"la dining" news and stories

It sort of reminds me of that very buxom bar/restaurant that was sued several years ago. The chain of prime rib restaurants, Lawry's, has been sued for discrimination in hiring. The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed the class-action suit in Federal court in Los Angeles this week accusing the Pasadena branch of the restaurant of continuing the policy of using women servers only - a policy that dates back to 1938.

One of the attorney's for the Commission has said that the practice denies men of the higher-paying jobs of serving, relegating them to lower-paying jobs like busing tables.

Do the mean really want to wear those mud-brown dresses and silly bonnets?!

Source

On the restaurants scene, chefs are taking cobblers and crisps to the next level. SIV goes for midnight munchies at Magnolia Hollywood, then writes about camera-equipped kitchens for bi-coastal chefs. Tropicalia Brazilian Grill sizzles.

In the kitchen, a recipe for the chili from downtown Walt Disney Concert Hall and many ways with the artichoke. Giada de Laurentiis' new cookbook makes elegant dinners.

The Wine of the Week is 2003 Domaine de la Begude to perfectly pair with an Easter leg of lamb, but don't forget about the Greeks. Passover begins next week, so a few choices beyond Manischewitz.

[photo: LA Times]

You might not know exactly where the Beverly Hilton is in Beverly Hills, but you certainly know about the Beverly Hilton if you watch the Golden Globe Awards, which are hosted there every year. The "new" owner, who purchased the hotel from Merv Griffin two years ago, has planned to tear down some existing structures on the hotel's property to build condos, including the old-school Trader Vic's restaurant. Apparently, the legendary Polynesian restaurant, famous as the godfather of the Mai Tai, is one of the hotel "elements that no longer work."

Who serves the best sushi in Los Angeles? Coming from New York--I moved here two weeks ago--I am determined to find out where to go for great sushi. Everyone I ask has a different opinion, but the majority of people agree that the small sushi joints, the ones tucked away in the strip malls, are the best. Earlier this week, I ate at Ike, located in Hollywood. It came strongly recommended from in-the-know LA foodies. They knew what they were talking about. The fish was amazingly fresh; the giant clam was shockingly good, and tasted just like the sea. Sit at the bar when you go.

Sushi Ike
6051 Hollywood Blvd #105
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 856-9972

In the kitchen, Regina Schrambling elevates humble grits. To help in the kitchen, a Vietnamese cookbook, the recipe for the Shaker sugar pie with coconut from a restaurant called Golden Lamb in Ohio, and picking up Spring produce at LA farmers' markets.

On the restaurant scene, LA looks at the other coast and snickers at Mario Batali's new venture, Del Posto. Back at home, SIV gives two stars (**) to French restaurant Maximilians in North Hollywood. Venerable Valentino had a new chef Dan Dickman of old Rocca, then he left! 3rd Stop is a great place for beers on tap.

A sweet back-story on Au Bon Climat and Qupe wineries in Santa Maria, and SIV's wine of the week is 2003 Ampelos Cellars Evans Ranch Syrah, from the Santa Rita Hills. Good for barbecue, and retails for $26.

And of course, we've already talked about the Westwood farmers' market closing.