Vintage Vibes @ Formosa Café

Step out of this faded
eastern part of WeHo
and hop inside a blast
from the past:Tucked
away behind a massive
crimson red brick
frontage with white and
black striped awnings,
near the corner where
Santa Monica liaises
with La Brea Blvd., this
former trolley car-
turned-lounge evokes
a golden period when
Duesenbergs were
depositing fur-swathed
movie stars on the red
carpeted entryway.
Entering Formosa is
entering a time warp:
an authentic slice of L.A.
history, embodying the
(vintage-) stuff that
Tinseltown's folklore
is made of.

Opened in 1939 by
Jimmy Bernstein, the
Formosa Café has
been entertaining
celebrities and
Hollywood's
aristocracy in the '40s
and '50s. Today, the
sexy vintage vibes
still linger in the air,
although the clientele
definitely lacks the
cachet of its heyday.
Still highly atmospheric,
the aura of this time-
honored movie-star
hangout with venerable
Hollywood décor is
abuzz with pockets full
of memoirs and
nostalgia of a glorious
era: Its awe-inspiring,
dimly-lit film noir-esque
interiors are famed for
their iconic deep red
leather booths where
once Marilyn, Elvis,
Bogart and the likes
used to dig into chicken
chow mein, while Gable
and Sinatra rubbed
elbows at the long bar
sipping potent Martinis
into the wee.

Particularly eye-catching are
the 250 autographed black-
and-whites  – virtually the
Who is Who of Hollywood
– that hark back to Formosa
Café’s legendary past as a
supposed clandestine spot
for some precarious
Hollywood affairs: Legend
has it that Frank Sinatra
spent a good many nights
pining over Ava Gardner.
This must-visit destination
still bills itself as a celebrity
hangout and you may even
be lucky enough to spot Bono
or Beck in a booth.

Equally, civilian booze buddies,
in-the-know-hardcore-regulars,
history buffs, and dive bar busters
have a jolly love affair with this local
favorite, frequently popping in to
raise a glass – pre-dinner or after-
hours drinks – and ogle the view
from the rooftop patio that is open
Thursdays to Saturdays. While the
studio next door is still active in
both TV and movie production, the
Café serves as a popular industry
watering hole, dishing out mediocre
Chinese, American and seafood
dishes. While it started out as a
Chinese eatery, it has expanded
the menu in recent years to include
some Thai, Japanese, and Korean
dishes. Faithful patrons claim that
their Lobster Mac 'n Cheese is
addictive.
After dark Formosa's mixologists
work wonders, hand-crafting mean
concoctions that hit the spot. The
Whiskey Sour is going to rock your
world with egg whites, sugar syrup
and lemon juice.
Step into this vintage microcosm
of past Hollywood glamour and
chink flutes against a rarefied
backdrop of red and black hues
... like straight out of a Raymond
Chandler paperback.

Hollywood's Mountain Palace

250 feet above Hollywood Boulevard, 
perched in the Hollywood Hills, is this
family owned, east-meets-west
mountain palace and Hollywood's
landmark, where the serenity of
ancient Japan along with a rich
Asian heritage contrast the glitter
and rush of the present Los Angeles.
Yamashiro started as a fabulous
private estate, a dream of the
Bernheimer brothers to build a hilltop
mansion and with this establish a
noble shelter for their precious
collection of Asian treasures. FYI:
Yamashiro is an authentic replica of
a splendid temple nestled on the
outskirts of Kyoto in the Yamashiro
mountains.

For 92 years Yamashiro -- a 10-room
teak and cedar residence, pocketed
by impeccably manicured Japanese
gardens -- has watched over the
History of Hollywood. It has witnessed
the birth of the film industry and the
glamour of Hollywood's "Golden Age".
The who-is-who of the 20' -- actors,
writers, directors, and celebrities,
formed here their first social institution
as a monument to their achievements.
The ultra-exclusive "400 Club" --
created for the flashy elite -- served
as headquarters to the motion picture
industry.

Nowadays celebrities, movie moguls,
and civilians alike haunt this intimate
Chateau to indulge in the majestic
vistas of Hollywood, gormandize
award-winning Japanese cuisine in
one of the several distinctive and
beautifully arranged rooms, sip
artisanal cocktails while Los Angeles
is laid out like a shimmering carpet
below. A 600-year-old Pagoda --
brought over from Japan by the
Bernheimer brothers -- is said to
be the oldest building in California.
An opulent tranquility pervades this
tradition-steeped yet cutting-edge
business-lunch spot, while intriguing
and romantic scenic attractions
create an unmatched backdrop for
an exuberant night out, a festive
reception, or an intoxicating after-
work cocktail hour. The function
rooms can accommodate up to
1000 people.

