, or to dine at 1 Pico, a restaurant that’s pretty much right on the beach and offers window tables with million-dollar sunset and ocean views. Naturally, the dinner menu’s heavy on seafood — fresh-tasting kumamoto oysters, delicate fluke crudo dressed in olive oil and lime, beautifully seared scallops, and the like — but there are a few pastas and decent steaks, too. On weekends, there’s also a lobster brunch: a $60-per-person affair that lets you OD on lobster-enhanced Benedicts, bucatinis, or BLTs.
Art deco-inspired spot offering tasty small plates and over 200 wines
Esters started off as a great wine bar that offered a few bites like gourmet nuts and charcuterie, but over time, its menu expanded to include killer “real” food. Weekend brunch means cornmeal waffles topped with Bavarian cream, or heirloom tomatoes and burrata, while lunch brings a selection of grab-and-go sandwiches made with fresh bread from Milo & Olive (both belong to the Rustic Canyon restaurant group). Dinner offers heftier fare, like crispy chicken confit or sausage served with truffle aioli and pepper relish: the kind of stick-to-your-bones food that pairs well with a robust red or artisanal beer. On select Tuesdays through January, inventive burgers created by guest chefs (like Felix’s Evan Funke or Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe’s Erin Eastland) are also on the menu.
Intimate tasting menu restaurant in an unexpected location
Helmed by a James Beard Award-winning chef, Dialogue is housed in a former food court on Third Street Promenade — a curious location for an 18-seat fine dining experience in LA. But foodies near and far will brave the tourist hordes for Dave Beran’s 18-to-22-course tasting menu, which changes seasonally and features farmers market produce, petals, leaves, and other natural elements, all arranged in an exquisite feast for the eyes. Dishes even come with names and stories, like “Springtime for Sean” (a composite of caviar, white peanut butter, and charred scallions designed to look like a tree) or a made-ya-look-twice mash-up of pork belly, strawberry sambal, and trout roe.
Fast-casual salads, grain bowls, and kombucha on tap
You can’t walk a few blocks on the Westside without stumbling on a make-your-own-salad bar, but bright, zippy Flower Child is a cut above the rest. It’s a full-service restaurant masquerading as a fast-casual joint, where soups are made in-house and avocado toast, grain bowls, and yes, plenty of wholesome salads, are all on the menu. But hearty portions and the use of interesting spices and sauces, like garam masala or red pepper miso vinaigrette, keep you surprisingly satisfied — not starving — hours later.
Spacious, stylish steakhouse for both locals and tourists
Unless your visitors are vegetarians, this sleek, massive chophouse on Ocean Avenue will properly impress. It’s got ocean views (a prerequisite for tourists), the shiny patina of a still-newish restaurant, striking red leather booths and warm wood decor, and lots and lots of quality meat to live up to its name. The best is an order from the on-site aging room, where steaks are aged for at least 30 days, but sugar-cured pork ribs, racks of lamb, house-made terrines, a smattering of seafood, and typical steakhouse sides round out the rest of the vast menu.
Traditional, popular pasta bar perfect for a quick bite
Before Uovo came along, there was nothing quite like it in the area: a decently good, fast-casual pasta bar where you could enjoy a plate of traditional tonnarelli all’Arrabiata by yourself in under 30 minutes. Uovo rightly prides itself on its pasta, which gets made in Bologna using special eggs that aren’t available stateside and shipped overnight to be prepped in Uovo’s kitchen. If you’re dining alone and want something a little fancier (and more Italian) than Chipotle or Lemonade, this easy-in, easy-out spot is your best bet.
Classic Jewish deli eats including house-smoked fish and bagels
Since opening its beach-adjacent location last year, this Jewish deli quickly became a neighborhood favorite, so co-owners Chef Micah Wexler and Mike Kassar launched an expanded, exclusive-to-SM menu over the summer. In addition to being the only Wexler’s that serves matzo ball soup, this outpost now slings brunch-centric dishes, including kippered salmon on toast, an ultra-rich gooey French toast made with chocolate babka, and Cheddar-cheesy scrambled eggs.
