A traditional Thanksgiving dinner in Los Angeles

Let’s face it, as much as we all love Thanksgiving and all that this special all-American holiday stands for, planning for a traditional turkey dinner can be laborious work. Besides, with shrinking families, and stressful travel during the holidays, some people prefer to stay closer to home and instead opt for a sumptuous Thanksgiving dinner out.  We sampled best Thanksgiving dinners around town and here’s where you can find a near-homemade turkey dinner in a dining establishment near you (in alphabetic order):

Akasha

At this Culver City restaurant, Thanksgiving goes modern with a prix-fixe California-inspired menu full of persimmon-and-pomegranate salad; gluten-free cornbread; herb-roasted turkey with chestnut-and-sage stuffing; a vegetarian option of herb-roasted mushrooms with squash and a wild-mushroom gravy; broccoli-and-cauliflower gratin; mac and cheese; and an entire pie buffet. You had us at “pie buffet.”

AR Cucina 

Also in Culver City, and down the street from Akasha, settle in at chef Akasha Richmond’s Italian concept for an untraditional three-course prix-fixe feast with tons of options. There’s an antipasti selection for the table; squash-filled pasta; porchetta-style turkey with sage-and-chestnut stuffing; grilled branzino with braised kale; wild-mushroom ragu; an array of sides; and pumpkin-ricotta cheesecake, among other high notes to end on.

Barton G. 

If you are in West Hollywood, make your way to the famed eatery Barton G., where this year’s three-course menu includes roasted pumpkin soup with maple crème fraiche; herb-roasted turkey breast with confit leg served with apricot-and-sage stuffing, as well as parsnip-and-potato mash, roasted Brussels sprouts with a pistachio crumble, candied yams and other side dishes; and pumpkin doughnuts with a side of cranberry compote, pumpkin butter, spiced warm chocolate and cinnamon anglaise.

The Bazaar and Tres by José Andrés 

If you find yourself in Beverley Hills, do Turkey Day the José Andrés way with not one, not two but three options for Thanksgiving feasting. Located in SLS Beverley Hills, Tres by José Andrés will offer a brunch with roast organic turkey; a chilled seafood and caviar display; pastries; cheese; and Spanish-style takes on Thanksgiving classics. Then at dinner, enjoy a prix-fixe meal involving seared lamb chops, organic turkey, gooey pecan bars, butternut squash soup and more.

At The Bazaar by José Andrés, executive chef Holly Jivin’s prix-fixe holiday meal offers family-style turkey and sides such as giblet stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, pecan ice cream and other treats.

The Belvedere 

Still in Beverley Hills and hopping to the Peninsula Beverly Hills hotel you’ll find one of the eateries, mostly because it includes live music and bottomless bubbly. Starters including butternut squash risotto and chicken liver mousse, while entrées involve all the holiday staples such as free-range turkey with sage stuffing, pomegranate-roasted Brussels sprouts and buttermilk mashed potatoes, as well as roasted filet of beef with celery root, cipollini onions, and truffle. 

Bourbon Steak 

Head east to this Glendale steakhouse for an elegant three-course dinner featuring the traditional—roasted heritage turkey with stuffing and cranberry mostarda—and the more exotic, like Mediterranean branzino with madras curry or some smoked trout with baby beets, with a bevy of sides for the table. 

Café Pinot 

For downtown dwellers, this California-French restaurant with a gorgeous, tree-dotted patio will be serving your choice of a three- or four-course prix-fixe dinner with both traditional fare and a few brow-raising dishes, to boot. Find sliced turkey breast with heirloom cauliflower and mole; sunchoke soup with a red wine and shallot jam; and filet mignon au poivre. Finish with pumpkin mousse or an apple crumble to really get into the fall spirit.

Catch

Fancy spending your Thanksgiving by the ocean, enjoy your Turkey Day at Catch in the Hotel del Mar, because chef Gemma Grayis whipping up all the classics and even a few contemporary plates right at the beach. Look for a prix-fixe involving slow-roasted organic turkey with apple and chestnut stuffing, as well as roasted cauliflower pie with wild mushrooms, and Japanese snapper crudo with pumpkin vinaigrette. 

