The redeye from LA to NY is brutal, but highly effective. It allows intrepid travelers to have a full day in LA and a full day in New York. I, for one, love to visit LA but am witnessing a trend ... for years, NY brought our best places (restaurants, hotels, galleries) to LA (and continues to do so) but now many of the greatest places and things from LA are migrating back East! First and foremost, New York is hosting an increasing amount of the Hollywood "industry;" over 50 scripted shows are filming in NYC according to the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment (yes, you feel the squeeze like me on your beloved street parking). But, what this really means is more star sightings (as if New Yorkers care) and an influx of restaurants that are following their loyal (royal) clients East. This week's Loupe will highlight the east/west coast connection with some great bicoastal places to eat, drink, schmooze, seen or be seen, or post (like me).

The Cut by Wolfgang Puck
27 Barclay Street, New York, NY 10007

What is more synonymous with LA cuisine than Wolfgang Puck? What is more LA than running into Leonardo DiCaprio (wearing his signature baseball cap) with his entourage out for a steak dinner? It just so happens that Cut had both when I dined there! This beautiful restaurant opened last week at the new Four Seasons Hotel on Barclays Street (between Tribeca and Wall Street). This Beverly Hills steak house is an LA institution that has the power Hollywood scene and soon to be the power NY scene. According to the Manager, the kitchen staff are all long time Wolfgang employees, as great service is of high import to Puck. They cook their artisanal steaks over a wood burning oven that required a special permit from the FDNY. The room is stunning (interior décor by cutting-edge French designer Jacques Garcia), the service impeccable, and the food is really amazing, including much more than just steaks. I ordered the bone-in filet, and I can't remember the last time I had a better cut. Try to go there before the rest of New York (and LA) discovers it and the players call their (regular) tables!

Sushi Zo
88 W. 3rd St., New York, NY 10012

Straight from West Hollywood, LA comes this sushi institution ... Sushi Zo. Much like Sasabune (another LA-NY migration) before it, the menu is traditional, omakase only (for my sushi novices, chef's choice). Chef Masa is at the NY helm after training in LA under esteemed sushi master, Keiko Seki. The menu consists of the freshest seasonal fish with incredible preparations and subtle flavors; this an incredible and memorable dining experience. The fish just keeps on coming and while there is nothing that will surprise you, the fish is pure and excellent! The room consists of mostly seats around the sushi bar, though there are a few tables to accommodate small groups. It's impossible (LA style) to get into so BOOK HERE NOW!

By CHLOE and Sweets By C HLOE
185 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10012

Calling all VEGANS ... calling all bicoastal VEGANS, calling all NON-VEGANS, it's time to rejoice. By CHLOE took NY by storm and now opened their first LA location in Silver Lake! LA/NY it's all about reciprocity, and we NY'ers are so proud to have brought you by CHLOE!

Opened by chef Chloe Coscarelli (winner of Cupcake Wars, the best show on TV) and LA native, By Chloe is perpetually packed on Bleecker Street due to it's plant based cuisine that doesn't just taste amazing, but is super healthy! With creative and catchy branding, the most delicious burgers and fries, and dessert that delivers (can you say matcha babka and hostess style cupcakes), I can't imagine it not being an absolute LA institution! Order the guac burger and air baked fries, layer it with beet ketchup and you're all set!

Now you can avoid FOMO all together because these LA institutions have made their way to NYC. I hear SUGARFISH is hunting locations in the Flatiron district, but I can't think of a reason In-N-Out Burger isn't here? NY brought Shake Shack to LA, LA gave us Umami Burger. Relationships are all about give and take, or at least good relationships are ... so, consider yourself in the Loupe and Cut, Sushi Zo, and By CHLOE found on both coasts!

Redeye