What a scene at this hip WeHo spot with  drinkers swarming the elegant bar and couples, groups,  and assorted friends seated on the terrace (the place to be seen) and in side at the elegant tables.

 The chic marble, wood and chandeliered Italian eatery caters to a fashionable, loud and lively clientele.

Great food. We had wood-oven baked meatballs ($10), ahi tuna tartare,  Alaska salmon carpaccio (was soooo good and $14), eggplant parmigiana (also tasty at $19), pappardelle with homemade sausage and wild mushrooms ($20) (the guys loved it), sides of spinach ($6) and Broccolini ($6) and a chocolate cake (I passed but the men said it was rich).

We splurged on a bottle of big Bynum Chard ($56) , but then all wines and drinks– (a Negroni was $12 and a Knob Creek $14), while my starter class of Bynum was $14 and for a  very little pour– are budget busters here.  But seems like the tipplers here weren’t complaining, the wine and booze flowed.

The food is moderately high-priced but adult beverages can break the bank.  Even a glass of milk that Chris ordered cost $6!  Man that’s milking the cow. He also thought his Knob Creek up was weak and a small pour. That’s Chris (l) and Richard (my husband),

But otherwise we enjoyed the scene, food and service, save for a little delay in filling our water glasses.

Total tab was $223.89 before tip.

Cecconi’s is located in the old Morton’s on the corner of Robertson Blvd. and Melrose Avenue in WeHo, 8764 Melrose Avene, 310-432-2000, www.cecconiswesthollydwood.com.

 it’s open for breakfast (brunch on Sunday) , lunch and dinner.

Richard (my husband) and I had a delightful dinner at Parq at the Montage Hotel, enscounced in a romantic booth sipping a bottle of big, buttery Dutton Chard 2007, selected by Eric, our exceptionally-informed waiter.

The urban sister of the Montage Laguna Beach, Montage Beverly Hills offers two fine dining experiences. I enjoy them both, but if I had to pick a favorite, I’d say Parq. A comfortablly chic room with tables and booths, seamless service and truly fine food, the restaurant under the toque of executive chef John Cuevas, features a fall menu filled with delectable finds. During our more recent sampling we sat in a romantic booth and enjoyed a creative tartare of creekstone beef–which Cuevas explained was a recontruction served in a canning jar with crispy pumpernickel bread. We also tried the pepper cruster Ahi tuna with cantaloupe and cucumber in sesame soy, an order of sushi rolls that had just the right spice, and for entrees perfectly prepared John Dory in tangerine and soft basil with citrus butter and a local halibut done on charred greens and cranberry pesto that was amazing. Our waiter Eric showed enthusiastic about the wine list and menu and really knew both well. He selected a special Chard that paired well with each course. Chocolate cake and cookies provided the grande finale. Anyone who eschews hotel restaurants will definitely change opinion when sampling Parq. Especially with Cuevas at the helm. Formerly as Chef de Cuisine at the award-winning The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach, Cuevas’s brought his creative American cuisine to Par showcasing seasonal, simply prepared ingredients.. “My passion has always been to take familiar and/or unfamiliar ingredients and introduce them to my staff. With the help of my team we take our creations to our guests in a way that is imaginative but more importantly, memorable and consistent.” says Cuevas. He displays a unique, fun and adventuresome take on food and favors simple food with bold flavors. With an admitted sweet tooth, he loves to combine sweet and savory nuances in many of his dishes, such as Pan-Seared Local White Sea Bass with Roasted Peppers, Crispy Artichokes and Whipped Mustard Oil; Braised Natural Vintage Short Ribs with Charred Romaine, Cheddar and Braising Jus and his signature 28-Day Dry-Aged Coffee-Crusted New York Strip with Fourme d’Ambert Cheese, Wild Arugula and Bourbon-Caramel Sauce. Cuevas’ culinary roots are deep-seeded. A native of San Diego, he takes his passion for cooking from his grandfather. His mother, who was raised in Minnesota, was the proprietor of a San Diego bistro. To familiarize himself with front-of-the-house operations, Cuevas first worked as a waiter and then moved into the kitchen at Loews Coronado Resort in San Diego. Intent on establishing himself as a chef, he went on to receive his formal culinary training at Scottsdale Culinary Institute in Arizona. Following culinary school, he took a position at The Phoenician’s showpiece restaurant, Mary Elaine’s, where he helped garner the restaurant Five-Stars from Mobil Travel Guide and Five Diamonds from the Automobile Association of America. Lured by California’s balmy weather and abundant fresh produce and seafood, he moved back to California in 2001 to serve as chef de cuisine at Motif at St. Regis Monarch Beach, Dana Point before joining the culinary team at Montage Laguna Beach. Parq at Montage, 225 N Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, www.montagebeverlyhills.com.

