Gentlemen’s Guide A Resource Guide for Gentlemen
www.gentlemensguidela.com
Gentlemen’s Guide
A Resource Guide for Gentlemen
www.gentlemensguidela.com
Available at Southern California Retailers: Macy’s and Bloomingdales
PuBLiSHeR Jess Jimenez ASSOCiATe PuBLiSHeR Veronica Guevara eDiTOR Cameron Turner BuSiNeSS MANAGeR Jose Huerta WRiTeRS Michael Aubry Jamie Chau Jerry Shumway SALeS AND MARKeTiNG Al King Carlee Dochterman Janet Le Jeff L. Davis Meidong Li ReSeARCH Debra Miller Tom Wesis ART DiReCTOR James Leonard CReATiVe DiReCTOR Joel De Haro GRAPHiC DeSiGNeR Chao Xiong PHOTO CONTRiBuTOR James Vo www.gentlemensguidela.com 1 year subscription costs US $15.95. 3010 Wilshire Blvd.. Suite 202, Los Angeles, CA 90010, USA. 323-265-3900 For reprints and prices please contact Info@gentlemensguidela.com. Copyright: Gentlemen’s Guide® 2019. No part of Gentlemen’s Guide® may be copied, produced or broadcast in any form without prior permission. Comments by sources cited in Gentlemen’s Guide® have been directly obtained from them, unless its is explicitly noted otherwise. Gentlemen’s Guide® is published by New Media LLC. Gentlemen’s Guide® publishes monthly 12 times a year print issue that is direct mailed to subscribers. 4 GentlemensGuideLA.com
Publisher’s Letter
H
ere is our newest issue. Gentlemen’s Guide (GG) has you covered this month with everything our beautiful city has to offer. From advice on fashion to great LA restaurants, we provide you with the perfect guide to living life to the fullest. As you look through this issue you will find a lot of great tips and information, like Men’s Grooming. If you want to check out things to do here, we suggest going to a hoppin’ new eatery, get a great massage, and grab a cool cocktail at a great bar in one of Los Angeles’ best new spots and get your dance on—all the details to making this happen are within these pages. As always, GG provides gents with insider information on LA’s coolest, hottest places and people. This month we feature the striking actress, Kelsey Merritt (78) and the singer Camila Cabello (46). We’ll also give you the scoop on all aspects of living to the fullest in Los Angeles. In this issue we feature the Top 10 LA Breweries (18), Gentlemen’s Best Date Looks (12), and our Top Restaurant Reviews (30), where men can grab a great meal and have a fantastic time. In our car feature we’ve reviewed the rules in Ford GT (50), and in our sports article we explore LA Lakers (40). Check out Tips For An Amazing First Date (82), where we give you men some useful tips. Don’t miss Hot Spots (64) to get the skinny on the places you should visit and enjoy. Finally, we’ve spotlighted the City of Champions Stadium (36), exploring the activites and hidden treasures coming locally for you, along with your partner or the guys! These ideas are especially great for men who want to explore, and want to do things here in Los Angeles. Remember gents: twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So get going and get moving. Explore this great city and discover it fully.
GG’s
Contents DEPARTMENTS
40
36
78
50
Editor’s Letter
4
Content Page
5
A Man’s Gadgets
24
What’s Hot
26
Ford GT
50
Gentlemen’s Clubs
56
LA’s Hangouts
64
Workout Spots
74
Kelsey Merritt
78
Expert Advice
82
Movie Reviews
86
Event Calendar
88
FEATURES What A Man Wants
6
Best Date Looks
12
Top 10 LA Breweries
18
LA’s Top Restaurants
30
City of Champions Stadium
36
LA Lakers
40
Camila Cabello
46
LA’s Best Dance Clubs
70
Top Spas
98
12
GentlemensGuideLA.com 5
MAN’s
Want
WHAT A
MAN
WANTS By Hugo Norman
This issue of Gentlemen’s Guide (GG), it’s all about the man. How to look your best, feel your best and live your best. From a specialty cocktails men are indulging in to foreplay, this one’s for the gents.
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GentlemensGuideLA.com
Style
Men’s fashion, according to Valentino isn’t complicated. But when it comes to pulling off a suit and making it look hot, it’s all about the details, the 70’s are back. Think two-piece suits with thinner ties that are fitted and tapered to the body. The trend now is for suits that have less fabric and fewer buttons. The idea here is that less is more. It’s more of a European look men are going for. “There’s a big movement toward healthy living now, and guys want to show that they look healthy,” Valentino said. “For that, the fitted, proportional suit is what they’re going for. It’s not about the loose, baggy clothing anymore.”If you’re looking for inspiration, the Al Capone look is hot this year, as men are dressing in suits reminiscent of mobsters, with polka-dot ties and sleek, slender looks. When pairing ties with a suit, Eloundou said thinking outside the box is definitely the way to go. It’s OK to mix paisley with polka dots, or wear a different colored jacket that contrasts with the pants, whether they’re solid or patterned. Accessories are a musthave, as they are used to bring out individual style, whether it’s the tie, shirt selection or pocket square. Eloundou’s tip: Be bold. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns. A pocket square doesn’t necessarily have to match the shirt. The contrast shows off your colorful style and individuality.
Sex& Relationships
Oh, the joys of sex and relationships. Some men know what they want from awoman, while others are still trying to discover their boundaries. After surveying agroup of young men, we found out that men like their lady to be a lady on thestreet as well as in the bedroom, while some men prefer a lady in the streets and an uninhibited sex vixen behind closed doors. Physical Attraction The face is always a given when you meet someone, but this year it’s all about a woman’s height and the “ass.” Of course, attraction varies from person to person, but tall women with perfectly shaped derrières out numbered the face and boobs when it comes to physical attraction. Who knew? Relationship Needs Men want self-sufficient, secure and confident women. But just because you’reconfident doesn’t mean you need to be conservative. Men want a woman who knows what she wants and knows how to have a good time. If a guy is givingyou all of his time and attention, then there’s no need for jealousy. Yep, most men vow to cut the cord when a woman is considered to be the “jealous type.” Sexual Wants Nipples, nipples, nipples. Not yours, ladies, the men are all about foreplay, and it’s all about taking care of his nipples. Sucking, licking and even biting on a man’s nipples is a sure-fire way to relax and arouse him. But you don’t have to wait until you’re having sex to play with his nipples. Give his nipples a quick tug after he’s been working out, in the shower or first thing in the morning, and watch his facelight up as if his favorite sports team has just won a game.
A MAN’S DRINK
The Manhattan. Men have been opting for the Manhattan since 1870. History suggests that t drink originated at the Manhattan Club in New York City in the early 1870s. It was invented b Dr. Iain Marshall for a banquet hosted by Jenn Jerome (also known as Lady Randolph Churc Winston Churchill's mother) in honor of the pr dential candidate Samuel J. Tilden. The Manhattan is a popular and classic whiskey a sweet vermouth cocktail. When properly built, Manhattan is the only cocktail that can slug it toe-to-toe with the martini. It's bold and fortifyi yet as relaxing as a deep massage, and gents can’t seem to get enough of them.
Combine the vermouth, bourbon whiskey, and ters with 2 - 3 ice cubes in a mixing glass. Sti gently, don't bruise the spirits and cloud the d Place the cherry in a chilled cocktail glass and strain the whiskey mixture over the cherry. Ru the cut edge of the orange peel over the rim o the glass and twist it over the drink to release oils but don't drop it in. 3/4 oz sweet vermouth 2 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey 1 dash Angostura® bitters 1 maraschino cherry 1 twist orange peel GentlemensGuideLA.com
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MAN’s
Style
Men’s Looks:
The BEST Date Fashion For The Classy Gent By Bonnie Wong
o you’ve got the polished manners down to a T, but finding an outfit that will be comfortable, stylish, and leave a great first-impression might be your next daunting task, especially with spring and summer rolling right around the corner. If you’re a gent who has no idea where to start, take our advice and follow one of these must-have makeover tips selected especially for the warmer weather seasons!
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l a u s
Ca
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Fas
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le b a ion
F
l a m or
Your go-to may be a lightweight sports coat paired with khaki pants. Khaki pants are a good choice because they are versatile. Another idea is to try a nice pair of rustic, dark jeans. Just be sure not to wear your pair with ripped holes. Layering is another important skill to have since the temperatures fluctuate rapidly. Try a white or light-colored, tight-fitting button down shirt. Finish the look off with desert boots in a light color. If you think the look is too formal for the event, use your discretion and wear a deconstructed cotton jacket or Harrington coat. Remember, you want to make a good impression so it’s better to be safer than sorry.
Casual If you’re grabbing lunch or heading to a show, you want to opt for an outfit that is functional yet fashionable. It makes no sense to wear a full blown tuxedo, but at the same time you do not want to look like you just rolled out of bed in any old T-shirt. For the laidback gentleman, a suit might be a bit over dressy for your date. Instead, try exchanging your suit jacket for a fitted cardigan and play with separates that will show your bold style. This is an easy, put-together look that anyone can pull off for a classy feel. Since it’s spring and summer, of course, mixing separates in complementary color hues fits perfectly. GentlemensGuideLA.com 13
Fashionable Date If you’ve booked reservations at the hottest restaurant that takes a 3-months advanced notice, you’re going to want to wear something appropriate. Because this is definitely an important night with an important person, dress the part! Wear a suit but skip the traditional suit accessories like a belt and tie. A suit made of gray tweed, khaki cotton, or brown hopsack can be the perfect fabrics to choose from. For a touch of unique flair, add a striped shirt or colored shirt and pair it with brown or taupe loafers. Since it is the spring and summer seasons, patterns are always a good idea.
Just don’t go crazy and decide to show off your intense artistic flair. Choose a simple pattern such as thin stripes or small polka dots. After all, you want your personality to shine first off. Finish the look off with dark brown leather lace up shoes or even a pointed-toe shoe. The possibilities are limitless, but remember that your date will be impressed with your shoes, so don’t skimp out on choosing a fashionable, sturdy pair! Oxford-anything will become your best friend, Oxford pants and shirts especially. 14 GentlemensGuideLA.com
ultimate Formal event So you’re going to a formal event with a date? Lucky you! Don’t forget that dressing accordingly is one of the biggest things that will stand out that night. Sometimes, the formal event might be easier to dress for than a casual event. Your go-to will be a dark indigo or navy suit, a man’s wardrobe staple. Regardless of season, a dark blue color will be classy all year around. Ditch your black suit, as it is way too stiff and boring for the occasion. Pair it with a closed front French cuff white dress shirt to match and a classy black bow tie. If you’re feeling daring, you might even pair the suit with a blue shirt instead. Don’t forget that accessories play a big role in any outfit too. A nice pocket square can add interest to your entire outfit without having to change your entire look. A wristwatch can add that final touch of class that ties your entire outfit together.
