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# “Get A Life... A Nightlife, That Is”
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/get-a-life-a-nightlife-that-is-20040305/
- Published: 2004-03-05T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T23:31:57.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Pico, #archive-import

*By MAUREEN TOBIN & THOMAS YOUNG Special to the Daily Press*

“Indulge,” as defined by Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary: “Yield to an inclination or desire; satisfy, or gratify desires; yield to the whims of…”

How about “indulge,” as defined by Thomas & Maureen: “the act of rising off your gluts at least once a week for fun, games, and dining.” ■ From its heyday during the Roaring ’20s and the grandeur of another era, to the rebirth of absolute splendor and beauty, Casa Del Mar Hotel in Santa Monica, where Pico Boulevard meets the ocean, is the crème de la crème, evoking a time when elegance was customary, and etiquette and good manners were the norm. Opened in 1926 as a posh Santa Monica Beach club, Casa Del Mar Hotel by the Sea has recently been revitalized with a magnificent $50 million renovation.

Enter, go up the imposing stairs, and let the splendor and radiance of this room overtake your senses. It is surely the most beautiful room in Los Angeles. Our knowledgeable, cordial host for this evening was director of outlets, Sherry Abedi. She led us into the revamped Oceanfront Restaurant, a big open space with sweeping ocean views and a cozy fireplace. Here, experienced, sought-after executive chef Collin Crannell gives you a dining experience you will not forget. This innovative New American cuisine is sensational, pricey, but well worth it. The pan roasted cod with artichokes and olives was a delicious plate, presented beautifully. The rib eye was perfectly tender, cooked in an excellent port wine sauce with creamy mashed potatoes. The menu changes as the chef creates delights that will keep your palate dancing with joy. Rest assured each choice is simply perfect.

For the next couple of months, indulge in your love of jazz in the lounge. Every Wednesday, from about 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., some of the most sizzling performers will entertain you. During February, Barbara Morrison, with her sassy sounds and easy-breezy style and excellent backup combo is what listening to jazz is all about. In March, another performer will take the mike. Every other evening, from about 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., a pianist sends delightful sounds through the lounge. Most nights the pianist is the highly talented Gerard, who also played keyboard for Morrison. There is an excellent lounge menu with appetizers, sandwiches, and delectable desserts and coffees, and of course any drink you may desire. Relish this lounge before, during, or after dinner. There really is no better spot for this kind of mood and atmosphere. 1901 Ocean Way. (310) 581-7724\. www.hotelcasadelmar.com., ■ In our never ending quest for great music venues and outstanding hang-outs for the hungry masses, 14 Below/Over Under Grill in Santa Monica stands out. The shrewd, astute owner Todd Christianson, has conjoined two jumping joints and turned them into a pair of hot spots for the musically inclined, the hungry and the sports fan.

Take 14 Below to start. Since 1993, this rocking/rolling night spot gives you a different themed live band nightly, magic, two full bars and a big dance floor. Regular locals make up the scene. The Over Under Grill has been around since 2001 and is the sports bar with pool tables, game machines and restaurant, and an atmosphere like “Cheers.” It’s packed for sporting events especially Lakers and Kings games, as well as other local teams — the bar has satellite TVs. During March Madness it’s full of revelers. Beer and wine are served here and bartender/host extraordinaire, Rory Lovett will see to it that merrymaking is the name of the game. The food is far above your average bar fare. With the large kitchen and amazing chefs, they are serving up nightly specials, comfort foot, appetizers, fabulous salads, hamburgers and hoagies. The best Philly Cheesesteak sandwich on the West Coast comes from the Over Under Grill. The cobb salad is so big and so tasty. The fries are first rate. We really like these connected spots where you usually can go from one through to the other, always meeting someone along the way. They are open every night until late (or early, depending on your point of view). Some nights there is a cover and $5 valet parking. Visit their Web site at www.14below.com. 1348 14th St., and 1333 Santa Monica Blvd. (310) 451-5040 and (310) 899-0076 ■ Are you ready for some wild fun at the bar at Cozy Inn in Culver City? Cozy Inn’s the name … Shuffleboard’s the game. Have you ever been on a cruise and watched as people passed the time playing shuffleboard? Well this isn’t it. Shuffleboard, the bar game, is an intense, competitive, bloodthirsty game with ardent fans. Devotees is a better word. It’s as popular with royalty as with the commoners. This is played around a finely coated, waxed, narrow wooden table, with shiny metal-bottomed weights. Think hockey pucks. As many as eight people can play at one time. Players are divided into teams. There is an art and finesse to playing shuffleboard, and the technique takes years to master. The crowds scream and yell for their team. The noise level is deafening at the Cozy Inn, an unobtrusive little bar from the outside, yet considered the best shuffleboard spot in LA County. Peek inside one evening and you won’t believe your eyes at the wild evolving scene. 11155 Washington Place. (310) 838-3826 E-mail your comments or suggestions to, and keep having fun.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 5, 2004.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/030504.pdf?ref=smdp.com)