Business LunchHappy HourSweeten the Deal

A selection of prime spots that will make during - or after-work meet-ups tastefully productive
Allison BrunnerJanuary 2016

BUSINESS LUNCH

Bottega Louie

The Vibe
Bustling and bright with high-ceilinged interior, this gourmet market, patisserie, and café can accommodate more than 250 diners. However, you can still achieve the intimacy required for a professional meeting of the minds.

The Bite
Modena salad with butter lettuce, candied walnuts, and goat cheese; Trenne pasta with braised prime rib eye, Burrata pizza with Grana parmesan, prosciutto di Parma, rapini, garlic and extra virgin olive oil. The desserts are pure decadent artworks: Save room for the Butterscotch Budino or a selection of colorful macarons.

The Sip
The Moulin Rouge cocktail is tempting, made with Hangar One Citron vodka, St. Germain, raspberries, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.

Outdoor Seating
No

Private Meeting Space
No

700 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90017
213/802.1470
/ bottegalouie.com

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The dining room at Bottega Louie

Il Fornaio

The Vibe
The warm, welcoming restaurant features an expansive, sectioned seating area that opens onto a spacious, outdoor covered patio.

The Bite
Antipasti della Casa complete with prosciutto di Parma, Italian sausage, bruschetta, grilled artichoke and roasted bell peppers; Cappellacci, butternut squash, and walnut ravioli in tomato sauce, brown butter and grana padano; Insalata di Tonno with sushi-grade ahi tuna, wild arugula, couscous, tomatoes, red onions, capers, and raisins; Zabaione Alla Gritti, a delicious berries and cream dessert.

The Sip
The Rosso Delizioso (Caliche rum, Pavan orange blossom liqueur, lime juice, strawberries, raspberries) is decidedly distinctive.

Outdoor Seating
Yes

Private Meeting Space
No

6320 Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
818/297.1700
/ ilfornaio.com/woodlandhills

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Il Fornaio’s Pizza Cristina

Water Grill

The Vibe
See the ocean, smell the salt air, and taste the freshest seafood available.

The Bite
The only place in California to find live California spiny lobster, this delightful spot has incredibly fresh seafood and a raw bar with a variety of oysters, mussels, clams, as well as delicious warm bread to start and an array of appetizers – try the New England-style clam chowder!

The Sip
Truly unique seasonal cocktails including the on-the-rocks Ocean Avenue (vodka, strawberries, tarragon, and fresh lemon juice) and the tangy Margarita Verde with its ancho-chile rim and sublime blend of silver tequila, agave syrup, fresh lime, cucumber, basil, and jalapeño.

Outdoor Seating
No

Private Meeting Space
Yes; a private room decked out in nautical decor can seat up to 16 for business meetings or special occasions.

1401 Ocean Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310/394.5669
/ watergrill.com/wgsm/home.html

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Wild Eastern Sea Scallops with roasted cauliflower at The Water Grill

HAPPY HOUR

Bar Chloe

The Bite
Avocado crostini with olive oil and sea salt; classic grilled cheese sandwiches; fried calamari

The Sip
Go for the Manhattan or opt for the signature Chloe Cocktail with Mandarine Napoléon, Crémant rosé, and lemon.

Outdoor Seating
No

Private Meeting Space
Yes

Happy Hours
6-8pm, M–F

1449 Second St.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310/899.6999
barchloe.com

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Bar Chloe

Larsen’s

The Vibe
A classic steakhouse with live piano music, serious drink specials, and a happy hour menu with something for everyone.

The Bite
Blue wedge salad, Maryland crab cake, and aged steaks prepared in the traditional Larsen’s way with sides such as lobster mashed potatoes and beer-battered onion rings.

The Sip
A solid wine list offers more than 300 options.

Outdoor Seating
Yes

Private Meeting Space
Yes

Happy Hours
5-7pm every day

6256 Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
818/704.1226
/ larsensrestaurants.com

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Colorful offerings at Larsen’s

Nick and Stef’s Steakhouse

The Vibe
Sleek and contemporary, this modern steakhouse, named after Joachim Splichal’s sons, oozes with culinary flair.

The Bite
Signature Caesar salad prepared tableside; fresh seafood, shellfish, and myriad meat options with a variety of delectable sauces and sides such as creamed spinach, rustic root vegetables, and sweet potato fries.

The Sip
A well-curated wine list with over 500 labels and craft cocktails.

Outdoor Seating
Yes

Private Meeting Space
Yes

Happy Hours
3-9pm, M–F

330 S. Hope St.
Los Angeles, CA 90071
213/680.0330
/ patinagroup.com

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A more substantial offering, the Prime Florentina

Allison Brunner