Because every Angeleno loves to eat, even if he has to valet, we bring you Table Stakes: a series that answers man’s eternally recurring question (“Uh, what’s new?”), and recurs once every lunar cycle or so. Bon appétit.
APL
Hollywood
You’re here for: A boys night or client dinner
You’re dining on: Chef Adam Perry Lang has been doing his annual summer BBQs next to Jimmy Kimmel’s stage for a while, and now he’s going permanent, with a 1,000-square-foot room just for dry-aging California Holsteins and Midwestern Black Angus. They even hand-forged their own cutlery — not that you’ll need it for the short rib. Everything pairs well with a Slovenian Lambrusco.
Joy on York
Highland Park
You’re here for: A casual dinner or lunch
You’re dining on: The folks behind Pine & Crane just opened this new restaurant, and they’re serving a lot of the faves: creamy dan dan noodles, crispy wontons, etc. Be sure to depart with that flavorful sesame scallion loaf in hand.
Triple Beam Pizza
Highland Park
You’re here for: A pizza party!
You’re dining on: Nancy Silverton (Mozza) and Matt Molina (ERB) just opened a Roman-style pizza joint on Figueroa with the folks behind Silverlake Wine. Roman-style dictates that you tell the folks behind the counter how big a slice you want, they weight it, you order some vino (or beer) and pay. Slices are served room temp, but they can heat it up on request.
5918 Figueroa St. (map)
Website
Castaway
Burbank
You’re here for: A swanky dinner with the missus or your clients
You’re dining on: The Wagyu steaks and Point Vicente calamari are classics, but it’s the view from the top of the hills that gives this new spot its shine.
1250 E. Harvard Rd. (map)
Website
Pirolos
Melrose
You’re here for: A greasy lunch
You’re dining on: Chef Michael Pirolo is famous for his Miami panini shop. It’s now on Melrose, where the meatballs, pan-fried chicken cutlets and sausages are made fresh, slathered in pestos and marinaras, and then flattened on Italian bread.
7461 Melrose Ave. (map)
Website
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