We gave La Monique, the 14-table French brasserie at the Oceana in Santa Monica, a second chance after Valentine's Day. Here's what to order, from escargot poppers to the chocolate soufflé.
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We took a rare kid-free trip to Telefèric Barcelona for tapas and cocktails, then walked down San Vicente to Bacio di Latte for gelato. Here's our honest take on both, including the one dish we won't order again.
Carbon Beach Club at the Malibu Beach Inn has become our family's go-to for a special-occasion dinner. Here's why: the oceanfront terrace, the whipped ricotta, the deep-dish chocolate chip cookie, and honest notes on cost, parking, and bringing kids.
A return visit, ten years in the making, to Black Market Liquor Bar in Studio City — the inventive cocktails, the must-order deep-fried flufferutter, honest notes on the service, and why it is the perfect westside-to-valley meeting point.
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Our dinner at Shoreside Santa Monica had great food and friendly staff, but also a wind problem the restaurant hasn't quite solved yet. Here's what worked, what didn't, and how the inKind rewards made up for the higher-than-listed prices.
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Our second visit to Chelsea in Santa Monica, the moody London-inspired spot that's become one of our family's regular dinner spots — what to order, what to skip, and why the Banana Flambé is worth it.
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Discover how to savor Fia's lush, Mediterranean garden dining without breaking the bank—smart timing and menu-savvy choices make magic affordable.
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The Westside has never been short on great Italian, modern American, or sushi, but a serious Persian restaurant had been missing from the Brentwood/Santa Monica rotation. That changed when Perse opened, tucked into Brentwood Gardens at 11677 San Vicente Blvd. Brad, our two daughters, and I went this past weekend to see if it held up to the buzz. The Room Fills Up Fast We had a 5:30 reservation at Perse and walked into a calm, architecturally clean room. By the time we left around 6:45, it was completely packed and lively. The outdoor patio is lovely, but it gets…
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Zaytinya at The Shay has a beautiful room and real hospitality. The mezze is hit-or-miss, it's not kid-friendly, and after two visits we're not going back.
