Because every Angeleno loves to eat, even if he has to valet, we bring you Table Stakes: a series that answers man’s eternally recurring question (“Uh, what’s new?”), and recurs once every lunar cycle or so. Bon appétit.
Pop’s Bagel
DTLA
You’re here for: Breakfast or lunch at a booth at Smorgasburg
You’re dining on: Either a plain, everything or cinnamon raisin with homemade lox or cream cheese. These bagels are baked in a pizza oven, and emerge crispy on the outside and airy on the inside.
Kkini
Koreatown
You’re here for: Lunch or dinner with an adventurous eater.
You’re dining on: Galbijjim, a spicy short rib stew that comes out piping hot in a big clay bowl.
859 S. Western Ave. (map)
No. 10
West 3rd St.
You’re here for: A swanky and happening Italian restaurant from Alessandro Del Piero, a legendary soccer player who captained Turin-based side Juventus for more than a decade. Consider it for a group date or business dinner.
You’re dining on: The Smorfia, a wood-fired pizza with a 24-month aged prosciutto de Parma. Order some olives and the carpaccio for the table, too.
Bluebird Brasserie
Sherman Oaks
You’re here for: Dinner with the amigos.
You’re dining on: Food that goes with Belgian-style beer. So cheese croquettes and bready things. You can drink and eat late here.
13730 Ventura Blvd. (map)
Website
Somni
Beverly Hills
You’re here for: A romantic date. This is 20-course fine-dining experience, in which the food is presented like fine art. You’ll need to buy tickets, which include a wine pairing.
You’re dining on: It’s set a special counter in the kitchen of the Bazaar, and the menu is made by chefs Aitor Zabala and José Andrés. Some dishes will be traditional. Others will be molecular.
465 S. La Cienega Blvd. (map)
Website
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