I'm Here on Business
Photo: UNLV Libraries Digital Collections / Flickr
Once your laptop finds the hotel network and you've decided against a the hotel spa's hand massage targeting PDA-related cramps, figure out how and where to maximize your productivity while you're in town.
ON THE CLOCK
Power Breakfast
Barney Greengrass at Barneys New York in Beverly Hills (schmear on the dotted lox)
BLD on Beverly (breakfast standards done with foodie bravado please old and new schools)
Cecconi's in West Hollywood (impeccable, dependable English import)
Lamill in Silver Lake (trade the script at hand for the one being written at the next table)
The Belvedere at the Peninsula in Beverly Hills (private, proper, and prestigious)
Power Lunch
Caufield's in Beverly Hills (stylishly sends a laid-back-but-far-from-lazy message)
Cucina at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills (pre- or post-press junket pizza)
Mr. C in Beverly Hills (familiar Cipriani's territory Calfiorniafied)
The Grill on the Alley in Beverly Hills (where agents take their enemies for chopped salads)
The Polo Lounge in Beverly Hills (temper tense dealings with palm fonds and tortilla soup)
Power Dinner
Craft in Century City (Tom Colicchio's star magnet/steak house)
Ink in West Hollywood (close the deal over Top Chef alum's much-buzzed about fare)
Scarpetta in Beverly Hills (Scott Conant's tony Italian via the Meatpacking District)
N/Naka in West L.A. (Japanese omakase with French flair for when discussion is sure to go long)
Osteria Mozza in Hollywood (Mario Batali and Nancy Silverton; inspired collabo; superior service)
Power Drinks
Bar Toscana in Brentwood (small plates and small talk over big drinks)
Hotel Bel-Air in Bel-Air (casual elegance to the nines and cheeky cocktail names that make for good ice breakers)
Tower Bar at Sunset Tower Hotel on the Sunset Strip (a place to discretely wheel and deal under the guise of a discerning good time)
Working Overtime
Catch a rock show at the Troubadour, something classy at The Walt Disney Concert Hall, or an outdoor concert at the Hollywood Bowl (open seasonally).
See which team is having a bout at Staples Center: The Lakers, Clippers, Sparks, and Kings all call the arena home.
ON YOUR OWN TIME
Get Some Fresh Air
Runyon Canyon in West Hollywood (social hikers take stock of each other and the view)
4th Street Stairs in Santa Monica (popular hardcore running route and massive staircase scene)
Grab a Bite
Escuela Taqueria in Mid-City West (carnitas tacos for one, guacamole for two)
Father's Office in Santa Monica and Culver City (burgers to write home about)
Joan's on Third on West 3rd Street (a deli case that hungry foodie dreams are made of)
Sugarfish by Nozawa Downtown, Brentwood, and Marina Del Rey (no-nonsense fast casual sushi spinoff from infamous Nozawa)
Pizzeria Mozza (Batali/Silverton effort with a wood-fired oven, perfect crust, and usually room for one at the bar)
Potato Chips in Mid-City West (grab-and-go sandwiches that satisfy)
Break a Sweat
De La Barracuda Boxing Gym on Melrose (classes or one-on-one training good for blowing off steam)
Pop Physique around the city (condensed hour-long workout to tone, strengthen, and stretch)
Unwind
Burke-Williams Day Spa around the city (standard high-volume spa and easy access by appointment)
Sunset Foot Spa in Hollywood and Beverly Hills (hour-long reflexology, head, neck, shoulder, and back massage for $30)
Act Like a Local
Catch a flick in the Cinerama Dome at Arclight Hollywood.
Grab a bite early or late at one of many excellent food stalls at The Original Farmers Market (recommended: Bob's Coffee and Doughnuts, Loteria, Short Order).