TATIANA POVSKI
JESSIE MAHON
HOLLY BORUCK
MICHAEL SHELDON
Love Local
It’s February and Brentwood is buzzing. Awards Season is in full swing, the kids are deep into the groove of their winter activities, both Frieze and the Other Art Fair are taking over LA and we even have the PGA Tour coming to town—or right up the street at the Riviera Country Club—for the always eventful Genesis Invitational. It is also, of course, the season of love, and what better time to highlight all that we are grateful for right here in our local community?
Here in Brentwood, it feels like we are experiencing a renaissance of sorts, as so many exciting new businesses are moving into the neighborhood. There are major developments, such as the Lawn on San Vicente—which seems to be inching its way closer to completion every day—and lots of highly anticipated restaurants, including, reportedly, Terroni and Great White. In this issue, I am thrilled to introduce LA Sushi Co, a buzzy new takeout spot in the heart of Brentwood’s business district. I loved learning about the founders’ backstory—they began with cult underground dinners in downtown LA before becoming the official sushi provider for SoFi Stadium—and the way that they are embracing technology while celebrating traditional sushi-making techniques.
For our cover story, we highlight David Malka and Tzvika Diner of DM Premier Group, a home developing duo that is literally shaping the westside. In the short decade since they founded their company, the pair has quickly become known as one of the most prolific builders in the area, and this showstopping estate in Mandeville Canyon—conceived with renowned architect Ken Ungar—is a perfect example why.
We also give readers an inside look at the Regent Santa Monica Beach, the incredible oceanfront resort that opened in October. The property is setting a new level of luxury for the area—from the gorgeous guestrooms to the Michael Mina restaurant to the world-class Guerlain Wellness spa and extraordinary design—and is set to become a top international travel destination as well as a local community hub.
Lastly, we are introducing a new page in this issue, “My Town,” where we call on local tastemakers to reveal their favorite neighborhood spots. Be sure to check out stylist Jill Bronstein’s superb picks. And for those looking for a bit of Valentine’s Day romance, the issue ends with a decadent recipe for molten chocolate lava cake, from our friends at the Help Company.
Enjoy!
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Amanda Eberstein | amanda.eberstein@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Laura SanchezQuan
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Tanveer Badal, Ben Biondo, Andrew Bui, Nina Fernandez, Bliss Katherine, Carolina Korman, Ryan Lahiff, Stan Lee, Caitlin Slee, Sheryl Wachtel
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
AMANDA EBERSTEIN, PUBLISHER @BRENTWOODCITYLIFESTYLE
Riding the Wave
After
Elevated Vision
BRENTWOOD, LOS ANGELES
FERRARI
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Jewelry designer Irene Neuwirth and Capitol founder Laura Vinroot Poole celebrated the five-year anniversary of their joint boutique, Capitol x Irene Neuwirth, at the Brentwood Country Mart. 2: Stylist Jill Bronstein entering the party. 3: Lizzie Kaplan and Pamela Love. 4: Joni Markman, Audrey Hensley and Co Luong. 5: A few days later, real estate agent Shelton Wilder (center, with Tawny Krintzman and Lisa Ebersole) hosted a charity shopping event at Capitol benefiting P.S. Arts. 6: Samantha Dickinson, Kelly McCall and Heather Rebecca Wilson. 7: Kim Liggett and Darci MacNab.
Photography by Caitlin Slee (Images 1-4) & Natalie Blackman (Images 5-7)
1: Grace Atherton and Emily Keating at Dôen’s annual fundraiser benefiting Planned Parenthood Los Angeles. 2: The evening was co-hosted by chef Eleonore Toulin, Dôen co-founders (and sisters) Margaret and Katherine Kleveland and actress Justine Lupe. 3: Arielle Eshel, Colette McDermott and Helen Shaper. 4: Rick Glassman, Adam Brody and Jackie Tohn at classic West Hollywood Chinese restaurant Genghis Cohen. 5: Pia Baroncini and Sarah Lanni. 6: Rachel Orkin-Ramey, Sarah Meyer Michaelson, friend and Sara Riff. 7: Sammi Cohen and Zoe Lister-Jones.
