where GUESTBOOK
where GUESTBOOK
LOS ANGELES
LOS ANGELES GuestBook_Cover_Splits.indd 1
1/4/17 11:38 AM
0C2-011_TOC_GBLA17.indd 2
12/12/16 1:35 PM
WELCOME TO LOS ANGELES
0C2-011_TOC_GBLA17.indd 1
12/12/16 1:34 PM
G A L E R I E
M I C H A E L
MODERN MASTERS CHAGALL - DALI‘ - MIRO‘ - PICASSO
Also featuring one of Southern California’s top collections of Rembrandt etchings 224 NORTH RODEO DRIVE | BEVERLY HILLS, CA 90210 | Monday-Friday 10-7 | Sunday 11-5 310 273 3377 | www.galeriemichael.com | art@galeriemichael.com 2016-GuestBook.indd 2 0C2-011_TOC_GBLA17.indd 2
11/18/16 10:57 AM 12/12/16 1:34 PM
A LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
AMAZING LOS ANGELES In the past few years, I’ve had many travel experiences worth writing home about. I’ve walked on the peaceful beaches of Tahiti and felt the hot black sand underfoot, experienced the bustling urban life of Tokyo and visited the holy sites of Jerusalem. I’ve marveled at the sprawling flea markets of Buenos Aires and centuries-old paintings in Rome. I’ve feasted on chipotle barbecue in Santa Fe, fish tacos in Cabo, Wisconsin cheddar in Madison and thin, crusty slices of pizza in New York City. But each time I’ve returned home, I’ve come back to the best place in the world: Los Angeles. I’m not alone in this feeling. The city where I was born and raised is often described as the “entertainment capital of the world” and “culture capital of the 21st century” and as a “foodie paradise” and “fashion center.” Each of those descriptions is true, and your hotel puts you in proximity to it all. And the excitement builds. This year, Broadway smash hit Hamilton brings history and hiphop to the Hollywood Pantages. Meanwhile, acclaimed restaurants such as Trois Mec, Gwen and highly anticipated Eataly keep Greater L.A.’s dining scene sizzling. In fashion, Balenciaga and Fendi recently unveiled new flagship stores on Rodeo Drive. Los Angeles International
I love that my hometown is full of promise, that creativity is fostered and that dreams come true. Big dreams.”
Airport is in the midst of a multibillion-dollar modernization program that’s bringing fresh dining and retail options to travelers. And L.A.’s rapidly expanding public transit system, which now includes a light-rail extension connecting downtown to the beaches of Santa Monica, makes experiencing it all a cinch. Be sure to download the City Guides by Where Traveler mobile app to be connected to all the new things that open every day.
GBLA17_GENERIC PUBLISHERS LETTER.indd 1
12/14/16 5:40 PM
And then there’s the stuff that doesn’t change, the things I’ll forever love about L.A. I love the contrasts—I love being able to ski in the morning and enjoy an ocean swim in the afternoon. I love going to a farmers market in a T-shirt, then to a theater opening in a tuxedo.
PLAY Take a spin on a solarpowered Ferris wheel at the Santa Monica Pier, where the iconic Route 66 meets the Pacific Ocean.
I love the urban splendor and eccentricities of L.A.’s neighborhoods.
EXPLORE
I love that if I were to go to an art exhibition every day of the year, I still could not see them all. I love the smell of garlic and basil in a trattoria and watching a sushi chef shape his exquisite treats. I love the Hollywood Bowl on a summer night.
Enjoy a slice of downtown L.A. life while browsing the aisles of Grand Central Market, which celebrates its centennial this year.
I love seeing my city as the backdrop in all those movies and TV shows. I love that Alex Trebek hosts
DINE
Jeopardy! right here.
Taste the many flavors
I love that my hometown is full of promise, that creativity is fostered and that dreams come true. Big dreams.
dining destinations, from taco trucks to
Most of all, I love helping fellow travelers discover everything that L.A. has to offer. Whether you’re looking for the glamour of Rodeo Drive or the edginess of Abbot Kinney Boulevard—it’s here. Whether you seek the richest museum in the world (the Getty) or the hippest nightlife on the planet—it’s here. Legendary beaches? Amusement parks? World-class performing arts? Exceptional dining? Studio tours? Here. You also might spot a celebrity or two. Suffice it to say, it’s no wonder to me that so many people gravitate to L.A. There’s no better place for living the fabulous life—or having a fabulous vacation.
—Jeff Levy, Publisher
GBLA17_GENERIC PUBLISHERS LETTER.indd 2
of L.A. at trendsetting
temples of gastronomy.
FROM TOP: NILS SCHLEBUSCH/INTERSECTION PHOTOS; JAKOB LAYMAN; GWEN, QUENTIN BACON. PREVIOUS PAGE: BROWN W. CANNON III/INTERSECTION PHOTOS
AMAZING LOS ANGELES
12/14/16 5:40 PM
BOSSA NOVA
WHEN STYLE BECOMES A STATEMENT.
RIMOWA Store: Beverly Hills 313 North Rodeo Drive, Phone: 310-888-8686 www.rimowa.com
10:57 AM
0C2-011_TOC_GBLA17.indd 3
12/12/16 1:34 PM
0C2-011_TOC_GBLA17.indd 4
12/12/16 1:34 PM
A | X ARMANI EXCHANGE BALIZZA
•
BEBE
BLOOMINGDALE’S
•
BANANA REPUBLIC
CALL IT SPRING
•
•
GO! GAMES & TOYS
LACOSTE
•
•
•
•
•
•
ANGL
•
•
SALVATORE FERRAGAMO
•
HUGO BOSS
MAJE
•
•
•
•
•
PRETZELS
• •
•
SCENE
SOVAGE •
•
• •
•
HOUSE
|
COS
•
GUESS
•
•
DIESEL
•
•
POLITIX •
PRADA
SEPHORA
STARBUCKS •
H&M
•
LOUIS VUITTON
•
BURBERRY
•
GNC LIVE WELL
HALSTON HERITAGE
•
•
•
•
OMEGA BOUTIQUE
•
ROBIN'S JEANS
•
SGH - SUNGLASS HUT
TEAVANA
•
•
•
•
UNIQLO •
•
MACY’S PAPYRUS
•
SAINT LAURENT SIX:02
•
STUART WEITZMAN
TIFFANY & CO.
•
TUMI
MARKET
L.K. BENNETT
LUXE MOBILE
STEVE MADDEN
•
•
•
VICTORIA’S SECRET PINK BLACK
•
DIVINE BOUTIQUE
KRISTY-THE BEAUTY STORE
MONTBLANC
SUPERDRY
•
BROOKSTONE
•
AVEDA
BEACH BUNNY SWIMWEAR
GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI DESIGN
GUCCI
SEE
•
•
•
FAST FIX JEWELRY AND WATCH REPAIRS
•
TRUE RELIGION BRAND JEANS
VICTORIA’S SECRET WHITE
•
•
LORNA JANE
•
SUNSATIONS LUGGAGE
VERSACE COLLECTION
COACH
•
JIMMY CHOO
PIAZZA LOUNGE
SANDRO
TRAFFIC WOMEN
•
MICHAEL KORS
•
SOLSTICE SUNGLASS BOUTIQUE
TRAFFIC MEN
GALLINI
•
THE ART OF SHAVING
•
BCBGMAXAZRIA
•
EXPRESS / EXPRESS MEN
•
APPLE
•
BRIC'S LUGGAGE
•
GODIVA CHOCOLATIER
PARAGON WATCH COMPANY
•
ANN TAYLOR
CLUB MONACO MEN'S
L'OCCITANE EN PROVENCE
SUNGLASS HUT
•
THE BODY SHOP
FOOT LOCKER
HENRI BENDEL
MACY'S MEN'S STORE
WETZEL’S
•
BATH & BODY WORKS
EILATAN
•
FERRARI STORE
HARTMANN
ALDO
CLUB MONACO
DOLCE & GABBANA FENDI
•
•
TRADITION
UNO DE 50
•
VANS
VICTORINOX SWISS ARMY
WOLFORD
•
XXI
FOREVER
S H O P OVE R 10 0 PR E M I E R S TO R E S
LO S A N GEL ES , CA L I FO R N I A B LO O M I N G DA L E’S
BEVERLYCENTER.COM
. /BEVERLYCENTER .
@BEVERLYCENTER
0C2-011_TOC_GBLA17.indd 5
.
MACY’S
•
FREE WI-FI
/BEVERLYCENTER
.
/BEVERLYCENTER
.
@BEVERLYCENTER 欢迎使用银联卡
12/12/16 1:34 PM
24 SURFER’S DELIGHT
PHOTO ESSAY In the South Bay city of Manhattan Beach, surf and sand are a local photographer’s muse. BY PETE HALVORSEN
38 THE ART OF THE PLATE THE DINING SCENE
Artistic plating creates a visual feast at top L.A. restaurants. BY HEATHER PLATT
32 THE MALL REIMAGINED SHOPPING AND STYLE
44 THE TIDE IS HIGH AT SILICON BEACH
The mall of your youth is getting an extreme makeover. Meet L.A.’s new and renewed indoor-outdoor shopping, dining and lifestyle oases. BY ROGER GRODY
THE TECH BOOM A new breed of dreamer is hitting the county’s sunny shores. BY REBECCA PARDESS
48 LISA’S GUIDE TO LIFE, LOVE AND L.A.
LISA EDELSTEIN A heart-to-heart with the actress, activist and star of Bravo’s Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce. BY VICKI ARKOFF
50 THE LANGUAGE OF LANDRY HOME, SWEET HOME No detail is too small, no château too grand for architect-to-the-stars Richard Landry. BY ROGER GRODY
58 TO MARKET A BITE OF HISTORY
Dreams come true at the Original Farmers Market, a cherished local landmark since 1934. BY VICKI ARKOFF
6 WH ER E G U ESTBOOK
0C2-011_TOC_GBLA17.indd 6
12/12/16 1:34 PM
+888.214.6858 | AUDEMARSPIGUET.COM
L.A. ESSENCE
FROM LEFT: COURTESY LANDRY DESIGN GROUP; NORAH, JOSH TELLES; MARTIN RUSCH. COVER AND OPENING SPREAD: PETE HALVORSEN
CONTENTS
11429_
TO BREAK THE RULES, YOU MUST FIRST MASTER THEM. THE VALLÉE DE JOUX. FOR MILLENNIA A HARSH, UNYIELDING ENVIRONMENT; AND SINCE 1875 THE HOME OF AUDEMARS PIGUET, IN THE VILLAGE OF LE BRASSUS. THE EARLY WATCHMAKERS WERE SHAPED HERE, IN AWE OF THE FORCE OF NATURE YET DRIVEN TO MASTER ITS MYSTERIES THROUGH THE COMPLEX MECHANICS OF THEIR CRAFT. STILL TODAY THIS PIONEERING SPIRIT INSPIRES US TO CONSTANTLY CHALLENGE THE CONVENTIONS OF FINE WATCHMAKING.
+888.214.6858 | AUDEMARSPIGUET.COM
ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE CHRONOGRAPH IN PINK GOLD AND CERAMIC
11429_1611_LE_BRASSUS_2_GUESTBOOK_LA_10inx10in_ENG.indd 1 0C2-011_TOC_GBLA17.indd 7
10/11/20161:34 15:58 12/12/16 PM
L.A. ESSENTIALS 12 FIRST LOOK
MUST-SEE SPOTS Get glimpses of the city-defining destinations that captivate locals and visitors alike.
62 NEIGHBORHOODS
CITY GUIDES Los Angeles County comprises many cities and communities, from Santa Monica to Pasadena to the San Fernando Valley to Long Beach.
69 SPENDING TIME SHOPPING
85 CHOW TIME DINING
70 LOOK BOOK See what’s in store at some of the area’s finest retailers.
72 RETAIL DETAILS Here’s a look at the region’s major shopping destinations and stores, boutiques and galleries.
Hungry? Check out our guide to the best restaurants in the county.
99 PLAY TIME ATTRACTIONS Get out! The best things to do and see in L.A.: studio tours, theme parks, the arts, sports, nightlife and more.
»EXPLORE L.A. WITH THE CITY GUIDES BY WHERE TRAVELER APP
FROM LEFT: COURTESY A.F. GILMORE CO.; ROW DTLA, KATIE GIBBS; COURTESY THE BOUQS CO.
CONTENTS
8 WH ER E G U ESTBOOK
0C2-011_TOC_GBLA17.indd 8
12/12/16 1:34 PM
The Beverly Wilshire, 9500 Wilshire Boulevard DavidWebb.com 310-858-8006
S:9 in
S:9 in
Gemma Ward
0C2-011_TOC_GBLA17.indd 9 12/12/16 1:34 PM
2,,
where GUESTBOOK
OSKA 9693 Wilshire Boulevard Beverly Hills, CA 90212 310 271 2806 beverlyhills.oska.com OSKA 13 Douglas Alley Pasadena, CA 91103 626 432 1729 pasadena.oska.com
LOS ANGELES ON THE WEB: SOCALPULSE.COM PUBLISHER Jeff Levy EDITOR Suzanne Ennis ART DIRECTOR Carol Wakano PRODUCTION ARTIST Diana Gonzalez CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER Heidi Schwindt ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Gillian Glover
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Vicki Arkoff, Roger Grody, Marina Kay, Rebecca Pardess, Heather Platt CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Dale Berman, Brown W. Cannon III, Pete Halvorsen, Matt Hartman, Lisa Romerein, Edwin Santiago, Preston Schlebusch, James Schwartz SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
Jessica Levin Poff ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Kerry Brewer, Tim Egan, Heather Heintz, Julie Hoffman, Heather Price BUSINESS MANAGER Leanne Killian Riggar CIRCULATION AND SPECIAL EVENTS MANAGER Danielle PRODUCTION MANAGER Dawn Kiko Cheng WEB EDITOR Christina Xenos MARKETING MANAGER Anna Ciric
Riffenburg
ADMINISTRATION
Madelyn Harris, Amina Karwa, Laura Okey VICE PRESIDENT OF NATIONAL SALES WEST COAST NATIONAL SALES
Rick Mollineaux 202.463.4550
Tiffany Reinhold 714.813.6600
MVP CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER HONORARY PRESIDENT
Haines Wilkerson Ted Levy
3679 MOTOR AVE., SUITE 300 LOS ANGELES, CA 90034 PHONE: 310.280.2880 FAX: 310.280.2890 EMAIL ADVERTISING Jeff.Levy@SoCalMedia.com EDITORIAL Suzanne.Ennis@SoCalMedia.com ART Art@SoCalMedia.com PRODUCTION Ads@SoCalMedia.com CIRCULATION Danielle.Riffenburgh@SoCalMedia.com Where GuestBook® publishes editions for the following U.S. cities and regions: Arizona, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Colorado, Dallas, Florida Gold Coast (Fort Lauderdale & Palm Beach), Fort Worth, Hawai‘i Island (the Big Island), Houston, Jacksonville/St. Augustine/Amelia Island, Kansas City, Kaua‘i, Los Angeles, Maui, Miami, Nashville, New Orleans, New York, Northern Arizona, O‘ahu, Orange County (CA), Orlando, Philadelphia, Reno/Lake Tahoe, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle/The Eastside/Tacoma, Southwest Florida (Naples), Tampa Bay, Tucson, Virginia, Washington D.C.
Beverly Hills / Chicago / Edina / Healdsburg / Mill Valley / New York Pasadena / Seattle / Calgary / Vancouver / Shanghai / Sydney London / Paris / Munich
Copyright© 2017 by Southern California Media Group. All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, in whole or in part, without the express prior written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility to any party for the content of any advertisement in this publication, including any errors and omissions therein. By placing an order for an advertisement, the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher against any claims relating to the advertisement. Printed in the United States. Circulation audited by Alliance for Audited Media.
(((( GET THE BUZZ WITH THE CITY GUIDES BY WHERE TRAVELER APP
))))
10 WH ER E G U ESTBOOK
0C2-011_TOC_GBLA17.indd 10
12/12/16 1:34 PM
2,,
contRIBUTORS s s
ROGER GRODY
• The Mall Reimagined, page 32, and The Language of Landry, page 50 Pasadena-based Roger Grody writes for Westways, Unique Homes and GuestBook’s sister magazines, Where and Performances. The former city planner and adventurous gourmet likes to connect food with its context, whether at a locals-only bistro in Paris’ 6th arrondissement or in downtown Los Angeles, where you might find him at an off-the-radar sushi bar or hunting down a taco truck. As passionate about design as he is about food, Grody also documents L.A.’s architecture on our pages, as well as for publications including Hemispheres and Fodor’s travel guides.
rebecca pardess
s s
• The Tide Is High at Silicon Beach, page 44 Rebecca Pardess is an L.A. native who calls Silver Lake home. She’s a full-time digital content manager for the fitness app Beachbody on Demand, giving her firsthand experience with Silicon Beach culture. As a freelancer, she’s contributed to L.A. Weekly, Where and KCET, among others. In her free time, she can be found walking her pug and French bulldog around Silver Lake Reservoir.
heather platt
s s
roger grody, vladimir perlovich
ss vicki arkoff • Lisa’s Guide to Life, Love and L.A., page 48, and To Market, page 58 Based in Los Angeles, Vicki Arkoff writes about travel, adventure and entertainment for CNN, Day Spa, JustLuxe and Where Los Angeles and is one of the Usual Gang of Idiots for Mad magazine. As editor, her books include Sinatra, Inside Mad and Virgin Los Angeles, and she’s an authorized biographer for pop culture icons including the Beach Boys, Beastie Boys, Joe Cocker, Paul McCartney, MC Hammer, Megadeth, Radiohead, Tina Turner and Frank Sinatra.
pete halvorsen
• Surfer’s Delight, page 24 Photographer and influencer Pete Halvorsen travels the world capturing images and executing campaigns for such high-profile clients as Microsoft, Kimpton Hotels, Toyota, the Getty Museum and Toms. Off the clock, you’ll find him hosting an Instameet, championing charitable causes or enjoying the beach lifestyle with his wife and two kids.
• The Art of the Plate, page 38 Heather Platt lives in Los Angeles, where she spends most of her time eating food and writing about it. After years working in the restaurant industry, she is now a food journalist, travel writer, photographer, cook, food stylist and recipe tester. Platt’s work appears in L.A. Weekly, Los Angeles Magazine, Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, Where Los Angeles, The Infatuation, We Like L.A., PopSugar Food and Salt & Wind.
W H E R E G U E S T B OO K 1 1
0C2-011_TOC_GBLA17.indd 11
12/15/16 4:29 PM
first look
FROM ICONIC BEACHES TO WORLD-CLASS ARTS VENUES TO CUTTING-EDGE BOUTIQUES, LOS ANGELES HAS IT ALL. WE CHERRY-PICK THE TOP ATTRACTIONS FROM THE COUNTY’S DIVERSE BOUNTY.
012-023_FIRST-LOOK_GBLA17.indd 12
12/12/16 1:04 PM
Grand Avenue
If you’re traveling down Grand Avenue between Temple and 3rd streets, there’s no missing the Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall. The 2003 stainless-steel-clad, soaring curvilinear building strikes a dazzling pose against the city’s blue skies and adds a contemporary element to the 53-year-old Music Center complex, also home to the Ahmanson Theatre, the Mark Taper Forum and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, where operas and plays are performed. Of course, music is the Disney Hall’s raison d’être, and, accordingly, its hardwood-paneled main auditorium is an acoustically sophisticated complement to the iconic exterior, as well as to the talents of the resident orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and its vibrant conductor, Gustavo Dudamel. A block away, the newer Broad museum draws lines of people, who wait their turn to take in the magnificent contemporary-art collection of philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad. Kitty-corner from the Broad is the Arata Isozaki-designed MOCA Grand Avenue, one of three venues that comprise the artist-founded Museum of Contemporary Art.
