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Westside Deals For dineL.A. 2015

Westside Deals For dineL.A. 2015

(Photo courtesy Piccolo Venice)

dineL.A.'s Restaurant Week starts Monday, and while the event actually runs two weeks, from January 19 through February 1, there's no way to take advantage of all the deals and delicious prix fixe menus popping up across the Southland. So before you start making ressies, now would be a great time to peruse the participants and map out a hit list of places you've been wanting to try, great deals at the places you love, and easy picks close to home.

Eater LA narrowed down 20 of the best deals you'll find across the board, including $45 for dinner at DTLA hot spot Faith & Flower and the sommelier's choice of wine flight for an additional $18. And on our side of the 405, they recommend dinner at Santa Monica's Blue Plate Taco starting with seared ahi and then entree choices of grilled skirt steak or seafood enchiladas, with churros for dessert. 

Around the Westside, most choices will be found around Santa Monica with specials ranging from Water Grill to Pono Burger, but there are several tempting Venice options to consider too. There's a traditional 5-course Italian dinner at the original Piccolo on Dudley for $50. The menu features grilled scallops, fontina ravioli with shaved truffle, choice of pan-seared pheasant breast, pork chop with honey truffle sauce or seabass with roasted garlic sauce for entrees, and choice of dessert. 

Willie Jane is one of our favorite spots for brunch, but for some reason we haven't enjoyed it enough for dinner. Now there's no excuse. They're offering dinner for $40 and recommended wine pairing for an additional $9. The menu includes blackened beef carpaccio with pecans, vegan 'crab' cakes with spiced squash and persimmon chutney, or shrimp 'n' grits with roasted peppers and house-smoked pork belly. Those are just for starters. Entrees include a cornmeal-crusted river trout with leek and fennel bread pudding, pork shoulder with chestnut dumpling and roasted pear or fried chicken thigh with mac n greens. And dessert? Hardly an afterthought with bourbon carmel budino paired with sherry. 

(Photo courtesy Cafe Gratitude)

Take a look at nearby lunch deals too. You can get a starter with choice of pizza or pasta at Hostaria del Piccolo on Rose for only $15, and Chaya is offering a lunch menu with starter, entree and dessert for $25 with choices like the a trio of sushi rolls or crispy black cod sandwich. After all the savory eats, you may want to lighten up with lunch at Cafe Gratitude, and here $20 will get you three courses starting with a choice of marinated kale salad, cooked soup of the day or a portobello mushroom tostada. Entrees include raw pizza or eggplant panini, and for dessert, sweet coconut filling with almonds and chocolate. Each of these spots features a dinner menu as well.

Check out the dozens and dozens of restaurants participating in the 14-day event. It's easy to sort by cuisine, neighborhood or search restaurants by name. Happy culinary exploring.

Visit our video page for a look inside Willie Jane, Cafe Gratitude and Hostaria del Piccolo. 

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