From the driving, to the parking, to the not knowing where to drive or park, dinner in L.A. is harder than it should be. That’s why we created Dinner Plan — your itinerary to a damn good time.
Today: a dinner plan to keep in your pocket for the next time you need to convince a man to sign his name on the line which is dotted.
The location: Santa Monica. If you’re already on the Westside, it’s easy. And if you’re coming from the east, you’re going against the traffic.
From our Partner
Dress the Part
In the world of deal-making, there are plenty of things you can’t control. Which is why it behooves you to be extra judicious with those you can — starting with dressing the part. So before heading off to dinner to charm the pants of your client du jour, pay a visit to the new Thomas Pink shop in Beverly Hills. Among their offerings: the new Business Bundle, which hooks you up with four premium dress shirts (from a selection of more than 100) for just $400. Mention InsideHook and they’ll even throw you a $50 gift card with your purchase*. Talk about deal-making.
9638 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills, CA, 90210 (map)
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Michael’s
Chef Miles Thompson has just taken over the kitchen at Michael’s Santa Monica, where many a notable L.A. toque have worked — Nancy Silverton, Brooke Williamson, Sang Yoon. The classic spot also got a little spiffing in the dining room recently, but the kitchen is what’s going to wow you. Thompson is inventive without overdoing it. He’s nodding to Michael’s classics, but stepping them up. To wit: the duck breast is served with a huckleberry juniper reduction that gives it a bit more pop than a typical wine reduction.
Esters Wine Shop
Sometimes a work dinner goes so well it doesn’t even feel like work. In these instances, it’s nice to grab one more drink. Esters Wine Shop and Bar is perfect for said scenario: it’s close by, they have a convivial scene that’s not too loud, and it’s often easy to grab a row of seats at the sprawling marble bar as drinkers migrate next door for dinner at Cassia. You don’t have to get wine, though their selection is obscure and tight enough to impress any oenophile. The cocktail program skews classic — old fashioneds are great closers.
*Must buy the “Business Bundle” to redeem. Offer valid in-store only at Thomas Pink Beverly Hills or Thomas Pink at Bloomingdales Century City between September 21 and November 13, 2016. Gift card can be redeemed online or in-store between September 22 and December 31, 2016.
Image credit
Michael’s: Rachel Jacobson
Esters: Emily Hart Roth
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