WH ER E G U ESTBOOK 13
012-023_FIRST-LOOK_GBLA17.indd 13
12/12/16 1:04 PM
Universal Studios Hollywood & Universal CityWalk
Not merely an amusement park, but also the world’s largest working movie studio, Universal Studios Hollywood is the only place in Los Angeles where you can soar through the sky with Harry Potter, enter the animated world of the Simpsons’ Springfield and escape a horde of zombies in the same afternoon. The studio’s legendary tour takes you through recognizable movie and TV sets, scares you with director Peter Jackson’s King Kong 360 3-D and thrills you with its Fast & Furious—Supercharged finale. Other attractions include Despicable Me Minion Mayhem 3-D and the adjacent Super Silly Fun Land, Jurassic Park—the Ride, The Walking Dead Attraction and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which has drawn swarms of muggles since its opening last year. At adjacent open-air destination Universal CityWalk, enjoy shopping, dining, a cinema, nightlife destinations, indoor skydiving facility iFly Hollywood and more. It’s small wonder the two attractions are among the city’s most popular entertainment destinations. Universal Studios Hollywood, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 818.622.3801, universalstudioshollywood.com;
Third Street Promenade & Santa Monica Place
Come to Santa Monica for the beachside bliss; stay for the shopping centers, which are destinations in their own right. The pedestrian-only Third Street Promenade occupies three city blocks, where street performers and vendors ply their trades while visitors and locals filter in and out of bars, restaurants, theaters and trendy shops. On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, the city’s famous farmers market intersects the promenade at Arizona Avenue. Anchoring the complex at Broadway is Santa Monica Place, an open-air shopping center that boasts Bloomingdale’s, dozens of boutiques, ArcLight Cinemas and a rooftop Dining Deck. Third Street Promenade, 3rd Street from Broadway to Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, 310.393.8355, downtownsm.com; Santa Monica Place, 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, 310.260.8333, santamonicaplace.com
this page (2) and opening spread: dale berman. opposite: James Schwartz
Universal CityWalk, 818.622.4455, citywalkhollywood.com
1 4 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
012-023_FIRST-LOOK_GBLA17.indd 14
12/16/16 10:44 AM
The Beaches
Synonymous with L.A. in many a mind, the county’s famous, beautiful beaches stretch 25 miles along Los Angeles’ celebrated coastline, from the Malibu/Ventura County border down to Long Beach. Along the way, you’ll find volleyball players, windsurfers, stand-up paddleboarders, swimmers and beachcombers enjoying the sun. Just off the sand, you can hop on a bike path in Venice Beach, also home to the world-famous Boardwalk, and cruise to Santa Monica State Beach. There, an attraction-packed pier (best viewed from Pacific Park’s Ferris wheel) and the Annenberg Community Beach House beyond it offer hours of entertainment. In the South Bay, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach occupy an idyllic niche.
W H E R E G U E S T B O O K 1 5
012-023_FIRST-LOOK_GBLA17.indd 15
12/12/16 1:05 PM
Getty Center & Getty Villa
The Getty Center and the Getty Villa—the J. Paul Getty Museum’s two venues—constitute two of the county’s cultural crown jewels. Perched atop a hill in Brentwood and accessible via tram, the Getty Center is a modernist, Richard Meier-designed complex featuring expansive views, travertine-clad buildings and a Central Garden reminiscent of a labyrinth. Its European paintings, drawings, sculptures, illuminated manuscripts and European and American photographs are regularly complemented by exciting temporary exhibitions and special events. The coastal Getty Villa is modeled after a Julius Caesar-era house, bedecked with classical architectural details and Greek, Etruscan and Roman antiquities. Visitors, who must book tickets in advance, also enjoy café dining and performances at the villa’s outdoor classical theater. Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive, L.A., 310.440.7300; Getty Villa,
Brown W. Cannon III/INTERSECTION PHOTOS
17985 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades, 310.440.7300, getty.edu
1 6 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
012-023_FIRST-LOOK_GBLA17.indd 16
12/16/16 10:50 AM
AD_GU
Harry Winston Premier Moon Phase 36 mm
H A R R Y W I N S T O N . C O M
AD_GUESTBOOKLA_PremierMoonPhase_10x10in.indd 1 012-023_FIRST-LOOK_GBLA17.indd 17
08.11.2016 12/12/1614:37:24 1:05 PM
Griffith Observatory
Los Angeles is prime star-spotting territory, but head to the iconic Griffith Observatory—a frequent film location and a monument to public astronomy—to see real stars. It’s also one of the city’s best places to take in expansive views of the L.A. Basin all the way up to the celestial sphere. Visitors can tour the grounds, explore the universe at the stateof-the-art Samuel Oschin Planetarium Theater and search the sky via telescope at a public “star party,” held monthly. The dome-topped observatory is the main draw of the 4,210-acre Griffith Park, which is also home to the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, a merry-go-round, the Autry Museum of the American West, Travel Town, pony rides, the Greek Theatre and a 53-mile network of popular hiking trails. 2800 E. Observatory Road, L.A., 213.473.0800, griffithobservatory.org
Ogle the sights at Venice Beach’s world-famous Ocean Front Walk, a 2-mile-long concrete boardwalk stretching from Rose Avenue to the Venice Pier. Prime people-watching territory, it’s packed with quirky street performers, greased bodybuilders fresh from Muscle Beach, souvenir hawkers, inline skaters and tourists gawking at the scene. Eateries and shops line the path, and basketball and handball courts host spirited games just off the sand. Just steps away, a more conventional coastal experience awaits at one of L.A.’s prettiest stretches of beach, featuring volleyball nets, a bike path and wide swaths of sand. 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, 310.396.6794, laparks.org/venice
TOP: EDWIN SANTIAGO; BOTTOM AND OPPOSITE: DALE BERMAN
Ocean Front Walk
1 8 WH ER E G U ESTBOOK
012-023_FIRST-LOOK_GBLA17.indd 18
12/12/16 1:05 PM
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
As the largest art museum in the western United States, LACMA has provided L.A. with cultural sustenance for over 50 years. The museum houses nearly 130,000 works throughout its 20-acre campus, from Edo-period paintings in the Pavilion for Japanese Art to a Richard Serra sculpture in the 60,000-square-foot Broad Contemporary Art Museum. The newer Renzo Piano-designed Lynda and Stewart Resnick Exhibition Pavilion hosts captivating exhibitions. After you’ve perused the galleries—don’t miss James Turrell’s Light Reignfall and Chris Burden’s Metropolis II—catch a matinee of a classic Hollywood film in the Bing Theater, or head outdoors to visit Burden’s installation Urban Light and Michael Heizer’s Levitated Mass, which consists of a 340-ton granite megalith perched atop a passable “slot” built on the Resnick North Lawn. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.857.6000, lacma.org
W H E R E G U E S T B O O K 1 9
012-023_FIRST-LOOK_GBLA17.indd 19
12/12/16 1:05 PM
The Huntington
San Marino’s Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens is revered for its lush gardens, rare-book holdings and blue-chip paintings. The grounds boast 12 themed gardens and 15,000 plant varieties across 120 landscaped acres. The on-site art collection is equally impressive. It’s housed mainly in the beaux-arts style Huntington Art Gallery (the former residence of railroad magnate Henry E. Huntington and wife Arabella) and the Virginia Steele Scott Galleries of American Art, which recently opened its new Jonathan and Karin Fielding Wing. Thomas Lawrence’s Pinkie and Thomas Gainsborough’s The Blue Boy are two beloved holdings. Bookworms will want to check out the Huntington Library, home to more than 7 million manuscripts, rare books, photographs, historical prints and other works, including one of 11 surviving copies of Gutenberg’s Bible printed on vellum. On the dining front, noteworthy chefs Susan Feniger, Mary Sue Milliken and Kajsa Alger helm several new global-meets-local concepts at the library. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, 626.405.2100, huntington.org
2 0 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
012-023_FIRST-LOOK_GBLA17.indd 20
12/16/16 10:52 AM
Rodeo Drive
The world’s most exclusive luxury brands, elegantly dressed shoppers and camera-wielding sightseers all converge at the legendary threeblock stretch of Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive. Balenciaga, Burberry, Fendi and Salvatore Ferragamo are just a few of the esteemed fashion houses that call the celebrated street home. Stroll up the cobblestoned Via Rodeo to visit Versace, Tiffany & Co. and Galerie Michael in the European-inspired Two Rodeo shopping complex. But first, pause at the intersection of Rodeo Drive and Dayton Way to admire the Robert Graham sculpture Torso, the centerpiece of the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style. The south end of Rodeo is anchored by the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, of Pretty Woman fame, which houses Cut, a steakhouse by Wolfgang Puck. Rodeo Drive between Wilshire and Santa Monica boulevards,
Top: matt hartman; Bottom: courtesy a.f. gilmore co. opposite: lisa romerein
Beverly Hills, 323.769.3600, rodeodrive-bh.com
The Grove & Farmers Market
The Grove, an open-air shopping and entertainment destination, is a pleasant place to while away an afternoon. The picturesque center, at Fairfax Avenue and West 3rd Street, features a Pacific Theatres cinema, quaint cobblestone streets, a dancing fountain and an extensive selection of dining spots and boutiques. Favorite shops include American Girl Place, Apple, Barneys New York, Nordstrom, Sephora, Topshop Topman, Vince and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s Elizabeth and James. Refuel at eateries such as Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill and La Piazza, then end on a sweet note at the eagerly anticipated French macaron bakery Ladurée. Or hop on the electric trolley to the Original Farmers Market, an L.A. institution dating back to 1934 that’s packed with more than 100 stalls, boutiques and restaurants, including the classic 24-hour diner Du-par’s. The Grove, 189 The Grove Drive, L.A., 323.900.8080, thegrovela.com; Original Farmers Market, 6333 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.933.9211, farmersmarketla.com
W H E R E G U E S T B O O K 2 1
012-023_FIRST-LOOK_GBLA17.indd 21
12/16/16 10:46 AM
42764_17_WhereGuestBook_SPR_FNL.indd All Pages 012-023_FIRST-LOOK_GBLA17.indd 22
12/12/16 1:05 PM
The Ultimate Shopping Experience
SOUTH COAST PLAZA 250 BOUTIQUES, 30 RESTAURANTS AND SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS Apple Store · Berluti · Bottega Veneta · Burberry · Canali · Cartier · Céline Chanel · Charlotte Olympia · Chopard · Coach · Dior · Dolce&Gabbana Ermenegildo Zegna · Fendi · Gucci · Intermix · Jimmy Choo · John Varvatos Louis Vuitton · Rimowa · Roger Vivier · Rolex · Salvatore Ferragamo · The Webster Tiffany & Co. · Tod’s · Vacheron Constantin · Valentino · Weekend Max Mara AnQi by House of An · The Capital Grille · Din Tai Fung Mastro’s Steakhouse · Seasons 52 · Vaca · Water Grill Saks Fifth Avenue · Bloomingdale’s · Nordstrom · Macy’s partial listing
San Diego FWY (405) at Bristol St., Costa Mesa, CA SOUTHCOASTPLAZA.COM 800.782.8888
012-023_FIRST-LOOK_GBLA17.indd 23
11/16/16 1:05 4:55 PM PM 12/12/16
SURFER’S I was born and raised in the wine country of Northern California but always
knew that someday I would call Southern California’s beaches home. More than 10 years ago, my wife and I moved to Manhattan Beach, where we found the perfect mix of urban and beach life. My job as a travel photographer takes me to all parts of the world, documenting different cultures. A few years ago, I decided to use that same eye around this place I call home. What I try to capture and share with these images is a different view of the surf culture and its relationship to the unique landscapes in the South Bay. 2 4 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
024-031_PHOTO_ESSAY_GBLA17.indd 24
12/12/16 4:15 PM
Delight / ph oto g raph s a nd text by p ete halvor sen /
winter in Manhattan BeacH: Low Tides, perfect cloud cover and Glowing sunsets. Shooting from the pier allows the elevated view that I’ve come to love.
024-031_PHOTO_ESSAY_GBLA17.indd 25
12/16/16 10:00 AM
024-031_PHOTO_ESSAY_GBLA17.indd 26
12/12/16 4:15 PM
ABOVE: I WAS SHOOTING MEDIUM-FORMAT FILM THIS DAY AND HAD ONE FRAME LEFT. MY FRIEND NATALIE WAS JUST HEADED OUT TO THE LINEUP, AND I CALLED HER OVER FOR A QUICK PHOTO. SURE ENOUGH, SHE HAD HER EYES CLOSED, BUT I FEEL IT MADE THE PHOTO THAT MUCH BETTER—AND I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE RESHOT IF I HAD BEEN SHOOTING DIGITAL. OPPOSITE: SOME MIDDAY BOARD MEETINGS ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS.
WH ER E G U ESTBOOK 27
024-031_PHOTO_ESSAY_GBLA17.indd 27
12/12/16 4:15 PM
024-031_PHOTO_ESSAY_GBLA17.indd 28
12/12/16 4:15 PM
THIS WAS A SNEAKY SWELL. I WAS THE ONLY PERSON ON THE PIER, AND BRENT WAS THE ONLY ONE IN THE WATER. SUNRISE SESSIONS WHEN YOU’RE THE ONLY ONE OUT THERE . . . HOW CAN THIS BE LOS ANGELES?
WH ER E G U ESTBOOK 29
024-031_PHOTO_ESSAY_GBLA17.indd 29
12/12/16 4:15 PM
ABOVE: NATALIE CAN USUALLY BE FOUND CHARGING THE LARGE WAVES ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE PIER, BUT THIS TIME I ASKED IF SHE’D STAND RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE. OPPOSITE: ONE OF THE BEST PARTS OF GROWING UP AT THE BEACH IS YOU CAN TAKE SURFING AS A CLASS IN MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL. IF YOU LOOK CLOSELY, YOU CAN SEE ALL THE KIDS HUDDLED BEHIND THE LIFEGUARD TOWER WITH THEIR SURF INSTRUCTOR.
3 0 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
024-031_PHOTO_ESSAY_GBLA17.indd 30
12/12/16 4:15 PM
024-031_PHOTO_ESSAY_GBLA17.indd 31
12/12/16 4:15 PM
platform lifestyle complex in culver city opposite: contemporary light fixtures by tom dixon at platform’s the shop: curve x tom dixon
3 2 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
032-037_FASHION_GBLA17.indd 32
12/16/16 11:49 AM
THE MALL REIMAGINED L.A. WAS ONCE THE WORLD CAPITAL OF THE SUBURBAN SHOPPING MALL, BUT THE INTERNET AND CREATIVE DEVELOPERS ARE CHANGING HOW THE CITY SHOPS. BY R O G E R G R O DY
032-037_FASHION_GBLA17.indd 33
12/12/16 1:29 PM
M
ost
Angelenos
would
have
only heard about it from their grandparents, but downtown
Los Angeles was once a major shopping destination, with department stores lining Broadway. It wasn’t until the 1960s that L.A. began leading the nation in the construction of suburban shopping malls. Today, however, they are being shuttered or reinvented, as shoppers
The very identity of the San Fernando Valley once revolved around the mall, represented in movies like the 1995 classic Clueless. Department-store anchors—prior to a massive trend of consolidation in the industry—supported a lineup of stores that was essentially the same in Sherman Oaks as it was in suburban Philadelphia. Orange Julius, KB Toys and Spencer’s Gifts were part of an experience that, for better or worse, united us as a shopping-crazed society. The internet, which allows us to shop without even getting out of bed, has profoundly influenced our retail habits and the decline of the mall. Accelerating the mall’s obsolescence, Southern California developers have begun introducing consumers to more novel and exciting shopping environments. The Grove by Caruso Affiliated was a groundbreaking concept when it appeared on the scene in 2002, leading to additional open-air “lifestyle centers” with more character than the traditional enclosed mall. Recently, more intimate shopping venues have surfaced, featuring an edgier mix of both dining and shopping, with some incorporating residential units, creative studios and convenient transit access. The idea of parking amid acres of asphalt and snacking at a food court, once a routine experience for L.A. shoppers, is out of style, even in the burbs. One of L.A.’s most progressive companies in this new era of retailing is the Runyon Group, founded six years ago by David Fishbein and Joseph Miller when they were just 24 and 28 years of age, respectively. Their firm consults and collaborates with other developers to create unique, upscale tenant mixes. The partners also develop and operate their own shopping environments. In the former role, they assisted the developer of One Colorado—a complex in Old Pasadena featuring an open-
032-037_FASHION_GBLA17.indd 34
this page and previous pages (5): benny chan
demand more exciting retail experiences.
12/16/16 11:52 AM
katie gibbs (2)
air plaza, pedestrian alleyways and plentiful public art—in creating a compelling retail experience. “We knew the spaces along Colorado Boulevard would be easy to lease, but the center courtyard was the most charming part of the site,” says Fishbein. “We embraced the outdoor space, attracting unique merchants that could capitalize on it,” he adds. One Colorado continues to attract high-profile retailers like Cop. Copine Paris, Mohawk General Store and Finn + Willow. “More and more, shoppers are looking for an experience that incorporates great design and food, where the stores aren’t the same chain tenants found everywhere else,” explains Fishbein. He believes that retailers should reflect the community in which they are located—an approach designed to mitigate the impact of the internet. “People are only inspired to get out of the house when they can find really interesting brands and labels in a place that offers an experience they haven’t seen before,” he says. In shaping that experience, Fishbein emphasizes the value of creative design, interesting food and unique cultural programming. Culver City’s Platform, the first start-to-finish project from Runyon, has become an overnight hit with locals and represents a new interpretation of the shopping center in L.A. “We wanted to attract merchants from all over the globe, those who recognize L.A. as one of the great creative capitals of the world,” says Fishbein, a converted Northern Californian. Frustrated that innovative design, retail activity and dining had rarely been successfully integrated in L.A., Fishbein says he and Miller envisioned Platform as both a neighborhood and citywide destination. The $150-million project is close to downtown, Rodeo Drive and Santa Monica, he notes. The recent arrival of light rail—the Expo Line Metro station is steps away—adds to Platform’s status as the antithesis of the auto-centric suburban mall. Platform is in Culver City’s Hayden Tract, which is morphing from a gritty warehousing district into a showplace for progressive architecture and hipster services. “I love the industrial nature of the neighborhood, seeing it transform itself with art galleries, restaurants and headquarters of innovative fashion, PR and tech firms,” says Fishbein. Retail was the missing piece of the puzzle, he says, and Platform is suddenly making Hayden Tract a shopping destination. “We were inspired by the materiality of the neighborhood and the site itself and were anxious to preserve as many of its historic elements as possible,” says Fishbein. Abramson Teiger Architects, based in the neighborhood, created six structures around a central courtyard to maximize a sense of community and maintain a human scale. Although
Runyon hadn’t set out specifically to hire local architects, “it was nice using a firm that was living and breathing the neighborhood, understanding what it was missing and what it deserved,” Fishbein says. “The design and scale were influenced by both the history of the site and the future of where the neighborhood is heading.” “We wanted Platform to seamlessly integrate into the neighborhood while offering something new and exciting,” explains architect Trevor Abramson. “We also wanted to respect the creative and artistic culture of the local community by designing structures that didn’t feel out of place,” he adds. In the spirit of the street art that has left its imprint throughout L.A. is a massive mural by Jen Stark. Aptly titled Technicolor Drip, the rainbow-reminiscent work bleeds across the parking garage and infects the entire site with vibrant color. Speaking about his clients Fishbein and Miller, Abramson says, “Their progressive vision of a retail district was met with our eccentric design background that doesn’t fall into a specific niche.” Inspired by the site’s history as an abandoned railroad spur, Abramson explains that the structures appear stacked to represent the scattered abandoned railroad cars. “The design acts as a memory book from tenants past, a resurrection and a celebration of abandoned prior operations that have now been reimagined,” he says. Both the developers and architect were adamant about keeping those historical elements woven throughout. The genesis for the design of the top-floor event space, nicknamed “the greenhouse,” is obvious, but Abramson also suggests imagery of abandoned boxcars overgrown with vines. Honoring the site’s more recent history as an auto dealership, the former showroom has been preserved, now functioning as an art gallery. The car-repair bays have also been repurposed—their garage doors replaced by sleek
opposite, clockwise from top: the shop: curve x tom dixon; jen stark’s Technicolor Drip; and loqui taco bar, all at platform in culver city above, left and right: two recent pop-up shops at row dtla
WH ER E G U ESTBOOK 35
032-037_FASHION_GBLA17.indd 35
12/16/16 11:55 AM
reimagined dining deck; a signpost at smorgasburg opposite: An aerial view of smorgasburg at row dtla
top: courtesy santa monica place; bottom and opposite: katie gibbs
above, from top: santa monica place’s
glass storefronts—and now house shops and eateries such as progressive apothecary Aesop, a contemporary taco bar called Loqui and Blue Bottle Coffee. “Today’s shopper can find almost anything online, so we have to create a destination that offers more,” says Abramson. The storefronts at Platform include a collaboration between women’s boutique Curve and British home-furnishings designer Tom Dixon (a 7,000-square-foot concept dubbed the Shop), unique menswear store Magasin and the Edit by Freda Salvador + Janessa Leoné, which unites an artisanal footwear line and hats with a supermodel clientele. For food, Platform has attracted the West Coast edition of the Cannibal (an upmarket Manhattan gastropub and butcher shop) and Sweetgreen, which celebrates locally sourced, sustainable produce. “I always thought about L.A. as a possible location, and when the team behind Platform approached me, I instantly fell in love with the idea,” says the Cannibal owner Christian Pappanicholas, who admits a weakness for emerging neighborhoods. Recognizing Runyon’s attention to both tenant mix and environment, he says, “They truly had a vision to create something that is greater than the sum of its parts.” The restaurateur adds, “Culver City, especially the Hayden Tract area, seemed to really need something with that New York vibe.” After San Francisco-based designers Megan Papay and Cristina Palomo-Nelson noticed their Southern California customer base growing, they began thinking about bringing their Freda Salvador footwear line here.
