Fig & Olive, West Hollywood

Fig & Olive

8490 Melrose Place

West Hollywood, CA 90069

(310) 360-9100

www.figandolive.com

Once again, I found myself surrounded by some of the best looking people.  It was like I stepped into a whole new world where handsome men in suits and tiny little barbie dolls co-mingle in one centralized spot. I mean, we literally met a Christian Grey look-a-like.  I loved the people watching aspect of Fig & Olive and the ambiance of the restaurant as a whole.  I haven’t been back since but I’m so dying to go for date night.  The food was delicious and I loved the presentation.  One thing I didn’t quite like was that almost all the dishes I tried were a bit salty (and I’m a big salt eater).  So I would perhaps be mindful of that when ordering. Otherwise, this is THE perfect place to go for on your next date!

Scallops

Penne Funghi Tartufo

Beef Carpaccio

Filet Mignon

Truffle Fries

Chocolate Soufflé

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Cafe Roma, Beverly Hills

Cafe Roma

350 North Canon Drive

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

http://www.cafferomabeverlyhills.com/

I love coming to Cafe Roma. Its the perfect local spot to people watch and catch some happy hour drinks and small bites.  I actually love their happy hour because they’ve got a great happy hour food selection.  Included on their happy hour menu is a few carpaccio selections like beef and salmon, which is good if you’re looking for low-carb options. I went there a few times after work just to grab a drink and a quick bite, and once after dinner because they are open late.  If you’ve never been I’d say its definitely worth checking out.

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Providence, Los Angeles

Providence

5955 Melrose Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90038

(323) 460-4170

http://providencela.com/

Providence is hands down the most interesting of all culinary experiences I’ve ever experienced.  We did the full-blown 9 course meal, $300+ per person plus the wine pairing with each course.  Although the plates are teeny tiny, trust me, you will get full, especially with all that wine.  I loved experiencing all their different and unique offerings like baked salmon skin and uni egg.  I especially enjoyed the Greyhound Shot with was grapefruit and vodka in a jelly like sphere that made you feel like you were eating an egg yolk, except the taste was exceptional.  Its not just food, this is science people.  Not just science in their food, but in the way they provide service.  I sat their watching the servers walk around the room like clockwork.  Refilling glasses, fixing people’s napkins while they were away, checking in on tables.  It was fascinating to watch.

So why should you go here? Well, if you are a big time foodie and are ok with dropping some serious cash to enjoy an out of this world experience, then I’d say this is for you. Oh, and a little advance warning, be sure to arrive on time and expect to spend a good 3 hours!

Greyhound Shot

Sturgeon Seaweed Rice Taco

Salmon skin crackers with a Smoked Salmon Creme Fraiche

Abalone and Squid with Chorizo Skewers

Uni Egg

Chocolate Mousse and Figs with ice cream

Petite Fours

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Hide Sushi, Los Angeles

Hide Sushi Japanese Restaurant

2040 Sawtelle Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90025

(310) 477-7242

www.hidesushi.com

Went here once for date night.  I liked the ambiance. The restaurant in general is very traditional, so there wasn’t anything fancy on the menu. You’re not going to find cheese, mayo, or anything fried really.  Which is why, after having a few plates and realizing my cravings were not going to be met, we ended up leaving and going to Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles!  A girl needs to eat! Also, keep in mind this is a cash only place. Parking can also be a B**** in that area, but they do have valet parking.  I’m sure this place is great if you want authentic japanese cuisine, but I’ll take my fried onions and spicy mayo, thank you!

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Echi, West hollywood

Echi Sushi

8267 Santa Monica Blvd.

West Hollywood, CA 90046

(323) 654-0900

Echi sushi is absolutely somewhere I will visit again and again.  For good quality sushi at decent prices, I would definitely recommend checking it out. The great thing about them is they’ve got happy hour all day long, even on their alcohol as well. Last I checked you can get alcohol for as low as $1.99 for some beers, and $4 for a large hot sake. The even have free parking right out front. They even serve edamame as a mini appetizer.  Its a fairly casual environment, but they have a nice patio out front and I have to say I really enjoyed my time catching up with friends and having a few drinks. Unfortunately I did not find a website for them, but you can check out some of their other food items by clicking on the following link: https://forkly.com/venues/4c4278c3ff711b8d43ae1305/foods?radius=40000

I can’t wait to go back!