It doesn’t matter if you’re headed to see the newest film to hit the box office or will be having a fancy Italian dinner, how you dress is an important aspect that your date will appreciate in the long run. A man who pays attention to the small details like his shoes will demonstrate that they can pay attention to details in a relationships and so on. However, dressing for a date does not have to be stressful. Take these tips into consideration to snag that second and even third date! n GentlemensGuideLA.com 15
GG’s
Feature
Top 10 Breweries in Los Angeles By Bianca Calanche
eer is a man’s best company; at least that’s what it seems like. Now more than ever the brewery community has expanded. More and more Josephine Baker people enjoy the taste of a well-brewed beer rather than a corporate company beer. And with its expansion come the many breweries in every city and every corner. Lucky for you we have put together 10 of the most star rated breweries in the L.A. area.
B
1. Golden Road Brewing It is one of the few breweries in Los Angeles where it welcomes a family and dog friendly environment. Golden Road Brewing has a large variety of brewed beers as well as an appetizing menu. What sets Golden Road apart from other breweries is the great casual and fun environment. There are oversized games of Connect 4, Jenga, etc. and their Aunt Sally court is fun to try after a few brews. They also have a photo booth! Overall GRB is a relaxed and cool brew spot to cash in a few laughs.
2. Angel City Brewery Angel City Brewery is located in Los Angeles, offering great IPA beers; this spot is a casual place to drink a cold one with friends. A lively environment along with the dark, industrial décor, the atmosphere makes you feel like you have been transported to a different era. They offer amazing tasty wings, with a variety of food in their menu. Their most popular crafted beer called Social IPA is a must try. If you’re looking for a night on the town, this is definitely the place to be. 18 GentlemensGuideLA.com
3. Eagle Rock Brewery Located in Los Angeles, the industrial location serves the brewery as a “blink and you miss it” but its well worth it when you find it. Great customer service and welcoming ambiance has all customers coming back for more. Providing great and affordable prices on their beer and food, so be prepared to get a lot for your money.
4. El Segundo Brewery
A comedic décor, with many funny posters and staff, this brewery is located in the city if El Segundo. With a list of there own original beers, many customers enjoy their IPA and Pale Ales. Their casual ambiance brings in an older crowd to enjoy a mature stout. Overall great place to have enjoyable time and make new friends.
5. MacLeond Ale Brewing Co Located in Van Nuys, for anywhere outside of England, this is cask ale heaven. Genuine English beer is their specialty with typically six cask ales on offer at any one time. You can try the Yorkshire Pale, the (English not American style) IPA, the mild and the stout. All are superb and thoroughly correct recreations of their English ancestors. Although they don’t provide food, you can find a food truck outside, but they provide free peanuts. Great place to feel a tad bit British. GentlemensGuideLA.com 19
6. Smog City Brewing Co Located in the city of Torrance, Smog City Brewing Company provides a great selection of beers, from light to dark. Getting a flight of beers will help you find the right one for you but overall a very cool place to hang out. With barrels of beer everywhere, it does good for decoration purposes. Although they don’t serve food they give out free snacks that keep everyone from running out the door from hunger. A very popular place around the neighborhood, you will never find it empty.
7. Absolution Brewing Co Tucked away in one of those office parks in Torrance. This place has a great setup and enjoyable beer. A brewery that tries to play on a certain theme in their décor, Absolution Brewing Company has actual church pews where you can sit and enjoy your beer. The beers that are must tries are the Holy Cow, Milk Stout and the Possessed Porter. Absolutions is a perfect place to obtain a little beer knowledge from their friendly staff and also a satisfying beer.
8. Monkish Brewing Co Located in Torrance, this microbrewery has affordable beer, with an expensive taste. All of their beers have a huge complexity of flavor not found in most brewing companies. They are one the favorite microbreweries in LA – it is worth the visit. The staff is friendly and they know how to describe their beer almost as if it were wine.
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9. Ohana Brewing Co Ohana Brewing Company is a tiny place located in downtown Alhambra, off Main and 7th, behind 38 Degrees. It's a taproom where you can sample up to 4 beers, and you can buy most beers using a growler. The staff is friendly and they are always willing to strike up a conversation to make you feel welcome, a favorite brewery in the LA area. Their Saisons are among the best of LA. They know how to do IPAs the right way and their stouts have a lot to offer. Great place to taste a variety of original brews.
10. Congregation Ale House The Alchemist Brewery. Pours a hazy golden orange color. The nose contains citrus fruits, pine and some breadiness. The taste is really well balanced and juicy. A really soft bitterness fades quickly on the dry finish. This particular beer contains Mango, and citrus hops, and Pineapple flavor to it. It has very little malt flavor or aroma. (ABV 8%)
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MAN’s
Gadgets
Must Have Apps for Every Gent By Bonnie Wong
ents, with your cell phone in one hand and your laptop in the other, we know that staying up-to-date with the latest technology is important, especially in today’s modern day and age. Luckily if you have a smartphone, apps are a popular feature that can make your life much easier. However, even finding the right ones can be tedious and time consuming—you might not even know where to start. That’s why the editors of Gentlemen’s Guide are teaming up with you so that your phone can be updated with all the hottest apps of today! A bonus: all the apps we mention are free of charge.
G
1. 120 Sports Think sports can’t get any better? Think again! With the 120 Sports app, you can get all your news from the sports world delivered in real-time highlights straight through your mobile phone. Featuring expert analysis, interactive features, and 40 hours of live programming weekly, this app is free of cost with no subscription necessary! This app truly is for the sports fan.
2. RunKeeper Jam packed with features for runners of all skill levels, RunKeeper helps you plan your fitness goals and stay on track amidst your busy schedule. Compare your workouts, participate in motivational challenges, tailor your workout, discover new running routes, connect with friends, be prompted with audio cues, and even connect to Spotify!
3. Waze Never miss a date again, your road trip, or even your next business meeting again! Waze isn’t like your usual GPS. Enlisting help from others in the community, this app alerts you of traffic, nearby police, shortcuts, and cheap gas so that your driving experience is as smooth as possible.
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4. Distiller Who knew whiskey could be so darn complicated? Well it doesn’t have to be anymore! With Distiller, get recommendations from alcohol industry experts and find whiskey for any situation. You can even read reviews before you spend your money!
5. Mint Even if you hate managing your finances, this app takes the pain out of doing so and is also a colorful alternative making it fun to use. Mint tracks your spending, budget, and money management so that you’re making the best financial decisions. Won’t you feel accomplished when your bank account thanks you?
6. Tinder As the app says, “Meet interesting people nearby.” Tinder is a fun and easy way to meet and connect with other people. Simply create a profile that represents who you are, swipe right to Like or swipe left to Pass. If someone likes you back, it’s a match and you can start chatting!
7. Plants vs. Zombies 2 A spin sequel on the first Plants vs. Zombies, Plants vs. Zombies 2 is a game that you’ll want to play. Enjoy destroing zombies using an army of powerful plants and other garden elements to protect yourself. n
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LA’s Best Restaurants
By Jess Jimenez, Jose Huerta, & Veronica Guevara
Looking for something casual or upscale, this list will guide you in picking a hot dining spot!
Fish Taco Express Owner and operator, Abisai Morales, only messes with the freshest and healthiest ingredients at his taco stand and in his A-graded taco truck, Fish Taco express. This Rosarito-style establishment features delectably healthy but incredibly tasty options from their classic fish and Carne Asada tacos to their irresistible ceviche tostada and shrimp tacos. The fish, fileted and brought in from Alaska, is lightly battered so that you can truly taste the freshness of the fish. The cream, salsa and spices are secret homemade recipes that create a balanced flavor profile that is unmatched by any other local taco spot. When on the go, Fish Taco express has a convenient taco truck located in Monterey Park and is open from 4pm-11pm for a delicious quick bite and the flagship location, is located in East LA and is open from 8am-10pm, but we recommend showing up early to beat the late evening crowd. 5144 E. Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90022, 323.264.8233 • Food Truck 330 N. Atlantic Blvd, Monterey Park, CA 91754, 562.373.2533.
Pattaya Bay Thai Restaurant A quaint yet modern eatery, this is the place to come when you want traditional Thai food. Pattaya Bay, nestled in Los Feliz, was established 12 years ago but now under new management this cool place is one that Angelinos should try. At this great find we sampled their specialties that were delightful and very tasty. We tried the Pad Thai Sukothai (crispy bacon, egg, tofu), Spicy Basil Leaves with Soft Shell Crab, Larb (minced chicken, pork or beef), and the savory appetizer Money Bag (spring roll w/minced chicken, peas, carrots). Accompany your meal with the refreshing Thai Iced Tea. They offer beer/wine that you can enjoy with live Karaoke after 9pm. It’s an ideal place to get your dose of Thai cuisine at a reasonable price and enjoy the atmosphere! Delivery, Take-Out, and online menu available. Open everyday 11am-v 1727 N. Vermont Ave. #103-105, Los Angeles, CA 90027, 323.666.0880.
Taj Mahal of India The family-owned Taj Mahal of india restaurant with its authentic Indian décor has been in business for seven years. While there, enjoy the Mango Lassi drink, with an array of meal options such as the ever popular Chicken Tikka Masala, Vegetable Samosa with potatoes and peas, Vegetable Biryani sprinkled with fried onion, Chicken Tandoori, Razalla with a potato and almond cream sauce, and can’t forget the choice of Onion Naan or Garlic Naan. Everything is made to order with spices from India that are roasted and grinded in house. For dessert, try the Kulfi homemade ice cream, and the Rasa Malai, which are cheese patties laced with sweet milk. Delivery, catering, and take out are offered as well. Open 7 days a week all day from 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. with a lunch buffet from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. daily. 8566 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035, 310.652.8598 30 GentlemensGuideLA.com
Tokyo Fried Chicken Co.