“We felt it was important to interact with them face to face and provide experiences that are unique to our brand,” explains Papay. “The minute we decided to expand to L.A., we wrote David Fishbein at Runyon Group,” says Palomo-Nelson, who says that they initially opened the store as a pop-up before committing to a permanent collaboration with hat maker Leoné. Commenting on the mix of tenants at Platform, Papay enthuses, “We love that each tenant fulfills a certain need of our girl.” Her partner adds, “All of the businesses at Platform enhance each other.” The Runyon Group is collaborating with Atlas Capital Group on Row DTLA, an ambitious 32-acre mixed-used project centered around Alameda Square in the Arts District. Ultimately, the sprawling project will involve 15 culturally diverse restaurants, 100 thoughtfully curated retailers or galleries and plentiful space for artists, innovators and creative professionals of all kinds. Five acres are committed to open space, with manicured gardens interconnecting with public art-laden plazas for gathering. Construction will be phased in over a number of years, but a diverse array of tenants has already opened. Smorgasburg L.A. is a massive marketplace—think flea market but with world-class designers and lots of artisanal, multicultural eats—held every Sunday at a vintage produce market. “Being part of downtown L.A. has always been a goal for us,” says Smorgasburg co-founder Eric Demby, who adds, “We saw a solid connection between Row DTLA, the historic Alameda Produce Market and our new market concept.” A+R, a chic purveyor of contemporary home accessories and lighting, currently in the La Brea Design District, has also arrived at Row. “When David Fishbein showed us Row, we knew we’d found a home,” says co-founder Rose Apodaca, who had been looking for an opportunity downtown. “We loved that our modern furnishings could be showcased in a historic, industrial setting.” Traditional shopping malls throughout Southern California are playing catch-up, also eager to attract shoppers who have withdrawn to the internet. In 2010, Santa Monica Place was turned inside out to capture Pacific breezes and create a natural transition to the Third Street Promenade. Now, Taubman Centers is investing $500 million to reinvent its eight-story Beverly Center, where the melancholy Woody Allen/Bette Midler film Scenes From a Mall was filmed. “In re-envisioning Beverly Center, we’re looking to create L.A.’s signature urban shopping and dining experience as well as an exciting, pedestrian-friendly anchor to one of the most creative and diverse neighborhoods in the world,”
3 6 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
032-037_FASHION_GBLA17.indd 36
12/16/16 11:56 AM
says Robert Taubman, the company’s chief executive. The Italian firm Studio Fuksas is behind the redesign of the 886,000-square-foot vertical mall. Added features will involve a reconfigured center court, a continuous ribbon of new skylights, a glitzier facade and an upscale food court called the Street, under the direction of Michelin-starred chef Michael Mina. Capitalizing on the current craze of the food hall, the Street will showcase visiting celebrity chefs cooking at hawker stations. “The Street will feature incredibly diverse cuisine inspired by the local community,” says Mina, who adds, “The overall experience will be like no other in L.A.” International mall developer Westfield Corp. is spending $800 million to expand and revamp its open-air Century City center, introducing a new Nordstrom and Eataly, the 50,000-square-foot Italian marketplace/dining concept from celebrity chef Mario Batali and restaurateur Joe Bastianich, already a smash hit in New York and Chicago. Reports indicate that the Century City site was selected for its sprawling rooftop, with Eataly CEO Nicola Farinetti suggesting that it would provide an opportunity for an immense grill and that live-fire cooking would be a primary focus of the cuisine on that level. The reimagined Century City mall will feature inviting plazas, tree-lined pathways and gardens encompassing a full 8 acres of open space. Westfield is also enriching the cultural programming at the center, kicking off its Arts Walls program with fashion artist Donald Robertson last fall, coinciding with the reopening of a smartly renovated Bloomingdale’s. The works of Robertson were splashed over the center’s facades facing Santa Monica Boulevard and along interior walkways. A similar approach is being taken at other centers throughout Southern California, even in the more densely developed setting of downtown L.A. In the Financial District, for example, the Ratkovich Co. is transforming a former fortress-like shopping center anchored by Macy’s into the Bloc, a more contemporary lifestyle center offering spacious plazas with outdoor furniture. The Runyon Group’s Fishbein believes centers like Platform represent the next generation of the shopping experience: an intersection of the physical retail space and the internet. A millennial himself, Fishbein appreciates firsthand the kind of retail experience that resonates with his generation. The enclosed mall remains an indispensable part of Los Angeles’ identity and may never completely disappear, but evolving shopping trends and visionary developers are giving rise to new options that better suit contemporary L.A. lifestyles.
WH ER E G U ESTBOOK 37
032-037_FASHION_GBLA17.indd 37
12/16/16 11:57 AM
the art of the plate a magnificent meal
doesn’t rest with taste alone. at some of los
angeles’ top restaurants, a dish’s appeal starts with locally made ceramics, upon which carefully
considered components are artfully arranged. by heather platt
3 8 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
038-043_DINING FEATURE_GBLA17.indd 38
12/16/16 11:59 AM
038-043_DINING FEATURE_GBLA17.indd 39
12/12/16 2:50 PM
from top: orsa & winston’s roasted-pear dessert on a Mori Onodera plate; norah’s chilled english peas in a dish by the wheel previous spread: Destroyer’s raw beef, Parsnip and smoked egg on a robert boldt plate
Zach Pollack, chef and owner of Silver Lake favorite Alimento and forthcoming Cosa Buona, says, “My mantra when it comes to plating is ‘organic, but deliberate.’ Even if a dish is meticulously plated, I want it to look like it just happened to fall on the plate ever so perfectly. Like supermodels eating pizza.” Pollack trained in Italy and earned his reputation as a master of Italian food after opening Sotto in Los Angeles with chef Steve Samson. His natural-meetsintentional style may be best illustrated by his chickenliver crostone with quince mostarda at Alimento. The thick smear of creamy chicken-liver mousse is spread across the plate in a way that seems effortless. But then, with dollops of mostarda, rustic toast and a tiny mound of sea salt, the smear looks very intentional. It is worth mentioning that the dish is utterly delicious, too. Chef Wes Whitsell, of the new downtown Arts District restaurant Manuela, has a similar technique. “Plating food comes very naturally, but it took years for it to come naturally,” he says. The laid-back eatery is inside art gallery Hauser Wirth & Schimmel and boasts its own garden and chicken coop, where 12 rare-breed chickens graze. Whether intentional or not, the juxtaposition of Manuela’s rustic, farm-centric features within the modern complex creates an interesting tension. Despite Manuela’s chic setting, Whitsell doesn’t feel that the art dictates his cooking or plating style, but he does say that the surrounding environment is “motivating and adds a whole new dimension to the adventure.” That said, the chef is keeping things homegrown. “My style comes from growing up in Texas, where everything that was put on the table was something that my dad hunted and foraged himself.” Given the emphasis on local ingredients and artistry in presentation at fine Los Angeles restaurants, it naturally follows that many are looking to local ceramicists for their tableware. At Alimento, the minimal plates are from Sausalito-based Heath Ceramics. At Manuela, plates are made by Dora De Larios and her daughter Sabrina Judge at Irving Place Studio, right here in L.A. “Our serving boards are made by an L.A. artist named David Leitch, who also designed and built our chicken coop,” adds Whitsell. For Norah, Thomas Schoos’ design pairs a spacious modern interior with ceramics from the Wheel in Encinitas. Chef Williams describes his role in the design process: “I sat in on the design meetings before the build-out of the restaurant, and I designed the kitchen
from top: courtesy orsa & winston; alicia cho. opposite: sierra prescott. previous spread: curtis pickrell
W
e know where Los Angeles’ most prominent chefs source their lettuce. We see their razor-sharp knife skills. We watch them hand-roll pasta, season their sauces and sear a rib-eye steak to perfection. But what inspires that finishing touch, when the food hits the plate and becomes something more? For some chefs, the plate is merely a vessel for flavors and textures to speak for themselves. Others approach it as a blank canvas on which their creations become the paint. And though this final step in the process is perhaps less talked about than where they source ingredients or their hard-learned cooking techniques, for many prominent L.A. chefs, it is no less important. They consider the interplay between the plate and food inspiration for artistry. And many of these chefs prove that there’s much more informing the presentation of a dish than a desire to catch the eye. “I plate my dishes to showcase the product in a visually appealing way but, more importantly, [in a way that] allows for the most optimal eating experience,” says Mike Williams, chef at Norah, an eclectic American restaurant in West Hollywood. Williams raises an important point: When diners are presented with a plate of stylishly deconstructed food and left to figure out assembly for themselves, the results can be less than “optimal.” As a chef, wouldn’t you want to ensure that your guest experiences the flavor combination correctly? Timothy Hollingsworth certainly does. The former French Laundry chef has a similar philosophy and plates his food the way that he likes to eat it. “When I go out to eat—when I’m sitting with my wife at dinner and I’m making a bite—I’m tasting the individual components on the plate, and then I’m making what is essentially a perfect bite,” he explains. At Otium, his contemporary restaurant adjacent to the Broad museum downtown, Hollingsworth doesn’t want his guests to have to do that work. He uses the example of the restaurant’s steak tartare: a crispy layer of lavash covered in muhammara, beef tartare, yogurt, mint, Aleppo pepper and finishing salt. “You take a bite of it. You get the full flavor. You’re getting all the textures,” he says. “There’s no way you can eat that dish wrong.”
4 0 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
038-043_DINING FEATURE_GBLA17.indd 40
12/16/16 12:02 PM
ST. HONORE (COFFEE, SALTED CARAMEL AND HAZELNUT) AT OTIUM, SERVED ON A PLATE BY IRVING PLACE STUDIO
W H E R E G U E S T B O O K 41
038-043_DINING FEATURE_GBLA17.indd 41
12/12/16 2:50 PM
4 2 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
038-043_DINING FEATURE_GBLA17.indd 42
12/12/16 2:50 PM
myself, so there was always a cohesiveness between the food and restaurant’s aesthetic.” When it came to choosing who would craft the plates and bowls, Williams says, “our team went to meet the owner, Mike,” referring to the Wheel’s Michael Totah. “He gave us a tour and a few options for custom pieces. We loved that Mike is completely dedicated to his craft and that you can see every piece being spun on pottery wheels by hand at his shop. It just sort of clicked for us.” This symbiotic relationship between chef and ceramicist seems reminiscent of the chef-to-farmer friendship we see frequently in this city. Chef Josef Centeno enjoys such a relationship with chef-turned-ceramicist (and founder of West L.A.’s Mori Sushi) Mori Onodera, the man behind the ceramic dishware at Centeno’s downtown tasting-menu oasis, Orsa & Winston. “I have known him for years,” Centeno says. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for him as a chef and craftsman.” Those who have experienced Centeno’s multicourse tasting menu know that the pottery is an essential part of Orsa & Winston’s very visual dining experience.
special connection from somebody—it makes it even more special. Whether or not the guest feels that ... I think that they do, even if it’s subconscious.” Hollingsworth points out that the plate can even be the inspiration for the dish. “You look at a plate, and sometimes you get inspired to do a specific dish based on how the plate is,” Hollingsworth says. Even if he’s serving a dish in a simple bowl, he asks, “Well, how deep is that bowl? If you put your silverware inside of it, does it fall in and sink to the bottom? What are the different nuances of eating out of that bowl?” He points to dishes at Otium that sprang from a particular ceramic piece, such as his buñuelos with crème fraîche and caviar. Across town at his Culver City breakfast and lunch spot Destroyer, chef Jordan Kahn worked with local ceramicist Robert Boldt of Bitter Root Pottery. Kahn describes the custom dishes as “simple,” “matte” and “very sculpted and somewhat masculine.” Several of Kahn’s menu items are served on black plates, which contrast with the vibrant colors of Kahn’s ingredients. The colors of a dish featuring raw beef with parsnip and smoked egg cream are almost fluorescent against
laura ford. opposite: dylan + jeni
“My mantra when it comes to plating is ‘organic, but deliberate.’ Even if a dish is meticulously plated, I want it to look like it just happened to fall on the plate ever so perfectly. Like supermodels eating pizza.” With a minimal dining room as its foil, the food really shines, and Onodera’s pieces help it do so. “They are fragile, but when they chip, he has used a Japanese technique called kintsugi to repair them, using powdered gold. It makes them that much more special, but I still always cringe at any broken plate,” says Centeno. Up the street at Otium, Hollingsworth also plates on pieces by Sabrina Judge and Dora De Larios of Irving Place Studio. The restaurant’s location beside the stunning new museum of contemporary art has inspired the chef to collaborate with local artisans like Judge. When it came to choosing ceramics for Otium, Hollingsworth found the person-to-person relationship the most important element. “It’s more about the connection to the individuals, how you view their passion and how that translates and connects with you,” he says. “When we’re using a plate like that—that has a
the dark plate, giving the appearance that the food is floating in space. This kind of artistry gave Destroyer immediate Instagram allure. In an industry where visual reference and social media have become essential, the need to make food beautiful may be more profound than ever—as chefs are acutely aware. “People freak out over egg yolks,” says Hollingsworth. “We have a bucatini dish and there’s an egg yolk in the center of it, and people take pictures and Instagram videos of the bursting egg yolk. We could just as easily put that egg yolk into the pasta ourselves, but the visual aspect of it is the intriguing part.” Still, Hollingsworth and his fellow chefs never lose sight of their primary mission. “Plates are important,” says Centeno. “They add another dimension to the experience of the food. But first and foremost, the food has to be delicious.”
above: manuela’s charred okra with tomato, black olive and sesame, served on a plate by irving place studio opposite: Alimento’s chicken-liver crostone with quince mostarda, served on a heath ceramics plate
WH ER E G U ESTBOOK 43
038-043_DINING FEATURE_GBLA17.indd 43
12/16/16 12:03 PM
The Tide is High at
Silicon beach
Los Angeles beaches are becoming more business than bohemian as the technology wave continues to wash over the city. Entrepreneurs, engineers, designers and investors are pitching their flags in Southern California’s sand to turn ideas into realities. Welcome to Silicon Beach. by rebecca pardess Los Angeles is known as a city full of dreamers. Actors, writers and filmmakers make their lives here to realize their greatest aspirations, just as their predecessors did over a century ago. But within the last decade, a new wave of dreamers has landed on the shores of the Southland— developers, designers, engineers, venture capitalists and many more professionals who utilize technology to provide everyday solutions for everyday people. Today, this community of entrepreneurs is putting Los Angeles on the map as
one of America’s most promising high-tech hubs. A 2016 study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, 1776 and Free Enterprise found that L.A. ranks among the top five cities in the nation for number of startups and funding. According to AngelList, a website for startup investors and job seekers, L.A. is home to more than 9,500 startups, with the majority of headquarters concentrated in the coastal districts of Santa Monica, Venice Beach and Playa Vista: the epicenter of Silicon Beach.
44 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
044-047_INDUSTRY_GBLA17.indd 44
12/15/16 4:47 PM
Gert Hochmuth/Shutterstock
While there is conflicting information as to who and what started Silicon Beach, well-known venture capitalists including Paige Craig, founder of such platforms as BetterWorks, may have helped to lay the foundation. According to a 2011 interview on Forbes.com, Craig invested in 43 startups between 2008 and 2010—a fraction of the businesses that make up Silicon Beach today. In 2008, then-angel investor Gerry Campbell moved from New York to L.A., when Silicon Beach was merely an idea. “At that time, the money was in the Bay Area, but the lifestyle was down here,” says Campbell, now senior vice president of fitness platform Beachbody on Demand. “The philosophy at the time was [that] we felt like things were going to happen here. We felt like the combination of money and
the right people were going to pop here. And it turns out we weren’t the only ones who thought that.” Kevin Winston, CEO and founder of digital networking group Digital LA, says Myspace may have been the first and biggest Silicon Beach company. “Though the term ‘Silicon Beach’ usually refers to startups after [Myspace’s time],” Winston says, “journalists started to refer to L.A.’s tech scene as Silicon Beach [between] 2011 and 2013, and venture capitalist Paige Craig is quoted as popularizing the term as well.” Winston explains that Silicon Beach really began blossoming in 2012 with the launch of several accelerators—companies that invest in about a dozen startups at a time—including Amplify, Mucker Lab and Start Engine. Once venture capi-
above: the beach in santa monica, one of the cities at the center of l.a.’s tech boom
W HERE G UESTBOOK 4 5
044-047_INDUSTRY_GBLA17.indd 45
12/15/16 4:47 PM
Above, from left: the bouqs co.’s juan pablo Montufar and john tabis below: the ace bouquet from the bouqs co.
044-047_INDUSTRY_GBLA17.indd 46
talists and investors caught wind of the business happening down in L.A., entrepreneurs took their visions down south. At about the same time, giants like Facebook, Google and YouTube opened offices on the Westside, and Snapchat, now known as Snap Inc., became one of Silicon Beach’s bestknown natives. But while the term “startup” is most commonly associated with social networking platforms like Facebook or business-management solutions like Asana or GitHub, at its core, “startup” actually describes a vision that’s being set into motion. Silicon Beach isn’t just home (or second or third home) to the big tech names, but also to hundreds of successful enterprises founded by ordinary people with extraordinary ideas. “The tech entrepreneurs, those are the ‘sexy’ ones, the ones you see in Silicon Valley, the ones who make the giant dollars,” Campbell says. “But I look at it as anybody who takes the risk, and it’s often driven by passion—for the desire to prove yourself, for the desire to be independent and not work for other people. It has nothing to do with technology.” Aaron Hirschhorn, founder and CEO of online pet-boarding community DogVacay, has raised more than $47 million from top investors since 2012 and has expanded to a community of 30,000 hosts, providing millions of overnight stays.
