I know you will enjoy the natural charm, service, and delicious food at Flavor of India. Most seating is on their festively heated enclosed patio, which twinkles with "itzy‑bitzy" lights. One could think of it as romantic for dating, and along with a big "A" in the window, it's homey and warm with time‑honored paintings and conventional background music. For more intimacy, check out the elevated dining with lots of privacy, also window-curtained cozy room inside.

Many years ago I received a letter from Angela Lansbury telling me about this wonderful restaurant in Santa Monica called Positano. By now it's no secret that the chef is her daughter, also named Angela. Enzo and wife Angela always cooked together, and from the moment I met them I was hooked on their terrific Italian cuisine, and captivated by their devotion to each other. My original quotes about their restaurant referred to it as being a gift waiting to be found. And I will always believe that if the Italians didn't invent romance, they elevated it to an art form through eating, and "holy cannoli," it doesn't matter what you order because it's delicious.

The successful Buggy Whip is one of Los Angeles' oldest fish‑steak houses, still handsomely showy with Old World sophistication after being at the same location for over 50‑years. It's endowed in the Fox & Hounds tradition of upscale vogue restaurants, circa l950's. Diners that remember the dark woods, brick, and red leather booths of that era, will feel nostalgic about the hidden enchantment that exists in vintage bits and pieces of the past.

One could easily fall in love again at Vito, an oasis of comfort, and a restaurant that caters to intimacy. It's stomping grounds for savvy connoisseurs of Italian food who enjoy Ceazar salads being tossed at their table. But it's also somewhat of an escape‑haven away from the chaotic noisy places where romance, coziness and good service have become as extinct as Dinosaurs. Its "Italiano," all the way, rekindling favorite recipes from the little towns in Italy that make the Italian Gods happy on  Sunday & Monday after 5:00pm. That's when this beautiful upscale restaurant features a three-course dinner for $32; certainly the best buy in Santa Monica from a restaurant of this caliber.

El Vitral Restaurant is a culinary dream to people who love Mexican food but want to forego the lard, hormone injected meats and vegetables that have pesticides.  They celebrated their Opening with the "who’s who" in attendance including the Mexican Consulate.  The restaurant is located in the trendy neighborhood of East Village, beside the Padres Ballpark at 815 J Street in the historical Schiefer and Sons landmark building.

Upon entering, one gets the illusion of two dining rooms, effected by high backed comfortable tapestry banquettes used to shelve large plants and fine wines. It's highly polished and beautifully endowed with translucent wall lighting set behind arty diamond shaped decorative glass. And a magnificent sky‑light of colors stands-out as a showpiece in the afternoon when the outside light comes through. Pastina is a beautiful Mediterranean styled restaurant, a neighborhood jewel with a big heart along with an open kitchen and dynamite dishes. And like a sensuous pilgrimage, I look forward to the freshly made pie‑shaped pizza breads baked throughout the day.

DaVinci has changed hands, and took out the booths, but left Dean Martin's special booth for those making reservations. People have traveled from all over for Deans seat! The place has been redone with gorgeous wooden floors and tables with padded chairs. Walls are olive and vanilla and have DaVinci sketches displayed around the room.

Vinoteque has the kind of comfort where one wants to stay a little longer rather than leaving after the last course. It has the comfort that keeps you lingering until the chef sends out his last dessert. At first glance one thinks the walls are made of bottles of wines, as in "Vino-therapy" and the unusual decorated mirrors attract glances. Other things of interest are the attractive drop lamps set in front of the ceiling with recessed lighting. All the seating are padded on wooden chairs, matching the floors.

I found a little house built in 1908 that was made into a restaurant with all the charm one could ask for. It's called "Ado" in Venice. The kitchen is downstairs with a dining room above. It's decked out in chocolate walls of wood, and everything is wooden - exposed beams and wooden floors - along with large sconces, the walls a'la candlelight. There's one table downstairs next to the kitchen.

Emphasis on quality and value anchors bold newcomer to OC's dining scene. Affordable luxury with a modern American flavor is the mark of the newest landmark on the restaurat scene. Industry veteran Mo Iqbal is the mind behind the 233 seat independent enterprise that blends three potent trends; spring, enlightened American comfort, and extensive wine offerings in a casual setting. The 4685 square=foot site is located adjacent to the cinema multiplex in the stadium promenade entertainment center.