I've been looking thru the board the last few days trying to come up with a 'welcome to LA' spot to wow a gentleman friend visiting from DC. He'll be flying in on a Thursday and I'm going to ask him to meet me someplace near the ocean around sunset. Now comes the difficult part -- where to meet! I'd like an environment that is exciting, romantic, even a little dramatic w/ an LA flair. But nothing too intimate (but, please, if you have recommendations I'll take them to use another evening during his stay). Anyway, so far all I can come up with is Casa del Mar. This would be fine if we were simply meeting for cocktails but I'm not crazy about the food there. Btw, we're in our mid-40s and he's a typical washington type, in other words, he's not super casual. Neither am I for that matter, but given I'm a true Angeleno at heart, I have lots of range. ;-) In any event, thanks in advance for any suggestions you have!