Los Angeles : The List

Celeb Chefs Cover the Market

BuzzEditor — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:11:00 GMT

Spago

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Though fine dining may have cooled off a little as a result of the past year’s economic turmoil, celeb chefs remain as popular as ever. Fortunately, many of them have opened more casual concepts, allowing diners with tighter budgets to get a taste of their culinary vision. But how do these budget-minded sibs stack up against their high-end counterparts? Read up, and then add your own votes and opinions.

Wolfgang Puck

Arguably LA's most famous toque, Wolfgang Puck keeps packing them in at pricey perennial favorite Spago, while also offering his fare at lower prices at new places like Wolfgang Puck B&G.

Spago

176 N. Cañon Dr.
(Wilshire Blvd.)
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310-385-0880; reserve online

Food	Decor	Service	Cost
26	25	25	$78

It “just keeps getting better” for devotees of this Beverly Hills “can’t-miss” “classic” that’s still “on top of its game”, serving the “superb” Californian cuisine of Wolfgang Puck (who often “comes out to greet diners”) turned out by chef Lee Hefter; the “royal” service proceeds at a “stately pace” in the “lively”, “elegant yet casual” interior or on the “serene patio” where patrons “dine under – and among – the stars”; so though it “may require your first-born as a deposit”, it’s “ever so worth it.”

Key to Zagat Ratings

Wolfgang Puck B&G

800 W. Olympic Blvd.
(Figueroa St.)
Los Angeles, CA 90015
213-748-9700

Food	Decor	Service	Cost
-	-	-	M

The eponymous chef-restaurateur expands his presence to burgeoning Downtown with this indoor-outdoor Californian at LA Live that offers a midpriced menu of his signatures – from pizza to prime meats and calamari to kurobuta; a musical-note motif repeating throughout the floors and light fixtures seems appropriate, considering its proximity to shows at both Staples and Nokia.

Susan Feniger

Susan Feniger, half of the Two Hot Tamales, has been bringing her specific take on Mexican cuisine to the City of Angels for decades, and she's still at it – her highly affordable Street opened earlier this year.

Border Grill

1445 Fourth St.
(bet. B'way & Santa Monica Blvd.)
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310-451-1655; reserve online

Food	Decor	Service	Cost
22	19	20	$34

“They still have their mojo” assert champions of this “legendary” Santa Monica Mexican from celeb owners Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken serving up “stylized” south-of-the-border dishes and “tremendous tequila drinks” to wash ‘em all down; a “friendly” staff and brightly colored murals make up the “lively” atmosphere, although sensitive sorts call it “too loud for enjoyable eating”; P.S. happy hour is a “delicious deal” with $4 drinks and $3 tacos.

Key to Zagat Ratings

Street

Photo: Natasha Bedu

Street

742 N. Highland Ave.
(Melrose Ave.)
Los Angeles, CA 90038
323-203-0500

Food	Decor	Service	Cost
-	-	-	I

Susan Feniger (Border Grill, Ciudad) has taken over a former Melrose District coffeehouse, turning it into this Eclectic street-food eatery with high ceilings and an outdoor patio; its inexpensive, multiethnic menu – offering small plates from all over Latin America and Asia (with a few European stops) – brings back memories of the chef’s first creation, the much-loved City Restaurant.

Key to Zagat Ratings

Noodling Around

BuzzEditor — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:28:00 GMT

Valentino

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

In an effort to combat pasta's bad post-Atkins rap, the World Pasta Congress of Rome (yes, there is such a thing) has deemed October 25 to be World Pasta Day. In its honor, we thought we’d take this opportunity to highlight some primo pastafarians around town.

Laborless Outdoor Lunching

BuzzEditor — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 18:07:00 GMT

Gardens

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Labor Day. The symbolic end of summer, the last three-day weekend before school starts and a perfect opportunity for an alfresco midday meal. So where to go? To help you decide, we've contacted some of our Top Outdoor spots to see who will be open for lunch on Monday, September 7.