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Ami Japanese Restaurant, Los Angeles

Ami Japanese Restaurant

1051 Broxton Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90024

(310) 209-1994

Ami Japanese Restaurant is located in the heart of Westwood, within walking distance of UCLA. Parking can be found across the street in the Broxton lot, the first two hours are free before 6 pm. The atmosphere is casual enough to go with a group of friends, but nice enough to go with a date.  I think this place is really worth visiting if you like to have fun and unique plates.  Plus, looking at these pictures, some of them are just massive and look like they’d be great for sharing.  I went with the simpler sushi, but next time I’m definitely venturing out to try their specialty rolls.  Also, the garlic edamame…delish! I know this might not all be authentic Japanese food but I’m really not a food snob, I just like what tastes good.  I WILL be going back!

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Cafe Fiore, Woodland Hills

Cafe Fiore

21550 Oxnard Street

Woodland Hills, CA 91367

(818) 888-4514

www.cafefiore.net

I was pleasantly surprised with Cafe Fiore.  It had a really nice atmosphere and if you happen to work in the area, it also serves as a great place to grab lunch with co-workers or a client.  I loved the design of the restaurant in which they used refurbished wood and iron to create a casual yet sleek look.  The entrees were all good. I especially thought the spinach gnocci was quite interesting and looked amazing! I ordered the Linguine Frutti DiMare and it was everything I hoped it would be.

Linguine Frutti Di Mare

Insalata Di Pollo

Gnocci Di Ricotta E Spinaci

Mezza Luna

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The Peninsula Hotel, Beverly Hills

The Peninsula Hotel

9882 S Santa Monica Blvd

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

(310) 551-2888

www.peninsula.com/beverlyhills

The Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills, what an exquisite place to be.  I have had a few opportunities to dine here, as you can see from my many photos.  You have a few options when dining here. You can visit The Belvedere which serves a modern American cuisine.  On one visit to The Belvedere, I sat out on the terrace and I have to say it was probably one of my most memorable dining experiences. It was in the afternoon, birds were chirping, and the sounds from the water fountain next to me made the whole experience so peaceful and relaxing.  To top off my experience, I also spotted a former American Idol judge enjoying her lunch as well.

The second option is The Living Room, which is exactly as the name suggests.  You actually dine on the couches, and is mainly for drinking afternoon Tea, while listening to an actual harpist in the background. The fanciness is to die for!  On one of my visits, I just sat there soaking in the ambiance and listening to the beautiful sounds of the harp which happens to be one of my favorite instruments.  There was literally a group of elderly women enjoying their afternoon tea, all of them wearing their fancy Sunday hats, a sight you only see in the movies.

The third option is The Roof Garden, which is a patio next to the pool area. It is also located next to the spa, and is geared towards healthier food and imaginative drink options.  I have not had a chance to visit The Roof Garden, but I have ordered room service from there.

If you ever want to get away from the norm and treat yourself, I definitely recommend you pay a visit to this absolutely legendary hotel!

My recommendations to order: The Truffle Macaroni and Cheese, Roasted Harvey’s Guss Colorado Lamb, Tiramisu, and ESPECIALLY the Creme Broulee, paired with the smokey and unique tasting Russian Caravan tea all from The Belvedere.

Baked Oysters

Fresh oysters (not on the menu)

Roasted Harvey’s Guss Colorado Lamb

Swiss Chard

Truffle “Macaroni and Cheese”

Chicken Crepes

Creme Broulee (no filters used!!)

Strawberry Smoothie

Grilled Wild Salmon Fillet

Seared Diver Sea Scallops

Tiramisu

Russian Caravan Tea

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