Emporium Thai Market on Sawtelle Boulevard showcases elevated Thai cuisine and unique cocktails. (photo courtesy of Emporium Thai Market)

Emporium Thai Market opens on Sawtelle

On Wednesday, Jan. 21, the Sungkamee family officially introduced Emporium Thai Market, a lively modern Thai house on Los Angeles’ iconic Sawtelle Boulevard, where Southern Thai heritage meets contemporary culinary vision, striking design and an elevated full-bar experience.

Emporium Thai Market showcases elevated Southern Thai cuisine, highlighting the region’s signature balance of heat, acidity, aromatics and depth. Thoughtfully sourced ingredients and refined preparations deliver flavors that are bright, complex and soulful. Signature dishes include seafood hor mok – a unique fragrant, savory and spicy Thai dish featuring a rich, smooth, custard-like mixture of seafood served as individual bites of shrimp, crab meat and scallop in a sweet coconut curry; Jane’s Wings – crispy chicken wings glazed in a tangy, addictive house sauce; Emporium Thai’s famous Phuket wings; kra duk moo tod – deep fried marinated pork; and Blackpink’s Lisa Meatballs.

Led by beverage director Honeybee Sungkamee, the full bar program is an integral part of the experience. Drawing from Thai culinary tradition and fresh herbs like galanga, lemongrass, turmeric, basil and mint, Sungkamee crafts cocktails that are expressive, balanced and deeply connected to the cuisine. Signature cocktails include the “Galanga Sunrise,” “Lemongrass Lavendar Margarita,” “Coconut Espresso Martini,” “Dragon Fruit Martini” and “Strawberry Yuzu Martini” with Lychee.

Emporium Thai Market is open for dinner every Tuesday through Thursday from 4-11 p.m., every Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m.-midnight, and every Sunday from 4-11 p.m.

For information and reservations, visit emporiumthaimarket. com or call (310)295-6559.

Emporium Thai Market is located at 1653 Sawtelle Blvd.

Tomat keeps Valentine’s Day fresh

Tomat is keeping things accessible for dates and gatherings with loved ones on Valentine’s Day. The Westchester restaurant is sticking with its à la carte menu for the holiday with some festive specials and complimentary welcome bubbles for those celebrating on Saturday, Feb. 14. The atmosphere is romantic, cozy and casual, whether tucked away in the modern dining room or perched at the bar with a front-row view of the open kitchen.

Current wintery highlights could include Tomat’s signature house-aged New York Strip with smoked tomato; Liberty Duck with confit leg dolmeh and walnut mole; house-milled jeweled saffron rice; and their decadent sticky toffee pudding with burnt milk ice cream. For those on the savory martini train, the Stilton-Tini with blue cheese-infused Gruven vodka, dry vermouth, blue cheese olive and basil oil is an elegant way to whet one’s appetite, and there are plenty of non-alcoholic options, like a French 0 with juniper, clove, coriander seed, lemon, ginger and soda.

Reservations can be made via Resy. For information, visit tomat.la. Tomat is located at 6261 W. 87th St.

Valentine’s Day options abound at The London WeHo

Celebrate love this Valentine’s Weekend with a romantic afternoon tea experience at Boxwood at The London West Hollywood. The special tea is available only Valentine’s Day weekend – Saturday, Feb. 14 and Sunday, Feb. 15. Enjoy a thoughtfully curated tea service featuring an elegant selection of savory tea sandwiches, warm house-made scones and indulgent Valentine’s-inspired sweets. Sip through premium loose-leaf teas, from classic Earl Grey and delicate Jasmine Silver Tip to naturally caffeine-free herbal infusions, while savoring sweet delights like red velvet trifle, chocolate-hazelnut rocher and strawberry and vanilla mousse cake. Perfect for couples, friends or anyone celebrating the season of love, the limited-time afternoon tea invites guests to slow down, sip and savor every moment. The cost is $84 per person ($42 for guests under 12), and reservations are required and can be booked via OpenTable.

Additionally, on Friday Feb. 13 and Saturday, Feb. 14, Boxwood restaurant at The London West Hollywood will be offering a three-course prix-fixe menu served from 5-9 p.m. Ideal for a romantic night out, executive chef Anthony Keene’s special menu includes an iced seafood tower ($85), a selection of starters like Burgundy escargot and dover sole fish and chips; and mains like miso marinated seabass and Black Angus filet mignon. The menu also features dishes served for two including the Lobster Thermidor and Prime Beef Wellington. Dessert options include a dark chocolate mousse cake and Baked Alaska, or takeaway treats like chocolate chip cookies and macarons. The prix-fixe menu costs $110 per person with optional wine pairing at $65 per person. Reservations can be booked on OpenTable.

Those seeking an overnight stay over Valentine’s Day weekend can book the Romance Package at The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills. The stay begins with a celebratory champagne upon arrival, setting the tone for effortless elegance. Wake up to decadence with a $100 daily “Breakfast in Bed” credit, unwind with Pharmacopia Verbena Bath Salts perfect for a soothing soak and enjoy a daily in-room movie for the ultimate cozy night in. Elevate the stay further with a $25 daily minibar credit, ensuring every moment feels indulgent.

For information, visit thelondonwesthollywood.com. The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills is located at 1020 N. San Vicente Blvd.

Winter brings fun to The Grove and The Americana

There’s always something new happening at The Grove and The Americana at Brand, and this season brings an exciting mix of fashion, beauty and must-try dining.

At The Grove, fashion lovers can explore newly opened Revolve, bringing their signature curated styles and designer edits, offering their most-coveted FWRD collections. Beauty fans won’t want to miss the Armani Luminous Silk Pop-Up, a limited-time experience with shade matching, lattes at the Luminous Silk Café and immersive photo moments.

On the dining front, The Americana at Brand continues to expand its culinary lineup with Paradise Dynasty and Le Shrimp Noodle House, serving elevated Asian comfort dishes, and the newly opened Michelina Bakery, perfect for a sweet stop or coffee break. Shoppers can also look forward to Skims, coming soon and already generating buzz as one of the most anticipated openings of the year.

For information, visit thegrovela.com and americanaatbrand.com. The Grove is located at 189 The Grove Drive. The Americana at Brand is located at 889 Americana Way, Glendale.