The Belvedere: This New American in Beverly Hills will be open for lunch, 11 AM–2:30 PM (310-788-2306; reserve online).

Chateau Marmont: Lunch is served 11 AM–5 PM at this WeHo celeb magnet (323-656-1010).

Gardens: Beverly Hills dwellers can enjoy a Med lunch from 11 AM–5 PM (310-273-2222; reserve online).

Hotel Bel-Air Restaurant: This Bel-Air French, and No. 1 Decor titleholder, will be open for lunch from 10:30 AM–2 PM (310-472-1211; reserve online).

Inn of the Seventh Ray: Lunchtime at this Topanga Californian happens from 11:30 AM–3 PM (310-455-1311).

Michael’s: The Santa Monica classic will be serving lunch from noon–2:30 PM (310-451-0843; reserve online).

Splashy Spots

BuzzEditor — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 21:07:00 GMT

First Cabin

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

The pleasure of dining by the water is something only an aquaphobe could deny. Yet too often the food quality at waterside restaurants is a washout. To give you a leg up, here are five such spots that please with their cuisine as well.

Want more aqua-adjacent options? Check out our full list of waterside restaurants.

Eating Au Naturel

BuzzEditor — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:21:00 GMT

Grace

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

After pigging out this past weekend on ribs, burgers and beer to celebrate our nation's birthday, perhaps you'd like to continue your patriotic eating, albeit the healthy way. To help you out, we've compiled a list of restaurants that serve New American cuisine with a focus on natural and organic ingredients.

More Dad's Day Dining

BuzzEditor — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:37:00 GMT

Arroyo Chop House has steaks for dad

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

We already gave you a massive list of Father's Day dining options, but if they were all met with a fatherly shoulder shrug, no worries, we've got more suggestions for a manly meal out with pops on June 21.

Top Steak

Top Sit-Down BBQ

Top Manly Restaurants

Sky's the Limit on Memorial Day

BuzzEditor — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:22:00 GMT

Rush Street

Photo: Naomi Kiang

Memorial Day, May 25, is almost here, which means it’s time for barbecues and trips to scenic vistas. But if you’re the kind who’d rather have someone else do the grilling, or aren’t looking to travel beyond your own city limits, we’ve got some suggestions for you. Celebrate the long weekend with lip-smacking, bib-staining ’cue and escapes to restaurants with rooftop dining (or retractable roofs).

Top Barbecue

Rooftop Dining

Do It Outdoors

BuzzEditor — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:38:00 GMT

Outdoor seating at Gardens

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

If you're looking for a spot to dine alfresco and worship the sun, check out our listings of choice outdoor spots in town (including Gardens, pictured). Or maybe you're more of an outdoor drinking type? Don't worry, we have suggestions for that too!

Tax Recovery

BuzzEditor — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:36:00 GMT

photo: courtesy of Churl

No matter how much you try to forget, your taxes are still due on April 15. But that doesn't mean you can't afford a solid meal – after this rough couple of months, you deserve it! We've pulled out a few cheap eats from our list of Best Buys, where you can reward yourself for tangling with the taxman.

Have an Ox-some New Year

BuzzEditor — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 23:40:00 GMT

Celebrate the year of the Ox.

Photo: Bernard Oh

If you didn't get your fill of New Year's festivities a few weeks ago, take heart, because the Year of the Ox begins on January 26th. The celebrations continue for 15 days, including the annual Golden Dragon Parade down North Broadway in Hollywood on January 31st. To get you in the mood, here's where to find the Top Chinese from our Los Angeles/So. California Restaurants guide:

Getting Into That Prohibition Spirit

BuzzEditor — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 21:58:00 GMT

photo: Mike Ritter

Seventy-five years ago, on December 5th, 1933, the state of Utah ratified the 21st Amendment and effectively ended the 13-year dry spell in American history known as Prohibition. In the past, that event has mostly interested historians, but in recent years restaurateurs and bar owners have begun honoring the date with an informal "Repeal Day."

