82427 Mon May 29 17:59:47 -0700 2006 2 2 Los Angeles Area 0 457739 Hey everyone -- My girlfriend is coming in from out of town and I want to take her somewhere great for dinner. But this is her first time in LA (long story here, not worth posting to this board) and I think she'd enjoy taking in a little bit of the scene. So while places like Joe's and Lucques have incredible food and are usually good date spots, I'm sort of looking for something a bit younger and trendier (but still with excellent food). On the other hand, I don't want to do anything on the Dolce/Geisha House extreme, I just can't handle that much scene. Any ideas? Someone told me there are a couple of new places on La Cienega that might be good, but I forget the names. Many thanks! Mon May 29 17:59:47 -0700 2006 0 jeffrey 1 457758 Might consider either Republic or Wilshire, both are trendy type places with the former focusing on noveau-Southern fare and the latter more Californian-fusion. Don't expect to be blown away by the food at either locale, but both offer a nice setting. Republic has that rather eye-catching wall of wine with what the hostess calls the "wine fairy" and Wilshire (housed in the old Black Forest Inn space) is best experienced in the garden patio, esp. when the weather is as cooperative as it was today. Mon May 29 22:20:50 -0700 2006 457739 0 ipse dixit 1 457795 Yes, Republic and Bridge are the two new restaurants on La Cienega. Spanish Kitchen can be quite the loud, trendy place. It's also on La Cienega. Chaya Brasserie in BH - Asian fusion food. Great cocktails. You could also take her to a steakhouse like Mastro's. Sit upstairs - you'll drink in quite a scene by the end of the night. Ago - lots of celebs and industry players. A tad bit older crowd in terms of people with carloads of money, but definitely a place to see and be seen. Italian food. Have fun! Tue May 30 02:51:51 -0700 2006 457739 0 chica