Your Dining Diva’s been eating her way from LA to Palm Springs and has discovered some great deals on meals and wine.(Here I am at Sunday Brunch at the Belvedere Restaurant at the Peninsula Beverly Hills Hotel. Okay it’s $69 a person but it’s still a deal considering unlimited French champagne, a multi-course sit down meal and all you can eat dessert buffet in an ultra chic setting. Not to mention a menu created by super executive chef James Overbaugh.

Let’s start with the Desert. The Renaissance Esmeralda’s Sirocco restaurant offers a 5-course dinner menu with a glass of wine thrown in for $36. We tried it and loved every course (we paid for it, too, no comp).  From the prosciutto and melon to the  risotto, pasta ragout , Mahi Mahi and luscious fresh fruit in a creamy sauce –it was perfect. We did splurge on a $60 of our favorite Rombauer Chard. www.renaissanceesmeralda.com.

 Back in LA, on Monday nights Michael Mina’s XIV gives you 50% off any wine over $100, not a bad deal, and the food there is sublime, truly. We went during DineLA Restaurant Week when it was almost half priced and even went back before the special ended for a second meal, it’s that good.  8117 “Sunset Blvd., LA,  888-MY-SBE-LIFE.

Cafe Bizou in Sherman Oaks has a $2 corkage fee any night of the week. We go often and bring a great bottle of wine or champagne and save a bundle while enjoying the fabulous French bistro style fare. Love this neighborhood spot.  Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks,  818-788-3536.

More to come so stay tuned…

The Dining Diva Does Sunday Brunch in Style at the Belvedere Restaurant

And what a special occasion spot to be. We sat on the inviting patio, sipped French champagne and feasted on several delicous courses included in the price fixed $69 menu.

The civilized brunch is served at your table with limitless bubbly, our glass was always full, too. Our waiter was exceptional.

 Starters included the best smoked salmon with fingerling potatoes, ahi, Peking duck confit pancakes, fruit salad,  mozzarella and tomato caprese, mac and cheese with truffles,  plenty of delicous breads, followed by a choice of entrees –for me the wild Alaska salmon, cooked to perfection on a bed of tasty rice, for Richard, an outstanding flank steak  and the grand finale a dessert buffet. We had to get up, but it felt good to stand.(The chocolate cake was divine, but so were the cookies, carrot cake, cheese cake and all the other savories of which there were too many to sample).

If you have a special anniversary or birthday coming up, or just feel like spending a relaxed Sunday afternoon sipping champagne and enjoying the awesome creations of executive chef  James Overbaugh (seen here with your dining diva)–the creative, talent behind the four star kitchen, then make a reservation at www.peninsulahotel.com, or go to www.opentable.com.

Check out my full review:   http://www.examiner.com/x-23074-LA-Insider-Travel-Examiner~y2009m11d2-Sunday-brunch-at-the-Peninsula-Beverly-Hillsit-doesnt-get-much-better-than-that

Just got back from lunch at Red Seven by Wolfgang Puck at the Pacific Design Center. 

 My friend and I loved the Chinese chicken salad, a real steal at $10 especially since we shared it. We also ordered the Bento Box ($15) , which was so-so.  The sushi rolls were great, but we didn’t care for the weird fruity salad or the noodle dish. Sated from the chicken salad neither tried the Kobe beef slider that came with the Bento Box–I took it home for tomorrow. Had wines by the glass, me a Clos du Bois ($10) that was great, she had an $8 Sauvignon Blanc. Wasn’t quite enough so we ordered one more Chard and shared it. No dessert or coffee, tab came to $59 before tip. Still very enjoyable meal.

Red Seven is far superior from Wolfie’s Cafes which bombed big time. Seems like the celebrity chef might have exerted more culinary control over this one. I’m definitely going back to try some of the other offerings, especially the Asian dishes.

It’s  not open for dinner but  there is  a Happy Hour from 5 to 8 PM with a special drink and “bites” menu, details of which aren’t printed on the brochure.

Red Seven by Wolfgang Puck, Pacific Design Center, 700 N San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood,  310-389-1587; www.wolfgagpuck.com

There just wasn’t any spark to the menu at Spark Woodfire Grill, but still we liked the place which we sampled during DineLA Restaurant Week–which alas ends  Friday, Oct. 23. 