And it all began with Hirschhorn’s concern for his dog Rocky. “My then-fiancée, Karine, and I had returned from a trip to the East Coast and picked up our two dogs from the kennel,” Hirschhorn says. “My dog Rocky ended up hiding under a desk for two days. That’s when we decided that the kennel wouldn’t work for our honeymoon and we needed an alternative. We opened our own home to dog boarding and watched more than 100 dogs in eight months. The experience ended up paying for our wedding and proved that DogVacay was a needed solution for pet owners.” “In my experience, I’ve found that Silicon Beach concentrates more on the consumer and solving real problems that they face,” Hirschhorn continues. “Many of the companies founded down here were started when the founder was looking for a solution for his or her own problem.” John Tabis, CEO and founder of the eco-conscious farmto-door flower-delivery service the Bouqs Co., also launched a startup as a result of a personal dilemma. “In the spring of 2012, I tried to buy some flowers for my mom, and it was a complete mess. I saw advertised prices like $19.99, but by the time I got to checkout, I was shelling out more than $70 for made-up fees like ‘care and handling,’” says Tabis. “Even after I decided to give up on finding an honest bouquet seller, I hit purchase, [and] the flowers that showed up were low-quality, half-dead and looked nothing like the picture I saw in the ad.” “Luckily, one of my best friends from college, Juan Pablo Montufar, was running a flower farm on the side of a volcano in Ecuador,” Tabis continues. “He educated me about how the flower-industry supply chain was outdated and that there could be a much better way to get flowers from the farm to the consumer. By shipping flowers straight from the farm to the recipient’s doorstep, we found a model that gets loved ones fresh, high-quality flowers for a lower price, all while rewarding farms that treat the Earth and their labor with care. That kind of a win-win-win is rare in business, so we leapt at the opportunity to make the company happen.” Since its establishment in 2012, the Bouqs Co. has raised more than $19.1 million from investors and continues to flourish by staying at the forefront of technological advancements. “Our entire business is digitized. From how consumers find us and shop us on their laptop or mobile phone, to how
courtesy the bouqs co. (2). Opposite, clockwise from top left: courtesy parachute; steven dewall/parachute (2); courtesy dogvacay
Two years after collaborating with the accelerator Launchpad, Parachute was called one of “25 Hot Los Angeles Startups to Watch” by Business Insider.
12/19/16 11:48 AM
our farm partners in Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, across the U.S. and around the world receive and process their orders, to our customer service and client communications. Technology is at the heart of what we do and a major way that we’re achieving our mission of bringing romance and delight back to the floral category.” Rounding out this set of domestic-solution startups is the home-essentials brand Parachute. Ariel Kaye, founder and CEO of the e-commerce startup, left New York in 2013 to chase her dream of launching a bed-and-bath product line. Two years after collaborating with the accelerator Launchpad, Parachute was called one of “25 Hot Los Angeles Startups to Watch” by Business Insider. “In my experience, Los Angeles has been an encouraging and collaborative community. People are willing to meet, help each other and offer advice. Most founders here believe any company that does well is a win for the city. That supportive community made the transition back west easier. Despite rapid growth, the community has remained tight-knit and encouraging,” Kaye says.
Silicon Beach’s growth has had an obvious impact on L.A.’s culture, which includes changing the landscape of Westside communities. Some Angelenos theorize that the 2011 arrival of Google in Venice Beach accelerated the gentrification of once-bohemian Rose Avenue. A March 2016 article in The Hollywood Reporter headlined “Silicon Beach Millionaires Turn Playa Vista Into the Anti-Palisades” reported that real estate developer Brookfield Residential opened a neighborhood with 30 homes priced from the high-$2 millions to more than $3 million. “Silicon Beach has definitely impacted L.A. culture” and vice versa, Winston says. “L.A. is a city where people come to take risks and follow their dreams to create something new. That dream has traditionally been to write a script or make a movie. Several years ago, you’d see coffee shops packed with writers working on their screenplays. Now, you’ll also find just as many entrepreneurs working on their startups. Nowadays, there are two to three tech events every day in L.A. It’s a very active tech community with a lot of energy.” Thanks to Silicon Beach’s exponential growth, the sun won’t be setting on it any time soon. Its future is glaringly bright and spreading across the Southland, with startups emerging down to the South Bay and east to Hollywood and downtown. Los Angeles’ flagship businesses, including Disney, the L.A. Dodgers and Cedars-Sinai are also cashing in on the tech scene by launching accelerators. “We will see more investors and venture capitalists come to Silicon Beach to invest,” Winston predicts. “We will see some consolidation, acquisitions and exits of companies that are flourishing, like Dollar Shave Club’s acquisition by Unilever for $1 billion. And there are more startups that are coming down the pipeline.”
above, from left: parachute founder ariel kaye; parachute’s venice showroom store; the showroom’s rose avenue entrance below: dogvacay founder and ceo Aaron Hirschhorn with rocky
WHERE GUESTBOOK 4 7
044-047_INDUSTRY_GBLA17.indd 47
12/15/16 4:48 PM
Q&A
Lisa’s Guide to Life, Love and L.A. by VICKI ARKOFF
048-049_QA_GBLA17.indd 48
12/19/16 11:49 AM
L
ISA EDELSTEIN has her hands (and heart) full. She and artist Robert Russell said “I do” in 2014, just one day before Edelstein started filming Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce, Bravo’s first scripted series, which airs its final season this year. Edelstein’s new gig didn’t just assure her that she had made the right choice to leave her award-winning role in House after eight years, it smashed a Hollywood glass ceiling by casting a 40-something Jewish woman as the lead in a romantic comedy. If Edelstein has her way, she’ll be shattering lots of other stale conventions, too. An advocate for human rights, equality, the environment, animal welfare and AIDS and LGBT issues, she lends a hand and a voice to the AntiDefamation League, Best Friends Animal Society and Planned Parenthood. Between saving the world and breaking barriers, she nests in her historic Silver Lake property, which includes her husband’s art studio and a frequently occupied guesthouse. “It’s become a home for our divorcing friends,” says the newly married Divorce star, noting the irony. “It’s a peaceful place. We’re happy to share it.”
MARTIN RUSCH
How did getting your role on Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce help you get your groove back after you left House?
I didn’t get my groove back; it was, like, “Wow, I didn’t have a groove! This is my show. Amazing!” I felt excited and empowered. Marti [Noxon, the show’s creator] is the best kind of boss, too. She’s allowed me to
participate in ways that I’ve never been allowed before. I wrote an episode in season three, and I’m directing an episode in season five. It’s incredible to have a boss who wants the people she hires to excel. You didn’t marry until you were 48. What’s your love story?
I didn’t have a wish list, I had a demand. I needed a passionate artist, somebody creative, but not in my field. Somebody who had a feeling of success, so that my success wouldn’t be intimidating or emasculating. Somebody who was respected in their community, because my job could be very overwhelming otherwise. Somebody who already had kids, because if I was going to have kids in my life, they were going to have to come with that person. Somebody who would be willing to live in my house, because it is so special that it would be crazy to leave it. Somebody who lived in my neighborhood, because L.A. traffic is terrible. Somebody who was funny and smart and interesting and sexy. And Jewish, because [sharing] that cultural language is a beautiful thing. Oh, and this person had to know people who I knew, because at that point I was afraid of strangers. Robert wanted a hot Jew. That was his whole list. How did you meet Robert?
I walked into the Hammer Museum for an event. Robert was leaving, sees me, thinks “hot Jew” and comes over because he knows the woman I was with. She introduced us, and within five minutes I know he’s a very good artist, he’s Jewish and he has kids! We were talking, and I asked,
“Where’s your studio?” He said, “Silver Lake.” I said, “Oh, I live in Silver Lake.” He said, “Good. Let’s go for a walk tomorrow.” And that was it! The next day we were basically in a relationship. It was amazing. Day Two, he gave me a painting and met all my friends. I met the kids a few weeks later, and everybody moved in a year after that. We got engaged on our third anniversary and got married nine months later. So what’s the lesson in Chapter One of your personal Girlfriends’ Guide to a Happy Marriage?
[Laughs] First of all, don’t compare your happiness with anyone else’s. Who can do that? There are moments of happiness that you have to celebrate, and there are moments of pain that you have to know are temporary. It’s really about trying to practice being as present as possible and realizing where you are, living robustly.
Shojin, a Japanese vegan restaurant in a weird Little Tokyo mall. Another wonderful vegan place is Crossroads Kitchen on Melrose. It’s so beautiful and makes us feel like we’re going on a real date. What’s your food philosophy?
I’ve been a vegetarian for 37 years and am now vegan. To some extent, we’re all hypocrites, because I have leather shoes and belts. I don’t claim perfection. But when I find designers who make vegan things, I get very excited and try to buy a lot of ’em. Shoes are the hardest. Which designers do you turn to?
I really like Stella McCartney, and I love to shop locally. Raquel Allegra is a Silver Lake designer with her own shop in West Hollywood. Her style is relaxed, made with beautiful fabric, beautiful prints. What’s left on your to-do list?
Where do you and Robert go to see art?
We really like the Hammer, and we go to MOCA, LACMA—the usual spots. Then we like a bunch of art galleries. There’s Susanne Vielmetter’s gallery in Culver City, where a lot of our friends show their work, and Anat Ebgi on La Cienega and Reserve Ames in Koreatown. Also LAXART and Roberts & Tilton, where Robert recently had shows. Where do you like to eat?
Moby’s got a cute place called Little Pine. All his profits go to animal welfare, which I love. And there’s Flore, a great, low-key place in [Sunset] Junction. One of our super de-li-cious favorites is
I want to keep telling stories and get better and better at it. I love what I do and want my work to create good thoughts and have deeper meaning. I’ve fought for animals my whole life and will continue to do so. It’s devastating how we treat animals, but we don’t treat each other much better, quite honestly. We all have a responsibility as a part of a community, so we need to stand by our neighbors. At home, I want to get deeper with my relationships with my husband and my kids, watch them grow and succeed and, hopefully, create a world for them where they can flourish. The rest is meaningless. The real goal is what our input is in the world.
W H E R E G U E S T B O O K 4 9
048-049_QA_GBLA17.indd 49
12/12/16 2:42 PM
The
Language
of
Landry
Richard Landry’s elite clients are accustomed to making grand statements, and when he designs their opulent estates, even details speak volumes. By roger grody
050-057_HOME_GBLA17.indd 50
12/15/16 5:25 PM
EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR VIEWS OF THE BRENTWOOD HOME DESIGNED FOR GISELE BÃœNDCHEN AND TOM BRADY, NOW HOME TO DR. DRE
050-057_HOME_GBLA17.indd 51
12/16/16 10:22 AM
all home photos Courtesy Landry Design Group
L
os Angeles is known for magnificent homes, but its inventory of palatial estates is not simply a product of conspicuous consumption. A legacy of world-class residential architecture is part of the city’s identity, and its current practitioners struggle to honor that heritage. When high net worth individuals build to impress, they often turn to architect Richard Landry to translate their visions of grandeur into bricks and mortar. The City of Angels has been the canvas of great residential architects throughout the decades. Frank Lloyd Wright was inspired by the rugged canyons, deserts and coastline that converge in L.A., and his protégés —notably midcentury masters like Richard Neutra, Rudolph Schindler and John Lautner—left a lasting imprint on the city. The Quebec-born Landry was working in the boomor-bust Canadian oil town of Edmonton, Alberta, when the 1984 Olympic Games put the world’s spotlight on L.A., a city he viewed as an emerging world-class creative community. “Everything I owned could fit in the back of my Honda Civic,” he recalls of his modest arrival in L.A. The young architect’s instinct about the city’s artistic potential was on point, but he also inserted himself into the epicenter of America’s preoccupation with celebrity, something that does not appear to be a motivating force for Landry. He launched his own practice in 1987, in an era when classical design was highly sought for large residential projects. Clients coveted stately Mediterranean-inspired homes in the spirit of those authored by celebrated L.A. architects Wallace Neff and Paul Williams earlier in the century. Landry took the challenge seriously. “If a client wanted a French château, I would meticulously research
5 2 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
050-057_HOME_GBLA17.indd 52
12/16/16 2:16 PM
the style and design the finest French château I could.” Landry’s signature quickly became classically inspired estates whose opulence and sheer enormousness provoked criticism in some circles. But Landry’s precise proportions and painstaking details made the homes he designed far superior to those of his competitors. Moreover, Landry insisted that construction be executed by craftsmen who understood the artistry behind these genres. “It’s OK to be inspired by architectural precedents, particularly when you’re making them your own,” says Landry. Even with his traditional homes, Landry’s work reflects the Southern California environment that inspires him. “We’re able to take advantage of L.A.’s incredible
climate, creating architecture that blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces,” he says, citing generous breezy loggias in his traditional work and walls of glass that disappear at the touch of a button in his modern designs. He also accommodates contemporary lifestyles in these homes, incorporating wide-open floor plans and high technology. Although grand châteaux and villas were Landry’s stock-in-trade, his portfolio began to change with the evolving L.A. luxury market, and he reports today that about half of his commissions are modern. Some of these contemporary homes pay tribute to midcentury modernists who shaped L.A., men who have influenced
ABOVE AND OPPOSITE: VIEWS OF, AND FROM, VILLA DEL LAGO, A TUSCANINSPIRED ESTATE OVERLOOKING LAKE SHERWOOD
WH ER E G U ESTBOOK 53
050-057_HOME_GBLA17.indd 53
12/12/16 4:10 PM
ABOVE: THE COLLINGWOOD RESIDENCE, DESIGNED FOR FULL HOUSE CREATOR JEFF FRANKLIN, PERCHED ON A PROMONTORY ABOVE THE SUNSET STRIP
practically every architect of Landry’s generation. One senses that Landry, who is so fastidious with classical details, enjoys a sense of liberation in modernism. “With contemporary architecture, we’re free to write our own language,” he says. This architect to the rich and powerful never dishes on clients and protects their privacy with the discretion of a Swiss banker. Refreshingly, and contrary to the way publicity-obsessed L.A. usually operates, Landry does not measure his success by the star power of his clients, who include Wayne Gretzky, Sylvester Stallone and Mark Wahlberg. “To me, it’s all about listening to a client’s dreams and aspirations and educating them so they can expand on their vision,” says Landry, who notes that not
all of his work involves sprawling estates. New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and supermodel wife Gisele Bündchen were clients of Landry, who designed a 14,000-square-foot residence for them on a 3.6-acre gated lot in Brentwood. Inspired by Old World European architecture but designed for 21st-century living, the home is impressively grand—it graced the cover of Architectural Digest. Yet it’s intimate and cozy, according to Bündchen’s own accounts. “The clients were very casual, with a young family, and while they wanted that European charm, they also wanted a homey, comfortable environment,” Landry says of Brady and Bündchen. The generous use of reclaimed brick and wood provided the warmth and rusticity they
5 4 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
050-057_HOME_GBLA17.indd 54
12/12/16 4:10 PM
sought, according to the architect, despite the presence of some formal spaces. “It’s based on an architectural precedent, influenced by the French manor architecture, but we infused it with indoor-outdoor qualities for a true California lifestyle,” he says. When the celebrity couple moved to another Landrydesigned home outside Boston, the Brentwood estate’s buyer was entrepreneurial rapper Dr. Dre, a self-proclaimed billionaire thanks to Apple’s acquisition of his headphone company, Beats Electronics. After Dre paid a reported $40 million for the property, Landry assisted him with renovations, which included a 10,000-squarefoot recording studio hidden in a newly created basement. Landry’s Villa del Lago is a rustic home in the Conejo Valley north of Malibu, a 23,000-square-foot Tuscan villa-inspired estate overlooking Lake Sherwood, with generous views of the Santa Monica Mountains. Sturdy stone walls, timbered ceilings and a vintage Italian Coppi roof lend considerable warmth to the imposing structure. The client insisted on ample space to house his extensive collection of classic and exotic automobiles, so Landry created the ultimate man cave. Resembling a sprawling aging cellar at a Tuscan winery—rustic chandeliers hang from a brick-clad barrel ceiling interspersed with wooden trusses—is a 7,500-square-foot basement that comfortably parks the entire car collection as well as jukeboxes and poker tables. A peek into this space is provided through a glass floor in the elaborate home theater that lies above it. The home seems to perfectly suit its 4-acre site, which inspires spaces such as a generous loggia with a 17th-century stone floor, serving as a true outdoor living room.
One of Landry’s most loyal clients is prominent financier Alec Gores, who called upon the architect in the mid-1990s to design his first home in L.A. After having him construct an Italianate residence in Mulholland Estates, Gores returned to Landry for homes in Malibu, Beverly Park and Michigan. “Richard’s not fixated on his own ideas; he listens to you,” says Gores. “But he also sticks to his principles and isn’t afraid to debate what he believes is architecturally correct,” he says, admitting that the architect is right 90 percent of the time. Gores’ Beverly Park home encompasses 42,000 square feet of living space, but the homeowner says “it doesn’t feel that big, and everything is proportionately correct.” This is a testament to Landry’s ability to design large spaces that feel comfortable, even intimate, by ensuring proper scale, layers and details. In addition to not letting his ego get in the way, Landry seems to take joy in tasks that most architects would delegate to a junior associate, according to Gores. For instance, Landry visited a stone purveyor a dozen times to be sure that a single wall was perfectly composed, the financier says. Gores is reportedly returning to Landry for a fifth project, a vacation home in Mammoth Lakes. Veteran television producer Jeff Franklin (creator of the hit sitcom Full House) is another multiple-project
ABOVE: UNOBSTRUCTED VIEWS FROM COLLINGWOOD’S MASTER BATH BELOW: THE HOME’S MODERN FACADE
W H E R E G U E S T B O O K 5 5
050-057_HOME_GBLA17.indd 55
12/16/16 2:20 PM
“To me, the openness of the house, from an environmental and cultural perspective, makes it the quintessential L.A. residence.” Landry client. In 2003, he approached the architect with his vision of an Andalusian-inspired estate in Benedict Canyon, where he still resides. “The initial design that Richard comes up with is exactly what the client wants, but something they never could have imagined,” Franklin says of Landry’s creative process, which is shaped by the architect’s listening skills and intuition. Franklin returned to Landry with dreams of a more contemporary home in the Hollywood Hills. The site, one of the most beautiful promontories in town, was occupied by a small one-bedroom home (considered a teardown, given the escalating property values) in which Franklin lived for 20 years. “Rather than sell it, I decided I’d build the kind of house I always dreamed of building on that site years ago,” says the producer, whose sequel series, Fuller House, airs on Netflix. “The home is extremely unique in a neighborhood in which there are so many white boxes,” says Franklin of the “Bird Streets,” an area dominated by the kind of dramatic glass-and-concrete homes with “jetliner views” featured in episodes of Entourage. Streets like Blue Jay Way, Thrasher Avenue and Skylark Lane have been transformed by modernists—no Andalusian estate would work in this neighborhood—so the client and architect agreed that this project would be an unabashedly contemporary statement. The result is Landry’s Collingwood Residence, which has won numerous awards and speaks to the architect’s seamless transition into modernism. Landry, however, was cognizant of his client’s reluctance to create a stark, minimalist environment, so he insisted on introducing elements that would soften the aesthetic. “I wanted to do something contemporary, but with warmth and texture, with the Zen quality that I knew appealed to the client,” Landry says. To add texture and visual interest, Landry incorporated a sandy-hued Italian basalt, a stone that not only covers the facade but also is brought inside throughout the soaring great room. The stone has a vertical pattern reminiscent of bamboo, but more prominent is how it is cut at different thicknesses and irregular angles to pro-
5 6 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
050-057_HOME_GBLA17.indd 56
12/15/16 5:01 PM
landry, manolo langis
vide that rich texture and create a sense of movement. The pattern is mirrored in a walnut wall where the technique generates warmth. The home’s crescent-shaped floor plan maximizes views while presenting a softer, more feminine expression, according to the architect. Guests are treated to a spectacular view from the moment they enter through large glass doors, and the front of the house contains a signature, memorable element. “In front, a dramatic floating staircase is wrapped in a prominent glass cylinder, which, when illuminated at night, becomes a beacon,” explains Landry, who has used cylindrical forms in other modern works to create visual excitement. The arced rear of the house showcases spectacular city views that include downtown, the Getty Center and the Pacific Ocean. Collingwood’s third-floor master suite is ensconced by a disappearing floor-to-ceiling glass wall, providing panoramic city views and a retractable skylight that further reinforces the sensation of floating in the clouds. As part of Landry’s playful design for the suite, its master bath features sliding glass walls that transform the simple act of showering into an inspirational outdoor experience. “To me, the openness of the house, from an environmental and cultural perspective, makes it the quintessential L.A. residence,” he says. At time of publication, the 20,800-square-foot Collingwood Residence was on the market for just under $24 million. Blair Chang, a founder and partner of the
Agency, the prominent Beverly Hills firm listing the home, says, “The house is one of a kind. In my career, I haven’t seen anything like it.” The broker notes that the Landryauthored design commands a premium in this rarefied Hollywood Hills market and says of the residence, “It’s like a collectible piece of art.” Meanwhile, Franklin has retained Landry for a dramatic transformation of a Victorian home in San Francisco’s Lower Pacific Heights neighborhood. A home that Landry built for himself in Malibu is one of his most minimalist expressions, very much in the spirit of an art gallery. “I really wanted the ocean to be the star, with the house more of a backdrop,” says the architect, who created wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows to capitalize on the ocean views. “As the water changes color throughout the day, it reflects off the white walls and transforms the mood of the house,” he says. Strategically placed LED lighting, which can be set on any color or cycle, enhances the interior. In addition to Landry’s collection of boldly colored modern art, the lighting brings the gallery-like space to life. Landry’s West L.A.-based practice now extends to more than a dozen countries—the architect follows demand for lavish estates to Dubai, Shanghai and Singapore—and his projects abroad, like those in his U.S. portfolio, range from strictly classical to unabashedly avant-garde. “We don’t have a signature style,” insists Landry, who has designed a career with no boundaries.
