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Are you looking to escape the big, bad city for the evening? Nesteled in the Santa Monica mountains this beautiful hunting lodge located between Calabasas and Malibu offers rustic dining and an extensive  wine list. We love to dine here for special occasions in front of the gorgeous fireplace and enjoy a romantic dinner. Ask your sommelier for recommendations for wine by the glass, half bottle or bottle. Each wine is carefully chosen, so you can't go wrong! For starers the Caesar Salad ($14) with garlic croutons and parmigiano-reggiano with light dressing hits the spot. For the more adventurous, try the Seared Venison Carpaccio ($17) with horseradish aioli, avocado mousse, herb vinaigrette, parmesan crisps, fried capers, tomato seeds, and grilled ciabatta bread. I am a huge carpaccio fan, but friends, venison is definitely an acquired taste. Enjoy a small cup of complimentary Tomato-Red Pepper soup in between courses then enjoy your entree. One of our favorites is the Pan-Roasted Skuna Bay Salmon ($36) with roasted baby beets, shaved fennel, glazed cauliflower, purple kale, heirloom cherry tomatoes, and puffed salmon skin. Fish lovers must try the Idaho Trout ($34) served pan-roasted in lemon-garlic, red onion and brown butter, and served with Japanese eggplant, salt-roasted purple carrots, grilled squash, fire-roasted red bell peppers, and baked fingerling potatoes. I enjoy the Grilled American Waygu Steak ($49), a flat iron, with grilled asparagus, brown butter puree, Bloomsdale spinach, crisp potatoes, bearnaise, and a Burgandy sauce. For the more adventurous, other entrees include elk tenderloin, buffalo squab, and lamb. Save room for dessert because you will want to sample the Trio of Sorbets ($10) served on an island of ice with a niche carved out for each flavor. Flavors change daily, so you never know what you will get! We enjoy pineapple, guava, and lemon. If you like to end the meal with spectacular cheeses, a choice of three ($14) might include Midnight Moon, Humbolt Fog, and St. Agur. (all of my loves). Saddle Peak Lodge is sure to impress anyone. Wait staff is fabulous. This is a place where memories are made. Saddle Peak Lodge 419 Cold Canyon Road Calabasas (818)222-3888. Hours: Wed-Fri: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Sat: 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Sun: 10:30 am (brunch)- 2:00 pm and 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Recommended Dishes: Idaho Trout, Waygu Steak, Salmon, Caesar Salad, Carpaccio, Sorbet, Cheese Plate.

We have had the pleasure of eating at Sweet Butter Kitchen for a few years now and always enjoy it. Today, after going to see our awesome florist, Mark Held, at Mark's Garden, we decided that rain be damned, we were going to grab brunch at Sweet Butter. Despite the off and on rain, both the inside patio and out were filled to capacity as usual. Get in line and take a yellow laminated menu. While you wait be sure to look at all of the wonderful knick knacks and delicious treats for sale. Today I browsed the reproduction Little Golden Books with titles like Our Daddy and Doctor Dan. Being an avid original Little Golden Book collector, I have all of the originals in mint condition and was excited to see that someone else shares my kooky hobby. After checking out the bakery section to make sure there were no bacon cheddar scones (some of the best in the city) I had the Chicken & Waffles ($9.95) from the Weekend Menu. Jidori fried chicken pieces are served atop a light Belgian waffle with sweet butter and some of the most wonderful pure maple syrup west of Vermont! Yes, we did ask for extra, it was that good. We also had the Pancake Breakfast ($7.95) which is 3 fluffy, perfect buttermilk pancakes also served with sweet butter and pure maple syrup. Do you get why we needed so much syrup? A side of Nueske's Cherrywood Smoked Bacon ($4.50) made this meal perfect. What's better on a cold, rainy Saturday than a steaming oversized cup of hot chocolate or some rich Intelligentsia coffee? Nothing!  We love Sweet Butter for lunch too. My favorite sandwich is the Sweet Butter BLT ($10.95 + $1 for avocado). Tons of Applewood smoked bacon, tomato, little gem, and aioli are piled onto country bread and served with crispy shoestring fries. This sandwich is fantastic!  My friend A, loves the South of the Boulevard Salad ($12.95). Chopped grilled free range chicken, romaine, black beans, tomato, grilled corn, avocado, cotija cheese, and tortilla chips are tossed in buttermilk dressing. When she gets up for water, dont tell her, but I've often snuck a bite. It's stellar! Stop by the bakery for some macaroons, cookies, muffins, or any number of delicious treats! Sweet Butter Kitchen 13824 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks (818) 788-2832. Open every day 8am-6pm. Valet and street parking.

