the BEAT of the week: dineLA restaurant week.

It's that fabulous time of year again: dineLA's winter edition of restaurant week. For two (!) awesome weeks in Los Angeles, you can have a taste of what some of this city's best restaurants have to offer in the form of discounted prix-fixe (and totally fulfilling) dinners and lunches.

My picks for this time 'round? Cliff's Edge boasts a super-romantic jungle-like patio hidden in the middle of Silver Lake, and now also has a new chef -- James Beard-nominated Benjamin Bailly, a la Fraiche and Petrossian. There's also the brand spanking new Short Order, the latest offering from Mozza's Nancy Silverton. And then there is the completely buzzworthy Picca, where you'll surely be pleasantly satisfied by the creative and tasteful offerings (do yourself a favor and order that delectably smooth avocado cocktail too).

dineLA deals apply now until Jan. 27, then Jan. 29-Feb. 3. Check out the entire restaurant list here, and let us know where you're planning on grubbing. Happy eating!

-- Chau Tu

the BEAT of the week: Short Order.

Now, I have yet to try out Short Order, the new restaurant from L.A.'s beloved Amy Pressman and Nancy Silverton, since it only just opened a week and a half ago, but I guess that's not really excuse.

Because still, it's surely one to recommend. It's been 30 years in the making for Pressman and Silverton, both of whom once worked at Spago, and the latter moved on to help build Mozza. Short Order also boasts a cocktail menu created by the award-winning mixologist Julian Cox.

So expect some big lines as you wait outside the Original Farmers' Market on Third Street. Once you get in, though, be prepared for some delicious burgers, corndogs, melts, salads and custard shakes -- all artisanal and handmade. What more can you ask for?

If you make it in sometime soon, report back! I'll be in line.

Short Order is located at the Original Farmers Market at 6333 W. Third St. in Mid-City.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Short Order