"A.O.C, which has a second location in Brentwood, has been a trusted LA classic for the past two decades and change. And while some small plates at this Spanish-French-Italian wine bar can seem like holdovers from another era (bacon-wrapped dates, anyone?) other dishes get our full attention, like their arroz negro. This Spanish-style squid ink paella tastes lemony and bright, topped with a pile of tangled baby squids and a blob of saffron aioli in the middle. Like a good creme brulee, this paella has two distinct textures. It develops a nice crust in the oven but stays soft and fluffy inside. " - sylvio martins