Click the image below to view our SFV and Ventura County Rodeo Realty weekly newsletter for Nov. 19th-25th!!!
This week at Rodeo Realty: SFV and Ventura County Newsletter Nov. 19th-25th
LAX Eats: Your Airport Travel Bites Guide
With Thanksgiving mere days away there is one crucial guide you’ll need for your holiday travels. Where to eat? Spare yourself the Cinnabon and take your flight bites to new heights(Double Points for Rhyming!). Below is your LAX cuisine guide by terminal. So read on and quench your cravings. Because there hasn’t been a sorting this good since Harry Potter chose Gryffindor(If your not watching HP with the fam is it even the holidays?!?!).
Terminal 1
Trejo’s Tacos
Gate 11a
Fans of the film actor will know these tasty tacos have been making wave in the city if angels. With locations citywide, it is no wonder Trejo Tacos has set up shop at LAX. You wont find all of the menu offerings your used to at his other locations, but all the favorites are accounted for. Try the steak asada or vegan optioned cauliflower and jackfruit. With bowls, burritos, and quesadillas, there is plenty to chose from Trejo’s.
Cassell’s
Gate 11a
In the same newly added food quarters as Trejo Tacos is the 60-year-old iconic burger counter–Cassell’s. Order diner style classics with their patty melts and cheeseburgers, and enjoy added extra’s like fried egg and sweet potato fries. To keep it retro, finish off with an old-fashioned milkshake which is sure to send you into dessert beverage paradise.
Terminal 2
Sealegs Wine Bar
Gate 28
Looking for something a bit more in the sit-down restaurant realm and less on the grab and go don’t miss your flight vibe? Well you shouldn’t miss your flight but you should enjoy stylish decor, quality food and appropriately priced wine at Sealegs Wine Bar. While the food is not quite the bites from the sea you’d assume from it’s title, you will find delicious “California-esq” cuisine.
Built Custom Burgers
Gate 24A
You will find no shortage of burger joints in our bustling LA airport, but you will find a craft your own option at Custom Built Burgers. Choose bun or bowl, beef, turkey, chicken or vegan patty and a full range of free toppings to make your pick of.
Slapfish
Gate 23A
Up your breakfast game and stop by Slapfish for their take on the morning meal. Choose between shrimp and grits, lobster-egg-avocado tacos and a smoked salmon-veggie-and-herb-topped bagel. Missing the am cut off time, their lobster roll or New England clam chowder is an equally satisfying midday match.
Terminal 3
The Parlor
Gate 37A
To all true sports fanatics, no fret on missing your teams play by play(unless your mid-air, you’ll catch it when you land)! The Parlor has set-up the perfect offshoot of its Melrose spot to help you keep score. Enjoy great cocktails and a grilled four-cheese sandwich on parmesan bread in the comfiest leather lounge you don’t need mileage points to enter.
Shake Shack
Gate 34
So everyone from NYC to LA and yonder knows the “dealio” with Shake Shack. If you don’t allow us to educate you. Born out of the city that never sleeps in a hot dog cart(really the original food truck) is everyones favorite burger joint. Keep it basic with a ShackBurger smothered in their famed Shack Sauce. Or venture down the fast food road with a griddled flat-top dog stacked with tomatoes and pickles! Orrrrrr the underrated super crispy Chicken Shack and an over-the-top-in-all-the-right-ways frozen custard. Ok we’re done now.
Terminal 4
Real Food Daily
Gate 44
Whether you’ve joined the plant-based fan club, really don’t want another greasy burger, or are actually vegan–Real Food Daily is here to appease all. So don’t tire yourself on a mediocre Kale Salad from Airport Snack Shack that shall not be named(more HP jokes, your welcome!) and appease your taste buds. Try the seitan-and-tempah club or veggie-miso soup along with all of their other vegan goods to grab and go. Your natural, gluten-free, dairy-free, non-gmo foods gods will thank you.
Cole’s
Gate 44
Local’s will know Cole’s as DTLA most classic French Dip sandwich joint and those not from LA now also know it as the above. Whether your new or old to the famed spot(est. 1908, crazy right?), it’s LAX shop dishes out a equally delicious take. Pair yours with a side of spicy garlic fries and bacon potato salad to complete the meal and wash it down with their signature Old Fashioned.
Terminal 5
Lemonade
Gate 50B
As we have said intermittently throughout this article, if your over the airport norm of cuisine, we have your covered. Or to be more precise, Lemonade has you covered, at least in the fresh marketplace seasonal offerings realm of things. With various salads and veggie heavy dishes to chose from like the roasted broccoli with ricotta and chile-roasted butternut squash…need we go on?
Ford’s Filling Station
Gate 55A
Modeled after its Culver City predecessor, Ford’s Fueling Station is the gastropub inside an airport you’ve been searching for. While it’s La County locations are long gone, you will still find all the classics at this last standing outpost. From the pub burger, to bacon wrapped dates and their Cubano flatbread, you’ll wish you traveled more often.