It’s an inviting, cozy, neighborhood eatery with lots of charm and a see through glass enclosed kitchen  but unfortunately our measl disappointed.  Granted it was our first visit, and we only tried the price fixed DineLA $26 menu offerings. Which in my case was “crispy artichokes hearts” which were indeed crispy but so over-breaded I couldn’t find the green veggie inside. Richard had the Ribolita Soup which was edible but not very exciting. For entrees I had the “citrus glazed Pacific whitefish”, which was just okay. He had “Roasted Porchetta” which left him flat. For dessert we had chocolate cake with raspberries and chocolate mousse, which was okay, I had a mango sorbet which was way too sweet. Price $28 each for triple courses. We brought our own wine this time, a big, buttery Chardonnay from BV that was dreamy and paid the $8 corkage (reasonable these days).  I think they could lose the TV over the bar as it doesn’t fit the ambiance. Since the place has gotten some good reviews I figure we either were there on an off night or just didn’t make the right choices.  Tomorrow we’re going back to Michael Mina’s XIV, for the $44 DineLA dinner menu. We loved  the place and can’t get enough and figure we’d take advantage of the reduced prices. 

 going back to Michael Mina’s XIV while DineLA Restaurant Week is still ongoing and the 3-course meal is only $44 a person. We won’t be bringing our own wine this time since they charge a whopping $35 corkage. Spark Woodfire Grill, 11801 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, www.sparkwoodfiregrill.com. You really shouldn’t miss out on the last days of DineLA Restaurant Week with prices nearly half the normal going rate. Check it out at www.dineLA.com/RestaurantWeek.

The Dining Diva The Dining Diva at Spago Beverly Hills

My husband and I love Spago but not the prices, so when we heard they were participating for the first time  in DineLA Restaurant Week  with a $28 price fixed three course menu, we jumped at the opportunity to go back. It was all good save for a little creative accounting with our check.

 While the triple course menu is listed at $28, when the tab came there were four added $1 for this and that  confused us. And proved annoying trying to figure it out. The captain explained that is was “internal” accounting, but geez Louise, can’t you do this behind the scenes. That aside, we loved our meals: Proscuitto and Burrata Mozzarella with roasted pears, old Balsamic and Micro Arugula Salad (me), Maine Lobster and Spinach Raviolini with confit cherry tomatoes, basil and shellfish butter (Richard, my husband), Pan-Roasted Chatham Cod with cranberry bean ragout, pancetta, wild mushrooms and mascarpone emlusion (both of us and man was it delicious).We washed it all down with a feisty Ramey Chard, and ended with a platter of dreamy cookies and an apple caramel upside down cake. You have until Friday Oct. 16, 2009 to eat at Spago for less–or at any of the other 250 participating DineLA Restaurant Week restaurants–check it out at: www.dineLA.com/RestaurantWeek. For info on Spago go to: www.wolfgangpuckrestaurants.com.

If you’re into star-spotting by the way Spago’s the spot, this is celebrity central any day of the week especially on Fridays. Also check my examiner.com out at:  http://bit.ly/2P9nFf

The Dining Diva loves Michael Mina’s XIV, especially since she sampled the fare during DineLA Restaurant Week and saved big bucks.  Created by super chef Michael Mina’s  this culinary castle-like restaurant normally charges royal prices, as participants  in tRestaurant Week, our absolutely fantastic three course meals cost $44 each.

