The Best Holiday Lights in LA 2018

Get into the spirit of the season and explore the city of stars decked with holly…well LED lights to be exact and maybe some holly. Read our round up below of the best holiday light installations and celebrations happening this month in LA!

The Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanic Garden

Moonlight Forest at The LA Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

The Moonlight Forest is an unforgettable evening of art, culture and discovery. Presented in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Moonlight Forest celebrates the time-honored tradition of lantern art. Master artisans from China’s Sichuan province have crafted a dazzling array of lanterns. The exhibition route is a gentle one-mile walk and takes about an hour.

L.A. Zoo Lights

Since its debut in 2014, L.A. Zoo Lights has grown into a can’t-miss nighttime holiday light experience. Glowing animals welcome you on an unforgettable night time journey that includes giant illuminated snowflakes, a disco ball forest, a whimsical herd of animated elephants, and a twinkling tunnel filled with dynamic swirls of color.

Enchanted: Forest of Light

Enchanted: Forest of Light is an interactive, nighttime experience that features a one-mile walk through ten lighting displays in some of the most beloved areas of Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. While guests usually take about an hour to walk through Enchanted – Descanso Gardens recommends allowing at least 90 minutes to enjoy the experience.

Tree Lighting & Cocoa Concert

Tree Lighting and Cocoa Concert at Union Station

Make a stop at Union Station this holiday season. During the month of December, travel hub will be transformed into a winter wonderland. Features of the display include thousands of glistening lights, a “Cocoa Bar” with Elftenders, a Holiday Craft Zone, a Kids Zone, and selfies with Santa and the Snow Queen.

Grand Park’s Winter Glow

Grand Park’s Winter Glow is a new month-long, immersive nighttime experience that’s taking over Grand Park in celebration of the holidays. Families will make new holiday memories strolling through this 12-acre art, projection and light display, exhibit and installation. Experience the wonder of Grand Park like never before – iconic elements of the park, including the Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain, will shine in new and exciting ways. Familiar pathways will lead to exciting new discoveries as Grand Park is transformed by the latest in light and projection technology.

Marina Lights

Marina Lights will cast a festive glow on Burton Chace Park from 4–10 p.m. nightly in December. Select Saturdays feature free entertainment, a warming station and refreshments for purchase. Highlights include Holiday Music by The Wonderelles and The Voices of Christmas; Holiday Movies, including the Frozen Sing-Along and Glow Party NYE. For more info, check out the Visit Marina del Rey page.

Candy Cane Lane

Every year, an eight square-block area of the San Fernando Valley neighborhood of Woodland Hills is transformed into Candy Cane Lane. A dazzling celebration of lights, figures and artificial snow, Candy Cane Lane is an informal group of Woodland Hills homeowners. The annual event begins on the second Saturday of December and lasts through the end of the year.

Candy Cane Lane is located at the intersection of Lubao and Oxnard Streets in Woodland Hills. The closest exit is Winnetka, off the 101 freeway. Residents ask that visitors drive by no later than 10 p.m. on weeknights and 11 p.m. on weekends.

Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights Extravaganza

Begin your visit to the Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights Extravaganza from Pacific Coast Highway in Torrance, then slowly drive or stroll along Robert Road. Every home along this neighborhood road is festively decorated–glittering with lights. Local kids will often sell hot cocoa to visitors as they pass by their houses. The Sleepy Hollow Christmas lights start brightening the holidays the first full weekend of December and last until the first week of January.

Courtesy of: Discover Los Angeles

December 8, 2018

This week at Rodeo Realty: SFV and Ventura County Newsletter Dec. 3rd-9th

Click the image below to view our SFV and Ventura County Rodeo Realty weekly newsletter for Dec. 3rd-9th!!!

December 8, 2018

This week at Rodeo Realty: Westside Newsletter Dec. 3rd-9th

Click the image below to view our Westside Rodeo Realty weekly newsletter for Dec. 3rd-9th!!!

December 6, 2018

Out and About: DTLA

Los Angeles is full of bold history and unparalleled attractions. The home of Tinseltown. A pinnacle point of the Gilded Age. All synonymous with Downtown LA–a creative mix of the times, both new and old.

Take an Angels Flight on LA’s only Funicular. Hear masterpieces at Disney’s Concert Hall. Spend a day in DTLA and enjoy a true piece of quintessential California.

Keeping in mind the many areas of DTLA to explore, we will focus on the highlight reel of day to night activities.

At Dawn…

To nosh!