Sophisticated neighborhood favorite with Mediterranean flavors
Santa Monica’s got its fair share of fancy-pants hotels, but classy FIG — tucked inside The Fairmont — is a consistent favorite even among locals. Bungalow-bound day drinkers get solid brunch food, like lemon ricotta pancakes and corned beef hash, while the upbeat lunchtime crowd enjoys elevated burgers, salads, and pizzas. Dinner is a slightly more sophisticated affair, with the kitchen turning out seasonal, Mediterranean-slanting items like harissa-spiced fries, grilled halloumi, a puffed-up bread balloon, and a slow-cooked lamb pasta flavored with fennel, mint, and black garlic yogurt.
Lively Italian spot known for its cheese wheel pastas
This always-bustling eatery is famous for serving pastas tossed in giant cheese wheels, like butternut squash risotto in grana padano or a perfectly peppery cacio e pepe in pecorino romano. But you’d be remiss not to explore the rest of the menu from chef Piero Topputo, who grew up in a small town in Puglia and now whips up fried artichokes, branzino, and panzerotto Pugliese — a mozzarella-stuffed fried pastry that’s a specialty from his region — for the Montana Avenue crowd.
Santa Monica classic with an updated creative menu
Michael’s has been a Santa Monica pillar for over 30 years, but last year’s brilliant hire of chef Miles Thompson (who’s worked in the kitchens of Animal and Son of a Gun) has reinvigorated the place. While the sunken, leafy outdoor patio is still there, Thompson’s seasonally changing menu features interesting ingredients and inventive flavor combinations, like potatoes dusted with bonito flakes and furikake aioli, or hamachi collar accompanied by baba ganoush. Plus, it helps that even though Michael’s is situated on the Promenade, it’s a ways away from the tourist scene — which, over the course of the restaurant’s decades-long lifespan has grown more scene-y than ever. Look out for a new lounge menu, featuring bar snacks and wine specials, coming later this year.
Customizable fish sandwiches for the hungry lunch crowd
If you live or work in Santa Monica, this build-your-own-fish-sandwich spot — a recent addition to Third Street Promenade’s The Gallery food hall — is a compelling option. The Maryland-born Voltaggio brothers know a little something about well-made fish sammies — a staple on the East Coast — so they’ve produced a tightly edited menu with room for personalization: Choose between freshly grilled swordfish or salmon, a few house-made seasonings and tasty smears (including yuzu kosho mayo and jerk rub), and a toasted potato roll or tostada.
Italian-leaning restaurant with 180-degree Pacific Ocean views
Santa Monica has tourist traps, venues vying to appear trendy, and divey joints, but there aren’t many places here as quiet, elegant, and refined as Casa del Mar — which, like the aforementioned Shutters, is super nice and super close to the ocean. The hotel’s best-kept secret has to be its European-inspired lounge Terrazza, where there are floor-to-ceiling windows with a view of the Pacific and SM Pier, scheduled live entertainment or cool electro beats on weekends, an ocean breeze, and a menu that includes barrel-aged cocktails and tons of sashimi and shareable plates (the Dungeness crab crostini on country bread and deep-fried artichokes are standouts).
Build-it-yourself Mediterranean menu with hearty portions
Cava is yet another build-it-yourself concept in SM — but it’s very well-executed… and may very well be one of the first of its kind to offer customized Mediterranean eats. Choose between bowls or pita sandwiches, spicy lamb meatballs or falafel, handcrafted dips and spreads like harissa or roasted red pepper hummus, saffron rice or black lentils… and the list goes on.
The intent of this “cheat-sheet” is to denote specific free days in any given month where Los Angeles museums that normally charge an admission waive their entry fees (not including parking).
For this post we’re detailing the month of February, 2018, which includes a special free admission day at LACMA for President’s Day on February 19. As always please keep in mind there are over two dozen museums in and around Los Angeles that offer free admission ALL the time which are not listed here.
[FEB 1] Huntington Library (note that you have to reserve passes for the free day in advance, and it books up fast. For this reason we’d suggest you take a look at the free day for March and start planning when you need to be online to grab the tix)
[FEB 13] Los Angeles County Museum of Art (also free for L.A. County residents with valid I.D. after 3:00pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays all month long)
If you’ve been anxiously awaiting more news about the local outpost of Saved by the Max — the Saved by the Bell-inspired pop-up dinerthat held Chicagoans in thrall for an entire year — you’re in luck. The official Los Angeles opening date of May 1 has finally been announced, and tickets went on sale Friday, February 2 at 9 a.m.
