Los Angeles

Los Angeles

We are East coast transplants to the City of Angels. The sunny days, outdoor lifestyle and creative spirit of LA have hooked us on the city. The combination of the natural physical beauty of the sun setting over dolphins playing in the Pacific Ocean against a backdrop of mountains, combined with the fun glitz (and sometimes cheese) of Hollywood keeps life dynamic! Some of our favorite spots in LA…

WHAT TO PACK

LA is a trendy, casual city where jeans are acceptable at even the most upscale restaurant—granted, worn with a cute dressy top and heels. Colorful and white clothing are the way to go in this creative town. Bathing suits, jeans, a jacket and sweaters for night, hiking/workout clothes, day to night dresses—flip flops or wedges for day and heels or fun boots for night. It does always get chilly at night, even in the summer, so one of our go to outfits for nighttime is a little dress with boots and a blazer or sweater. Layers are key.

EAT

Giorgio Baldi
114 West Channel Road
Santa Monica, CA 90402
310-573-1660
www.giorgiobaldi.us/

Giorgio’s is our ultimate indulgence for dinner when we have something to celebrate. Always order the homemade raviolis as a first course and the lobster or sole, which are “specials” your waiter will tell you about when you sit down. Regulars (that always consist of one A list celeb or another) never look at the menu and show up expecting to have a drink next door while waiting for their table.

Axe
1009 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
310-664-9787
www.axerestaurant.com

One of our Venice mainstays. Fresh farmer’s market fare that draws an attractive hipster crowd. Great for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Check their hours as they have been fluctuating.

Piccolo
5 Dudley Ave.
Venice, CA 90291
310-314-3222
www.piccolovenice.com

Run by the sweetest Italian man who proffers complimentary proseco if you have to wait even five minutes for a table, Piccolo is a romantic little jewel box of a restaurant set amidst the riff raff of the Venice boardwalk. The sea scallops and anything with truffles are heaven.

Gjelina
1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
310-450-1429
www.gjelina.com

Gjelina is the hot new darling of Venice. It is tough to get a table so call in advance. Their food really is that good—especially the mushroom toast, pizzas and pot of butterscotch dessert topped with sea salt. The wine list is a bit tricky to navigate… If you can, get a table outside as the main dining room can get really loud.

French Market Café
2321 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
310-577-9775
www.frenchmarket-café.com

The relaxed garden patio and fresh food makes this one of our favorite spots for breakfast. There is usually never a wait, even on weekends and the people who own and run the place are really French, as well as a lot of the clientele – always a good sign. Le Cheval is a spectacular heart-stopping egg dish with fried eggs on top of ham and melted gruyere cheese on a brioche or croissant. Their croissants are as good as you would expect.

La Grand Orange
2000 Main St.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-396-9145
www.lagrandorangesm.com

We might be breaking our “no chains” rule as LGO has a couple other locations, but it doesn’t matter because this one’s worth it. This is a welcome newcomer to the Westside with it’s cool NYC/Parisian look, a menu that ranges from sushi to burgers, all of it delicious. We’ve been known to come twice in one day. While we’ve never encountered an English muffin worth mentioning, LGO’s is the best we’ve ever had (and huge). Breakfast, lunch and dinner—maybe we’ll try it three times in a day.

Café Vida
15317 Antioch St.
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
310-573-1335
www.cafevida.net

A favorite healthy post-Temescal canyon hiking spot for brunch or lunch. We love the breakfast quesidilla and the Balance bowl. They also offer an array of cleansing smoothies and drinks.

Chateau Marmont
8221 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323-656-1010
www.chateaumarmont.com

We love this grand old hotel as it steeped in Hollywood history yet still an exclusive hang out for the glamorous. The Chateau cheeseburger (not on the menu, so just ask for it) and a glass of wine on their sunny outdoor patio that is reminiscent of Italy or in the cozy old world living room, is one of our favorite Hollywood outings.

