Chris's parents are coming into town this weekend and he asked me for suggestions on places for his Midwest parents and him to eat. My initial reaction was "free meals!" and instantly thought of places like
Whist,
Matsuhisa and
Royale, which are incredible and pricey. Then, I realized that parental dining isn't so much about scoring the best food possible, but like all things L.A., it's about crafting an image--namely, you as a fabulous L.A./Hollywood success. Here are my picks. Feel free to add your own in the comments.
- Bar Marmont- Sort of the epitome of Hollywood. Better to go earlier in the evening for small plates and drinks. Can be a scene later, but much classier than the Ivy.
- La Conversation- Great brunch place. Really good food, filet mignon benedict, Waverly wallpaper everywhere.
- Spanish Kitchen- Really good Mexican food in a great atmosphere. If the folks want Mexican, you should take them here
- Trader Vic's- Your parents will know about Trader Vic's. They will tell their friends back home that their son took them to Trader Vic's. You will get a mai tai out of the deal.
- Hungry Cat- At some point, you will be in Hollywood proper. Suggest Hungry Cat, which has great seafood. I understand people from the Midwest thing fish is some weird delicacy, but almost everything is fried-- so it won't seem all that odd.
- In-N-Out Burgers- You know who introduced me to In-N' Out? Perez Hilton, that's who. Of course, at the time he was just Mario and was you know, sort of pleasant. So, thank you Perez, for introducing me to the magic of "animal style". For that, I will always be grateful. And so will your parents, when you introduce them to the greatest fast food joint on the planet. Just don't start drawing cocaine sprinkles on photos of babies or anything.
- Loteria Grill- So you're at the Farmer's Market and the Grove. Sure you could go to the Cheesecake factory, but then your roommate would call you "Cheescake Factory Boy" for a week. So go to Loteria Grill in the Farmer's Market. Basically, the best tacos in town. Choose a meat, try a few, get some sandia and show em how Cali does the taco.
- Musso & Frank's- Whenever my Dad is in town, he eats here. I don't know why because he's never invited me. Maybe there are strippers? But somehow doubtful considering it's the epitome of old Hollywood. Actually, come to think of it... I'm told the martinis are amazing.
- Cut- If Mom and Dad want to say "We ate at Wolfgang Puck's!" this is where you want to go. First, it's possible to get reservations. Second, somebody famous will be eating there. Three: It's a fucking steakhouse, man. Your parents will try the beef and make some jokes about how it's a lot of fuss for a porter or something, but inside they'll remember it for the rest of their lives. Now, I'm not saying a meal can make your parents proud of you, but when they think of you living some bigshot Hollywood life, they will think of having a meal with you at Cut.
- Pinkberry- Because Pinkberry is the most important thing to happen to L.A. ever. It's not only a tasty treat, but a mood-altering mind control drug. If Pibnkberry asked me to kill, I would.
*Photo courtesy of moovieboy.Labels: dining, los angeles
