LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, USA -- Pssst. Want to know the best place to avoid traffic clogged Los Angeles freeways? Spend happy hour at Windows Restaurant, perched high atop the TransAmerica building in downtown. The 360-degree view from this sky-high restaurant and lounge affords you a breathtaking view of the jammed freeway system snaking toward Orange County in one direction and the San Fernando Valley in the other. You can sip your favorite beverage and laugh maniacally at the peons below stuck in gridlock, realizing it wouldn't be funny if you were among their number. But tonight you're not on the road, and from this vantagepoint, the freeways' twin ropes of sparkling lights - red coming and white going, are a thing of magnificent beauty.

Martinis are especially nice things to sip as Windows offers over 150 of them to choose from. We especially liked the Grand Martini, Mandarin Vodka Martini and the Bloody Martini (think Bloody Mary on steroids). Another reason Windows makes an especially good Happy Hour locale is the half price bar menu offered from 4PM - 7PM Tuesday through Friday. Granted, you won't find the restaurant's gourmet fare here, but it's a great place to get a good burger or snacks and you'll get to experience the phenomenal view at bargain prices.

Windows is conveniently located almost on top of the Staples Center and not far from The Music Center, Ahmanson Theatre and Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. In addition to Happy Hour, another excellent bargain is the prixe fixe pre-event menu, served until 6:30 PM. For just $32.00 per person (as of this writing) you can feast on Caesar Salad, Grilled Ribeye Steak with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and a Fresh Fruit Tart with Mango Coulis.

Of course, Windows regular menu is always available. Chef Carlos Andrade offers an eclectic array of entrées and appetizers covering classic favorites as well as nouvelle and fusion cuisine. The Hawaiian Ahi Tuna Poki with Lotus Root and Wasabi was particularly memorable both in taste and presentation. The lavender scent rack of lamb, accompanied by a light ratatouille crèpe looked equally as spectacular. Discriminating diners will also find poultry seafood and beef entrees to choose from -- before adopting their new more progressive menu the restaurant built its reputation as a steakhouse.

Windows also offers an interesting array of side dishes - something many other restaurants tend to ignore. Round out your meal with roasted root vegetables, garlic spinach or mashed potatoes, braised spiced red cabbage, sauteed msuhrooms with truffle butter or creamed corn with tarragon. It's true the restaurant offers no vegetarian entrees on its regular menu, but you could easily make a meal out of the side dishes.

A glance down after diner will let you know if the freeways are again moving at regular speeds - the trails of lights not being quite as intense when you arrived. Providing you haven't indulged in too many martinis or you've designated a driver, you can now hit the road feeling calm and relaxed and reach your destination in a civilized amount of time.

Windows is located at 1150 S. Olive St., 32nd Floor in downtown Los Angeles. They are open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11 AM - 2PM. In addition to entrees and appetizers, they feature a selection of gourmet sandwiches and soups. Windows is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5PM - 10PM. For more information or reservations call 213-746-1554.

• Apple Martini
• Mandarin Vodka Martini
• Grand Martini

More Great Los Angeles Restaurants:

• Cezanne -- Los Angeles' Best Kept Restaurant Secret
• Rita Flora -- Great Los Angeles Dining at Bargain Prices

  Cheri Sicard is the co-creator and editor of FabulousTravel and it's sister site FabulousFoods.com. Cheri is also the author of The Great American Handbook, to be published September 2002 by Berkeley Press. Click here to learn more about Cheri.