So how to celebrate Repeal Day? You don't need to buy a costume or give a gift – all you need to do is kick back and enjoy your constitutional right to imbibe. And what better place to get into the spirit (or spirits, as the case may be) than these establishments that either were once actual speakeasies, or at least feel like it:

Café Wa s
Del Monte*
The Derby
The Edison Lounge
Hush* (F.K.A. 86)

* actual former speakeasy

The Five Best Buys in LA

BuzzEditor — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 19:19:00 GMT

With the economy a wilder ride than most roller coasters these days, it feels good to dine at a restaurant where you'll get the most for your buck. Which places offer the best quality-to-cost ratio? Zagat Survey has done the math for you. Here are the top five picks from our Best Buys LA list from the 2009 Los Angeles/Southern California Restaurants guide.

In-N-Out Burger

Multiple locations

“A quantum leap beyond other fast-food joints”, this “SoCal classic” and top Bang for the Buck in LA delivers “amazing” burgers, fries (get them “crispy”) and milkshakes all made from ingredients “so fresh” that “even the slow-food lover likes to sneak there once in a while”; the “efficient” staff will “serve you something ‘animal style’ with a smile”, leaving the “long lines” at the drive-thru (“more of a park-thru” at peak hours) and the calories as the “only downsides”, though “these are burgers even your cardiologist would say are worth having.”

Spitz

2506 Colorado Blvd.; 323-257-5600

The “finest in ‘slow fast food’” can be found at this “Cal-style” Turkish-Med “keeper” where a “devoted” staff serves up a “delish” doner kebab (the “real attraction”) along with “tasty” sweet potato fries and “rich, creamy” gelato; it’s “off the beaten path”, but given the “generous”, “inspired” specialties, surveyors surmise “it’s worth the drive to Eagle Rock”; N.B. a Little Tokyo branch opened recently.

Tommy's

2575 W. Beverly Blvd.; 213-389-9060

“Bring lots of Tums” to this “landmark” 24-hour Downtown “chili-cheeseburger paradise” where the “messy, greasy” patties and dogs make for a “guilty pleasure”, particularly after a night of “partying”; as for the “standing-only” space that’s in a slightly “sketchy” locale, just remember “you’re not here for decor” but for the “legendary experience”, and at least the line moves “fast.”

Noah's New York Bagels

Multiple locations

For a “quick nosh on the run” surveyors say this national sandwich chain is “as good as it gets outside of the Big Apple” for “endless varieties” of “fresh, fat” bagels “with all the trimmings”; though the counter staff usually keeps the “intimidating lines on weekends” “moving fast”, “ex–New Yorkers” avow these “puffed-up” “dough balls” are certainly “not authentic”, but they’ll do “in a pinch.”

Carney's Express

8351 W. Sunset Blvd.; 323-654-8300

12601 Ventura Blvd.; 818-761-8300

“Snappy dogs” “served in a train car in the middle of the Sunset Strip” in WeHo (and on Ventura in Studio City) draw “throngs of loyal fans” to these “funky, inexpensive” stops where the “greasy” chili burgers, fries and shakes also “hit the spot”; with “friendly, efficient service” too, it’s perennial “fun for kids” and anyone who agrees the “food might kill you, but you’ll die happy.”

For more Los Angeles Top Lists, click here.

Keeping Kosher in LA

BuzzEditor — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 20:40:00 GMT

With the Jewish high holidays in full swing – Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, begins at sundown – it seems as good a time as any to talk kosher. So if you're looking for somewhere to break the fast tomorrow, or are just a fan of food prepared to strict standards, we suggest you consider these kosher spots from our recently released 2009 Los Angeles/So. California Restaurants guide:

A Cow Jumped Over the Moon

421 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills; 310-274-4269

Like a “Parisian kosher cafe”, this modestly priced Beverly Hills French delivers “delish” dairy dishes like French sandwiches, salads and crêpes in an orange-and-chrome bedecked space “in an underground parking lot”, albeit a Rodeo Drive one with a stone fountain; those who prefer to get it to-go can also pick up picnic supplies like wines, cheeses and chocolates at the attached gourmet shop; N.B. closed Saturdays.

