city guide: LA edition
Vintage Enoteca: This is listed as “casual wine bar” in most reviews but I honestly feel like I’ve stepped back to Florence in this quaint restaurant. Many Summer nights have started here and ended at Griffith Observatory watching the sunset. Dine tapas style - plates are small but pack a flavor punch. The wine list is extensive and the staff is there to make the best pairing for you. Photo by Danielle Francois.
Pasta Sisters: Paola Da Rae is gifting the world her Northern Italian Grandmother’s recipes for our consumption and its delicious. It's 99% a takeout place but there are a couple of 2 seater tables if you really wish to dine in. You simply can’t go wrong with the menu - pick a pasta, a sauce and any additions. TIP: You don’t need an additions and I have tried it all. I’m a gnocchi fan (its the special) but spin the wheel and prepare for a large portion of Italian fare. If you can’t get enough, they do sell their pastas and sauces to make at home.
Great White: Start with the infamous Avocado Toast at this coastal-california casual restaurant with your morning coffee. Or dive into the Crispy Chicken Sandwich (house-made pickles are my jam). I walk away with either a Kombucha (on tap!) or a Nitro Cold Brew every.single.time. If you’re on the West side, don’t miss it, but its also good enough to hitch over from downtown.
Palihouse West Hollywood: Especially good for extended stays, the Palihouse’s apartment style rooms are perfect when you’re needing a home cooked meal. The onsite restaurants are also delicious and the location is so walkable - all of West Hollywood is at your fingertips. The Rooftop Lounge is a must at sunset and Mardi’s brunch is sure to satisfy both your sweet and savory cravings.
Hotel Covell: As an independent, boutique hotel you know the attention to detail is impeccable. My favorite place to stay-cation because the overall experience is flawless every time. Not to mention Bar Covell - a world renowned Wine + Beer bar onsite. Sally Breer, designer of the hotel, says it best "Each chapter is a whole sensory environment. It's designed to be cohesive, even if you don't know the story." Photo by Bethany Hauert
Hotel Erwin: Since 1975, Hotel Erwin has been giving guests the authentic Venice Beach Experience. Close to walkable shopping, dining and activities but there’s always the onsite Barlo Kitchen + Cocktails. Don’t miss sunset at High Lounge, the hotel’s rooftop bar. Get the crab dip and the aptly named cocktail “A Day at the Beach”. Enjoy the view!
The Spare Room: They say it best themselves, The Spare Room is a “modern day gaming parlour and cocktail lounge, situated on the mezzanine level of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.” When you want to get away from what the Roosevelt has offer, head to where you can play a few rounds of martinis and bowling or one of their other classic board games like Chutes and Ladders or Candyland. Come with friends for a throwback to childhood or dress up in old school HW Glam and bowl til you drop.
Seven Grand: Opening in 2007, Seven Grand’s unique bar is settled in the custom-designed building’s original proprietors, Brock & Co. Jewelry Emporium. You’d miss out if you don’t order Bartender’s Choice. Their concoctions are as innovative and interesting as they come. But if you want an Old Fashioned, this is the best place in LA to get one. TIP: Head out to the skinny but secret balcony for some fresh air. And challenge new friends to a game of pool!
Miro Whiskey LoungeAMer: Tucked in the basement of Miro Restaurant is The Whiskey Lounge. Barely open a year, I think this is still Miro’s best kept secret that I feel like sharing. Head to dinner early and indulge in any whiskey you can name - seriously. The staff is very cool, but accessible. You’ll want to probably come back after dessert for a nightcap, we don’t blame you.
Troubadour: One of my favorite things about LA is the music scene. And if you’re tracking the right artists and don’t miss a beat, you might be able to see your favorite artists at this historic venue. I’ve seen it before and will continue to see bands play the Troubadour, then next year their at the Wiltern and before you know it, they’ve hit the Forum. Come early for a drink, rock or gaze out to the show and pop over to Dan Tana’s next door for a coffee and dessert to cap the night off. Photo by Gary Wayne.
Mayan: Nightclub, concert venue and show spectacular! Whether its Flume bring Kai on stage to feature his latest single or Brandon Boyd of Incubus taking his solo career for a spin - you can’t miss this romantic venue. Highly recommend staking out a spot on the 1st floor or 2nd level up against the short wall - great view and you get to actually move with the fans around you.
Wiltern: Historic, beautiful, elegant and that’s before the bands hit the stage. The acoustics are lovely, the bands have space to move and so do their lasers, lights and visual shows. Don’t miss the downstairs bathrooms - they throwback to a time when glamour was queen. Even if you have GA seats, take a walk up to the next level to catch the view and don’t forget to look up. Photo by Richard Sullivan.
Pantages: As a theater-feen, there are few that make me feel like I do when I enter the doors of the Pantages. This is old Hollywood meets new Hollywood chic. Don’t forget to hit the Broadway Bar next door (famous for their OG Bladerunner cameo) - get a Sidecar. I have yet to see the magnificence of the current Hamilton show but soon! Coming up in 2018? Aladdin, Phantom of the Opera and Stomp.
Santa Monica Pier Carousel: Celebrating 108 years, you simply must cheers to the beauty of Pacific Park by riding the Ferris Wheel at sunset. The views are incredible of both the water and Santa Monica beach line. Bring a jacket, it gets cold that high! Bath in the golden light, snap some selfies and enjoy the “winter” weather AKA 60 degrees and sunny.
Venice Canal Historic District: Grab your morning coffee at Great White and walk .5 miles to the Venice Canals Historic District. I’d say sunset is just as pretty but especially when weekends are concerned, you’ll get more of a private tour experience if you brave the morning and walk around this serene landscape. Bonus points for you if you see one of the residents out on their Gondola’s, kayaks or boats enjoying a smooth ride. Bring your camera - this has new profile pic written all over it.
Midland: Event-planners turned shop owners Paige Appel and Kelly Harris are celebrating their 1 year anniversary as a Culver City staple this month. While I do think you can find something for your baby, partner, friends and family here - there is MUCH to be purchased for yourself. Aromatherapy, and chocolate, does the soul some good!
Broom Street General Store: Broom Street puts family first and any store open 7 days a week makes the trek over to Silver Lake so WORTH it. They joke that if 7-11 and your favorite luxury department store had a baby, it might look like Broome Street and they might be right. If you’re not into the usual LA souvenir trinket show, you can find something for anyone to take home or keep for yourself. Cooking staples, kitchen accessories and interesting coffee table books! We won’t tell…TIP: Def head across the street for their extended store.
Burro: Venice centered Burro carries an eclectic, thoughtful selection of everything you need to live a well -styled California life including the bows, bags and stationary to gift your finds. The staff is smart, helpful and attentive - they’ve saved me once or twice from birthday present disasters. And I just adore my Wishbone Gold Earrings!