Photography by Nina Fernandez and Ben Biondo
1: Co-hosts Jenni Kayne and Courteney Cox with Laura Dern at a celebration for Jenni Kayne’s partnership with Homecourt. 2: Cox’s Homecourt products on display at the Jenni Kayne Home store at the Brentwood Country Mart. 3: Nyakio Grieco. 4: The festive scene. 5: Ashley Paige and Jess Molly Bell. 6: Guests including Rachel Zoe mingled and enjoyed the night. 7: Jennifer Meyer and Cox.
Photography by Bliss Katherine
D A N C E W E A R Sophie
business monthly
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Capsule Shop
Tucked within Brentwood’s Town & Country shopping center, Capsule Shop is a one-stop spot for perfectly edited, elevated everyday essentials. Opened by westsider Emily Park in summer 2023—with a prominent e-commerce business as well—the boutique offers in-demand brands such as Veronica Beard, Isabel Marant Étoile, Tibi, Ulla Johnson, Staud and Mansur Gavriel. Sign up for Capsule’s email list to receive exclusive updates and offers, and enjoy 25% off new arrivals. 11640 San Vicente Blvd., #109; 310-984-1234; capsuleshoponline.com
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Brentwood Pres. Preschool: Now Enrolling for the 2025-2026 School Year
Brentwood Presbyterian Church Preschool is a non-faith-based educational program focused on developing the whole child. Established more than 75 years ago, the beloved school is known for building a warm, safe and down to-earth community for children and families. By providing a talented and loving faculty and thoughtfully designed curriculum centered on emotional, social and cognitive development, Brentwood Pres. is a wonderful place for children to learn and grow. Enrollment Announcement is February 27th. 12000 San Vicente Blvd.; 310-826-2020; bpcpreschool.com
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The Other Art Fair
The Other Art Fair—a global gathering featuring boundary-pushing independent artists from around the world—is returning to LA this February 20-23. Presented by SaatchiArt.com, this edition will display thousands of original works by 140 artists for sale. Artist and New York Times bestselling author Anna Marie Tendler is bringing back her popular "House of Self" photo sessions, plus immersive installations, cocktails and more, all in a new location in Atwater Village. 2800 Casitas Ave., Atwater Village; theotherartfair.com/la
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Valentine’s Day Arrangements from Anthony’s Flowers
Anthony’s Flowers—our favorite floral shop of more than 30 years located in the heart of Brentwood Village—is offering 10% off Valentine’s Day online orders for Brentwood City Lifestyle readers. Choose anything from classic roses to elegant orchids to more intricate pre-designed or custom arrangements, all crafted onsite by the talented staff and available for pick-up or at-home delivery. Use promo code “Lifestyle” at checkout to redeem. 110 S. Barrington Ave., #B.; 310-476-9610; anthonysflowers.com
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Get Awards Season-Ready at L’Ermitage Beverly Hills
Fresh off an impressive renovation, L’Ermitage Beverly Hills is the perfect place for Awards Season prep. Not only is it a choice destination to get dressed for the actual shows—or events like the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, held next door at the Wallis—but its wellness offerings are unmatched. For the ultimate two-inone punch, visit Ricari Studios for a cult-favorite lymphatic body treatment, followed by a facial with A-list skincare guru Joanna Czech. 9291 Burton Way, Beverly Hills; 877-831-4284; lermitagebeverlyhills.com
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From your Brentwood Manor to your Central Park Penthouse, Kona Villa, Aspen Chateau,
MY TOWN: JILL BRONSTEIN
“The owner of Drive Cardio, Thierno Diallo, is the best personal trainer in town. His classes deliver full body workouts within a very supportive environment.”
135 Entrada Dr., Rustic Canyon; 310-459-3171; drivecardio.com
“I love the high-quality healthy fare at Parakeet Cafe. I often meet a friend there for green scrambled eggs with a charcoal waffle.”
13050 San Vicente Blvd.; 310-746-5828; parakeetcafe.com
“Vanessa Hernandez is my secret weapon for anti-aging skincare. She offers comprehensive facials as well as various laser treatments to improve and maintain your skin.”
