10 Best Fireside Drinking & Dining

It's a classic setting for seduction, like a high school filled with attractive and impressionable teenage girls

RICHARD'S TAKE

If you ask me, memories are like dominatrix sessions with Betty White: they just never seem to last long enough. But my favorite memories, which I do still recall in vivid detail, involve my parents, our fireplace, and all the wonderful lessons I learned from Father as a boy. Many times the subject was gender relations, such as Father's light-hearted suggestion to Mother that she learn the art of the soapy massage from our Asian housekeeper, or possibly make her eyes more squinty in general, he thought it would make Mother more likely to be his first choice for his "daily dalliance."

Although Mother tended to get upset about these talks, Father said the point was that "a woman should always repress her silly emotions and strive to please her man, which sometimes means allowing her man to dabble in extra-marital, lathered pleasure." I never understood the last part, but Father said it was like getting two birthday cakes, or celebrating Christmas twice a year, neither of which I can find any fault with.

Fire by the Beach

822 W Washington Blvd Venice | 310-448-8884

What: Roasted Chilean Salmon
Where: Beechwood
Price: $19
Description: Beechwood is quintessential Los Angeles. Located in Venice Beach, this bar and restaurant sports a laid-back design, with beautiful polished wood, soft sofas, and an extra-long fire pit located on the outdoor patio. The food, like all good California cuisine, runs the gamut in its influences, from vegan to BBQ. Don't forget to try their three types of fries, available with up to ten dipping sauces. When you're done gorging, enjoy the sunset while sipping on a mojito or one of the many other specialty drinks.

Feng Shui Fire, Upscale Dining

730 N La Cienega Blvd Los Angeles | 310-659-9449

What: Kobe Beef Carpaccio
Where: Koi
Price: $29
Description: Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of L.A.'s West Side, Koi is an upscale Asian fusion restaurant that incorporates feng shui elements to create a relaxing dining environment. Some specialty items include Kobe beef carpaccio, pumpkinseed-encrusted cured salmon, and a range of fresh sushi and sashimi options. Two fireplaces, located on the patio and in the lounge area, add to the charm and ambiance of the establishment. Book weekend reservations in advance, because the excellent food, impeccable service, and slew of celebrities keep Koi packed.

Award-winning Cuisine by Firelight

419 Cold Canyon Rd Calabasas | 818-222-3888

What: Chef's Wild Game Trio
Where: Saddle Peak Lodge
Price: $45
Description: Nestled in the Calabasas hills, this former hunting lodge has been a Los Angeles institution for over 100 years. Though under new management, this historic spot has maintained its attentiveness to elegance and garnered numerous awards along the way, including a Michelin star. The restaurant specializes in game and offers an enormous selection of fine wines to complement the meal. Request a table by the fireplace and enjoy a romantic dinner, or step up to the bar and enjoy a drink in the same watering hole that has endeared itself to luminaries such as Ernest Hemingway.

An Old Flame with a New Twist

403 N Crescent Dr Beverly Hills | 310-247-0505

What: Mini Curry Burgers with Yogurt Dip
Where: Boé
Price: $12
Description: As you enter the 80-year-old Crescent Hotel, you'll immediately notice the inviting lounge area and crackling fire. Walk a little further and you'll find yourself in Boé, the hotel's ultracool restaurant. Designed to look more like the home you wish you owned than a restaurant, Boé offers excellent service in a trendy, relaxed environment. Specialty cocktails are served with aplomb, and the fine American fusion food is the perfect complement to a night of drinks and hip revelry.

A Sophisticated Fireside Setting

9291 Burton Way Beverly Hills | 310-278-3344

What: Osetra Caviar
Where: Writer's Bar
Price: $180/ounce
Description: If the stress of your busy lifestyle has you feeling a little rundown, sink into the luxury of Writer's Bar, a quiet, sophisticated spot in the L'Ermitage in Beverly Hills. Imagine relaxing in a comfortable leather chair with soft music, soft lighting, and a glowing fireplace to keep you warm. Or bring company along to share some of the bar's specialties, like champagne by the glass or caviar by the gram.

A Rooftop Fireside Lounge

550 S Flower Los Angeles | 213-892-8080

What: Steak, Chicken, and Veggie Skewers
Where: The Rooftop Bar at the Standard
Price: $12
Description: High above the busy streets of downtown Los Angeles, a heated swimming pool, the bar's centerpiece, awaits atop The Standard Hotel. Along with the aquatics, this trendy spot boasts a full bar, nightly DJs, amazing views, and an outdoor fireplace. Come prepared to schmooze and party the night away as you hang out with some of Los Angeles' young elite.

Fine Fireside Fare

2424 Pico Blvd Santa Monica | 310-581-9888

What: ”Campfire” Trout
Where: Josie Restaurant
Price: $26
Description: Walking into Josie's is like stepping into a café in France. Unfortunately, once you leave, you'll remember that you're actually still in west L.A. So in the meantime, why not enjoy the amazing American/French fusion food and full bar Josie's offers? With specialties like the "Campfire" Trout, Kurobuta Pork Flatiron Steak, and other multiverbal entrées, as well as a comfy fireplace looming in the back, you may find it hard to leave. So bring a special friend and request the fireside table to make the night all the more romantic.

Fireside Tapas

11814 Ventura Blvd Studio City | 818-985-9222

What: Frittura di Langoustines
Where: Next Door Tapas Lounge
Price: $11
Description: Located next door to its sister restaurant, La Loggia, this small, inviting establishment prepares traditional Spanish tapas and boasts an extensive drink list. Diners have the option of sitting back and relaxing by the double-sided fireplace or finding a home in the upstairs balcony for some people watching and cocktails. Fast service and an inviting staff make this charming spot one to visit when you're in the mood for something different.

A Fireside Environment with Flair

750 S Garland Ave Los Angeles | 213-239-0061

What: Pan Roasted Loup de Mer
Where: Blue Velvet
Price: $18
Description: Blue Velvet is located at The Flat, one of downtown L.A.'s newest residential developments. Blue Velvet shares deck space with the pool, and the Blue Lounge and Red Lounge are adjacent to Blue Velvet. The wine list is dynamic, yet affordable, and the menu is quirky and inspiring. The pasta of the day is always sensational; the Pan Roasted Loup de Mer is a winner, too. Whether drinking, dining, or savoring both, you will enjoy it all fireside.

A Romantic Fireside Experience

11720 Ventura Blvd Studio City | 818-762-1833

What: Sonoma Lamb Chops and Kefta Kebobs
Where: Firefly
Price: $27
Description: "Romantic" is the answer to the question, "What kind of restaurant is Firefly?" Whether you're wooing a date, celebrating an anniversary, or just prowling the city, Firefly provides the perfect setting. Inside the dining area you'll find dim lighting, delicious food, and a gorgeous fireplace to make the wining and dining a little more extravagant. Step into the bar and lounge area and you'll encounter a smiling bartender, as well as a stately reading room filled with real books that no one will ever read. It works-really. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in Studio City . . . go to Firefly.