By MAUREEN TOBIN & THOMAS YOUNG Special to the Daily Press
Lead us not into temptation … Oh, forget it! That’s exactly what we’re trying to do, entice you, lure you, tempt you to come along with us and visit the sights, smells, sounds of a mega Westside nightlife to some wonderful restaurants, terrific music, and a chance to try something new.
If you’re craving an evening with ocean views and ocean breezes amid world-class ambiance, then Loew’s Santa Monica Beach Hotel is calling to you. Walk into the spectacular atrium/lobby with its 45-foot glass ceiling and you have arrived. This is one of our favorite Friday night haunts when we desire great jazz, desserts, coffees and a special mood-glow evening, along with an extraordinary room for warm, inviting seating and impressive acoustics.
Kudos go to entertainment/lobby manager John Loo, who smoothly and proficiently keeps the exciting buzz that entices the locals and guests alike, and ensures your every need is catered to so all you have to do is relax and savor the moment. Gladden your spirits with luscious and seductive sweet confections, perhaps the hot-fudge-brownie and rich vanilla ice cream, or the mango sorbet. Diets be gone. Whatever your pleasure, whether you order from the lounge menu, or from Lavande, the highly touted romantic French Provincial restaurant, you are in for a treat. This place seeks only to see you smile in contentment. Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:30, the lobby/lounge vibrates with the sounds of expert jazz musicians, the Dan May Trio, who perform, then accompany a featured singer who is always a pleasure to listen to, singing jazz and great renditions of the old standards. Call Loews for their music schedule or just pop in for some fun. Jazz Friday and Saturday, 8:30 p.m. until midnight. Visit their web site at www.loewshotels.com. 1700 Ocean Ave. (310) 458-6700.
“I can resist everything except temptation.”
“Lady Windemere’s Fan” — — From 1892. — Oscar Wilde
At the entrance to Casablanca, Tequila Bar and Restaurant in Venice, this sign greets you: “You are leaving Venice, California, and entering Casablanca, Morocco.” Thus, your evening begins. Some places have an abundance of atmosphere and élan, and Casablanca is one of these with its soft lighting, subtle music, and fabulous food and bar. Come here with your sweetheart for the most romantic place, or come with friends. Your mood will glow.
In the family for 23 years, owner Carlos Haro Jr. impeccably runs this famous focal point of the Venice/Santa Monica area. Experience the most amazing Mexican seafood, particularly their Calamar steaks, prepared in several tantalizing ways. Otherwise Casablanca is worlds apart from just any Mexican restaurant. Think more international food. Why Mexican seafood?
A little history is in order. Carlos’ father owned a music studio in Mexico and loved showing old films, especially “Casablanca.” So when he opened Casablanca in Venice, he told the chefs he sought an international flavor like Rick’s Place with French Moroccan and European foods. But his chefs claimed they only knew Mexican food. The rest is history.
Casablanca is also celebrated for their astounding selection of tequilas, a specialty of the house with 250 varieties. Tequila is not just for margueritas or shooters. There is a whole world of tequila connoisseurs, who drink it from cognac snifters. The best tequilas are well aged and pricier than some cognacs. We learned this from Robert Lopez, the manager for three years. Begin your food fest, but try not to gorge on their deceivingly light, fresh tortillas. Dinner began with enticing tortilla soup. The traditional Mexican beef enchiladas were superb. Any night you can order from the Tequila Festival. One of the Tequila Festival dishes, the Calamar Tequila, cooked with tequila, butter and mangos was exquisite. Though the alcohol cooks out, the flavor/scent of the tequila is prevalent, yet subtle for a unique dining experience. Dessert was Bunuelos, a light sweet concoction of fruit, almond tequila and marshmallows. We were on cloud nine. The staff is proficient and the prices are really low. At 7 p.m., different guitarists each perform a couple times a week. We saw Erik Armando, skilled in classic, uplifting guitar. Come for dinner or just sit at the convivial bar to enjoy the music, drinks, coffees and desserts. Open everyday for lunch and dinner, and an incredible Sunday brunch. “Here’s looking at you, kid!” 220 Lincoln Blvd. (310)-392-5751.
Ready to bust a gut with laughter? Visit Comedy Underground in Santa Monica. Talent is the name of the game at this club on the alley, in the basement, where zany, madcap and screwball are the norm. Comedy, improv, standup. Choose your medicine, choose your time. Wednesday through Saturday, Comedy Underground houses a bevy of funny people wanting only to hear you chortle, crack up, and perhaps grunt and groan a bit. We saw “Off the Wall,” one of the improv acts on a Friday evening and it is hilarious. This place always has an eager crowd waiting to get in the doors for a night of rip-roaring laughs and guffaws. Talent agents looking for another Tim Allen or Jerry Seinfeld, look no further. Call Comedy Underground to get their schedule. Usually Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday are standup and variety comedy, Friday are improv shows, but check with them as programs and casts change. Low cover charges. Prepare for an evening of unadulterated fun. 320 Wilshire Blvd. (310) 451-1800. (Please e-mail your comments or suggestions to and keep having fun.)
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 12, 2004. Read the original PDF.