Though Saved by the Max will look like the sitcom’s The Max diner, with its neon decor, jukebox, and vintage video games, there’s more to this eatery than mere ‘90s nostalgia. Its chef-driven menu was created by Brian Fisher, who helmed the kitchen at Michelin-starred restaurant Schwa in Chicago’s Wicker Park.
As in Chi-town, the menu here will offer dishes like the Kelly Kapowski Monte Cristo, A.C. Sliders, the Bayside Burger, the Preppy BLT and Mac & Screech.
As we told you last fall, Saved by the Max will be located at the West Hollywood Gateway shopping center at La Brea Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard. “First semester” will run through early October, with plans for the pop-up to eventually make its way around the country.
Each tickets includes admission and dinner. As Saved by the Max was a smash success in Chicago, reservations are highly encouraged. Walk-ups will be limited.
Featured on VoyageLA this month is Rodeo Realty’s Barbra Stover. In the feature article, the Beverly Hills agent spoke about her life and her journey so far.
“My life has been a blessing in many ways. I almost died 20 years ago with alcohol poising, abusive relationships, and I was spiraling downhill pretty quick, buried in the LA / Hollywood Scene,” said Barbra to VoyageLA. “Then, 16 years ago, I picked myself up from my bootstraps, and met my amazing husband at that time, and started an amazing career in real estate. I finally learned what my desires and wants were. I wanted to help people find their dream home and also help families get through the selling process. My business grew tremendously which spilled into a plethora of awards with Rodeo Realty. I now have an incredible office over-looking the Montage in Beverly Hills. I closed 3 fantastic deals on New Year’s Eve. I love what I do. I can now say that I have been sober for 17 years and loving my life as a top producer with Rodeo Realty, and happily married for 16 years.”
Barbra also spoke about her struggles along the way.
“The challenges that I had was dealing with demanding high profile clients. There were times when I wanted to quit; however, believe it or not, I have learned how to be stronger on each deal,” said Barbra.
She also talked about Rodeo Realty.
“I am under Rodeo Realty and my LLC as Stover Estates,” said Barbra. “I specialize in high-end residential real estate all over the beach areas to Beverly Hills / westside areas. My main focus is Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista and Venice. Silicon Beach area! I am proud of Rodeo Realty. Syd Leibovitch is an amazing leader and owner of the company.”
If she could go back and start over, Barbra tells VoyageLA that she would have started real estate when she was 18-years-old.
To read the entire feature article on Barbra Stover, click HERE.
VoyageLA focuses on highlighting the best of LA. The publication features interviews with some of the most inspiring professionals, entrepreneurs and independent businesses in Southern California.
People who live in Venice Beach have it all: from glittering beaches and man-made canals, to stylish Abbot Kinney and eclectic Rose Avenue, to classy tasting menus and dirt-cheap taco trucks. Here are 30 best restaurants you absolutely have to visit while in Dogtown — including some of the best restaurants in all of Los Angeles.
Unpretentious institution with a straightforward menu
This unassuming dive bar on the busy Washington strip is the type of place where, at 1am on a Monday night, you can play pool with a stranger, sip on ice-cold beer served from a frosty glass pitcher, and tear into a juicy, classic burger as unpretentious as the place itself. And if your surroundings look familiar, that’s because Hinano has appeared on shows like Dexter and NCIS: Los Angeles, as well as the movie S.W.A.T. — yes, the one that teamed up Samuel L. Jackson and Colin Farrell.
Long-standing pizzeria famous for its bagel crusts
The geniuses at Abbot’s hit the jackpot by fusing two of man’s favorite foods. For over a decade, this place has been serving delicious pizzas made with chewy, yet crisp, bagel crusts — a starchy match made in heaven.
Sprawling open-kitchen restaurant serving all-day Californian fare
Under the helm of Chef Jason Neroni, Rose Cafe (which underwent a brilliant reinvention in 2015) has grown into a perpetually lively Rose Avenue hotspot, with reimagined favorites for breakfast and brunch like oat griddle pancakes and a breakfast burrito served with peanut-poblano mole. Dinner dishes fall on the rich end of the spectrum — ranging from charcuterie (whipped lardo and porchetta) to al dente pastas (carbonara is a classic, but order the yuzu- and uni butter-flavored wakame spaghetti for something unique). If none of the above floats your boat, there’s plenty more on the menu (which is vast enough to match Rose Cafe’s sprawling, stunning space).
