Two stars for La Vida

The owners of the new La Vida in the old Pinot Hollywood space hired chef Joseph Panarello away from Rivera, and it seems to be working, says Times Restaurant critic S. Irene Virbila. It's Spanish with a California sensibility, and gives the chef "big points" for trying something different: "He's forging his own path rather than falling back on the same tired dishes proposed at trendier Hollywood spots where kids come to pick at their food, not actually eat. Here, the menu proposes dishes you'd actually want to taste."
Find out why La Vida earned two stars:

Tandoori-spiced lamb chops. Credit: Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times