Editorial Review

Where artists of all stripes gather. Designed by Renzo Piano, the new restaurant and bar is named after Ray Stark, the late film producer and former LACMA Trustee. Both venues lean heavily on outdoor fun with an urban twist. On Friday evenings, both Stark Bar and Ray’s are packed, as free jazz shows take place during the early evening hours at LACMA. A safer bet is to hit Stark Bar with a date on a weeknight, when things are more civilized, and you and your date can sip one of mixologist Michel Dozois’ cocktails, which are currently among the best in the city. Organized by spirit, beverage choices at Stark nod to the classics (try the Golden Brandy Fizz). Even the indoor dining portion of the complex feels outdoor, as Ray’s is encased in floor-to-ceiling glass. The menu at the restaurant is inspired, with fresh fare ranging from grilled octopus with charred cucumber to lamb sweetbreads.