Juts found out I'm headed to LA in the near future, for four days of work and some fun. I've read lots of reviews on LA restaurants - but I'm interested in the ones you've eaten in, loved and would return to again. Lets pretend, for the moment, that price is not a concern. What would you suggest, and why? Thank you very much!!!

In LA/Santa Monica area, I love Ocean Avenue Seafood. Great place, and actually not exorbitantly expensive. In Beverly Hills/West Hollywood area, Spago is better than ever (certainly better than in the old place on Sunset)-- thanks to a great new head chef (Wolfie's moved on to other projects).

Actually, a few near me are worth the long drive down to Long Beach: L'Opera (downtown), Christy's (Belmont Heights), Shenandoah Café (Belmont Shore). Oh yeah-- Sir Winston's, on the Queen Mary, is wonderful too.

Thanks very much! You'll not believe this, but the last time I ate onboard the Mary, she was headed for NYC, out of Southampton. I've flown over her many times, and maybe I'll be able to take your advice and try her once again. Great idea. You know that Cunard is building a new QM 2 - promises to be very plush. Saw article about Puck in Wine Spec. - Spago sounds like a good bet for us. Thanks again.

No problemo. In Long Beach, L'Opera and Christy's have superb wine lists. In fact, didn't Wine Spectator have a recent issue featuring LA-area eateries? Maybe it was another mag (Food and Wine?).... In any case, glad to be of help. Hope some other people chime in!

Perhaps others would disagree, but I find Spago amazing. Not only is the food, atmosphere, and service wonderful, but I am always surprised how important they make me feel. While there are often stars in the room, they always make me feel just as important. I have had Wolfgang himself come to my table on two different occassions to check how we liked everything and actually engaged us in conversation, not just mechanical "checking".

But my real favorite is the bustling Ago on Melrose right at La Cienega. It just seems like everything an LA restaurant should be (including having Robert DeNiro as one of the owners).

Thanks, guys - good ideas. I will use them. Yes, Wine Spec. has covered CA several times, always including LA. Recently Puck was their cover story.

La Paella (near Beverly Center) and Warzawa (Polish in Santa Monica) are two of my favorite restaurants. Fantastic food, not too expensive, candlelight, and not your typical LA scene.

I'm a fan of L'Orangerie - fancy French and spectacular service.

There are tons of great restaurants in this huge city. Can you give us some specifics of what you are after? You may want to do some research at Chowhounds.