HOT SPOTS : ROMANTIC HIDEAWAY.

Byline: Larry Lipson

Brandywine, 22757 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, [phone]. At this cozy, contemporary continental charmer you'll discover curtained booths, traditional tableside cooking flair and an imaginative chef in the kitchen. What more does a romantic couple need?

Texas in Tarzana El Paso Barbeque Co., 18938 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana, [phone]. (Also in Sherman Oaks.) Better brisket of beef and veal ribs than any ol' barbecue found in the Lone Star state itself. Zippy Texas chili and meaty pork baby backs, too.

Kevin and Michael show Twin Palms, 101 W. Green St., Pasadena, [phone]. Actor Costner's bucks and ex-Trumps chef Roberts' food have blended for a moderately priced garden bistro hit that has now taken its act to Orange County and has big expansion plans. Foodworld may eventually top ``Waterworld.''

Irish pub Timmy Nolan's, 10111 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake, [phone]. It's a cutesy, narrow, two-story bar with darn good pub-style fare. And its tiny kitchen dishes up a ``foine'' Irish stew, a hearty corned beef and cabbage plate plus well-turned pastas and steaks. You'll love it.

Ribbing the world Lawry's the Prime Rib, 100 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, [phone]. Chomping the ultimate slab of juicy beef in this nearly always crowded, palatial, warm setting, is an L.A. tradition. And now there is a fish option and - sacre bleu - even an occasional lobster.

Stove superstar Patina, 5955 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, [phone]. Chef-owner Joachim Splichal may be small in stature, but he's riding tall in L.A.'s - and some say the nation's - culinary saddle right now. Meanwhile, with Pinot Bistro and Cafe Pinot in the fold, it looks like he's scored another hit with his new Pinot Hollywood.

Piano bar Tam O'Shanter, 2980 Los Feliz Blvd., Los Angeles, [phone]. As many as five different piano bar entertainers perform here per week during the cocktail and dinner hours. Piano bar addicts love this 74-year-old restaurant.