If there’s a bullpen for Haute 100 candidates, Seth Podell (above right) is warming up in it right now. Just over six months ago, the Angeleno and his business partner Brad Paddock (above left) introduced Rock Saké—the first English-branded American-made sake (in Junmai Ginjo and unfiltered Nigori varieties). In that short time, Rock Sake has become available in over 200 restaurants, bars and markets in California, Nevada and Illinois—including Michael Mina’s XIV, Thompson Beverly Hills, Danny Masterson and Gerard Butler’s Shin Hollywood, Koi, Katsu-Ya, Katana, RockSushi several Northern California Whole Foods, and even Chicago’s Wrigley Field!

Among the celebs who have offered unsolicited endorsements: Fergie, Ryan Seacrest, and Neil Patrick Harris.

But as Podell points out, “Our goal is not to be the sake of choice among other sakes, but the sake in every restaurant.” This is where his little idea is particularly compelling. Seeing sake as pairable with virtually every cuisine (“Except maybe Italian,” he jokes) the LA-based company is aiming for nothing less than making sake available everywhere, specifically by emphasizing its strength as a cocktail mixer. Some of the great Rock Sake-based drinks they’ve created, or that have been created by creative bartenders, include the Kimori (with gin, and a rimmer of Maldon seasalt with nori and dried wasabi powder), Cloud 9 (with grapefruit and a sugared rim) and Cherry Blossom (with cherry and lemon — above). It also goes quite well in mojitos, caipirinhas and saketinis.

Just a few years ago, Podell was a wine distribution veteran looking for an opportunity when he happened to be taken on a memorable sake tasting flight during a lengthy Geisha House meal. Trying to remember the name of a single thing he drank made him realize that “people order by brand, not by category.” That led him on a quest to Japan and study of sake brewing which actually finally led him to a master sake brewer in Oregon, with whom he spent 18 months perfecting the product.

Though some sake snobs have shunned the thought of an American-made sake, RockSake’s domestic brewing (with Sacramento valley rice, Oregon mountain spring water and Japanese koji mold and yeast) guarantees it is fresher than imported sake, by as much as 6 months. The Ginjo, it’s worth noting, also has 50% fewer calories than Vodka, and is gluten-free and sulfite-free.

Oh, and one other interesting note: at Geisha House, where Podell got his inspiration, he says Rock Sake is now the #1 seller.

It’s not easy to find an undiscovered gem in Los Angeles. Anything of quality here tends to get marketed, advertised, celebrity-ized and bastardized within months. But the Private Rooftop Club at Petit Ermitage is different. Quite different.

First of all, the property itself: Overseen by Stefan Ashkenazy, of the family who controls the L’Ermitage brand, and inspired by the original Bohemian lifestyle, Petit Ermitage is a boutique hotel that is in many ways the antithesis of most hip hotels today of any size. The rooms are eclectically anti-fashion, with custom mattresses, high thread-count linens and elements from all corners of the globe (Turkish carpeting to Sonoran desert cacti). The art on the walls—from the Miro in the lobby onward to works by Erte, Rauchenberg, Dali and DeKooning—is all genuine. The service is personal and friendly.

And then there’s the multi-level rooftop terrace, which forms the hotel’s main common areas. With 360 Degree views of the Hollywood Hills, the rooftop club includes a Butterfly Bar and Garden, a dramatic communal cabana by the saltwater pool, a sunken fireplace deck (at top), and an interior Masters Lounge (below) adjoining that level’s exclusive Masters Quarters suites.

This is the Private Rooftop Club, a members-only enclave which is recognized by the National Wildlife Federation as a Butterfly and Humming Bird Sanctuary (they receive a portion of profits from every event).

Membership, they say, has it’s privileges. And it’s hard to find a greater privilege than access to the personal cooking of Chef Joesph Antonishek. Having worked under Wolfgang Puck, Charlie Palmer, Bobby Flay and Jean-Georges Vongericten, Antonishek – who’s also been recognized by the James Beard Foundation – is one of our city’s hidden talents.

