Wolfgang at L.A. Live

LAT restaurant critic S. Irene Virbila gives a hefty two stars to the Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill right next to the Nokia Theatre. She says the new place "pulls together elements from his various restaurants into one coherent contemporary American vibe. Familiar food with some of that old Puck pizazz." Yet the two stars are kind of curious given the good-but-not-great review. Here's more:

Puck has always had a good instinct for what people in general, not just self-styled foodies or gourmet types, hanker to eat. And his menu at this lively spot is no exception. User-friendly, it offers straight-ahead salads, pizzas and other starters along with a prime sirloin burger, steaks and chops -- and some excellent pasta dishes. The execution is competent, yet dishes can sometimes taste more corporate than passionate. Add in the crisp service and thrilling wine list, and this is the best choice going at the convention-theater complex.