EC Crew coming to AutoRox- which night to hit up the clubs...

Chinois on Main
2709 Main Street
Santa Monica, California 90405 USA
Cross Street: Hill St.
310-392-9025

Dress Code: Casual
Openings: Lunch Wed.-Fri., Dinner nightly

Cuisine: Asian ; Contemporary ; French
Payment: Credit Cards Accepted
Price Range: $$$$ (under $75)

Noteworthy Attributes:

Full Bar
Great Wine List
Valet parking

Description:
Chinois on Main, Wolfgang Puck's second restaurant (after the original Spago), has been a quintessential L.A. classic since the day it opened in 1983. Its once-bold concept of fusing Chinese and French cuisines ushered in a wave of Cal-Asian eateries that has yet to subside. But this restaurant continues to be an enduring favorite and is invariably crowded (and noisy, we might add). The design of Puck's then-wife Barbara Lazaroff is strikingly colorful and whimsical, but not particularly comfortable and we would suggest avoiding Chinois if quiet conversation is your mission. Signature appetizers include warm, sweet curried oysters with cucumber sauce and salmon pearls; lobster spring rolls; tempura ahi sashimi in a fresh, beguiling uni sauce; and, of course, that addictive Chinois chicken salad. As for entrées, try the whole sizzling catfish with ginger and ponzu sauce or the Shanghai lobster in a spicy ginger-curry sauce accompanied by crispy spinach. Don't miss the Chinois dim sum dessert box filled with such exotic goodies as almond and plum teacakes, passion fruit cheesecake, lychee sorbet, ginger crème brûlée and roasted pineapple. All-in-all, with its cheerfully chaotic mixture of Pan-Asian flavors and Hollywood sensibilities, it's not an exaggeration to say that if you haven't been to Chinois, you've not only failed to fully explore the talent of Wolfgang Puck, you've failed to fully explore what it means to dine in Los Angeles.

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Father's Office
1018 Montana Ave.
Santa Monica, California 90403 USA
310-393-2337

Dress Code: Casual
Openings: Dinner nightly


Atmosphere: Trendy
Cuisine: California ; Tapas
Payment: Credit Cards Accepted
Price Range: $$ (under $35)

Noteworthy Attributes:

Full Bar
Open late


Description:
Chef Sang Yoon used to serve gourmet California cuisine at nearby Michael's. He displayed all of the elegance and culinary background you'd expect in a chef who helms a legendary dining room. But when the "itch" for his own place hit, he took over this tiny, unpretentious local bar and grill and added his own touches, making this an outstanding little joint. He's making tapas, bar food and special dinners a few nights a week---so be sure to call to find out what's on his mind because the menus change endlessly and we always find something new to love (that is, if we are lucky enough to get a table). But the main attraction here is the "Office Burger" which is arguably L.A.'s best burger. A patty of fine dry-aged beef is topped with caramelized onions, Gruyère and Maytag blue cheeses, applewood-smoked bacon compote and arugula served on a soft roll---you haven't lived until you've tucked into one! The bar features a great offering of beer in addition to a good wine list.

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JiRaffe
502 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, California 90401 USA
Cross Street: 5th St.
310-917-6671

Dress Code: Casual
Openings: Lunch Tues.-Fri., Dinner nightly


Atmosphere: Trendy
Cuisine: Contemporary ; French
Payment: Credit Cards Accepted
Price Range: $$$ (under $50)

Noteworthy Attributes:

Full Bar
Great Wine List
Heart Healthy Dishes
Valet parking
Private Rooms


Description:
Chef-owner Raphael Lunetta has succeeded in establishing JiRaffe as one of L.A.'s top tables---a serious dining destination without any unnecessary pretensions. Lunetta, a meticulous artisan, shops at local farmers markets and picks the best he can find---often at a price, of course. Specials incorporate the ingredients he has discovered that very day, and his menu evolves seamlessly with the seasons. His cuisine has a strong foundation in classical French technique, but involves a diversity of influences---from Asia to South America---all the while respecting the seasonality of local ingredients. Signature dishes include a caramelized pork chop with wild rice, smoked bacon, apple chutney and a cider sauce; New Zealand rack of lamb with a curried vegetable moussaka, jasmine rice and thyme-scented lamb jus; and the terrific crispy-skinned salmon with parsnip purée and sweet balsamic nage. Among the favored appetizers, the roasted beet salad is still going strong, as well as the slow-roasted organic tomato tart with balsamic onion confit and mozzarella with a garlic emulsion. The wine list is well-conceived; service is swift, efficient and friendly. The two-level restaurant, with generous windows and white linen-clad tables, has the comfortable feel of a modern-day bistro.

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Abbot's Pizza
1811 Pico Blvd. (18th St.)
Santa Monica, CA, 90405
(310) 314-2777

If you're just in the mood for a quick slice, I would feel remiss if I couldn't direct you towards this place. It appears to be a local favorite, with crispy bagel-dough crusts and a plethora of inventive, delicious toppings. The Zagat survey - which, incidentally, gave the pizza a rating of 24 - felt compelled to mention that "anything with tapenade is the way to go.” The atmosphere isn't much to speak of, which in itself has been referred to as part of the charm.

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With regards to clubs with a sultry lounge feel, there was not so extensive a selection to choose from in Santa Monica proper. This one, however seemed promising.

Cameo Bar at the Viceroy Hotel
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
Address: 1819 Ocean Avenue
Phone: (310) 451 8711

The Cameo Bar is a very sleek, very luxurious spot that reflects the aesthetic of the Viceroy itself: Opulant and sea-side. The atmosphere is classic English with an interesting modern take on furnishings and artwork. To experience this place to its fullest, however, it appears mandatory to take the party outside to the Poolside Cabana Area - perfect for enjoying drinks with friends (although the verdict is out, on my end, at least as to whether it would be a good place to meet new ones). A very chic place to hang out.

I have been informed that even including the Cameo, there are no real lounges in Santa Monica; most of the clubs are very, very loud. It appears as if you would need to go to Hollywood to find the types of clubs you're looking for, but I'm told that they are all at least a 35 - 40 minute drive from of Santa Monica. Recommended amongst them are the legendary Chateau Marmont, playground for the Hollywood elite since the 1930s, and the Lounge at the Standard, a dimly-lit retro-minimalist space that is always packed with Hollywood insiders. I'm not sure if you're a denizen of the Hollywood area or not, but if you would like to know more about these places, please feel free to ask.

 

IMO, fock the asian fusion food.
either u get authentic asian, or u get the real french/italian/steak/whatever.
have never had any asian fusion place dats truly outstanding. everytime give it a try it suvked. in hong kong last week i gave a shot to Vong, dats Jean George's joint in mandarin oriental hotel, supposly very best asian fusion food in whole asia, it was common at most.

 

Just ask JohnH about PFChang.

 

Both?

 

Let's go out everynight!!!

 

im probably going to be in only on 1 night of Bullrun people.

I think Im going to Le Prive in Ktown (in LA) one nite. U other plaYaz and especially u AsianZ PlayAz....u guys have to come too

 

Don't do rice!

 

My Wife Does!

 

Ok, let's decide where we want to have dinner and go to a club. I'm in for anything. Can people chime in so we know who will be in LA for thursday night festivities.

 

down for that. and hook up the other places too.
personally i dont care much about hookin up with the bullrun ppl, wanna maximize my time there to do shiets that's not in nyc.

 

Ok, I'm down with you Chris

 

fwerf. le prive

 

I say we bang on Hugh Hefner's front door and demand a party with the bunnies!

 

Now thats what I'am talking about knock the door down.play on play on.

 

Yeah! Boy!

 

I believe that girl still works there. Hey, I never said the food was even good. But it does have a nice view..