CRAFT Los Angeles 

Back in Culver City, the annual feast at Tom Colicchio’s CRAFT begins with for-the-table starters such as pork belly with celery root, then proceeds to your choice of roasted, organic free-range turkey; angus beef short ribs; seafood; and pasta. Pass around the family-style sides such as sausage-and-raisin stuffing and Brussels sprouts, and, as it’s the highlight of just about every visit to CRAFT, don’t forget the selection of desserts artfully whipped up by pastry chef Shannon Swindle. 

Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant 

In Hollywood, chef Curtis Stone’s four-course, prix-fixe meal skews classic and fine-dining with dishes such as chestnut velouté with pear and brown butter; roast turkey with gravy and braised-and-pulled dark meat in cocotte; mac and cheese agnolotti with smoked pork emulsion; and a range of sides, including duck fat potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing and Brussels sprouts with bacon jam. Finish with Stone’s take on apple pie and a selection of petit fours. If you’re one of those domesticated types hellbent on making your own meal, the butcher shop is selling turkeys to aid you in your delicious endeavor.

Mélisse

Seaside again, Josiah Citrin’s fine-dining institution, Mélisse, is offering a four-course prix-fixe meal that feels anything but limited: Each course includes four or five choices, and you even get your pick of three of Citrin’s mom’s traditional sides. Just a few dishes from the lengthy and mouth-watering menu: Maine diver scallops with foie gras, young turnips, porcini and a truffle consommé; whole-roasted dry-aged prime rib with horseradish jus; herb-roasted free-range turkey served with chanterelle mushrooms, apple-and-brioche stuffing and pomegranate gravy; and pecan pie with Dulcey and bourbon sauce and whipped crème fraiche.

Montage Beverly Hills 

This swanky Beverly Hills resort is offering not one but threeThanksgiving Day options, including dishes such as herb-roasted turkey, spiced prime rib and sweet potato gnocchi. At the Restaurant, stop by for brunch from 11am to 3:30pm, where you’ll find a sprawling buffet—complete with carving station. Looking for a more formal dinner? Between 5 and 9:30 pm, the Restaurant hosts a four-course family-style feast. If you’re hoping for a more casual affair, head to the Rooftop Grill for a three-course prix-fixe menu with holiday-inspired specials from 11am to 5 pm.

Playa Provisions 

Take Turkey to the beach at Playa Provisions to feast on roast turkey or honey mustard ham, plus a variety of sides, including chicory salad, roasted acorn squash and cranberry sauce. Finish with a selection of seasonal desserts including but not limited to pumpkin pie and cran-apple pie. 

Saddle Peak Lodge 

Head to this rustic Santa Monica mountain lodge for a four-course meal that lets you choose from hearty dishes like buffalo tartare, seared elk tenderloin with a foie gras and mushroom sauce, roast turkey with sausage-and-apple stuffing, and grilled quail with spiced cherries. Pro tip: Don’t leave before the pumpkin pie or banana-huckleberry bread pudding.

Tavern

Suzanne Goin, Caroline Styne and chef de cuisine Joel Walsh are bringing a little something for everyone to their Thanksgiving table at this Brentwood restaurant, with options for omnivores, vegetarians and vegans alike. Settle in for a three-course meal that offers herb-roasted organic turkey breast and stuffed leg with mashed potatoes, gravy, Brussels sprouts with pancetta and thyme, cranberry sauce with mint and orange, sweet potatoes with sherry, and sourdough stuffing with turkey sausage. There’s even the “vegan Thanksgiving extravaganza” option, which offers sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, fingerling potatoes, Italian broccoli and Suzanne’s stuffing and wild-mushroom persillade. 

If after all these fabulous options you still feel like eating at home without having to turn the oven on, there is a long list of restaurants offering Thanksgiving dinners to go. Knock yourself out. 

Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at Destination Los Angeles.

The Ultimate Guide to LA's 3 Most Talked-About Brunch Spots

Los Angeles is known as the land of sunshine, blue skies, great weather, and good vibes galore, so it’s no wonder brunch has quickly gained a reputation for being the most highly-anticipated meal of the day for LA visitors and residents alike.

There is no better way to relax and unwind after a taxing work week—or an intense days of meetings—than by indulging yourself in a plate of perfectly-poached eggs, a sweet, decadent stack of red velvet pancakes made from scratch, and a tangy grapefruit mimosa (or two!) on a breezy Saturday morning.  At destination LA, we’re here to give you the scoop on the ins-and-outs of Los Angeles’s 3 hottest brunch restaurants so that you and your group can embrace everything the wonderful City of Angeles has to offer.

Republique

This classy and sophisticated brunch spot is a favorite among LA locals for its menu lineup of mouthwatering, French-inspired cuisine and its convenient and stellar location right in the heart of Central Los Angeles.

The building’s interior was originally designed by the timeless film icon Charlie Chaplin, and Republique’s owners renovated the building so that it now exudes classic, rustic charm characteristic of the 1920s. Patrons are free to dine at charming wooden tables and sleek, high-top bar stools while they enjoy their meals.

Republique is also home to a stellar selection of private dining areas perfect for any group looking to share a relaxing dining experience that is uniquely-charming and intimate. Their elegant Left Bank Wine Room seats up to 18 people for private wine dinners, and features a glass-walled wine cellar and a wall made of exposed brick. 

Republique is also home to The Alcove, a private room with romantic seating high above the main dining room, and The Kitchen Tables, a lively space in the middle of Republique’s busiest area with an energetic, eye-catching dining environment perfect for larger groups of up to 34 people.

L&E Oyster Bar

This quaint brunch spot located in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles combines the rustic simplicity of a comfortable seaside eatery with the culinary charm and elegance of a menu that offers up the freshest, most flavorful oysters around.

L&E Oyster Bar’s chefs set out with the goal of creating seafood-focused, one-of-a-kind meals that are zesty and delicious, and they certainly have surpassed the mark.

For brunch, enjoy a cup of piping hot coffee or a Bloody Mary that packs a punch, then fill up on a three-tier tower of delicious, raw seafood or one of L&E’s specialty menu items; their beet cured salmon plate and fried oyster omelet are favorites among Silver Lake locals! 

Kismet

Kismet is a unique Los Angeles all-day eatery that offers up everything from Mediterranean-style breakfast foods to flavorful and filling family-style meals.

Kismet’s chefs take flavors and recipes from the Middle East and reimagine them through an innovative, Californian lens to create one-of-a-kind dishes that lovers of LA adore!

Some of their most popular daytime brunch menu items include their lemony chicken and pine nut pies, sesame walnut granola, and their flaky bread with tomato and spices. 

Let Destination Los Angeles create the perfect custom-tailored incentive program for your group so that your next LA brunch trip receives rave reviews!

Four Glorious Days in Los Angeles

Known as the entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles is a progressive metropolis and with one of the most diverse attributes of any city. Home to film and recording studios, world-class museums and trend-setting restaurants, Los Angeles offers the best of the best for your next incentive trip. With spectacular beaches and coastline, picturesque mountains, numerous professional sports teams and stadiums and multicultural neighborhoods, the city is rich with amenities to please any group. Blessed with warm sunny weather all year round and a diversity of cultures, attractions, hotels, restaurants, and activities, LA has something for everyone, making it a sure bet as an incentive destination.

