My husband and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary in April! We planned to go to Paris years ago (like we did on the 25th), but now our 17-year-old dog can't be left alone with a dog sitter for that long. And look, our cat is 15 years old! Any recommendations for a special dinner (we live in he Pasadena/Highland Park area) and maybe a little getaway where we would only be away for shorter periods of time. Tips: We love the theater, the cinema, the beach, laughing and divine food, but not so delicious that we can't stand it. I also can't eat dairy. – Diane Kelber
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First of all, congratulations on 40 years of marriage! It's definitely a milestone worth celebrating. Also, I hear you say that you don't want to leave your dog for an extended period of time. Although you won't be able to make it to Paris this time, I hope we can get closer to this romantic city here in Los Angeles. I've compiled a list of places so you can create your own adventure.
If you look hard enough, you can find pieces of Europe in Los Angeles. Or, as my colleague Christopher Reynolds once said, places that aim to “fuel dreams of travel or remind someone of home.” A great example of this is the city's many French restaurants, where you can enjoy as many macarons, steak frites and beef bourguignon as you like. Two notable spots are Camélia and Pasjoli, both included in the LA Times' 101 Best Restaurants list. Located in the downtown arts district, Camélia fuses French and Japanese cuisines. On the menu are uni pasta, hanger steak poivre, and a dry-fried burger, which restaurant critic Bill Addison says doesn't require any twisting because “it's just a fantastic burger.”
Restaurant critic Jenn Harris says Santa Monica-based Pasjoli “straddles the line between destination dining and the kind of neighborhood restaurant that everyone wants to have on the same street.” The restaurant is best known for its table-pressed duck, which the chef prepares theatrically during dinner service. But if you're not into duck, there are several other popular dishes on the menu, including French onion soup, steak frites, sole meuniere, and what Harris calls “the best grilled cheese sandwich in the known universe” (although this might be a better option for your husband).
If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere that makes you feel like you've been teleported to Saint-Germain-des-Prés in Paris, visit Figaro Bistrot in Los Feliz. As I wrote in a guide to the neighborhood, the restaurant embodies the Parisian way of dining: guests are entertained with wine and good conversation.
Another place in Los Angeles that is reminiscent of Europe is the Getty Center in Brentwood. Designed by architect Richard Meier, the sprawling hilltop complex resplendent with manicured gardens, stunning city views and a museum, making it the perfect setting for a romantic date. Bring a blanket, your favorite snacks and have a picnic on the grass near center field. The best part is that it's free to visit (although reservations are required and parking rates vary depending on the time of day). For a more intimate experience, visit the Getty Villa in Malibu, inspired by the Villa dei Papiri in Herculaneum, Italy.
For a quaint date that feels like you've been dropped onto a movie set, consider Gondola Getaway in Long Beach. Here, a gondolier will take you around a charming residential island of Naples. I had a date there years ago and have wanted to return ever since.
Now, some quick recommendations: Since you like theater, my colleague Lisa Boone suggests the Pasadena Playhouse, a Tony Award-winning theater, which is close to home for you. Times outdoor reporter Jaclyn Cosgrove also recommends drinks and dining on the charming balcony of Checker Hall in Highland Park. Afterwards, you can catch a live show next door in the Lodge Room. And since you love to laugh, consider visiting Hollywood Improv, which hosts multiple events throughout the week.
Now, I know these experiences aren't Paris, but I hope they can help you and your husband experience a little of what travelers feel when they're there: excitement, adventure, passion, and most importantly, love. And when you're with that special someone, I think you can capture those emotions no matter where you are. Happy anniversary!
