Not too long ago, we introduced you to Fig & Olive owner Laurent Halasz’ newest restaurant, nestled in the chic West Hollywood neighborhood of Melrose Pplace. Last night, we got an exclusive sneak peak of the restaurant when we were invited to “An Evening in Spain” featuring red carpet arrivals, Moët & Chandon champagne, innovative cocktails, light appetizers and exquisite desserts.

Immediately upon arrival, we were greeted with flutes of Moët champagne adorned with gold balls enclosed with gifts. We were then whisked into a Mediterranean oasis of stark white walls, blonde woods and orange couches, accented by dark green rosemary plants. The setting, along with resident DJ Julien Nolan’s stellar selection of lounge music, created a seductively sultry ambiance to mix and mingle with the city’s socialites.

This past Friday, February 18th, 31Ten Lounge in Santa Monica celebrated its grand opening with a special night of complimentary appetizers and cocktails for guests. Scrumptious pizzas and specialty vodka cocktails were whisked to tables from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Although the lounge actually opened its doors in mid-December of last year, owner Paolo Cesaro opted to hold the grand opening on the same day that an exclusive Los Angeles Times featured article about 31Ten Lounge was released.

Grammy-nominated R&B singer Brian McKnight hosted an intimate – and free – concert for fans at the Avalon Hollywood this past Tuesday night. The footage from the show will be included in McKnight’s upcoming Just Me album and DVD release, slated to hit stores this April.

Some things are undeniably L.A….palm trees, TV show tapings, sunny beaches, traffic, road rage, smog, chucks, celebrity sightings in Starbucks…the Lakers… On that list, we also can’t forget to include El Compadre Restaurant, a charming Mexican restaurant and bar in Hollywood that always manages to attract a lively, bustling crowd no matter what time of the day it is. Situated on Sunset Boulevard., its nondescript exterior offers no hint of the festive ambiance that awaits customers inside the space that’s architecturally designed like an outdoor villa on a warm summer’s night.

Thanks to Southern California’s moderately mild Subtropical-Mediterranean climate, we have the privilege of wearing flip-flops in November, of frolicking at the beach in December and of holding outdoor barbecues during the holidays.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Or at least if you’re in Century City, you can do as the Italians do, and eat lots of yummy, delicious Mozzarella cheese at Obika’ Mozzarella Bar in the Westfield Century City Shopping Center.