Start your morning off the Parisian way with a trip to DTLA’s beloved Bottega Louie.

Before Laduree was kind enough to make it’s long overdue west-coast appearance, Bottega was the only place one could get a luxury Macaron collection whilst enjoying a french style brasserie. While there are more than a few shops that offer that perfect Paris treat now, Bottega Louie will always hold a special place in our Angeleno hearts. Try the delectable Beignets served with Raspberry compote or the Tuscan Farro and Eggs tossed in Rainbow Carrots, Fresh Kale, and Mushrooms. Bon Appetit!

For Arts sake!

After you finish your trip down french cuisine lane, your not too far to have your pick of art on display at The Broad or MOCA.

While both museums offer their own range of Modern Contemporary Art, each will provide you a unique experience and proper dose of culture.

Needing a literary fix? The Los Angeles Central Library boasts stunning architecture and rare books.

Satisfy your inner book worm then head over to the Grammy Museum for a different collection of art with one of a kind pieces to gander at from musics biggest legends.

Structural Wonders

For those who have an admiration for the great architecture of LA, the Los Angeles Conservancy Walking Tours is here to assist. As they guide you through and by DTLA’s iconic facades, you’ll have your choice of style. Choose between tours of modern skyscrapers or the Historic Core, Art Deco icons or Victorian mansions. A true display of LA’s most beautiful building.

On the chance you opt out of the walking tour, you should at least add the Bradbury Building and Spring Arcade Building to your list of sites to see.

The two are unlike one another as the Bradbury is DTLA’s oldest commercial building established in 1893. While much of the space is utilized for private office use, movie buffs may recognize its iconic iron staircases from the climax of Bladerunner.

After this historical stop, save sometime to venture to the next one, if not only to at least pick up a mid morning reprieve. The Spring Arcade building still brims with the beauty of its 1924 structure.

Enter the terra cotta archway as you walk through a glass-roofed alleyway of dining options. Stop by the Green Grotto Juice Bar and pick up a tasty beverage to go before your afternoon begins!

Upon Noon…

“Barefoot in the Park”

By this point your thinking, “I’ve done enough walking today”. Well venture over to Grand Park, not for the cardio but to take in the bright urban oasis.

Refurbished in 2012, the park has 12 acres of sprawling space to lounge and people watch other than the performances and gatherings it plays host to throughout the year.

If your starving Grand Central Market is the only ideal destination to appease your midday cravings.

A downtown landmark since 1917, the food hall boasts over 30 different vendors ranging in international cuisine.

Once you’ve chosen and chased away those hunger pains, Angels Flight-the worlds shortest railway is mere steps away.

Thanks to the success of the Hollywood hit film Lalaland in which it was featured and enough community demand, the once stalled hillside attraction was reopened in 2017.

Shopping Essentials

We are sure by now your wondering when you will get to splurge a little. Figat7th is the next destination which offers all of your favorite fashion finds like Zara and Mac(for unique pieces the Art District does not disappoint).

After you’ve picked up the items you’ll quote as “necessary” brace yourself for unparalleled views at our next stop.

New Heights

Que Skyspace, locate din the US Bank building is a high-rise experience to be had for all.

Glide your way down on the 45ft glass Skyslide suspended 1000 feet in the air to their observation deck for unobstructed views of the city of stars. A site seeing experience like no other.

The old establishment

The oldest section of the city, El Pueblo and Olvera Street were established in 1781 as a farming community.

Brimming with authentic Spanish style, the area boast 11 historical structures and a range of independent street vendors.

Once you’ve explored enough here make your last afternoon stop Union Station(pun intended).

The last of the great American rail stations is just as handsome as the day it opened, with its mission style exterior and grand art deco interior touches.

When Night falls…

“Live a little!”

As the evening sets in there are a few options to keep your DTLA outing going well into the night. Stop by LA Live to catch a game at the Staples Center or experience the only 4D entertainment in LA at Regal Cinemas.

Seeking a bit more of a stage based experience? Both the Music Center and Disney Concert Hall boost world-renowned performing arts engagements.

Set the stage

At the Music Center much of the shows put on are courtesy of the Centre Theatre Group.

At the north end, the Ahmanson Theatre presents pre- or post-Broadway fare, while the smaller Mark Taper Forum stages a wide range of new plays. Also part of the Music Center, the grand Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is the home base for LA Opera, as well as occasional concerts and dance events.

The Disney Concert Hall is not only a marvel of modern architecture but home to LA’s award-winning Philharmonic.