Above, from left: ARCHITECT RICHARD LANDRY AND THE FLOATING STAIRCASE IN SEA LEVEL, THE MINIMALIST, ARTFILLED HOME THAT HE BUILT FOR HIMSELF IN MALIBU OPPOSITE: POPS OF COLOR AND CONTEMPORARY LIGHTING IN SEA LEVEL’S CLEANLINED DINING AREA
W H E R E G U E S T B O O K 57
050-057_HOME_GBLA17.indd 57
12/15/16 5:02 PM
To Market by Vicki Arkoff
058-061_HISTORY_GBLA17.indd 58
12/16/16 12:08 PM
For more than 80 years, “Meet me at Third and Fairfax” has been the cheerful slogan drawing crowds to Los Angeles’ most welcoming place: The Original Farmers Market. In a sprawling, status-obsessed, dog-eat-dog city, the Original Farmers Market is an anomaly: It’s L.A.’s wholesome social center, our friendly village square complete with its own post office, barbershop, bank and grocery store, and bakers and butchers who know the regulars by name. Beloved by locals and tourists alike, it’s a kinetic gathering place where they can relax, wander, mingle, shop and eat, eat, eat. The complex unifies more than 100 independently owned stalls and stores. The midcity landmark, which attracts an estimated 3 million visitors a year, is a rare L.A. place with no admission price, no bias and no pressure, even if you don’t buy a thing or you hog a table all day to write your screenplay. It’s a true melting pot, with more than 20 languages spoken by staffers hawking wares and edibles from around the world to buyers from around the world. And, most amazingly, the market is a meandering place where change is so slow that —apart from the occasional Starbucks or Zara—it’s virtually the same as it was when the metal “Farmers Market Green” tables and chairs were first put in place in the 1940s. Like it said on one of its iconic clock towers, the Original Farmers Market began with “an idea.” In 1900, Arthur Gilmore struck oil when drilling for water for his dairy cows on the family farm near the La Brea Tar Pits. The family fortune was established, and Gilmore Oil gas stations stretched up and down the Pacific coast. As the area surrounding this oil field gentrified into tree-lined residential neighborhoods, the city forced the Gilmore family to shut down nearly all of the wells, leaving it with a mostly empty parcel of land at the onset of the Great Depression. The idea for turning a corner of the 256-acre “Gilmore Island” into a farmers market came from entrepreneurs Roger Dahlhjelm and Fred Beck, who asked if they could invite local growers to park on a corner of the Gilmores’ dirt lot to sell produce from their trucks. On the first day, in July 1934, 18 farmers and vendors paid 50 cents for the privilege, and bargain-seeking customers swarmed, thanks to a PR stunt: Beck painted “Meet me at Third and Fairfax” on the side of a truck and intentionally stalled it in the middle of Wilshire Boulevard traffic. It worked. “Farmers Public Market” was such a hit that, within weeks, it turned into a settlement of produce stands, meat markets, bakeries, free-
from top: shoppers stroll in front of the famous clock tower, now atop a starbucks; the market’s green wooden carts; awnings and umbrellas shade aisles filled with customers in the original farmers market. opposite: A band entertains the crowds at Farmers Market’s first Fall Festival, in October 1934.
roaming chickens and short-order diners set in a rambling series of wooden buildings. “Dahlhjelm scavenged lumber from Gilmore’s neveropened dog-racing track to build the first permanent market stalls,” says Brett Arena, the market’s archivist. “It’s unclear if he asked permission.” Likewise, Blanche Magee just showed up one day with a hamper of ham sandwiches to sell to the farmers, who she guessed would be hungry. She was right. Shoppers were hungry, too, so Magee became the first nonfarmer vendor, opening Magee’s Deli and the first on-site restaurant, Magee’s Kitchen. She also advocated bringing electricity, water and toilets to the property, making her the undisputed matriarch of the market. Magee, who lived to be 102, shared her passion for the place with her daughter-inlaw, Phyllis Magee, who continued to carry the torch as the Farmers Market grande dame well into the 2010s. Hollywood loved Farmers Market from the start. Charlie Chaplin stopped in for kumquats. Greta Garbo bought flowers. Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall and Ava Gardner posed for “candid” publicity photos. Several stars took customer orders during a 1936 fundraiser—until frenzied fans tore the clothing off Cary Grant’s back, and firemen had to cut a hole through the roof of an overcrowded candy shop to lift Shirley Temple to safety. Walt Disney used to sit at the patio tables to sketch building details that influenced his early designs for Disneyland. Liberace once left his car running while he dashed into Barbara’s Cravats to buy dozens of Christmas gifts. Everyone from presidential hopefuls to the Beatles has watched the Magees make fresh peanut butter from a grinder (now 100 years old) built with old farm machinery parts. Next door, Cecil B. DeMille, Barbara Stanwyck and Bing Crosby were shareholders in the Hollywood Stars baseball team when Gilmore Field thrived in the 1940s. In the ’50s, the decades-old Gilmore Stadium raceway was replaced by CBS Television City, which shifted the entire center of the industry from New York to Los Angeles (and explains why The Price Is Right audiences constantly pour into the market for snacks). In the ’70s, the Gilmore drive-in movie theater and the last of the Gilmore Co.-owned gas stations (the world’s first self-serves) were next to go. The following decades saw the Original Farmers Market largely unchanged, perhaps a little faded. In a controversial
WHERE G U EST B OOK
058-061_HISTORY_GBLA17.indd 59
59
12/19/16 11:57 AM
move to restore revenue, the original Gilmore Bank was demolished, and open land was redeveloped into the Grove shopping center and leased to Caruso Affiliated in 2002. Additional retail was added next to CBS Studios, and chain stores moved in. Parking was no longer free. Yet most things remain the same. The market’s popular green wooden shopping carts have a way of disappearing, so replacements are still made on-site by hand every week. The 19th-century adobe ranch house that was at the center of the Gilmore dairy farm still stands and now serves as company headquarters. And the Gilmore family still owns and manages things as it always has. “There’s a rare spirit of cooperation at Farmers Market between grocers, restaurateurs and customers … who don’t hesitate to share their feedback,” says Henry “Hank” Hilty, president of the A.F. Gilmore Co., whose desk is flanked by portraits of his greatgrandfather Arthur Gilmore and grandfather Earl Gilmore. For four generations, the Gilmores have maintained control with most tenants, even many of the old-timers, on monthto-month leases. Meanwhile, a shopper with a selfie stick stands stunned near one of the market’s few remaining fresh-produce stands: “Is that Princess Leia squeezing the melons?” Celebrities still come to the market because they tend to blend in here. Most browsers are too busy maneuvering the maze-like aisles to notice that they’re bumping into famous regulars— Carrie Fisher, Diane Keaton—on a grocery or coffee run. Josh Groban’s been coming here for frozen bananas since he was a kid, as has Teri Garr, whose aunt and uncle used to run the market’s old Orange Julius stand. Yes, that’s Gordon Ramsay stocking up at Monsieur Marcel Gourmet Market. And that guy over there flashing the Vulcan salute? It’s George Takei posing for a photo with a Trekkie who can’t believe his luck.
Everyone from presidential hopefuls to the Beatles has watched the Magees make fresh peanut butter from a grinder (now 100 years old) built with old farm machinery parts.
“I come here all the time,” says The Goldbergs and Curb Your Enthusiasm star Jeff Garlin, a regular on the East Patio, where the Paul Mazursky Table of actors, directors and artists meets most weekdays to joke and kvetch, even after Mazursky’s passing in 2014. “Did you know that on the Farmers Market’s very first day, Lou Costello came here and bought a pickle for a nickel?” For $1.75, you can still buy a huge “half sour” pickle at Marconda’s Meats, L.A.’s oldest standing butcher shop (circa 1941), where three generations of the DeRosa family work side by side. Dave DeRosa earned his chops working for his cousin, Fred Marconda, then took the reins in 1977. “A member of our family is always behind the counter,” says Dave’s son, Lou, who followed in his father’s footsteps, then taught butchery to his three sons, Cody, Tyler and Thomas. “In the meat business, you never get rich, but you never go hungry. That’s why we’ve been here 70 years, but what’s equally true is that every day we wait on customers whose families have shopped here for generations.” Where Huntington Meats now stands, first-generation American John Tusquellas ran the market’s first full-service butcher shop from 1952 to 1988, working every weekday in a neat apron and tie until he retired at 80. Tusquellas was admired by everyone, particularly his son, Bob, who was in sixth grade when he started slicing bacon at Tusquellas Meats because he wanted to serve customers but wasn’t tall enough to see over the counter. “I started working for my dad when I was 11, and I’ve been here ever since,” says Bob, who earned his business degree at UC Berkeley. He had a change of heart about an auto-industry career when he was offered a chance to take over the market’s seafood stall, where he could work near his dad. Bob married his high-school sweetheart, Kathy, and
6 0 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
058-061_HISTORY_GBLA17.indd 60
12/19/16 11:57 AM
all photos courtesy a.f. gilmore co.
together they run Tusquellas Seafoods, Tusquellas Fish & Oyster Bar and Bob’s Coffee & Doughnuts. Says Bob: “My life is very simple—same wife, same house, same job all my life—and I like it that way.” That sense of contentment and stability is the norm at Farmers Market. Bennett’s Ice Cream, Kip’s Toyland, Magee’s House of Nuts, Sticker Planet and Weiss Jewelry have always been family-owned and -operated. In 1938, James “Du” Dunn and Edward “Par” Parsons started Du-par’s as a nine-stool counter before expanding into a family-run table-service restaurant. At Charlie’s Coffee Shop, Fern Foster and daughter Charlie Sue Gilbert worked side by side until Fern passed away at 86. Now, Charlie Sue’s daughter Katie flips the burgers. Filomena D’Amore proudly continues her father’s legacy at Patsy D’Amore’s Pizza. Napoli-born Pasquale “Patsy” D’Amore introduced the first pizzeria to the West Coast in 1949 when he imported a pizza oven, brick by brick, and started serving slices at Farmers Market for 20 cents. “Showfolk” like Jackie Gleason, Nat “King” Cole and James Dean ate it up, and Frank Sinatra loved it so much that he partnered with Patsy to open Villa Capri, the legendary Hollywood hangout. Bennett’s Ice Cream has been family-run since it opened in 1963. Scott Bennett inherited the shop and the Refresher soda fountain from his uncle Chuck Bennett, who taught him the golden rule: “Good stuff in, good stuff out.” Taking the lesson to heart, Scott created one of their best-sellers—coffee, banana and caramel ice cream—and named it Fancy Nancy, for his wife. Sweetness is also found at Littlejohn’s English Toffee House, an L.A. institution since the 1920s. In 1946, it moved to the market; the original equipment can still be viewed through the candy kitchen’s picture windows.
Above, from left: Shirley Temple signs autographs at Brock’s Candies during a 1936 fundraiser for the Red Cross; Ava Gardner tries on summer hats at the market; “Miss Cheesecake” Marilyn Monroe celebrates with Michael’s Cheesecake stall owner and former Polish diplomat Michael Gaszynski circa 1952. opposite, from left: Gilmore Stadium, built in 1934, just before the market opened; the first clock tower, which features the iconic phrase “An Idea”
Through those windows, current owner Michael Graves— who apprenticed here as a teen—first saw his future wife, Colleen. She was admiring his skill at making hand-dipped chocolates when their eyes locked. Michael’s parents also met and fell in love among the stalls. The American dream lives at places like Bryan’s Pit Barbecue, Coffee Corner, the Gumbo Pot and Peking Kitchen, where immigrants and first-generation Americans have become first-time business owners after their bosses retired. Maria Brown has never worked anywhere but Farmers Market, where she learned English and worked her way up to become owner of the Salad Bar. Brazilian-born Francisco Carvalho managed a sightseeing company, then switched from organizing tour groups to feeding them at Phil’s Deli and Pampas Grill. After serving showbiz customers for decades, Albert Wong sold his restaurant to the managers of the CBS Studios commissary when a movie producer “discovered” Wong behind his Chinese Kitchen counter and cast him in his first of a dozen action films. Every day, visitors discover that the Original Farmers Market is more than a dot on the tourist map. It’s a unique L.A. attraction that has endured since 1934 in a city that has changed, and continues to change, around it. It’s a living, breathing community, where continuity is king. “The market is my second home, but in many ways, it’s my first. It’s my life,” says Bob Tusquellas, wearing his favorite tie under a crisp, white apron, just like his dad did for his 35 years at stall number 350. Bob has worked here for more than 60 years and is nearing the age when his late father retired from Tusquellas Meats, just steps away from Bob’s seafood stall. “What I love most about Farmers Market is that it makes me happy. It’s that simple. Food and family is what life is all about, and this is my family.”
WHERE GUE S TBOOK 61
058-061_HISTORY_GBLA17.indd 61
12/19/16 11:58 AM
NEIGHBORHOODS
BEVERLY HILLS For more than a century, Beverly Hills has epitomized luxury and glamour. Bally, Balenciaga and Bottega Veneta’s Maison reside on palm-fringed Rodeo Drive, while Aska, Alo Yoga and Bobbi Brown have debuted stores nearby. Standing at the retail district’s south end are Barneys, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue— also the legendary Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The Blvd restaurant’s sidewalk patio is perfect for dining and star spotting. After visiting the Beverly Hills sign, visitors get their culture fix at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Neighboring Westwood is home to UCLA and the Geffen Playhouse, while to the south, Culver City offers a hip arts district and dining scene, plus access to downtown L.A. via Metro’s Expo light-rail line.
DOWNTOWN Downtown is flourishing. The 100-year-old Grand Central Market lures crowds for its mix of vendors; the Broad museum adds caliber to Grand Avenue, also home to the Music Center (Walt Disney Concert Hall, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theatre and Mark Taper Forum), Grand Park and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Staples Center-adjacent L.A. Live features Microsoft Theater, the Novo by Microsoft, the Grammy Museum and the Figat7th shopping and dining complex. Culturally rich Olvera Street, Chinatown and Little Tokyo are also draws, as is the Arts District, whose foodie haunts include Bestia, Church & State and Officine Brera. The Expo Line connects downtown to Exposition Park, where the space shuttle Endeavour is on display at the California Science Center.
MALIBU Miles of iconic Southern California beaches (Zuma and Surfrider, to name just two) and impressive beachfront homes dominate Malibu’s rugged coast. Pacific Coast Highway is lined with restaurants such as Mastro’s Ocean Club, Nobu Malibu and Malibu Farm, a stylishly rustic café located at the end of Malibu Pier. The ’Bu is also a shopper’s playground, boasting Malibu Country Mart boutique mall, with Cali-chic shops including Curve, Madison and Chrome Hearts, and the adjacent Malibu Lumber Yard, home to Intermix and Maxfield. The recently recognized Malibu Coast AVA is home to dozens of vineyards and tasting locations. Also enticing are nearby Topanga and tony Pacific Palisades, Will Rogers State Historic Park—great for hiking— and the splendid art and gardens of the Getty Villa, sister venue to the Getty Center.
LONG BEACH & SAN PEDRO Long Beach is home not only to a busy cruise terminal, but also to the Queen Mary, now a floating— supposedly haunted—hotel, event and dining destination. Located 22 miles south of downtown L.A., the area’s other attractions include the world-class Aquarium of the Pacific, the Long Beach Performing Arts Center and the Pike Outlets. Lively dining and nightlife spots beckon along Pine Avenue and 2nd Street in Belmont Shore, while vintage shops pack East 4th Street’s “Retro Row.” At the attraction-packed L.A. Waterfront in neighboring San Pedro, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium offers hands-on activities, Brouwerij West pours brews, Crafted offers handmade goods and the decommissioned USS Iowa battleship welcomes museumgoers.
FROM LEFT: MATT HARTMAN; EDWIN SANTIAGO; BROWN W. CANNON III/INTERSECTION PHOTOS; EDWIN SANTIAGO
LOS ANGELES COUNTY COMPRISES MANY CITIES AND COMMUNITIES. HERE ARE THE MOST VISITED.
6 2 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
062-067_NEIGHBORHOODS_GBLA17.indd 62
12/12/16 2:56 PM
062-067_NEIGHBORHOODS_GBLA17.indd 63
12/12/16 2:56 PM
VENICE Venice’s top tourist attractions may be Muscle Beach and Ocean Front Walk, but just a few blocks inland is Abbot Kinney Boulevard, where the savviest locals and visitors shop and dine. Here, alongside quaint bungalows and contemporary lofts, independently owned boutiques such as Tortoise and Heist mix with global chains like Aesop and Sweaty Betty. Trendy eateries abound: Favorites include Gjelina, the Butcher’s Daughter and Salt & Straw artisanal ice cream. Around the corner, bohemian enclave Rose Avenue offers vintage-inspired staples at Lily Ashwell, plus healthy fare from Rose Café-Restaurant and Café Gratitude. Along Main Street, which parallels the beach and extends into Santa Monica, are more retail destinations, including style-setting III Luxury Collective, and restaurants like FrenchJapanese fave Chaya.
SANTA MONICA Santa Monica is a shopper’s, diner’s and surfer’s paradise. Coastal draws include Santa Monica Pier, the Annenberg Community Beach House and the 26-acre Palisades Park, replete with rose gardens, picnic areas and bay views. Inland, enjoy upscale shopping and dining on swanky Montana Avenue and laid-back Main Street. More boutiques and eateries, plus your favorite trendy chains—from Apple to Zara—populate downtown’s Third Street Promenade, whose three-block pedestrian stretch terminates at the open-air Santa Monica Place shopping center, home to Nordstrom, Michael Kors and ArcLight Cinemas. The new Metro Expo Line terminus is nearby. For dining, destinations include Cassia, Rustic Canyon, Tar and Roses and Mélisse.