Let Destination LA plan your next incentive trip to the City of Angels.  You are guaranteed to look like a hero and your participants are certain to go home with lifelong fond memories.  Here’s a suggested itinerary for four perfect days in LA: 

Day 1

• Arrival at the Los Angeles International Airport

• Transportation to the hot and trendy hotel Dream in Hollywood [see our other blog regarding this hotel]

• Enjoy a private dinner at Spago. One of the hottest celebrity chef restaurants in LA, Spago Beverly Hills has become one of the most famous restaurants in the world. The chef who put California cuisine on the map, Wolfgang Puck, shook the culinary world with his designer pizzas and daring food combinations.

• Back at the hotel, get the party started at an evening welcome reception.

Day 2

• Breakfast at leisure.

• Start the day with a Yoga class or Surf Lesson on the spectacular beaches of Santa Monica.

• Shop designer brands on the famous Rodeo Drive, where you are bound to run into a paparazzi pursuing a celebrity

• Fly by the Hollywood sign on a helicopter tour of the city.

• [Alternatively, Horseback to Hollywood Sign: Take a guided horseback trail ride to the top of Mt. Hollywood, up close to the famous Hollywood Sign, past Griffith Observatory and overlooking the best panoramic views of Los Angeles!].

• Dine like the stars at the historic Greystone Mansion, the backdrop for so many well-known movies.

Day 3

• Breakfast at leisure

• See sets, props and costumes on a Warner Bros. studio tour. Stop for a Behind the Scenes VIP Tour at WB Studios and see how and where your favorite movie was made.

• Enjoy a group dinner at the award-winning restaurant Hinoki & The Bird. Taking worldly cues from Chef David Myers’ nomadic travels throughout southeast Asia, Hinoki & the Bird is a colorful kaleidoscope where bright flavors and a modern California sensibility harmoniously collide. It is a great hidden gem in Century City.

• Raise your glass to a great trip during the closing ceremony and afterparty. Have a champagne toast at sunset at the Griffith Observatory with views of the Hollywood sign and the skyline of the City of Angeles.

Day 4

• Breakfast at leisure

• Time for a walk downtown. Art Walk LA celebrates art with a self-guided, public art phenomenon known as The Downtown Art Walk that brings together art lovers and community friends to the ever-evolving downtown Los Angeles.

• Let’s have lunch before we head to the airport. Considered one of the top 10 best new restaurants by Los Angeles Magazine, Bestia packs the hippest crowds. Chef Ori maintains an aggressive house-cured meat program with over 60 different forms of charcuterie.

• All the good things come to an end: time to head back to the airport.

• Flight home

Let the professionals at Destination LA put together a custom-tailored incentive program for your group that is guaranteed to be a winner. 

Best travel destination in the U.S.

California’s picturesque Redwood Coast has topped Lonely Planet’s list of “…out-of-this-world spots to visit in 2018.” The list was compiled by a team of locals, editors and researchers who visited, researched and lived in the region.

Let’s take a closer look to what makes California’s Redwood Coast a must-see in 2018:

Known for its sky-scraping forests, these redwoods are 2,000 years old and are certainly some of the most fascinating trees on the planet. Filmmakers have been using the region’s awe-inspiring scenery for many years: Star Wars, E.T. and Jurassic Park all included scenes shot here.

Tall trees and so much more! Multiple parks are located along the coast of Northern California, within Del Norte and Humboldt Counties and managed by California State Parks and National Parks Service.

CITY OF EUREK

A port city in Northern California, Eureka is a gem of a city with its Old Town district, rich in history and architecture with its elaborate Victorian houses, including the Carson Mansion a short distance away.  Not to be missed is the Sequoia Park, home to massive old-growth redwood trees. Take a guided boat cruises aboard the early-1900s Madaket ferry to take in the sights, seals and birdlife of Humboldt Bay.

BEACHES

Craving some sun and sand?  Try Northern California’s beaches.  The Humboldt County coast is chock full of wild and far-flung beaches that beg for exploration. Or try Del Norte County, the northernmost county in California, with its wild remote—and at times rugged—beaches perfect for those with a keen interest in discovering romantic hideaways. 

KAYAKING

Does hiking, kayaking, picnicking, a coastal walk, visiting pristine Hidden Beach and camping with your group in a peaceful surrounding sound good to you? Let GMS plan your escape to Northern Cal. 