Sena On Myrtle
Tokyo Fried Chicken Co. is located in Monterey Park and here you will enjoy Chef Kouji’s take on fried chicken, with influences from his Japanese heritage. The chicken is fried bone-in for extra flavor and has a crispy skin that will have you savoring for more. It’s best that you order a dinner set, which comes with fried chicken, a chicken rice that perfectly compliments and a house pickled ginger cabbage to cleanse your pallet between every bite. We recommend the following side dishes, the macaroni and cheese that comes complete with rice crackers on top to create a fusion of a crispy outside and warm and creamy inside and the soy glazed yams that are sweet and savory. Try one of their three signature sauces, spicy ponzu sauce will add a bold heat while the sweet and spicy ponzu starts off sweet and leaves you with a lingering bite. Tokyo Fried Chicken Co. is open every day after 5:30 for dinner. 122 S. Atlantic Blvd., Monterey Park, CA 91754, 626.282.9829
This local favorite is two restaurants in one - a cozy bar area and an open patio eatery. This place has something for everyone, serving delicious Mexican fusion cuisine and rendering specialty drinks like the Moscow Mule or the Orient Apple-tini. Known for their tacos some of the favs are the Short Rib with caramelized onions and the beer battered Fish tacos, make sure to add the “Secret Sena” sauce. Other picks are the Lobster or Short Rib Grilled Cheese, Filet Mignon Quesadilla, Burger by Nic, and the Sea Stack (Ahi Tuna, shrimp ceviche). Check out their “Happy Hour” from 4-7pm, live DJ on Fridays, and daily specials like “Taco Tuesday”. Open for lunch/dinner Mon-Fri, breakfast/lunch/dinner on Sat-Sun. 409 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016, 626.359.9463
Patakan Thai Restaurant
Wokcano
Nice quaint place located in South Pasadena known by the locals for their great Thai dishes. Perfect spot for lunch or dinner with a full menu from salads like the Papaya Salad with spicy lime sauce to soups like the Tom Yum Gai to rice dishes like Kao Kaprow Gai Sub to noodle dishes like Pad-See-U not to mention curry dishes. Enjoy their signature dish of Crying Tiger, tender steak grilled to your liking with fresh vegetables and a spicy sour sauce. No dinner is complete without topping it off with a dessert like Fried Ice Cream or Fried Banana. If you are craving for some delicious and affordable Thai food head to Patakan Thai Restaurant. Open daily from 11am to 9:30pm 711 Fair Oaks Ave. #M, South Pasadena, CA 91030, 626.441.2489
With eight years of being open in Burbank and their six locations, Wokcano stands out in an area with a fierce competition. This “two eateries in one” joint serves the best Asian cuisine and fresh tasting traditional platters like Yellowtail Sashimi, Pad Thai, and Orange Crispy Chicken, all made with fresh ingredients. We recommend ordering the Black Pepper Beef Mignon, Spicy Garlic Eggplant, Marinated Short Ribs, and their Bacon-wrapped Mushroom and Rib-eye Yakatori. Every dish is mouthwatering along with the specialty drinks like their Dragon’s Breathe and you will get a great value for each plate. Take advantage of their lunch specials along with their Happy Hour prices. Open daily from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. 150 S. San Fernando Blvd., Burbank, CA 91502, 818.524.2288 GentlemensGuideLA.com 31
Casa Bianca - casabiancapizza.com Sicilian Italian cuisine in the heart of Eagle Rock, Casa Bianca has been open since 1955 and has been a hit with the locals ever since. You ask why, how about the good service, the affordable prices, and not to mention the authentic delicious Italian food. We started with the Antipasto (olives, salami, provolone/mortadella/ricotta), then the Pasta Al Forno (baked pasta with meat sauce), Lasagna, and as if it could get any better, their thin crust Deluxe pizza was divine. The family-owned recipes really show in all of the meals, you cannot go wrong with any dish and they offer other dishes like Eggplant Parmigiana and Shrimp Pasta. Open for dinner, closed on Sun/Mon, cash only. Take-out and Party Platters available.
1650. Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90041, 323.256.9617
Babita Mexicuisine - babita-mexicuisine.com Appetizing enjoyment in a surprising location, you would never think that this small quaint place offers one of the best gourmet-style Mexican cuisine in LA. We started with their Soup of the Day; the Chef Roberto Berrelleza mentioned that he always offers a “dual” Soup, one side sweet (Roasted Guava Cream) and the other side savory (Roasted Celery Cream). We then enjoyed the Tequila Cured Salmon Sope, the Yucatan specialty of Cochinita Pibil served with handmade tortillas, and finally the exquisite Filet Mignon and Scallops. Every dish is an explosion of flavors in your mouth; this is a perfect dining experience for when you want something out of the ordinary. Open for lunch and dinner Tues-Fri, closed Sun/Mon.
1823 S. San Gabriel Blvd., San Gabriel, CA 91776, 626.288.7265
El Rincon Criollo - bestcubanfood.com
As the pioneer of the Cuban restaurants in Los Angeles, El Rincon Criollo has served authentic comida since 1969. We at GG discovered this Westside eatery and were elated to have tried the best Cuban fare outside of CUBA. We tried some scrumptious Cuban platillos, Ropa Vieja (shredded beef), Pollo Asado (grilled chicken), and Lechon Asado (roast pork), all awesome. They also have a great selection of salads, soups, sandwiches, and seafood. They serve lunch specials, offer dine in or take out, plus a fabulous cocktail menu, all at a moderate price. As you’re enjoying your food at this wonderful place, all the Cuban art and memorabilia on the walls will take you back. So, if you’re looking for some great food, head to El Rincon Criollo, you will be delighted. Open daily from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
4361 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, CA 90230, 310.397.9295
Mahan Indian Restaurant - mahanrestaurant.com
Mahan meaning “great” in Indian, accurately portrays its grand array of Indian cuisine. Family-owned for 14 years and located in the downtown area of Alhambra. For starters, try their refreshing Cucumber Salad mixed with tomatoes, cilantro, and lemon squeezed juice. Try the Garlic Naan bread or the Chicken Naan, which is Naan stuffed with chicken slices. They also have Tandoori Chicken, marinated in yogurt, garlic, ginger, and is cooked in tandoor. Looking for a vegetarian dish, look no further than the Pumpkin Curry or the Aloo Gobi (cauliflower, potatoes cooked in mildly spiced gravy). The Chicken Tikka Masala is also a crowd pleaser with its boneless Tandoori chicken cooked in mild tomato yogurt sauce and Biryani (Basmati rice), either assorted vegetables or shrimp. Accompany your meal with either a Mango Lassi or a Taj Mahal Beer. Open from 11am10pm daily, lunch buffet 11am-3pm Mon-Sat, Sun “Champagne Brunch” 11am-3pm. Catering available.
15826 Ventura Blvd. 2nd Floor, Encino, CA 91436, 818.905.7446 32 GentlemensGuideLA.com
Exotic Thai - exoticthaiburbank.com Open since 1996, this favorite local eatery takes you to the heart of Bangkok with the authentic décor and savory traditional dishes. Not much has changed with the menu, since opening Exotic Thai has offered tasty, healthy cuisine. Starting with the appetizers like Bangkok Garden Roll (served w/mustard sweet sour sauce) or the Mummy Shrimp (wrapped in golden egg noodle). Everything is freshly prepared; some of our favorites are Tom Kah Kai Chicken Soup (coconut broth), Kick Boxing Red Curry (red bell pepper, basil), Delightful Filet of Sole (lightly battered), and the popular Crying Tiger (New York Steak). Leave room for the Mango w/Coconut Sticky Rice or Fried Banana w/Ice Cream. Beer/Wine/Sake, Take-out and Delivery available. Open for lunch and dinner Mon-Fri, Sat/Sun open all day. 1212 N. San Fernando Blvd. Unit H, Burbank, CA 91504, 818.841.2555
Kobawoo House Kobawoo House, a staple in Koreatown serving authentic traditional Korean dishes for 30 years. Some of their specialties are the Wang Bossam (cabbage wrap w/boiled pork), Kalbi BBQ (marinated grilled short ribs), and the Bulgogi (marinated beef rib eye), their side dishes of kimchi and spinach. Another favorite are their hot stone pots like the Sanche Bibimbab (vegetables with ground beef) and the Dolshot Bibimbab (rice, vegetables, ground beef). Accompany the flavorful food with a Hite Beer, Soju, or Makkoli (rice wine). If you want to savor home-style Korean food, this is your place, ideal for a casual date night. Open daily from 11am-11pm.
698 S. Vermont Ave. #109, Los Angeles, CA 90005, 213.389.7300
My Thai Kitchen - mythaiktown.comt
A unique eatery in Korea Town’s restaurant district on 6th street that serves up some savory Thai eats. If you are looking to surprise your guest, head to this modern quaint place. Its dishes specialize in Northern Thai cuisine and here you will find authentic home-cooked meals that any palate will enjoy. For starters we recommend the Cream Cheese Wontons, Chicken Satay, and the Golden Calamari, one of the best we’ve had. We enjoyed their specialties Crying Tiger (rib-eye), Spicy Fried Rice, Trio Pad Ped (eggplant), all very flavorful. Other popular dishes are the Hidden Treasure (seafood), Shrimp Avocado Salad, and Spinach Curry. We finished with their fabulous fried banana with coconut ice cream. With their good atmosphere, food, and great prices, the place was a hit with us! Open daily from 11am (Sat/Sun at 11:30am) to 10pm. 3407 W. 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90020, 213.738.8849
Cacao Mexicatessen - cacaodeli.com
Step into a Baja California retreat when you walk in here, open since 2009. Serving Mexican food with a modern twist, this laid back locale offers top quality dishes, starting with their specialty tacos served on hand-made corn tortillas some of our favorites are the Quesataco de Tijuana (albacore tuna), Carnitas de Pato (duck confit), Hongos Al Mojo (mushrooms), Camarones Enchipotlados (shrimp), and Chile Guero de Baja (chile relleno). For a lighter fare, try the Villas del Valle Quesadilla topped with pesto and for a bigger appetite try the Tres Puerquitos (porkbelly, chorizo, cochinita pibil). You can unwind in their bar area with their Mexican Wine, Craft Beer, or Agave Margarita. Closed Monday, Tues-Sat 8:30am to 9pm, Sun 8:30am to 8pm.