Fun brunch or dinner spot with colorful, Caribbean flavors
Sunny Spot’s brunch scene is loud and celebratory — sort of like its bold, Caribbean-inspired food. The savory-leaning menu (which until 2015 was overseen by Roy Choi) boasts pulled pork burritos, huevos rancheros, and your pick of bottomless mimosas, Bloody Marys, or rum punch (see: loud and celebratory).
Delicious organic, vegan eats that will satisfy even omnivores
Venice Beach’s hippie-dippie vibes are written all over Cafe Gratitude’s organic, plant-based menu. Dishes go by names like I Am Grateful (a quinoa/kale bowl drizzled with garlic tahini sauce) or I Am Warm-Hearted (grilled polenta served with braised summer squash), but each one is surprisingly satisfying and delicious. When your brain’s screaming, “I am hungry, but want to eat healthy,” go here.
Upscale restaurant with a market-driven menu
The Tasting Kitchen is about as fancy as Venice Beach gets — meaning not very, although considering its unfussy attitude and spontaneous approach to food, that’s a plus. Order the salt-roasted branzino and the pimento cheeseburger a la carte, or if you’re feeling extra hungry, gun for the five-course chef’s choice tasting menu, which’ll set you back a not-so-terrible $95 per person.
Rustic, modern American food with charming decor
It’s hard to beat this Abbot Kinney standby for date night: The lighting’s dim, most of the food is meant to be shared, and the rustic-slash-romantic outdoor patio will charm your dining partner as much as the perfectly executed squash blossom pizza and crisp duck confit. That said, Gjelina’s brunch menu is equally excellent — y’know, in case the date goes especially well.
Tasty grab-and-go tacos for cheap
Perched on the corner of Rose and 4th, this taco truck is a local gem. The fresh ceviche tostada, which maintains a satisfying crunch without ever getting soggy (how?!), is a must, though the meat-centric menu is killer, too. Easy-on-the-wallet prices also mean you won’t mind grabbing a seat curbside.
Cozy cafe with filling breakfast and lunch options
Nothing fixes a tequila-induced morning migraine like one of Flake’s stuffed-to-the-gills breakfast burritos, or its hearty Super-Crojo: a pile of warm scrambled eggs, crisped bacon, smoked Gouda, and special secret sauce tucked into a flaky, toasted croissant.
Perpetually busy artisanal bakery-meets-deli-meets-cafe
What Gjusta lacks in seating, it more than makes up for with dripping porchetta melts and baklava croissants. Mix and match from different stations — one brimming with house-made pastries; the next filled with charcuterie, cured fish, and interesting spreads; still another displaying enormous pies and cakes — and eat it all while perched at a communal table out on the patio.
Spacious sausage-focused restaurant ideal for big groups
You won’t find any weird mystery meat dogs here — only succulent, flavor-packed, gourmet sausages served on freshly baked rolls. That said, there are still some exotic options, like mildly spicy rattlesnake or duck and bacon links. The food and venue are casual enough for a quick, post-work bite, but the vibe’s also fun and boisterous if you want to do a big group dinner or birthday celebration.
Unassuming made-to-order deli sandwiches by the ocean
Venice has plenty of exemplary dining options, but locals tend to avoid the overpriced, underwhelming eateries by the boardwalk. Bellissimo is an exception: the charming deli’s gourmet sandwiches are all you need pre-sun and -surf.
Authentic BBQ restaurant that encourages family-style dining
The restaurant’s got a Type A attitude about its meat, so all the prime cuts are tender, moist, and fall-off-the-bone delicious. That said, it’s the homemade barbeque sauces that really seal the deal. Pro tip: if you can handle the heat, smother your ribs in the fiery XXX blend.
Food-truck-turned-brick-and-mortar hawking Asian fusion tacos
Taco purists may say that no self-respecting taco would include a sunny-side-up egg, but they’ve clearly never tasted Komodo’s MP3: It’s the perfect example of the restaurant’s Asian fusion mash-ups, it features chunks of sirloin steak, tater tots, and a fried quail egg. Meat, seafood, and accompanying dressings — like Indonesian-inspired pork rendang braised in coconut milk or chicken tossed with crushed peanuts and hoisin — can be made into a taco, burrito, or rice bowl, while sides like dumplings and kimchi nachos fill out the rest of the menu.
