Los Angeles City Guide

Resident Magazine

By Melissa Curtin

Los Angeles has always been a haven where the rest of the country looks to for fresh and new. This creative city is constantly in motion with hip and happening new hotspots. Many chefs have upped the ante with new twists to make sure your taste buds never get bored. With an ever growing diverse food scene and a city that boasts fresh California produce, it is hard to stay on top of the culinary prowess of Los Angeles, a megalopolis with such talent and ethnic diversity, and here is a roundup of some of our favorite spots.

JetBlue’s Mint Class

One of the best airlines to fly cross country from JFK to LAX is with JetBlue’s Mint class. The hours will literally fly by in luxurious comfort. An unprecedented two-one-two seat arrangement means each Mint passenger can stretch their legs out to a fully flat without bothering the person in front of them. Enjoy hit movies from large 15-inch TVs and several gourmet meals from NYC’s downtown hotspot Saxon & Parole. As JetBlue has always thought outside of the box, the Mint class is truly a game changer.
jetblue.com

Belvedere at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills

Classy and elegant, like the 90210 should be, the newly updated Belvedere with its airy charm and sunlight makes quite the special celebratory location. Sample their new menu featuring Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and wild-caught seafood under the direction of Executive Chef David Codney. Feel like royalty with top notch service, with beautifully presented meals and seasonal cocktails. Chef Codney stated, “I don’t want the food to be something that took 15 hours to cook. It’s meant to be rustic and identifiable- it’s not food that’s been broken down so much that you don’t know what it is.”
beverlyhills.peninsula.comHinoki and the Bird in Century City

Travel inspired dishes will keep you on your toes as this powerhouse lunch spot feeds the suit crowd with Fun Bites like a lobster roll with green curry and Thai basil on a charcoal roll, chili crab toast, rich lobster ramen, or ridiculously good crispy marinated chicken. Each Wednesday the chefs buy the best ingredients from the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market to create a five-course tasting menu for around $95.
Hinokiandthebird.com

Viviane at the Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills

Inside the Avalon Hotel, Designer Kelly Wearstler has transformed an indoor outdoor pool space to reflect a haute-vintage feel. Celebrated Chef Michael Hung brings California’s locally sourced seasonal produce straight to you by reviving continental classics. Our favorite dinner start was the yellowfin tuna tartar with horseradish and buratta mousse. Savor the Fuyu Persimmon and Corn Salad, seared Duck Breast, and whatever new option that pops up on their changing menu. Dine in a cozy romantic cabana hugging the pool or eat inside in the dimly lit space with a buzzing Angeleno crowd.
vivianerestaurant.com/