1576 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90041, 323.478.2791 GentlemensGuideLA.com 33
City of Champions
Stadium By Bonnie Wong
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Home to
L.A. Rams In 2019
GentlemensGuideLA.com 37
W
ith a new football team, Los Angeles is planning to build a new stadium to match. The nation’s second-largest city will be branding the “world’s most expensive stadium complex.” With 300 acres in Inglewood, the NFL Rams will enjoy the stadium estimated to be $2.6 billion of 3.1 million-square feet and house over 100,000 people. Twice the size of the Disneyland Resort, the stadium will have a 6,000-seat performance venue, 1.5 million square feet dedicated to retail and office space, 2,500 homes, a 300-room hotel, and 25 acres of parks.
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The stadium is designed by HKS, an international architect company, featuring a sail-shaped roof that is double the size of the stadium. The roof will cover the football field, the arts venue, and Champions Plaza in between. A transparent canopy that can also be programmed as a billboard will also cover the stadium. The stadium is located directly under LAX’s flight path and the billboard will serve to promote viewership. In case the Chargers decide to move with the Rams to Los Angeles, the stadium will be able to house both comfortably. Currently, the most expensive stadium is the MetLife Stadium located in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This stadium is home to the New York Giants and New York Jets with an estimated cost of $1.6 billion. The new L.A. stadium costs nearly $1 billion more. In addition, L.A. is notoriously known for the traffic, so what will this stadium do about parking? Developers plan 9,000 on-site parking spaces, including 1,000 spaces underneath the stadium for VIP. 3,000 spaces belong to the Forum and there are 41,000 more parking spaces within a mile and a half. The stadium will be completed in 2019; so eager fans can finally have a new NFL home in Los Angeles. n GentlemensGuideLA.com
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GG’s
Sports
LeBron James Comes To The Lakers By Lillian Lokonobei
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f you haven’t heard by now, the newest kid on the Lakers block is undoubtedly the best player in the NBA, LeBron James.
I
King James Moves To The West
During the offseason, the Lakers acquired LeBron James after he signed a $153 million 4-year deal with the team. LeBron’s presence in the West is having an effect on the young team as they watch them mesh together as teammates this season. Having just passed Wilt Chamberlain to reach the ‘Top 5 Scorers of All-Time’ list, LeBron has already begun to show why he is known as “King James”…leading his team to continuous game wins during the regular season.
rumors toward a possible free agency to acquire another basketball star to the team next year. The Lakers also acquired Tyson Chandler from Phoenix, who signed a 1year $2.1 million contract with the team on Nov. 6, just one day before making his official debut with the team as they played against the Timberwolves. As a center, the defensive pressure has let up on JaVale McGee, who is a part of the starting five. He’s been the team’s best individual defender for the team since becoming a Laker last month. As an LA native, he seems to be feeling right at home with his hometown team. Newly acquired Rajon Rondo appreci-
Lakers Beef Up Roster With ates having another veteran player on NBA Veterans the team. “When Tyson’s talking, I don’t
It wasn’t shocking that the franchise also apprehended Rajon Rondo, JaVale McGee, and Lance Stephenson to build up the Lakers’ roster with more seasoned players. Many of the new additions have signed 1-year deals, sparking
need to talk as well. So having another voice in the locker room is big. Especially for me and Bron,” Rondo said. Rajon Rondo suffered an injury and had to undergo surgery for a broken hand, keeping him off the court for GentlemensGuideLA.com 41
5 weeks. Reports say that the Lakers guard is close to returning since participating at practice with the team recently. Rondo also signed a 1-year deal with the Lakers.
Will The Lakers Forge On To The Finals?
Lakers’ fans are conflicted with the new roster; the team is filled with young players and big trades but will it succumb to the LeBron effect? Kyle Lowry said, “He puts a lot of pressure on you, but he takes a lot of pressure off you, too. You know what you’re getting. He’s earned that, but he’s human. If you’re a
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strong enough personality, you can handle it.” Many star players find it hard to play with LeBron because of the sensation that surrounds him. His legacy requires so much attention that it has been hinted that players like Jimmy Butler and Kyrie irving might have sought other trade options against playing alongside the star player. Despite the pressures of playing alongside LeBron, the young team has improved their consistency, pulling through to be fifth in the Western Conference. Lonzo Ball, Brandon ingram and Kyle Kuzma proved how
well they’ve played with veterans on the team and a solid defense following Chandler and McGee. Ball has averaged 8.2 points per game with an average of 27.7 minutes per game. ingram is out following an ankle injury during their game against the Spurs but the forward averages 15.2 points per game and 30.8 minutes per game so far this season. Kuzma has slightly higher averages with 16.8 points per game and an average of 31.1 minutes per game. The young roster has only excelled as they’ve won 14 of their last 17 games.
On Their Way To The Playoffs
Now that the Lakers are number five in the Western Conference and rank ninth in power rankings in week eight, the newly fashioned team is gearing up for a big chance at the playoffs. The question that remains is, will the Lakers finally be able to restore its shining legacy this season? If they continue to play consistently and only get better, they’ll head to the top of the Pacific rankings and fight their way through Western Conference playoffs. n
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GG’s
Feature
Camila Cabello:
2018 Artist Of The Year By Jamie Chau
F
rom being one of "The 25 Most Influential Teens of 2016" to hitting number four with “Bad Things” on Billboard Hot 100, Camila Cabello has rightfully made herself one of pop’s most most signficant figures. When she left Fifth Harmony in 2016, there was a lot of confusion and disagreement that followed. The realization that Fifth Harmony would only be comprised of four members and the question of why Camila had left flitted through the gossip of fans and contemplations of the media. Fast forward two years later, Camila is thriving more than ever, serenading the world with her bold voice at the age of 21. Best known at the moment for her catchy single, “Havana”, it is clear that Camila has made a name for herself and is seen as a very successful, self-made artist.
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From Havana to the Stage of the X Factor
Karla Camila Cabello Estrabao was born in 1997 in Cojimar, Eastern Havana, Cuba. She spent majority of her early life alternating between Havana and Mexico City with her parents, Sinuhe Estrabao and Alejandro Cabello, before landing in Miami, Florida, at the age of six. She became a citizen of the United States when she was eight. Her mother, an architect in Cuba, found a job at Marshalls, and her father at the carwash of the local mall. Eventually, Cabello’s parents earned enough to start their own construction company, and Cabello announced her hopes of a music career on her fifteenth birthday by asking for a ride to the X Factor’s second season audition.
GentlemensGuideLA.com 47
Cabello’s parents were shocked. In a New York Times article, her mother recalled how Cabello had been “so shy, so shy”, and that she “didn’t even think music was a possibility for her”. But perhaps there were always hints of it, buried in Cabello’s childhood musical influences, Celia Cruz and Alejandro Fernández.
Five Years with Fifth Harmony
Following her X Factor audition, Cabello was originally eliminated, only to be called back and placed into a girl group known as Fifth Harmony, handled by Simon Cowell’s Synco and Epic Records. Cabello spent the next five years of her life plunging her talented vocals into two albums and performing in a total of six tours. Then, on December 18, 2016, Fifth Harmony cracked and Cabello was the seemingly odd one out. The official statement from the remaining members of Fifth Harmony had been simple- that Camilla had communicated her desire to leave the
group, reassurance that the group will continue on with four members, and a quick thank you to fans. However, further interviews and a specific performance from the group would prove that Cabello’s departure was the result of a series of disagreements. Problems began to brew all the way back in 2015, when Cabello and Shawn Mendes worked together on “I Know What You Did Last Summer”, which lead the rest of Fifth Harmony to refrain her from writing lyrics for the group. This continued as Cabello went on to collaborate with other artists, including Blanco, Cashmere Cat, and Diplo. Fifth Harmony’s reaction to this was to make Cabello choose between her individual projects and the group. Cabello obviously chose to pursue her own endeavors, but did not hear the end of it from her former team. At the MTV VMAs, Fifth Harmony ridiculed Cabello by making a show of a female silhouette being pulled off the stage at the beginning of their performance, leaving Cabello feeling hurt.
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Flying High As a Solo Artist Cabello recovered quite well and soared above the controversy that had jumbled at the foot of her departure from Fifth Harmony. On May 19, 2017, she released her first solo single, “Crying in the Club”, which landed at number 47 in the United States. Following this, she appeared in various opening acts of Bruno Mars’ 24K Magic Tour and came back with an even more victorious single- “Havana”. When the new year came along, Cabello’s first full solo album, “Camila” came out and was debuted as number one in the United States. Although mainly a pop album, many of Cabello’s songs were intertwined with bits of Latin, R&B, and other genres. Cabello also made it a point to pay respect to her Cuban heritage in her music in the midst of her songs about heartbreak and love, as she did in “Havana”. Camila Cabello won MTV’s 2018 “Artist of the Year” at the VMAs, at only 21 years old, we are sure in store for much more from this versatile artist. n GentlemensGuideLA.com 49
MEN’s
Cars
The Ford GT: American Muscle Takes on European Exotics By Jerry Shumway
“We can build it. We have the technology.”
