But, spur of the moment decisions, quick-thinking, clutch plays–that’s your specialty.

So allow us to introduce your new go-to drinking/dining spot: The Bazaar by Jose Andres, now in soft-open mode. Tucked away in Beverly Hills’ SLS hotel, Chef Jose Andres’ newest creation brings a whole new meaning to global fare. Stimulating, gauzy curtains cut the space into three separate alcoves distinguished by unique menus and coordinating decor. Your menu follows your tastebuds from room to room, but generally starts at Bar Centro where cocktails are served like science experiments - think Dirty Martinis with spherified olives and brine “air”. Complement your drinks with something from the caviar menu or the raw bar.

For heartier fare, start a tab at Rojo y Blanca. Kick things off with a Paprika and Garlic Chorizo or sink your teeth into Lomo de Buey a la Parrilla con Piquillos Confitados: a seared NY Strip with a side of piquillo pepper confit, or Galician-style Lobster Medallions with Fingerling Potatoes. Find time and an appetite for The Patisserie. Here, cakes and confections rule supreme. For the adventurous, try the Saffron Gumdrops or Pop Rock-studded Chocolate Bon Bons.

We hear Saam, the restaurant’s exclusive, 40-seat private dining room, is still in the works but there’s still enough here to satisfy every craving.

May the best meal win.


The Bazaar by Jose Andres at SLS Hotel
465 S. La Cienega Boulevard, Beverly Hills
Tel: (310) 246-5555
thebazaar.com

When one legendary bamboo door closes, you wait a few decades and open… Luau.

Filling a tiki void left by the dearly departed original Trader Vic’s in Beverly Hills, Luau is set to debut this Friday in all its Polynesian paradise glory. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by a centerpiece chandelier made of 33 puffer fish lanterns, Easter Island head accents (of course), and bamboo-cane, high-back chairs.

But never mind the upscale tiki décor, everyone knows it’s all about the cocktails. And thanks to mixologist Jeff Berry (who has spent a decade decoding top-secret ingredients of the much-guarded legendary concoctions), tiki fans will be able to revisit rum classics like the BoLo, made with fresh pineapple juice and rum, and served in a hollowed pineapple.

Or do like the Islanders do and take in a Luau Coconut, a decadent mix of fresh juices, coconut milk and rum, served in a young coconut shell.

Possibly the best drinks umbrellas could hope for…


To see more pictures of Luau, click here.


Luau opens to the public on Friday.


Luau
369 N. Bedford Drive (off Brighton Way), Beverly Hills
Tel: (310) 274-0090

Everyone knows this town loves a comeback.

And everyone in this town loves comfort food. It’s time for two loves to meet… introducing the all-new Cole’s. If you’re a fan of history, you might already know about the restaurant’s storied past: housed in the historic Pacific Electric Building, Cole’s is L.A.’s oldest operating restaurant and saloon at 100 years old. You can thank Cole’s for creating both the French Dip Sandwich and L.A.’s first check-cashing operation.

The new Cole’s, brought to you by nightlife impresario Cedd Moses, has been handsomely restored. Grab a seat at the original 40-foot mahogany bar and indulge yourself in consulting chef Neal Fraser’s menu of slow-cooked, carved meats served au jus, a choice of artisanal cheeses, and of course, Cole’s custom mustards. Wash down all that goodness with something from the restaurant’s extensive wine, spirits, and beer menu.

And like all Cedd Moses projects, expect well-crafted cocktails and perfect ambiance.

The rest… is history.


Cole’s soft opens at the end of October, and makes it’s grand debut at the November 16th Centennial Festivities.


Cole’s Restaurant & Saloon
118 E. 6th Street, Downtown L.A.
No phone yet
213downtown.la

It’s good to be a celeb.

Just ask Kevin Connolly, Entourage star and proud new co-owner of Cristoni Pizzeria in WeHo. We hear Kevin’s always had a thing for pizza and Italian food (good man). Apparently, so have his partners; L.A. Clippers star, Cuttino Mobley, Sam Cassell of the Celtics, and Tony Riviera of Caffe Primo (located right across the Boulevard). Together they’re rolling out classic, Neapolitan style pies using the methods of an old-school Pizzaolo (trained in Naples). Have a traditional slice or a Sicilian when you’re pizza crave hits.

And if when you want something bigger to nurse that weekend hangover of yours, go for the meatball parmigiana hero - a perfect union of fresh, crispy bread, meatballs, sauce, and imported mozzarella.

And… Action!


Cristoni Pizzeria
8539 W. Sunset Blvd, Unit 7 (off Alta Loma), West Hollywood
Tel: (310) 657-8931

And doughnuts, well, who doesn’t love doughnuts?

Put them together and you can’t lose. Indulge your new, guilty pleasure at the just-opened Nickel Diner on Main Street. Brought to you by Monica May (the chef) and Kristen Trattner (the impresario), Nickel Diner is Downtown comfort food at its best. Right now they’re focusing on breakfast and lunch (you know, soft-open), which means you’ll be focusing on Doughnuts with Maple Glazed Bacon Bits and a very greasy (in a good way) Hangover Helper: a perfect, post-revelry combination of bacon, scrambled eggs, Italian sausage, potatoes, pepperjack cheese, avocado and salsa.

