The latest restaurant trend among malls here in Newport Beach and Los Angeles is upscale restaurants with panache. Despite the slowly recovering economy, consumers are appreciating the option of having these better-quality eating establishments right near where they shop. GlobeSt.com spoke with Jackie Levy, EVP of operations at Caruso Affiliated, about this emerging trend.

GlobeSt.com: Why is luxury consumption, particularly in dining, outperforming overall consumer trends at a time when employment gains are still lackluster?

Jackie Levy: At our centers, we have seen strong growth across the board, but particularly amongst the luxury, transitional luxury, service and dining categories. The retailers and restaurants that offer goods/food of exceptional quality along with a consistent emphasis on providing impeccable service will, and have continued to, flourish.

GlobeSt.com: Why the sudden interest in malls for these upscale eating spots? Can you give some examples, particularly in Orange County?

Levy: This is attributable to a mutual desire by restaurateurs and shopping centers to provide an exceptional overall experience to their guests. New York’s acclaimed Fig & Olive has announced that it will open a 12,000-square-foot space at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. Shopping centers such as the Grove, the Commons and the Americana at Brand [in L.A.] are exceptionally beautiful and offer the perfect setting for a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience. Furthermore, these centers provide a priceless commodity to its guests: time! In one visit, you can shop and then go to dinner and a movie, all while concierge is wrapping your gifts and valet is washing your car.

The Americana at Brand, which Caruso Affiliated owns and operates, is one of the premier shopping centers in the US and boasts what might be one of the best dining selections in the country. Visitors can choose from upscale destinations including Trattoria Amici (Italian), SBE’s Katsuya (Japanese), Le Pain Quotidien, Chi Dynasty and Frida Mexican Cuisine.

On September 20, Nordstrom opened its new store, relocating from the Glendale Galleria. With the move comes the launch of a new dining concept, Bar Verde, a full-service restaurant and bar, which embraces a farm-to-table approach by emphasizing produce and meats that are fresh, seasonal and local. The renowned Taiwanese dumpling eatery Din Tai Fung, hailed by the New York Times as “one of the top ten restaurants in the world,” will join the property along with Bourbon Steak from celebrity chef Michael Mina.

GlobeSt.com: Is this upscale dining trend in malls notable in areas other than Southern California?

Levy: Many shopping centers across the country are experiencing this trend and are integrating more fine-dining options for shoppers. Upscale restaurants are added value to shopping centers and are increasingly becoming a critical component of today’s tenant engagement.

GlobeSt.com: Do you see the luxury trend extending to other consumer goods? If so, which ones, and how is this playing out in the retail sector?

Levy: Time is a critical commodity in today’s market. Brands that are focused on catering to the fast-paced consumer are thriving. At Caruso, we believe that time is the new luxury. This luxury extends beyond “high “end to ease and convenience that has tangible value to consumers.

For example, at the Grove, we recently partnered with Marina Monroe (our executive style director) to provide guests with personal shopping and styling assistance. And our concierge can assist guests with anything from getting their car washed while it is parked to delivering a wrapped gift while guests dine on-site to reminding them of anniversary dates.

We have also seen this trend extend to everyday life in the apartment-rental market. At our newest residential community 8500 Burton, residents pay a rental premium for five-star service, which includes pantry stocking, a house-car and 24-hour concierge/valet services.