We even lucked out going on a Monday when all wines over $100 are half price. So we splurged on a bottle of Lewis Chardonnay which normally goes for $112. And, if you must ask, we paid, we were not hostehttp://bit.ly/2P9nFfd journalists. The swank dining room with its cloth-less tables and deep burgundy hues was swamped with stylishly-dressed couples and groups many who were there to take advantage of the price fixed fare according to our waiter and general manager Jacob Shure. “We never see such a crowd on Monday nights,” said Shure. The price fixed menu is available through Friday of this week and then again from Sunday October 11-16. So you better hurry if you want to enjoy food for less like. I started with the most tender, tasty Tataki of American Wagyu Skirt done Moroccan-style with spiced vegetables, man that was good. Richard began with the Heirloom beets, Burrata and wild arugula salad dressed with Balsamic and New Olive oil. We both opted for the Tai Snapper. Really good choice as this was one of the best fish dishes we ever ate (and that’s saying a lot from two writers who have sampled restaurants around the world). The perfectly-spiced tapioca-crusted snapper came with broccoli rabe and a white soy vinaigrette. We sipped our big, buttery Lewis Chard throughout the meal– I love that wine. And at half price is was quite a deal. We ended with a combo dessert of dark chocolate cake,coffee cream, coconut sorbet and crunchy peanut served on a long platter. It was to die or diet for. I also ordered Michael’s classic root beer float that came with chocolate chip cookies. which I had boxed to try today. If you really want to try this place you should do it during DineLA Restaurant Week. If you can’t make it go anyway but expect to pay quite a bit more for food unless you sit outside on the patio where you can enjoy lighter, less expensive fare (Kobe burger for $17, Salmon steak burger for $19) in a casual setting. There’s even a happy hour 5-7. Also remember wines over $100 are half price on Monday nights, not just during Restaurant Week. XIV, 8117 Sunset Blvd., WeHo. www.xivla.com. ichael Mina’s XIV Proves a 10 on the Culinary Scale Michael Mina’s XIV Proves a 10 on the Culinary Scale We finally tried the much touted XIV on Sunset, super chef Michael Mina’s culinary castle-like restaurant with royal prices most of the time. But since they are participating in DineLA Restaurant Week, our absolutely fantastic three course meals cost $44 each. And since on Monday nights all wines over $100 are half price, we splurged on a bottle of Lewis Chardonnay which normally goes for $112. And, if you must ask, we paid, we were not hosted journalists. The swank dining room with its cloth-less tables and deep burgundy hues was swamped with stylishly-dressed couples and groups many who were there to take advantage of the price fixed fare according to our waiter and general manager Jacob Shure. “We never see such a crowd on Monday nights,” said Shure. The price fixed menu is available through Friday of this week and then again from Sunday October 11-16. So you better hurry if you want to enjoy food for less like. I started with the most tender, tasty Tataki of American Wagyu Skirt done Moroccan-style with spiced vegetables, man that was good. Richard began with the Heirloom beets, Burrata and wild arugula salad dressed with Balsamic and New Olive oil. We both opted for the Tai Snapper. Really good choice as this was one of the best fish dishes we ever ate (and that’s saying a lot from two writers who have sampled restaurants around the world). The perfectly-spiced tapioca-crusted snapper came with broccoli rabe and a white soy vinaigrette. We sipped our big, buttery Lewis Chard throughout the meal– I love that wine. And at half price is was quite a deal. We ended with a combo dessert of dark chocolate cake,coffee cream, coconut sorbet and crunchy peanut served on a long platter. It was to die or diet for. I also ordered Michael’s classic root beer float that came with chocolate chip cookies. which I had boxed to try today. If you really want to try this place you should do it during DineLA Restaurant Week. If you can’t make it go anyway but expect to pay quite a bit more for food unless you sit outside on the patio where you can enjoy lighter, less expensive fare (Kobe burger for $17, Salmon steak burger for $19) in a casual setting. There’s even a happy hour 5-7. Also remember wines over $100 are half price on Monday nights, not just during Restaurant Week. XIV, 8117 Sunset Blvd., WeHo. www.xivla.com. We finally tried the much touted XIV on Sunset, super chef Michael Mina’s culinary castle-like restaurant with royal prices most of the time. But since they are participating in DineLA Restaurant Week, our absolutely fantastic three course meals cost $44 each. And since on Monday nights all wines over $100 are half price, we splurged on a bottle of Lewis Chardonnay which normally goes for $112. And, if you must ask, we paid, we were not hosted journalists. The swank dining room with its cloth-less tables and deep burgundy hues was swamped with stylishly-dressed couples and groups many who were there to take advantage of the price fixed fare according to our waiter and general manager Jacob Shure. “We never see such a crowd on Monday nights,” said Shure. The price fixed menu is available through Friday of this week and then again from Sunday October 11-16. So you better hurry if you want to enjoy food for less like. I started with the most tender, tasty Tataki of American Wagyu Skirt done Moroccan-style with spiced vegetables, man that was good. Richard began with the Heirloom beets, Burrata and wild arugula salad dressed with Balsamic and New Olive oil. We both opted for the Tai Snapper. Really good choice as this was one of the best fish dishes we ever ate (and that’s saying a lot from two writers who have sampled restaurants around the world). The perfectly-spiced tapioca-crusted snapper came with broccoli rabe and a white soy vinaigrette. We sipped our big, buttery Lewis Chard throughout the meal– I love that wine. And at half price is was quite a deal. We ended with a combo dessert of dark chocolate cake,coffee cream, coconut sorbet and crunchy peanut served on a long platter. It was to die or diet for. I also ordered Michael’s classic root beer float that came with chocolate chip cookies. which I had boxed to try today. If you really want to try this place you should do it during DineLA Restaurant Week. If you can’t make it go anyway but expect to pay quite a bit more for food unless you sit outside on the patio where you can enjoy lighter, less expensive fare (Kobe burger for $17, Salmon steak burger for $19) in a casual setting. There’s even a happy hour 5-7. Also remember wines over $100 are half price on Monday nights, not just during Restaurant Week. XIV, 8117 Sunset Blvd., WeHo. www.xivla.com.