Terminal 6
Osteria
Gate 64A
One of the many eateries that have come courtesy of Top Chef fan favorite Fabio Vivani, Osteria your attractive LAX option. With its orange leather cushioned seating, glass wine wall, and elegantly tiled pizza oven, its has fun to eat in as it is to lounge in. The semi-italian menu offers bites from panini to marina meatballs along with bar style choices like their truffle potato skins and veggie burger. Molto buona!!!
Earthbar
Gate 64A
Those of us with an Equinox membership will know it as our power-up spot and those of us who don’t will at least have juiced up at the original juice bar at some point in our LA lives. Earthbar is your pre-flight go to. Have a mix of berries, hemp milk, almond butter, and maca along with their signature Earthfusion protein to sooth or aid your air-bound jotters. They also offer Acai bowls, tasty trail mixes, fresh fruit, and other feel good food options.
Terminal 7
B Grill by BOA Steakhouse
Gate 73
This more relaxed version of the swanky steakhouse BOA is the place to hit when you want more elevated airport fare (especially if you have an expense account at your disposal). Think NY strip, petit filet with red wine butter, and the same signature stacked Chop Chop salad that’s served at the Santa Monica and West Hollywood restaurants. You can also expect gussied-up gourmet burgers, wraps, and a few pastas, as well as a thoroughly respectable wine list.
BLD
Gate 72B
For something food-court-fast, sidle up to this spot that does serviceable American fare of turkey clubs, grilled chicken salads, and bacon-and-egg sandwiches on sourdough as well as vegan options including a soyrizo breakfast burrito, Impossible burger, and grain bowl.
Terminal 8
Engine Co. No. 28
Gate 83
The good news is you’re just a terminal away from the pinnacle of LAX dining at Tom Bradley International terminal. The bad news is you’re in Terminal 8, and your options are lame and limited to mainly fast food like Carl’s Jr. and Panda Express. If you want a proper drink, you can get it here in addition to a range of food items like corn chowder, an ahi tuna salad, and veggie chili.
Tom Bradley International Terminal
The Great Hall
gate 148
This 15,000-square-foot dining and retail behemoth is one of the best things to come out of the billion-dollar-plus renovation that turned this terminal into one that actually looks like it belongs in an airport servicing the country’s second biggest city. Here you’ll find a lot of fast-casual versions of LA restaurants you know and love (or in some cases loved). Grab brick-oven pizza at 800 Degrees; tacos, tamales, and tortilla soup at the city’s last standing Border Grill; baked goods and lattes at Larder at Tavern; and an above-average sandwich selection at Michael Voltaggio’s Ink Sack.
Petrossian Caviar & Champagne Bar
gate 148
You’re already plunking down several months’ salary on a trip out of the country, so you might as get the baller ball rolling at the airport with champagne and crazy amounts of caviar at this den of decadence. Sure, you can grab a to-go “Caviar Picnic in the Sky” that starts at $200 and runs upwards of $1,000, but if you want to start off a bit tamer with a more reasonable bite onsite, go for the “Petit Petrossian” caviar plate (for a bargain $48), caviar flatbread, or caviar deviled eggs.
Vanilla Bake Shop
Gate 150
The cupcake trend may be on life support, but airports have their own culinary rules, and that glass case of mini confections with perfectly piped frosting can look mighty good when you’re wandering aimlessly during a delay-induced stupor. What the heck, you’re on vacation…
This week at Rodeo Realty: Westside Newsletter Nov. 12th-18th
Click the image below to view our Westside Rodeo Realty weekly newsletter for Nov. 12th-18th, 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…”
Donut Bar
Location: 445 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101
Time: Mon-Fri /7am / Sat-Sun / 8am
The famed San Diego shop has recently opened its doors in Old Pasadena. Known for wild flavors and unique menu creations, Donut Bar brings you the most Instagrammable breakfast you can achieve at 7am in Pasadena. Featured on Ellen, Conan, and the Food Network, why not stop in for “The Worlds Most Award-Winning donut”
The Pan
Location: 57 E Holly St, Pasadena, CA 91103
Time: Mon, Wed-Fri /9am / Sat-Sun /8am/ Tues / Closed
While The Pan has already made waves in South Bay and their other L.A. locations, they also recently debuted in Pasadena. A casual comfort food spot, you’ll have your pick of great eats from pancakes to pizza and tasty sandwiches in between.
Gjelina
Location: 1429 Abbott Kinney Blvd., Venice, 90291
Time: Mon-Sat / 8a-12a / Sun 8a-11p
This Abbott Kinney hot spot is the perfect start to your day on the westside. We recommend avoiding peak times but promise Gjelina is worth the wait. With their one-of-a-kind dishes and impeccable ingredients, its no wonder it’s helmed as a Venice icon. Try the Moroccan Baked Eggs with Merguez Tomato Sauce and yogurt for a spice to your daily breakfast routine.
“Lunch, Brunch, 2nd Breakfast!”
