With its spacious 15-screen movie theater, bustling outdoor food court and an array of new boutiques, the Westfield Century City mall is now more than just a lunchtime hangout for area suits.

Westfield Century City's widely touted facelift was well worth the wait. First came the second-floor food court with outdoor patio seating, meals served on china and the occasional jazz band serenading a lunchtime audience composed of area agents, lawyers and businesspeople. Next came the 15-screen AMC movie theater and restaurants (French 75, Breadbar) to accompany the previously existing Gulfstream and Houston's. As for shopping, designer boutiques from Louis Vuitton, Thomas Pink and Theory mix in well with typical mall haunts Banana Republic, J.Crew and bebe. Stores like CUSP, Zara, Madewell and MNG by Mango cater to the mall's hipper clientele, while the presence of Gelson's, The Container Store and department stores Macy's and Bloomingdale's make it a stop for practical needs as well. Midweek lunch hour is always a good time to scope the sharp-suited movers and shakers, but since the entire mall is open-air, any sunny day is a good one for strolling and window-shopping. —Enid Portuguez