11677 San Vicente Blvd., #305; 310-849-4452; vhskincare.com
“Real people crave the same service that has been afforded a select few,” says stylist Jill Bronstein. After working as a psychotherapist for over a decade, the longtime Rustic Canyon resident decided to switch careers in pursuit of her other passion: fashion. Now, her company Style Salon teaches clients how to communicate their authentic selves through the way they dress. “My goal is to help men and women develop their personal style and remain loyal to it,” Bronstein says. Her specialized four-step approach includes a style assessment, closet edit and organization, personal shopping and in-depth styling session. Naturally, Bronstein’s flawless taste extends into her everyday life. Here, a few of her favorite local haunts. For more information on Jill and her services, call 310-386-9948 or visit stylesalonla.com.
“Pippa Small makes such beautiful oneof-a-kind jewelry. She’s inspired by various artisans and cultures and her pieces are to be collected throughout the years.”
225 26th St., #19A; 310-260-9222; pippasmall.com
“I love Canyon Square, with the airstream for delicious coffee and treats, Replenish for great clothing and the Canyon Grocer for sandwiches and snacks.”
169 W. Channel Rd., Rustic Canyon; replenishsantamonica.com; kurtandwhey.com
“I am obsessed with Swedish brand Toteme. Visit their beautiful Pacific Palisades store and check out their stunning modern collection.”
Palisades Village Lane, Unit 2-107, Pacific Palisades; 424-273-3336; toteme.com
“Capitol is my favorite multi-brand store in Brentwood. I love the clothes, the personalized shopping experience and the staff.”
225 26th St., #38A; 424-268-4641; shop-capitol.com
Photo by Sheryl Wachtel
riding the wave
After testing the waters at SoFi Stadium, LA Sushi Co is ready to take Brentwood by storm
Nate Hahn and Darren Romanelli—the co-founders of LA Sushi Co, which recently opened in a prominent spot on San Vicente Boulevard in the heart of Brentwood—didn’t intend to go into the sushi business. The duo spent most of their careers running a creative marketing agency (Romanelli also moonlights as a streetwear artist and designer known as Dr. Romanelli or DRx). Over the years, the in-demand firm has worked with everyone from Netflix and Disney to fashion brands such as Levi’s and Supreme. “For years, we would open our office to friends, colleagues and clients and serve pancakes and coffee every Friday,” Hahn recalls. “As those breakfasts grew to an unmanageable size, we moved them to a monthly sushi dinner downtown.” These dinners—run by chef Taka Hirano, a native of Kobe, Japan who worked in the wholesale fish business for more than 20 years—became a coveted invite. It was here that the idea for LA Sushi Co was born. The operation gained the attention of Legends, the behemoth company that runs hospitality for entertainment venues across the country. In 2021, they began working with SoFi Stadium, eventually becoming the official sushi provider, running a concession booth on the luxury suite level as well as accommodating all VIP in-suite catering and on-demand sushi in the owners’ boxes. It is a major partnership that has amounted
ARTICLE BY AMANDA EBERSTEIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY STAN LEE
to more than $6 million in sales, over two-million pieces of sushi sold and a record of 40,000 rolls sold in one day—at the 2022 Super Bowl, no less. Contracts with BMO and Angel stadiums followed, and they also cater private events across LA, handling everything from pre-made platters to bespoke omakase experiences.
“At SoFi, we were tasked with providing high-quality sushi in a really face-paced environment and at a scale that can support 7,000 fans,” Hahn says. “When we figured out a system that allowed us to do that efficiently without compromising quality, the idea of madeto-order sushi with take-out speed was formed.”
The key to their success, according to Hahn, is the ability to combine traditional techniques with the finest ingredients, while embracing technology—specifically the use of AUTEC machines, a.k.a “sushi robots,” which quickly create the perfect rice balls to form the base of the sushi. “We don’t sacrifice quality, whether
A combination box featuring an assortment of sushi
that is the ingredients we use or the technical skill of the chefs, but we are always striving to provide a speed of service that is unmatched,” says Hahn. The sushi is also intentionally simple. “We serve traditional dishes that are not heavily sauced,” he says.
A brick-and-mortar was a natural next step, and Brentwood was an easy choice. “It was my home for more than ten years and Darren has close ties here as well,” says Hahn, who lives in Pacific Palisades with his family. “It’s one of the most walkable parts of LA, with a really strong food scene and a tight-knit community.”