Ippudo Ramen
Location: 1403 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Time: Mon-Sat / 11a and Varies
Word famous Ippudo Ramen has recently opened up shop in Santa Monica. Having made waves in NYC and SF, the Japanese staple is sure to be equally satisfying to the LA area. Try their Karakacchan-a shoyu base filled with a unique mix of ground pork, bold umami essences, and a medley of spices! Is it lunchtime yet?
Cloudy Garlic
Location: 2750 Colorado Blvd Ste 4, Los Angeles, CA 90041
Time: Mon-Sun / 11a-9p
If your a fan of all things garlic spiced or flavored don’t forget to pop a breath mint after lunch. But also, you should try Eagle Rocks trendy new sandwich shop The Cloudy Garlic. Offering up everything from garlic meatball rice bowls to Korean BBQ sandwiches, its the perfect combo of comfort and spice.
Baco Mercat
Location: 408 S. MAIN ST., Los Angeles CA 90013
Time: MON-THUR/ 11:30a-2:30p/ FRI-SAT 11:30a- 3p/ SUN 11:30a-3p
“Bäco Mercat were any more of the moment, it would be a Pinterest page devoted to Tumblrs of itself, so that restaurant and metarestaurant could devour one another”-Jonathan Gold
Described by the late Jonathan Gold as a menu that reads like “a graduate exam on culinary poststructuralism”, Baco Mercat is just that. An education in Euro-Asian and South American fusion, the DTLA eatery brims with flavor. They are best known for their creation, the Baco-a signature flatbread sandwich served with various meats and sauces of your choice. With a full menu inspired by flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean, north Africa, southern Europe, and Asia, sit down and enjoy!
“Whats for dinner?”
Heritage Beverly Hills
Location: 467 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Time: Mon / 11:00a– 6:00p / Tues-Sat / 11:00a– 11:00p(Special Event Times vary)
At the corner of Canon on the intersection of Santa Monica Blvd sits a hidden Parisian gem you might miss if your not in the know. Heritage Fine Wines labels itself as an organic fine wines shop and tasting lounge, and is anything but. From their John Legend pop-up(he legitimately pops in) shop to their Michelin Chef dinner engagements, you’ll wonder where its been all your life. While this can’t be your every evening dinner go-to, it is a soiree worth planning for. Catch Michelin Star Chef, Martin Simonart and his 5-course tasing menu this Saturday! Space is limited!!
The Nomad
Location: 649 South Olive & 7th Street, Los Angeles, 90014
Time: Sun – Thur / 5:30p – 9:30p / Fri – Sat / until 10pm
Culinary enthusiast will be familiar of the name The Nomad from its successful roots in NYC. The hotel brings new elegance to DTLA and the Chef Daniel Humm run restaurants bring award-winning cuisine to the city of stars. Guest can opt for more casual bites in The Lobby or venture to an elevated experience from the Mezzanine. Share the Roasted Chicken with Black Truffle and Brioche Stuffing paired perfectly alongside abby turnips and a crisp Belgian Brown Ale.
Here’s Looking at You
Location: 3901 W 6th St, LA, CA 90020
Time: Sun – Thur / 6p – 10p Fri – Sat / 6p – 11p
No not the Hollywood Classic film noire but the K-Town popular joint that serves up deliciously unpredictable cuisine. Here’s Looking at You serves up a diverse and vibrant blend of seasonally choice food touched by Pan-Asian influence. If the cocktails are swoon-worthy. Enjoy their Foie gras & unagi bowl with daikon, scallion, yolk, wasabi, and tobiko. Or the White corn ribs sautéed in poblano, cotija, and lime ending with a Cognac semifreddo drizzled in blueberry and caramelized white chocolate.
Weekend Events: Nov 16th-18th
With a new month comes new activities and events! Although November is already here and almost gone, there are still plenty of things to do this month. Therefore, here are some of the best events happening in and around Los Angeles that you should consider adding to your weekend calendar.
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 Nov. 16th-18th
Event highlights include a Chinese Lantern Festival, the Great Los Angeles Walk, and an Enchanted: Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens. So, make sure to grab your tickets now as these events are sure to sell out!
Friday, Nov. 16th
Chinese Lantern Festival
Location: The Fairplex at Pomona
This specially crafted multicultural event features more than 1,000 handcrafted pieces that create a plethora of beautiful color and light displays.
This year’s theme is “The Wild,” which will feature animals represented in lanterns from five different areas of the world, Oceania, Africa, Antartica, Asia, and America. The event will be held at from November 15 – January 16 at The Fairplex at Pomona from 5:30 – 10 p.m. on Thursday – Sundays, including holidays. For additional information, click HERE.
LA Zoo Lights
Location: Griffith Park
LA Zoo will be decorated in winter splendor during Zoo Lights. While the adult portion will feature a happy hour lounge and live entertainment, kids will get to enjoy Reindeer Village. How old were you when you found out Reindeer are real? If your answer is today years old, your welcome(if not congratulations on knowing your mammal species) and also your in luck. This holiday season you’ll find your antlered friends hanging out in Reindeer Village at Griffith Park. Along with Comet and Blitzen as the main attraction, the zoo will also be decked in bells of holly. Just Kidding. But it will feature a splendor of winter decor and sites for all to enjoy.