Massive, hand-carved doors lead
into a little lobby that also links to
one of Yamashiro’s most charming
features: an open-air Japanese
garden, situated in the center of
this spectacular dining enclave,
completely enclosed by the four
wings of the building. This verdant
courtyard, filled with flowering
shrubs, a soothing waterfall and
limpid stone pools alive with Koi
fish, sets the mood for a one-of-a-
kind dining experience.
Carved rafters, lacquered in gold
and tipped with bronze dragons 
dominate over the main dining
rooms, which allow a fresh breeze
blow through the spacious patios.
During colder months heating and
an extensive canopy provide a
cozy atmosphere. The courtyard
is available year-round.

Sip a cocktail at the bar's lounge or
host a special event at the Skyview
banquet room. Bring your date to
experience romantic sunsets at
the west side Sunset Room or
dance the night away when a DJ
spins the latest sounds (Fr & Sa). 

Executive chef Jason Park and
chef de cuisine Brock Kleweno
have devised a well-considered
(and award-winning) menu of
CalAsian cuisine: it is eclectic yet
sophisticated; one thing is for
sure: fish and sushi lovers will be
in their element.
There is an extensive drink list
available for the thirsty souls:
California wines, hot sakes,
chilled sakes, bottled, and draft
beers. Various elixir tonics and
teas top off the list.


 

A Venetian State of Mind – Ca'Brea

The story begins in the heart

of Italy's Venice, set against

a picturesque backdrop of

ancient water canals, quaint

bridges, and unique

architecture, where Antonio

Tommasi (a six-year old boy

at that time) worked at the
kitchen of Venice's Cipriani
Hotel, with his father as the

chef. These days, Tommasi –
a scientist, culinary artist and
inflamed kitchen alchemist –
is a sort of Leonardo da Vinci
of L.A.'s Italian restaurant
macrocosm, making his own
prosciutto, salami, and wine
while applying traditional
cooking techniques to his
ingenious concoctions.

The Southern California
Writers Inc. proclaimed
Tommasi to be
"Restaurateur of the Year"
several times, awarding him 
three stars. Chefs in America
bestowed him the title
"America's Outstanding
Chef". For his exceptional
cooking skills he received
the "Epicurean Rendezvous
Award" and the "Five Stars
Diamond Award".

Framed by 3rd and 4th
Street, on a culture-loaded,
artsy-store-studded strip, in
the thick of a fashionable
Hollywoodish neighborhood 
where the movers and
shakers of L.A.'s creative
engine hobnob and pally, is
where this Venetian culinary
gem and cult-favorite dining
establishment is nestled.
Open since 1990, Ca'Brea
qualifies as golden vintage
among Hollywood's ever
changing restaurant scene –
for most restaurants in Los
Angeles this is already a
lifetime!

Step outside urban Los
Angeles and inside the rustic
doors of Ca'Brea, where
northern Italy is palpable to
all senses. Instantly a cordial
reception will snap you out
of Venetian reverie. This
romantic yet comfortably
rustic two-story dining
establishment features two
spacious dining rooms, a
charming mezzanine, a bar
area, and an enclosed
sprawling patio that perfects
the romantic vibe and evokes
the feel of a country villa
dinner amid a Venetian-style
ambience: Colorful artwork
by Yuroz, dark wood fixtures,
and imported Venetian warm
caramel plaster walls
surround intimate oakwood
booths, each set with an
impeccably arranged, white
linen-clad table. For special
occasions, the upper level
will serve with more private
space along with a quieter
atmosphere.

It's not only the exceptional
menus and the superior
service that has kept diners
coming back for the past 20
years to this reliable old
favorite: customers are
delighted to meet the chef
de cuisine and continuously
return to enjoy his presence
that brims over with sheer
enthusiasm and excitement.

Amidst a genial and warmly
welcoming atmosphere, a
mixed yet unpretentious
lively crowd soaks up the
flavors and aromas that
merge within the simple
yet sophisticated, authentic
yet innovative foods, and
frequently changing weekly
specials.