Cholada
18763 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
310-317-0025
www.choladathaicuisine.com

Cholada is nothing more than a little blue shack on the side of the PCH. We are charmed by the casual ambiance, cheerful disposition of the staff and delicious, authentic Thai food every time! This is our favorite stop after a day at the beach in Malibu to pick up or dine in on shrimp pad thai, curries and wonton soup. We’ve seen several top yoga teachers here, so it must be healthy.

Froggy’s Topanga Fish Market
1105 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Topanga, CA 90290
310-455-1728

This place is a blend of a casual Swiss ski lodge with a huge roaring fireplace and high beamed ceilings, and a Mexican bar in the mountains with corrugated metal roofing and a tiled patio nestled in the woods. We love coming here after hiking nearby Eagle Rock for a glass of wine and their sort of healthy shrimp salad or guacamole and margaritas amidst the chirping crickets and frogs of the canyon. Be forewarned that outdoorsy men who live full time in Topanga are drawn to visiting young ladies like bees to honey….

Little Dom’s
2128 Hillhurst Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323-661-0055
www.littledoms.com

Wish this cozy restaurant with booths and wood paneling were not on the other side of town from us! Little Dom’s is our favorite restaurant in Los Feliz—delicious old fashioned cocktails, pastas and pizzas.

Cliff’s Edge
3626 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
323-666-6116
www.cliffsedgecafe.com

A great spot in Sliverlake for brunch or dinner set in a fabulous Balinese inspired garden anchored by a huge tree strung with twinkling white lights. Very romantic, hip and fun.

Dominick’s
8715 Beverly Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90048
310-652-2335
www.dominicksrestaurant.com

The food is not what you come to Dominick’s for, although it’s not bad, it’s just not incredible. The cozy garden with roaring fireplaces and the old fashioned bar inside make this a happening spot for young, attractive people making a name for themselves in the world including young studio execs.

Hungry Cat
1535 Vine St.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323-462-2155

We love the Hungry Cat! Although it is located in a mall, you sort of tune that out after a signature cocktail – our favorite is the one made with muddled kumquats. Each night they have an array of fresh shellfish, seafood and a pub burger that would make any meat lover very happy.

Takami Sushi and Robata Restaurant
811 Wilshire Blvd.
21st floor
Los Angeles, CA 90017
213-236-9600
www.takamisushi.com

Mary felt like she was in Tokyo when good friends who live Downtown suggested breaking new ground and exploring the ever-evolving Downtown Los Angeles scene. What better a place to do it then from the 21st floor of a building overlooking all of Los Angeles? Takami Robata is the coolest Japanese restaurant Mary has ever been to with sexy dim lighting setting the stage for the huge windows showcasing the twinkling lights of Downtown LA and beyond. The bustling but not overcrowded bar features tables that look like they’re made from enormous pieces of driftwood. And the food is incredible. Our favorites from the evening were the soft shell crab appetizer – lightly fried with a heavenly sauce that is just the tiniest bit sweet; the sea bass robata—Japanese for grilled; and the baked king crab roll with dynamite sauce.

DRINK

The Otherroom
1201 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
310-396-6320
www.theotherroom.com

We love the Otherroom’s sister bars in NYC as well. The Otherroom in Venice is a great spot early in the evening but gets pitch dark, super crowded and deafening late night, especially on weekends. Beer and wine only.

Hotel Erwin
1697 Pacific Ave.
Venice, CA 90291
310-452-1111
www.jdvhotels.com

The roof bar is the only place in Venice that capitalizes on the fact that it is right on the beach! Just remodeled and reopened by the Joie de Vivre hotel group, the modern bar is a new favorite. Be sure to make reservations as the bar is not fully functional as of yet and is table service only.

Venice Beach Wines
529 Rose Ave.
Venice, CA 90291
310-606-2529
www.venicebeachwines.com

Newly opened, this casual sidewalk bar is a local favorite. With an extensive but not intimidating wine list, cheese plates and pressed sandwiches, Venice Beach Wines is perfect for a mellow night. Dress warmly as the entire bar is on an enclosed patio with no heat lamps as of yet. It can also get quite crowded, so be prepared to cozy up with your neighbors or wait.

