Book refresher courses up and down the state
Words by S. IRENE VIRBILA
A Sibling Rivalry in Altadena
When the January 2025 Eaton fire swept through Altadena, Tyler Wells lost his house. His restaurant, Bernee, was almost destroyed too. Wells pitched a tent on a farm, and in August reopened the eatery under the name Betsy. The beloved fixture just got a next-door sibling, BAR BETSY — café by day, rollicking wine bar at night. Everything is made in house, including savory and sweet scones, breads, sandwiches, and cookies. Evening brings charcuterie and cheese, always raw fish, pasta, and two or three larger dishes, depending on what’s best at the farmers market. The wine list is pretty tempting, as is the music from vintage speakers. Open daily, 8 a.m.–10 p.m. 875 E. Mariposa, Altadena; barbetsy.com.
 |
Napa’s Newest Chapter
California winemaker Robert Mondavi had the vision and the moxie to establish Napa Valley as one of the world’s premier wine appellations. Now, 60 years after he founded ROBERT MONDAVI WINERY, his heirs have reenvisioned the estate for the future while honoring its past. The new design scrapes away additions and changes made through the years to architect Clifford May’s original vision, opening to views of the vineyards and mountain landscape. The emblematic arch and tower now houses a welcome lounge and wine library. Architects Aidlin Darling Design and landscape architect Surfacedsign have added tasting terraces, kitchen gardens, and native plantings, plus an indoor-outdoor dining veranda. 7801 St. Helena Hwy., Oakville; robertmondaviwinery.com.
|
Drinks for Days at Daisy
At DAISY MARGARITA BAR — which was just listed on North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026 — beverage director Max Reis devises thrilling guises for the cocktail. Try the frozen guacamole version, the salsa verde with charred tomatillo and green chile, or the Baja slaw, a blend of espadin with purple cabbage and Oaxaca pineapple brandy. While you’re sipping, try chef Alan Sanz’s octopus taco, blue corn tamale with duck carnitas and pistachio mole, or branzino in adobo verde. Open daily, 5 p.m.–12 a.m. 14633 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, 818-450-3994; daisyla.com.
|
Lounge Life in Los Angeles
Keyboard player and producer Ben Lovett just added the first bar to his company TVG Hospitality’s portfolio. MITSI is big — and glamorous — and seats 150 indoors and out, making it something of a mega bar with plenty of space for music fans to stroll over for some serious cocktails after a concert. That could mean a pretty rosé martini featuring Lillet rosé, a 50/50 martini with a dash of tomato water, or a Paloma with watermelon radish and passion fruit. You can also have a spirit-free Phony Negroni or a sparkling tea from Taiwan, or try interesting wines by the glass or bottle, local beers, and sake. Open Thurs.–Sat., 6 p.m.–2 a.m. 1737 Naud St., L.A., 213-259-3905; mitsi.la.
Feature image: PHOTO: Matt Egan.
This story originally appeared in the Summer 2026 issue of C Magazine.
Discover more FOOD news.
See the story in our digital edition