N
o, I’m not referring to Steve Austin, the fictional hero of the mid-1970s television drama The Six Million Dollar Man. What I am referring to is the new supercar engineered by Ford that is reminiscent of that groundbreaking show about futuristic, bionic technology. The Ford GT comes equipped with 647 horses under its hood, 550 lb-ft of torque and a top speed of 216 mph while weighing in at 3,045 lbs. But before we get down to the nitty gritty with this road beast, let’s start with a little history lesson. When it comes to supercars and racing, the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race is the Kentucky Derby, Super Bowl and World Cup all rolled into one. Amazingly, in 1966, the Ford GT40 placed first, second and third in the celebrated race and continued its mastery by winning the Le Mans for the following four years. So suffice it to say that the Blue Oval and 24 Hours of Le Mans have shared quite a history. Now, 50 years after its historic top-three finish, Ford has finally released a car worthy of the “GT” name--and this time with an even more exclusive price tag. Besides being even more aesthetically pleasing than the Batmobile and boasting greater technology than the inside of Iron Man’s suit, it’s the pure innovation that truly sets the Ford GT apart from its exotic peers, such as the McLaren 675LT and Ferrari 488 GTB. Move Over, Silicon Valley Dave Pericak, head of Ford Performance, and Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president of global product development and the man many refer to as the “father of the GT” are the individuals we have to thank for this modern technological marvel. The five modes that allow the driver the freedom of taking the GT out on the open road anywhere, any-
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time and in any weather are made possible by the car's twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter ExoBoost V-6 engine. To help control this virtual bullet of an automobile, the GT comes with carbon-ceramic brakes and 20-inch wheels wrapped nice and snugly by Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 tires. But it's the active aerodynamics that has people talking. The full carbon-fiber construction and body panels complement the cabin’s teardrop shape and the GT’s flying buttresses, which hide the piping and intercoolers as well as the twin turbochargers mounted in the rear sponsons. The rear spoiler is hydraulically actuated, much like the suspension and even changes shape at speed. This is all possible due to a small cam inside the rear wing that adjusts the gurney flap up and down to compensate for high speeds. For lack of better words, we’re basically dealing with a supercar with a monster truck's engine power. A Mode for Every Occasion Now let’s discuss the GT’s drive modes, shall we? All five modes are uniquely designed for any situation, whether you’re cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway, whizzing past fellow commuters on a rainy day or finding yourself on the Autobahn ready to see what this baby can really do. First, we have Normal mode, which features additional comfort suspension seating activated by a button on the center console. Normal mode also utilizes a nose-lift function that operates in the same manner as the comfort suspension. Wet mode, as the name would indicate, adapts for inclement
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weather by softening the throttle and transmission mapping. Now, it gets really interesting. As opposed to Wet mode, Sport mode sharpens the GT’s throttle response, engages an anti-lag system, loosens up traction control restrictions, and pops the rear spoiler up at 70 mph and back down at 45 mph. In Normal, Wet and Sport modes, the GT’s suspension is set high and the car’s rear wing deploys only at high speed. But in Track mode, the rear spoiler is automatically deployed and the car drops like a lowrider El Camino – one with over 600 horsepower! Dropping by 50mm, stiffening the suspension to a racecar level and deploying the rear spoiler create maximum down force so that the rubber can really hug the pavement. And finally, the pièce de résistance: V-Max mode. V-Max refers to the mode's ability to reach maximum velocity by cleaning up the GT’s aerodynamic profile and dropping the rear wing. Oh, and this maximum velocity? 216 mph—11 mph faster than the 2004 edition of the GT. That makes it the fastest Ford ever in history. Careful - Don’t Look Directly At It And if all of that wasn’t enough, now it’s time to admire the GT’s appearance. Much like Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, every detail of this masterpiece was strategically planned and engineered for the efficiency of the machine and the delight of onlookers. When you sit in the driver's seat, you’ll notice that it isn’t adjustable. It's in a fixed position within the carbon-fiber tub, and the steering wheel and pedals adjust to the driver. The finesse and detail exhibited by the engineering evident in the cabin is enough to draw even a calligrapher's attention. Raj Nair explained that the Ford team calculated how close together they could put the passengers and then wrapped the cabin around them. Whereas most would assume that a supercar would have a dash evocative of a pilot’s cockpit, the GT’s dash has few buttons. That makes for a much more busi-
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ness-like layout. There's also a central color touch-screen display that includes Ford’s newly introduced Sync 3 infotainment setup. And a pair of paddle shifters located on the racecar-shaped “squircle” steering wheel allow for simple gearshifts. Located up front near the steering wheel, the GT’s air intake hides grille shutters that manage air pressure on the front wheels. Now let's check out the outside of this beauty. The scissor doors have seen an improvement from previous versions. They now hinge up and forward so as to not incorporate portions of the roof, making for a more seamless appearance and efficient entrance and exit. The wide front end should ring a few bells with Ford-heads, as it has clearly drawn inspiration from the classic Ford GT40. As you venture towards the trunk intent on loading your suitcase, “Fuhgeddaboutit”, as Donnie Brasco would say. The lack of trunk space may be the only aspect of the GT that we can’t absolutely praise. With comparisons to the McLaren 675LT and the Ferrari 488GTB, it’s no wonder the Ford GT is in high demand. The GT features 647 ponies, 550 lbs-ft of torque, a top speed of 216 mph, 11 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. The first GT will fly off the Markham, Ontario assembly line before December 21st of this year. Bill Ford Jr. and the rest of Ford have committed to a four-year production run with 250 of these beasts being built per year. Oh, and if you plan on getting behind the wheel of one of these bad boys, get out your pocket book and get in line. The first years GT’s unfortunately all have owners and have been spoken for by celebrities and CEOs all over the world. Maybe if you start saving now, you can afford the $450,000-ish price tag by the time the next run is finished. n
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Gentlemen’s Guide LA’s Top Gentlemen’s Clubs By Tomy Davis
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GENTLEMEN’s
Clubs
uys when you want to get out with the boys, Los Angeles has some great Gentlemen’s Clubs you can visit. After reviewing most of them, we have compiled a list of several spots you can enjoy. They are in no order but they are spread around and encompass all of LA for your convenience and pleasure. So, what are you guys waiting for? Go out and explore.
G 1
Cheetahs
323-660-6733 4600 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90027 Club Type: Nude Overall Rating: 6.98 • Dancer Rating: 7.25 • Dollar Value: 7.50 • Club Atmosphere: 7.00. cheetahsclubhollywood.com
2
4Play
310-575-0660 2238 Cotner Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90064 Club Type: Nude Overall Rating: 6.96 • Dancer Rating: 6.47 • Dollar Value: 7.51 • Club Atmosphere: 6.80. 4playclub.com
3
Seventh Veil
323-876-4761 7180 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90064 Club Type: Nude Overall Rating: 6.96 • Dancer Rating: 6.47 • Dollar Value: 7.51 • Club Atmosphere: 6.85. damesngames.net 58 GentlemensGuideLA.com
4
Dames & Games
5
Fantasy Island
323-589-2220 2319 E Washington Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90021 Club Type: Nude Overall Rating: 6.96 • Dancer Rating: 6.47 • Dollar Value: 7.51 • Club Atmosphere: 6.84. damesngames.net 310-473-5678 11434 W. Pico Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90064 Club Type: Topless Overall Rating: 6.62 • Dancer Rating: 6.36 • Dollar Value: 6.71 • Club Atmosphere: 6.79. fantasyislandclub.com
6
Sam’s Hofbrau
213-623-3989 1751 E. Olympic Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90021 Club Type: Nude Overall Rating: 6.8 • Dancer Rating: 6.67 • Dollar Value: 6.86 • Club Atmosphere: 6.86. samshofbrau.com
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Crazy Girls
323-969-0055 1433 N. La Brea Ave Los Angeles, CA 90028 Club Type: Nude Overall Rating: 7.19 • Dancer Rating: 7.29 • Dollar Value: 7.51 • Club Atmosphere: 6.79.. lacrazygirls.com
Candy Cat Too
818-999-3187 6816 Winnetka Ave Canoga Park, CA 91306 Club Type: Topless Overall Rating: 6.63 • Dancer Rating: 5.6 • Dollar Value: 5.29 • Club Atmosphere: 9.02. thecandycats.com
8
Déjà Vu
818-982-1199 7350 Coldwater Canyon Ave North Hollywood, CA 91605 Club Type: Topless Overall Rating: 6.7 • Dancer Rating: 6.89 • Dollar Value: 5.96 • Club Atmosphere: 7.26. dejavu.com
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10
Rouge
818-786-1822 14626 Raymer Street Van Nuys, CA 91405 Club Type: Nude Overall Rating: 6.74 • Dancer Rating: 7.31 • Dollar Value: 5.49 • Club Atmosphere: 7.41. rougegentlemensclub.com.
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. n
11
Spearmint Rhino
213-629-9213 2020 E. Olympic Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90021 Club Type: Nude Overall Rating: 7.13 • Dancer Rating: 6.55 • Dollar Value: 7.72 • Club Atmosphere: 7.12.. spearmintrhino.com
12
The PlayPen
213-489-2000 1109 S. Santa Fe Ave Los Angeles, CA 90021 Club Type: Topless Overall Rating: 6.88 • Dancer Rating: 6.89 • Dollar Value: 7.3 • Club Atmosphere: 6.46.. playclubs.net.