Ugo
3865 Cardiff Ave.
Culver City, CA 90232
www.cafeugo.com

Don’t judge a book by its cover! We had overlooked Ugo for years as the gigantic lit up blue and yellow sign was somehow unappealing. How delighted we were when we discovered a fun little wine bar where you can buy wine cards with a certain price limit and then wander around to different wine “vending machines” where you insert your card, press which wine you would like to try, and out comes 2 ounces at a time. If you love it, you just fill up on your favorite!

Bar Marmont
8171 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90046
323-656-1010
www.chateaumarmont.com

The bar is dark and sexy with soaring ceilings encrusted with butterflies. It has several rooms and an outdoor patio. A great spot to meet up with friends after dinner at the Chateau Marmont next door.

The Varnish
118 E. Sixth St.
Los Angeles, CA 90014
213-622-9999
www.thevarnishbar.com

This old fashioned speakeasy is dark, comes with a mixologist on staff and drinks served with metal straws and big hunks off ice shaved off an ice block—like in the old days. There is no sign, which further adds to the allure. Located through a door in the back of Cole’s French Dip restaurant, a good spot for a night cap after dinner or an event downtown. Try the Palma Fizz made with vodka, lime, ginger and rose water, cheers.

STAY

Chateau Marmont
8221 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90046
323-656-1010
www.chateaumarmont.com

Our favorite hotel in Hollywood. The Chateau has a storied past and A list clientele who flock here because of the exclusive privacy factor and the old school rooms with vintage GE appliances and furniture from an earlier era. Spring for a room with a terrace and skip the pool bungalows that are oddly really dark. Staying here is like getting the keys to the kingdom, a peek behind the curtain, front row seats to Hollywood happenings, you get the gist…

The London
1020 N. San Vicente Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
866-282-4560
www.thelondonwesthollywood.com

Bright and cheerful rooms, all with balconies. The gilded lobby, fun rooftop pool and celeb chef Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant make it an upbeat, playful spot to stay in West Hollywood.

Palihouse
8465 Holloway Dr.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
323-656-4100
www.palihouse.com

Like little apartments in NYC or Paris, some with exposed brick walls and patios. More like a true apartment with limited services and no pool. They have a great restaurant called the Hall.

Maison 140
140 S. Lasky Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
310-281-4000
www.maison140beverlyhills.com

A jewel box of a hotel in the heart of Beverly Hills. Decorated by the one and only Kelly Wearstler, “Far East inspired” wall paper and red rugs make for a cozy yet hip setting. The tiny bar downstairs is the perfect spot for a tete a tete over a glass of wine.

Shutters on the Beach
1 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-458-0030
www.shuttersonthebeach.com

Shutters is East Coast traditional grey shingled style on the West Coast. With interiors updated by White House interior designer Michael Smith, this upscale hotel on the beach is the perfect place to perch on the Westside if you can afford an ocean view room.

Casa del Mar
1910 Ocean Way
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-582-5533
www.hotelcasadelmar.com

Grand Spanish style abounds at this gorgeous hotel on the beach in Santa Monica. Luxurious, stately rooms and a gorgeous pool.

Hotel Oceana
849 Ocean Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
310-393-0486
www.hoteloceanasantamonica.com

The Oceana is a vibrant friendly hotel with rooms surrounding a courtyard and pool. The rooms are spacious and sunny and have the feel of a really nice guest house. Not as full service and fancy as the other hotels we mention in Santa Monica, but more low key in vibe and price.

SWEAT

Burn 60
159 Barrington Place
Brentwood, CA 90049
310-476-5656
www.burn60.com
$19 – $25 per class

Burn 60 is amazing when you really want to sweat, feel toned and sleek in a hurry. While they also offer pilates and spinning, the 60 minute full body treadmill workouts are our favorites. They consist of a combination of alternating 10 or 15 minute sessions on the treadmill with 10 or 15 minute sessions of floor and weight exercises. The pumping music keeps you going as well as the cool trainers- Julie Diamond, Sonya Roosendaal and Christina Malizia are a couple of our favorites.