Wood-fired eats in a sleek steakhouse setting
The brainchild of Chef Josiah Citrin, Charcoal cooks almost everything (lamb chops, smoky chicken wings, bone-in short ribs) over a live fire. Even non-meat dishes — like grilled squash with yuzu pumpkin vinaigrette or cabbage wedges baked in the embers until charred — get the same treatment and end up tasting like comfort food.
Iconic neighborhood restaurant offering classic Mexican and tequila
Casablanca serves mouthwatering Mexican (the tortillas, rumored to be made with beef lard, are legendary) and margaritas. A bartender wheels a cart of top-shelf tequila around and prepares drinks tableside, making you 100 times more likely to call a Lyft after dinner.
Buzzy restaurant serving a modern take on old-school Italian
Venice restaurants generally tend to be low-key affairs, which is why Scopa — with its high ceilings, exposed brick, industrial vibe, and a playlist that includes Sampha — looks like it belongs more in the Arts District or West Hollywood. But there’s clearly a void that this cool Italian spot’s filling for Westsiders — especially in our stomachs, which have thoroughly enjoyed Chef Antonia Lofaso’s rich ricotta crostini, fried rice balls, and beautifully prepared pastas for the past few years. Scopa’s top-notch beverage program also means it’s a great place to kick-start your night out.
Relaxed atmosphere with beers on tap and Mexican fare
Expecting a classic Mexican joint? Not your place. If, however, you’re in the mood for chipotle beer shrimp and Mexican corn on the cob, Cerveteca hits the spot. It’s also known for craveable barbacoa and fish tacos, as well as a spicy, seafood-heavy hangover soup.
Lively, critically acclaimed Italian trattoria with the best pasta in LA
If you somehow managed to secure a dinner reservation at Felix — currently the Westside’s most hyped Italian restaurant — make sure it’s on the early side. That’s because some of chef Evan Funke’s best dishes — especially the mouth-watering sfincione (a rosemary-kissed focaccia with an olive oil-oozing crust and pillow-soft interior) and meaty pappardelle — are actually worth the hype and tend to sell out before the late dinner crowd arrives. Have an 8pm seating? The rest of the food is still very good, with pizza dough mixed by hand and pastas made in an on-site, temperature-controlled room.
Bright, airy, all-day restaurant with seafood-leaning menu
Salt Air doesn’t succumb to being your typical trendy Abbot Kinney hotspot, and that’s a good thing. This unassuming neighborhood spot nails its seafood dishes — like trout on brioche toast with Thai basil or chili-glazed Scottish salmon — with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and flavors that don’t overwhelm. Everything is fresh and light, which means you’ll never leave here with a bloated food coma, which also means you can pop by to nearby Jeni’s or Salt & Straw for dessert.
Recently revamped sports bar serving elevated comfort food
Surfside moved into the space previously occupied by local hangout Danny’s — and it tried hard to preserve and display some of the former spot’s artifacts. But this sports bar/restaurant has a spotless, new look (although given its proximity to the boardwalk, we don’t expect that to last long). Most importantly, Surfside has a totally updated menu worth checking out: casual American comfort food with a few Asian-leaning flavors, like fries smothered in caramelized kimchi and sesame seeds, slow-roasted miso caramel pork belly, and a bulgogi burger. There’s lighter fare too (grain bowls and salads), but when you’re watching a football game with your fourth IPA in hand, all you’ll want is something heavy and preferably fried.
Mexican seafood gem slinging tostadas, tacos, and ceviche
After experiencing major success at Grand Central Market, this Mexican seafood spot just opened a second location on Abbot Kinney, bringing its Baja-influenced ceviche and tacos to the Westside. Most items are on the lighter side — like the chilled white fish tostadas or gringos tacos (a mix of grilled shrimp and tender octopus loaded on a sturdy corn tortilla) — but you can always order the shrimp and Oaxaca cheese Patrona burger for something more substantial. Bonus: Topo Chico’s also on the menu.