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LA’s
Hangouts
Top Outdoor Activities In Los Angeles By Jerry Shumway
The warm weather is here and it is time to enjoy the sun and the great outdoors. So what is a Gent to do? We have compiled the best activities in LA where you can truly relish your surroundings. 1. Venice Beach Boardwalk Only second to the powerhouse tourist attraction that is Disneyland, Venice Beach, or Ocean Front Walk, bring in on average over 10 million visitors. Travelers and locals alike enjoy the street vendors, performers and privately owned food venues along a sensational two-mile stretch alongside California’s Pacific Coast Highway. Venice Beach Boardwalk, located at 1800 Ocean Front Walk in Venice, California features basketball courts, handball tournaments and the historic Muscle Beach Venice gym. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, hop on one of Rent a Segway‘s self-balancing transportation vehicles and cruise Venice’s bike path toward Santa Monica. Located near the Venice Beach skate park, Rent a Segway offers a unique view of the gold coast at 1501 Ocean Front Walk. For reservation call 310-302-7867. 2. LA Dive and Ride Have you ever wondered what happens below the ocean’s surface? Allow the professionals at LA Dive and Ride to open your eyes to the wonderful world of scuba diving. LA Dive and Ride has been offering local and tropical trips year round since its inception in 2009. If you’re a timid first timer like me, fear not. At LA Dive and Ride they empower beginners with the skills and knowledge necessary to enjoy a safe underwater experience. Owned by “Andy B,” a certified PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer and Emergency First Response Instructor, LA Dive and Ride is located at 4117 Bemis St. in the Atwater Village of Los Angeles, California. Call 323-638-7554 to plan your underwater excursion. 64 GentlemensGuideLA.com
3. LA River Kayak Safari For those of us stuck in the iron jungle that is Los Angeles and long for a deep breath of the clean air reserved for the great outdoors, LA River Kayak Safari offers this experience. Urban culture meets whitewater rafting and the wildlife of the LA River in Frogtown with this invigorating kayaking experience. LA River Kayak Safari is the only tour that offers three hours of biking, river lore as well as a downstream paddling that is not only fun but challenging and abundant in Southern California wildlife that you won’t see from your cubicle downtown. The LA River in Frogtown has become a hub for progressive innovation by introducing restaurants, coffee shops and art. Located at 2825 Benedict St. in Los Angeles, California, LA River Kayak Safari requires no booking fees, call 213-308-5390 to book your kayak safari. 4. Windsports Hang Gliding For the Angeleno with an inclination for adrenaline, Windsports Hang Gliding offers a unique view of the coast that you won’t get anywhere else. Windsports Hang Gliding has been teaching and spreading hang gliding wisdom to the people of Los Angeles for nearly 40 years and offer three different types of experiences for all levels of adrenaline junkies. First, we have the beach lessons. Beach lessons allow a rookie hang glider to gain an understanding of what it feels like to soar while only coasting a few feet above the soft gold coast sand. For the more daring gliders, tandem lessons take you off a 2,500 ft. mountain with a professional flight instructor at your side. Pilot lessons are also offered for those who wish to one day fly alone and become skilled hang glider pilots. Windsports Hang Gliding is located at the “world famous” Sylmar Hang Gliding Flight Park at 12623 Gridley St. Sylmar, California, call 818-367-2430 to book your flight. 5. Summit Mount Baldy Are you a more rugged Angeleno? If you enjoy hiking and having a delicious meal with an immaculate view, then the climb up Mount Baldy is for you. Mount San Antonio, affectionately named Mount Baldy due to its lack of trees at the summit, offers the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains, the highest point in Los Angeles County and a restaurant at 7,300 to reward you for your efforts. Mount Baldy peaks at 10,068 ft. and marks the border of San Bernardino and Los Angeles County. Before you get to the tippy top, stop for a meal at the Top of the Notch Restaurant. Top of the Notch Restaurant offers salads, hamburgers and sandwiches perfectly paired with breathtaking views. If you don’t feel like trekking up the 7,300 ft. to the restaurant, it is also accessible by ski lift. Mount Baldy’s trailhead is located at the Manker Campground, Mt. Baldy, CA and you can call ahead at 909-982-2829 to make sure the trail is open for business. GentlemensGuideLA.com 65
6. Santa Monica Pier Home to Pacific Park, the only amusement park located on a pier on the West Coast, the Santa Monica Pier remains the landmark of the Los Angeles coast. With sandy beaches, decadent eateries and miles of bike paths to travel on, the Santa Monica Pier is the quintessential California cultural scene. Visit The Lobster, Herringbone, Pier Burger or Big Dean’s Oceanfront Café, which are all located on or below the pier and offer an unprecedented oceanfront meal. The Santa Monica Pier also features an aquarium and pier fishing alongside the Pacific Ocean as well as one of three walkthrough pinhole cameras in the United States called Camera Obscura in Palisades Park. The Santa Monica Pier is located at 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA… You can’t miss it. Call ahead for information on events and activities at the pier at 310-458-8900. 7. Amazing Santa Monica Race Leave it to Los Angeles to take CBS’s The Amazing Race and transform it into a fully immersive treasure hunt-esque experience available to the public. Amazing Santa Monica Race is the Santa Monica branch of this one-of-a-kind experience but is also offered in Sydney, Kona, Cozumel, Disneyland, Downtown Los Angeles and Galveston. One of the most unique activities offered in Los Angeles, Amazing Santa Monica Race takes you all over Santa Monica and Venice and offers a hybrid of sightseeing and interactive mystery solving puzzles. Located at 1171 S. Robertson Blvd. in Los Angeles, Amazing Santa Monica Race is perfect for birthday or bachelor parties as well as just a day out with the boys or a lucky lady. Call 818-942-3134 to reserve your chance to participate in this adventurous experience. 8. Backlot Studio Tours Whether you want to call it Tinsel Town or La La Land, Los Angeles has made a name for itself for producing some of the most prolific and cult classic films and television series’ of all time. Many of these films and television programs were films right here in our backyard at Paramount, Sony Pictures or Warner Bros. All three of these studios offer backlot studio tours giving tourists and locals an inside, behind-the-scenes, look at what goes into producing these cinematic masterpieces. Paramount, located at 5515 Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles offers the studio, VIP, and After Dark Tour options for any and all interest levels. Sony Pictures, located at 10202 West Washington Blvd. in Culver City offers two hour tours that will take you through the soundstages of such classics as the Wizard of Oz, Men in Black and Spider-Man. Lastly, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, located at 3400 W. Riverside Dr. in Burbank offer a studio tour and a deluxe tour that run as long as six hours for the more enthusiastic visitors. 66 GentlemensGuideLA.com
9. Olvera Street “The birthplace of Los Angeles.” Olvera Street offers a glimpse into the past with markets featuring old architecture, street vendors, cafés and restaurants that make you feel like you just stepped out of a time machine into “Old Los Angeles.” Created in 1930 in hopes of preserving the customs and trades of early Californians, Olvera Street is home to Aztec and Mexican folkloric dancers, mariachi music and handcrafted items. With an average of two million visitors per year, Olvera Street makes sure to go all out for all Mexican holidays such as Cinco de Mayo, Mexican Independence Day and Dia de los Muertos. Located at 845 N. Alameda St. in Los Angeles, Olvera Street offers 50-minute tours Tuesday through Saturday guided by Las Angelitas del Pueblo at 10 am, 11 am and noon. Don’t miss your chance to lay your eyes on the backbone of Los Angeles at Olvera Street.
10. Exotics Racing School With an unshakable passion for exotic cars, Romain Thievin and David Perisset founded Exotics Racing School. With locations in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, Exotics Racing School features the “world’s largest fleet of exotic cars,” and allows for enthusiasts the opportunity to get behind the wheel of their dream car. The Los Angeles branch is located just 45 minutes from Downtown at the Los Angeles Auto Club Speedway and features eight turns and a 1,600 ft. straight away as well as F1 TechPro barriers and FIA walls. The fully staffed professional racing instructors and certified fire & safety personnel offer some peace of mind when dealing with these automotive beasts. Get behind the wheel of a Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche or McLaren amongst others, and if one isn’t enough, the Los Angeles branch offers the opportunity to drive up to three cars for $599. Contact Exotics Racing School at 702-802-5662 or come down to 9300 Cherry Ave. in Fontana, California to fulfill your dream of driving a supercar. n
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LA’s Top
Best Spots Dance Clubs
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The Derby
Address: 4500 Los Feliz Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90027 Phone: (323) 663-8979 For 20 years, this place was home to Hollywood's famous Brown Derby and was the place to be seen if you were anybody at all. Today, the 1930s-era decor hearkens back to what might be called Hollywood's heyday. Music ranges from swing (with dance lessons) to reggae, and jazz.
El Floridita
Addresss: 1253 Vine St Los Angeles, CA 90038 Phone: (323) 871-8612 El Floridita Cuban Restaurant offers the most authentic and exciting Cuban experience in all of Los Angeles. With live music, Latin dancing, and delicious food, it’s hard to not come back every weekend.
Circus Disco
Address: 6655 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90038 Phone: (323) 462-1291 A patio, VIP lounge, disco room, and "bungalow" ensure that everyone finds a place to dance and relax. Some of the best DJs in LA spin techno, salsa, and disco in the main 70 GentlemensGuideLA.com
room, and a secondary dance floor above the bar features hip-hop. The highlight of the week is Saturday night's Spundae, when celebrity DJs spin tunes into the wee hours.
The Mayan
Address: 1038 South Hill Street Los Angeles, CA 90015 Phone: (213) 746-4674 Built in 1927, The Mayan was originally a live theater showcase. Today, it hosts some of LA's hottest salsa parties and regularly books salsa, merengue, and Rock en Espanol bands. The club enforces a strict dress code, so wear your most stylish dancing gear. When Latin tunes aren't in play, expect funk, disco, house, and retro rhythms.
Ultra Suede
Address: 661 N Robertson Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 Phone: (310) 659-4551 All walks of life are welcome at this upbeat, primarily gay and lesbian club. A crowded dance floor fills up quickly with 20-somethings moving to disco, rap, hip-hop, and R&B. Theme nights are popular and include "Club Metro" on Wednesday, featuring a
funky blend of R&B and Reggae.
LAX
Address: 1714 N Las Palmas Ave Hollywood, CA 9002 Phone: 323-464-0171 Bring your best moves, and dress to impress for a trip to this impossibly hip, airport-themed club. Lines are notoriously long to enter this celebrity hangout, but those who do gain entrance agree that the modern, sleek decor and seamless mix of hiphop and house are worth the wait.
Sky Fox Lounge
Address: 345 S Garey Ave Pomona, CA 91768 Phone: (909) 784-3671 The Sky Fox Lounge is the best nightclub in the Inland Empire that truly offers you a Hollywood experience without the drive. It features a full bar, music, dancing, an outdoor balcony, and even gogo dancers.
Mood
Address: 6623 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90028 Phone: (323) 464-6663 Offering Balinese-themed sensory overload, this ultra-hip club attracts young Hollywood and crowds of star-gazers. Nationally renowned DJs take over the both most nights and keep the dance floor full of gorgeous guys and girls. Queue early and get ready for a unique evening.
Cabana Club
Address: 1439 Ivar Ave Hollywood, CA 90028 Phone: 323-463-0005 The extravagant back patio features a reflecting pool, scaled-down waterfalls, requisite palm trees, and private cabanas with bottle service and spa treatments available. Live music gets the crowd moving on some nights when rock and hiphop acts take the stage.
