Still haven’t made a dent in that ever-expanding holiday gift list? Never fear, you can click your way into the clear today while seated in Culina’s dining room or on its sun-filled outdoor patio. Diners at the famed restaurant inside the Four Seasons Los Angeles, at Beverly Hills can kick-start their holiday shopping today at the eatery with iPads that Culina is lending guests for the duration of its lunch service, and the shoppers will also get access to special promotions on lines including Tommy Hilfiger, Current/Elliot, Joie, Nanette Lepore and Equipment. In addition, the hotel is hosting its first-ever on-site boutique stocked with an edited selection of clothes and accessories.

“Every year before the holidays, a group of my girlfriends and I get together and make a long list of all the stores we want to hit,” says Culina Chef Mette Williams. “And before any shopping commences, we get a big lunch somewhere. There’s nothing worse than shopping on an empty stomach!” Chef Williams recommends that iPad wielding guests fortify themselves with dishes from her modern Italian menu such as salmon with sautéed herbs, Venetian black rice and pickled shallots, or the turkey pappardelle topped with fresh burrata. In addition to the regular menu, the Il Quartetto lunch special, which includes the tricolore salad with arugula, frisée, grapes and a white balsamic vinaigrette, roasted butternut squash soup, seared scallops and Culina’s signature Tiramisu, will come with a glass of complimentary Prosecco, all for $25.

“Now that I have a 2-year-old son, my holiday shopping ritual is a bit different,” Williams says. “Since I have less time on my hands, I try to do a lot online. Instead of buying gifts for each other, now my friends and I end up buying gifts for each other’s children.” And, for those who can’t make it out to lunch today, the restaurant will deduct 30-percent from tonight’s dinner bill. A delectable lunch or dinner combined with the sense of accomplishment gained from finding the perfect gifts makes this multitasker’s dream one of the best collaborations of the season. Click away.

By Alexis deBoschnek

 

Pictured: Culina at the Four Seasons Los Angeles, at Beverly Hills.
Photo by Don Riddle

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