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Downtown is really trying. Unfortunately, the live acts and sports events are really the only reason to venture down there. AEG knows this, so they have stocked the Club Nokia, with the Staple's Center and the Conga Room following suit, with the most randomly fascinating assembly of talent ever (Stone Temple Pilots, Jimmy Eat World, and George Clinton & Parliment Funkadelic to name but a few at the Club Nokia alone) in the hopes of luring Angelenos from the stoic burbs and sceney pockets down into the PR Orgy that is LA Live. Once down there, you'll forget you may soon forget the act you came to see. For LA Live is an over sensory dream of video screens on steroids, towers of LED lights, and walls that change color. It's a village of light that's a monument to American consumption and commerce, and you shouldn't wait to dive in. It may be hard, but steer clear of the yuppies who walk from their local condos (of which there seems to be more empty than occupied) and try not to be jealous of all the limos who seem to be able to park anywhere.
To Park:
In terms of parking, you're going to be hard pressed to find anything within a block that's under $20. In terms of convenience, we like the parking lot at the corner of Georgia and 9th. This brings you right into the center of the party and is easy to maneuver out of once you've called it a night. A little further away, and still $20 is the North Cherry St. parking lot at the corner of 11th and Cherry. It's a across the street from the block LA Live is on, but it's extremely freeway accessible what with being on one of the few two-way streets around and being only a block away from the freeway. Remember, Figueroa is a 2-way street. Flower is one way, north to south. If you don't mind walking and are saving your money ffor a $50 tour book, on Grand there is a $5 flat free parking lot across the street from a Shell station.
To Eat:
The food selection is your average over the top (we're sensing a theme here) fare of steaks, expensive salads, and tons of sushi. All delicious, all available, and all waiting for you. If none of these are to your liking, at the corner of Grand and 9th, Danny's Taco truck has no line, great prices, and some of the best Mexican food around, even goat meat tacos! Don't laugh; they're delicious.
ESPN Zone
More than just a restaurant, the ESPN Zone is there to remind you that the world of sports is playing a major part in all of these happenings. There are screening rooms to watch all your favorite teams beat the other guys. There are arcade games to work out your fingers and eyes. And, of course, there is a gift shop, so you can to Ohio or the West Side with your ESPN hat and sweatshirt. Food wise, it's your classic American grill options with enough of steaks, sandwiches, cookies, and hot wings to get you and your kids wired enough to really enjoy the light show outside.
Lawry's Carvery
A Los Angeles classic, the Lawry's name conjures up juicy cuts of beef and envelopes of seasoning. This fun, casual take on the famous name is one of the best options for dining down there. You get the same food (the prime rib, the sandwiches, the salads) in a low key eatery that feels like a Panda Express. This is a great way to get some of that savory beef without having to wear a tie or struggle to read a menu in a dark room. Lawry's Carvery will also prepare your food ahead of time, so you can shuttle it off to wherever your fabulous night takes you. Just call ahead of time and it will be waiting for you when you get there.
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar (opens 12/10)
If you're looking for something a little more formal, Fleming's offers a chic alternative to your average food counter. Famed for its meats and wine combination, this steakhouse offers a variety of fresh wines, seafood, and of course plenty of beef. You can try their more creative concoctions like their Chilled Seafood Tower and get back to us. Definitely more upscale than Lawry's, the average meal here will set you back around 60 bucks, but it's worth it.
Katsuya (not yet open)
Ah, the sushi. Katsuya, having just opened in Glendale at The Americana on Brand, is finding success in strategic placement. Who knew it would be huge in Glendale? Always a serene experience, for great sushi at a moderate price, Katsuya is a sure thing. The scene can get a little annoying in terms of LA wannabes, but the kitschy tongue-in-chic decor of Katsuya, always reminds you to not take it all too seriously. You then realize that ultimately, it's about your sashimi and not the posers hovering around you.
New Zealand Natural
Hopefully New Zealand Natural ice cream will become a huge hit and annihilate the "fro yo" trend. We can only hope. Having started in New Zealand (shocking, I know) this ice cream store throws a powerfully fun punch at the corporate facade the LA Live experience thrives on. A homespun atmosphere with a commitment to the finest quality ingredients (who actually imports ice cream?) make this what should be your only dessert destination when faced with skillet-baked cookies covered in strawberries, ice cream, and sprigs of mint from the other restaurants.
Rock 'N Fish
A Manhattan Beach staple for almost 50 years, this is an attempt to get a local, non corporate vibe into the LA Live scene. It works. The food is delicious, beautiful, and well priced. Famous for their meat and seafood combinations, don't miss out on their Oak Grilled Artichoke or Blue Cheese Wedge Salad. This is another casual stop that is great for the whole family and much mellower than Katsuya or Fleming's.
