Made in the US of A

In the mood for some East Coast-Inspired seafood brought out west? Chef Jason Travi (Granita, Spago, Fraiche, La Terza, Firefly) and David Reiss (A-Frame, Sunny Spot) cook up some great eats in this Hollywood cocktail bar and restaurant. Travi, a former New Englander, uses Canadian and Bostonian influences in his dishes. Inside the rustic eatery, enjoy small plates ($9-$18), large plates ($22-$28), and desserts ($8) while sipping a specialty cocktail or two. Start with the Poolside in Frankfurt ($12). Bourbon, watermelon, lemon, celery and angostura bitters combine to make this one zesty drink. The Manhattan ($10) hits the spot with rittenhouse rye whiskey, carpano antica (high-end red vermouth), angostura bitters and maraschino cherry. Draft beer includes three but we like Allagash White ($12). For bottled beer drinkers Chimay Blue ($12), along with a host of others is a great choice. Eight wines by the glass will satisfy any wine lover. We are partial to Broadside Cabernet Sauvignon ($11) and William Ferve Chablis ($11). Once your drink order is underway, try some small plates. The Clams Casino ($15) is outstanding. Cracker crumb stuffing and bacon enhance a half dozen succulent clams. If Lobster Rolls ($24) are what you crave, you've come to the right place. A soft Parker House toasted roll is stuffed with chunks of claw and tail meat, and served with house made salt and vinegar chips. The Bluefish Pate ($10) is one of the most interesting small plates I have eaten this year. Spread the savory pate over crostini, top with pickled vegetables and herb salad and you have an appetizer you won't forget. Maple Eggs ($5) are a must-have! Two scrambled eggs are served over maple custard, topped with bacon. You have to try them to love them! For dinner the Brooktrout ($13) with German potato salad and homemade hot sauce is a winner. If you are still hungry after the small plates, order the Steak Frites ($28) topped with Montreal Steak Spice butter and maple onion rings. Order up some Sea Salt fries ($4), and your meal is complete. Crispy and salty, served in a cone, these fries are addicting, but control yourself; there's still dessert! Moist chocolate cake and homemade marshmallow frosting makes the Whoopie Pie ($8) about as good as dessert gets! For a creative dining experience Little Fork fits the bill. Little Fork 1600 Wilcox Avenue, Hollywood. (323) 465-3675 Reservations recommended.

Recommended Dishes: Bluefin Pate, Maple Eggs, Lobster Roll, Steak Frites, Whoopie Pie.

Dear Mom and Dad,

This Mess Hall is certainly not like any camp dining room I've ever seen. The hipster, trendy restaurant is decorated with glassed in fire pits, metal cafeteria trays, and well-earned merit badges. Mess Hall's China sports red Conifer trees and napkins are soft tea towels.Usually I find themed dining establishments, well...dumb. ButI love the feel here of being seated on a screened in patio surrounded by lush trees. Just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Griffith Park Observatory, Mess Hall is located in beautiful Los Feliz. Start off your brunch with a cup of Oregon's finest Stumptown coffee. The flavor is rich and hearty. Coffee is served in a requisite tin camp mug. For brunch try the Belgian Waffle ($10). It's so light and fluffy we could have eaten two! The Corned Beef Hash, home fries, and perfectly cooked fried egg ($14) was huge and filling. The Eggs Any Way ($9) served with thick cut Applewood smoked bacon and toast was a hit as well. From the bakery, the Feta Scallion Scone ($3.50) is not to be missed. Scones are fresh and full of fillings. Bluberry muffins ($3) are large and chock full of fruit. If it's pancakes you wish, try the Buttermilk Griddle Cakes ($8) or the Chocolate Chip ($10) for an old-fashioned breakfast treat. For lunch we've had the Kale Caesar ($12) with avocado, goat gouda, and croutons. The Mess Burger ($15) is a combination of slow cooked onions, Vermont cheddar, bread and butter pickles all served on a brioche bun with fries. Dinner favorites are the Mac and Cheese ($11) made with Vermont White Cheddar, marscapone, and roasted garlic. We also love the Melon and Tomato salad ($12) with fresh local mozzarella, mint basil, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic. Meat and potato lovers will dig the braised Flank Steak ($23) served with pee-wee potato salad and chimichurri. Willard's "Far-Famed" Crispy Chicken ($20) with mashed potatoes, gravy, and coleslaw is my favorite. Don't forget dessert! Mess Hall is home to Banana Cream Jar Pie ($8). Vanilla wafers, whipped cream, toasted almonds, and banana brulee are layered in a jar! If chocolate's your thing then have Some More ($8), a chocolate bread pudding with graham crackers and marshmallow ice cream. I won't ever get homesick at this camp! Mess Hall 4500 Los Feliz Blvd. Los Angeles. (323) 660-6377

Recommended Dishes: Griddle cakes, Corned Beef Hash, scones, Mess Burger, Mac and Cheese, Far-Famed Chicken, Banana Cream Jar Pie.