Parents' 1st LA visit

My parents are coming from Chicago to visit and I just need names of a couple good dinner spots to take them to. They'll be staying near the Grove, so I know there are many restaurants in the area, but willing to take them to other areas. I was thinking maybe AOC and maybe a good sushi joint. Kindof what to take them to a place that is unqiue to LA. Thanks for the help.

While I see he has expanded in recent years, I always remember my visits to Duke's in Malibu. The Mai Tais are good, as are the crab cakes and the view cannot be beat. Kind of a Bob Chinn's with cool surfing memorabilia. And you can point out celebrity homes on the way


Duke's

I don't know much about Los Angeles, but since you haven't gotten much more feedback, I'll point out that there are actually a lot of threads here dedicated to various LA restaurants.

We know that LTH's own search mechanism often leaves some to be desired, but a Google search of LTH comes up with plenty of info.

Good luck...

2Utah2 wrote:They'll be staying near the Grove,

2Utah2,

It would help if you were more specific as to where, and what, the Grove is in LA.

A.O.C. is a good choice, as is it's sister restaurant Lucques. The Farmers Market is a must-do.

Enjoy,
Gary

I was just in L.A. a few weeks ago, and I have a few recs.

Near the Grove, Cobras and Matadors. Nice, small, BYOB tapas place doing spot-on small plates. Definitely make a reservation. It's a trendy spot, but I didn't catch a whiff of attitude--rare in those parts. Highly recommend the lamb chops (lollipops?) and the toasted lentil dish (not something I would normally order, but a friend insisted, and it was delicious). There's a wine store next door (run by the same folks) so finding something to drink with dinner isn't difficult. I would advise staying away from the rose/pink wine. Blech.

Not too far away (Miracle Mile), the Lodge Steakhouse. If your parents are meat-eaters, this place serves great (if spendy) cuts, and the setting is something else: sort of a ski lodge/outdoorsy vibe. Even if you don't eat dinner there, it's worth a trip to the bar for a cocktail and bacon. Yes, you read it right. They serve thick, peppery bacon instead of stale pretzels or peanuts at the bar.

If your parents do a drive up the coast, forget Duke's (sorry kafein...nothing personal.) The place is a zoo. For excellent seafood, tell 'em to go a little further up the PCH to Malibu Seafood. It's a lovely drive (depending on the time and day) and the seafood is incredible. Recommend: fish tacos, steamed clams. (Don't recommend: ceviche--it was too tomato-y, but the fish was good.)

In Santa Monica: stay away from The Ivy. An absolute rip-off. I've never spent so much money on mediocre fried chicken. Chaya Venice was surprisingly awesome. It's been there forever, and the food (sushi/seafood) was outstanding.

For Korean bbq (thanks to TonyC), Soowon Galbi--outstanding meat, coal fire and really nice staff. TonyC is a good person to contact for the psycho foodie, obscure places.

Cobras and Matadors
7615 W Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Phone: (323) 932-6178

The Lodge
14 N La Cienega Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Phone: (310) 854-0024

Malibu Seafood
25653 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265-4550
Phone: (310) 456-3430

Soo Won Galbi
856 S Vermont Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90005
Phone: (213) 365-9292