Yoga Works
www.yogaworks..com

While there are several YogaWorks scattered around Los Angeles, we usually frequent the Main Street and Montana studios. We both learned yoga at YogaWorks and it has classes for the most novice students to the most advanced yogis. Sara Ivanhoe’s class is amazing and one of our favorites, as she offers the perfect blend of an intense workout and enlightened perspective accompanied by fun music.

YAS Venice
1101 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
310 396-6993
www.go2yas.com

If you’re a Venice local pressed for time, but still need a good workout, a 45 minute spin class at Yas is a great option. Spinning can be a little intense and as an ice hockey player Lucy’s always been a little wary of spinning because the last thing she needs is more muscle-y thighs! But we can safely report that the thighs are looking sleek, not bulky after class. They also have an hour long Yoga for Athletes class which is a great stretch.

HIKES

Eagle Rock
Trailhead: from Topanga Canyon Blvd., turn east on Entrada Rd. Follow to the top of Entrada Rd. to Topanga State Park.
Distance: 6.3 miles
Difficulty: Intermediate

Paseo Miramar
Trailhead: begins at the end of Paseo Miramar off of Sunset Blvd. in the Pacific Palisades
Distance: 5.5 miles
Difficulty: Advanced

Temescal
Trailhead: at Temescal Canyon Blvd. off of Sunset Blvd. in the Pacific Palisades
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Intermediate

Will Rogers- Backbone Trail
Trailhead: take Will Rogers Park Rd. off of Sunset Blvd. until it dead ends into the Will Rogers State Park.
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

SEE

LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art)
5905 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-857-6000
www.lacma.org
closed Wednesday

MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art)
250 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-621-1745
www.moca.org
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday

The Getty Center
1200 Getty Center Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
310-440-7300
www.getty.edu
closed Monday

The Getty Villa Malibu
17985 Pacific Coast Highway
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
310-440-7300
www.getty.edu
closed Tuesday and Wednesday

SHOP

Principessa
1405 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
310-450-6696

Fun, trendy women’s clothing and accessories. Wolf, the affiliated men’s store next door is a great place to deposit your better half while you browse.

Heist
1104 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
310-450-6531
www.shopheist.com

More upscale and sometimes avant garde designers. Isabel Marant, Rag & Bone, etc.

Foley & Corinna
8117 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323-944-0169

We love their dresses! Hot and feminine all at once. Women’s clothing.

Decades Two
8214 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323-655-1960

The spot where all the starlets and stylists consign their barely worn or never worn designer clothing, shoes, handbags and jewelry so we can buy it for a fraction of the price. We go crazy for Decades! Mostly women with a small men’s section.

Fred Segal
8100 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Or
500 S. Broadway
Santa Monica, CA 90401
www.fredsegal.com

Large stores with lots of little “stores” within them. Carry all the current and trendy designers. From jeans to Matthew Williamson cocktail dresses. Men, women and children as well as home.

Planet Blue
2940 Main St.
Venice, CA 90405
310-396-1767
www.shopplanetblue.com

A fun mix of dresses, jeans, home décor, bath products and jewelry. Also have other outposts in Malibu and Santa Monica. Men and women’s clothing (except for the Malibu store which is only women).

Opening Ceremony
451 N. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
310-652-1120
www.openingceremony.us/

Cutting edge designers mixed with more familiar names. A bit irreverent. Men and women’s clothing, shoes and accessories.

SPIRIT

We love to take home a spiritual souvenir from wherever we travel to remind us to maintain that “vacation state of being” when we are back home. The Malibu Shaman in the Malibu Country Mart sells mini Mala beads in a bracelet form for $6 that look hip and also help to keep the person wearing them, “on their path.” We both wear one!

Malibu Shaman
23410 Civic Center Way
#E-5 (upstairs)
Malibu, CA 90265
310-456-5617
www.themalibushaman.com