David Sedaris: New and Unpublished Work
Location: Royce Hall, UCLA Center for Performing Arts
Head down to Royce Hall at UCLA for a specially crafted intimate and engaging event with David Sedaris. The event, which takes place annually, sees the bestselling author reading newly written work that has not yet been packaged and published in a collection of essays or otherwise. The program is put on by UCLA’s Center for the Performing Arts. Sedaris’ first reading at the famous L.A. university happened on Nov. 6, 1998, making this a near-perfect 20th anniversary for the yearly visit. This event kicks off at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information, you can visit the link here.
Saturday Nov. 17th
Burbank Winter Wine Walk
Location: San Fernando Blvd, Burbank
Burbank’s Holiday Street Fair will take place November 17 at noon, but after 4 p.m., you and your 21+ friends can enjoy the Winter Wine Walk. The event gives you a complimentary tasting cup. Enjoy the multitude of wine and beer tasting spots around San Fernando Blvd. During your walk you can also enjoy the live entertainment, holiday lights, and even snowfall! For info on this event, click HERE.
The Great Los Angeles Walk
Location: Pershing Square, DTLA through Santa Monica
Grab your tennis shoes and participate in The Great Los Angeles Walk! The 13th annual event will be held November 17 and begins at 9 a.m. in Downtown at Pershing Square and goes all the way to the ocean by way of Santa Monica. To join in on the all-day strut, email greatlawalk@mail.com. No entry fee is necessary. To learn more on this event, visit this link: www.greatlawalk.com/
Long Beach Airport’s 2018 Festival of Flight
Location: Long Beach Airport, Long Beach
Enjoy a day of fun and airplanes at the Taxiway B at Long Beach Airport. The 2018 Festival of Flight is a celebration of flight with dozens of aircraft displays throughout the day. In addition to the aerial shows, attendees will also enjoy many activities such as helicopter tours, live entertainment, and kids activities. The event will take place Saturday, November 17 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and is completely free to attend. For more details, click HERE.
Sunday, Nov. 18th
Enchanted: Forest of Light
Location: Decanso Gardens, La Canada Flintridge
Experience a night filled with lights and scenery at Descanso Garden’s 2018 Forest of Light now through Jan. 6th. View the large displays taking over the park for a one-mile walk. Some of the new additions added this year include the neon-lit benches around the park, the Lightwave Lake, and the dining options that overlook the body of water. The Forest of Light will open daily from November 11 – January 6. For tickets and additional information, click HERE.
Toluca Lake Turkey Trot
Location: Chase Bank Parking Lot, 10050 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake, 91602
The Toluca Lake Homeowners Association invites you to The 6th Annual Toluca Lake Turkey Trot on Sunday, November 18, 2018. To participate, there is a $10 donation and all proceeds will be supporting the North Hollywood LAPD PAL (Police Activity League). Chaired by Ryan Kugler, this year’s event will prove to be fun for the entire family!
NY Mag’s Vulture Festival
Location: The Roosevelt Hotel, Hollywood
Do you have the E! News or TMZ app on your phone? Are you always in the know of who’s who and what’s what in Hollywood. Well our dear Pop Culture addicts, your in luck. This weekend features NY Mag’s Vulture Festival at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Come see all your favorites in music, TV, film and more in a two day festival extravaganza! This year’s participants include Constance Wu, Busy Philipps, Eric Bana, Connie Britton, Chloe Grace Moretz and more. Tickets can be purchased for each event here: http://vulturefestival.com/
Out and About: Brentwood Edition
Those most familiar with LA will know that there are few areas as affluent as Brentwood with it’s quaint shops and lush greenery, it’s no wonder it ranks as one of L.A.’s most idyllic neighborhoods. Amongst the perfectly tailored lawns and architectural masterpieces is a day full of art, culture, sites, and bites.
Take some time to step outside your neck of the woods…
In the morning hours…
Mornings are best spent starting off with a perfect caffe au lait, in Brentwood there is no shortage of options. Stop by Caffe Luxxe and get your morning pick-me up within the historic Brentwood Country Mart.
The eatery picks and roasts their own coffee giving new meaning to hand-crafted. Select from freshly baked delights courtesy of Red Rooster Bakery and be on your way.
After your AM charge, explore some of Brentwood’s architectural masterpieces for a light dose of dream home FOMO.
For afternoon reprieve…
Between the Hunt, Sturges, and Nesbitt house, you’ll have quite the day exploring these post-war artfully designed properties. A Paul R. Williams design, the Hunt Residence was built in 1921 with elements of the Regency Revival style. The George Sturges house, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built in 1939 features Wrights Usonian style.
After geeking out on home design of the retro times, venture off to see a different style of art at the Getty Center. A wonder on the scale of both culture, art, and design, the 24-acre Richard Meier designed campus boasts panoramic city views and renowned collections. Once you reach your afternoon craving stop point then have a seat in their lush garden for a midday picnic. The Getty Center boast exceptional dining options and a plethora of seating choices.
