From the driving, to the parking, to the not knowing where to drive or park, dinner in L.A. is harder than it should be. That’s why we created Dinner Plan — your itinerary to a damn good time.
Get Kitted: The Lost Explorer
Definitely wear something nice tonight. The Lost Explorer is hidden in a warehouse between Abbott Kinney and Main Street. You could go with a simple shirt from them, but we’d like to suggest you step up your sartorial game with one of their Hollywood suits. Made of Japanese snub cotton dyed in spring hues, these three-piece numbers are smart and casual enough for L.A.
Dinner: Felix Trattoria
Venice
Felix Trattoria is a study in Italian pasta. The menu, conceived by Chef Evan Funke, separates the pasta fatta into their Italian regions of origin — north, central, south and islands. The pappardelle comes folded with rich morsels of ragu. You’ll see big vibrant zucchini blossoms veiled in crispy fried batter on all of the tables. You’re in the former Joe’s Restaurant, but you won’t recognize it. The floorplan is the same but now with handsome furniture and dark wallpaper. It’s very crowded, and the waiters are excited to discuss the menu, which contains no misses.
1023 Abbot Kinney (map)
Website
Quiet Drinks: Old Lightning
Venice
If you’re on a date and want to retire to someplace that’s not home, where you can have a great conversation over some exceptional liquor, or a perfect cocktail served in a vintage glass, visit Old Lightning. This cocktail lounge by Steve Livigni and Pablo Moix (Scopa, Chestnut Club) is all about having a genuine, intimate time. They only allow around 40 people in a night; you have to make the reservation online and confirm with them. Take note to inform them if you’re running late, but try to be punctual as it’s a special experience that includes a hooch menu thick enough to stop a bullet. Fortunately the staff knows its contents like a librarian knows a card catalogue. The music rests at a perfect volume where you can hear about the drinks as well as your own voice. That they take your phone at the door only enhances the experience.
2905 Washington Blvd. (map)
Website
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