Hosting a plethora of concerts and shows throughout the year, it is an experience not to be missed.

“Paint the town red”

If you want a bit more high-flying views along with your evening feast, 71 Above is literal in its name of providing you just that.

Set 950 feet from the ground level, 71 Above offers elevated modern American Cuisine with elevated views.

If you didn’t make it to the Arts District for your shopping spree, it is worthy of ending your night there. Providing some of the most unique restaurants and bars in the city of Los Angeles, the Arts District is a culinary and cultural haven.

If you know anything LA’s iconic dining scene, you’ll Bestia falls right to the top of the list. We recommend the the Spaghetti Rustichella—a small pyramid of noodles under Dungeness crab.

Italian not quite your flavor? No fret! For savory steak frites try Church & State a marvel of french cuisine. After dinner finish your night Everson Royce Bar-a hidden neighborhood gem.

December 6, 2018December 5, 2018

Weekend Events: Dec. 7th-9th

Now that “Festivus” draws near, it is no better time to explore the city’s most joyous events this December. No matter your holiday of choice, there is something for all to enjoy. So throw on your tackiest sweater, take your spiced cider to go and venture out this holiday season!

With all the hustle and bustle of our weekday routine we bring you a curated list of the weekends top activities happening throughout the city of stars.

Discover your inner Angeleno!

Limited engagements taking place this Dec. 7th-9th

Friday, Dec. 7th

Yuletide Cinemaland

Location: Heritage Square Museum, Los Angeles

Street Food Cinema bring their signature brand of outdoor-screening magic to L.A.’s Heritage Square Museum with Yuletide Cinemaland. This festive celebration centers around a Charles Dickens-style town square. Celebrate the nostalgia of classic holiday movies with Christmas carolers, food trucks, hot chocolate, mulled wine, craft beer and more. Explore picturesque Victorian-era homes dressed for the holidays, join piano sing-alongs and experience the Instagram-worthy Holiday Light Tunnel. Click here for more info.

American Contemporary Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker Suite

Location: California Plaza, DTLA

Experience the wonder of The Nutcracker in this first person perspective showcase performed by the American Contemporary Ballet. Witness this timeless tale as you become the main character. Once the entertainment concludes, The Fairy will guide you to a celebration with champagne, live music and more! Click here for more info.

Holiday Concerts in the Playhouse District

Location: Vroman’s Courtyard-The Pasadena Playhouse, Pasadena

Enjoy the sounds of the season along with the Pasadena Playhouses’ Holiday display this Friday. Little Brazil brings their signature Brazilian flavors with holiday classics to the Vroman’s Courtyard. Complimentary coffee from The Next Chapter will also be served to all patrons. Experience a new kind of seasonal tradition! Click here for more info.

Saturday, Dec. 8th

Santa Monica Pub Crawl

Location: Santa Monica

What better way to jumpstart the holidays than jingling all the way to SMPC’s 10th annual holiday event. Ok, maybe no jingling but certainly a fair amount of festive fun. With over 6,000 patrons having crawled until their hearts content last year, this years event is sure to be just as memorable. The fee to take part is $15 and proceeds from the Pub Crawl will go towards the Westside Food Bank to aid those in need during the holiday season. Click here for more info.

Festival of Carols

Location: Disney Hall, DTLA

Whether you love a classic holiday song or just the joy of the season, the Festival of Carols is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit. With over 100 classically trained carolers, this event is sure to warm the heart of even the most Grinch-iest of Grinches in your friend group. Click here for more info.

Snow Wonder

Location: Burton Chase Park

Ring in the holidays at Marina Del Rey’s annual Holiday celebration-Snow Wonder. Enjoy art, crafts, music, food and even real snow as Burton Chase Park is transformed into a Winter Wonderland. The event will also feature a fireworks display followed by the Marina’s Boat parade. Whether you chose to sled or sit in on the days fun, Snow Wonder is guaranteed to be a hit for the entire family. Click here for more info.

Sunday, Dec. 9th

Stevie Wonder’s House Full of Toys

Stevie Wonder-House Full of Toys Benefit Concert

Location: Staples Center

Stevie Wonder’s House Full of Toys returns for its 22nd year at the Staples Center in Downtown L.A. The event is hosted by the musician himself along with other special guest in order to raise funds to provide toys for thousands of children in orphanages, hospitals, and shelters. This year the show will also serve as a benefit concert for those affected by the recent California Wildfires. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift or toy. Click here for more info.

