Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
DineLA 2009: Circa 55
Circa 55, our first DineLA lunch, was pure serendipity. After covering the Oscars luncheon at the Beverly Hilton, I wandered downstairs to my old standby, Trader Vics. But my commitment to DineLA soon lured me over to the classy yet casual Circa 55. The design is reminiscent of a mid-century modern living room, uncluttered and airy, with sunlight streaming through the windows.
The way the chatty server fusses over you makes you feel like you are being waited on by your mother. She never crosses the line into being intrusive, and her concerned questioning makes you feel kind of warm and fuzzy. Were I a stranger to the city traveling miles from home, the care and attention would be more than comforting.
The DineLA menu is offered with the regular menu, and not only explained, but practically recommended. The options are appealing and varied. They also offer vegetarian options, which is noticably rare with this year's DineLA. There are a few minor issues with the unwieldniness of some dishes, but portions are generous, desserts are heavenly, and if you ask nicely your server might tell you stories about the Hollywood stars that used to frequent the Beverly Hilton way back when. Esther Williams likes her Chardonnay by the pool, but you didn't hear it from me.
More DineLA 2009 on LAist: The First Bite, SimonLA, Campanile, Locanda del Lago., Thousand Cranes, Asia de Cuba, Water Grill, Dakota.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons Thursday after suddenly shutting down six months ago. -
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
Best of LAist