What has taken the CC Redevelopment Agency decades to actualize has come to pass and even with government and committees involved they've have done a fantastic job! Downtown CC has become a mecca of restaurants that are mostly good.
First things first, if you're in the mood for fine dining make reservations now for Fraiche. It is across from the Culver Hotel and by far the best restaurant in downtown CC. It is the CC fine dining experience.
Up the street and east of Fraiche where Culver turns back into Washington is Wilson's Food and Wine. This is one of the number of restaurants owned by a relative of someone famous. In this case it's a relative of one of the Beach Boys. Wilson's is at least as good, if not better than Fraiche, and at least as pricey. Another fine dining experience with prices to match.
For not so fine dining Novecento on Main Street next to the old La Ballona Restaurant which is still there offers better than average Italian food at reasonable prices. Ugo's one block west is busier. It's smack dab in the middle of downtown CC. They have a popular outdoor eating area. Their "Italian" food is average but won't disappoint. They also have a wine bar where wine lovers can order a multitude of wines by the glass as does Bottle Rock next to La Ballona Restaurant on Main Street and I hear Bottle Rock has a good happy hour. Thanks for the hot tip Marcela.
Whip around to Tender Greens going west of Ugo's on Culver for a great salad. Tender Greens is very popular. They have great salads and pretty good cupcakes for desert. You can also find cupcakes at Hotcakes on Centinela at Washington near B&B and Pacos Restaurant.
Next door to Tender Greens is Ford's Filling Station owned by Harrison Ford's son. Ford's gets mixed reviews. I like it. The best plates are the flat bread pizza, their better than average fish and chips and for those who indulge their steak tartar.
Rush Street is a bar across the street on the south side of Culver is a few doors down from the new art deco movie and theater and the Culver Hotel. It's a good bar with average bar food. They have a lounge upstairs that is cozy and they play classic rock and roll. It's one of the new hot spots.
Father's Office another bar is up the street in the Old Helms Bakery Building. They have the best burger in town bar none albeit they serve it their way, and only their way, no exceptions, don't even ask, as it says on their menu. The only other great burger in town is made by my son Chris. Father's Office also has a good selection of beers.
Le Dejonaise also in the old Helm's Bakery building is great for breakfast as is S&W Country Diner back on Washington at the end of the block where Brotman Hospital can still be found. The first offers a lighter fare and Mimosas, the latter heartier food. At S&W's you can get biscuits with gravy and fried tomatoes. A French or country breakfast take your pick. They're both good as is Dolce Vita next to the Taco Bell on Culver and Braddock. They get creative with their French toast. They make it with croissants! Try it or consider making it that way at home one day. Yumm.
The best sushi in Culver City is Sushi Karen on Washington across from Culver Center and directly across CC's Best Buys. Yokahama in Culver Center is less pricey and will do well enough.
Exotic foods can be found on Fairfax where there are multiple Ethiopian Restaurants. Try them, you'll like 'em. Ethiopian food is eaten without silverware. While you're in the area be sure to visit The Grove. It's a fabulous new shopping center attached to the old Farmer's Market which is still there. Visiting both is a treat. You can walk between the two or take the very short trolley ride. There are plenty of good places to eat at either and a bit of shopping including a Nordstrom's.
Reyhan Persian Grill in CC on Jefferson just west of Slauson is a good Persian restaurant but they serve no alcohol. The best Indian food is in Santa Monica at Gate of India.
Last but certainly not least, there are 3 Starbucks in CC. One one Washington and Overland where the Ships Restaurant once was, one in downtown CC on Culver just east of Duquesne, and one in the Pavillion's supermarket on Jefferson at Sawtelle - and of course there is still Tito's and Johnnie's Pastrami. A Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf can be found on National at Sepulveda just north of Charnock Road Elementary School.
Points of Interest:
The old Meralta theater is now an office plaza, the old Culver theater is now the Kirk Douglas Theater and playhouse as is the Ivy Substation where Culver meets Venice. The best new building is CC's new City Hall. It's still on the corner of Duquesne and Culver but the only thing remaining from the last City Hall is the arch in front of the building.
Those of you who recall the old Toppers in Santa Monica in the Huntley Hotel can still see their great view but now it's called the Penthouse and it is as they bill it, a chic ultra lounge. It's chi-chi and the best place for a view of the coastline north and south.
I hope those of you who are visiting from near and not so far take a stroll through downtown CC. If you're interested in something I haven't mentioned just whistle. I know LA, and our restaurants, all too well.
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2 comments:
hotcakes is actually on CENTINELA at washington (not sawtelle).
Does anyone remember a body shop owned by a Cuban named Roberto, on Venice blvd. between Sepulveda and Sawtelle, in the 1970s? What was his last name and whatever became of him?
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