And if you’re looking for lunchtime fuel, go for the Poblano Burger, served with a side of crispy shoestring fries, or Spicy Pulled Pork with onion rings.

Save room for the Giant Oreo.


Get a taste of Nickel Diner at 5cdiner.com.


The Nickel Diner
524 S. Main Street, Los Angeles
Open: Wednesday - Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
5cdiner.com

Congratulations on your new Apple Restaurant & Lounge. While you were running around cheffing the kitchen, we were busy studying your exciting menu of contemporary American cuisine. We gotta admit: it all sounds incredible!

I mean, Triple Seared Blue Fin Tuna Sashimi with Hearts of Palm, Spicy Basil Ice Cream, and Ginger-Dusted Crispy Rice. How can anyone say “no” to that? Or the most decadent interpretation of corn chowder ever: Organic Yellow Corn Soup with Lemon-Verbena-Marinated Maine Lobster, Chive Flowers, and Black Pepper Beignets.

Simply amazing. But then, we should have expected that from you. You have, after all, worked your culinary magic at your dad’s Michelin-rated restaurant, Bradley Ogden at Caesars Palace.

And now, you’re finally debuting your own eatery in West Hollywood (which by the way, looks pretty hot).

Consider us fans!

And don’t forget about us next year when your Apple also gets Michelin-rated.


Apple Restaurant & Lounge is in “soft-open” mode, and opens to the public soon.


Apple Restaurant & Lounge
665 North Robertson Blvd. (at Santa Monica Blvd.), West Hollywood
Tel: (310) 358-9191
applerestaurantlounge.com

You could get used to this kind of innovative Pan-Asian and Japanese cuisine.

And you will, at the just-opened Origami Bistro & Bar in Downtown Los Angeles. A haven for steak lovers and fresh sushi fanatics alike, Origami’s newest location (their other, well-known eatery is in Valencia) is perfect for your next night out. Settle in and try a little toro, some tempura, and move up to a selection of rolls, sashimi, or a tender Kobe filet mignon.

Pair your meal with one of twelve signature martinis, like the Wedding Cake Martini, a sweet, liquid version of… yes, wedding cake.

Girls love it.

All the more reason to check this place out.


Preview the menu and pictures of the Valencia location at origamibistro.com.


Origami Bistro & Bar
257 S. Spring Street, #101
Tel: (213) 687-8606
origamibistro.com

You want heat, you want cool, you want sultry nights on a starlit rooftop.

All accompanied by convivial types and perfect cocktails.

And now you can get everything you want at Rush Street, the latest addition to the hot Culver City scene, opening this Saturday. The stylish, modern space - think exposed brick, dark leather, contemporary art, and a sleek, sexy 35-foot concrete bar - has a sidewalk patio, and the only rooftop space in Culver City. “Upstairs at Rush Street,” you’ll find a separate bar in the music-driven lounge, and even a private room for those VIP evenings of yours.

Executive Chef Dave Northrup (Deep, Vine and Flints) plans to entice you and heat up your night with innovative bar food that puts a delicious spin on his classic French culinary training.

Plates like Buffalo Chicken Dumplings with blue cheese and fried shallot dressing, Lobster Thermador Ravioli, or signature Brick Oven Pizzas are perfect for sharing.

How handy.


Rush Street
9546 Washington Blvd, Culver City
Tel: (310) 837-9546
rushstreetculvercity.com

As far as you’re concerned, the right time for a fiesta is pretty much any time.

Like, for example, right now. And that’s exactly why you’ll be heading over to the new Loteria Grill Hollywood, opening today.

You already know that Loteria in the Original Farmer’s Market serves up some of the most interesting and tasty tacos around. Loteria Hollywood will offer all your favorites– like the addictive Nopalitos Salad, the thrillingly complex Mole, the Pollo en Pipian Rojo, and all the other house-made regional Mexican stews (Guisos). Plus Chef/Owner Jimmy Shaw says he’s taking his menu even deeper. So you can expect even more unexpected deliciousness.

On top of all that, the bright new space is sleeked up, all hot and cool at the same time. And it has a full bar to satisfy your need for liquid refreshment to wash down all that spicy goodness.

Viva la fiesta.


Loteria Grill Hollywood
6627 Hollywood Boulevard (off North Cherokee Avenue), Hollywood
Tel: (323) 465-2500
loteriagrill.com

And if it’s fresh, sexy and delicious, you’re there. That’s why you’re headed to Paperfish tonight.

Located in the former Maple Drive space, the undulating, Clive Wilkinson-designed interiors features crisp whites and grays with bursts of juicy orange and racy red - with not a right angle to be found.

For Summer’s birthday, Executive Chef Kevin Meehan (Bastide, L’Orangerie, Citrin, Patina) is turning up the heat with a hot, new seasonal menu. Don’t miss his whole market fish selection, offered with a dynamic array of sauces and accompaniments. Or indulge in the Jumbo Lump Maryland Blue Crab Cake, with cauliflower puree and grape ragout. Cool down with the Maine Diver Sea Scallop Ceviche with cilantro mouse, avocado and cucumber gelée, presented in translucent paper buttoned with chopsticks.

All that stimulation overwhelming? Finish with raw with oysters on the half-shell, tarted up by Meyer lemon mignonette.

Now that’s fresh.


Paperfish
345 North Maple Drive, Beverly Hills
Tel: (310) 858-6030
patinagroup.com/paperfish