This Sunday marks the 88th annual Academy Awards ceremony. Millions of viewers will be tuning in to see the fashion, the winners, and Leonardo Di Caprio finally take home his long-awaited Oscar.
To make sure you're red carpet ready for the big day, here are a few spots to pre-game from hipster LA to OC's boat & bay views, and San Diego's oceanfront.
The Grubdown:
Feast on Kogi BBQ creator Roy Choi's menu featuring Caribbean and Pacific flavors – or as he calls it "West Coast Indies".
The crowd is as lively as the color scheme, and the music is so loud, you won't be able to hear yourself drink. The food features tropical Jerk sauces and spices, and of course a bottomless Rum Punch.
- tender meat with a kickin' sweet Tomato Jam, spicy slaw, bun was dry, Two-Fisted Cheeseburger with Tomato Jam, Red Onion, Arugula, Cheddar, Herb Mayo, a must-add Fried Egg ($1) atop a Brioche Bun with Yucca Fries $13
Having opened just this past October in the former Chart House location on Newport Beach's Mariners Mile, the new Ritz looks nothing like the old restaurant. It's shiny, modern, and new with an incredible bay view, and elements of surf and sand.
Like the interior, the menu is new too, featuring Sushi and Lobster Rolls, a Weekend Happy Hour from 10am-5pm, and a Bottomless Champagne Brunch with Bloody Mary Bar.
- has it all, tender, buttery 'n toasted to perfection, Lobster Benedict with Thai Basil Bearnaise & Caviar on Brioche $28
George's at The Cove, La Jolla
Belly up to the ocean terrace bar where you can order from their bistro menu, and down cocktails like the Bloody Mary with house-infused Jalapeno & Bell Pepper Vodka $10 or The Skinny (only 120 calories) with Absolut Vodka, Kiwi, Strawberry & Lime $13.
When seated at a table, you'll enjoy views of La Jolla's cove from the packs of divers & kayakers in the Pacific to the seals below.
- light buttery, garlic 'n citrus sauce with snappy pita bread-sticks, just wish there were more than three green leaves, Grilled White Shrimp with Zucchini, Hearts of Romaine, Tabbouleh Salad & Yogurt-Mint Pomegranate Sauce $15
And the Oscar goes to...