SILVER LAKE & LOS FELIZ These neighborhoods east of Hollywood draw the creative set to their indie boutiques, dive bars, music clubs and chef-driven restaurants, including Jessica Koslow’s Sqirl and Zach Pollack’s Alimento. Sunset Junction, where you’ll find a smattering of boutiques, is Silver Lake’s epicenter of cool. A similarly eclectic vibe reverberates along Vermont and Hillhurst avenues in neighboring Los Feliz, where Little Dom’s, 24-hour diner Fred 62 and McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams serve casual eats. To the north, Griffith Park offers miles of trails, Travel Town, the L.A. Zoo and Botanical Gardens, the Autry Museum, the Greek Theatre and the Griffith Observatory. Design lovers can appreciate the area’s array of midcentury-modern homes by renowned architects Richard Neutra and Frank Lloyd Wright.
WEST HOLLYWOOD One of the county’s most colorful neighborhoods, West Hollywood is filled with food, fashion and fun. Find Opening Ceremony on La Cienega Boulevard; Rebecca Minkoff and Decades on Melrose Avenue (near chef Michael Voltaggio’s Ink); and Irene Neuwirth and the Row on Melrose Place. To the south, West 3rd Street hosts indie boutiques and cafés. Nearby, the Grove and the adjacent Original Farmers Market make up an allin-one outdoor dining, shopping and entertainment destination. The Pacific Design Center at San Vicente Boulevard and Melrose Avenue anchors the showroompacked West Hollywood Design District. To the north, the fabled Sunset Strip buzzes after dark with clubs, bars and restaurants including celeb-soaked 1 OAK and charming Eveleigh.
from left: Brown W. Cannon III/INTERSECTION PHOTos; edwin santiago; courtesy the autry; matt hartman
Neighborhoods
6 4 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
062-067_NEIGHBORHOODS_GBLA17.indd 64
12/16/16 12:15 PM
FROM LEFT: DALE BERMAN (2); BROWN W. CANNON III/INTERSECTION PHOTOS; COURTESY L.A. COUNTY DEPT. OF BEACHES & HARBORS
PASADENA The Crown City brims with cultural attractions. Art lovers can visit local institutions such as the Norton Simon Museum and the Pasadena Museum of California Art, and families can get hands-on at the Kidspace Children’s Museum. The annual Tournament of Roses is a huge draw, and the historic Arts and Crafts-style Gamble House is an architectural highlight. The Rose Bowl Flea Market lures treasure hunters, and the science-minded can tour Caltech, as well as NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Cañada Flintridge. Downtown, historic Old Pasadena bustles, thanks to the chic One Colorado shopping district and dining spots, including Urth Caffe, Sushi Roku, Union and German beer hall Der Wolfskopf. In nearby San Marino, the Huntington Library, Art Collection, and Botanical Gardens encompasses 120 acres.
SAN FERNANDO VALLEY The San Fernando Valley is home to the top names and biggest studios in the entertainment industry. You might even say that it’s more Hollywood than Hollywood itself. Free TV audience tickets and backlot tours at studios including Warner Bros. offer a behind-the-scenes look at the film industry. Universal CityWalk and the adjacent Universal Studios Hollywood draw visitors with tours, restaurants and nightclubs—not to mention thrill rides and attractions like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Discover charming shops and a hip dining scene in downtown Burbank, vintage haven Magnolia Park, Toluca Lake, North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District and along Ventura Boulevard in Studio City.
HOLLYWOOD The backdrop for countless TV shows and motion pictures, Tinseltown attracts visitors en masse. They flock to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and restored movie theaters such as El Capitan Theatre and TCL Chinese Theatre, as well as the Dolby Theatre, site of the Academy Awards. Hollywood & Highland, a multistory shopping and dining complex, doubles as an observation deck, with its postcardworthy views of the Hollywood sign. The storied 1927 Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel has undergone a refresh and continues to pull a “new Hollywood” crowd to its pool and party scene. For live music alfresco, the Hollywood Bowl hosts the Los Angeles Philharmonic and top music artists such as Steely Dan, Brandi Carlile and Kygo during the summer months.
DISCOVER MORE BY PICKING UP WHERE LOS ANGELES MAGAZINE AND DOWNLOADING THE WHERE TRAVELER CITY GUIDE APP
SOUTH BAY Laid-back, seaside charm meets big-city style in the tony cities of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach. Here, miles of waves, sand and an oceanfront bike/pedestrian path offer copious coastal diversions, including surfing and beach volleyball. Shops like Pages: A Bookstore, Trina Turk and Wright’s entice shoppers to downtown Manhattan Beach, where they’ll also find such top-notch restaurants as Love & Salt, the Strand House, Fishing With Dynamite and the Arthur J. A lively bar and club scene near Hermosa’s and Redondo’s piers keeps the “Beach Cities” humming at night. Inland, near LAX, the Point in El Segundo offers trendy dining and shopping; farther south, Terranea Resort perches on Palos Verdes Peninsula’s rugged ocean bluffs.
WH ER E G U ESTBOOK 65
062-067_NEIGHBORHOODS_GBLA17.indd 65
12/12/16 2:57 PM
062-067_NEIGHBORHOODS_GBLA17.indd 66 16_2169_LAX_AD_Where_FNL.indd 1
12/12/16 2:57 PM
062-067_NEIGHBORHOODS_GBLA17.indd 67
12/12/16 2:57 PM 11/17/16 10:11 AM
068-069_SHOPPING OPENER_GBLA17.indd 68
12/16/16 10:47 AM
spending time
COURTESY THE APARTMENT BY THE LINE
SHOPPING WHAT SEDUCES HOLLYWOOD SEDUCES THE WORLD—A FACT NOT LOST ON INTERNATIONAL FASHION HOUSES. ACCORDINGLY, DESIGNERS TO THE STARS POSITION THEIR BOUTIQUES ACROSS LOS ANGELES’ TONIEST SHOPPING DISTRICTS, FROM RODEO DRIVE TO MELROSE PLACE AND BEYOND. THE GLOBAL INFLUENCE OF THE COUNTY’S HOMEGROWN BRANDS COMPLETES THE L.A. STORY.
W H E R E G U E S T B O O K 69
068-069_SHOPPING OPENER_GBLA17.indd 69
12/12/16 1:22 PM
LOOK BOOK Add panache to your look and your home with objets d’art from top Los Angeles shops. Italian-made furniture and decorative wares by Fornasetti, such as the porcelain piece at left, are marked by whimsy and style. Find a wide assortment, along with other chic furniture, art and decor, at L’Eclaireur in the West Hollywood Design District—the first stateside location of the cultfavorite, avant-garde Parisian boutique. 310.360.0262, leclaireur.com
F O R N A S E T T I AT L’ E C L A I R E U R
BUILDING B LOCK
SUZANNE K AL AN AT N E I M A N M A R C U S
PA L E V S K Y
Building Block founders/designers Nancy and Kimberly Wu create maximum impact with minimal frills in their line of leather handbags and accessories. Visit the brand’s first studio/retail store, in Chinatown’s Mandarin Plaza, to shop for versatile designs like this black leather and rubber Fold Messenger bag. 323.803.3420, building--block.com Up your coffee game with Tom Dixon’s Brew cafetière finished in gleaming copper. In The Shop: Curve x Tom Dixon at Culver City’s hip Platform development, the designer’s lighting, furniture and accessories mingle with cutting-edge fashions from multicity boutique Curve. 310.237.5422, tomdixon.net
T O M D I XO N
Interior designer Alison Palevsky’s Brentwood shop, Palevsky, is set up like a beautifully appointed home, with high-end products like these salon stools in brass with Mongolian sheep hair from the designer’s own customizable furniture line, xPalevsky. 310.826.0066, palevsky.co
ALL IMAGES COURTESY THE RESPECTIVE DESIGNER/RETAILER
Premier designer collections and trendsetting contemporary labels have a ritzy, recently refreshed backdrop at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills. Its jewelry cases sparkle and seduce with baubles like this 18-karat white gold and diamond Fireworks Charm Baguette Choker by L.A.based designer Suzanne Kalan. 310.550.5900, neimanmarcus.com
70 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K 70
070-071_LOOKBOOK_GBLA17.indd 70
12/12/16 1:13 PM
c u ya n a
When shopping in L.A., take time to visit the Omega boutique, one of 100-plus premium stores at the Beverly Center. The Swiss brand’s limited-edition platinum Globemaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer, seen here, pairs cutting-edge technology with nearly 170 years of watchmaking tradition. 310.854.0003, omegawatches.com “Fewer, better things” is the mantra at Cuyana, the California-based fashion brand that creates elevated essentials for women—e.g., this supersoft alpaca cape. Cuyana’s first permanent, stand-alone retail location, on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, carries a curated selection of its timeless signature pieces and offers live monogramming for most of its leather accessories. 310.450.7239, cuyana.com Cult-favorite, Berlin-based eyewear brand Mykita chose downtown’s art deco Eastern Columbia Building for its first West Coast store. Stop in to check out its full range of optical and sunglasses lines—you’re guaranteed to look sharp in the Mykita DTLA Edition style, seen right, which is exclusive to this location. 213.335.5815, mykita.com In her new L.A. design studio, British jewelry designer Polly Wales handcrafts colorful, “rough luxe” pieces like these sapphire, diamond and 18-karat rose gold Crystal and Constellation rings using her signature cast-in-place technique. Assemble your stack at discerning retailers, including OK on West 3rd Street. 323.653.3501, okthestore.com With one foot in L.A. and the other in Porto, Portugal, Sydney Brown creates comfortable luxury footwear, like these wood-soled iridescent clogs, from innovative, sustainable and vegan materials. Find the line at Undesigned, clothing designer Carol Young’s modern Los Feliz boutique. 323.663.0088, carolyoung.com
tk
Omega
m y k i ta
sy d n e y b rown at u n d e s i g n e d
p o l ly wa l e s at o k
W H E R E G U E S T B O O K 7 1
070-071_LOOKBOOK_GBLA17.indd 71
12/16/16 12:20 PM
SHOPPING SHOPPING DESTINATIONS THE AMERICANA AT BRANDCL9000006279 The Americana, from the creators of the Grove and inspired by a 1930s downtown, comprises some 40 retailers, more than a dozen restaurants and a Pacific Theatres. Notable offerings include Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak and David Yurman, Lacoste and Tory Burch boutiques. 889 Americana Way, Glendale, 818.637.8982, americanaatbrand.com
THE PLACE TO SHOP The name Melrose Place has long evoked a luxe Los Angeles lifestyle, and thanks to an influx of chic shops, the tree-lined stretch between Melrose Avenue and La Cienega Boulevard is more fashionable than ever. The Row, L.A. jeweler Irene Neuwirth, beauty haven Violet Grey and French brand A.P.C. opened their doors in 2014, joining Isabel Marant, Marni, Chloé and myriad other coveted designer labels. Aussie favorite Zimmermann and minimalist-cool home store the Apartment by the Line followed soon after. Then, last year, the fashion floodgates burst, and French perfumer the Harmonist, Frame L.A., local brand Cotton Citizen, upscale children's boutique Bonbon, Colette Jewelry, Vanessa Seward, Rachel Comey and Anya Hindmarch all rushed onto the scene. Even the shopping-obsessed would be hard-pressed to find more style in as charming a place.
H BEVERLY CENTERCL0000022205 A top Southern California fashion destination, Beverly Center features more than 100 specialty boutiques, including luxury retailers Gucci, Burberry and Salvatore Ferragamo; contemporary brands Halston Heritage, Sandro and Maje; and trendy favorites Uniqlo and H&M. Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s anchor the center. 8500 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 310.854.0070, beverlycenter.com BRENTWOOD COUNTRY MARTCL9000006282 The collection of cool boutiques at this barn-styled shopping center makes it a no-brainer stop for the celebs who live in nearby mansions. Among winning picks are delicate jewelry at Broken English and unique dresses at Calypso St. Barth. 225 26th St., Santa Monica, brentwoodcountrymart.com H CITADEL OUTLETSCL904031 Only 10 minutes south of downtown L.A., Citadel Outlets boasts 130 premium stores including Michael Kors, Hugo Boss, Nike, Levi’s, Ann Taylor, Coach and Kate Spade New York, offering 30 to 70 percent off retail prices. 100 Citadel Drive, L.A., 323.888.1724, citadeloutlets.com
H THE GROVECL0000022207 Inspired by a grand old downtown, complete with a trolley and central fountain, this wildly popular outdoor center has more than 50 shops, including Elizabeth and James, Topshop Topman, Barneys New York, Nordstrom and Vince; some 10 restaurants; and a cinema. Original Farmers Market is adjacent. 189 The Grove Drive, L.A., 323.900.8080, thegrovela.com H HOLLYWOOD & HIGHLAND Home of the Dolby Theatre and the Academy Awards, this Tinseltownthemed retail, dining and entertainment center features high-tech bowling, restaurants, a nightclub, state-of-the-art cinemas and specialty shops including Louis Vuitton and Sephora. 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.817.0200, hollywoodandhighland.com MALIBU COUNTRY MARTCL9000006282 New shops are constantly being added to the list of around 40 boutique tenants at this longtime shopping favorite. Pick up gifts at Burro, shades at Oliver Peoples, swimwear at Letarte and rock ’n’ roll jewelry at Chrome Hearts. 3835 Cross Creek Road, Malibu, 310.456.7300, malibucountrymart.com
amid a collection of 17 historic buildings featuring cobblestone walkways and wrought-iron details. Equally beguiling is its mix of retailers, which includes OSKA, Finn + Willow and Cop. Copine. 41 Hugus Alley, Old Pasadena, 626.564.1066, onecolorado.com ONTARIO MILLS With 1.7 million square feet, Ontario Mills is California’s largest outletshopping destination. Among its 200-plus stores are Polo Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, DKNY and Tommy Hilfiger Company Store, as well as anchors Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Nordstrom Rack and Neiman Marcus Last Call—plus a 30-screen cineplex. 1 Mills Circle, Ontario, 909.484.8300, ontariomills.com PLATFORM Architectural landmark Hayden Tract now houses this curated collection of merchants, brands and restaurants including Linda Farrow, Loqui, Aesop, Velvet by Graham & Spencer and the Shop: Curve x Tom Dixon. 8850 Washington Blvd., Culver City, platformla.com
MALIBU LUMBER YARD0133 This small collection of upscale retailers is adjacent to Malibu Country Mart and includes Alice + Olivia, Maxfield, J.Crew and Lorna Jane. 3939 Cross Creek Road, Malibu, themalibulumberyard.com
THE POINTC0000022215 This South Bay shopping center features on-trend retailers including Planet Blue, Prana and Madewell; top L.A. eateries such as Mendocino Farms and Superba Food + Bread; and fitness studio SoulCycle. It’s all centered around a pretty outdoor plaza. 850 S. Sepulveda Blvd., El Segundo, 310.414.5280, thepointsb.com
H ONE COLORADO0133 A top Old Pasadena destination, One Colorado offers a charming shopping and dining experience
SANTA MONICA PLACECL9000006920 A glittering three-level, open-air center anchors Third Street Promenade. The growing list of upscale
H STARRED LISTINGS ARE FEATURED GUESTBOOK ADVERTISERS. 7 2 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
072-083_SHOPPING LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 72
12/16/16 2:04 PM
JEWELERY & ACCESSORIES
SUNSET PLAZA
8590 SUNSET BLVD STE 8.2 WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90069 310-439-5939 KINGBABY.COM JEWELERY & ACCESSORIES
SANTA MONICA
1621 12th STREET SANTA MONICA, CA 90404 310-828-4438
072-083_SHOPPING LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 73
SUNSET PLAZA
8590 SUNSET BLVDPLAZA STE 8.2 SUNSET WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90069
8590 SUNSET BLVD STE 8.2 310-439-5939 SUNSET PLAZA KINGBABY.COM WEST HOLLYWOOD, 90069 8590 SUNSETCA BLVD STE 8.2 WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90069 310-439-5939 310-439-5939 KINGBABY.COM KINGBABY.COM
12/12/16 3:20 PM
h Westfield at laxCL0000022215 Featuring a premier collection of retail and dining curated by Westfield, the Tom Bradley International Terminal and Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 6 at LAX raise the bar on the airport experience. Shopping and dining options include Angel City Brewery, Barney’s Beanery, Earthbar, Fred Segal, MAC Cosmetics, Porsche Design, Rock & Brews, Spanx and Tumi. 380 World Way, L.A., westfieldairports.com/lax
gratus in beverly hills
retailers includes a Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom and some 50 specialty boutiques, such as Nike and Chan Luu. The rooftop Dining Deck features a food court, restaurants and a gourmet marketplace, and ArcLight Cinemas is a draw for movie lovers. 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, 310.260.8333, santamonicaplace.com h South Coast PlazaCL0000022212 The highest-grossing planned retail venue in the U.S. has been dubbed the ultimate shopping resort. It includes high-end department stores, such as Bloomingdale’s, hundreds of boutiques—among them Charlotte Olympia, Chanel and new Rimowa for luggage—and more than 30 restaurants. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 800.782.8888, southcoastplaza.com SUNSET PLAZACL0000022212 “Chic” is the word at this upscale row of designer boutiques, sidewalk cafés and specialty shops. Browse high-end stores such as Calleen
Cordero, H. Lorenzo and Wildfox, then get pampered at Ole Henriksen Face/Body spa, Eden by Eden Sassoon and Jessica—The Clinic. 8600-8700 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.652.2622, sunsetplaza.com Third Street PromenadeCL0000022203 The cobblestone pedestrian-only shopping zone spans three blocks, from Broadway to Wilshire Boulevard. Watch talented street artists perform, dine at a street-side restaurant and shop in stores including Zara, Anthropologie and Sephora. 1351 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, 310.393.8355, downtownsm.com Two RodeoCL0000022214 In the heart of Beverly Hills’ worldrenowned shopping district is Two Rodeo, an ensemble of restaurants and boutiques offering distinctive dining, fine wares and haute fashion. Luxury brands include Lanvin, Versace, Tiffany & Co. and Jimmy Choo. 9480 Dayton Way, Beverly Hills, 310.247.7040, 2rodeo.com
Westfield Century CityC0000022215 This pleasant open-air mall—already a fashion and dining destination, thanks to stores like Tiffany & Co. and Bloomingdale’s—is open for business as it undergoes an $800 million redevelopment that includes Nordstrom’s three-level L.A. flagship store, the first West Coast Eataly and 8 acres of manicured outdoor space featuring a new outdoor dining district. 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., 310.277.3898, westfieldtravelcollection.com WEST HOLLYWOOD DESIGN DISTRICT The epicenter of the West Coast’s design industry, this lively cultural destination boasts more than 1.5 million square feet of showrooms, shops and galleries. More than 15 art galleries; 100 antique and contemporary furniture stores; over 25 restaurants and cafés; and 30 high-end fashion and lifestyle boutiques line the boulevards. Melrose
Avenue and Robertson and Beverly boulevards, West Hollywood, westhollywooddesigndistrict.com
Shops + Boutiques2217 A + RCL9000006283 Design products at A + R are functional, artful and heavy on wit. Owned by former film editor Andy Griffith and fashion journalist Rose Apodaca (hence “A plus R”), the store offers internationally sourced home products, gifts and objets d’art, often high-concept and always superstylish. Find a new location at Row DTLA. 171 S. La Brea Ave., L.A., 323.692.0086; Row DTLA, 777 S. Alameda St., downtown, aplusrstore.com h Abundance This feminine, upscale boutique for women size 12 and up carries classic clothing with flair. Citron, Astarte and Tianello are among the featured designers. For dressy occasions, look for gowns and eveningwear from brands such as Damianou and Soulmates. 13604 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, 818.990.6128, abundanceplussizes.com Acne studios The arrival of this cult-favorite Swedish retailer in downtown L.A.’s historic Eastern Columbia Building— the brand’s largest store—signaled a retail renaissance along Broadway. Find accessories, denim staples and experimental fashions for men and women, plus an in-store Il Caffè coffee bar. 855 S. Broadway, downtown, 213.243.0960, acnestudios.com Alexis bittar Alexis Bittar’s jewelry designs for his eponymous line always make a splash, whether the statement is colorful and whimsical or minimal and practical. Two boutiques, opened simultaneously in L.A., illustrate his dichotomous design sense. 8383 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.951.9803; 1612 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.452.6901, alexisbittar.com
courtesy gratus
the village at Westfield TOPANGAC0000022215 This gorgeous open-air lifestyle destination directly across the street from Westfield Topanga shopping center (with trolley service connecting the two) offers trendy shops, restaurants with alfresco dining, a full-service gym, a spa, a yoga studio, a children’s play area and much more. 6250 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills, 818.594.8732, westfield.com
74 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
072-083_SHOPPING LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 74
12/16/16 11:11 AM
L.A. STYLE OUTLET SAVINGS
Armani Outlet Coach Michael Kors Kate Spade TUMI Hugo Boss A| X Disney Tommy Hilfiger Nike Levis
There is a style that is uniquely Los Angeles. Effortless, defined by this place where dreams come true and trends are born. Find Your L.A. Style at Citadel Outlets. A truly World Class shopping experience, with over 130 stores full of big brand style and fashion-conscious savings. It’s so L.A.— and only minutes from downtown.
