Seeking Old School Glamour/Romantic Ambience
I'm an LA native, but gone for the past decade (although I visit a couple of times a year), and looking for the perfect date spot for Wed. night with my boyfriend. We want to get dressed up (rare in LA) and have a great meal in a place that is sexy, timeless, and clandestine. We'll be based In Highland/Melrose area, but willing to travel a bit. Budget is high, but we hate a scene.
By Kate1313
on Jul 19, 2010 03:16 PM
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Sounds like this might be a good time to give First & Hope http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-review-20100715,0,7741201.story a try.
http://www.firstandhope.com/
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+1 on first & hope
+1 on Ortolan
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I'll throw out some options.
Polo Lounge might work, but it can be a bit stuffy and overpriced IMO.
Saddle Peak Lodge would be another option .. nice romantic atmo in a sort of secluded area, only downside is that its a pain in the arse to get to.
Or maybe Melisse, which isn't necessarily "old school" but certainly has its charms when it comes to the romantic quotient.
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Ortolan.
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my first thought as well as others is first and hope but it's in a mini mall so not glamourous.
Try Cicada in a historic deco building downtown
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That's where the OP's request for someplace "clandestine" comes into play... ;-D> (the glamour part is inside - hidden from view)
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thanks, SO exactly what I was going to tell him, but got called away from the pc..........
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Zucca, downtown, drop dead gorgeous, wonderful food.
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Providence is very close to you and outstanding. I think they gently try and steer away from giving a party of 2 the chef's table, but it's a Wednesday and I've certainly seen it done;)
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I would say the Little Door, which is absolutely beautiful, except that it is kind of a scene...
8164 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048
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and the food is just terrible at the Little Door and lots of tude too.. Not a rec in my mind.. Perhaps The Inn of the Seventh Ray, heard the food has been brought up a notch.. Lots of little turn offs on the road to and from :)
8164 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048
128 Old Topanga Canyon Rd, Topanga, CA 90290
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Thanks for the recommendations! Good to see some things don't change, as many of these places came to mind. Cicada was definitely on my list...has the ambience for sure, and loaded with the nostalgia of the Oviatt. Inn of The Seventh Ray (while it fits the romantic bill) is an old fave, but too far and not decadent enough. Saddle Peak Lodge - been there, done that, too. Little Door...the sight of many a date for me back in it's early days. Definitely too "sceney".
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If you're in the area, Water Grill would fit the bill, and it's more clandestine than you probably know...
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If you don't mind traveling a little, go to the Dal Rae, it's on Washington and Rosemead, I think it is Pico Rivera, not that far. Old world with red leather booths, service is great, and several dishes are made tableside.
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La Dolce Vita surely fits the bill. Offers everything you seek:
http://www.ladolcevitabeverlyhills.com/
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Thats a good one..
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Thanks..
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What are their prices like?
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But is a place where you would go dressed to the nines? Reminds me of a blue hair convention..........
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Guess you haven't been there lately. Actually, a nice, fun vibe. BTW, where would one find a" blue hair convention?"
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No I haven't but worked in the area for a few years.
Guess by "blue hair convention" I meant a lot of early birders. LOL!
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Spago.
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Tower Bar?
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Good call too
Sceney, but definitely clandestine in the nooks. Certainly upscale as well in clientele and decor. He would be in easy company in a suit.
I can't chime in on the full menu but the bar area has decent nibbles. Anyone else on full dinners there?
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how about The Tar Pit?
http://tarpitbar.squarespace.com/phot...
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Greetings, Kate1313!
Your request immediately brings to mind the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills. For the ultimate in clandestine operations and memories of a time well spent, make a night of it. Lavish in the hotel’s luxurious accommodations. Take advantage of it's various charms including The Club Bar, The Roof Garden, The Living Room and, of course, dinner at The Belvedere Restaurant – a truly elegant sanctuary of old school dining. The truffle mac ‘n cheese and the dry-aged Kansas City Strip (from Harvey’s Guss Meats) are highly recommended as are the crab chowder, beet salad and Maine lobster.
You and yours will feel transported to another time and place, one where regular daily life has been placed on waivers. Go all the way and indulge yourselves with a sensuous couple’s massage in the fabulous Peninsula Spa. Later, wind down, or back up, with private service in your own gorgeous room or suite.
The possibilities abound, as do old school glamour and romantic ambiance. Enjoy that which you seek. Set your own limits.
The Belvedere Restaurant
9882 Santa Monica Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 788-2306
http://beverlyhills.peninsula.com
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