Check my column out at: http://bit.ly/2P9nFf

DineLA Restaurant Week started yesterday and we joined in the culinary fun with dinner at Cafe des Artistes, one of our favorite spots. The Cannes-like  French Bistro with its leafy patio and warm and cozy dining room is offering $22 three-course menus for the event that runs though Oct. 9 and again Oct. 11-16 at over 200 participating eateries.

It was a little too chilly for our blood to eat al fresco so we asked to be seated inside and were led to a romantic tiled table for two by the fireplace.   We started with a bottle of Chardonnay and moved along to a tangy, delicious Ahi Tuna Tartar and a perfectly mixed goat cheese salad that had just the righ combo of greens and red beets and cheese. For entrees I chose the grilled salmon on lentils that was ooh la la divine. Richard had the Beef Provencale Daube–a delightful French stew. For dessert I did the Floating Island Meringue–perfect, light, just sweet enough, and Richard went with the Chocolate Mousse, joie de vivre.

We began the evening with a drink at the bat of Essex Public House (www.essexhollywood.com). We had considered eating there since it was part of  DineLA but didn’t feel like the gastropub style menu, we wanted something a little more special.  So Richard had a Stone Arrogand Bastard  draftbeer and I hada glass of Hess Chard. Dozens of TV screens and lots of revelers provided the background noise and the barkeep provided a bit of an attitude and actually overcharged us by a buck, but we let it pass. And passed on the place too and drove the few blocks to Cafe des Artistes, where the food is consistent, you can hear each other talk and the mood is tres French.  1534 N. McCadden Place, 323-469-7300.  www.cafedesartistes.info.

 Tonight we’re trying XIV on Sunset, pricier at $44 for three courses, but a lot cheaper than at normal times.  Friday it’s back to Spago to do their DineLA lunch menu, then Spark, Marakesh and any more we can fit in before the party’s over on the 16th. For participating establishments, menus and reservations go to:  www.dineLA.com/restaurantweek.

The Diningdiva at the door of Kabuki, Hollywood, didn’t know she was in for such a treat…

When friends recommended a Japanese chain restaurant, your Dining Diva was skeptical, but once  I got over my diverish attitude I said why not. My husband Richard and I were going to see a play just down the street from the place so it made perfect sense. We could park once and walk between the two places.

Well weren’t we delightfully surprised.  First of all I loved the setting, a large, attractive room (I took this shot but had to crop people out of it for legal reasons)There’s a lively bar, cozy booths, tables and an efficient wait staff (our waitress was wonderful).  Kabuki Hollywood, part of a group of Japanese restaurants sprinkled throughout Southern California, Arizona and Nevada, is located on Vine Street smack in the heart of Hollywood.

The food surprises and delights.  Exquitely presented and as good as  we’ve tasted at higher priced spreads–maybe even a little better. (My beef and chicken hibachi)

The menu is head-sprinning extensive with lots of different sake, imported beers, a small, affordable wine list and the headliners:  sushi, sashimi, rolls, salads, entrees and really outstanding desserts.  We shared appetizers like a lovely spicy tuna on crispy rice  that was tangy and tasty. I love this dish and have often had it at a restaurant in Hawaii where I knew the chef so well he had it on our table the minute we arrived. Well Kabuki’s version was nearly as good with just the right spice and perfect rice, a little crunchy not hard and not mushy. I also order seaweed salads often and we had it here and man was it good. So was my  beef and chicken Habachi and Richard’s  tender, juicy cod—both couldn’t be better.    We gave into the tempting dessert menu and had thee New York Cheesecake, okay pretty incongruous, but it was delicious and so was Richard’s Hazelnut Craquant cake.   Our waitress was right on her game,  the experience was comfortable, more than satisfying and very reasonably priced with entrees no higher than $17.95, desserts $4.95 to $6.95 and fair prices for appetizers  etc.

When I get my next yen for Japanese cuisine, I’m heading straight to Kabuki. I guess you can tell I really liked this place and the Dining Diva does love it when  the restaurant she tries is this good.

There’s a Happy Hour Monday -Friday from  3 PM to 6 PM (except holidays) which I’m going to sample. Maybe I’ll see you there.

Kabuki Hollywood,  1545  N Vine St, 323-464-6003, www.kabukirestaurants.com

Check out my other  reviews at http://www.examiner.com/x-23074-LA-Insider-Travel-Examiner