tart

Between the updated exterior of the restaurant and the old Farmer's Daughter, and hearing good things, I really, really wanted to like this place, but the sad truth us, it just didn't live up to the hype.

We went for dinner with Beer's parents when they were visiting. Started off with wine and cocktails, which ended up all over his mom's white skirt. Strike one. We ordered our meals, and when Beer asked if he could have fries with his (an easy request), he was told no. Strike two. I ordered the steak which was thin and came out overcooked (well done when I ordered it med rare), bland and chewy. There was supposed to be some garlic butter with it, but that was missing too. I couldn't believe what they were charging for something of that quality. I felt like I was eating at Sizzler. Strike Three.

We opted to order dessert thinking that HAD to be better. It wasn't. His mom's strawberry shortcake, which, according to the menu is served with fresh berries, came out with nothing more than a drizzle of strawberry sauce. After two (less than subtle) complaints, they took it back and returned it with the sliced berries. Is asking to have something served as it's described really asking too much? Strike four. My dessert was covered in a sickly sweet caramel syrup you could tell just came out of a Smart & Final bulk jar. When I asked point blank, they even copped to it. They can't make their own caramel on a $10 dessert? Come on.

When it came time to settle up they'd overcharged us. Once that was resolved, we asked to have them honor the guest discount we were supposed to receive (as his parents had been staying there a week), and after two requests, it still wasn't, so we just gave up and left. That was the final strike for me, so I won't be back.

The place is small but cute, the server was pleasant, the patio dining looked great for a warm summer evening, and I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt that they were having an off night (though we heard from the parents it wasn't much better the other two times they went back during their stay).

115 S Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 937-3930

chamberlain hotel bistro

The Chamberlain is one of my favorite local boutique hotels for those weekends you just need to get away without getting away. Often overlooked by locals is the fabulous little hotel restaurant for brunch and cocktails.

For those weekends that a meal is about as far away as you're gonna get, sneaking into the chic Chamberlain for brunch (from 7a-2p), is a great way to pretend. The nouvelle American menu is limited but everything is fresh, beautifully prepared and presented. Sitting in the dining room bathed in serene teals and blues, or on the palm lined patio, a glass of champagne (or three), will have you feeling like you're a million miles away in no time.

Despite the warnings that the restaurant is for hotel guests only, I have yet to run into any problems valeting the car out front and walking right in to get a table. Just smile and relax (which isn't hard to do once you get past those doors), and you'll have no problem either :)

trader vics

Oh, the memories ... and not just mine. My gran used to hit happy hour here in the 50's when she still had an office in Beverly Hills. Grandma doesn't remember much, but she does recall the Mai Tai's, which are memorable indeed!

This is mid-century Tiki at it's purest. Part of what I love about T-Vics is that not much has changed since then - including some of the bar and wait staff!

The vibe is old school and cool, the drinks are stiff, and the appetizers get tastier with every drink (pass on the sushi, everything else is good - especially if it's fried!). My poison is the Scorpion which is served up with a big gardenia floating on top. Don't be fooled by the girlish exterior- it's a sweet, smooth concoction that'll knock you on your ass. And if that's your goal, just go straight for the Scorpion bowl (it serves 2-4, depending on the crowd and who has to work in the morning).

I've had dinner here a few times and despite being a bit pricey, it's very good, even if only for the kitsch value.

This is one local spot I'll be very sorry to see go - it's slated for demo (date still TBD) to make way for condo development and a possible Waldorf-Astoria hotel. Damn shame and a big mistake if you ask me. But until then, I'll be there drinking up!

Tip: There are some libations that have actually been pulled from the menu over the years for being too strong (I shit you not). As for my faves on that list, there are some things even I won't reveal, but if you ask real nice, one of the older waiters likely will ; )

9876 Wilshire Boulevard Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (310) 276-6345

the parker

No matter what time of year, this is one of our fave weekend getaways.

The Adler design is evident in every inch and the villas (if you can get your grubbies on one) are utterly divine. When we're lucky enough to land one (god bless the corporate comps), we only leave to venture out to the grounds for the pools (one of which is saltwater), the Lemonade Stand (this ain't your corner stand variety - you can pretty much park yourself here for the day or stroll with your drink to play a pissed game of Petanque or Baci) and the two fantastic restaurants - Norma's for brek and lunch and Mister Parker's in the eve. Both of which are worthy of 5 stars on their own.

PSYC (Palm Springs Yacht Club), aka the spa, is a grown up fantasy land as are all of the specialty services. If you're there in summertime, the Goldfinger is a must - they polish and bronze you - it's luscious. And don't forget your iPod - you're invited to enjoy whatever you like during your treatments. (But if you do forget, they have a menu of music choices that'll delight even the pickiest listener). Even the yoga classes every morning are worth sauntering over to, hangover and all.

This is one place we love to make an annual mecca to and one of the few hotel properties in the world I'd actually give a sixth star to if I could. Every element is impeccable and geared to the 30-45 crowd without being wanky.

All you need to pack is a swimsuit, light sweater and a couple of wrap dresses. Otherwise, you can sunbathe nude on your patio and lounge around half nekkie, and pretty much not leave the grounds all weekend. (That is, if you even want to make it out of the amazing beds). This is truly a little bit of heaven not to be missed.

4200 E Palm Canyon
Palm Springs, CA 92264
(760) 770-5000