Supperclub
Address: 6675 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles, CA, 90028 Phone: (323) 466-1900 An evening at Supperclub is delightfully enhanced through entertainment tailored to be experimental, fun, inviting, odd and wondrous. You may find yourself relaxing to down-tempo lounge music that tapers off into the final course, providing a relaxing and rejuvenating experience – or you may end up on the dance floor by second course, dancing the night away. n
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GG’s
Fitness
Innovative and Unique Workout Spots in Los Angeles By Jamie Chau
1 Tempest Academy
Fulfill your parkour dreams at Tempest Academy! Sure, traditional parkour enthusiasts jump off roofs and skip across ledges, but you can get the same (and safer) experience here, in the form of freerunning. Regardless of whether you’ve ever done freerunning in your life or not, you can have a great time at Tempest Academy, and the coaches there will ensure your safety by giving you some training before setting you off. Buy a one day pass to run around on your own, or sign up for some classes to really dig into the technique of freerunning! 3337 Jack Northrop Ave.Hawthorne, CA 90250, 310.644.7686
2 Cirque School
“Do you love the exhilaration of watching a circus? Have you ever imagined doing handstands in front of a cheering crowd? If so, hop on over to Cirque School. Founded by Aloysia Gavre, a veteran of the breathtaking Cirque du Soleil, Cirque School is dedicated to giving everyone a taste of the circus through extensive workouts. The classes, which range from Handstand 101 to Aerial 101, are run by circus professional. All students can choose a class that will be catered towards a specific skill and work on their flexibility and strength by engaging in various circus arts programs. 5640 1/2 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90028, 424.226.2477
3 Muscle Beach Gym
Feel the salty ocean breeze of Venice Beach against your skin while you work out at Muscle Beach Gym! It’s the only outdoor weight room in the area, and it has gained a reputation among the gymnastic and strength training community. And if you’re concerned about being outdoors, don’t be. Most of the people working out there are super friendly, and the equipment is kept clean by the staff of City of L.A. Recreation and Parks. 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291, 310.399.2775
4 Griffith Park
Griffith Park is one of the most famous hiking areas in Los Angeles. Pull on your workout gear and head on over, because there’s so much to experience! As you hike across Griffith Park, you will get to see the legendary Hollywood sign up close, a selection of wild animals, and even a bat cave. Griffith Park is one of the largest parks around, with 53 miles worth of trails and 4310 acres worth of terrain. And if you’re into astronomy, stop by the Griffith Observatory after your hike! 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, 323.913.4688 74 GentlemensGuideLA.com
5 Santa Monica Stairs
If you feel like working out those legs, then the Santa Monica Stairs are right for you. The Santa Monica Stairs are a set of two long, string of steps. The mixture of wooden and concrete steps add up to about 189 steps, at approximately 111 feet. It’s open all day, all year, so working out here should be easy to slide into your schedule. Be warned, however- the stairs are a hotspot for tourists and workout enthusiasts, so they will be packed as you make your way up. But regardless, it is an excellent place to exercise, and if you’re really hardcore about working out, feel free to throw in a couple of push ups or crunches at the side of the steps. 699 Adelaide Dr, Santa Monica, CA 90402
6 Swings, Rings, Ropes
If you are trying to focus on your strength training, then you should consider working out at Swing, Rings, Ropes. It’s a playground literally with the items embedded in its name- swings, rings, and ropes. There are also a variety of workout bars- parallel and uneven bars for various workout tactics. Swings, Rings, Ropes is parked right next to the Santa Monica Pier, so you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful landscape of the ferris wheel and roller coaster. The atmosphere is friendly and open, and you’ll have a great time working out there. 1700-1746 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA 90401
7 Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Get your bounce on at Sky Zone! With trampolines embedded all across the area, you’ll be hopping about and working out the entire time you’re there. It’s different than your usual daily jog, but it’ll still give you the same (if not better) workout, and it’s definitely much more fun. Not to mention, Sky Zone isn’t just about jumping. There are different programs for you to join that will allow you to engage in different activities on the trampolines, like shooting hoops and dodgeball. Sky Zone is also a great place to gather with friends, so if you ever want to bring a group of people to work out with you, consider Sky Zone. 1301 N Kellogg Dr, Anaheim, CA 92807, 714.693.0250
8 Rockreation
You don’t have to go to an actual mountain to go rock climbingRockreation has it all ready for you! Rockreation offers a wide selection of walls, each at a different difficulty level, so that you can get the workout you want. There’s a total of 10,000 square feet worth of climbing wall, and if that’s not your thing, consider taking on the boulder area, which has over 200 rope routes. If it’s your first time rockclimbing, don’t worry. Rockreation has trained coaches ready to teach you the skilled techniques needed for you to become a champion rock climber. If you find that you really enjoy it, you can even consider joining their teams! Rock climbing is a fun, igneous method of working out, and you are sure to become hooked. 11866 La Grange Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025, 310.207.7199 GentlemensGuideLA.com 75
GG’s
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Girls
Kelsey Merritt She is the first Filipina to grace the Victoria Secret’s Fashion Show; she loves traveling, Broadway Musicals, and reading.
Age: 22 Height: 5' 8" Weight: 119 lbs Bust: 32” Waist: 23" Hips: 34” Ethnicity: Filipino-American Hobbies: Traveling and Reading
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Kelsey Merritt: The Hottest Groundbreaking Model By Lillian Lokonobei
s the first Filipina to walk the world famous Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, Kelsey Merritt is the latest bombshell to make headlines. The 22year-old model was born in the Philippines and grew up in the city of Pampanga. Before getting signed to be a model, the Victoria’s Secret model graduated from the prestigious Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, Philippines with a degree in Communications. She takes great pride that she finished her university studies before pursuing her career in modeling.
A
Beauty & Brains
After graduating, Merritt moved to New York City in October of 2017 once she signed contracts with Supreme Management, Wilhelmina Model Management, Women Management Milan and Nomad Management. The 5’8” beauty was casted thanks to her NYC agency Supreme Management for Victoria’s Secret. After two castings, she received a callback about walking for the esteemed show, making her, as mentioned previously, the first Filipina to grace the runway.
Prepping For The Show
The model prepared for the show by cutting sugar from her diet, working out every-
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day and eating healthy. She admits that she has a major sweet tooth but it paid off for Merritt as she stayed busy and mentally prepared herself for her debut.
Traveling, Reading, and Broadway
The beauty says she loves to travel to many places. As an international model, it comes with the job, but dislikes the jetlag that it brings. Merritt also enjoys Broadway shows and musicals; living in New York City has made it a regular pastime for her. She enjoys the famous Hamilton soundtrack over any trendy pop songs. When this hottie isn’t booked and busy, she also enjoys a great book to cozy up to when she has downtime.
Catwalk To Supermodel Stardom
Many Filipinos have shared how proud they are to see someone so beautiful and talented representing their country at the show. As a longtime dream of hers, she finally was able to cross this achievement off her bucket list as she strutted alongside famous models such as Adriana Lima, Jasmine Tookes, Elsa Hosk and Shanina Shaik. Expect to see more of Kelsey Merritt in the future as she continues to stun us with her gorgeous looks and groundbreaking work in the modeling industry. n
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EXPERT
Advice
Tips For An Amazing First Date By Jamie Chau
ongratulations, you finally landed that first date! As you prepare for it, you might start feeling a little nervous, but that’s perfectly reasonable you want to impress your date and you want there to be future dates. Before you get too ahead of the game however, you have to make sure that everything goes smoothly your first time. And it’s tough you have to choose the right outfit, make sure you don’t seem too over the top, and be aware of what you’re saying. To help you out, here are some tips to really stun and lock in a second date.
C
Dress To Impress
Sure, often times, judging someone by their looks can be considered shallow. But let’s 82 GentlemensGuideLA.com
be honest- your appearance is the first thing people consider when they see you, so it’s crucial that you physically present yourself the best way possible. First off, make sure your attire fits the atmosphere of your first date. If you are going to a fancy restaurant, you really don’t want to be caught dead in baggy sweatpants and a raggy old t-shirt. On the flip side, if you are grabbing sandwiches at a nearby corner store, you probably don’t want to walk in dressed in a suit either - you will make her (and everyone around you) feel underdressed and you will stick out like a sore thumb. It’s not just your clothing that you should be mindful of, though. Appearance goes further than what you wear. You want to be clean! Before you meet with your date, you should shower,
“Let her talk about herself, and let her ask about you.” shave (or at least clean up your facial hair), and of course brush your teeth. It’s a simple basic thing, really, but it will make a huge difference in your appearance.
Have A Plan For The Date
Here’s another important tip - have a plan. Sure, spontaneous dates are fun, but you are better off saving that for the future, when you are more comfortable with each other. A good, fool-proof plan would be the classic meal and activity. Talking over food is a great way to get to know someone, and having an activity (which can be as simple as taking a walk) can further boost your conversation and date overall. Besides, having a plan lets her know that you’re well prepared, and that’s always a good sign. If you want to get creative with your plan, you can tell her the most basic details and keep the rest a surprise. Give her clues without revealing what you will be doing or where you will be going, but tell her just enough so that she can be prepared. The most important thing is to let her know how to dress - you don’t want her wearing five
inch heels when you want to take her hiking. And make sure you’re on time! It looks embarrassing on your part to set up a date but be late for it.
Don’t Be A Narcissist
Make sure you are not just talking about yourself! No one - including your date wants to know the nitty gritty details of every work related problem or situation. It really won’t matter how polite you are or how nice you look if you drone on and on about the same topic.The only thing you will achieve from this is boring her and losing the chance for a second date. Instead, make sure you ask questions about her.
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Let her talk about herself, and let her ask about you. If you are worried about not being able to keep the conversation going, make up a list of things to talk about ahead of time. Asking her about her hobbies, favorite books and movies, and goals are good topics to start with. Here’s the catch though - listen to her answers. It’s important that you’re keeping the conversation going with engaging topics, but if you zoned out, you will seem rude. Otherwise, keeping the conversation a two-way road will make her inclined to know more about you, and pretty soon you will have a solid conversation in your hands.
Keeping Your Finances In Check Money is a tricky one, but there are ways to show that you know how to utilize your finances. For your first date, you don’t want to seem cheap, but you probably don’t want to be splurging on a single dish either. So how do you attain the best of both worlds? Well, take this example. Asking your date out to lunch at a nice but affordable coffee shop is being economical. However, asking her out on a dinner date at a five-star restaurant but claiming 84 GentlemensGuideLA.com
that she can’t order the lobster she really wants is being cheap. If you agreed on going to a five-star restaurant, you should be aware of the prices. Figuring out who’s paying for dinner is also a way for her to gauge your spending habits. Of course, offer to pay when the meal is over, but if she strongly insists on paying, let her, or come to a compromise (like splitting the
bill). Pushing to pay the bill can make you seem like you’re trying to prove yourself or that you’re flaunting your finances. There’s really a fine line between that, and it’s up to you to find the balance. It’s the end of the date, you made it! Just before the two of you part ways, there’s a few more steps for you to take to really
move to do so or is showing surefire signs, definitely go for it! And after you leave, make sure you follow up. You may have heard myths about waiting three days before texting her back, but don’t believe them. No one wants to wait three days to hear back from someone. Call her the next day, or text her when you get home. It ensures that you both had a great time, and she will know that you’re not flaky.