Fish Grill

7226 Beverly Blvd.; 323-937-7162

9618 W. Pico Blvd.; 310-860-1182

12013 Wilshire Blvd; 310-479-1800

Seafood-seekers “get their Omega-3’s on” at this order-at-the-counter kosher mini-chain pumping out “simply prepared” mesquite-grilled fish plus salads and chowders, all priced on the “affordable” side; decor is “purely utilitarian”, prompting some patrons to opt for “takeout” – just remember, they’re “closed on the Sabbath” (Friday evenings and Saturdays).

Milky Way

9108 W. Pico Blvd.; 310-859-0004

Leah Adler, the “sweetheart of Pico Boulevard”, “greets the patrons personally” at this kosher kitchen dishing up “delicious” meals of “blintzes and other homestyle Jewish dairy cooking” as well as specials with a Californian twist; sure, the flower-filled room is “not too hip”, but “how could you not love eating with Steven Spielberg’s mommy – she’s a riot!”

Pat's

9233 W. Pico Blvd.; 310-205-8705

“Who knew kosher could be so fashionable?” ask admirers of this “sophisticated” Pico-Robertson venue serving “wonderful” glatt Cal-Italian dishes in a “stylish” setting with a view of the open kitchen; everyone appreciates the “excellent” service, though a few demur on prices they find “on the high side.”.

Sassi Mediterranean

15622 Ventura Blvd., Encino; 818-986-5345

“Terrific” kosher food awaits at this “low-key” Encino Mediterranean cooking up couscous, kebabs and the like in a “basic storefront” setting; service is “fast” and “pleasant”, and given its moderate tabs and kid-friendly menu items, it’s a natural fit for families; N.B. closed Friday nights and Saturdays.

For more LA Top Lists, click here.

Paul Newman's Legacy

BuzzEditor — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:19:00 GMT

Legendary actor Paul Newman passed away over the weekend. Although best known as a movie star, he was also renowned as an entrepreneur/philanthropist thanks to his Newman’s Own brand of food products, which began as a line of salad dressing and grew to encompass everything from popcorn to lemonade to spaghetti sauce. All profits from this enterprise were donated to various charities, allowing him to harness his global fame for the common good. Not incidentally, he was also a racecar driver and even a restaurateur (Dressing Room in Westport, CT).

Ultimately, his legacy lies in his movies. As a tribute to his wide-ranging body of work, here is a list of 20 notable Newman films, rated and reviewed by our voters. It is excerpted from the 2009 Zagat Movie Guide.

Key to Zagat Ratings

Absence of Malice

1981 | Directed by Sydney Pollack | With Paul Newman, Sally Field, Bob Balaban | 116 minutes | Rated PG

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
21	25	21	20

"Newman and Field ignite the screen" in this "textured" "hard-hitting" courtroom drama demonstrating how "guilt by association" causes a "newspaper to ruin a man's career"; most say that the "irresponsible press" is a topic made for the movies, but some feel this "slight" effort "should have been better" – starting with the "not-believable ending."

Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid

1969 | Directed by George Roy Hill | With Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Katharine Ross | 110 minutes | Rated PG

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
26	26	25	25

"Compulsive charmers" Newman and Redford play a pair of wisecracking, "magnetic" "antiheroes" trying to stay ahead of the law in this "outstanding" Western "buddy movie", loaded with "adventure and humor"; it fuses a "snappy" script, Burt Bacharach soundtrack and "too many classic scenes to count" into a "sentimental favorite" that's "never boring" from start to "unforgettable" finish.

Cars

2006 | Directed by John Lasseter, Joe Ranft | Animated | 116 minutes | Rated G

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
24	-	23	27

Disney/Pixar's "well-oiled" animation outfit rigs a "familiar fish-out-of- water story" ("Doc Hollywood", anyone?) to "talking cars" and rolls out this "delightful" joyride featuring "exceptional" renderings and "adorable" vocal characterizations by Owen Wilson, Paul Newman and comic Larry The Cable Guy; parents appreciate the "great" soundtrack and "offbeat" cultural references – real lifesavers when the young 'uns "watch it for the 30th time."

