Visit to LA last week

[cortez]

Spent four days (from Napa home) in LA/Beverly Hills last week. Very fun. Highlights:

* Belvedere at the Peninsula Hotel: delicious for dinner on the patio. Particularly enjoyed the "small plates" options (eg. mac and chees with truffles; beet salad) and the outstanding sommelier service. Relaxed and pleasant for a hotel restaurant. The chef came around to greet guests. Friendly and engaging.

* Cut. I know it's a scene but what a great time! The 10 ounce American Wagyu rib eye was our favorite among the filets and short ribs tried. Heirloom tomato salad was wonderful. Again, a great sommelier. Didn't hurt that Leonardo di Caprio entered the restaurant very quietly mid meal and slid into a discrete booth.

* Rooftop cafe at the Peninsula. Terrific for breakfast (eggwhite fritata) and late lunch (chopped tuna tartar with avocado; jalapeno margarita) on the roof near the pool. Casual, fun, relaxed. Open to non-hotel guests. Give it a try!

* Tanzore: modern Indian cuisine in the old Gaylord's on La Cienega. Terrible! Slick design betrayed by boring menu of poorly prepared dishes. Almost empty restaurant -- for good reason. Flavors were muted and un-original. A total waste of time.

All in all, a terrific 4 day visit!

[nosh]

Did you happen to drop into the bar at the Peninsula on Friday cocktail hour? Amazing scene! Smattering of hotel guests, some area businessmen and agents, and an incredible array of local talent.

[cortez]

Nosh

I did go (with my wife) to the bar at the Peninsula on Friday and Saturday nights. We enjoyed it quite a bit, particularly the drinks and the pianist.

However, we couldn't help but think that some of the local "talent" was professional. A few too many of middle age+ men had very sexy "dates" who were in their 20's. Were we misreading this situation?

Let me know your thoughts on the Peninsula bar scene.

Thanks.

[nosh]

Those girls were nieces who really loved their uncles.

[Servorg]

They have some spectacular, fresh and saucy tarts there (but a bit too rich for my blood). ;-D

[amela]

Actually I thought they were just aspiring starlets with big wallet impressive resume older men.

[maxzook]

On their way to Friday mass at Good Shepherd, no doubt.

[cls]

Way to go. Doesn't matter much what you have if you stay at the Peninsula.

[bosanova99]

Thanks for the reviews. People tend to forget that hotels have some lovely dining options.