make it a perfect date. The first is the kiss goodbye. Do you kiss her on the cheek, or do you go in for a full on smooch? You are probably better off with a kiss on the cheek. A full on kiss on your first date might make you seem like you are coming on too strong, and it has the danger of scaring her away. Besides, if your date goes well, a kiss on the cheek can actually make her more excited for the second date, because she will be looking forward to that first kiss. This is not to say, however, that you should never go for a kiss. If she is making the
There you are - some solid bits and pieces that will come together to make your first date as amazing as possible. Really though, don’t stress it. Your first date should be fun, flirty, and memorable! You want to be able to look back on it and remember it as a day where you and your date both enjoyed yourselves, not as one where you were so nervous that you could barely breathe. Just make sure that you treat her well, relax, and make the most out of it! There can only be one first date, after all. n
Wrapping It Up
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Gentlemen’s Guide LOS ANGELES Calendar EVENTS
9 1 0 2
From January-March January
Current Events 2019
January 1: Rose Bowl Rose Bowl Stadium: 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA 91103-- 4:00 AM January 2: Rose Bowl Stadium Holiday Tour Rose Bowl Stadium: 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA 91103-- 10:30 AM January 6: New Year’s Race Grand Park: 200 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
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January 3: LA Kings vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Staples Center: 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015-- 7:30 PM January 3: LA Kings vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Staples Center: 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015-- 7:30 PM January 15: The Pizza Experience Raymond Theatre: 108-142 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103-- 4:00 PM
Current Events 2019
January-February
January 24: Los Angeles Job Fair Holiday Inn Los Angeles: 9901 South La Cienega Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90045-- 11:00 AM
February 2: Japanese Food Festival Hilton Hotel Los Angeles/Universal City: 555 Universal Hollywood Dr., Universal City, CA 91608--1:00pm
January 27: LA Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns Staples Center: 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015-- 6:30 PM
February 9: Golden Dragon Parade Chinatown: Los Angeles, CA 90012-1:00pm
January 30: Elton John Staples Center: v1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015-- 8:00 PM
February 14: Valentine’s Day Dinner Aquarium of the Pacific: 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802--7:30pm
January 31: LA Lakers vs. Clippers Staples Center: 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015-- 7:30 PM
February 16: KISS: End of the Road World Tour The Forum: 3900 W Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90305--7:30pm
February 1: Project Los Angeles Project Club LA: 6356 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028--10:00pm
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February-March
Current Events 2019
February 18: LA Kings vs. Washington Capitals Staples Center: 1111 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90015--7:30pm February 21: LA Lakers vs. Houston Rockets Staples Center: 1111 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015--7:30pm February 22: Tiffany Haddish: #SheReady Tour Microsoft Theater: 777 Chick Hearn Ct., Los Angeles, CA 90015--7:00pm February 24: Brazilian Carnaval Fais Do Do: 5257 W Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016--2:00pm 90 GentlemensGuideLA.com
February 25: LA Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks Staples Center: 1111 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90015--7:30pm March 2: LA Kings vs. Chicago Blackhawks Staples Center: 1111 S Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90015--1:00 PM March 3: Jay Leno Live at the Lounge: 1018 Hermosa Avenue Hermosa Beach, CA 90254--7:00PM March 4: LA Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers Staples Center: 1111 S Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90015--7:30 PM
Current Events 2019
March
March 9: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers Staples Center: 1111 S Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90015--5:30 PM
March 23- April 8: Los Angeles Spring Fair La Prada Event Plaza: https://www.lapradaevents.com
March 15-24: PaleyFest Dolby Theatre: 6801 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90028
March 24: Los Angeles Marathon Dodger Stadium: 1000 Elysian Park Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90012--6:30 AM
March 17: St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl Cabo Cantina: 6669 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90028--11:00 AM
March 29-30: Los Angeles Latin Food Fest Santa Monica Beach: 1500 Pacific Coast Hwy Santa Monica, CA 90401--12:00 PM
March 22-23: Beyond Wonderland NOS Events Center: 689 S. E Street San Bernardino, CA 92408--5:00 PM
March 30: Vince Staples The Novo: 800 W. Olympic Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90015--9:00 PM n
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Men’s
Spas
Great Spas for Men in By Martin Thomas
G
LA
ent’s when you looking to get a massage in Los Angeles and you don’t know where to head or where to go, don’t worry. Gentlemen’s Guide has you covered. Whether you looking for a holistic massage, feel good all over massage or a naughty night out in the town, here are several men’s hot spots and the best rejuvenation hot spots in LA lined up right here for you. So when thing have you all tangled up take a moment for yourself and treat yourself to a whatever kind of massage to help you cope with all of the stresses that you have pinned up. 1. Sisters Massage 2. Tiki Therapy 3. The Spot Aromatherapy 4. Jade Aromatherapy
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Sisters Massage
The Spot Aromatherapy
1807 Pacific Coast Hwy, Lomita, CA 90717
738 S Waterman Ave A-10, San Bernardino, CA 92408
Relax and unwind at Sisters Massage with one of their blissful treatments performed by beautiful and exotic massage therapists. They offer a variety of FULL BODY massage therapies specializing in Deep Tissue, Swedish, and Shiatsu. Shower is available for your complete calming experience. You will escape from your stress right away, once you get a soothing body treatment from the friendly ASIAN, AMERICAN, and LATINA Staff. We recommend booking an appointment, but walk-ins are welcomed. Open daily from 8 am to LATE NIGHT! They have rear parking and CASH is preferred. Come and experience instant gratification here.
A wonderful spot for gentlemen, The Spot Aromatherapy, welcomes you to unwind and distress. Their staff will give you a personalized service, plus they are cute, sexy, and friendly LATINA girls. They are ready to please you with their unique FULL BODY treatments. They have private rooms for an intimate and accommodating experience, which you will enjoy and want to come back for more! Walk-Ins are welcomed. This discreet spot is located on S Waterman Ave and E Central Ave, close to the 215 and 10 Freeways. They are open 7 days of the week.
424.305.8829
909.534.2850
Tiki Therapy
Jade Aromatherapy
2215 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90040
8853 Three Flags Rd. #D-4, Hesperia, CA 92344
Get ready for a great experience and let one of Tiki Therapy’s beautiful and delightful girls please you with their relaxing treatments. Gents, you cannot miss out on trying out this NEW, discreet location, plus they have DIFFERENT SEXY HOT Girls everyday for pure bliss. You will escape instantly, once you get a heavenly aromatherapy from the busty, slender, and provocative gals. We recommend booking an appointment, but walk-ins are always welcomed. Open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Parking is available and they are centrally located on Hollywood near Sunset Blvd. Come and see the ladies that await you!
Gentlemen are welcomed to the best location in Hesperia for some relaxation, Jade Aromatherapy, a great place to leave your worries behind. Here the charming, sexy, LATINA staff will take care of all your body’s needs. They offer a one-of-a-kind FULL BODY treatment that is catered to each individual, releasing all of the tensions from head to toe. This discreet spot has private rooms and walk-ins are always welcomed. They are located by the truck stop close to where the 15 and 395 meet. They are open 7 days of the week.
323.533.1424
760.819.5910 GentlemensGuideLA.com 99
Antique Thai Massage
My Oasis Spa
698 S. Vermont Ave, Ste 206, Los Angeles, CA 90010
11809 Beverly Blvd, Whittier, CA 90601
Escape and unwind at this spa located in Koreatown, that specializes in the natural treatments of the traditional Thai Massage, yet also offer Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Hot Oil Aromatherapy and any other customized treatments that you might need. They will provide you an ultimate relaxing massage experience that will make you want to return for more, especially since their prices are very affordable. Take advantage of their $29.99 “Early Bird Special� from 10 am to 2 pm. They have private rooms and their specially trained massage therapists are certified and licensed. Open 10 am to 9:30 pm, 7 days a week, with plenty of on-site parking. So, what are you waiting for, let the healing begin.
Relax and unwind with one of their blissful massages performed by professional massage therapists. They offer a variety of massage therapies; the most popular ones are Deep Tissue, Swedish, and Hot Stone. They complete the pampering by offering varies facial services like Deep Cleaning Facials by experts in facial and skincare treatments. You will escape from your stress right away, once you walk into their comfortable atmosphere that even include a TV room. We recommend booking an appointment (they book up quickly), but walk-ins are welcomed. They offer couple massage and massage packages. Open daily from 10 am to 9 pm. CASH and Credit Cards are accepted and they have plenty of on-site parking. Come and experience instant gratification here!
213.384.3415
562.699.2100
Sensation Day Spa 2150 E. South St. #109, Los Angeles, CA 90805 If you are in need of a body tune-up, then Cutie Massage is your place! This is the best place for relaxation and for privacy, specializing in Body Rubs. The beautiful, knowledgeable staff really knows how to relieve your tired and aching muscles. The spa features dim lighting and soft music in your private room. Massages start at $60 for the hour and they offer Swedish, Deep Tissue, and FREE Shower for your pleasure, table shower is also available. Come on what are you waiting for, one of their sexy Asian specialists are waiting for you! Open daily from 9 am to 10 pm.
562.398.4170 100 GentlemensGuideLA.com
5. Antique Thai Massage 6. Sensation Day Spa 7. My Oasis Spa 8. Lake Massage 9. Oriental Massage 10. National Thai Spa
Lake Massage
Oriental Massage
9549 ½ Telegraph Rd., Pico Rivera, CA
7625 S. Eastern Ave Ste. B, Bell Gardens, CA 90201
Look no further than Lake Massage to get a relaxing massage with the best prices. This charming location with professional female therapists is clean, quiet, and has private rooms; they are centrally located on Telegraph Road and Klinedale Avenue in Pico Rivera. They have the perfect price for every budget, such as $40 for one hour or $30 for 30 minutes or their special $70 for a 90-minute massage treatment. The staff really knows their technique and specializes in getting your body in the most tranquil state of mind. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are always welcomed here! Open 7 days of the week from 10am-10pm.
This spa is dedicated to provide a superior Asian massage where you can expect an incredible service by professional staff. From the moment you walk in to their location, you will have complete privacy from the outside world and can instantly lift your stress away. Here you will find private massage rooms and plenty of FREE parking. If you want to simply pamper yourself in a true Asian-inspired massage, Oriental Massage is your place. Make sure to ask about their $40 ½ hour massage special. Appointments are available and walk-ins are welcomed. They are centrally located two blocks from Bicycle Casino. Open 7 days from 10 am to 10 pm.
562.942.8889
562.927.5838 562.927.9158
National Thai Spa 11217 National Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064 A sweet retreat in a bustling area of West LA, National Thai Spa offers a healing and relaxing massage. Their beautiful Thai masseuses specialize in Thai, Combo, Swedish, Hot Oil, and Deep Tissue. They are open seven days a week and no appointment is necessary. Enjoy their “Early Bird” special for a massage at a great price! Open from 10am to 9pm, located in shopping center with parking available.
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Therapeutic Massage
Therapeutic Massage
Therapeutic Massage
Therapeutic Massage
Therapeutic Massage
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Gentlemen’s Guide A Resource Guide for Gentlemen
www.gentlemensguidela.com
Gentlemen’s Guide
A Resource Guide for Gentlemen
www.gentlemensguidela.com