LA is Forever

Whatever may take you to LA (acting ambitions, surfing craze, or escaping the Chicago blizzards), there are plenty of reasons to keep you there—forever.  The city is the envy of the nation in that there is so much to do whatever your kick!

Celebs Everywhere.  If you are a celebrity worshiper, there is not place to spot one like LA.  At every turn, you are likely to bump into a face you may recognize.  You can also see a movie star perform at one of our many clubs for under $10.  You just never know who you might see performing at the Virgil or at Largo at the Caronet.

Route 66.  The legendary early motorway may start in Chicago, but it ends at the Pacific near the scenic Santa Monica Pier.  Go and take a selfie and let the folks at home know you made it all the way to the end of the Route.

Grand Central.  Not the Station in NYC!  This one is the Grand Central Market where you can find authentic LA fare.  No, that’s not oxymoron.  Opened in 1917, Grand Central Market is still a treasured dining destination in a city proud of its eateries.  If you are not Lactose intolerant, don’t forget to stop at DTLA Cheese + Kitchen for a dairy overdose.

Shopping Mecca.  You want to shop until you drop but hate malls.  Well, shopping in LA feels like a day at the resort.  Most malls are outdoors surrounded with botanic splendors.  The trip to the mall will never again feel the same. 

Cars. Cars. More Cars.  Yes.  It’s true.  "New Yorkers don't have to spend upwards of three hours a day trapped in their cars. Walking! Ever heard of it? It's nice."  You’ll discover how lovely it is walking among the blossoming jacarandas this time of year. 

Food Trucks.  New York has its pretzel street vendors, but LA has culinary taco trucks.  Taco trucks gave birth to LA’s street food fares long before grilled cheese and lobster rolls were being sold at ever corner.  Give it a try.  You will be pleasantly surprised.  Stop by Ricky's Fish Tacos: The truck serves quite possibly the most famous fish tacos in the city.

Whitewater Rafting in LA?  That creek you see winding through the city is actually Los Angeles River and upstream, you can still get your adrenaline pumping on a sizeable stretch of the River. Ready to strap on a helmet and get wet?   Well, yes. Don’t expect the Colorado River!  After all, this is LA.

City Characters Everywhere.  Especially on Hollywood Boulevard.  The Batman, Cinderella and Elvis are live and well on the famed boulevard.  As are the tributes to all the stars on the sidewalks.     

The Stars Never Die.  They just change residences to Hollywood Forever Cemetery.  Or to Forest Lawn Cemetery.     

For a memorable program in the City of Angeles, Let the professionals at Destination Los Angeles put together a program that your participants will never forget.

Discover the Beauty of California’s Coastal Cities

California is likely the most naturally-diverse state in the US and one of the most unique destinations in the world.  From beaches of Santa Monica in Southern California to the relaxed places in Santa Barbara, also known as the American Riviera.  In this coastal city, you’re in for an awe-inspiring backdrop for your event where everyone of your guests would feel like they are stars of a one-of-a-kind show. Let GMS design a program for you anywhere in California—or just in Santa Barbara—an event that will be fondly remembered for many years after!  See what’s possible in this little-known gem:

Where to stay:

Somerset

Known for featuring the food scene of Santa Barbara, Somerset is known as the place where food is recognized as the cornerstone of the city’s rich culture. Somerset brings out the legendary California cool and classic inspiration to wow guests. Whether your guests choose to sit in the Club Room, main dining area, or Somerset’s elegant garden, there’s always a table for you and your guests. Enjoy the European-inspired classics at the Somerset elegantly interwoven with California’s rich bounty.

El Encanto

"The Charm” in Spanish was a name fittingly given to this landmark venue by Belmond.  This venue incorporates all the magic that makes Santa Barbara so special. The hotel itself is the only 5-star resort in the city and for good reasons. Tucked away, this resort is a little-known gem waiting to be discovered by your guests. The landscape surrounding El Encanto is almost a study in mixed media, situated between gardens, hills, town and country, with the vast Pacific Ocean in the background. The resort is a California approach to glamour.

