Hinoki is a native Japanese wood prized for its simple beauty and refreshing scent. The bird is a traveler by nature. With his hotly anticipated new restaurant Hinoki & the Bird, chef and restaurateur David Myers (of Comme Ça fame) fuses the essences of these namesakes to create a modern California concept restaurant driven by seasonal ingredients and influenced by his and his staff’s travels, particularly in Southeast Asia and Japan. Myers protégé and Top Chef contestant Kuniko Yagi prepares dishes such as hinoki-scented black cod in the open kitchen, while mixologist Sam Ross concocts equally creative cocktails, including the Nakatomi Plaza with plum wine, Yamazaki whiskey and fresh-pressed green apple. Located at the ultra-luxe, Robert A.M. Stern-designed the Century condominium tower in Century City, the indoor-outdoor venue is dominated by clean lines, natural woods and warm metals, which together create a spare foil for the vibrant international cuisine. 10 Century Drive, Century City, 310.552.1200. hinokiandthebird.com