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

1958 | Directed by Richard Brooks | With Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Burl Ives | 108 minutes | Not Rated

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
25	27	24	23

"Man, these people have problems": "steamy Liz" "in that white slip" and a "dynamite" Newman "couldn't possibly look better" as they "burn up the screen" in this "sex-soaked" Tennessee Williams drama of "love, rejection" and "Southern family politics"; the "towering" Ives presides as the ragin' Big Daddy, adding an "incredibly interesting" Lear-like thread to all that "eye candy."

Color of Money, The

1986 | Directed by Martin Scorsese | With Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio | 119 minutes | Rated R

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
16	21	16	17

Something different from Martin Scorsese, this "generation-later" "follow-up to The Hustler" details how a washed-up billiards baron molds an up-and-comer into his protégé; though somewhat "predictable", "excellent acting" from the "powerhouse Cruise" and the "finely tuned", Oscar-winning Newman "saves it."

Cool Hand Luke

1967 | Directed by Stuart Rosenberg | With Paul Newman, George Kennedy, Strother Martin | 126 minutes | Not Rated

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
26	27	24	22

"One of the best movie lines ever" ('what we have here is a failure to communicate') and that "famous hard-boiled egg scene" make this "damn great" Deep South prison drama memorable – not to mention the efforts of "consummate pro" Newman playing one cool con on a "chain gang", abetted by a "strong" Kennedy, who grabbed an Oscar for his supporting work.

Exodus

1960 | Directed by Otto Preminger | With Paul Newman, Eva Marie Saint, Sal Mineo | 210 minutes | Not Rated

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
23	23	26	25

An "all-star cast" drives this story of the "founding of modern Israel", a "stunning", "satisfying" Preminger epic "faithfully" adapted from Leon Uris' best-seller; fans single out the star turn from a "too-gorgeous-for-words" Newman "in his prime", and if the plot has some "bathos" mixed into its "high drama", it's ultimately a "moving" moving picture.

Fort Apache, The Bronx

1981 | Directed by Daniel Petrie | With Paul Newman, Ken Wahl, Rachel Ticotin, Ed Asner | 125 minutes | Rated R

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
21	23	21	20

Considered "shocking in its day", this "gritty" snapshot of a "city overtaken by crime" set a "new standard for cop dramas" with its "tell-it- like-it-is" depiction of hookers, junkies and the NYPD; "not-bad-on-the- eyes" Newman is "at his acting best" as the veteran "good guy" on the force, with strong backup from a "wonderful ensemble."

Harper

1966 | Directed by Jack Smight | With Paul Newman, Lauren Bacall, Julie Harris, Arthur Hill, Janet Leigh, Pamela Tiffin, Robert Wagner, Shelley Winters | 121 minutes | Not Rated

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
21	23	20	21

Renowned for its all-star, scenery-shredding cast, this "fun" private *** flick features a "vintage Paul" hot on the trail of a missing husband; if the "plot is entirely predictable", "none of the actors are", with special kudos to an "entertaining" Bacall as a witchy wife and a "classic" Winters as a blousy, boozy starlet.

Hud

1963 | Directed by Martin Ritt | With Paul Newman, Melvyn Douglas, Patricia Neal, Brandon De Wilde | 112 minutes | Not Rated

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
26	28	24	24

"Stud muffin" Newman is at his "bad boy best" playing an "alienated", "black-hearted" cowboy in this "truly adult" "modern Western" about a "struggle between a father and son"; sure, "Neal got the Oscar" (as did "heartbreaker Douglas" and that "gorgeous black-and-white cinematography"), but in the end, Paul's "heartbreakingly cool" anti-hero gets the most reaction.