Big Sunday’s 9th Annual Holiday Party & Sing Along

Big Sunday Annual Holiday Party and Sing Along

Location: 6111 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles 90038

Hosting their 9th annual Holiday party, Big Sunday is inviting all to join them and enjoy singing, food and fun with their guest of honor–the incredible kids from Ability First and other with disabilities large and small. In addition, volunteers are still needed to spread holiday cheer as they deck the halls and light a menorah along with loads of arts, crafts and festive treats. Click here for more info.

KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas 2018

Location: The Forum, Inglewood

Enjoy another year of KROQ’S end-of-year showcase with some of the best musical acts from around the country. Proceeds from the concert will go to benefit Para Los Niños and the Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center.” Sundays lineup will include Florence + the Machine, Death Cab for Cutie, Billie Eilish, Chvrches and more! Click here for info.

December 4, 2018

Tis the Season for…the Holidays in LA pt.2

Now that the holidays are in full swing, the bounty of festive events is upon us. While it’s never quite “Winter” in LA, we certainly know how to make the magic of the season happen. With that in mind, we say pause your Netflix night in and don your best seasonal attire, Tis’ the Season for the Holidays in LA Pt. 2!!

Winter Wonderland at The Grove

Nov. 19th-Dec. 25th

Location: The Grove

Celebrate the holidays at one of LA’s famed shopping destinations-The Grove. The month long celebration features a 100-foot Christmas Tree, the Santa House, and additional live music and entertainment. Snow falls every evening up until December 25th at 7pm and 8pm. Click here for more info.

Santa Con

December 8th

Location: TBA

As the event sates, Santa Con is one of the few chances adults get to truly take part in the wonder of Christmas. It likely doesn’t hurt that adult beverages are involved. Part-takers are encouraged to dress in their Jolly best for this free angeleno event. Click here for more info.

Brew HoHo

December 8th

Location: The Phoenix Club, Anaheim

With over 100 craft beers to chose from, its no wonder Brew HoHo stays a hit year after year. Many of the city’s best beer is brewed in Anaheim, making the venue of choice that much more ideal for the beer fanatic in you. Click here for more info.

Santa Monica Pub Crawl

December 8th

Location: Santa Monica

Festival of Carols

December 8th & 15th

Location: Disney Hall, DTLA

Snow Wonder

Dec. 8th

Location: Burton Chase Park

Ring in the holidays at Marina Del Rey’s annual Holiday celebration-Snow Wonder. Enjoy art, crafts, music, food and even real snow as Burton Chase Park isn transformed into a Winter Wonderland. The event will also feature a fireworks display followed by the Marina’s Boat parade. Whether you chose to sled or sit in on the days fun, Snow Wonder is guaranteed to be a hit for the entire family. Click here for more info.

Stevie Wonder’s House Full of Toys

December 9th

Location: Staples Center

Stevie Wonder’s House Full of Toys returns for its 22nd year at the Staples Center in Downtown L.A. The event is hosted by the musician himself along with other special guest in order to raise funds to provide toys for thousands of children in orphanages, hospitals, and shelters throughout LA. This year the show will also serve as a benefit concert for those affected by the recent California Wildfires. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift or toy. Click here for more info.

Winter Wonderland End of Year Party

The Source OC- Winter Wonderland Year End Party

December 15th

Location: The Source, Buena Park

While there is still a couple weeks before you start planning your NYE celebrations, The Source’s Year-End party is the kickstarter. With a five-hour open bar, food samples, and a goodie bag valued at over $100 as well as top-notch DJ’s, you’ll leave having won the season! Click here for more info.

Newport Beach Boat Parade

December 19th-23rd

Location: Newport Beach

Celebrating its 110th annual year, the Newport Beach Boat Parade is a showcase of luxury. From boats to yachts and even canoes donned in over $500,000 worth of Holiday decor, it is a spectacle worth viewing. Don’t miss out on on Bayside lit up in its festive splendor. Click here for more info.

LA County Holiday Celebration

December 24th

Location: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, DTLA

Celebrate the many cultures of the Holidays and LA at the LA County’s 59th Annual Holiday Celebration. This free event is fun for all ages with over three-hours of multicultural music, dancing, and performances. Many diverse L.A. – based artists and community groups showcase their talent, artistry and traditions on The Music Center’s iconic Dorothy Chandler Pavilion stage. The event is put on by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and will also be streamed on pbssocal.org. Click here for more info.

