This year saw the opening of many significant event and meeting venues in Los Angeles. Here's a look at the best restaurants, party rooms, hotels, corporate event venues, and private rooms to open in 2014. These new and renovated Los Angeles venues suit groups large or small for private and corporate events, business dinners, cocktail parties, conferences, weddings, and more.
The Forum reopened in January after a $100 million remake. It's billed as the largest indoor performance venue in the country. The interior of the bowl was completely updated and has flexible seating for as many as 17,500. There are updated concourses and 8,000 square feet of new event-level hospitality offerings, including food and beverage, merchandise, and bathrooms.
The Ace Hotel, along with its restaurant, L.A. Chapter, opened in January in the United Artists building downtown. For events, a reimagined historic United Artists Theatre has original murals and intricate plaster work. The 1927 theater offers 2,300 square feet of lobby space with a 35-foot ceiling, 1,600 seats, and a 783-square-foot event space.
The Courtyard Los Angeles L.A. Live, officially opened in July and has 23 floors, 169 guest rooms, and two meeting rooms in a central downtown location in close proximity to the Staples Center, L.A. Live, and the Los Angeles Convention Center. There's also a fitness center, indoor pool, and whirlpool.
Smashbox Studios reopened in November after a complete renovation. The facility’s major upgrades include a new 9,000 AMP power service, iPad-controlled audiovisual and air-conditioning systems, five new CYCs, customizable hair and makeup stations, and fast Internet and wireless throughout the 25,000-square-foot campus. The studios offer V.I.P. lounges, private patios and common areas, and a café.
Perpetually buzzy chef Roy Choi is behind Pot, the casual restaurant at Choi’s Line Hotel. Opened in March, the Korean-American restaurant got its name from the signature menu items: hot pots meant to be shared among a group (also available in individual sizes). There's room for 92 seated guests in the minimalist venue, which is available for buyout.
Gracias Madre, which opened its first location in San Francisco in 2009, opened a West Hollywood location in January. It has an all-organic vegan menu and extensive bar program. The 5,000-square-foot space, designed by architect Victor Corona, reflects the Mexican influences that inspire the food. There are high vaulted ceilings with wood trusses, brick walls, and an expansive outdoor space. The inside space has room for 100 and includes a large L-shaped bar. The patio has 80-year-old olive trees and holds 130.
Top Chef's Brian Malarkey alongside Enlightened Hospitality Group partner James Brennan opened the restaurant Herringbone at Mondrian Los Angeles in January, taking over the restaurant space in the Sunset Strip hotel. The menu offers seafood specialties from around the world, as well as surf and turf fare. It's the hospitality group’s first restaurant both in a hotel and in Los Angeles.
Coastal Luxury Management opened Faith & Flower in March. Designed by AvroKO, the look evokes two renaissance periods—the 1920s and modern day—that influenced downtown Los Angeles. Decor includes a partition wall made up of doors from the 1920s, a sunburst wall piece, and a mural by local street artist Robert Vargas. Chandelier lighting hangs over the 140 leather and textured seats inside and on the restaurant’s patio. The space seats 175 or holds 400 for receptions. A large private room seats 50 or holds 80 for receptions, and a small private dining room seats 18.
Curtis Stone opened his 25-seat restaurant Maude in Beverly Hills in February. Taking its inspiration from the chef’s table concept, Maude serves one multicourse tasting menu that focuses on one peak seasonal ingredient each month. Designed by Bishop Pass and built by Ramland Construction, the venue has an open kitchen separated from the dining room by a bar with five seats. There’s a mix of antique wooden chairs, modern leather banquettes, butcher block tables, and brass metal shelving.
Barton G. Weiss opened an location of his Barton G. the Restaurant on La Cienega Boulevard in June. The 3,200-square-foot space is known for its conversation-starting culinary theatrics. The venue's decor includes flowing drapes, floor-to-ceiling fresh orchid wall displays, and an exhibition-style pastry kitchen. There’s also a patio that holds 30.