I know, because I was lucky enough to enjoy a menu tasting with him recently. It began with a trio of bright, creamy foie gras punctuated by verjus, port and fig jellies (above) and a soy cured filet mignon carpaccio that practically dissolved before even reaching my mouth! A buttery, rich escargot en croute followed (with tarragon and portbello) setting the stage for his signature octopus and merguez sausage tagine (below), a remarkable presentation of color, aroma, flavor and texture. Desserts like orange cardamom crème brulee, chevre cheesecake and chocolate chili espresso cake (bottom pic) all held up their end of the affair. It’s been some time since I’ve had such a consistently strong meal in Los Angeles.

The club also offers handmade signature cocktails like the Rasputini and Babishka, as well as a select wine list. Every Thursday, special meals with unique one-time-only menus are created for members and their guests, while lobster and champagne are offered poolside every Saturday and Sunday. other Wine dinners and informal movie nights happen frequently as well. Even breakfast receives equal attention to detail: Antonishek actually cures his own bacon in-house.

Membership is by invitation only. However, if you don’t know a current member, my best suggestion would be to book a room and ingratiate yourself. It’s worth the humility.

Petit Ermitage is located at 8822 Cynthia Street, West Hollywood, 310.854.1114

It may not have the headline-grabbing attention of say, Justin Bieber’s girlfriend crisis or Lindsay Lohan’s latest breakdown, but in the classical music world, this is big news: Placido Domingo is world-premiering a new opera, and he’s doing it here in Los Angeles.

What’s the work? A story tailor-made for an Operatic interpretation, and one that even non-fanatics can relate to: Il Postino. Directed by Michael Radford, the 1994 Italian film tells the simple tale of a postman on a small island who delivers fan mail to the exiled Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. When the two eventually become friends, Neruda helps the shy naïf to woo the heard of a local waitress. Nominated for five Academy Awards, it won for its musical score.

In this three-act interpretation by Daniel Catán and directed by James Conlon, Domingo plays—no, not the Postman (that really wouldn’t make sense for a signore of his stature)—but the fictionalized Pablo Neruda, poet of glorious sensuality. Tenor Charles Castronovo (a resident artist at LA Opera before leaving to perform throughout the world) and soprano Amanda Squitieri star as the fated lovers. The work (which is also inspired by the book Ardiente Paciencia by Antonio Skarmeta) will be performed in Spanish, with English supertitles. An hour prior to each performance (except opening night), a lecture is given by Mitchell Morris.

Il Postino will open LA Opera’s 25^th season, and be performed from September 23 through October 16. Following that, the season will mount Mozart’s Le Nozze Di Figaro, Wagner’s Lohengrin, Verdi’s Rigoletto, Rossini’s Il Turco In Italia and Britten’s Turn of the Screw. Quite a heady selection.

The Dorothy Chandler Pavillion is located at 135 North Grand Avenue, 213.972.8001

Until recently, dining after 10 PM in Los Angeles was a dodgy prospect at best. Norm’s… Jerry’s… Canter’s Delicatessen (no extra charge for “atmosphere”), or of course your local taco truck. But not anymore. Many places serve until midnight, and for those going even later, a variety of ethnic options are certainly available. But for something elegant, comfortable, and classy? It’s a bit more select. Here are my choices for a quality “wee hours” repast that won’t leave you regretful after sunrise:

Animal

How many nationally-famous restaurants in LA serve until 2 AM (on weekends)? One: Animal. This already-legendary king of the gastros has an ever-changing menu based on what the market brings, and the chef-owner’s fancies, but frequent offerings include oxtail poutine, pork sliders, rabbit, foie gras loco moco…you get the idea: classic meets creative. One downside for late-nighters: it’s hot, and reservations are usually needed. And not the best spot for vegetarians—that name isn’t ironic, believe me.

