Elegant Saturday ladies lunch in Beverly Hills - Any suggestions?

[J.L.]

Hi Gang,

Mrs. J.L. is in charge of finding a nice place for Saturday lunch for her and 2 of her good friends so they can catch up and celebrate the upcoming nuptials of one of the friends.

Any advice? Locale: Beverly Hills or environs. Budget not a big issue. Just not too boisterous a place so they can chat a bit.

Brunch would be best, but Saturday brunch is not offered in many of the hotels in the area, so lunch is fine.

As always, thanks in advance!

J.L.

[bruinike]

BOUCHON in Beverly Hills would be my suggestion.

[J.L.]

Reporting back:

Mrs. J.L. wanted to thank all the 'Hounds who helped with this thread. She ended up choosing The Polo Lounge at Beverly Hills Hotel for her party.

It was a big hit! The ladies enjoyed the casual upscale setting, and the staff were very accommodating. The food was tasty, and most importantly, there was no sense of rush whatsoever, so the conversation lingered well into the early evening.

Thanks again, everyone!

-----
Beverly Hills Hotel
9641 W Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

[gnarlex]

Lucques is not far from BH, and their Saturday lunch is a well-kept secret. Lovely quiet patio, fine service. Short-ish menu, but always delicious food.

[songtothemoon]

I'd like to add to the OP's question: Recommendations for an elegant ladies' lunch in BH for a larger group 8-12 women in a private room?

Thanks!

[maudies5]

I have had an elegant private lunch at the Peninsula with 12. Worked very well.

[J.L.]

Thanks for all the (quick) recommendations! Keep 'em coming!

I forgot to mention in my original post that afternoon tea is out because the ladies need to finish by about 2PM, at the latest.

Polo Lounge intrigues me - We've been there for dinner (sat next to the Spellings), but never for lunch. Is the patio nice during the daytime?

[degustateur]

The patio at PL is lovely anytime the weather is nice since it's largely open. I love their Caesar Salad followed by the Lamb Chops and their Pear Cobbler for dessert. The Scallops are great too.

[Phurstluv]

You can't really go wrong at Mr. Chow's. But it's not the newest shiniest penny......

[J.L.]

Respectfully disagree with Mr. Chow's.

[Ciao Bob]

I think it is perfectly OK to disrespectfully disagree with Mr. Chow's, the place is godawful and prices satanical for horrible fake Chinese food. FedEx ought to use the dumpling skin to protect fragile items in shipping.

-----
Mr. Chow
344 N. Camden Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210

[maudies5]

Damn.That is really funny and spot on:)

[J.L.]

Heheheee

[westsidegal]

respectfully disagree with the recommendation of mr. chow's.
imho, their food ranges all the way from boring to insipid.

[degustateur]

My vote:

The Grill on the Alley
9560 Dayton Way
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
[phone]
http://www.thegrill.com/

Saturday lunch is served from 11:30am. Location, ambience, food and service are all superb, with a nice dose of old school charm that, I’m sure, the ladies would appreciate.

[westsidegal]

i agree with degustateur,
would add:
not only is the food superb, but it is CONSISTENTLY superb.

[New Trial]

I would suggest Bouchon, the Polo Lounge or Spago,

[fatassasian]

I second lunch at Spago.

Brunch at the Beverly Wilshire is also a great call.

[pinpei]

Also, the Montage or Mariposa at Neiman Marcus

[cls]

I would go with one of the hotels. Peninsula, Four Seasons, or Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire. The Hotel Bel Air restaurant is still open during the hotel renovation as well. BTW, I think any of them will accommodate a brunch request if you ask.

[buttermarblepopcorn]

Afternoon tea at any of the above-mentioned posh hotels in BH would be perfect!

[Servorg]

I had read (in the LA Times) that the entire Bel Air had closed for their renovation. Where did you hear that they are still open?

ADD: Their own (Bel Air Hotel) website seems to indicate that they are completely closed until mid 2011 - http://www.hotelbelair.com/future