CitadelOutlets.com I-5 at Atlantic Blvd. exit.
072-083_SHOPPING LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 75
12/12/16 3:20 PM
elizabeth and james at the grove
American Rag Cie This legendary one-stop shop outfits men and women in complete L.A.chic ensembles. Clothing ranges from carefully chosen vintage to premium Levi’s Made & Crafted to cult-favorite Japanese label Comme des Garçons Play. The wide range of designer denim, shoes, bags and sunglasses can be mesmerizing. Adjoining Maison Midi offers French home decor, furniture, gift items and a café. 150 S. La Brea Ave., L.A., 323.935.3154, amrag.com THE APARTMENT BY THE LINE N.Y.-based online retail store the Line chose Melrose Place for its second offline home. Designed as an elegant residence, the rooms offer chic fashion and home, beauty and art goods such as jewelry by Sophie Buhai and Kathleen Whitaker, lighting by Atelier de Troupe and beautiful textiles from the store’s home-goods label, Tenfold. 8463 Melrose Place, Second Floor, L.A., 323.746.5056, theline.com
Broken EnglishCL9000006286 This gem boasts jewelry from cutting-edge designers including Colette, Anita Ko and Spinelli Kilcollin, as well as one-of-a-kind vintage finds. Brentwood Country Mart, 225 26th St., Santa Monica, 310.458.2724, brokenenglishjewelry.com BURNING TORCH The L.A.-based lifestyle brand known for its bohemian-luxe clothes and accessories looks right at home in its flagship boutique on Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Find washed-leather jackets and cozy cashmere alongside antique and vintage home goods. 1227 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.399.1920, burningtorchinc.com CHARIOTS ON FIRE Embracing “modern as an attitude rather than a style,” this lovely specialty shop boasts jewelry by Polly Wales and Marion Vidal, sculptures by Utopia & Utility and much more. Looking for a made-in-L.A. gift? Many makers and artists represented
L.A., 310.360.8008; 3835 Cross Creek Road, Malibu, 310.456.9944, shopcurve.com
CLARE V. Clare Vivier’s Silver Lake flagship and newer Santa Monica and Melrose outposts feature her brightly colored, minimalist handbags, accessories and gadget cases, made locally since 2008, plus a small selection of soft T-shirts, jewelry and other lifestyle items. 3339 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A., 323.665.2476; 1318 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, 310.395.3079; 619 N. Croft Ave., West Hollywood, 323.592.3115, clarev.com
h David webb The iconic American jewelry house—in business since 1948—is known for its rich tradition of design, craftsmanship and creativity. Over the years, its pieces have been spotted on luminaries including Elizabeth Taylor and Jacqueline Kennedy. Shop the luxurious, bold pieces at the brand’s Beverly Hills boutique. Beverly Wilshire Hotel, 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.858.8006, davidwebb.com
h Clothes heaven Specializing in new and gently worn designer resale merchandise, Clothes Heaven offers pieces from such highend names as Gucci, Chanel, Versace and Prada. Savvy stylists contribute to a fun, high-energy and personalized shopping experience. 111 E. Union St., Pasadena, 626.440.0929, clothesheaven.com
DecadesCL0000022229 Decades is a fashion shrine where everything is for sale. Even designer junkies get tired of their clothes, and they bring them to this boutique. Find the best of vintage and recent years’ styles, including Chanel earrings, Hermès bags and Yves Saint Laurent dresses. 8214 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.655.1960, decadesinc.com
Cop. Copine This chic boutique in Old Pasadena’s One Colorado shopping complex brings a piece of Paris to L.A. Shop the cult-favorite French brand’s effortless-yet-cool designs for women. Its garments are made with such attention to quality that only a limited number of each piece is produced. 12 Douglas Alley, Pasadena, 626.796.1985, cop-copineus.com
EggyCL0000333537 There’s a fine line between cute and cutesy; luckily, children’s boutique Eggy skews to the former. Owner Jenny An selects pieces that look like teeny versions of what a kid’s hip parents might wear: peplum tops for girls, blazers for boys. 8365 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.658.8882, shopeggy.com
CURVE Discover inspiring new clothing lines in Curve’s well-curated collection. Creations by local designers hang alongside those by such international favorites as Carven and Giada Forte. The airy Robertson boutique and newer Malibu Country Mart location are favorites with starlets and well-heeled locals alike. The Shop, a collaboration with British designer Tom Dixon, can be found at Culver City’s Platform shopping center. 154 N. Robertson Blvd.,
ELIzabeth and james Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen chose the Grove as the location of the first brick-and-mortar for their chic brand—the more playful little sibling of the Row. Shop well-cut wardrobe mainstays, such as sumptuous knit sweaters and satin bomber jackets, as well as accessories, fragrances and a selection of vintage and specialty decor items curated by the designers themselves. 189 The Grove Drive, L.A., 323.647.7111, elizabethandjames.us
courtesy elizabeth and james
here are locals. 1342 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.450.3088, chariotsonfire.com
7 6 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
072-083_SHOPPING LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 76
12/16/16 11:12 AM
072-083_SHOPPING LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 77
12/12/16 3:20 PM
l'eclaireur in west hollywood
garde “Gift shop” seems too pedestrian a label for Garde, which exudes an earthy sophistication and gallery-like air. Yet each item here, including diamond-flecked Nancy Newberg jewelry, Faye Toogood earthenware and Michael Verheyden marble home goods, is perfect for giving and getting. 7418 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.424.4667, gardeshop.com Gratus Upon entering this elegant atelier through a European-esque courtyard, you’ll find luxury and contemporary brands such as Rochas, Rosetta Getty, Leur Logette, Re/Done and No. 21. Amid comfy couches and scented candles, expert stylists await to help you put your look together. Meredith Kaplan, the visionary behind the boutique, wants shoppers to feel “styled, not simply shopped.” 427 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.276.8200, gratus.com
Gum TreeCL9000006294 Housed in a quaint Hermosa Beach bungalow, this boutique is as refreshing as a sea breeze. In addition to an adjoining café, find beachy housewares and a pitch-perfect selection of accessories including Zoë Chicco earrings and Chan Luu scarves. Gum Tree Kids is just up the street at 323 Pier Ave. The Manhattan Beach location is a new outpost. 238 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach, 310.376.8744; 324 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, 310.318.2990, gumtreela.com helmut langCL0000333553 The U.S. flagship of Helmut Lang, renowned for its pared-down, elegant aesthetic, houses the women’s ready-to-wear collection, footwear and the brand’s signature fragrances. The original Brentwood store carries the men’s collection, too. 8808 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 310.623.1900; 13038 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, 310.587.9271, helmutlang.com
h HUBLOT The luxury watch brand sells its high-end timepieces at this contemporary Swiss-designed boutique, including the Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph King Gold Bracelet and the Big Bang Unico All Black Sapphire. Head to the high-tech shop and browse its watches, displayed impressively in holographic rotating towers. 9470 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills, 310.550.0595, hublot.com Huset43 Gain a fresh perspective on Scandinavian design at Venice’s Huset. The sunny, modern shop showcases a range of furniture, home decor and kitchenware—brightly printed Almedahls tea towels, Swedese Ivy shelving—plus an array of kids’ items and bohemian clothing. 1316½ Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 424.268.4213, huset-shop.com JENNI KAYNE Fans of contemporary designer and L.A. native Kayne include Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez and Mary-Kate Olsen. Crisp silhouettes and a dash of edgy details characterize her clothing. The boutiques also carry other picks from the designer, including home goods and accessories and shoes, such as her signature mules and D’Orsay flats. 614 N. Almont Drive, West Hollywood, 310.860.0123;
Brentwood Country Mart, 225 26th St., Santa Monica, 424.268.4765, jennikayne.com Just one eye This “future concept store” brings together creative minds from the worlds of fashion, art and design to create an ultra-luxe retail experience in a building once home to Howard Hughes’ headquarters. International designers, artists and brands represented include Alexandre Vauthier, Jitrois and Damien Hirst. 7000 Romaine St., L.A., 323.969.9129, justoneeye.com kelly wearstler In this flagship boutique from the renowned designer, find fine lifestyle products, luxury goods, furniture, curiosities, statement-making jewelry, vintage books and one-of-a-kind and bespoke designs from Wearstler’s own collections. 8440 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.895.7880, kellywearstler.com h KING BABY STUDIO An on-site jewelry factory (available for tours) in a cool industrial space featuring reclaimed Venice Pier planks makes a trip to this Santa Monica boutique no ordinary shopping experience. Skilled craftsmen create a variety of sterling-silver jewelry designs that have been worn by celebrities like Tom Cruise, Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna. An additional location can be found in West Hollywood. 1621 12th St., Santa Monica, 310.828.4438; 8590 Sunset Blvd., Suite 8.2, West Hollywood, 310.439.5939, kingbaby.com L’Eclaireur Martine and Armand Hadida founded their avant-garde concept shop in a gallery on the Champs-Élysées in 1980. Three-plus decades and five Parisian outposts later, L’Eclaireur has brought its eye for style stateside with a West Hollywood location, helmed by the Hadidas’ daughter Meryl Hadida Shabani. The three-story, continually evolving “residence” focuses
samuel frost
H. LorenzoL0000022236 Two stores on Sunset offer one of L.A.’s most comprehensive shopping experiences while maintaining a boutique atmosphere. At the women’s location, you’ll find designs by Issey Miyake and Plein Sud. At the men’s, find Damir Doma. A third location, on Robertson, carries merchandise for both men and women. 8660 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.659.1432; 8646 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.652.7039; 474 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.652.0064, hlorenzo.com
7 8 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
072-083_SHOPPING LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 78
12/16/16 11:16 AM
072-083_SHOPPING LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 79
12/12/16 3:20 PM
Original Works of Native American Indian Jewelry and Art
on interior design and home accessories such as rare Fornasetti furniture and wares, in addition to limitededition fashion pieces and temporary exhibitions. 450 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.360.0262, leclaireur.com
at the guys’ store, steps from the Silver Lake women’s shop. 4011 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A., 323.669.1601; (men’s) 4017 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A., 323.669.1602; 26 Smith Alley, Pasadena, 626.440.1603, mohawkgeneralstore.com
LE LABO The parfumerie’s hand-blended fragrances, developed from essences from Grasse, France, enjoy a cult following; now you can enjoy finding your signature scent. Black and white labels on the brand’s candles, lotions and perfumes share the boutique’s apothecary-chic aesthetic. 1138½ Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.581.2233; 8385 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.782.0411, lelabofragrances.com
NEIL LANE JEWELRYCL9000006297 All that glitters is gold, white gold, platinum or even diamond pavé at Neil Lane Jewelry. The upscale jeweler most often cited on awardsceremony red carpets showcases celeb-worthy stunners at his flagship boutique off Melrose Place. 708 N. La Cienega Blvd., L.A., 310.275.5015, neillanejewelry.com
Visitors from around the world seek out Taos Indian Trading Co. for unique, quality jewelry, pottery, sculptures, paintings and a variety of other artifacts representing 57 tribes.
Mon-Fri 11am-7pm Sat 11am-4pm
Taos_GBLA15_v1.indd 1
LOST & FOUND6 The beloved Hollywood store (actually six little storefronts under 310.395.3652 one roof) has expanded to Santa 403 Santa Monica Blvd. Monica. Find artisanal, globally TaosIndianTrading.com inspired home goods and women’s fashions (including such earthy-luxe brands as Raquel Allegra and Nili Lotan), plus clothes for men and 7/9/15 12:26 PM kids. 6320 Yucca St., Hollywood, 323.856.5872; 2230 Main St., Santa Monica, 310.450.9565; 2000 Main St., Santa Monica, 310.450.9782, lostandfoundshop.com
Designer Resale at its Finest! Chanel, Hermès, LV, Prada, Gucci, Louboutin, Escada & more!
Clothes Heaven
Since 1983 111 E. Union St. Old Pasadena 626.440.0929 clothesheaven.com
MAXFIELDCL0000022249 Asked to pick his favorite stores in the world, Chanel’s Karl Lagerfeld named the exclusive Maxfield, a Melrose standout with a newer Malibu outpost. The boutique is a legend, hosting names such as Céline, Saint Laurent and Libertine. 8825 Melrose Ave., L.A., 310.274.8800; Malibu Lumber Yard, 3939 Cross Creek Road, Malibu, 310.270.9009, maxfieldla.com MOHAWK GENERAL STORE Find your own artsy look at this hip line of stores. Gems include Mansur Gavriel bags and Rachel Comey shoes. Men can shop for clothing from top-tier and emerging designers
OKCL9000007022 Owner Larry Schaffer’s love of modern and Japanese design shines in a diverse but aesthetically harmonious assortment of ceramics, tableware, jewelry, art books and more. Some great finds: Kothari moonstone earrings and Comme des Garçons wallets. 8303 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.653.3501; 1716 Silver Lake Blvd., L.A., 323.666.1868, okthestore.com OPENING CEREMONYCL9000006298 Taking its name and mission statement from the Olympics’ opening ceremony, this store showcases both American and international clothing designers. Lines include Rodarte, Acne Studios and Proenza Schouler. Sister store the Little House of Accessories is next door. 451 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.652.1120, openingceremony.us H OSKACL0000333708 Minimalist shapes meet choice materials in the signature designs of this Germany-based womenswear company, with two area locations serving the modern L.A. woman. The OSKA look is understated and elegant, featuring easy, flattering cuts, an earthy palette and casual, fashionable comfort, all with a unique flair. 13 Douglas Alley, Pasadena,
8 0 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
072-083_SHOPPING LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 80
12/12/16 3:20 PM
626.432.1729, pasadena.oska.com; 9693 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.271.2806, beverlyhills.oska.com POKETO This cheerful shop has a flagship in downtown’s Arts District and an outpost in Koreatown’s the Line Hotel. Find such art- and design-driven wares as Hasami porcelain mugs, Aark watches and limited-edition vinyl artist wallets. 820 E. 3rd St., downtown, 213.537.0751; the Line Hotel, 3515 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 213.381.7411, ext. 3076, poketo.com PYRRHA This celebrity-favored boutique offers a collection of handcrafted jewelry cast from wax impressions from the Victorian era, plus one-ofa-kind pieces rich in symbolism and inspiration. The whitewashed space is decorated with a mix of vintage and contemporary furniture and accessories. 8315 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.424.4807, pyrrha.com REBECCA MINKOFFCL0035 The SoCal-raised, New York-based designer pairs her cool handbags, accessories, footwear, apparel and athleisure line with smart technology (like interactive touch screens in the dressing rooms) at her West Hollywood boutique. Also find a shop-alongside-shop that serves as brother Uri Minkoff’s first flagship for his men’s accessories. 8335 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.451.7414, rebeccaminkoff.com H RIMOWA The high-end luggage brand—established in Germany in 1898—remains one of Europe’s leading luggage manufacturers. Rimowa’s designs are unmistakable, due to the groove structure of its case shells. Shop the brand’s traditional aluminium cases and light luggage made with high-tech polycarbonate at its Rodeo Drive store. 313 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.888.8686, rimowa.com
RON HERMANCL0000022256 This minichain’s three local outposts offer a snapshot of casual, chic style. Browse for fetching dresses by Equipment and Sundry, men’s denim from J Brand and Ron Herman Denim and jewelry by Carbon & Hyde. 8100 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.651.4129; 11677 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, 310.207.0927; 3900 Cross Creek Road, Malibu, 310.317.6705, ronherman.com THE ROWCL9000400166 Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen chose the upscale Melrose Place as the location for their high-end brand’s first boutique. Shop the designers’ relaxed and timelessly elegant ready-to-wear pieces, handbags and eyewear in a space that feels like a Cali-cool home. 8440 Melrose Place, L.A., 310.853.1900, therow.com STRANGE INVISIBLE PERFUMES Botanical perfumer Alexandra Balahoutis’ fragrances are crafted in-house from purely organic, wild-crafted, biodynamic and hydro-distilled essences. Visit her jewel-like boutique to select a scent from the intoxicating collection, which includes a line inspired by the signs of the zodiac. 1138 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.314.1505, siperfumes.com
2700 EAST COAST HWY #103 CORONA DEL MAR 92625 tel 949.791.8623 368 NORTH CAMDEN DRIVE BEVERLY HILLS 90210 tel 310.734.7304 HERONHABERDASHERY.COM
H TAOS INDIAN TRADING CO. These fourth-generation Native American art dealers have amassed arts and crafts from artisans representing more than 57 tribes in North America. Nothing is mass-produced or commonly available—the store carries only one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry, pottery, paintings, rugs and sculptures. 403 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.395.3652, taosindiantrading.com TENOVERSIXCL9000006313 Merchandise here is focused almost exclusively on those special little extras: shoes, handbags, scarves, lingerie, hats, jewelry and just
W H E R E G U E S T B O O K 8 1
072-083_SHOPPING LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 81
12/12/16 5:23 PM
WITTMORE It’s a good time to be a fashionable man in Los Angeles. Witness: Wittmore, an online menswear retailer known for its global brands that now has two local brickand-mortar shops. Levi’s Vintage Clothing, Reigning Champ and Outerknown are just a few of the some three dozen top-notch lines stocked. 8236 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.782.9791; the Yards at One Santa Fe, 300 S. Santa Fe Ave., Suite 10, downtown, 213.626.0780, shopwittmore.com
Galleries urban zen in west hollywood
about any other adornment you can imagine. The boutique stocks pieces from some 70 independent and emerging designers including Marlow Goods and Sechung. 8425 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.330.9355, tenover6.com Urban zenCL0000333553 Legendary fashion designer Donna Karan brings her philosophy of “dressing and addressing people” to life in this luxurious lifestyle destination, which works in tandem with the Urban Zen Foundation’s philanthropic initiatives. Find women’s ready-to-wear, jewelry, handcrafted leather pieces, furniture and home decor made in partnership with global artisans. 9045 Nemo St., West Hollywood, 424.335.0655, urbanzen.com violet greyCL0000022234 This petite boutique, which is styled like a sophisticated boudoir, boasts hard-to-find skin care, hair-care and cosmetic lines, including RMS
Beauty, Kjaer Weis, Rodin and T3. The products are handpicked and rigorously tested by Hollywood’s top makeup artists, experts and influencers. 8452 Melrose Place, L.A., 323.782.9700, violetgrey.com h WestimeCL0000022266 Family-owned Westime is a premier destination for top-of-the-line timepieces. It offers a range of classic mechanical watches, including rare and limited-edition styles. Luxury brands offered include MB&F, Harry Winston, Bulgari and Audemars Piguet. Its West Hollywood location employs a full-time watchmaker. 3832 Cross Creek Road, Malibu, 310.456.2555; 8569 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.289.0808; 216 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.888.8880, westime.com what goes around comes aroundCL0000022266 The celebrity-beloved destination for designer vintage clothing (e.g.,
Blum & Poe CL0000022267 Within the walls of the Culver City Arts District’s original settler and flagship gallery, you may find works by the likes of art-scene all-stars Sam Durant, Sharon Lockhart, Jim Shaw and Takashi Murakami. The gallery celebrates art rather than entombs it and is famed for its festive openings. 2727 S. La Cienega Blvd., L.A., 310.836.2062, blumandpoe.com Cohen GalleryCL0000022279 The Cohen Gallery, specializing in vintage and contemporary photography (and photo-based art) from the Americas and Europe, opened in 1992. Proprietor Stephen Cohen also founded Artfairs Inc., which stages major fairs, including Photo L.A., around the country. 7354 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.937.5525, stephencohengallery.com Gagosian GalleryCL0000022271 The Los Angeles Times calls the venerated, Richard Meier-designed Gagosian Gallery “a Mount Olympus of the Los Angeles art world.” Blue-chip artists include Roy Lichtenstein, Cy Twombly
and Ed Ruscha. 456 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.271.9400, gagosian.com h Galerie MichaelCL0000022272 Galerie Michael specializes in European paintings, drawings and original prints from the 17th century to the present, including works by Marc Chagall, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Joan Miró. The gallery also carries works by significant painters of the Barbizon school. 224 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.273.3377, galeriemichael.com HAUSER WIRTH & SCHIMMEL International gallery Hauser & Wirth is known for museum-caliber exhibitions of contemporary and modern art, representing more than 60 emerging and established artists, including notable Angelenos Mark Bradford and Diana Thater. At its downtown Arts District outpost, gallery space is complemented by a sculpture-filled courtyard, L.A.’s first Artbook store, a special Book & Printed Matter Lab, a public garden and the on-site restaurant Manuela. 901 E. 3rd St., downtown, 213.943.1620, hauserwirthschimmel.com sprÜth magers Across the street from LACMA is this European-based gallery, founded by German art-world feminists Monika Sprüth and Philomene Magers. Known for their fierce devotion to their artists, the two have an impressive roster of up-and-coming, midcareer and senior artists—including many based on the West Coast, which contributed to Sprüth and Magers’ choosing L.A. as the gallery’s first stateside home. 5900 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.634.0600, spruethmagers.com
For more to explore, see where los angeles magazine and download the city guides by WHERE traveler app
Courtesy Urban Zen
classic rock tees and vintage Chanel bags) has a new West Coast flagship in the 90210. 9520 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills, 310.858.0250, whatgoesaroundnyc.com
8 2 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
072-083_SHOPPING LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 82
12/16/16 11:18 AM
Where M
JEWELRY | GIFTS | HOME DÉCOR
BRING A PIECE OF BEVERLY HILLS BACK HOME.
