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Most Romantic Restaurants in LA

As you all know Valentines day is just 11 days away. So in case you aren't sure where to go yet here is a little help: the Culturista's Top 5 most romantic restaurants in Los Angeles.

Il Cielo Covered with Ivy, this restaurant sits mysteriously on Burton Way in Beverly Hills. When you walk inside you are transported somewhere else. Inside is quite magical. The Italian food isn't spectacular- but everything else about the restaurant is. TIP: Make sure you ask for a table in the garden.

9018 Burton Way
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(310) 276-9990

Inn of the Seventh Ray

This gorgeous restaurant is perfect for a vegetarian or vegan couple (though they do have traditional choices as well). Know Before you go: They have a special Valentine's Day menu which you can view at their website ($100 for Traditional menu, $75 for the Vegetarian menu)

128 Old Topanga Canyon Road
Topanga, California 90290
310.455.1311

Geoffrey's

Geoffrey's is in Malibu with an amazing view of the ocean. They also have a special menu on V-day but it is unclear if it is a set course meal. TIP: Make your reservation early so you can take advantage of the ocean view and gorgeous sunset.

27400 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 457-1519

Yamashiro

This gorgeous restaurant sits on the hill side of West Hollywood and serves California Asian cuisine. It houses a 600 year old Pagoda and a magnificent Koi pond. Tip: Sit at the bar be regaled by magician bartenders (Yamashiro and the Magic Castle are owned by the same people)

1999 N Sycamore Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90068
(323) 337-9400

Cafe Des Artistes
This mysterious French restaurant can be found on a dark street in Hollywood. You feel transported to a secret club in Paris, when you sit in the tented patio. And I think we can all agree anything secret, mysterious and/or French is romantic and sexy. But not only is the ambiance great- the food is delicious as well. It is a mix of French favorites including great steaks and pomme frites. Tip: Go late and eat on the Patio. (They even have a late late night 11-2am thurs-sat)

1534 N McCadden Pl
Hollywood, CA 90028

Oh my Alexander!

Camilla Belle wore this smokin hot Alexander McQueen dress to the LA premiere of Push. The Culturista's are huge fans of McQueen. She paired the dress with Jimmy Choo sandals, David Yurman jewelery, and a Swarovski clutch. I love love love it. It is edgy, innovative, and she is not afraid to push the envelope.

All My Single Ladies

Late January/Early February is the annual chick flick boom time of the year. Over the period of two weeks several female-oriented films that will be coming out. Perfect for an outing with your girlfriends.



NEW IN TOWN- 1/30/09
This romantic comedy starring Renee Zellwegger and Harry Connick Jr is about a big city girl that moves to a small town in Minnesota for a job. She finds herself learning that there is more to life than bling and that Midwestern men know how to get down. Yes it looks cheezy but I want to see it.


HE'S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU- 2/6/09
Not only does this movie have an AMAZING cast but it also has been a long time coming. I read the book a few years back and was honestly somewhat disappointed. However, I thought that if it was adapted to a screenplay it could be much more successful and animated. Low and behold, some screenwriter followed my advice (HAHA) and did just that. The movie looks witty, touching, and like an all around feel good film. I know what I will be doing next Sunday afternoon.


CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC- 2/13/09
Yet another film based on a book. I have been waiting for this movie to come out since I first heard they put it into production. Whoever said money can't buy happiness is wrong. Rebecca gives her credit card a lot of exercise and is quite the advocate of retail therapy. The book was cute, and I can't wait to see Isla Fischer in action. The best part is, the costumes are done by Patricia Fields. Bring it on.

Stylish in Rio: Katie Holmes

The Cruise clan hit Rio this weekend to promote Tom's movie "Valkyrie." Katie's outfits are always hit or miss for me---but this weekend's ensemble is a hit! This got me thinking about her head scarves! They looks so effortless and chic.

Grab a bohemian chic scarf and have a Katie Holmes moment. I like the scarf within a headband from Target- which takes ALL the guesswork out tying it around your head.

Waltz With Bashir

Waltz With Bashir is a powerful animated documentary which divulges into the unconscious and repressed memories of former Israeli soldiers. The film, written and directed by Ari Folman, is narrated by him, a man in his mid thirties who has lost any memory from his time in combat. He goes on a journey to discover who he was and what he did when he served in the Israel Defense Forces and fought in the war with Lebanon in 1982. He visits former friends who he served with in the hopes that their stories would help trigger his own memories and he could gain some form of understanding as to what he did during the war. Waltz with Bashir is a powerful and non-sugar coated assessment of the realities of combat and war. It shows these "men" at age 18 clueless driving tanks around Beirut conditioned to kill.

At first I thought that because it was animated, it might take away from the significance of the piece and the subject matter. However, it in no way did and if anything made it much more dramatic to watch war scenes in animation. Two thirds of the way into the film i found the narrator's voice to be particularly monotonous and at that point I started thinking it would have been better as a short. However, just as the film lost my focus it was able to draw me back in again at the end in an unbelievably powerful way.

Waltz with Bashir got a lot of buzz at Cannes and is nominated for best foreign film for the Academy Awards. It is an important piece all based on truth. I highly recommend it!

Tights as Pants: Jessica Simpson

I do feel sorry for Jessica since she has been getting so much flack for this outfit....

But unfortunately high waisted jeans are superbly hard to pull off----especially if you have gorgeous curves like Jessica. The problem here is the wide belt- if it had been thinner we could have seen a defined waist- making it a little more flattering.

But anyways now she goes and does it again----wearing TIGHTS AS PANTS. I think if she has a stylist on this tour she/he secretly hates her...or that Jessica just needs a stylist, badly. I'm available!! ;)