481650 Mon Jan 21 15:07:52 -0800 2008 7 2 Los Angeles Area 0 3318003 We are a group of retirees who meet once a month for an early Sunday dinner. The group started in OC, but it is difficult for the new folks from Chatsworth and Pasadena to always drive that distance. Do any of you have suggestions for a place inbetween? A few are not adventurous eaters. One can't tolerate spicy. We need a quiet place because we are all becoming increasingly hard of hearing. Sigh. Do you have any ideas for us? Mon Jan 21 15:07:52 -0800 2008 74886 ScipioMom 1 3318461 My first thoughts are Redondo Beach, which is about halfway between Chatsworth and Costa Mesa, and downtown LA, which is almost halfway between Chatsworth and Costa Mesa (but very close to Pasadena). There is a place called Pete's in downtown LA. I've been there once, and it is a decent meeting spot, altough it gets mixed reviews here. They have things like burgers, buffalo wings, beer, and a nicely renovated interior area. I don't know if they are open on Sundays. The only downside is parking may be more challenging in downtown and the restaurant is close to Skid Row. You could also meet at a restaurant on the Redondo Beach pier, but I don't have any specific recs for there. One more thought. I recently went to the bar at the top of the Bonaventure Hotel in downtown LA. It's called the Bona Vista Lounge. They had a reasonably priced drink and food menu, to my surprise, and the view of the downtown skyscrapers is really nice. The restaurant rotates. I think parking is only $4 in the hotel parking lot with validation at the bar/restaurant. I had a lychee martini there that was quite strong, but good. Mon Jan 21 17:23:22 -0800 2008 3318003 57689 katkoupai 2 3318470 Heck, it may be fun for your group to go to Clifton's. Mon Jan 21 17:25:35 -0800 2008 3318461 77080 justagthing 1 3320546 These are great ideas! I think Clifton's would be perfect for the age group. :) No really, we have some picky eaters, so that might be the perfect place. And two of the guys keep talking about Pete's. I'll float these trial balloons and see who shoots them down. Tue Jan 22 10:14:28 -0800 2008 3318003 74886 ScipioMom 1 3320564 Hawthorne Blvd. is a mecca of eateries south of the 405. You can find any cuisine any price range. I've heard great things about the Loft (Hawaiian food). There's also the old standby of Marie Callendar's or Coco's. The location would be good for your whole group as well. Tue Jan 22 10:18:19 -0800 2008 3318003 80484 axeled 2 3322173 The Loft-Island Style fried chicken, oh so yum w/that mochi flavored coating. Tue Jan 22 16:42:25 -0800 2008 3320564 77080 justagthing 1 3322239 Why don't all of you take the train to Union Station and eat at the restaurant Traxx right there in the station. Really wonderful setting, have a Sunday lunch, or dinner if desired, and take the train home and don't worry about the driving issue. OC people can catch the Metrolink in Anaheim, near the stadium; the Pasadena people take the Gold Line, and the Chatsworth people take either the Orange Line to the Red Line, or just take the Metrolink or just drive to North Hollywood's Red Line station and take the red line in to the station. Also, for future planning, once everyone is assembled at the station, you could just cab it to Pete's about 4 blocks away, or any other restaurant in the greater downtown LA area, or do lunch at Phillippes across from the station, Olvera Street or Chinatown, etc. Also, Taix on Sunset at Alvarado would also serve your purpose quite well in an old-fashioned way. Here is the lunch menu at Traxx: http://www.traxxrestaurant.com/welcome1.html Not positive if it is served on Sundays, but 213.625.1999 I think is the phone number if the website does not provide that info. Tue Jan 22 17:06:19 -0800 2008 3318003 10359 carter 1 3323090 What about Cafe del Rey in the Marina? Tue Jan 22 23:15:02 -0800 2008 3318003 15572 Emme