Dining

Electric Owl

• By Ken Werther
• Photo By Paige Petrone

I have lived two blocks from Electric Owl for many years but visited for the first time just recently. It was so much fun (and so delicious)! Located on the tip of West Hollywood at the corner of Sunset and Gardner, Electric Owl is nestled in an old train station (and has a very cool clock on the outside that is the first thing you see as you approach). With three separate patios and indoor dining, this place has got you covered. Owner Ernesto Uchimura (hailed as Chef of the Year: The Comfort Master by Los Angeles Magazine) promises “a modern take on California cuisine and specialty cocktails created with house-made tonics and bitters.” I’m not much of a drinker so I didn’t take advantage of the bar … but the food … that I can tell you about!

The menu, updated daily, features three different appetizers (Roasted Shishito Peppers, Spicy Shrimp Skewers, Pink Hummus); three salads (Watermelon Feta, Marinated Beets, Simply Dressed Lettuce); a Fried Chicken Sandwich (all natural chicken, cucumber ranch, ranch herbs, butter bun) served Not Hot, Hot, or Diablo Hot; three different burgers (House Double, Impossible, Spicy Ahi Tuna), and my personal favorite — Creamy Mac ’n’ Cheese. Some of the best I’ve ever had! Electric Owl is now open for dine-in and take-out Tuesday through Saturday from 3:30pm – 10pm! Credit card transactions only, and hours may change so check before you go. But definitely go!

Located at 1451 N Gardner Street, click here.

Ocean Prime Beverly Hills

• By Arlene Winnick

Ocean Prime Beverly Hills really delivers – like that one reliable friend who never disappoints…only this one comes with terrific drinks and amazing food!  For years it has been my go to restaurant for lunch (after some retail therapy), celebratory parties or dinner with that future client you want to impress.  With their new Happy Hour half-price Lounge menu on selected appetizers, sushi, cocktails and wine, I have another reason to show up.    And if that is not enough, their spacious patio (a real outdoor space not some in the road pop up) with comfortable (and dare I say) sexy banquets closes the deal.

My favorites on the drink menu – for those that prefer sweet, I recommend the Black Orchid and for Savory fans, nothing beats their Prime Manhattan.  The Lounge menu was designed for sharing so be sure to order the Calamari with a killer sweet chili sauce, the shrimp sauté with garlic cheese bread (I repeat garlic cheese bread) and the goat cheese ravioli. Ocean Prime’s sushi is as beautiful as it is delicious.  I’m a fan of the Ocean Roll and the Dynamite Roll.  For a special treat try the ‘on ice’ oysters, crab meat or shrimp cocktails.

I always say the finishing touch to any meal is the service and it doesn’t get any better than Ocean Prime. They really know how to make you feel special.

Located at 9595 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills, click here.

Lanea Santa Monica

• By Arlene Winnick

Right now, we all need some fun and that is exactly what Lanea is all about!

Drinks first – yes they have some creative house cocktails (a killer spicy margarita), but I went right to the “flights” – who can resist more than 400 hand-selected tequilas and mezcals with old favorites like Don Julio 1942 and Casaamigos Anejo and some budget breakers (but so worth it) like Fuenteseca 21 year, Tres Cuatro Cinco and Class Azul Anejo.

The cuisine is truly authentic as Lanea is the offspring of Petra Zavaleta’s celebrated East LA family-run restaurant Barbakush. Their barbacoa (lamb wrapped in agave leaves then pit roasted for 36 hours) is legendary – other tacos with steak, chicken, beef and even Beyond Meat feature Petra’s special seasoning which simply elevates everything it touches.  There are seafood and vegetarian taco options too plus a selection of Quesadillas and Burritos.  Forget Taco Tuesday, go to Lanea on Wednesday for all you can eat Tacos and Chips for $15!  On the weekends, enjoy all you can eat breakfast street tacos plus a drink for $25!

For a real treat, pick up one of their Fiesta Meal Picnic Packs – tacos, chips, pico de gallo, tequila cocktails, serape blanket plus a UNO cards or a piñata and have an instant party wherever you go.

Lanea is located a block from the beach in Santa Monica with indoor and outdoor dining options.

The Brothers Sushi

• By Nina Sventitsky

Named very recently by Eater LA as one of the 14 Essential Omakase Feasts, The Brothers Sushi pushes the boundary of famed Sushi Row further west into Woodland Hills. (Brothers Sushi as a name has been around for decades; please know this is a NEW restaurant with a new owner/Chef and new concept, circa 2018). Omakase is traditionally chef’s choice, using seasonal fish and ingredients in multiple dishes. The best sushi chefs seek to create small bites of creative perfection. The Brothers Sushi has far exceeded these expectations as Chef Mark Okuda sources from farmer’s markets from Torrance to Santa Monica and the highest-quality fishmongers. Chef Okuda worked at award-winning Asanebo in Studio City for years before opening the new Brothers.

During the pandemic, LA’s Japanese restaurants have had to re-invent what it means to serve sushi. Chef Okuda has done a stellar job in shifting the experience from serving diners piece by piece in his intimate setting, to directing you on DIY at home. Focusing on the best quality fish and keeping things simple, the take-out experience is wonderful. A la carte sushi is available for take out, but you should really go for the sushi platter or DIY Hand Roll Kits. Think super-fresh, of-the-moment seasonality, presented beautifully. Dine in is also an option now, Omakase is $125 to $180 pp. Do add the Wagyu steak.

Located at 21418 Ventura Boulevard in Woodland Hills, click here.