If one prefers to head back into town for their afternoon meal, the Farmshop is the perfect destination. Founded by Chef Jeff Cerciello, the eatery is a staple of the Brentwood Country Mart. With imaginative recipes and locally sourced ingredients, its the best afternoon pick me-up.
Your evening adventure…
Once, day turns to night, a show at the Skirball Cultural Center is almost a given. Just north of the Getty, the center explores heritage, culture and ideals through permanent collections, rotating exhibits, film screenings and live performances.
Finally, we recommend for your evening conclusion to dine as locals do, at Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne’s acclaimed Tavern. The destination restaurant features a tastefully prepared seasonal menu with a who’s who of patrons.
L.A. 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…”
Spring Place
Location: Beverly Hills
Chef Mirko Paderno has a new gig at the fancy culinary edition to the BH dining scene. There’s only one hook: It’s not open to the public. Spring Place restaurant is part of a private co-working/art community of the same name (sort of like a Soho House) which recently debuted it’s west coast outpost in 90210. The cuisine will offer the same rustic Italian cuisine those familiar with Chef Paderno are used to(think Estrella). Still, the place is rather upscale with some 200 seats indoor and out, so apply for membership and call it your new business go-to.
Little Ruby
Location: Santa Monica
Breezy Australian import Little Ruby has all the friendly vibes that makes it a morning meal go-to. Thankfully it serves “brekkie” daily, which means the restaurant’s airy ricotta hotcakes layered with honeycomb-inflected butter and fresh bananas can be had on the regular.
Destroyer
Location: Culver City
Destroyer, whose name references a comet, is a tiny, 16-seat breakfast and lunch space in the Hayden Tract, an industrial zone turned design district known mostly for its experimental architecture. The café is counter service only, with a menu that changes daily. For breakfast you might have a slice of Icelandic rye with cultured butter and preserves, or a bowl of oatmeal — which looks more like a Scandinavian snow globe than a bowl of porridge — studded with wild foraged currants and topped with a frozen disc of skyr.
“Brunch, Lunch, 2nd breakfast?!”
Uovo
Location: Santa Monica
This reasonably priced pasta destination in Santa Monica takes a lot of inspiration from Italy’s greatest restaurants and puts them in a casual, bar-like setting. Using pasta hand made by artisans in Italy then flown in weekly, Uovo serves tonnarelli al arrabiata, tortellini in brodo, and ragu around $16 to $18 a serving when they can go for nearly twice as much in other restaurants.
Mizlala
Location: Sherman Oaks
Sherman Oaks option Mizlala has taken the Valley lunch scene by storm. Owners Danny and Justine Elmaleh are turning out Middle Eastern fare that competes with the best that LA has to offer, and all from one very colorful space.
Hasiba
Location: Los Angeles
Right in the heart of Pico-Robertson’s predominantly Jewish neighborhood, the Lodge Bread team has opened up Hasiba, an Israeli cafe with hummus, pita sandwiches, and more, in a casual, reasonably priced storefront. Everything’s vegetarian too, with a few vegan options as well, which makes it a great pick for those avoiding meat.
“Whats for Dinner?”
Michael’s
Location: Santa Monica
Chef Miles Thompson is steering a pretty big boat these days with Michael’s in Santa Monica. The long-standing restaurant has been in the hit-making business for decades, helping to launch the career of countless well-known chefs, but it’s all now in the hands of the eager wunderkind who navigates between classic menu items like foie gras and all-new interpretations like hamachi collar with fish-sauce caramel. Add in the gorgeous leafy patio, the always eclectic crowd, and the fun-loving Michael McCarty himself working the room, and it’s smooth sailing at one of LA’s most iconic restaurants.
n/naka
Location: Los Angeles
Niki Nakayama’s phenomenal California-Japanese kaiseki might possibly be the most impressive restaurant to visit in Los Angeles. If the Michelin Guide were still rating in LA, n/naka would be a strong contender for three stars. The hidden-in-plain-sight building in Palms hosts one of the warmest, loveliest dining rooms, with fantastic wine pairings and pristine seafood prepared with a master’s touch. Reservations required, often weeks in advance.
Shaanxi Garden
Location: San Gabriel
There are so many phenomenal restaurants in San Gabriel Valley, but this one has a great mix of hand pulled noodles, stir-fried specialties, and regional Shaanxi favorites with plenty of space to bring a crowd. Order the biang-biang noodles, lamb “burgers”, and more.
Out and About: Pacific Palisades
Over the hill and through the woods to Pacific Palisades we go! Heading down Sunset and past Brentwood, you’ll find this hillside-oceanview neighborhood abundant in luxury homes nestled perfectly into the bluffs. From stunning estates to the Getty Villa and Will Rogers State Park, why not make a day of it in L.A.’s westside escape.
In the morning hours
What better way to start your morning then amongst the art found at Getty Villa. Based on the remains of Villa Dei Papiri in Herculaneum, the faux villa is the home of J. Paul Getty’s Mediterranean antiquities. Hours could pass as you tour through roughly 1,200 artifacts on display at any one time.