Hudsucker Proxy, The

1994 | Directed by Joel Coen | With Tim Robbins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Paul Newman | 111 minutes | Rated PG

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
22	22	21	23

"Big business" and the "bootstrappy American dream" are satirized in this "sly satire" via the Coen brothers about a "plucky mailroom clerk" who "invents the hula hoop" ("ya know, for kids") and becomes president of the company; despite a "refreshingly cynical" script peppered with "dialogue so crisp you can hear the gum smacking", a few find it a bit "odd", though it's certainly "never dull."

Hustler, The

1961 | Directed by Robert Rossen | With Paul Newman, Jackie Gleason, Piper Laurie | 134 minutes | Not Rated

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
25	26	24	22

"Dark, tense and beautifully delivered", this "ultimate movie about winning" is also a "love poem to the game of pool", featuring "Newman on a roll" opposite Gleason in a rare dramatic turn that nearly "steals the picture"; it's "convincing", "gripping" stuff, and though Paul reprised the character of Eddie Felson in The Color of Money, connoisseurs claim this first take is so "much better."

Road to Perdition

2002 | Directed by Sam Mendes | With Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Daniel Craig, Jude Law | 117 minutes | Rated R

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
23	26	22	25

"Hanks proves his versatility" in this "evocative period piece", playing a "cold-blooded hit man" for the Irish mafia during the Depression; the "intense journey" is "impeccably done", with Newman in "stellar form", Oscar-winning cinematography that will "take your breath away" (notably that "tommy gun scene in the rain") and "top-notch screenwriting" that "stays true to the novel."

Silent Movie

1976 | Directed by Mel Brooks | With Mel Brooks, Marty Feldman, Dom DeLuise, Sid Caesar | 87 minutes | Rated PG

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
20	20	19	20

"Kudos" to Brooks for ditching dialogue and scoring "audience roars" with "clever" sight gags in this "entertaining" send-up of silent films; expect a parade of "star" cameos (Burt Reynolds, Liza Minnelli, Paul Newman), though the "best moment" belongs to mime Marcel Marceau, who utters the picture's "only spoken word."

Slap Shot

1977 | Directed by George Roy Hill | With Paul Newman, Michael Ontkean, Strother Martin | 122 minutes | Rated R

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
22	18	19	17

Right up there with the "funniest sports flicks", this puckish comedy finds "Newman on skates" as the "foul-mouthed coach" of a "dark horse" minor-league hockey team with a "strange way" of turning every face-off into a riot on ice; it "epitomizes the goonery" of the high-sticking '70s, resulting in "crazy", "profane" and "fairly violent" fare that hardcore fans "cannot live without."

Sting, The

1973 | Directed by George Roy Hill | With Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw | 129 minutes | Rated PG

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
27	26	27	26

"Deftly" charming its way to Best Picture honors, this "classy" comedy "caper" "succeeds in spades" as a "likable", "fast-paced" vehicle for Newman and Redford, radiating "great rapport" as a pair of grifters playing a gangster for a sucker in Depression-era Chicago; a "funny, intriguing" "period piece" set to "elegant" Joplin rags, it raises the "suspense" stakes with "masterful" plotting and a final "zinger" that saves the sharpest sting for last.

Sweet Bird of Youth

1962 | Directed by Richard Brooks | With Paul Newman, Geraldine Page, Ed Begley, Shirley Knight | 120 minutes | Not Rated

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
24	28	24	23

A "young, gorgeous" Newman and "brilliant" Page ("what a combo!") reprise their stage roles in this cinematic adaptation of Tennessee Williams' play about a wannabe actor/gigolo and a faded, Sunset Boulevard–esque movie queen; sure, the story has been somewhat sanitized for the big screen, but most birdies still tweet "how sweet it is . . ."

Torn Curtain

1966 | Directed by Alfred Hitchcock | With Paul Newman, Julie Andrews, Lila Kedrova, Wolfgang Kieling | 128 minutes | Rated PG

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
23	24	23	22

This "compelling" Cold War spy thriller via Alfred Hitchcock concerns an American physicist who defects to East Germany, bent on espionage; while it "isn't the greatest Newman or Andrews" effort, it still "has is moments", notably the 'silent murder' sequence and Lila Kedrova's "compelling" supporting role as a down-and-out countess.