Recommeded Dishes: Waffles, Pancakes, Bacon, BLT, Salads, Baked Goods.

Open since 1985, this little treasure in Sherman Oaks offers a mouth-watering brunch. Six of us were treated to the charm and warmth of owner Margaret May's lovely food and atmosphere. I can see why locals call Cafe Cordiale a "home away from home." Margaret will be hugging you by the end of the meal, and you will be enchanted with her as well. She and her husband David, are former owners of The Hungry Tiger, for those of you ancient enough to remember it. Residents of the Sherman Oaks community for almost fifty years, the Mays rely soley on word-of-mouth to spread the love. And it is spread, believe me; almost as well as creamy butter spreads over CC's fresh scones. "Split the scone along the little crack," Margaret says. "You'll get two pieces that way." And split we did. Now I'm all about bakery scones, but these...these are freshly baked real English scones. Salmon & Lobster Cakes & Eggs ($11.95) are two crunchy, perfectly cooked chunks of lobster and salmon fried and served with dipping sauce and two eggs any style. Eggs Benedict ($14.95) is a perfectly toasted English muffin, Canadian bacon, poached eggs, and hollandaise. We also enjoyed the Tortilla Scrambled ($12.95), scrambled eggs, tortilla strips, tomatoes, peppers, green onions, and chicken sausage, with salsa and guacamole. One of us had the Multi-grain Pancakes and Eggs ($12.25). Two huge, fluffy pancakes are served with two eggs any style, and maple syrup. One of us opted for an early lunch and enjoyed the Grilled Tuna Melt ($14.25) on sourdough with melted cheddar with tons of yummy fries. Add a Mimosa for $2.95 or Bloody Mary for $3.9 Enjoy lunch, dinner, or check out the live entertainment nightly, Tuesday-Sunday.Cafe Cordiale, 14015 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks. (818) 789-1985. Hours: Mon-Tu 11:30 am-10 pm, Wed-Th 11:30 am-11 pm, Fri 11:30 am-1 am, Sat 11 am- 1 am, Sun 11 am- 9:30 pm.

Recommended Dishes: Eggs Benedict, scones, Tortilla Scrambled, Salmon & Lobster Cakes, Multi Grain Pancakes.

We always turn to Carbon Beach Club whether it's Thursday nights for Burger and Cab night ($24) or just to get away for the morning, afternoon, or evening. I love that this place offers on the beach romantic ocean view dining inside or out. Here's the latest scene: Saturday night in Malibu. It was (gasp!) below 70 degrees in February! Patrons were huddled on the patio under heaters wearing The North Face 800 down fill "puffer" jackets. My advice: If it isn't summer, and you live in LA; eat inside. Okay, I'm done with the lame LA jokes, being that I am LA born and bred, but I can still hate the semi-boring weather. Back to my review. The wine list at CBC is pretty impressive. The fact that they pour Flowers ($18) by the glass makes me smile. Flowers is my very favorite chardonnay, (lemon zest, lime blossom, Asian pear and Honeycrisp apple) from a smally winery on the Sonoma Coast. For red wine enthusiasts, we also enjoy Blackbird malbec ($26) or Rosenthal merlot ($15). After satisfying your wine needs try the Cream of Chicken Soup ($11) made with Mary's free-range chicken, vegetables and homemade noodles or the Caprese Salad. ($14). The burata on this salad is soft like butter and comes surrounded by a selection of heirloom tomatoes, basil, arugula and balsalmic dressing. Choose from fresh, hot Rosemary, Pumpernickel, or Sourdough bread. For dinner, we usually go with the Mary's Free Range 1/2 Chicken ($27) served with parsnip potatoes, pearl onions, mixed mushrooms, and lemon thyme jus. The chicken is moist and tender and the jus is pure heaven. Shoestring Truffle Fries ($9) are crisp and served with truffle dipping sauce. If Garlicky Bloomsdale Spinach ($9) is on the menu, you know it's ending up at my table. And it does! And it's fabulous! And you can't buy it. But you can grow it. I'm working on it. So as I'm finishing dinner, my husband is looking at me thinking, "OMG, how does she have room for dessert? But I secretly hope she does...because then I can pretend I don't want it...but actually eat more than half of it," when our server comes and asks, "Anyone save room for dessert?" We simultaneously laugh, fake pause, and answer, "Um, maybe" and then of course, order the CBC Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie With Vanilla Ice Cream ($12). This is definitely one of our favorite romantic spots for dinner, lunch, breakfast, or brunch. The staff is very professional, polite, and super friendly. We love you Carbon Beach Club!  Carbon Beach Club at the Malibu Beach Inn22878 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. (310) 465-6444. Breakfast Daily 7-11 am, Lunch M-F 11 am-3 pm, Dinner Nightly 5:30 pm-10 Brunch Sa/Su 11 am- 3:30 pm.

