Pairings Bistro, a unique Bel Air restaurant, sits in an unlikely location. In a small business park across from the Festival is a dining escape with jazz music playing and shelves of polished wine glasses sitting behind the bar. At Pairings, chefs prepare elegant, extraordinary dishes—everything from seafood to lamb chops.

Why is it called Pairings Bistro, you’re wondering? Because, “the pairing of food with complementary wines is at the heart of its existence,” as stated on its website. When asked if he had always wanted to own a restaurant, Owner Jon Kohler humbly says, "No I didn't have to. It just kind of worked out that way."

With every type of wine imaginable from Spain, France, South Africa and New Zealand, to name a few, there is a drink for anyone’s palate.

Inside it is charmingly small, but don't let that fool you. This place has personality, too, and Kohler hopes to expand in 2011 to accommodate the growing fan base.

The staff recommends making reservations at the beginning of the week for Friday or Saturday night.

Try the crab, spinach and artichoke dip with grilled flatbread—it's delicious!