Towering Inferno, The

1974 | Directed by John Guillermin, Irwin Allen | With Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, William Holden | 165 minutes | Rated PG

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
18	17	18	22

"Make sure you know where all the exits are" before settling into this "big, bad '70s disaster" flick starring a skyscraper, a fire and a "rogues' gallery of great actors"; although the "passable" "special effects were top-drawer for its time", cynical sorts snort it's more of a "made-for- TV movie" by modern standards.

Verdict, The

1982 | Directed by Sidney Lumet | With Paul Newman, Charlotte Rampling, Jack Warden | 129 minutes | Rated R

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
23	25	23	20

A "David-vs.-Goliath" legal struggle is the underpinning of this "underrated" courtroom drama about a "burned-out lawyer trying one last case to keep from going under"; Newman's "intense", "tour-de-force" turn is one of his "greatest" roles (leaving many "stunned" that the Oscar eluded him), while the "mesmerizing" Rampling "excels" as the love interest.

Wish They All Could Feed California Girls

BuzzEditor — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 19:58:00 GMT

Geoffrey's

photo: Courtesy of Geoffrey's

As the weather warms here in Southern California, we are drawn like lemmings to restaurants along the shore, of which we have never had a lot – oddly enough. Along the rockbound shores of Maine, there are lobster shacks; around the Chesapeake, crab houses abound. In the Pacific Northwest, you can watch the Pacific ebb and flow while chewing on salmon and oysters. But here in Southern California, we don't have a seafood object-of-desire that draws us to the sand. Instead, we go for the ocean itself.

We dream of the Quintessential Beachfront Restaurant, which, in theory at least, hovers just one storm away from disaster above the breakers. So what exactly is the Quintessential Beachfront Restaurant in SoCal? The Beach Boys sang about how they wished they all could be California girls; we sing of how we wish all California seafood restaurants could be like these worthy contenders:

Chart House: The Malibu outpost of this national surf 'n' turf chain offers dazzling views. If the seas are rough, the waves have been known to splash high enough to hit the windows. This is the essence of the Old School of Beachfront Restaurants – great for visitors and locals alike.

Duke's Malibu: Born in Hawaii, with another branch down in Huntington Beach, Duke's offers Pan-Pacific cooking, and bars both inside and out. Sit outside so you can sip your Cosmo while warming your toes in the sand.

Geoffrey's: This Californian sits on a cliff high above the surf, bringing a certain elegance to the beachfront experience. Though ties and jackets aren't necessary (and would mark you as an out-of-towner), linen pants and Tommy Bahama shirts go well with the martinis and Chardonnay.

Gladstone's Malibu: At the very end of Sunset Boulevard, where the Strip flows into the sea, this sprawling seafooder has long ranked as the highest-grossing restaurant in SoCal, last year bringing in $14.5 million and serving 590,000 meals. There are barrels of peanuts to chew on (remember to throw the shells on the floor), and a vast outdoor patio where you can lose yourself watching the waves. As many do – I've known people who have shown up for breakfast and stayed through dinner.

Moonshadows: This American is known partly for its oceanside location and partly for its always-packed patio, where live jazz is played nightly. If the surf is crashing in, the musicians have to do a modern-day version of Demosthenes, competing with the waves.

Neptune's Net: This is my personal favorite, a rough-and-ready shack across the highway from Leo Carrillo State Beach and its ample supply of surfers, many of whom can be found at The Net, drinking beers and eating french fries. Large groups dig happily into mounds of shellfish along with some of the best clam chowder this side of the St. Lawrence Seaway. It's a spot that appeals to Harley riders and Ferrari drivers – which is SoCal incarnate.