The Holidays at Universal Studios

Now-January 6th

Location: Universal Studios, Universal City, LA

Let your inner “Who” or “Wizard” run free at Universal Studios annual Holiday celebration. Enjoy a “Grinchmas” with all of your Whoville favorites and Dec.8, 9 and 14 – 30 as you partake in Who-liday celebrations. Solemnly swear that your up to no good? Well you wont need a Marauders map for the Wizarding World pf Harry Potter’s Christmas celebration. Venture over to Hogsmeade and enjoy festive decor, and dazzling lights music cast against the backdrop of the Hogwarts Student Choir and accompanying throaty frogs. Plus what better time to enjoy a hot cup of Butterbeer (in our case all the time but especially during the holidays)? Click here for more info.

“Holiday Time in Paleyland”

Nov. 24th-Jan 6th

Location: The Paley Center, Beverly Hills

Celebrate the joy of the season with a family-friendly line-up of classic holiday features. Playing from noon-5pm will be festive favorites like Dr. Suess’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas, A Rugrats Kwanzaa, and Frosty the Snowman. Santa will also be there for the fun on the weekend and select weekdays from 11am-5pm. Enjoy the screenings while taking part in fun games and complimentary hot cocoa! Click here for more info.

Queen Mary Christmas

Dancers perfrom around the main Christmas tree at the Queen Mary’s Chill Ice Adventure Park in Long Beach on Wednesday, December 13, 2017. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Now-Jan. 6th

Location: The Queen Mary, Long Beach

Step aboard Long Beach’s Queen Mary for a Holiday Extravaganza. A mix of new and old traditions, the holiday spectacular features beautiful decks of lights, carolers and musical performances. Enjoy the outdoor skating rink or visit with Santa. Walk through the Gingerbread Village or lounge in Santa’s Captains Quarters. There is festive fun for all to be had! For more info click here.

Holiday in the Park

Dec. 15th-30th

Location: Six Flags Magic Mountain, Los Angeles

The “Thrill Capital of the World” brings you all the holiday joy this season with their festive celebration. With over two million lights strewn about the park from Merry Lane to Santa’s Cottage, you will be in a world of holiday splendor. Entertainment will include the Holiday Square Carolers and music by the Mistletones and Kwerkmas. Jingle all the way through the day and don’t miss out on this family fun! Click here for more info.

No matter your plans this season, we at Rodeo Realty wish everyone a Happy Holidays!

December 3, 2018December 4, 2018

Rodeo Realty’s Josh Flagg list Actress Lily Collins Weho Condo

Rodeo Realty’s Josh Flagg current listing recently featured in the LA Times Hot Property

Josh Flagg of Rodeo Realty Beverly Hills currently holds the listing for actress and model Lily Collins West Hollywood Condominium. The Jack A. Charney designed high-rise-Sierra Towers was built in 1965 and is a corner unit with approximately 1,700 sq. ft of space.

Sierra Towers Condominiums- West Hollywood

As the publication notes…

“Lily Collins is ready to fly the coop in West Hollywood, listing her condominium of about a decade for sale at $2.995 million”.

The spacious abode features walls of windows with stunning views of DTLA to Century City. The LA Times goes on to note additional highlights of the West Hollywood property and Lily Collins most notable roles. Stating as follows of the property…

“The main living area is largely devoted to open-plan space and consists of living and dining rooms, a wet bar and an updated kitchen. A custom walk-in closet/dressing room and a built-in office are part of the master suite. A private terrace extends the living area outdoors. The condo also features full service and has valet parking, 24-hour security and a swimming pool.

Sierra Towers Condominiums- West Hollywood

Collins, 29, is the daughter of musician Phil Collins and antique dealer Jill Tavelman. She got her first taste of show business at the age of 2 with a role on the BBC show “Growing Pains.” Since then, Collins has scored film roles in “Mirror Mirror” (2012), “The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones” (2013) and Warren Beatty’s “Rules Don’t Apply” (2016).”

The Property has already been featured in DIGS and the Chicago Tribune.

For additional information on the listing click here:

Listing information

To view the original article click here:

LA Times Hot Property

December 1, 2018

This week at Rodeo Realty: Westside Newsletter Nov. 26th-Dec. 2nd

Click the image below to view our Westside Rodeo Realty weekly newsletter for Nov. 26th-Dec. 2nd!!!

December 1, 2018

This week at Rodeo Realty: SFV and Ventura County Newsletter Nov. 26th-Dec. 2nd

Click the image below to view our SFV and Ventura County Rodeo Realty weekly newsletter for Nov. 26th-Dec. 2nd!!!