Recommended Dishes: Burger & Cab Night, Caprese Salad, Mary's Free Range 1/2 Chicken, Truffle Fries, Garlicky Bloomsdale Spinach, Fish and Chips, Truffle Fries, Gem Wedge, Chicken Club.

California comfort food has found its home at Grub. This charming little 1920's converted duplex makes diners feel right at home. The cozy patio is perfect for an intimate dinner. Located in the middle of Hollywood amidst the post production houses sits an art-filled gem. Chefs Betty Fraser and Denise De Carlo combine a kitschy style into both the decor and the food at Grub. Start off with one of the Grub libations. We like the Lemon Basil Champagne Coacktail ($5.50) and the Red Neck Sangria ($4.50). Sangria is fruity and refreshing with red wine, cranberry, orange, and apple juice plus a splash of Grub's house made ginger syrup and fresh fruit. Enjoy a bottle of Stella Artois ($4.50), Blue Moon ($4.50), or Stone Pale Ale ($5.50) on the patio. Red and white wine are also offered ($4.95-$10) by the glass or bottle. ($19-$33). Start your dinner with some ice cold veggie, pretzels, and ranch dip. For an appetizer try the famous Mt. Olympus Six Layer Dip ($9.25). Spicy lemon hummus is topped with kalamanta olives, marinated artichokes, feta cheese, sundried tomatoes, and fresh basil. Scoop it up with warm flatbread for a tasty treat. For hard-core bacon lovers (like me), order the "Crack" Bacon Quesadilla With Apples ($9.25). Not sure what "Crack" bacon is? It's sweet, salty, peppery, savory, and addicting all at the same time. The quesadilla (Granny Smith Apples, cheddar cheese, "crack" Bacon, caramelized onions, pear and apple butter are all melted between two spinach tortillas). Can you say heaven? Vegetarians can order without the bacon, but it's not quite as much fun! The Mac & Cheese ($12.25) is well worth the calories. Cheesy, breadcumb-crusted, bubbly, and hot; this is definitely home-cooking at its best. We love the After School Special ($12.25), cheddar and swiss grilled on sourdough with dill butter. Enjoy with Creamy Dreamy Tomato Soup. My favorite sandwich is the B~L~T ($11.99). "Crack" bacon, fresh tomatoes, and romaine lettuce are sandwiched on a toasted roll with garlic mayo. Betty's Potato Chip Chicken ($15.99) is a delicious, moist chicken breast marinated in Ranch dressing and buttermilk, rolled in potato chips, then baked. This is one great piece of chicken served with mashed potatoes and sauteed spinach. If you still have room for dessert, order the Half Ass Ice Cream Sandwich ($7.25). Giant chocolate chip cookies are stuffed with Neopolitan ice cream, chocolate and caramel sauce. We also adore the Fosse cookies ($1.25 each) with chocolate chips and potato chips!  Service is very friendly and owners are super nice! Grub 911 Seward Street, Hollywood (323) 461-FOOD.

Recommended Dishes: "Crack" Bacon Quesadilla, Mt. Olympus Six Layer Dip, Creamy Dreamy Tomato Soup, B~L~T, After School Special, Betty's Potato Chip Chicken, Half Ass Ice Cream Sandwich.