Los Angeles : The List

Celeb Chefs Cover the Market

Spago

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Wolfgang Puck

176 N. Cañon Dr. (Wilshire Blvd.) Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310-385-0880; reserve online

800 W. Olympic Blvd. (Figueroa St.) Los Angeles, CA 90015 213-748-9700

Susan Feniger

1445 Fourth St. (bet. B'way & Santa Monica Blvd.) Santa Monica, CA 90401 310-451-1655; reserve online

Street

Photo: Natasha Bedu

742 N. Highland Ave. (Melrose Ave.) Los Angeles, CA 90038 323-203-0500

Noodling Around

Valentino

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Laborless Outdoor Lunching

Gardens

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Splashy Spots

First Cabin

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Eating Au Naturel

Grace

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

More Dad's Day Dining

Arroyo Chop House has steaks for dad

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Sky's the Limit on Memorial Day

Rush Street

Photo: Naomi Kiang

Do It Outdoors

Outdoor seating at Gardens

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Tax Recovery

photo: courtesy of Churl

Have an Ox-some New Year

Celebrate the year of the Ox.

Photo: Bernard Oh

Getting Into That Prohibition Spirit

photo: Mike Ritter

* actual former speakeasy

The Five Best Buys in LA

2506 Colorado Blvd.; 323-257-5600

2575 W. Beverly Blvd.; 213-389-9060

8351 W. Sunset Blvd.; 323-654-8300

12601 Ventura Blvd.; 818-761-8300

Keeping Kosher in LA

421 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills; 310-274-4269

7226 Beverly Blvd.; 323-937-7162

9618 W. Pico Blvd.; 310-860-1182

12013 Wilshire Blvd; 310-479-1800

9108 W. Pico Blvd.; 310-859-0004

9233 W. Pico Blvd.; 310-205-8705

15622 Ventura Blvd., Encino; 818-986-5345

Paul Newman's Legacy

Absence of Malice

1981 | Directed by Sydney Pollack | With Paul Newman, Sally Field, Bob Balaban | 116 minutes | Rated PG

Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid

1969 | Directed by George Roy Hill | With Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Katharine Ross | 110 minutes | Rated PG

Cars

2006 | Directed by John Lasseter, Joe Ranft | Animated | 116 minutes | Rated G

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

1958 | Directed by Richard Brooks | With Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Burl Ives | 108 minutes | Not Rated

Color of Money, The

1986 | Directed by Martin Scorsese | With Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio | 119 minutes | Rated R

Cool Hand Luke

1967 | Directed by Stuart Rosenberg | With Paul Newman, George Kennedy, Strother Martin | 126 minutes | Not Rated

Exodus

1960 | Directed by Otto Preminger | With Paul Newman, Eva Marie Saint, Sal Mineo | 210 minutes | Not Rated

Fort Apache, The Bronx

1981 | Directed by Daniel Petrie | With Paul Newman, Ken Wahl, Rachel Ticotin, Ed Asner | 125 minutes | Rated R

Harper

1966 | Directed by Jack Smight | With Paul Newman, Lauren Bacall, Julie Harris, Arthur Hill, Janet Leigh, Pamela Tiffin, Robert Wagner, Shelley Winters | 121 minutes | Not Rated

Hud

1963 | Directed by Martin Ritt | With Paul Newman, Melvyn Douglas, Patricia Neal, Brandon De Wilde | 112 minutes | Not Rated

Hudsucker Proxy, The

1994 | Directed by Joel Coen | With Tim Robbins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Paul Newman | 111 minutes | Rated PG

Hustler, The

1961 | Directed by Robert Rossen | With Paul Newman, Jackie Gleason, Piper Laurie | 134 minutes | Not Rated

Road to Perdition

176 N. Cañon Dr.
(Wilshire Blvd.)
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310-385-0880; reserve online

800 W. Olympic Blvd.
(Figueroa St.)
Los Angeles, CA 90015
213-748-9700

1445 Fourth St.
(bet. B'way & Santa Monica Blvd.)
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310-451-1655; reserve online

742 N. Highland Ave.
(Melrose Ave.)
Los Angeles, CA 90038
323-203-0500