The duo tapped local firm Studio Collective to design the 1,000-squarefoot space. “We wanted to couple the Japanese design ethos with the
laid-back coastal feel of Los Angeles,” Hahn says. “There is a lot of natural wood, glass tiles that are meant to feel like the water, right angles that are juxtaposed with a wave floor design. We wanted the space to feel inviting and a lot less formal than many sushi restaurants.”
The spot is intended primarily for take-out and delivery, with a chef’s counter where customers can order and a few tables for those who want to eat onsite. Meals come as combination boxes or a la carte, and include everything from simple rolls of tuna, salmon and yellowtail (or vegetarian options such as cucumber, avocado and daikon pickles) to nigiri made with albacore, halibut, unagi, kampachi, toro and even seared waygu beef. Fish is sourced primarily from Japan from world-class suppliers, and a curated selection of Japanese goods, including sweets, sauces, snacks, sakes, beers and ceramics are also available for purchase. There is even Japanese soft-serve ice-cream for those in-the-know.
“As a whole, the concept is to provide premium quality sushi that fits into people’s busy schedules,” says Hahn. Mission accomplished, deliciously. 11757 San Vicente Blvd.; lasushico.com
The Brentwood space designed by Studio Collective
Chef Taka Hirano
ELEVATED VISION
ARTICLE BY AMANDA EBERSTEIN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN LAHIFF
AND CAROLINA KORMAN
Mandeville Canyon has always been one of the most desirable areas of Brentwood. The picturesque winding roads, signature split rail fences, towering oak trees and famous equestrian trails all imbue the neighborhood with a sense of history and charm. Of course, behind the hedges are some of Los Angeles’ most storied estates, as well as some of the most impressive new constructions—take, for example, this
DM Premier Group crafts a luxurious oasis in the hills of Mandeville Canyon
The exterior of 13164 Boca de Canon Lane
“We wanted to combine a traditional look with a contemporary touch, featuring a large backyard and elegant, timeless aesthetics.”
stunning development by DM Premier Group on Boca de Canon Lane.
You may have noticed the company’s name popping up on signs all over town. Although only a little more than a decade old, the firm, led by co-founders Tzvika Diner and David Malka, is quickly becoming one of the most prominent—if not the most prolific— developers on the westside. Mention them to any local real estate agent, and they will emphatically agree (I’ve tried). Currently, DM Premier Group has major homes under construction on N. Rockingham, N. Cliffwood and S. Cliffwood, as well as two projects in Pacific Palisades. In fact, this is their second residence on Boca de Canon Lane—in 2023, they sold the sprawling modern farmhouse next door for $17.235 million.
“That was a challenging lot because a lot of developers could not deal with the oak trees and steep
hillside,” recalls Malka, who like Diner is Israeli. (The two friends worked together for many years until officially joining forces). “While we were building, the neighbor contacted us and said he was thinking of selling his house and loved what we were doing. And so, we bought the property.”
In this case, the lot—measuring a generous ¾-acre—was reasonably flat and easier to work with, although they still had to deal with the sloping hillside in the back. “We were inspired by the quiet and private atmosphere of the neighborhood, with its natural beauty, proximity to Sunset Boulevard and abundant greenery,” says Malka. “We wanted to combine a traditional look with a contemporary touch, featuring a large backyard and elegant, timeless aesthetics.” In order to achieve this, the duo enlisted the help of celebrated architect and frequent collaborator Ken Ungar.
The idyllic primary suite
“The challenge on this property was to take advantage of the views to the east and turn our back to the large hill on the west that blocks the natural light,” says Ungar. “In order to grab as much light and views as possible, we put the yard on the east side and opened the whole house with large expanses of glass in that direction. The final product is a house filled with natural light and views from the most important rooms—the kitchen, family and dining rooms, as well as the primary suite above—with a natural flow and scale that enhances indoor-outdoor living and creates a family-friendly environment.”
