60002 Sat May 01 14:30:59 -0700 2004 8 2 Los Angeles Area 0 316937 Embarrassing, but true: Despite excellent chowhound tips, we spent too much time emailing family members (are we the only food-loving family where everyone has to agree?) and are now closed out of Water Grill, Patina, etc. for looming D-Day May 14. We're not worthy, but still hopeful. It doesn't have to be well known, "The Best...in LA," just the best at what it does. Thanks for giving us another chance. Sat May 01 14:30:59 -0700 2004 0 Madeleine 1 316941 How about a jaunt up the 110 to Pasadena? Plenty of dining opportunities there. Sat May 01 14:55:59 -0700 2004 316937 0 Chino Wayne 1 316974 So where is graduation? (USC? CSULA?)If you give us some ideas as to the location of where you need to be at a certain place or time, that may help give posters an idea as to how focus in on geographic area and on how to help you. Is cost an issue? Sat May 01 20:28:46 -0700 2004 316937 0 EAO 2 316990 Sorry, it's USC. Cost is not as much of an issue as it might be if it weren't a celebration. Sun May 02 00:41:11 -0700 2004 316974 0 EAO 1 316989 I highly recommend Windows Steaks and Martinis, on the 34th floor in the transamerica building. It has by far the best view in all of Los Angeles, hands down. What most folks don't know is that, despite having a reputation for mediocre food, they have a new chief and in my opinion the food is excelent. We had a steak that was marinated in Kona coffee -- really good. It's kind of a well-kept secret at this point that they have good food, so getting a reservation shouldn't be too tough. Sun May 02 00:34:16 -0700 2004 316937 0 Nyden 1 317001 Give opentable.com a look. It's one stop shopping for reservations and they have a lot of downtown options. Unless you have a large party, it might be helpful. Sun May 02 11:07:17 -0700 2004 316937 0 SpongeBobSquarePegs 1 317022 Hi Madeline: OK - USC! Just a few suggestions - 20-35 minutes drive from 'SC not counting leaving the parking structures on campus after graduation! I tried to pick good food and wine restaurants that I have been to, with private rooms or I know that can handle larger parties in their main space. Did you try Cafe Pinot? Think that it is one of the better of the Patina Groups restaurants. Chef Mark Gold is a solid chef. Private rooms for large parties or if the weather is nice - Patio seating. 700 West Fifth Street Los Angeles, CA 90071 Reservations: 213 239 6500 For private parties, contact the Special Events Manager at 213 239 2557 If you dont't mind going WEST a tad bit - may be Beverly Hills or Beverly Hills adjacent may have a few options for you. MAKO - Food: Japanese/Asian with Mediterranean accents. Former Executive Chef at Chinois on Main and Spago. Amazing combinations of flavors and textures in his food. Very talented chef. They can do a prix fixe menu for your group. - No private room, but they can set up areas for your group. Good wine/sake list. 225 South Beverly Drive South of Wilshire/North of Olympic Beverly Hills, CA 90212 (310)288-8338 www.makorestaurant.com SONA - Food: French with American-Japanese accents. Has a private room that seats 24 or they could set something up for you in the main room. Very good chefs in David and Michelle Myers. David is up for a James Beard award as Best Chef under 30 (west coast). Zen minimalist room. 401 N. La Cienaga Blvd. Cross Street: Beverly Blvd. (310) 659-7708 www.sonarestaurant.com OPALINE - FOOD: Simple, creative, modern French/Italian New young chef just got writen up in LA TIMES this past wednesday- they also have private rooms - I forgot how many it fits. Great wine list. Very cool space. Near the Beverly/Fairfax district. 7450 Beverly Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90036 Cross Street: Vista (323) 857-6725 www.opaline.org I'd also give GRACE a try: Updated American food by Neal Fraser and crew- they have private rooms: 7360 Beverly Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90036 Cross Street: N. Martel Ave. (323) 934-4400 www.gracerestaurant.net OR ALEX on Melrose just east of La Brea -a more modern European fine dining. 6703 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, CA 90038 Cross Street: Citrus (323) 933-5233 www.alexrestaurant.com Sun May 02 17:49:54 -0700 2004 316937 0 EAO 2 317136 Very nice, thoughtful response. Mon May 03 16:38:29 -0700 2004 317022 0 David Kahn 1 317133 The Pacific Dining Car. Steaks are really top notch again and since we're talking graduation the graduates might be interested in some Los Angeles history. I believe that the dining car portion of the restaurant is still on the original wheels. Ask the manager. Great martinis and an excellent but somewhat pricey wine list. Mon May 03 16:29:11 -0700 2004 316937 0 hugh lipton