November 29, 2018December 4, 2018

LA Eats of the Week

With as many restaurants as there are Bird scooters, we’ve decided to simplify your options of the week by dishing out the best places to grab a bite from power lunches to elegant fare. Read below for our nosh worthy eats throughout L.A.

“Breakfast is the most important deal of the day…”

Ms Chi Cafe

3829 Main St
Culver City, CA 90232

(424) 361-5225

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Top Chef contestant Shirley Chung has completed her LA move, after opening a smaller stall at The Fields and now this all-day contender in Culver City, serving breakfast through dinner (with a small break in the afternoon) serving reasonably priced, new school Chinese comfort fare. So far the results are pretty solid, making Ms. Chi one of the most compelling places to open in Downtown Culver City since Bacoshop.

Konbi

1463 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

(213) 278-0007

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Already clogging up Instagram with its delectable Japanese-style sandwiches, this coffee and daytime restaurant goes into a tiny slot in Echo Park from Akira Akuto and Nick Montgomery. Order the katsu sando, Japanese-style convenience store food, and see what happens when cooks use high-quality Duroc pork with plush milk bread. Prices are high considering the inspiration for these sandwiches, but the flavor is there to match.

Amara Cafe

55 S Raymond Ave
Pasadena, CA 91105

(626) 744-1765

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Amara Chocolate’s tiny interior is often mistaken for a Venezuelan cafe. And while the spicy cacao latte is worth it, so are the fluffy, yet crispy arepas. The kitchen stuffs these traditional Venezuelan pockets with shredded beef arepas with gouda, or fresh cheese, black beans, and ripe sweet plantains. Amara also has something unique to LA: cachapas, a Venezuelan crêpe made with fresh and roasted yellow corn.

“Lunch, Brunch, Second Breakfast!”…

Badmaash Fairfax

418 N Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036

(213) 281-5185

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This Downtown Indian restaurant has a new outlet in the heart of Fairfax District serving upscaled curry classics. Bring a crew and share the hyped (but delicious) chicken tikka poutine, spicy lamb vindaloo, and fresh naan.

Cosa Buona

2100 W Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026

(213) 908-5211

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Echo Park’s Cosa Buona is an eastside staple for a casual menu that goes beyond pizza to include a collection of droolworthy sandwiches. They all stay true to the Italian-American ethos of the place, from those mozzarella sticks to chicken parm or meatball sandwiches to a collection of simple salads.

Sichuan Impression

1900 W Valley Blvd
Alhambra, CA 91803

(626) 283-4622

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This second floor space looks unassuming from the street but inside there’s possibly the best Sichuan food outside of San Gabriel Valley and it’s deep in the Westside. Sure, there’s Din Tai Fung and Meizhou Dongpo at nearby Century City, but the real sichuan spice lovers will come to this Santa Monica Boulevard strip mall for one of LA’s top Chinese restaurants. Try the special noodles, cold chicken, and toothpick lamb.

“What’s for Dinner?”

Alta

5359 W Adams Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90016

(323) 571-4999

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Highly regarded San Francisco chef Daniel Patterson has brought his Alta restaurant to West Adams, installing Watts native Keith Corbin as the chef. The fare and vibe is spot-on for what the neighborhood needs, a well composed dining room that doesn’t feel fussy with some “California soul food” to match on the menu. Corbin takes comfortable classics like fried chicken, oxtails and rice, and collard greens and puts a bit of finesse on them. Don’t miss the excellent wine list either.

Jame Enoteca

241 Main St
El Segundo, CA 90245

(310) 648-8554

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This casual pasta and salad restaurant in El Segundo is a smash hit with locals, taking over a corner slot in a strip mall and filled with carb-loving diners. Chef Jackson Kalb, formerly of Factory Kitchen and NYC’s Union Square Cafe, takes a casual every day Italian-American approach to pasta, with some maximum flavor going into the handmade noodles. It’s the most exciting place to open in this main drag of El Segundo since the next door Sausal debuted a few years back.

Kismet

4648 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027

(323) 409-0404

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Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson opened this sleek modern Middle Eastern restaurant in early 2017 with a commitment to refined, restrained technique and top-quality farmers market produce. The result is one of the most popular new restaurants in the city. The morning Turkish-ish breakfast is a solid daytime pick, while the mezzes and small plates rule the roost for dinner service.

Courtesy of Eater LA