El Encanto boasts several venues for your event regardless of the nature and size of the event. A lily pond for a cocktail reception and the ballroom for the main event would be a stunning way to finish your incentive program. For a more intimate setting there is the fireside patio or the Wine Room. Let GMS introduce you to a lesser-known side of California.

Things to do:

Flag-Is-Up Farms

Nothing brings your group closer together than an exhilarating teambuilding exercise.  It is a good source of bonding and making the most of the time the group shares with one another.  Now, introduce a horse or two.  At Flag- Is-Up Farms, your team will be guided by the world-renowned “man who listens to horses,” Monty Roberts, in the art of horse rearing and communication. Join a day of communication classes to connect with your horse while also bonding with your team. These lessons go beyond the ranch and can be incorporated into your group’s daily work-life routine. This is more than a day shared with coworkers. It’s a day filled with philosophical and communication gems that the group will carry with it for a lifetime.

Destination LA is a leading destination management and event planning company with offices throughout the US and Canada.  We specialize in custom-tailored programs for meetings, events and incentives throughout North America. Let us showcase our services in planning  your next special event in the US or Canada.

Dreamy New Hotel Opening

A new hotel has opened its doors in Los Angeles. In Hollywood, you can find The Dream Hotel, the latest in style and luxury. Stepping into a world where mid-century marvels meet modern convenience, enjoy furniture that gives the air of the 1950’s while enjoying your Apple iPad at your bedside. Relish modern Californian living with high speed internet, and a gorgeous view from either an oversized window or a private balcony. For dining options, you can always order room service, but for those who want to experience a wonderful sit-down experience, there are many options to choose from.

If you want to have dinner on a rooftop with a pool, then going to the Highlight Room will surely be the highlight of the night! With 11,000 square feet of space, there is a pool and plenty of lounging chairs. The Grill at the Highlight Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with cocktail ls to sip poolside. 

There is also the Tao, known for its great Asian cuisine. Come sit where you will have a great view of the Quan Yin while eating dim sum, or eat fresh sushi while admiring the lounging Buddha. You can even get a drink at their dragon bar.

Another place for a great sit-down dining experience is the Beauty and Essex. With 10,000 square feet of space, as well as a ground floor courtyard, enjoy multi-ethnic cuisine that can’t be matched. After dinner, head to their vintage pawn shop, where trinkets and treasures from a bygone era will surely catch your eye. You might even find something you’ll like.

California Glamping

Camping is not something a lot of people think of when they think of a retreat. As much as some people enjoy nature, they don’t want to deal with some of the sacrifices that have to make when experiencing nature. Glamping is the answer to enjoying nature without leaving modern amenities behind. It’s the projected travel trend of 2018.  So leave the clunky camping gear behind and get set for glamping out down in Southern California.

Since the 1930s, Airstreams have been on the road and campsites all throughout the world. With seventy percent of all Airstreams built still on the road today, you can find several airstreams at Autocamp in Santa Barbara and Russian River. These remodeled airstreams contain midcentury furniture coupled with WiFi.

California and Texas---Shelter Co.

The unique thing about Shelter Co is that they can set up a tent, or even help set up an event anywhere in California. Just let them know where you are camping or hosting your event, and they will set up and take down the tent. They can even help you scout a place to host your event. Shelter Co even rents out furniture if you just want the rustic look.

San Diego---Roar and Snore

At the San Diego Zoo, you can spend the night on the wild side. Spend the night with the animals as you learn all about them and participate in traditional camping activities, like making s’mores. Then watch these animals from your tent. They even serve breakfast the morning after.  Get a premium tent to have your queen size bed as well as electrical outlets.

So if you fancy going glamping instead of a stuffy hotel conference room for your next intimate event, let Destination LA take care of all the detail and get you there in style.