The Five

This Week: Hidden in Hotels
By
March 27, 2008
Dine in without checking in. These comfy, hidden hotel restaurants are super private spots. Instead of curb appeal, it's do not disturb during breakfast, lunch or dinner.



FOUNTAIN COFFEE ROOM, BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL

Follow the banana leaf wallpaper to the ground floor where 20 stools, pink linen napkins, Limoges china, silver and crystal service await in this 1949-built grill designed by architect Paul Williams. Selections honor the past, including the Novogroder -- a fancy turkey burger -- named for a former chef. 9641 Sunset Blvd., Beverly Hills, (310) 276-2251



KNOLL, LE PARC SUITE HOTEL

On this all-suite hotel's third floor, a fireplace and flowered `upholstered chairs offer subdued Euro-styling just steps from La Cienega's buzzing scene. Homemade chicken noodle soup soothes; Buffalo wings kick it up. 733 N. West Knoll Drive, West Hollywood, (310) 855-8888



ON SUNSET, LUXE SUNSET HOTEL

Formerly the Bel-Air Cafe, this sedate indoor/outdoor restaurant has a new chef, Olivier Rousselle (late of Michael's), freshening the seasonally changing menus. At lunch, there's 10 salad choices -- add crab to your Caesar for a variation. 11461 Sunset Blvd., (310) 476-6571



PATIO CAFÉ, SPORTSMEN'S LODGE HOTEL

Tucked away next to the hotel's palm-lined pool, you'll find this reasonably priced cafe. The classic American coffee shop fare appeals to all ages -- grandma will like the $9.95 turkey and mashed potatoes blue-plate special, youngsters ask for the kids' sliders. 12825 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, (818) 769-4700



THE ROOM, SUNSET MARQUIS HOTEL AND VILLAS

Choose between settings: the plush velvet banquettes and candle-lit inside, or poolside under umbrellas where handsome waiters and bikini-clad guests add to the visuals. Order up healthful starters like almond protein shakes or rich indulgences from Paris-trained chef Guillaume Burlion. 1200 Alta Loma Road, West Hollywood, (310) 657-1333





Embracing the locavore trend, our chic-est resorts, spas and eateries are integrating nearby elements into their decor, amenities and menus.
 
Probiotic products claim to improve digestion and boost immunity with microorganisms. And sales are up -- way up. Booster Shots Blog
 
 

ADVERTISEMENT



The new BlackBerry Bold matches the iPhone's resolution but not its screen size.