Restaurant/cafe/bakery beloved for freshly baked goods and brunch
Superba’s a neighborhood go-to, welcoming at any time of day. Seasonal pastries, like churro croissants or pear pistachio danishes, are available to grab and go. Breakfast or brunch calls for an order of the delicious cheesy eggs served over levain toast, and the lunch menu has a varied selection of burgers, omelets, and sandwiches (fried chicken is a favorite), but dinner’s where things get a touch more creative, including flavor combos like roasted carrots with fennel and pickled raisins or fries drizzled with rice wine vinegar.
Cool, New American date night spot with artisanal cocktails
If you couldn’t snag a last-minute table at Felix and walked into nearby Neighbor for dinner, chances are you’d leave pretty happy — as long as you’re OK forsaking pure Italian food for the night. This relative newcomer to Abbot Kinney sports a typical new American menu (Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and burrata for starters; diver scallops, chicken, and steak for mains), but there are a few surprises to be had, like potato-ricotta gnocchi and buckwheat noodles served with black garlic and enoki mushrooms. And don’t leave without ordering a drink: fancy craft cocktails boast names like Venice Queen and Kimmy Gimlet, while the wine list is handpicked by James Endicott (formerly of New York’s Per Se). Oh, and those groovy tunes you hear? That’s DJ Morse Code, the restaurant’s Music Director who was hired to curate its auditory vibes.
Late-night joint serving grown-up breakfast for dinner
There’s a huge chunk of the general population who thinks breakfast (or brunch) food is the best food, which is where Nighthawk comes in — but this breakfast-themed restaurant (formerly based in Hollywood) doesn’t just serve your standard morning fare. The soft, scrambled eggs come with foie gras and duck jus, French toast is saturated in pear brandy and topped with mascarpone mousse, bacon is candied (and amazing), and coffee drinks are made with alcohol. Perhaps most creative of all? Spiked cereal milk cocktails in pairings like Cinnamon Toast Crunch coupled with spiced rum or Cocoa Puffs and vanilla vodka.
Creamery hawking creative, crave-worthy flavors
Ohio-based Jeni’s has four fantastic LA shops, but the spacious Venice outpost might be best of all — bright and quirky like the vibe of the street it’s on. Flavors can range from understated and delicious (like Savannah Buttermint, a simple, minty-buttery ice cream with white chocolate flecks) to utterly loaded and delicious (such as gooey butter cake or the sweet cream biscuits and peach jam combo). And if those imaginative flavors don’t keep you coming back again and again, the ice cream’s rich, luscious mouthfeel will.
Family-friendly Italian eatery with hearty portion sizes
This family-friendly Italian restaurant straddles the Venice/Marina del Rey border, but deserves to be on dining guides for both neighborhoods thanks to three little words: free garlic knots. These hot, doughy, chewy balls are absolutely smothered in garlic and olive oil and come in unlimited quantities; feel free to supplement with C&O’s pastas, which are excellent and generously portioned but hard to finish when you’ve polished off your weight in complimentary bread.
Recently upgraded Japanese hangout with inventive dishes
The decor and menu at this long-time Japanese spot — formerly known as Wabi Sabi — got an upgrade recently that’s turned it into a hip hangout. Grab a table on the outdoor patio, where the walls and ceiling drip with lush hanging plants, and start with izakaya-style small plates. Then dive into the heart of the menu: signature Japanese-style seafood with a twist, like seared toro served with caviar, salmon sprinkled with ponzu and truffle oil, or amberjack with coconut chili lime. Rolls are innovative here as well; the Pablo Escobar includes fried leek and crawfish salad, while the PB&J is stuffed with sous vide pork belly, avocado mousse, and 24K gold (edible, of course).
Fresh and quick Mediterranean eats for the millennial
Dune is a Middle Eastern oasis in the sea of new American, Italian, and Mexican restaurants that make up the Venice dining scene. Few other spots on the Westside specialize in making falafel this good: a crisp exterior that gives way to a fluffy, tender interior, easily broken down for eating atop charred flatbread with pickled veggies, onions, and loads of creamy hummus. (If you’ve ever eaten at Paris’s L’As du Fallafel, Dune’s version of the balls is something like that.) There’s more to the menu — a fried chicken “shawarma” sandwich, chicken souvlaki, and lamb — but eating the falafel alone will leave you as happy as a clam.