Rosa Mexicano (not yet open)
Only in LA could you get a Mexican restaurant that didn't have it's origins in California. What a treat! The eclectic mix of classic Mexican flavors with neauveu, without being too pretentious, makes this sit-down restaurant a welcome addition to the scene at LA Live. You're not going to find Grilled Boneless Short Ribs served with a Tomatillo-Chipotle sauce at Danny's Taco Truck. Not that you should, but it's good to have options, especially downtown.
The Farm of Beverly Hills (not yet open)
A personal favorite, this low key, upscale joint failed in Woodland Hills. Guess The Valley wasn't ready for actually good food. It was in a mall after all, being The Valley and all. And how can you compete with a food court that serves Tommy's? Anyway, The Farm is a comfort food haven with some of the freshest ingredients (the bacon is out of this world) this side of an actual farm. The servers are usually always hot, and the atmosphere is chill while still being fancier than your average Burger King. They do great birthdays too.
Trader Vic's (not yet open)
Opening in early 2009, Trader Vic's, an LA institution, fills the Tikki, kitschy hole that currently plagues LA Live. Famous for their Tikki drinks (this is the birth place of the Mai Tai, by the way), Trader Vic's serves up high-end, no-attitude cuisine with little to no attitude at a moderate price. Great for the whole family, the vibe at Trader Vic's is more family get together than looking for something to do downtown.
Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill (not yet open)
With the famous name comes the famous prices. Sure you'll be paying a lot, but the food is amazing and keeps you satiated and content for hours to come. This restaurant's presence brings the class and the name recognition AEG is striving for. It's expected, but it also happens to be delicious. Menu items may consist of Puck's famed Smoked Salmon Pizza with Dill Crème Fraiche and Caviar; Grilled Prime Burger with Smoked Onion Marmalade and White Cheddar. Count us in!
Yard House (not yet open)
LA Live's answer to a guy who's a fan of BJ's, Yard House offers the world's largest selection of draft beers, towers of onion rings, and individual sized pizzas. A decadent man's paradise, there's even a transparent keg room. The menu of American fusion includes an impressive selection of appetizers, salads, pastas, sandwiches, seafood, steaks, ribs and chops. Don't forget to check out the adorable offerings for kiddie diners.
Lucky Strike
Essentially a club and a bowling alley smashed together, Lucky Strike has found another perfect home. Where better to set up shop than LA Live? There are cozy dining areas, a VIP suite called Luxe, and enough neon decor to keep your eyes red for days. 18 state of the art lanes, 22 if you include the private four in Luxe, promise to offer endless hours of entertainment (provided you get a cocktail) for the masses who still want to feel connected to the real people who bowl but don't want to leave Los Angeles.
Outside of LA Live proper, there is a small selection of other places to eat, including Palm restaurant, an old school landmark where the wait staff wear suits and are generally saltier than the meat. There's also of course the icon, the landmark, the institution that is The Pantry for classic LA flavor and delicious sourdough bread. A smaller lesser known option on Figueroa, next door to the Figueroa hotel is LA Bella Cucina, a cozy Italian joint owned by the Dolce group.
To Do:
The Conga Room
This is the one to be excited for. Having been closed for over 2 years, the Conga Room is set to open (three times larger than its original space) and make its pseudo Latin flavor ring louder than LA Live. That probably won't happen, but with yummy food from the newly opened Boca, great acts coming (The Gypsy Kings, Pancho Sanchez, and Rita Moreno to name a few), and enough dancing to get you wired and ready , we're very glad to see the Conga Room back.
Club Nokia
An interesting idea that is going to pay off. The venue is much smaller, only being able to hold 2,300 revelers. Think the House of Blues but with a lot more cool stuff. Of course there's a bar. Of course there is mood lighting and a secret (natch) VIP room. It's all very suited to an intimate evening with the likes of Will.I.Am or Beck. Most fascinating about this venue are the names they're getting. Serious stars are coming into town to share it all with you. Sergio Mendes was just there and we hear Nas is will be there soon. Stay tuned!
The Nokia
You haven't experienced a concert until you've been to the Nokia. It's like the cooler younger sibling of the Gibson Amphitheater. There isn't a bad seat in the house. The vibe itself is grand with sweeping lines blended into the architecture. The sound system is phenomenal, and the jumbo screens within are so big they light the audience! You can actually get up close with the stars you've come to worship.
The Staple's Center
Who would ever think that the Staple's Center would be the grandfather of the scene? Or should we say granddaddy? This is where the biggest names in the world come to entertain the masses. It's huge, and you really need to get a seat up close if you want to see the act you came for. One of the best things about The Staple's Center? There's a McDonalds in it! Say hi to the picture of Tina Turner for us.
Grammy Museum
One of the boasting privileges of The Staple's Center is the Grammy Awards. Having been held there for the past 8 years, it seems completely appropriate and right to open a museum celebrating the lauded award for sound. A three story space, there is a screening room, permanent and traveling exhibits, and a rooftop terrace than house 300 for private events or charities. All of this is framed by exhibit's insider's perspective on the appreciation of all kinds of music and the works detailing the history of the Grammy.
