Mélisse
Voted best food in Los Angeles (and placing second in service) for the second year in a row in the annual Zagat survey, Mélisse is simply one of the best special occasion restaurants in Tinseltown. French for “lemon balm,” Mélisse incorporates soothing natural herbs into its innovative interpretation of traditional French-New American cuisine. Recipient of the Mobil Travel Guide Four-Star Award for eight consecutive years, Mélisse consistently delivers classic favorites ranging from an almond-crusted imported Dover sole to a dry-aged Côte de Boeuf Roti accompanied by a potato-leek torte, wild mushrooms, haricot verts, and herb jus. Delectable desserts include sticky toffee pudding and an enticing brown butter peach tart. Enjoy Chef Josiah’s artistic delicacies in one of two private dining rooms. With its roaring fireplace and sophisticated charm, The Burgundy Room creates an ideal ambiance for intimate dinner parties, while the patio, with its retractable roof, is the perfect spot to host an upscale wine and cigar party.
1104 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica
310.395.3810
The Kress
Exploding onto the scene as one of the hottest spots in the country in 2008, Mike Viscuso’s newest brainchild celebrates innovation, extravagance, and the dramatic. Mixing venues with unabashed bravado, The Kress boasts an Asian-themed restaurant presided over by illustrious Chef Troy N. Thompson, a basement-level lounge as well as a third-level banquet and event center, and finally a breathtaking rooftop lounge. The Kress’ Art Deco vibe pulses with psychedelic colors beneath neon-pink floor lamps. Throughout each lounge, circular couches vary in shade from ivory to eggplant to metallic gold; these posh sofas provide intimate respite for those weary of sashaying along the Kress’ vast dance floors. If you are seeking undiluted glamour, visit The Kress and bask in its playful offering of swank diversion and design.
6608 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles
213.488.0000
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October 30, 2008Haute 100: Aby Rosen, Alex Rodriguez, André Balazs, Bill &
