| Insider Tip: Need a lunch or dinner spot for a business rendezvous before heading to LAX? Il Moro Restaurant (310/575-3530) is just off Olympic Boulevard on Purdue in West LA, two blocks from the San Diego Freeway and 15 minutes (under normal conditions) from the airport. Run by the people who own Ca'Brea, Il Moro offers fine Italian food at reasonable prices and has both indoor and outdoor dining. |
| Insider Tip: If it's late at night and you have a craving for the best chili dog (or two or three) in the West, stop by Pink's (709 N. La Brea Avenue, at Melrose), a Los Angeles landmark. Turkey dogs and even veggie dogs are also now available. This popular, cash-only haunt is open Sunday through Thursday until 2 am, and Friday and Saturday until 3 am. |
| Insider Tip: Now movie biz types in the Valley have a place of their own for power breakfasts and lunches without have to head over the hill: Hugo's (12851 Riverside Dr., at Coldwater Canyon Ave.), the West Hollywood favorite, has opened a second location near the studios. Expect the same great coffee drinks and teas, as well as carbo-intense pastas and honey-scented fresh-baked rolls. Call (818) 761-8985 for reservations. |
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| Insider Tip: As a bonus to pretheater dining, downtown's Water Grill (544 S. Grand Ave., between 5th and 6th Streets, 213/891-0900) offers a complimentary shuttle to and from the Music Center, Tuesday through Saturday nights. The shuttle leaves from outside the restaurant every 10 minutes between 7 and 8, and drops you back at the restaurant after the show. |
| Insider Tip: If you're willing to go out of your way for a spectacular restaurant that'll knock your client's socks off, try Saddle Peak Lodge (419 Cold Canyon Rd. 818/222-3888) in Calabasas, about 40 minutes north of LA. It's remote but quite special: The hunting lodge atmosphere, complete with animal heads and blazing fireplace, will make you think you're in the Adirondacks. They serve American cuisine, with an emphasis on game (naturally), every night Wednesday through Sunday. |
| Insider Tip: The Lobby Lounge at the Regent Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills (Wilshire Blvd. at Rodeo Dr.) is the perfect place to go over your notes for the day while enjoying an afternoon cocktail or snack. You can spread your paperwork over the ample tables in this elegantly casual environment without attracting undue attention. The menu is brief but excellent. Reservations are typically not needed, but just to be safe, call (310) 275-5200. The lounge stays open until 12 am. |
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