Modern Indonesian fusion spot perfect for date night
There aren’t a ton of Indonesian restaurants on the Westside, and there are even fewer that are housed in a beautiful space with modern architectural details. Combined with good Indo food (somewhat traditional, somewhat not), this makes Wallflower pretty special. Get the nasi goreng, bakwan (deep-fried corn fritters balanced by a vinegar-chili dip), and a legitimately spicy beef rendang that’s been simmered in kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and galangal.
A total lunar eclipse will occur on January 31, 2018 and this blood moon will be a supermoonand fully visible in Los Angeles.
So where would one go in L.A. to find an ideal view of such an event? Griffith Park, of course. Specifically, the Griffith Observatory, which will host a free public viewing in the wee hours of the morning from 3:45 to 7:00 a.m (weather permitting!). Observatory employees and local volunteers will staff telescopes and binoculars to help visitors enjoy superior viewing of the moon during eclipse time. According to timeanddate.com, the maximum eclipse will occur at approximately 5:29 a.m.
The Observatory grounds and its parking lot will open at 3:45 a.m., as will the cart for The Café at the End of the Universe. The Observatory building will be closed during the viewing.
Moderate-to-large crowds are expected, and as always at the Observatory in recent years, parking will be limited. If you aim to attend be prepared for road congestion and long uphill walks to the Observatory. Lawn furniture will not be allowed, but you’re welcome to bring a blanket, which you may need with overnight lows expected in the high 40’s or low 50’s. If rain is forecast for the eclipse as of Tuesday, January 30, at 3:00 p.m., the Observatory will cancel the event. Be sure to check out the Griffith Observatory website for possible notice of cancelation before attending.
Keep in mind if skies are clear the eclipse should be visible to the naked eye throughout SoCal. It’s safe to view a lunar eclipse without eye protection, and a telescope is not necessary. This particular blood moon will be the only lunar eclipse visible in L.A. until 2019.
The World Cup may be headed back to North America in 2026, and Los Angeles leaders are seeking to ensure the city plays a role in hosting the enormously popular soccer competition.
On Monday, the city council’s Budget and Finance Committee took the first step in bringing competition to the city, asking city staffers to prepare a report on the bidding process for the event.
In June, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), which oversees the World Cup, will decide whether to award the competition to Morocco or to Canada, the U.S., and Mexico—which submitted a joint North American bid.
If the latter bid prevails, those three nations would be responsible for hosting a total of 80 games played over a roughly one-month period. A total of 32 cities, including Los Angeles, in all three countries are being considered as host sites for the games—should the North American bid succeed.
At least 12 of those cities would host at least one event, and former U.S. Soccer president Alan Rothenberg told the committee it would be “inconceivable” if some of those matches were not be held in the LA area.
Less clear is whether any events would be held in the city itself. In 1994, when World Cup events were last held in the United States, all eight games in the LA area took place at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl. Inglewood’s under-construction NFL Stadium and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum are also in contention this time around.
But plans for the competition may not be limited to picking venues. The committee also asked officials to examine how to position Los Angeles as the best candidate for the global media headquarters during the games.
According to the motion approved by the committee Monday, more than $80 million could be pumped into the local economy during the event if the city serves as the media’s base of operations during the competition.
Rothenberg also told the committee that plans were in the works for a “30-day fan event” that would attract visitors even on days when games were taking place in other parts of the continent.
A two-story home on an acre of land in Santa Monica has sold for $41 million, the most expensive home sale historically in the city, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Rodeo Realty’s Brentwood agent, Deidre Powell, was the only agent involved in the $41,082,000 off-market deal. The sale made news in the Los Angeles Times, Mansion Global, Observer, and Yolanda’s Little Black Book. In addition to breaking a record, it is also recognized as one of the top real estate sales of 2017.
“Deidre, Congratulations! I noticed that the home you sold was among the top 10 most expensive homes sold in Los Angeles in 2017,” said President of Rodeo Realty, Syd Leibovitch. “Your sale of just above $41 million also marked the most expensive home ever sold by any agent in our Brentwood office. I especially admire how well you handled yourself, and what an outstanding job you did in assisting the buyer and seller in the transaction. Your knowledge of the high-end real estate market on the Westside and the expertise you exhibited in handling every detail was just remarkable!!”
According to Mansion Global, the property includes four bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a home theater, gym, an entertaining room with an indoor/outdoor bar, and a swimming pool.
