Dine Out LA 2008
Have you ever said to yourself, "Maybe tonight, instead of eating out at an overpriced LA restaurant with vaguely Asian decor, I'll just stay home and have ramen, then donate the difference to a worthy cause?" Um, yeah. Me neither. Fortunately, there are periodic occasions when you don't have to choose, one of which is fast approaching. DineOut LA, which happens on Thursday, April 17, is an excuse to eat out while actually doing something nice for others in the process: at least twenty percent of all participating restaurant proceeds will be donated to AIDS research. So check out our guide to saving the world by having a bite to eat -- we've chosen some highlights, but a full list is available here. Don't forget to order dessert.
The Hungry Cat
1535 Vine St
Los Angeles, CA 90028
The Hungry Cat specializes in seafood, so do yourself a favor and try the oysters or the lobster roll; if not for the Hollywood "industrial" atmosphere, you could pretty … much pretend you're dining in a small New England beach town. But the real reason to come here for dinner is the cocktails. Their version of the gin and tonic comes with muddled oranges and limes and is the perfect way to toast the end of a hot LA day. [link]
D'Etoile
8941 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
D'Etoile's been around for years in the same teeny little space off Santa Monica, and it's heavier on atmosphere than a lot of its peers on the Strip. The escargots and … scallops are both pretty great, and the cocktails are strong (it's WeHo, after all). And you can people-watch while you eat, always a riot in central Boystown. [link]
Cliff's Edge
3626 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
This little Silver Lake eatery is hidden away from the prying eyes of street traffic, but has still managed to attract a loyal following made up mainly of eastsiders … trying to impress first or second dates. Not a difficult task when the atmosphere's so lovely (definitely sit outside if you can) and everything on the menu is so delicious. Try the risotto; you won't regret it. [link]
