Lifestyle

Celebrity Chef Evan Funke Opens Tri-Level Pasta Mansion in Beverly Hills

As a celebrity chef, putting your name on a restaurant is not a decision to be made lightly, but when it comes to his new three-floor, 180-seat Italian trattoria with a live pasta lab, Evan Funke knew the timing was right. 

Spago Seder to Serve Memorable Passover Experience

This year, the 39th annual Passover seder at Spago Beverly Hills, an interfaith evening benefiting Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger, is expected to draw more than 300 attendees.

Where to Get in the Holiday (Zero-Proof) Spirit

’Tis the season of cocktail parties, holiday dinners and festive gatherings, giving us a months-long reason to celebrate—and imbibe. But not everyone will be toasting at Thanksgiving with goblets of wine or popping bottles of bubbly as they ring in the New Year. According to the Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report 2022, 58% of those who drink alcohol are increasingly opting for non- and low-alcoholic cocktails across the globe. This worldwide trend is not a temperance movement; it isn’t about morality or enforced sobriety; it’s about choices and having options. And it’s being driven largely by the younger generation and the health-conscious. 

Video Interview with Chef Wolfgang Puck | Exclusive from Beverly Hills Courier Wine + Dine

In the inaugural Beverly Hills Courier Wine + Dine Issue, Wally’s President & Principal Christian Navarro sits down with his old friend Chef Wolfgang Puck to discuss the early days in the industry, wine, food, and much more.

Business with Bosse Goes to Caffe Roma

The Sept. 29 espresso-fueled gathering took place at Caffe Roma on Canon Drive. 

Top Five Tastes of the World

These restaurants use their culinary skills to incorporate international ingredients and styles with their menus, bringing delicious flavors from around the world to Beverly Hills.  

Courier Connoisseur Michelin Star Chef Daniel Boulud

The Beverly Hills outpost will be Boulud’s first foray into the West Coast. In this exclusive preview, Boulud spoke with Wine + Dine about his vision for the new Beverly Hills project, the culinary bond between the coasts and his long-standing friendship with Wolfgang Puck.

The World According to Wolf

Puck sat down with his old friend, Christian Navarro, President & Principal of Wally’s Wine & Spirits, at CUT Beverly Hills to discuss his early days in the business, what inspires him, and what his future holds. To put it another way, it is the culinary landscape of Southern California according to the man who shaped it.  

Top Five Hotel Bars

Whether you’re looking for a spectacular view or an elevated beverage, these hotels in Beverly Hills serve up a luxurious cocktail experience.

Beverly Hills Courier Wine + Dine Issue Flip Edition

Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market PickleFest Set for Aug. 7

The City of Beverly Hills Community Services has partnered with the legendary Beverly Hills deli, Nate ‘n Al’s to bring the annual Picklefest to the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market on Aug. 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

Annual Pie Bake a’la Beverly Hills and Piesta Winners Announced

Eighteen contestants entered pies named after their tasty ingredients, such as Cabernet Grape Pie, Strawberry Rhubarb Pie and Lazy Apricot Pie.

Beverly Hills Top Chefs’ Summer Recipes

We reached out to some of the city’s top chefs to gather their favorite summer family recipes and remembrances.

Workplan Revealed for OpenBH

The work plan is divided into four phases with respective timelines and deliverables: research, design development, documentation, and distribution.

Pie Bake and Piesta Set for June 12

The annual Pie Bake & Piesta is a free event featuring a pie bake contest, a kid’s zone, and entertaining pie-themed activities, including a kids and adult pie-eating contest.

Claridge’s Tea Brings Mayfair to The Maybourne Beverly Hills

Local residents had the opportunity to experience the Afternoon Tea during its week-long residency (which continues through April 30) here in Beverly Hills.

OpenBH Extended Through 2022

Marking the second significant extension of outdoor dining in the city, the Beverly Hills City Council agreed to keep the OpenBH program in place in its current form through Dec. 31, 2022.

Tommy’s Marks Grand Opening

Tommy’s Beverly Hills marked its grand opening at 235 N. Canon Drive with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Feb. 15 attended by Mayor Robert Wunderlich, Councilmember John Mirisch, and President and CEO of the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, Todd Johnson.

BHPD Arrests Suspect in Crustacean Burglary

“We keep seeing arrestees with lengthy convictions for the same offense, like in this particular case,” Trejo told the Courier. “This is the revolving door that we are seeing constantly, where we arrest someone for an offense that he or she was convicted of literally months before the commission of a crime here in Beverly Hills.”

Suspects Burgle $128,000 from Crustacean

Crustacean, the high-end seafood restaurant on North Bedford Drive, experienced a burglary in the early morning of Jan. 2, according to the Beverly Hills Police Department.

Hostess Goodies for Foodies

The Irresistable Gift of Chocolate

Gucci Osteria Beverly Hills Awarded a Michelin Star

“Hopefully, it highlights what a great place it is, with a vibrant and diverse culinary scene. Our menu is rooted in this location, from the local suppliers we’ve discovered and started to build relationships with to the local farmers’ markets. The menu is Italian, but it uses primarily local ingredients with a few specific products from Italy.  It’s important to me that the restaurant has its own identity and that we are connected to Beverly Hills,” he told the Courier.

