Los Angeles, USA

RESTAURANTS

March 1, 2004

RESTAURANTS

Asia de Cuba

Located in the Mondrian Hotel, this elegant restaurant offers a dazzling view of Hollywood. Huge trees in giant pots dominate the patio section, set across from the trendy Sky Bar. The restaurant serves Asian and Cuban-influenced food – with most marinated in spicy oils such as chili, sesame and citrus. The portions are huge, so bring your appetite.

Average Price: US$22 to US$32

Location: 8440 West Sunset Blvd.

Telephone: 323-848-6000

Hours: Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and until 1 a.m. on Saturdays

The Ivy

No reservation? No major studio deal? Then don’t expect a table. This top-notch restaurant is the place for star-spotting and some of the best food in the city. If you manage to get a seat, readers suggest the crab cakes or the fried chicken. If you can’t afford the hefty dinner prices, why not opt for a drink at the bar?

Average Price: US$40

Dress Code: Casual

Location: 113 North Robertson Blvd.

Telephone: 310-274-8303

Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Spago

Wolfgang Puck’s chain restaurant is as well-known for its Hollywood glitz as for its pizza. Fusion pies with toppings such as smoked salmon and caviar are a popular choice. Reservations are essential, so call the day before or the morning of for a dinner booking.

Average Price: US$22 to US$32

Dress Code: Business casual

Location: 176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills

Telephone: 310-385-0880

Hours: Monday to Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Sunday to Thursday 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

BARS

Twin Palms

After some patio dining at the funky barbeque restaurant (where you’ll find classic American favorites like corndogs and chicken pot pie on the menu), check out the live music at this open-air restaurant/bar. This is the perfect spot for a casual night out in Pasadena.

Average Price: US$16

Dress Code: Casual

Location: 101 West Green St., Pasadena

Hours: Monday to Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Sky Bar

This high-in-the-sky L.A. nightclub is definitely a bar for the beautiful people, but don’t feel intimidated. The atmosphere is surprisingly low-key as guests lounge in the huge sofas while indulging in the fantastic views. To guarantee a seat, put on your best casual duds and try to get past the elusive velvet ropes before 10 p.m.

Average Price: US$18

Dress Code: Smart casual

Location: 8440 West Sunset Blvd.

Hours: Daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Cameo Bar at the Viceroy Hotel

This trendy bar in beautiful Santa Monica is filled with vintage and custom-designed furniture, modern paintings and beautiful people. Sit back in the lounge atmosphere and take in the scenery. If you’re looking for a more private, quiet area, the bar rents cabanas for the night – perfect for impressing clients.

Average Price: US$15

Dress Code: Smart casual

Location: 1819 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica

Hours: Open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

HOTELS

Shutters Hotel on the Beach

Address: 1 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica

Telphone: 310-458-0030;

1-800-334-9000 for reservations

Website: www.shuttersonthebeach.com

Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles

Address: 300 South Doheny Drive