The resulting seven-bedroom, nine-bathroom estate is approached via a long cobblestone driveway, which wraps around the north side of the house, leading to a motor court and three-car garage. Upon entry, a spacious living room with a fireplace and elegant built-in wine bar immediately sets a warm and inviting tone. “This is a fully custom home, crafted with premium materials,” says Malka, who along with Diner oversaw every element of the design and construction. “We used a lot of white oak, custom cabinetry and carpentry, reclaimed bricks, marble and hardwood floors.” The formal dining room, with sliding pocket doors, opens to the backyard, as does the gourmet kitchen, which features a substantial island and is equipped with Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances and a marble bar. “The home’s floor plan is particularly pleasant and flows beautifully, creating a space that feels both luxurious and inviting,” says Malka. Indeed, the kitchen connects directly to a bright breakfast area and family room, leading seamlessly to a heated, covered outdoor patio with a fireplace, fire pit and built-in barbecue.
Upstairs, five luxurious bedrooms each come with private bathrooms, while the primary suite is a true haven, featuring a stunning coffered ceiling, fireplace and expansive balcony overlooking the grounds.
Top: David Malka and Tzvika Diner of DM Premier Group
Bottom: The kitchen and breakfast area features an open floor plan
“The final product is a house filled with natural light and views from the most important rooms —the kitchen, family and dining rooms, as well as the primary suite above.”
The luxurious bathroom features dual walk-in closets, a soaking tub and a sleek steam shower. Entertainment abounds with a stateof-the-art screening room, gym, additional family room and an elevator that provides easy access within floors.
Outside, the home is made for entertaining, with resort-style amenities that include a large swimming pool and hot tub, as well as a picture-perfect sports court that comes complete with a basketball hoop and professional-style lighting. A detached guesthouse mirrors the main residence, with its own living
room, kitchenette, powder room and upstairs bedroom with balcony.
“Everyone told us we wouldn’t be able to fit the big backyard pool, sports court and guesthouse onto this property,” says Malka. “But we knew it could be done. It just took the right vision.” As with everything DM Premier Group seems to touch these days, the result is a home run.
13164 Boca de Canon Lane is currently on the market for $22.995 million. For more information, visit bocadecanonestate.com.
The formal living room
Love & Connection: Wellness Experiences for Every Heart
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Intention
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Elevate your love connection this Valentine’s Day by gifting our Sage & Crystal Ritual with a HeartOpening Meditation.
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SEASIDE splendor
The Regent Santa Monica Beach brings a new level of luxury to a legendary locale
ARTICLE BY AMANDA EBERSTEIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TANVEER BADAL AND ANDREW BUI
The lobby area
The hotel overlooks the iconic Santa Monica Pier
There are few places in the world that are more iconic than Santa Monica Beach. As local residents, it can be easy to take this three-mile stretch for granted, however the indelible images—the boardwalk, the pier, the Ferris wheel, the incline, the ocean, the sand, the sunsets—represent Los Angeles’ eternal allure on a grand international scale. And although there have always been nice hotels along this coveted coastline, it has been years since a true luxury property has come along worthy of the destination’s resplendent delegation. Thankfully, we now have the Regent Santa Monica Beach.
Located at the site of the classic Loews hotel, Regent Santa Monica Beach opened in October to much fanfare—and a 500-person party complete with elaborate musical performances and an aerial drone show. There is a lot to celebrate. Not only is this the Regent’s first and only opening in the Americas since the brand was acquired by IHG Hotels & Resorts in 2018, but this is also a reintroduction of sorts to Los Angeles—its former US flagship, the Regent Beverly Hills of Pretty Woman fame , became a Four Seasons more than 30 years ago.
“It is an honor to reintroduce this legacy brand to Southern California and ignite a new era of unforgettable memories for our guests in Santa Monica,” says General Manager Younes Atallah. “Our resort captures the unique allure of Santa Monica in a serene setting where you can disconnect from the outside world and experience Regent’s legendary hospitality on your terms.”
Intended to be both a premiere travel destination as well as a local community hub, the elegant beachfront resort combines old school Hollywood glamour with the understated splendor of the Southern California coast. Public spaces have been designed by renowned San Francisco studio AvroKO, with creative details reflecting boat sails, the sparkling Mediterranean and sandy textures found in the natural beauty of the sea. Upon entering the impressive marble-clad lobby, the eye is immediately drawn upwards to the dramatic 104-foot-high atrium, perhaps the only feature from the Loews hotel that is recognizable following the property’s $150-million renovation. Framed brass archways, yacht-inspired wooden flooring, sinuous low-slung furnishings and deep green hues coupled with gold- and cream-colored accents complete the bright and airy scene.
