Expert Picks: Chef Joachim Splichal

by Jessica Hoolko - Citysearch Contributor - 3 Reviews - 14 Lists

Updated: December 27, 2008

Originally from the small village of Spaichingen, Germany, Joachim Splichal has built a restaurant empire around Los Angeles--and the country--that includes Patina, among other French bistro-style restaurants. He began his career as a saucier in the Michelin three-star La Bonne Auberge in Antibes, France, and excelled at other top spots before settling in L.A. Here, he shares some of his food (and non-foodie) faves.

On this page:At Home: Los Angeles, On the Road.

At Home: Los Angeles

  1. 1 4 Star Rating: Recommended Patina
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    141 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (map)

    "Patina will always be my favorite restaurant, since it's where it all began. I love the relaxed atmosphere, and the chef's table, where guests can look into the kitchen and watch us prepare their meal."

  2. 2 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Kinara Cafe
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    656 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (map)

    "This is absolutely the best spa in LA. While the stars go here before the Emmys, I go afterwards, to get a massage and recover from catering the Governor's Ball. It's so relaxing."

  3. 3 Regen Projects
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    633 N Almont Dr, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (map)

    "A very avant garde gallery with young, well-established, contemporary artists. A great place to find new pieces for my collection."

  4. 4 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Madame Chocolat Inc
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    212 North Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (map)

    "Jacques Torres told me to try this new chocolate shop in Beverly Hills. Chef Hasty makes the most wonderful chocolates and they have beautiful packaging."

  5. 5 4 Star Rating: Recommended Euro Pane Bakery
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    950 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106 (map)

    "This bakery isn't far from my house and I like to pick up their pastries on the weekend. They have the best croissants in town."

On the Road

  1. 6 COPIA: The American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts
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    500 First St, Napa, CA 94559 (map)

    "A nice stop during a Napa Valley vacation. I always like to take one of their classes or tour the organic gardens."

  2. 7 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Mammoth Mountain
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    1 Minaret Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 (map)

    "When I was young, I was a ski bum, spending as much time as I could in the mountains. Now, I take my two sons to Mammoth so that we can all ski together. It's close enough to go up for the weekend."

  3. 8 3.5 Star Rating: Average Wahso
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    577 Main St, Park City, UT 84060 (map)

    "Bill White has done a great job with this contemporary Chinese restaurant. It's my favorite place to eat when I'm visiting Deer Valley."