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It’s hardly surprising that those of us who enjoy the culinary arts also admire the visual arts, experiencing the beauty of a tweezer-composed salad or artfully plated dish as if it were an oil painting. So it only seems fitting that in arty Los Angeles, the boundaries between galleries and eateries blur, and some restaurants serve as creative show spaces, where food and art collide on your plate and on the walls.
Heading down to SoCal? Here are five LA bistros for art-loving gourmets.
Michael’s, Santa Monica
Founded in 1979, Michael’s is one of the pioneers of what we now so commonly call California Cuisine. It’s the Chez Panisse of Southern California, with a similarly extensive network of chef superstars coming out of the kitchen. And while today’s Michael’s serves up a highly creative menu, thanks to chef Miles Thompson, there are many non-edible artistic delights to be absorbed here. In fact, an entire floor of the restaurant — aptly called The Gallery — is dedicated to art. This winter’s inaugural group exhibition included 13 artists, from Shagha Ariannia and Wolfgang Breuer to Anna Rosen and B. Wurtz. You’ll find art displayed throughout the entire restaurant and downstairs lounge, as well, and a Robert Graham frieze on the tented garden patio. Psst, a special daily cocktail — the $1.79 tab honors their opening date — is available during happy half-hour, from 5:30 to 6 p.m.
Details: Michael’s, 1147 Third St., Santa Monica; www.michaelssantamonica.com
Clifton’s, Los Angeles
The wildly creative, retro appeal of Clifton’s cafeteria is difficult to describe. At its peak, this enormous place served 10,000 people per day. Two years ago, the self-described “cabinet of curiosities” reopened after a massive renovation. Forest-themed is too simple a description, but it encapsulates the theatrical, dramatic and highly-adorned vintage vibe here. The Monarch soda bar, the Brookdale Ballroom, the Gothic Bar, Pacific Seas tiki bar and Art Deco Map Room are all places to absorb history and a crafty cocktail or three, updated to today’s standards. Take time to take in the whole spectacle, but plan to visit during “magic hour,” from 3 to 7 p.m., when surprise drinks are 35 cents each.
Details: Clifton’s Cafeteria, 648 S. Broadway, Los Angeles; www.cliftonsla.com.
Roe Seafood and Panxa Cocina, Long Beach
These sister restaurants, helmed by chef and owner Arthur Gonzalez, deserve a spot on this list. Local artist Adam James Dano was commissioned to adorn both sites with his wispy, distinctively dripping art work. Roe Seafood’s focus is on globally-inspired dishes that use sustainable seafood. Its design features create a subtle, ocean-floor environment, enhanced by a wall-length jellyfish painting by Dano.
At the contemporary Southwestern Panxa Cocina, Gonzalez showcases custom Western prints and Dano’s evocative Native American portrait. The artist and chef collaborated at length on this one, hoping to tell a story through imagery.
Details: Roe Seafood, 5374 E. Second St.; www.roeseafood.com. Panxa Cocina, 3937 E. Broadway, both in Long Beach; www.panxacocina.com.
The Belvedere, Beverly Hills
Tucked inside the Peninsula Beverly Hills hotel, the Belvedere is known for its traditional afternoon tea, served amid plush couches and astounding flower arrangements. But the modern art collection in the main dining room is something to see, as well. Brunch is an excellent time to visit, as they recently launched a lavish, seafood-centric Sunday spread in partnership with Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte. While you slurp down some oysters and dig into your potato and tarragon waffle, let your eyes wander a bit to the walls, where the artwork is popping louder than your free-flowing bubbly.
Details: The Belvedere at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, 9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills; beverlyhills.peninsula.com
Cut, Beverly Hills
It’s only to be expected that Wolfgang Puck’s contemporary steakhouse would be a palace of marbled beef cuts and mind-blowing desserts. But if you fail to take a break and meander around the multi-leveled dining space, you’ll miss some equally impressive artwork. Seems that Puck is a big John Baldessari fan, and has adorned the restaurant with works from the Puck private collection of gigantic, vibrant, conversation-starting portraits. The restaurant, which also features photographs by Martin Schoeller, was designed by Richard Meier, the controversial Getty Center architect. (Charged with sexual harassment by five employees, Meier is currently on leave from his eponymous design firm.)
Details: CUT at The Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire, 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills; www.wolfgangpuck.com/dining/cut-beverly-hills/