Animal is located at 435 North Fairfax Avenue, 323.782.9225

The Yard

The landing spot of Top Cheftestant Chris ‘CJ’ Jacobson, The Yard is one of Santa Monica’s most serious (but approachable) gastropubs, with a small but ingredient-driven late night menu from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The Yard is located at 119 Broadway, Santa Monica, 310.395.6037

Magnolia

Half cozy lounge, half intimate dining room—serving until 3 a. m–Magnolia (above and at top) is that rare animal, a Hollywood spot that doesn’t seem Hollywood at all! Cozy and classic, with food and drinks to match. I had a wonderful interview with Maggie Grace in the lounge a while back, and have enjoyed other dates here as well. Gisele, La Lohan, Pete Wentz and Christina Aguilera have given it their stamp as well.

Magnolia is located at 6266 1/2 Sunset Boulevard, 323.467.0660 and 825 West Ninth Street, 213.362.0880

Firefly

With fantastic ambiance in the bar, Library-like lounge and “outdoor” dining areas (and even the bathroom too), Firefly has long been known as one of the ideal date spots in the Valley. But alongside their creative cocktails, they also serve a multi-lingual menu until 2 AM every day except Sundays (when they have the nerve to close at 1). Low-key celeb sightings are common; Selena Gomez for one.

Firefly is located at 1720 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, 818.762.1833

Pacific Dining Car

Probably one of the only spots in the world where you can get 5-star service at 3 AM, this elegant family-owned downtown legend belies its 24/7 status with great dry-aged steaks and a respectable wine list. Breakfast is one of their undeniable strengths. You may even spot a celeb: author James Ellroy is a habitué, and Audrina Patridge visited recently.

Pacific Dining Car is located at 1310 West 6th Street, 213.483.6000

As I’ve reported recently, this is shaping up to be an incredible season of food fests in and around LA. And I won’t lie, it would be very difficult to pick one. But if I really really had to (doctor’s orders!), I believe it would be the American Wine and Food Festival.

Why? Here’s why: Now in its 28^th season, AWFF is one of the major culinary events of the country. Spearheaded by Wolfgang Puck — that’s him with yours truly at top (yes, I’m showing off) — it benefits the Meals On Wheels programs of LA, bringing nutritious food to housebound seniors and the disabled.

But more than a great cause, it is a great event. On Saturday, September 25, at the picturesque but spacious backlot at Universal Studios, Chef Puck is assembling a culinary all star hall of fame including The Paul Prudhomme, The Thomas Keller, The José Andrés, The Nobu Matsuhisa, The David Myers, as well as Costas Spiliadis, Scott Conant, Mark Peel, Nancy Silverton, Luciano Pellegrini, Julian Serrano, Sam Choy, Stephan Pyles, Francois Payard… and Puck protégés including Lee Hefter, Scott Irestone, David Robins, Eric Klein, Matt Hurley and Sherry Yard (who will oversee her own dessert, port and champagne tent). Did I leave anyone out? I did, actually—several. The list is just too long.

But what about the wine, you say? Well, let’s see. Participating vintners (that means they’re pouring) include: Au Bon Climat, BV, Bonny Doon, Chappellet, Charles Krug, Domaine Serene, Dr. Loosen, Duckhorn and Paraduxx, Ferrari-Carano, Grgich Hills, Hitching Post, Iron Horse, Joseph Phelps, Qupe, Sterling and W.J. Deutsch. And yes, that list goes on, too.

You’re going to have a designated driver, aren’t you? You know, they do have hotel rooms nearby. I’m just saying.

Naturally no festival like this would be complete without an astounding live and silent auction package as well. There are some travel experiences on the block here that would make anyone swoon.

Oh, but it gets better. If that felt just a little too commonplace for you, come to Spago Beverly Hills on Sunday, September 26 for the Grand Tasting Dinner. With Chef Puck hosting, of course, one course each will be prepared by Nobu Matsuhisa, The Charlie Palmer, The Paul Bartolotta, as well as Michael White of AltaMarea, Santi Santamaria of Restaurant Can Fabes, and Dominique Ansel of Restaurant Daniel. This is a dinner that will only happen once! Ever!

