Five Delectable Dining Experiences in Los Angeles

Los Angeles (LA), California is well-known for being the entertainment capital of the world, but it is also a mecca on the West Coast for fine dining. In a large part, thanks to its history with Hollywood and demanding upscale clientele, there has long been a thriving marketplace in the city for restaurants on the cutting edge of contemporary cuisine.
Eclectic dining has long held its place in Los Angeles lore. Since the city’s explosive growth in the early to mid 1900′s, LA has become home to many ethnic groups that have helped influence the local cuisine. The large Asian, Eastern European and Latin American populations of LA have combined to be the inspiration for many modern culinary creations like Korean tacos, ceviche, chicken tequila fettuccine and even simple tortilla “wraps”. In the 1980′s Wolfgang Puck, from the original Spago on the Sunset Strip in LA, was considered to be one of the pioneers of local California Fusion Cuisine.
This rich tradition of cuisine with cultural fusion has led to many delectable dining experiences for residents and travelers to LA alike. The following five establishments are sure to offer some of the most unique cuisine that the city has to offer in upscale environments that can rival any dining experience throughout the world.

1. N/Naka – Japanese / Culver City

Naka
N/naka starts with the freshest high quality ingredients around, including vegetables harvested from their own organic garden, and uses them to create masterpieces on beautifully simple yet elegant plates. The presentation and service are both first-rate, while the food is a sensational seasonal interpretation of kaiseki, a blend of traditional and modern Japanese techniques. A nine course Chefs Tasting meal paired with wine is a bargain at $165, while a thirteen course Modern Kaiseki meal paired with wine is an indulgence for $250.

2. ink. – Contemporary American / West Hollywood

ink-5
For an experience that embodies the many cultures and tastes of Los Angeles, ink. is the restaurant every traveler should experience. Chef Michael Voltaggio has managed to blend the many flavor profiles that comprise the ethnic favorites of the people of Los Angeles and present them in a Contemporary American cuisine. Labeled “modern Los Angeles Cuisine” by its creator, ink. packages creative takes on dishes like Octopus with Ink. Shell Pasta with terrific non-pretentious service to create a dining experience that can only be considered to be California Cool. The very hip and trendy cuisine has plates that start at $50.

3. The Belvedere – American / Beverly Hills

zthe_belvedere
The Belvedere has been the only AAA five-diamond restaurant in Los Angeles for nineteen consecutive years. The outstanding refined market-driven contemporary American cuisine has appetizers and entrees to suit even the most sophisticated palette, while the decadent dessert buffet at the end is enough to send even the most cranky child home satisfied. Considered, Creative New American Cuisine, dishes like the famous Truffled Macaroni and Cheese are a must to start off any dining experience. Outstanding service, ambiance and food await the discriminating diner. Entrees are $50 and over.

4. Melisse – French / Santa Monica

Melisse
This amazing French restaurant in Santa Monica has been Zagats highly coveted top-rated restaurant in Los Angeles since 2003. The contemporary French cuisine is paired with a modern chic ambiance and outstanding service to make this a dining experience beyond compare. The food and ingredients are fresh, the presentation is impeccable and the taste is rich with palette pleasing flavors. The desserts are decadent, sweet and compliment the starters and entrees quite well. For a truly exquisite experience, the 10-course prix fixe tasting menu is a must. This enjoyable experience for two starts at around $500.

5. Tabu Grill – Californian / Laguna Beach

tabu grill
A truly amazing local restaurant is Tabu Grill just south of Los Angeles in the quaint community of Laguna Beach. Tabu is far from pretentious with its hip Polynesian inspired beach vibe. The cuisine on the other hand can be put up against any big city restaurant around. Dishes with a Pacific Rim influence mixed with Mexican and American inspired preparations are par for the course at this scrumptious establishment. The yellow fin poke with mango, celery, avocado and mint is a good example of a starter that can lead into delicious entrees and small plates. The reasonable fare starts at about $30 for some of the entrees.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Great Wine Regions of Tuscany

Image
Italians have long had a history of consuming and producing their fair share of fine wines. From the luxurious bottles of Brunello di Montelcino to the inexpensive bottles of Chianti, the Italian  region of Tuscany  produces several predominantly red wines that are ever so pleasing to the palette. Tuscany is Italy’s third most planted region and yields primarily the Sangiovese grapes, with red wine accounting for over 80% of its wine production. Most of the production comes from the Chianti region that produces over 8 million cases of wine per year , while the Brunello di Montelcino region with its richer and more intense wines produces only about 333,000 cases annually. The quality standards of all Italian wines are controlled and classified by the government. A  DOCG classification  (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) is the highest standard guaranteeing the origin and blend, while DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) is a less restrictive...
Read more

Safaris – The Luxury Holiday In Africa

Image
At o ne time it will have only been the very rich who would have been able to afford a safari, but nowadays they are more readily available to a wider section of society. While they are still luxury holidays there are more people going on them and more options opening up. For a short break there is the option of a flying safari. A travel agent will have all the details of everything that is available but there is one that allows you to see parts  of Southern   Tanzania In  a way that most people will never see it. Some of the most amazing animals can be seen at Selous – this is the biggest protected wildlife reserve  in Africa   and you can view them either by jeep or boat. Now there is a new way to visit and that is by plane.  To make sure that the safari is as exciting as possible, you will sleep in a domed tent and you cannot get much closer to the animals than this. This will not be the ideal safari for someone who has never been on one before, ...
Read more

Luxury Spa Resort – The Best Option For A Wonderful Honeymoon

Image
If you are planning your wedding, make sure not to leave out arrangements for your honeymoon. This is where  luxury spa resort  comes in. It does not matter whether you wish to have your honeymoon at any of the Caribbean beaches, with the sun shining down on you, enjoy the rich and tropical culture associated with Hawaii or even lodge in a mountain range resort, you are sure to find  top spa resorts  that are designed to take care of your needs. There are even resorts offering its guests enviable  spa weekend packages  that is meant to help you enjoy the benefits of lodging or spending your honeymoon at a spa without spending beyond your budget. Most of these packages come as all in one and what does that mean for you? It simply means that you can have that dream honey you have always wanted even though your budget is tight. Since nature is mostly associated with the  best spa resorts,  you are sure to find resorts that are located very clo...
Read more