The 167 rooms and suites, meanwhile, were done by Wimberly Interiors, an international firm with offices in LA. The rooms are luxuriously spacious, especially for Santa Monica standards, with base
A spacious guestroom
options starting at 720 square feet. All come with entry foyers and separate living areas, and most have balconies and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the beach, and the pier. The spa-like bathrooms come complete with soaking tubs, walk-in rain showers, Perricone MD products and Dyson hairdryers, while a complimentary Refreshment Gallery features beverages and snacks curated ahead of arrival according to guests’ personal tastes. Like the Loews, the hotel is notoriously pet-friendly, with personalized doggie beds, water dishes and other fun features available on request. It is also extremely welcoming to children and families, with specialized kids programming and a range of Cybex strollers available— perfect for hitting the boardwalk—as well as Nestig 3-in-1 Wave Cribs, which can adjust up to toddler beds. For more space, the Santa Monica Presidential Suite boasts 3,200-square-feet of opulent living area, while the Oceanfront Atrium Suite spans 2,180-square-feet across the second and third floors, with two bedrooms and direct ocean vistas.
For those who want to venture outside of their rooms—or locals looking for a perfect spot for a power lunch, dinner night out or a weekend brunch—the epicurean offerings at the hotel are also world-class. The signature restaurant, Orla, as well as adjacent Orla Bar, are both helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina, who blends the beloved flavors of the Mediterranean and his native Egypt with the unsurpassed quality of California ingredients. Meals begin with mezze dishes such as Hamachi crudo, Greek salad, zucchini fritters and kataifiwrapped prawns before moving onto mouthwateringly fresh seafood entrees like phyllo-crusted dover sole and sizzling king crab or black harissa-grilled lambchops, roasted chicken and a kebab platter for two. For more casual fare, visit Sweet July Café, an eatery and marketplace from lifestyle entrepreneur Ayesha Curry (the original location is in the Bay Area)
Orla restaurant
An assortment of signature Orla dishes
Royal caviar fateer
“Regent Santa Monica Beach is a place where locals and visitors alike can unwind and experience the best of the westside.”
that sells her best-selling coffee and teas alongside seasonal dishes and grab-and-go items. Or stop by Azure Bar, located by the picturesque outdoor swimming pool, for drinks and small bites such as salmon poké, salads and—of course—the perfect hotel burger. Stylish lounge chairs and cabanas are also available, and a designated butler will help guests set up chairs and umbrellas by the beach.
But perhaps the jewel in the crown—particularly for Brentwood residents—is the stunning Guerlain Wellness spa. The first location on the west coast for the famed French beauty brand (and only the fourth in the country after the Plaza New York, Raffles Boston and the Breakers Palm Beach), the 10,000-square-foot sanctuary is unlike anything on the westside, and maybe the entire city. Echoing the feel of the lobby with sandy tones, blonde woods, greige stone and natural linen, the soft shades and pure materials wrap guests in a cocoon of rejuvenation and relaxation. There are 12 treatment rooms (including a double VIP suite), as well as dedicated female and male areas with Jacuzzis, saunas and steam rooms. Services have been developed specifically for the destination, all incorporating Guerlain’s innovative face and body products. The Solar Shape, for example, is designed for pre- or post-sun, and begins with dry brushing followed by radio frequency sculpting and toning on the entire body. Or try Cristal Vibes, a sensory experience that offers a sound bath while lying on a bed of labradorite and ends with a luxurious facial massage. After treatments, visit the beautifully appointed lounge where complimentary champagne can be enjoyed while sampling a range of Guerlain products, which are of course also available for purchase on the way out.