If your historical interest is peaked then head to the next famed abode, Eames House. Designed by couple Charles and Ray Eames, it stands as one of Southern California’s most beloved examples of modernist design. The Pacific Palisades abode stuns with its Mondrian-style color-block exterior and environmentally-sensitive siting.
If you’ve had your fill on architecture and art, fresh air should do the trick by making your way to Will Rogers State Historic Park. The grounds originally served as the former home of writer and first honorary mayor of Beverly Hills-Will Rogers. Maintained as it was in the 1930s, the 186-acre park is a destination spot for ocean views, polo matches, and horseback riding lessons if your feeling indulgent.
For a midday reprieve
By the time the afternoon hits, famished is an understatement. Make your way to the new Pacific Palisades Village for a range of dining options to appease your midday cravings.
General Porpoise is L.A.’s first concept from James Beard Award-winning chef Renee Erickson. The famed Seatle doughnut shop brings L.A. rows and rows of sugar-coated goodness freshly baked daily.
Blue Ribbon’s first take on the sports bar fits cozily into one end of the Palisades Village complex at Hank’s. With the eatery brings flat-screen TVs, beers, cocktails and some serious burgers to the neighborhood.
Before you leave be sure to check out the shops as the village also includes first time L.A. flagships from Rachel Zoe and Jennifer Meyer Jewelry.
If you prefer to grab a bite a bit closer to the cliffs then Gladstone’s will serve as your landmark destination. Situated where Sunset Boulevard meets the Pacific Coast Highway, it’s become a place of Southern California legend. Gladstones offers a menu plucked from the very ocean it overlooks, serving modern renditions of classic dishes.
Evening fete
With what is likely a day of bites, sites, shopping, and Palisades fun, your evening should be spent somewhat scaled down. On the weekend catch a stage performance at Theatre Palisades. While the 2018 season comes to a close with E.P. Dowdall’s Parfumerie holding the spotlight through December, the 2019 season is sure to wow.
If your looking for your nighttime feast, indulge at Il Ristorate di Giorgio Baldi. This Pacific Coast Highway-facing trattoria has welcomed everyone from Tom Hanks to Tom Cruise. Once you’ve sampled the kitchen’s fresh pastsa dishes like the agnolotti with corn and white truffle sauce, you’ll understand why.
For after dinner drinks we recommend anchoring down at Shore Bar, a cape cod inspired craft cocktail favorite for Palisades locals. Swim through a sea of sophisticated cocktails, designed by Master Mixologist Vincenzo Marianella of Copa D’ Ora.
Whether you spent your day indulging in one destination or the other, there is no doubt that the Pacific Palisades serves as the perfect Oceanside spot to escape the city’s hustle and bustle.
Thanksgiving to-go
Thanksgiving to-go? We aren’t talking about featured bites on Grub-Hub. This curated list of LA restaurants offering an entire feast to your door will save you time on learning how to bast a Turkey and more time avoiding awkward family questions. Hang up your apron and call ahead because these birds are flying fast(last corny joke of the year…maybe).
The Belvedere
Beverly Hills
This fall, The Belvedere’s iconic Thanksgiving at Home is back by popular demand. Offering complete reprieve from the kitchen, the family-style feast will feature three hearty courses and a bottle of Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne. Created by Executive Chef David Codney, the plentiful spread combines Thanksgiving classics, such as a 12 lb. Roasted Free-Range Natural Turkey, with Belvedere favorites like the Charred Caesar Salad and a Whole Baked Pumpkin Pie with our House-made Vanilla Ice Cream.
Price: $390 for 4 guests
Order by: November 19th
Pick up: November 23, at Valet 11:30am-4pm
Barrel & Ashes
Studio City
This Studio City BBQ outpost is going full-on comfort food for this year’s Thanksgiving menu, offering the full spread à la carte and brimming with hearty classics. Opt for an entire smoked turkey, then fill your table with hoe-cake stuffing, green bean casserole, mac and cheese, candied sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and more, for an indulgent and smoky Southern feast.
Price: whole turkey, $80; sides, $10-$45; whole pumpkin pie or apple crisp, $35
Order by: November 22 at noon
Pick-up: November 23, noon-2pm
Belcampo
Santa Monica
Leave it to a restaurant with its heart in the butcher shop to do Thanksgiving right. Belcampo’s Luxegiving is one of this year’s most decadent options, with a full spread for up to 14 people and a bottle of champagne. Begin with a Belcampo-made charcuterie board, then proceed to a menu of butternut squash soup; kale salad; a roasted 22-to-26-pound Belcampo Farms turkey; truffled mashed potatoes; mustard-and-whiskey-braised Brussels sprouts with guanciale; green bean casserole with a trumpet mushroom Béchamel; and both a pumpkin pie and caramel apple pie, among other dishes.
Price: $899
Order by: November 13 by 5pm
Pick-up: November 23, by around noon, at Belcampo in either Santa Monica or Larkspur. DoorDash delivery is available in select zipcodes within 15 miles of either location.
Got Kosher?