Universal Studios Backlot is located at 3900 Lankersheim Boulevard, Gate 3, Universal City, 310.574.3663

Spago Beverly Hills is located at 176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.385.0880

Burgers are everywhere, and everyone is trying to make them fancier and fancier. But few can top what growing chain The Counter puts out with every plate.

The setting is unassuming enough: garage doors opening a space with aluminum chairs and formica table tops and surf and skateboard art. But then you notice the beers behind the bar: nearly everything on tap is a microbrew or import (Downtown Brown, Hoegarden, Arrogant Bastard). And the wine list is not only longer than many restaurants (15 bottles/glasses)—it offers several choices even the most discerning oenophile would be satisfied to quaff.

But let’s get to the main attraction: the beef. The foundation of this growing empire is an “all natural, humanely raised” Angus blend that comes in 1/3, 2/3 or full pound portions, which you embellish with your choice of 12 cheeses (Danish Blue. Soft-Ripened Brie), 33 toppings, 21 sauces and four different buns. Try grilled pineapple, roasted corn and black bean salsa, fried egg, honey cured bacon, chipotle aioli… I don’t care! Do what you want!

I had the Counter Signature Burger (at top) with pulled pork, smoked gouda and crispy or smothered onions on an egg bun. The pulled pork topping is not only good enough to get on its own, I’d bet it would even impress a Memphian. And I don’t make that claim lightly.

Each location has its own Market Selections as well, varying from Morroccan Salmon and Roasted Pepper Aioli to Smoked Mozzerella, Bacon Coleslaw, Crisp Pancetta, Marinated Artichokes.

You can also make that a chicken burger, tuna burger, turkey burger or a veggie burger they make in-house. There’s a grilled cheese made with Tillamook, American and Provolone. You thinspos will be happy to know that any of the varieties are available in a low-carb salad version known as a “burger in a bowl.” They claim over 300,000 possible combinations. I’m not a mathematician, but let’s put it this way: it’s hard to get bored here.

Sides include parmesan-rosemary-garlic aioli fries (above) that are elegant, aromatic and perfectly crispy, crispy onion strings, fried pickle chips and massive chili fries that could make more than a meal by themselves (a meal you’d remember for some time, too).

And grilled vegetables. Yes, you could actually do this low-cal.

Oh wait, I lied. You can’t leave your seat without ordering a milkshake or malt. I know this might seem an excessive indulgence, but in seven mix-n-match varieties (chocolate, vanilla, peanut butter, strawberry, apple pie, banana and coffee), the Counter serves one of the best, thick, rich, perfect shakes you’ll ever enjoy. God forbid you finish it by yourself.

In addition to happy hour specials, once a week, several Counter locations offer “Burger Beats,” a late night deal with mini beer flights and creative slider combos that really kick the whole experience into foodie heaven.

And most locations serve until 11 PM on weekends.

The Counter is located at 7919 Sunset Boulevard, 323.436.3844, and in Irvine, Marina del Rey, Newport Beach, Pasadena (Hi Mary!), Santa Monica, Studio City, Torrance, Westlake Village… and don’t fret, mid-Wilshire, you’ll have one by Christmas.

The trend of performing whole albums live — Brian Wilson performing the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds, Cheap Trick and friends assailing the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper – is becoming so widespread as to lose its impact. But this one is just cool. On September 30, John Cale, classically-trained one-time member of the seminal Velvet Underground, will perform his 1973 album Paris 1919 in its entirety, accompanied by members of the UCLA Philharmonia as well as his own band.

For those who don’t know the record, Paris 1919 is one of Cale’s most praised works, a romantic, hypnotic, evocative song cycle that showed rock’s storytelling promise at its best, and Cale at his grooviest, thanks to the appearance of Little Feat’s Lowell George and Richie Hayward. Considering literary references like Shakespeare, Graham Greene and Dylan Thomas, it seems tailor-made for a University audience.

