Dining

I’ve heard so many good things about Jon & Vinny’s over the years and was delighted to learn that they would open a spot in Beverly Hills – a mere two blocks from my office! My publisher is a fanatic fan so we made a date – finally my day had come to experience their California-Italian fare “The Way Nonna Made It”.  

The Bedford location is lovely little spot – spacious for the size with a friendly staff – we absolutely adored our server Rex. It was a difficult task to choose but we settled on the House Salad with OMG the best creamy Italian dressing I have ever had. Of course, I chose the Brooklyn Dodger pizza which we devoured – their thin salty crust is to die for.  Somehow, we still managed to have room to try the creamy Cacio e Pepe Tonnarelli and their signature Spicy Fusilli – both perfectly al dente.  We finished off our lunch with their deliciously dreamy soft serve and delectable rainbow cookies which gave a Neapolitan vibe – perfect in size.  

On my next visit I’ll check out Helen’s Wine Bar that lives within the restaurant.  I’m thinking a glass of Santa Barbara Sauvignon and the Ricotta, Orange Blossom Honey and Toasted Sesame Bruschetta would pair quite well. Helen’s serves as the restaurant’s cellar but is also a freestanding wine bar and retail shop should you need some natty wine to-go.

For locations and menu, click here.

Whether dining in West Hollywood or Studio City and whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner, Hugo’s Restaurant, a 2024 Open Table Diner’s Choice winner, is consciously delicious. As a regular almost from the moment I arrived in LA in 2011, I consider myself a devoted “Hugonaut.”  Founder Terry Kaplan’s vision for a restaurant “producing original, wonderful foods found nowhere else” has been realized with many vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options on the menu. It feels good to dine at Hugo’s and always tastes great.  My favorite is breakfast/brunch when I share savory choices like the Chipotle or Protein Scramble or Desayuno Fuerte (poached eggs over organic potato pancakes with sauteed spinach, garlic, onions, tomatoes and parmesan cheese) with a sweet selections like the yummy gluten free Almond Energy or Chocolate Chip Pancakes, or the monthly special Peach Upside Down Pancake with powdered sugar, toasted almonds and mint, accompanied by their fab horchata or matcha latte. If it’s lunch time, the Mexican or Quinoa Beet Salad are marvelous choices. At dinnertime, my husband’s go to is Pasta Papa (fresh pasta scrambled with eggs, garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese, bacon, turkey sausage and scallions), while I gravitate to the Chicken Carciofi with artichoke hearts, spinach, cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives in a lemon white wine sauce. Wine, beer and cocktails selections are aplenty for those who want to imbibe. The WeHo location is especially cheery with a daily happy hour 4-7 pm and “Bottomless Bingo” on Friday nights. Hooray for Hugo’s since 1980!! 

For more, click here.

Do you want to eat at a restaurant with views, service, music played by a live band, and delicious food that is perhaps fit for a king or queen? Then take your royal appetite over to Parker’s Lighthouse and experience Queensview Steakhouse! Located at Shoreline Village in the city of Long Beach. On the third floor of Parkers’ Lighthouse, you will find a warm, romantic and inviting ambiance. The restaurant offers a “supper club” dining atmosphere with an upscale menu featuring prime steaks, chops, lobster and fresh grilled fish. Known for its award-winning wine list, a carefully curated selection of spirits and craft cocktails is also offered.

The food was delicious, starting with the Greek salad, which was scrumptious and super healthy. I ordered roasted beets salad with chenel goat cheese, serrano vinegar, roasted almonds, fresh watermelon, petite basil, and balsamic reduction that had my taste buds screaming with delight! For my entree I could not resist ordering the oven roasted Chilean sea bass, which was miso glazed, and Asian slaw with a ponzu vinaigrette. Very yummy.

The service was great as we enjoyed looking out on a stunning 360-degree view with an incredible trio playing some great music. Many people think one needs to head out to LA to enjoy a memorable dining experience. Queensview in Long Beach is here to show you that is not the case!

For more, click here.

For decades, Laurel Hardware served the community of West Hollywood as the go-to fix-it shop and was revered by many locals. Upon the closing of the original hardware business, a hospitality group acquired the space and created a neighborhood social hangout. From the outside, Laurel Hardware still looks like the worn-down old store that occupied the space years ago. But this disguised eatery is likely to be your new hangout in West Hollywood. They are masters at setting a mood.

Once you walk in, you’re immediately welcomed to an industrial-sleek interior that’s perfectly hidden from the public eye. Yet the restaurant is filled with just the right amount of buzz for an evening out or Sunday brunch. There’s ample bar seating, a selection of booths, and even a lounge area for chilling with friends. If you’re looking for a space that feels more intimate and romantic, make your way to the backyard garden.

On the menu of this speakeasy-style restaurant you’ll find a little bit of everything. We ordered spicy salmon tartare, and chicken wings dusted with garlic, parmesan, and lemon. For entrees we got duck fried rice and cheeseburger, which did not disappoint! And cocktail choices … there are so many good options!

For more, click here.