Westside
Put an entirely kosher and dairy-free meal on the table with a little help from Fairfax’s Got Kosher? This Tunisian and Moroccan restaurant is preparing a prixe-fixe meal that includes salt-roasted turkey with rosemary pan gravy; cranberry sauce with orange, almonds and dates; spinach gratin; roasted vegetables; pretzel rolls; apple, pecan and cranberry cornbread stuffing; and three choices of dessert. There are even plant-based alternatives to the turkey, which makes this a killer vegan option, to boot.
Price: $40 per person
Order by: November 20 at 5pm
Pick-up: 10am-1pm
Culver City
The Culver City BBQ restaurant will be offering whole wood-smoked, all-natural, free-range, antibiotic-free turkeys in three sizes, so you’re covered no matter your party size. And hey, if you order the largerst—a 17-to-18-pound bird—you’ll probably have some for Thanksgiving leftover sandwiches the next day. Score. Don’t neglect the bevy of sides. Think: cornbread-and-sausage stuffing; buttermilk biscuits with whipped honey butter; roasted root vegetables; braised greens; and of course the dessert, chocolate bread pudding.
Price: turkey, 12-14 pounds, $217; turkey, 15-16 pounds, $252; turkey, 17-18 pounds, $276; sides, $14.50-$90; dessert, $45-$90
Order by: November 15
Pick-up: November 23, noon-3pm
Wexler’s Deli
Downtown Historic Core
Wexler’s Deli usually serves hefty pastrami sandwiches and bagels with lox, be it in Grand Central Market, Santa Monica or Century City, but this Thanksgiving, they’re offering an entire 10-to-12-person dinner that includes an entire smoked turkey, challah stuffing, gravy, salad, squash soup and cheesy pull-apart rolls.
Price: Smoked bird Thanksgiving Dinner, $350; whole-pie add-on, $40
Order by: November 19, call 424-744-8671, ext. 1
Pick-up: Available for delivery or Santa Monica pick-up on November 23
WOLF
Melrose
Marcel Vigneron’s thoughtful and hyper-seasonal dishes are getting ready to land on your home table. Choose the more traditional brined-and-spatchcocked turkey with mashed potatoes and gravy, or swim upstream and opt for the salmon with cauliflower cream and romanesco. Either way, you’ll also enjoy kale salad, squash soup, cranberry sauce, chestnut stuffing and roasted root vegetables, and to top it all off, a pumpkin-and-banana bundt cake.
Price: dinner for 2, $250; dinner for 4, $300; dinner for 6, $450
Order by: November 19 by 9pm
Pick-up: November 22, noon-5pm or November 23, noon-3pm
Lawry’s the Prime Rib
Beverly Hills
This year, why limit yourself to turkey? Prime-rib and spice institution Lawry’s is giving you the best of both worlds with full Thanksgiving feasts that have a little something for all. Opt for turkey or prime rib, whether you’re buying your mains à la carte or as part of a family-style meal. Then add your sides, including the options of Yorkshire pudding batter, extra jus, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, whipped horseradish, creamed corn, cranberry sauce and cornbread stuffing.
Price: Family-style turkey dinner, 10-12, $255; family-style prime-rib dinner, six-eight, $300; family-style prime-rib dinner, 12-15, $495; sides $3-$20; whole pie, $25
Order by: November 21 at noon
Pick-up: November 23, 11am-4pm
Courtesy of TimeOut LA
Best places for Thanksgiving Dinner in L.A.
Alright, so your no Curtis Stone in the kitchen and thats ok. With Thanksgiving creeping up sooner than Holiday songs on the radio, we’ve rounded up your go-to “go out” options to spare you the culinary turmoil. So put the deep fryer back in storage and ditch your Mom’s famous stuffing recipe for Thanksgiving the L.A. way.
Akasha
Culver City
This Thanksgiving-Akaska in Culver City is dishing out their take on modern California inspired fair. The menu is pre-fixe and full of items like the persimmon-and-pomegranate salad, gluten-free cornbread and herb-roasted organic turkey. In the mood for dessert, enjoy an entire “pie buffet”. Need we say more? Reservations are from 1-8pm and prices are listed as $80 for Adults; $35 for Children (10 and under).
Polo Lounge
Beverly Hills
Nothing is more quintessential Beverly Hills then the Polo Lounge and Thanksgiving in the Pink Palace is nothing short of luxury. Also offering a pre-fixe menu selection(like most restaurants in L.A. on a holiday), the pairings do not disappointment. Opt for the traditional Turkey-organic of course-or take a chance with something outside the box, there menu always pleases. And be sure to save room for dessert as the Sweets buffet will be serving a range of customer confectionaries courtesy of their in-house pastry team. Their Brunch will be hosted 11am-3pm with dinner commencing at 5pm-8pm, with the fixed menu priced at $175 per Adult, $60 per Child.