Il Pastaio Watch Thieves Plead Guilty

The watch still has yet to be recovered, according to Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) Acting Captain Max Subin. Belhassen has offered a $50,000 reward for its return.

Council Greenlights Restaurant Rooftop Dining in Business Triangle

“Permitting rooftop dining more widely creates flexibility for properties to create experiences that will attract businesses and visitors to Beverly Hills, and create an interesting environment to shop, eat, visit and work,” Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Todd Johnson wrote in a June 21 letter read on Aug. 17. 

Ribbon Cutting

The Maybourne Expands Dining into Beverly Canon Gardens

The Maybourne will expand into Beverly Canon Gardens by temporarily removing some of the hedges and shrubs adjacent to the southern pedestrian walkway to allow for more outdoor dining.

Red-Tier Ready: Indoor Dining Holds Promise in Beverly Hills

The Beverly Hilton recently completed a $35 million property-wide hotel renovation. The venerable main dining venue, Circa 55, is still under renovation. It will reopen in the next few months, said Murphy.

BHPD Seeks Help in Il Pastaio Shooting & Robbery

“They will be on foot and drive around in cars, providing high visibility,” he told the Courier. “The private armed security will be present through this weekend in this fashion. The security companies will be reevaluated as to the numbers of private armed security to provide safety and visibility to the Beverly Hills community.”

Three Beverly Hills Locations Recognized with Golden Shield

The first three recipients of Golden Shield recognition plaques include the site of the Dona Maria Rita Valdez de Villa Homestead, located at Sunset Boulevard and Alpine Drive; the original location of Lawry’s Restaurant on North La Cienega Boulevard; and the original Giorgio Beverly Hills Boutique, the first luxury boutique on Rodeo Drive.

Shooting at Il Pastaio

“I saw the guys wrestling. I thought it was just a drunken fight between friends or something. So I stood up, because I’m 6’ 4” and a giant, and I was walking over there to settle it down and then I hear one shot ring out,” he told the Courier.

THEBlvd Privé Launches at the Beverly Wilshire

“THEBlvd Privé is part of the City’s OpenBH program that allows businesses to temporarily expand their services to adjacent outdoor areas such as sidewalks and parklets,” he said.

Council Approves Open Air Dining Permit Waivers

“I’m supporting this 1000 percent,” Councilmember Lili Bosse said. “When we have thriving restaurants, it helps the retail, it helps the offices.

Dining for Valentines and Presidents

Despite the current restrictions, there have been crowds on Canon Drive and customers waiting online at many of the popular standbys. It’s clear that people want to be out experiencing a change of scenery and mingling a little with the community. Here are some options, from casual outings to date night dressy. 

Public Health Warns Against Super Bowl Parties 


“We share our deepest condolences to everyone who is mourning the loss of a family member, a loved one or a friend. Our prayers are with you always,” said Barbara Ferrer, Ph.D., M.P.H., ME.d., Director of Public Health.

Canon Drive Restaurants Try To Expand

“There is unanimity in terms of the request for the tents,” Mayor Lester Friedman said. “In terms of the waiver of the fees, I think there’s unanimity on that issue.

Outdoor Dining Resumes in Beverly Hills

“We are, of course, ecstatic,” Barbara Lazaroff, Co-Owner and Co-Founder of SPAGO Beverly Hills told the Courier.

Stinking Rose Project Runs Afoul of Planning Commission

“When we bought our home in 2016, we were aware we were buying in a busy and developing neighborhood, but we expected the city of Beverly Hills to uphold existing building and code regulations,” one resident who lives by the site wrote to the commission.

Delis in Beverly Hills Take a Hit

“We had hoped that we could continue our takeout and delivery service so that we could provide the community with the food that has been a part of our lives for years. However, our number one priority is to keep our customers and our staff safe and secure during this time of uncertainty.”

New Concepts Discussed for Spago and Louis Vuitton in Beverly Hills

“In order for this to move forward, we need to hear from the other blocks and also make sure with the traffic division that we can provide for this to work in way that we are not creating more impacts,” Bosse said.

Nate ‘n Al’s Temporarily Closes Due to COVID

“If a cluster is identified at a worksite, the Department of Public Health will initiate a cluster response which includes providing infection control guidance and recommendations, technical support and site-specific control measures,” Public Health guidelines state.

With No End In Sight, Restaurants Flout COVID Restrictions

“We are considering taking reservations for New Year’s Eve Dinner. Inside,” the note read. “Please keep this discreet, but tell your friends.”

The Gifting Scene in Beverly Hills

It’s been a challenging year and with stores open at only 20 percent capacity, shopping could also be tricky this holiday season as well.

Holiday Dining Scene – Who is Open, What’s on the Menu and How to Book

When you need a break but can’t leave town, these debut dining ventures all evoke a strong sense of place and a much-needed dose of escapism.

