Melody Nazarian | January 5, 2012 6:45 amIs it me or is Hollywood getting hot again? Judging by wave of openings there — The Writers Room, Komida, Fukuburger, Papilles, and now Franklin & Company Local Tavern (5923 Franklin Ave., 323-463-1552) — it seems like it's on its path back to popularity. The latest debut is a cozy gastropub with specialty cocktails, and a sophisticated American menu (minus the high-brow price tag) makes it just the perfect place to fulfill your make-new-friends resolution.Read More
Melody Nazarian | December 30, 2011 6:40 pm2011 was not a low-key year for Sam Nazarian and his entertainment company, SBE. Judging from all the openings all over LA — Papaya King, The Sayers Club, Greystone Manor, The Library — and parties, it's hard to imagine when they found time to sleep. In honor of all the hot spots Sam and his crew gave us Angelenos, here's a roundup of the year's top SBE openings and happenings.Read More
Melody Nazarian | December 28, 2011 1:48 pmRight now you're probably so focused on your New Year's Eve plans — the hair, makeup, outfit, the works — that you can't really think beyond that just yet. But once all the confetti has fallen and the sequined frock has come off, what are you going to do next? First you need to nurse that annoying hangover with a juicy burger and perhaps a few beermosas.Read More
Melody Nazarian | December 27, 2011 9:48 amThey've got burgers down pat, and now the Umami Restaurant Group is getting down to business with pizzas. But not just any old pizzas; classic Neapolitan slices like the ones they made in Italy back in the day. With the debut of 800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria (10889 Lindbrook Blvd., 424-239-5010) next Tuesday, Jan.Read More
Melody Nazarian | December 20, 2011 6:44 amIt's almost game time and you still have a few holiday gifts to get out of the way. Don't panic; instead, hit up some of LA's coolest celeb hangouts to pick up gift cards. True, gift cards can be a tad impersonal, but I highly doubt your giftees will mind once they realize they're getting a free meal at LA's coolest restaurants or a free mani/pedi at celeb-favorite salons.Read More
Melody Nazarian | December 16, 2011 11:00 amIt's the weekend before Christmas, and there are tons of things you still need to do. Like, get on those last-minute holiday gifts if you haven't already. For that, there are plenty of amazing sample sales going on this weekend from the likes of Rebecca Minkoff and CC Skye to Glamhouse and Junior Drake.Read More
Melody Nazarian | December 15, 2011 10:05 amHollywood is filled with happening drinking and dancing spots, but what it's lacking is a cute bistro for those days when all you want to do is perch prettily, nurse a glass of wine, and indulge in a fresh meal without all the noise. Say bonjour to Papilles (6221 Franklin Ave., 323-871-2026). It's inspired by Parisian bistros and the French bistronomique movement, keeps its menu tight and simple, uses only locally sourced ingredients, and offers lots of sip-worthy wine.Read More
Melody Nazarian | December 13, 2011 1:20 pmHow are those holiday gifts coming along? Take a quick break and indulge in special holiday feasts, then start making plans for New Year's Eve. I have a good list of happenings here for you.Read More
Melody Nazarian | December 12, 2011 11:45 amOne thing Los Angeles wasn't short on in 2011 was restaurant openings. Blink and you'd almost miss a new spot popping up from downtown to West Hollywood to Santa Monica and beyond. Everything from rooftop eateries with sweeping views to innovative burger joints to casual market-style spots to Michael Voltaggio's highly anticipated Ink burst onto the food scene this year, and are continuing to feed many.Read More
Melody Nazarian | December 7, 2011 7:27 amWhen I found out it's National Cotton Candy Day today, two thoughts came to mind: first, "there are some strange food holidays out there," then "why am I complaining?" Cotton candy is one of those things that's always fun to eat, especially at theme parks, but not a lot of people go out of their way to get it. Well, to try these five uniquely yummy cotton candy desserts, you don't have to drive too far.Read More