Bourbon Steak
Glendale
If Glendale is your local, Bourbon Steak is your destination this Turkey Day. Their three-course dinner will feature traditional-roasted heritage turkey with sage stuffing and cranberry compote. Or opt for the exotic like pan-seared scallops with roasted cauliflower and tamarind brown butter. Not feeling the bird, there’s also an 18-ounce dry-aged, bone-in ribeye. If that catches your feasting eye, reservations are available from 2-8pm at $75 with wine pairings available at an additional cost.
Craft
Century City
Tom Colicchio’s acclaimed restaurant rings in the day of thanks with family-style starters like their pork belly with butternut squash and sage, and entrees like braised lamb, fish and pasta. Share a range of family-style sides such as sausage-and-raisen stuffing and Brussels sprouts. Lastly is of course a premium selection of Fall-inspired desserts, artfully whipped up by pastry chef Shannon Swindle. Reservations are available 1-8pm with menu pricing offered Ala Carte.
Crossroads Kitchen
Melrose
For the none Turkey-Eaters (and just non-meat eaters in general), Crossroads is a perfect plant based option. While the idea of such may seem oft for this particular Holiday, Crossroads is a cut above the rest in offering dishes that beguile its patrons as to wether or not its just plants. This year’s menu is four courses of autumn-appropriate dishes like butternut squash bisque with nutmeg creme fraiche; spiced chickpea cake with cranberry cabernet sauce, and mashed potatoes with porcini gravy. Stimulate your dessert senses with delights like their pumpkin mousse verrine. Hours for the evening are noon-5pm with the menu priced at $75 pp.
Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant
Hollywood
You didn’t think we’d mention the famed chef with out spotlighting his holiday menu? Chef Curtis Stone’s Hollywood outpost-Gwen already amazes with decadent classic fare every day of the week and the Thanksgiving Menu holds to that tradition. Dishes like the white onion veloute pair perfectly with traditional heritage turkey and his green bean casserole. Finish off the evening with a selection of perfectly prepared pies and your absolutely acceptable 4th glass of wine. This festive fete is offered 2-6pm at $75 pp.
Cecconi’s
Melrose
Your possibly thinking, Italian for dinner how strange? While the famed West Hollywood eatery dishes out the best southern Italian fare in the L.A. area, their thanksgiving feast is every bit as traditional as you would hope and savor over. Served family style, the courses provide the same familiar heartiness found in their comfort dishes mixed into America’s favorite cuisine. Indulge on porcini corn bread stuffing, squash tortellini and truffle mashed potatoes, as well as a selection of seasonal sweets including apple-pecan crostata. Thanksgiving with an Italian touch is served at $95 pp from noon-10pm.
Cafe Pinot
DTLA
This California-French restaurant with a gorgeous, tree-dotted patio will be serving your choice of a three- or four-course prix-fixe dinner with both traditional fare and a few brow-raising dishes, to boot. Find sliced turkey breast with heirloom cauliflower and mole; sunchoke soup with a red wine and shallot jam; and filet mignon au poivre. Finish with pumpkin mousse or an apple crumble to really get into the fall spirit. Dinner is served 2-8pm, with a $70 per three-course meal, $90 per four-course meal; and $29 per child 10 and under.
Playa Provisions
Playa del Rey
Take Turkey to the beach at Playa Provisions, which is offering a downright steal of a meal: just $38 to feast on roast turkey or honey mustard ham, plus a variety of sides, including chicory salad, roasted acorn squash and cranberry sauce. Finish with a selection of seasonal desserts including but not limited to pumpkin pie and cran-apple pie. This is a highly kid-friendly option, but if you’re looking for something a bit more adult, round the corner to Playa Provisions’ whiskey bar, Grain, which will be offering à la carte holiday specials in liquid form. Satisfy your turkey cravings from3-8pm at $38 per adult, $20 per child.
Saddle Peak Lodge
Calabasas
anana-huckleberry bread pudding. Start off the day from noon-8pm, with the menu priced at $105 per adult, $65 per child 12 and under.
Tavern
Brentwood
Suzanne Goin, Caroline Styne and chef de cuisine Joel Walsh are bringing a little something for everyone to their Thanksgiving table, with options for omnivores, vegetarians and vegans alike. Settle in for a three-course meal that offers herb-roasted organic turkey breast and stuffed leg with mashed potatoes, gravy, Brussels sprouts with pancetta and thyme, cranberry sauce with mint and orange, sweet potatoes with sherry, and sourdough stuffing with turkey sausage. There’s even the “vegan thanksgiving extravaganza” option, which offers sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, fingerling potatoes, Italian broccoli and Suzanne’s stuffing and wild-mushroom persillade. Your day at the Tavern starts serving 1-8pm, with pre-fixe at $95 per adult; $45 per child 10 and under; free for children four and under.
Catch
Santa Monica
Enjoy your Turkey Day seaside at Catch in the Hotel del Mar, because chef Gemma Grayis whipping up all the classics and even a few contemporary plates right at the beach. Look for a prix-fixe involving slow-roasted organic turkey with apple and chestnut stuffing, as well as roasted cauliflower pie with wild mushrooms, and Japanese snapper crudo with pumpkin vinaigrette. Spend the day seaside from 11am-10pm at $110 pp.