“Regent Santa Monica Beach is a place where locals and visitors alike can unwind and experience the best of the westside,” says Atallah. “For those looking for a luxury staycation or a spot to host visiting family and friends, our iconic oceanfront location provides the perfect backdrop.” 1700 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica; 310-458-6700; santamonica.regenthotels.com
The Guerlain Wellness spa
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
FEBRUARY 12TH
Boss Breakfast with Laura Pozarny
Literati Cafe, 12081 Wilshire Blvd. | 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Join local real estate agent Laura Pozarny of Pozarny Property Group and other thought leaders across a variety of industries looking to get referrals, give referrals, talk about business, motivate, support and raise each other up! The Boss Breakfast is an insightful safe space for introductions, workshopping new ideas, speakers, breakout groups and more. pozarnypropertygroup.com
FEBRUARY 13TH - 16TH
The Genesis Invitational
Riviera Country Club, 1250 Capri Dr., Pacific Palisades
Head to Riviera Country Club to witness the PGA Tour’s annual return to LA in what is always one of the most highly anticipated sporting events of the year. Join tournament host Tiger Woods as he welcomes the world’s best golfers for an unforgettable weekend of competition on this iconic course. genesisinvitational.com
FEBRUARY 14TH
Valentine’s Day Dinner at Ospi Brentwood
Ospi Brentwood, 11677 San Vicente Blvd., #200
Celebrate the most romantic day of the year with the one you love—or a friend or two or even your family!—at Ospi Brentwood. Dinner includes a prix fixe menu and special offerings, all enjoyed in Ospi’s lively laid-back atmosphere. Book now online at ospi.com.
FEBRUARY 21ST & 25TH
Winter Cooking Class with Abundance & Company
Private Residence, Santa Monica | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Gather with the ladies of Abundance & Company for a fun-filled and informative group cooking class at co-founder Claudine Watt’s Santa Monica home. Learn how to prepare dishes from their winter menu—shrimp Louie salad, family-style chicken pot pie and pistachio crema chocolate tart—before enjoying a friendly communal meal. abundanceandco.com
Chocolate Lava Cake
THE ULTIMATE VALENTINE’S DAY DESSERT
DIRECTIONS:
What better way to say “I love you,” than with a luxuriously decadent homemade chocolate lava cake? The experts at the Help Company—the preeminent staffing and placement agency located right in Brentwood Village—have called on one of their favorite private chefs, Kai Loebach, to reveal his signature recipe. Try it for yourself—or contact the Help Company to bring in the professionals! Either way, it will be a meal to remember. 115 Barrington Walk; 310-828-4111; thehelpcompany.com
*makes four portions (if creating a dinner for two, reheat the two extras in the microwave the next day)
INGREDIENTS:
• 4 3” ramekins
• ½ cup (4 ounces) unsalted butter, small pieces, plus more for greasing the ramekins
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, sifted
• 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, preferably dark Callebaut, chopped
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 large egg yolks, room temperature
• ¼ cup sugar (plus more for dusting the buttered ramekins)
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Pro tip: Use high-quality ingredients! Opt for good-quality chocolate. Avoid chocolate chips, as they often contain stabilizers that can affect melting. Use unsalted butter to control the salt content.
Heat a convection oven to 450 degrees
1. Properly Prepare Ramekins
Use softened butter to coat the ramekins evenly, ensuring every surface is covered. Add sugar to coat the buttered ramekins, tapping out the excess. This creates a barrier that prevents sticking and gives the cakes a crisp exterior.
2. Melt Chocolate Gently
Be cautious not to overheat the chocolate. Stir constantly while melting, and make sure the bowl does not touch the simmering water to prevent scorching.
3. Whip the Eggs Correctly
Whisk the eggs, yolks, sugar, and salt until the mixture is thick and pale. This step incorporates air, giving the cakes their light yet structured texture.
4. Fold Carefully
When folding the chocolate and flour into the egg mixture, do so gently with a spatula to retain the air whipped into the eggs. Overmixing will result in dense cakes.
5. Don’t Overbake
Watch closely after 8 minutes. The tops should be just set, and the centers should feel soft but not raw. Overbaking eliminates the “molten” center. Test one ramekin if you’re unsure—it’s worth sacrificing one to get the rest perfect.
6. Serve Immediately
These cakes are best served warm for the gooey center to shine. Prepare everything else (plates, utensils, garnishes) beforehand.
7. Add Enhancements
Garnish with powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added flavor and texture contrast. Consider adding a pinch of vanilla paste to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Newly Built: 13164 Boca De Canon Lane
