User Lists in Los Angeles, CA Metro

Before Mardi Gras, the topic of where to go for a Fat Tuesday meal came up--and pigging out on comfort foods. You know what I'm talking about: When you want to chow down with abandon on something that feels naughty but so nice, and when you don't care about calories or clogging arteries or how you'll feel afterwards (because everything in moderation is fine and, come on, how often do you really pig out like this?). Below, some suggestions of places to go in LA--and fat meals to order--when you want a belly-bomb with no regrets.

For the occasion of National Drink Wine Day, I went to my own personal wine expert to get picks for the best places for wine in Los Angeles--best restaurant wine lists, best bars for a glass of wine and best wine shops to bring home a bottle (or two). But you don't need a holiday to enjoy vino--every day can be wine day. Let's toast to that. (Photo: Flickr user Robert S. Donovan)

Cocktail culture is alive and well in Los Angeles, and 2010 brought plenty of exciting new bars to quench our thirst, from intimate spots (Covell Wine Bar in Los Feliz) to spaces showcasing a specific liquor (rum den La Descarga and whiskey wonderland the Thirsty Crow). Swanky lounges, low-key neighborhood hangouts, even a dive bar--in no particular order, here are the best new bars of 2010 in LA. (Pictured, Villains Tavern; photo by Kelly Wardle)

Eat much in 2010? So many new Los Angeles restaurants opened this past year and if you were anything like me, you ate at as many of them as you could. So what qualifies a restaurant to be considered among the best? One: the food has to be good--really good. Two: there's gotta be some excitement beyond the food, like spectacular views (WP24) or an inspired approach (Test Kitchen, Forage). Three: I like it. In other words, making the "best of" list is a tasty mix of style, substance and subjective opinion. Happy eating!

The latest trend in LA is all about getting blown ... with a fabulous and affordable blow dry, that is. From Brentwood to Studio City, find out where to go for that perfect blowout that won't break the bank.

Sandwiched (pun intended) between Beverly Hills and The Grove, LA's West Third Street is jam-packed with restaurants dishing out everything from authentic French fare to sushi, burgers and cupcakes. In fact, NYC import Magnolia Bakery just set up shop here. There are so many cute eateries that you might need a little guidance. Here's a cheat sheet to help you navigate through some of our favorite Third Street restaurants in LA. (Photo: Little Next Door by Mar Yvette)

There are certain things that go hand in hand: Chocolate and peanut butter, tea and cream, Lady Gaga and a meat dress. The same goes for "Mad Men" and whiskey, "Mad Men" and a swanky dinner out, and "Mad Men" and fabulous style. Here's our list on how to live it up "Mad Men" style in LA.

Fried. Meat. Cheese. Do we have your attention yet? Imagine a dish that combines those three elements and you've got poutine. You might not know the official name, but it's very possible that you've already indulged in this popular Canadian dish invented in Quebec: French fries covered in gravy and cheese. Los Angeles has experienced a newfound love for this old dish and it's popping up in restaurants across town (including the Frysmith Truck). Here are five spots in LA to grab this artery clogging, but oh-so-worth-it dish.

LA's Fashion Night Out is one party you won't to want to arrive for fashionably late. In an effort to boost sales and ?put the fun back in shopping,? American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company, and the City of New York created this global shopping event now in its second year. To celebrate Fashion's Night (FNO) here in Los Angeles, on the night of September 10 stores from Santa Monica to Pasadena will keep their doors open for after-hours shopping, in-store events and a gluttonous amount of free food, drinks and prizes. Get ready to shop 'til you drop! (Photo by Mar Yvette)

In making a list of the best cheese plates in LA, we've come to this conclusion: We like it all. We want tart and creamy, spreadable, edible and yes, with fruit ... both fresh and dried, please. Add saltiness with capers and artichoke hearts, and for a little crunch, almonds and crackers. Wrap it all up with a glass of wine, and you've got perfection. We. Just. Die!