Lunch, dinner, and late at
night – the seats are always
filled at this fine La Brea
mainstay: Couples cherish
the tranquility and Italian-
infused romance wrapping
up the upper dining room;
large community tables
invite families and groups
to homey lingering, while
wine connoisseurs will
encounter some brilliant
Italian gems on the notable
wine list.

Tommasi's trademarks are a
vast open kitchen where he
is the master of a wide array
of down-to-earth, country-
style, solid Trattoria fare.
With his creative approach
to rustic and hearty cuisine
he guarantees for elaborate
dishes imbued with distinct
aromas and multifaceted
flavors.

Kick off the feast with
Polpettine di Gamberi – the
pan-fried crab cake comes
in a succulent onion confit
with a side of baby greens.
Salad fans will adore the
Insalata Riccia creation that
includes Venetian Gorgonzola
cheese and crispy potato
threads. Fish arrives at table
crispy backed in parchment
paper, tossed with roasted
artichoke hearts and eggplant
slices in a tomato-caper
sauce. A friendly garçon will
gladly assist you to unwrap
your meal.

For a taste-bud-blowing
dinner experience opt for the
baked goat cheese wrapped
in roasted eggplant slices
that come toasty served on
a bed of garlicky spinach
along with pumpkin ravioli
tossed in a creamy walnut
sauce. Finish with a
sumptuous slice of Venetian
Ricotta cheesecake richly
topped with vanilla custard.

 

Ca'Brea
346 South La Brea
Los Angeles 90036

Morning Bliss @ Vivian's Café in Studio City

Nestled on a busy stretch in Studio City, 
in the thick of Ventura Boulevard's hustle
and bustle, is Vivian's Millennium Café –
a quaint little dining gem that has been
ringing in Egg-o'-Clock seven days a week
since January 1st, 1963.

This peaceful New York-style retreat with
homey backyard feeling, is where friends,
couples, families and dancers – from the
next-door dance studio – discover a
charming shaded patio after trespassing a
part of the kitchen area. Although offering
an inviting indoor space, breakfast and
brunch fans opt for a snugly patio spot to
kick back and while away the time.

Local hipsters sip at freshly brewed Lattes,
Mochas and Chinos while sharing stories
and laughter around rustic wooden tables
amid the patio's lush greenery. Couples
cherish each other's company along with
delightful moments with ample portions
of eggs, omelets, waffles, or pancakes
alongside.
Plentiful java is being served to unhurried
patrons, perusing the latest L.A.Times or 

fumbling with their smartphones. 
Universal Studios' top dogs pop in for
lunch and serious business talk while
picking on their Caesar Salads and
munching on turkey burgers. Hear
regulars to call the staff by name. A pet-
friendly service makes sure the doggy is
happy too. 

Hearty and tasty American breakfast
classics mingle on the extensive menu:
The Waitress Special includes scrambled
eggs with fresh spinach, mushrooms and 
crumbled feta cheese garnished with
sliced tomatoes and your choice of crispy
toasted bread. Finger licking! Omelets
come sumptuously stuffed with diverse
goodies, crispy on the outside, toasty and
buttery soft on the inside. Opt for the
Italian-style omelet which comes with
Italian sausage and Mozzarella cheese.
For the sweet-toothed among you: your
safest bet is the White Chocolate
Macadamia Pancake that will satisfy
your sugar cravings – mind-and-tastebud-
blowing! Body-conscious fitness gurus
will fall in love with the The Seven Grain
Oatmeal pancake sprinkled with walnuts
and granola.
Gourmet melts, crispy salads and meaty
burgers dominate luncheons and are
served until 3:30pm. The Tuna Melt
comes sizzling from the grill with your
choice of cheese. An extensive range of
fresh veggies topped with feta cheese
and a splash of olive oil/balsamic vinegar
dressing comes in a roasted wheat bread
and is a healthy vegetarian lunch option.
Burgers include succulent meats like
Angus, bacon or turkey enriched with
grilled mushrooms, onions, cheese or
home-made chili. Non-meat-eaters will
cherish the veggie burger. Popular salads
– like Tuna, Caesar, California Cobb,
Chicken or Beverly Hills Salad – perfect
the culinary repertoire. Refills of soda,
water, and coffee are being brought to
you by a friendly waitperson.

Vivian's Millennium Café
10968 Ventura Blvd Studio City, CA 91604