HOT SPOTS : MEX TO THE MAX.

Byline: Larry Lipson

Dos Arbolitos, 16208 Parthenia St., North Hills, [phone]. With a range of $1.25 (for its good black bean soup) to $6.25 (for a hearty caldo de pescado), you won't find better, traditional Mexican fare than at this step up from a fast-food stand.

Room with a view

Boccaccio's, 32123 W. Lindero Canyon, Westlake Village, [phone]. The superb lakefront view here reminds one of restaurants in Italy's northern lake country. Well, almost. Meanwhile, you can sip wine on the patio and dream.

Old faithful 

Taix, 1911 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, [phone]. Aged 71 and not ready for retirement, here's a down-to-earth country French foodspot famed for its savory, inexpensive roast chicken, duck a l'orange, roast pork and other hearties plus a bountiful wine cellar full of low-cost surprises.

Main Street marvel

Rockenwagner, 2435 Main St., Santa Monica, [phone]. Hans Rockenwagner cooks the same superb food in this spiffier setting as he did in his previous Venice nook. And the baked goods here are worth a special trip.

Studio annex

Barsac Brasserie, 4212 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, [phone]. Noisily crammed at lunch with the studio crowd, this pleasing, bistro-ish rendezvous provides welcome respite for serious food-seeking localites at dinner.

'Twas Arnie's place

Schatzi on Main, 3110 Main St., Santa Monica, [phone]. Recently leased out, chez Schwarzenegger doesn't deserve the bashing it's received. It's a bright, cheerful, unpretentious cafe that has deservedly become a local hangout. And yeah, Arnie says he'll continue to pop in on cigar night.