Buca di Beppo opened its doors in Santa Monica about 10-years ago and the crowds came. It's a collection of neighborhood places that have created an atmosphere of shark‑frenzy. It’s also tongue‑in‑cheek humor and portions of food that could feed the entire "old neighborhood" in the Southern part of Italy.

What does Chipotle mean? It's a Jalapeno pepper that is dried and smoked, having a smoky sweet flavor, and as a rule it's paired to a dark red sauce. The gourmet Mexican Grill is a burrito restaurant with many faces. You will find it at the intersection of Culver and Washington boulevards. It's snuggled among the mostly independently owned upscale eateries.

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.