The entire evening is actually called “When Past and Future Collide.” After the assemblage performs Paris 1919, they will continue with a second set of more current Cale music. Talk about an “event of the season;” every single music cognescenti is likely to be there.

Cale’s appearance is part of an entire season of impressive shows under the UCLA Live banner. Other performers this season include Laurie Anderson, Ornette Coleman, Dengue Fever, Mavis Staples, Billy Bragg, Stephen Sondheim, Murray Perahia, Richard Thompson, Maya Angelou, John Waters and even the editors of the Onion.

Royce Hall is located on the UCLA campus at 340 Royce Drive, 310.825.4401

Many things Japanese are very familiar to Americans now: Sushi? Got it. Ramen? Everywhere. Pocari Sweat? Well, okay, maybe not so much. But sake is one thing that, while well known, is not well understood. Any old sake is not hard to find among LA’s myriad Japanese eateries. But the best sakes, explained for the best enjoyment? Only a few do that well. Here’s my Top 5:

Geisha House

If your vision of Geisha House is only that of a post-trendy tourist trap, you need to rethink. This atmospheric spot offers one of the best selections of ginjo, daiginjo, junmai and nigori in the city—nicely varied and explained.

Geisha House is located at 6633 Hollywood Boulevard, 323.460.6300

Sashi

Manhattan Beach? Really? Yes, Chef Makoto Okuwa, a veteran of Iron Chef (he was a sous chef there for 13 years) and the kitchen of Morimoto, has put passion into every detail of his sushi and robata restaurant, so why should the sake selection be any different? His extensive list—possibly the best in LA County—is separated by seasons, and offers flights, full flavor profiling, and pairing suggestions.

Sashi is located at 451 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Manhattan Beach, 310.545.0400

Katana

This well-loved sushi and robata destination has a smart sake list that covers virtually all bases, with nicely varied price points, and popular labels alongside more rare ones. They even offer some interesting “Tokubetsu” (“specialties”) including sparkling sake and a cedar flavored sake, as well as infusions and sake cocktails.

Katana is located at 8439 West Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, 323.650.8585

Katsuya

If the elegant design of Philippe Starck and the hip marketing of SBE were all that Katsuya had to offer, it wouldn’t be as successful a chain as it has become. Distinguished by the flavor profiles of soushu (light & smooth), kunshu (fragrant), and junshu (rich), Katsuya’s list is thoughtful and instructive.

Katsuya is located at 11777 San Vicente Boulevard, 6300 Hollywood Boulevard, 800 West Olympic Boulevard, and 702 Americana Way, Glendale, 310.207.8744

Sake House Miro

Though far more casual, Sake House Miro is also extremely authentic, with robata, yakitori, ramen, dumplings, salads and sashimi on their exhaustive menu. Their sake list is not so extensive, but it hits several major flavor profiles, and all of it is available by the glass, giving you a great chance to educate your palate.

Sake House Miro is located at 809 South LaBrea Avenue, 323.939.7075

Viva la Revolucion! Viva Mexico! Viva la Grita! While many gringos believe Cinco de Mayo to be la major Mexican holiday, in fact it’s 16 Septiembre, Mexican Indpendence Day. While we could debate the very best cocinas y cantinas in which to celebrate all over Los Angeles (which, lest we forget, was originally a Mexican city—and visit Olvera street if you doubt me), in order to keep things civil, I’ll just mention five of the newest, most interesting Mexican destinations in town:

Riviera

Rivera (above) is actually a Latin fusion restaurant (Spanish, Central and South American), and some of the most creative modern interpretations to hit LA in quite a while, including tortillas pressed with edible flowers and seaweed, a cabeza de oro mixing foie gras, iberico ham and lobster, and wild mushroom carpaccio. But more importantly for your celebration, they feature and an extensive creative cocktail list: try the Blood Sugar Sex Magic, the Donaji or  their infused sipping tequila flight. For postre, it’s the poblano chile sorbet.