#ExperienceBH: Beverly Hills Institution Wally’s with Erika and Christian

The Beverly Hills Courier is excited to share the first in a series of videos meant to show all that Beverly Hills has to offer.

Beverly Hills Small Businesses Are Resilient

“We are trying to survive but we only have room for seven tables outside,” owner Saeyoung (aka Sara) told the Courier. 

Commission Recommends a Ban on Trick-or-Treating in Beverly Hills

Much of Beverly Hills has forgotten about the virus, but the virus hasn’t forgotten about us.”

Nate ‘n Al’s Continues Operations on North Beverly Drive

A joint statement released on Sept. 23 by the City of Beverly Hills and “Nate ‘n Al’s Then and Now” announced that the iconic Beverly Hills delicatessen, Nate ‘n Al’s, will remain open at its current location at 414 North Beverly Drive.

On the Roof in Beverly Hills and Beyond

If smokey mezcal margaritas are on your mind, and you like the idea of cocktails that give back, Madre Oaxacan & Mezcaleria (with three locations in L.A., including West Hollywood), will be in residence at Terra every Thursday in September.  The rooftop lounge at Eataly Westfield Century City, is serving three of Madre’s most popular cocktails to go along with the restaurant’s Italian fare from 5-9 p.m. A portion of the proceeds from each drink sold will be donated to Restaurants Care, which provides financial relief to restaurant workers all across California. 

Beverly Hills Eateries Participate in dineL.A. Restaurant Week

“We have always had a very good turnout for dineL.A. We really like it. We have a special menu for dineL.A. and a special menu on top of that one,” said Vericella.

Beverly Hills Pivots to Parklets and Hotel Offices

The hotel sees this as a stepping-stone solution. “We certainly hope that we can all return to more ‘normal’ operations sooner rather than later, but if the need for this service remains, we are here to provide it,” added Velasquez.

Getaway for a Day, Close to Beverly Hills

If you’re craving a more urban atmosphere, missed during your annual culture trip to New York, downtown L.A. has new skyline offerings.

New Outdoor Dining Concepts in Beverly Hills and Beyond

In collaboration with Nocking Point Wines, Malin also launched Getaway Rosé on Aug. 1, an all-day wine for summer picnics, relaxing poolside, or simply dreaming of your next getaway.

Beverly Hills Health and Safety Commission Talks Facts

“Some people don’t understand that when you do get close, a chin mask is not effective,” stated Health and Safety Commissioner Lee Hilborne at this week’s meeting.

Picnicking in Beverly Hills and Beyond

If a drive up the coast sounds more appealing, the dog-friendly Leo Carrillo State Park in Malibu near the county line is about 28 miles from Santa Monica. The area is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is first-come, first served unless you make a reservation for a campground spot.

The Health Scene: Nourishing Meal Delivery Services

“People like to cook at home but during this pandemic, people just want to keep it easy and have healthy food come to them,” said Arellanes. 

Indoor Dining Ceases in Beverly Hills, Again

City Council Votes on Measures to Ensure Safe Restaurant Reopenings

National Rosé Day, What to Drink in Beverly Hills

Memorial Day Cocktails

Nate ‘n Al’s is Back in Beverly Hills

Recipes from Dana Slatkin of Violet Bistro

Mastering a Few Healthy Cocktails with Superfoods

Three Italian Recipes You Can Master by Giacomino Drago

Beverly Hills Take-Out and Delivery: New Additions

Curbside Pick-Up and Delivery in Beverly Hills and Environs

12 Happy Hours for St. Patrick’s Day and Beyond

Carnivores Dream: ABSteak Opens at Beverly Center and More Meaty News for Beverly Hills

Beloved Beverly Hills Restaurant edo by edoardo baldi Expands

Food and Fashion Collide Beautifully at Gucci Osteria

Exclusive: Nerano Opens BG Speakeasy Restaurant Upstairs

Olivetta Brings Michael Fiorelli Back to the Kitchen

The “Too Hot Tamales” Return to Santa Monica

Josiah Citrin Reopens Melisse with New Concept

Alluring, Plant Based Restaurants are on the Rise

Holiday Champagne Finds at Héritage Fine Wines

5 Top Holiday Indulgences in Beverly Hills

On the Move with Chef Curtis Stone of Maude in Beverly Hills

Santa Monica is L.A.’s New Culinary Hot Spot

Re-established Nate’n Al’s and Gucci Osteria Edge Closer to Opening in Beverly Hills

Family Affair: The Drago Dining Dynasty

Beverly Hills Staple Crustacean Unveils Da Lat Rose

Food & Weed: Lowell Farms is America’s first Cannabis Café Is it worth going for the food if you don’t get high?

andSons Chocolatier Kicks off the Holiday Sweets Season in Beverly Hills

Aidan Demarest Injects New Life into Riviera 31 at Sofitel, Beverly Hills

Cantina Frida Expands Horizons in Beverly Hills

The Beverly Center Triangle

Food & Drink: Downtown L.A. and The Arts District

Summer of Ludo & Gilles Continues Until the End of September