Wolfgang Puck's latest helps turn downtown into full-fledged dining destination

The valet was full, as was the eastern garage next door, so we were directed around L.A. Live to the western garage, where we managed to snag the second to last parking space available, just in front of a purring Corvette.

Big night on the city. But what could have been a hassle -- and a lost reservation -- turned into a delight once we found our way to the 24th floor of the spanking new Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles. Why? Because that's where Wolfgang Puck's latest restaurant -- WP24 (his initials plus the number of the floor) -- is located. And what a spot! The sprawling wraparound lounge and smaller restaurant beyond are both all windows, looking onto a segment of skyscrapers right out of "Batman."

From up here, downtown L.A. looks ravishingly glamorous at night. Read more here from Times restaurant critic S. Irene Virbila:

Photo: Vintages are artfully displayed in WP24's wine room. Credit: Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times