Rivera is located at 1050 South Flower Street, 213.749.1460

Red O

Seafood chilapachole, tinga poblana and taco-filling cazuelas are among the satisfying options at this gorgeous restaurant overseen by star chef Rick Bayless. But it’s the Loteria-inspired cocktails and over 75 tequilas offered here that will get the party started. See if you can nab the swing at the bar, and don’t give it up! Read my full review.

Red O Restaurant is located at 8155 Melrose Avenue, 323.655.5009

La Sandia Mexican Kitchen and Bar

Chef Richard Sandoval finally arrives in LA with this gorgeous room atop the new Santa Monica Place. Try the braised beef, chorizo and raisin empanadas, tilapia tacos, or chicken zarape. Prickly pear, watermelon and orange-serrano margaritas are among the bar selections, if you don’t want to just sip one of the 100-plus tequilas they offer.

La Sandia is located at 395 Santa Monica Place (Fourth Street), 310.393.3300

La Casita Mexicana

Having such a generic name and an unlikely address doesn’t help La Casita Mexicana, but chefs Jaime Martin del Campo and Ramiro Arvizu (who appear on Univison’s Premier Edicion regularly) are so well regarded, that they make finding them worth the trouble. Chips with house made mole sauces, stuffed peppers, adobo sea bass, chiles en nogada are among the must-haves of their elegantly reinvented classics.

La Casita Mexicana is located at 1030 East Gage Avenue, Bell, 323.773.1898

Tlapazola Grill

Specializing in a gourmet take on Oaxacan cooking, Tlapazola offers signature dishes like salmon vegetable taquitos, nopalitos salad and barbacoa de Borrego (lamb). They have one of the largest menus of Tequilas and Oaxacan mescal I’ve ever seen alongside classic and enticing original cocktails.

Tlapazola is located at 11676 Gateway Boulevard, 310.477.1577

Between all the sushi, ceviche and fish tacos in this town, it’s easy to forget that there are many fine places to get seafood more classically prepared. Here’s my Top 5:

Water Grill

The Grand Dame of all LA seafood, Downtown’s formal but friendly Water Grill finds the best fish it can and prepares it to expectation, with little twists. They offer as many as nine different oysters at a time (a la carte) and perhaps the most elegant/decadent lobster roll you’ll find. As chef David LeFevre sums up, “We make sure the product is the star of the show.” One Michelin Star.

Water Grill is located at 544 South Grand Avenue, 213.891.0900

Providence

In the storied location where Patina first made its mark, Chef Michael Cimarusti takes a classical French approach to la poisons et fruit de mer; lobster risotto, scallops with eggplant and rhubarb and spot prowans are among the must-haves. Sourcing—so important in regard to seafood these days—is everywhere on the menus. Two Michelin Stars.

Providence is located at 5955 Melrose Avenue, 323.460.4170

The Hungry Cat

Chef Susanne Goin’s devotional modern bistro to all things of the sea, the funky-chic Hungry Cat of Hollywood has made its name with its dramatic sea urchin presentation, but you can also get raw bars to order, unusual caviars and even Hawaiian ono.

The Hungry Cat is located at 1535 Vine Street, 323.462.2155

Delphine

Designed to evoke an ecletic take on the Southern France Seaside, IDG’s Delphine, in the W Hollywood, is equal parts simplicity and scene. The “Petit Delphine” raw presentation is, despite the name, two massive tiers of impressive stuff. But it’s their whole grilled fin fishes that most hit the mark.

Delphine is located at 6250 Hollywood Boulevard, 323.798.1355

The Lobster

The Lobster’s best selling point might also be its biggest red flag: A seafood restaurant right by the Santa Monica Pier with a killer view? Must be a tourist trap, right? In fact, this simple straightforward spot offers everything from a selection of oysters to grilled barramundi at locals-frendly price points. For better or worse, none of it came from the water you’re viewing.

The Lobster is located at 1602 Ocean Avenue, 310.458.9294