351 N. BEVERLY DRIVE, BEVERLY HILLS GEARYS.COM GEARYSBEVERLYHILLS #ENTERTAINBEAUTIFULLY
Where Magazine-v3.indd 1 072-083_SHOPPING LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 83
12/13/16 6:20 PM 12/14/16 3:02 PM
Excite Your Meat-a-ball-ism
raosla.com - 1006 Seward Street - 323-962-7267 Las Vegas
084-085_CHOWTIME OPENER_GBLA17.indd 84
Formerly the Hollywood Canteen Los Angeles
NewYork
12/12/16 1:08 PM
chow time
PALEY, DYLAN + JENI
DINING L.A.’S DINING SCENE, ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING IN THE WORLD, OFFERS CALIFORNIA, ETHNIC AND GLOBAL CUISINES. SINCE THE CITY IS THE CENTER OF POPULAR CULTURE IN AMERICA, ITS DINING SCENE REFLECTS THE MOST CURRENT TRENDS.
WH ER E G U ESTBOOK 85
084-085_CHOWTIME OPENER_GBLA17.indd 85
12/12/16 1:08 PM
DINING
GrAND TOUR If you ever find yourself hungry while exploring downtown L.A., there’s no better place to go than Grand Central Market to satisfy your every craving. The indoor-outdoor food hall is celebrating its centennial this year. Located on the first floor of the Homer Laughlin Building, the marketplace has transformed over time into a culinary destination, its stalls filled with both legacy vendors—Roast to Go has been serving the same Mexican street food since 1952—and new, foodiefavorite options. Some must-visits: Knead & Co. Pasta Bar + Market, from Union chef Bruce Kalman; Top Chef winner Ilan Hall’s vegan Ramen Hood; Wexler’s Deli, from noted L.A. chef Micah Wexler; and breakfast spot Eggslut (above), whose sandwiches are worth the inevitable wait. For dessert, pick up a treat from chocolatier Valerie Gordon’s Valerie Confections Bakery & Café or a scoop of McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams.
Angelini OsteriaCL00321 Italian. Neither elegant nor romantic, this is nonetheless one of L.A.’s premier Italian restaurants. Chef/ owner Gino Angelini demonstrates remarkable range and finesse, from sea-salt-crusted whole branzino to the heavenly lasagna in béchamel sauce, whose recipe he inherited from his grandmother. L (Tu-F), D (Tu-Su). 7313 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.297.0070, angeliniosteria.com A.O.C.CL00421 Mediterranean. Explore a Mediterranean-inspired menu at the eatery that pioneered two L.A. culinary trends: the small-plates format and the wine bar. Lauded chef/owner Suzanne Goin offers addictive bacon-wrapped, Parmesan-stuffed dates and an excellent selection of cheeses and cured meats from a charcuterie bar. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 8700 W. 3rd St., L.A., 310.859.9859, aocwinebar.com Cecconi’sCL9000006247 Italian. This London-based restaurant caters to the well-heeled, who schmooze over Bellinis and cicchetti (small plates). Pastas including a beautiful agnolotti del plin and seafood such as grilled octopus are well-executed. B, L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 8764 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 310.432.2000, cecconiswesthollywood.com GustoCL9000400885 Italian. Chef Victor Casanova’s intimate neighborhood ristorante has a look and feel reminiscent of
his native Bronx. Dishes such as polpette (pork meatballs) plated over chilled, whipped ricotta and fresh-made pastas deserve praise. D (nightly). 8432 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.782.1778, gusto-la.com kaliL0000022151 California. This contemporary California restaurant from chef Kevin Meehan uses the finest seasonal ingredients sourced from local California farms to create compelling and unique dishes, combining bold flavors in menu items such as duck breast served with carrots and honey. Dessert options include a chocolate cremeux and goat cheese teamed with wheat crackers and Concord grapes. L (M-F), D (nightly). 5722 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.871.4160, kalirestaurant.com The Little DoorCL9006257 French. For a candlelit dinner in an elegant setting, the Little Door is the reservation ne plus ultra. Dine on rustic French-Mediterranean dishes (the pine-nut and mustard-crusted rack of lamb is a favorite) under the stars or by a crackling fireplace. French brasserie Little Next Door is adjacent. D (nightly), Br (Su). 8164 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.951.1210, thelittledoor.com LucquesCL0000022160 Mediterranean. Chef/owner Suzanne Goin, who won the James Beard Award for outstanding chef last year, delivers the next generation of Cal-Med cuisine, which includes dishes such as grilled club steak for two with “potatoes Parisienne.” Nowhere do vegetables taste as good! L (Tu-Sa), D (nightly). 8474 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.655.6277, lucques.com
Pistola0400885 Steak. The sister restaurant to Victor Casanova’s excellent Gusto down the street gives classic Italian steakhouse fare a modern twist. Enjoy dishes such as shrimp scampi, dry-aged Delmonico steak and bone-in veal chop in an elegant space with a sleek, 1950s New York feel. D (nightly). 8022 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.951.9800, pistola-la.com ProvidenceCL0000022181 Seafood. At this elegant restaurant, chef/owner Michael Cimarusti (who’s also behind Connie and Ted’s and newer fish shop Cape Seafood and Provisions) transforms sustainable seafood from the world’s most pristine waters into oft-changing dishes. Outstanding cocktails complement the Michelin-recognized cuisine. L (F), D (nightly). 5955 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.460.4170, providencela.com Son of a GunCL0000333513 Seafood. Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, the meat-loving chefs at Animal, turn to the sea for inspiration here. They cook up small shareable plates (e.g., miniature lobster rolls and shrimp-toast sandwiches), paired with seasonal cocktails, in a nautical space. L, D (daily). 8370 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.782.9033, sonofagunrestaurant.com Terrine California. Comfortable, elevated California brasserie fare (e.g., moules frites) from chef Kris Morningstar. The patio, dominated by a magnificent tree and dotted with sparkling lights, is as romantic as they come. D (Tu-Su), Br (Sa-Su). 8265 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.746.5130, terrinela.com
jakob layman
Beverly Boulevard/3rd Street/Melrose Avenue
H Starred listings are featured GuestBook advertisers. 8 6 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
86-94_DINING LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 86
12/16/16 11:20 AM
E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 805.418.1811, mastrosrestaurants.com
beverly hills Culina Italian. The Four Seasons’ acclaimed Italian restaurant boasts coastal influences and a sleek crudo bar. Adjacent is newer Vinoteca, an Italian-inspired wine and espresso bar. B, L (M-Sa); D (nightly); Br (Su). Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, 300 S. Doheny Drive, L.A., 310.860.4000, culinarestaurant.com CutCL0000022131 Steak. A collaboration between Getty Center architect Richard Meier and celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, Cut is the place to savor genuine wagyu beef steaks or dry-aged Nebraska beef. An adjacent bar and lounge concept, Cut Lounge, opened last year. D (M-Sa). Beverly Wilshire Hotel, 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.276.8500, wolfgangpuck.com GeorgieCL0000022131 American. At this modern American restaurant, helmed by Food Network’s Geoffrey Zakarian, servers present familiar favorites with global influences—try the lobster roll and fresh spaghetti with veal meatballs at lunch. Diners on the veranda look out onto Beverly Cañon Gardens while sipping martinis or fresh juices. The wine list includes high-end wines available by the glass. B, L, D (daily). Montage Beverly Hills, 225 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.860.7970, georgierestaurant.com h Mastro’s SteakhouseCL0000022161 Steak. Mastro’s serves USDA Prime steaks in an atmosphere as sizzling as its 400-degree plates. Look for the 2-foot-tall seafoodtower appetizer, sides such as lobster mashed potatoes and Alaskan king-crab black-truffle gnocchi, and a melt-in-your-mouth warm butter cake for dessert. D (nightly). 246 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.888.8782; 2087
MAUDE California. Celebrity chef Curtis Stone, an Aussie with a strong classical background, helms this intimate, acclaimed 24-seat Beverly Hills restaurant named after his paternal grandmother. Every month a different seasonal ingredient is showcased and artfully presented in a 10-course menu. D (Tu-Sa). 212 S. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.859.3418, mauderestaurant.com MR ChowCL0000022161 Chinese. The L.A. County editions of scene-y restaurants in New York and London serve Imperial Beijing cuisine. Beverly Hills: L (M-F), D (nightly). Malibu: D (nightly). 344 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.278.9911; Malibu Country Mart, 3835 Cross Creek Road, 18A, Malibu, 310.456.7600, mrchow.com SpagoCL0000022190 California. An L.A. institution, Wolfgang Puck’s flagship restaurant features a modern dining room and a daily changing menu that may include dishes such as veal “Wiener schnitzel” and spicy tuna tartare. Glimpse some of the 30,000 wine bottles on offer in a glass-ensconced “wine wall.” L (Tu-Sa), D (nightly). 176 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.385.0880, wolfgangpuck.com
Brentwood KatsuyaCL0000022153 Japanese. Sushi chef Katsuya Uechi turns out exotic delicacies in sultry spaces by designer Philippe Starck. L (varies by location), D (nightly). 11777 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, 310.207.8744; 6300 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.871.8777; 702 Americana Way, Glendale, 818.244.5900; L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.747.9797, katsuyarestaurant.com
WHERE G UESTBOOK 8 7
86-94_DINING LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 87
12/16/16 11:20 AM
THE SOARING DINING ROOM AT 71ABOVE
TAVERNCL9000006270 California. Chef Suzanne Goin’s third L.A. restaurant explores rustic Cal-Med fare in chic environs, including a popular sunlit indoor patio. The frequently changing menu might include “devil’s chicken” with leeks and mustard breadcrumbs. B (M-F); L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 11648 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, 310.806.6464, tavernla.com
CULVER CITY LUKSHON Pan-Asian. Sang Yoon of Father’s Office is behind this Southeast Asian eatery with a selection of craft beers and a Far East-inspired cocktail program. The crispy whole market fish is not to be missed. L (Tu-F), D (Tu-Sa). 3239 Helms Ave., Culver City, 310.202.6808, lukshon.com N/NAKA Japanese. Offerings are crafted in the kaiseki Japanese culinary tradition, with classic and modern interpretations. The 13-course menus
are prepared with produce from the restaurant’s organic garden; there is an extensive sake and wine list as well. Chef/owner Niki Nakayama was one of six chefs featured in the first season of Netflix’s acclaimed documentary series Chef’s Table. D (W-Sa). 3455 S. Overland Ave., L.A., 310.836.6252, n-naka.com THE WALLACE California. Artfully presented seasonal fare is prepared with local and sustainable ingredients at this downtown Culver City restaurant. Start with duck rillettes or roasted cauliflower before tucking into entrées like short-rib ravioli. An inventive cocktail program rounds out the offerings. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 3833 Main St., Culver City, 310.202.6400, thewallacela.com
BESTIA Italian. Reservations for this multiregional Italian restaurant in the hip Arts District are among the toughest in the city to get. Chef Ori Menashe, a Gino Angelini protégé, serves up such “beast”-focused dishes as roasted marrow bone with spinach gnocchetti, breadcrumbs and aged balsamic, and a selection of housecured meats. Menashe’s wife, pastry chef Genevieve Gergis, turns out treats such as a chocolate-budino tart and mascarpone rice pudding. D (nightly). 2121 E. 7th Place, downtown, 213.514.5724, bestiala.com BOTTEGA LOUIECL9000006245 Italian. This palatial Italian restaurant, decked out in white marble, is a hip, noisy hall where young professionals convene over brickoven-cooked pizzas and portobello fries. Don’t miss the patisserie’s macarons. B, L, D (daily); Br (SaSu). 700 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.802.1470, bottegalouie.com BROKEN SPANISH Mexican. The upscale sister of B.S. Taqueria, this “modern Mexican” restaurant near L.A. Live serves classically trained chef Ray Garcia’s innovative twists on traditional dishes. D (nightly). 1050 S. Flower St., Suite 102, downtown, 213.749.1460, brokenspanish.com
DOWNTOWN 71ABOVE9000006267 American. L.A.’s restaurant scene reached new heights with the opening of 71Above—“the highest res-
FAITH & FLOWER California. Art deco splendor meets modern farm-to-table dining and masterfully made cocktails at this
newer downtown entry. An eclectic menu of mesquite-grilled proteins and a raw bar are offered amid a sumptuous setting in the WaterMarke Tower. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 705 W. 9th St., downtown, 213.239.0642, faithandflowerla.com GRAND CENTRAL MARKET Eclectic. See and taste L.A.’s international influences at downtown’s oldest and largest open-air market, in business since 1917. About 40 merchants sell delicacies from around the world at the continually evolving market, including pupusas, ramen, tacos and pizza. B, L, D (daily). 317 S. Broadway, downtown, 213.624.2378, grandcentralmarket.com H L.A. PRIME Steak. City views and dry-aged steaks at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites’ 35th-floor restaurant are sure to impress out-oftowners and dinner dates. Classic sides and starters fill an American surf-and-turf menu. D (nightly). The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, 404 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.624.1000, thebonaventure.com MIRO Mediterranean. Executive chef Gavin Mills (Tavern) oversees a panMediterranean menu of shareable dishes such as wood-fired pizzas, charcuterie and pasta at this stylish Financial District restaurant. Miro also has an expansive list of natural wines and an intimate whiskey room downstairs, where you’ll find pours of nearly 400 coveted whiskeys from around the world. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 888 Wilshire Blvd., downtown, 213.988.8880, mirorestaurant.com H MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSECL0000022197 Steak. The upscale steakhouse chain’s clubby ambiance is teamed with a show-and-tell menu and huge portions. Beverly Hills, Woodland
WONHO FRANK LEE
taurant west of the Mississippi”— on the 71st floor of the U.S. Bank Tower. The swanky new eatery, headed by chef Vartan Abgaryan, looms 950 feet above 5th Street. Diners can enjoy a panoramic view of the city’s skyline and beyond while dining on elevated modern American cuisine. L (M-F), D (nightly). 633 W. 5th St., 71st Floor, downtown, 213.712.2683, 71above.com
8 8 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
86-94_DINING LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 88
12/12/16 3:43 PM
AN UNPARALLELED
DINING EXPERIENCE
The Finest Prime Steaks | The Freshest Seafood
LOS ANGELES MASTRO’S BEVERLY HILLS 246 NORTH CANON DR. 310-888-8782
MASTRO’S THOUSAND OAKS 2087 EAST THOUSAND OAKS BLVD 805-418-1811
FOR ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS, VISIT WWW.MASTROSRESTAURANTS.COM MASTROSRESTAURANT
86-94_DINING LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 89
MASTRO’S MALIBU 18412 PACIFIC COAST HWY 310-454-4357
@MASTROSOFFICIAL
12/12/16 3:43 PM
crudo at Kevin Meehan’s kali
ORSA & WINSTON Eclectic. Chef/owner Josef Centeno draws on Japanese and Italian traditions at his acclaimed third restaurant. Select a vegetable, fish or meat grain bowl for lunch; for dinner, enjoy a daily changing six-course tasting menu with nightly supplements and an optional wine pairing. L (Tu-F), D (Tu-Sa). 122 W. 4th St., downtown, 213.687.0300, orsaandwinston.com otium9000006267 California. French Laundry alum Timothy Hollingsworth helms this modern restaurant adjacent to the
Broad museum, preparing rustic, market-driven cuisine such as hamachi with coriander, avocado, lemon and dill. L (Tu-F), D (Tu-Su), Br (Sa-Su). 222 S. Hope St., downtown, 213.935.8500, otiumla.com
party of four. D (nightly). 6610 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.297.1133, chispacca.com
Simbal9000006267 Pan-Asian. This tricky-to-find Little Tokyo spot, from chef Shawn Pham (the French Laundry, Craft, the Bazaar by José Andrés), offers a cuisine that combines the best of Ho Chi Minh City’s food stalls with sophisticated technique. Don’t miss the bar’s creative cocktails. D (Tu-Sa). 120 S. San Pedro St., downtown, 213.626.0244, simbalrestaurant.com
CleoL90078 Mediterranean. These busy meze bars offer chef Danny Elmaleh’s contemporary Mediterranean small plates, which include various flatbreads, crispy Brussels sprouts and kebabs of lamb, chicken, shrimp and beef. Cocktails are expensive but irresistible. The L.A. Live location opened last year. Hollywood: D (nightly). Downtown: B, L, D (daily). The Redbury, 1717 Vine St., Hollywood, 323.962.1711; L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 424.888.7818, cleorestaurant.com
WP24CL9000007076 Pan-Asian. From its 24th-floor roost, WP24 proves that Wolfgang Puck, who pioneered Asian fusion, has still got the goods. Highlights include XO seafood dumplings and steamed bao filled with pork belly. The restaurant provides one of downtown’s best skyline views. Restaurant/lounge concept Nest at WP24 is adjacent. Dining room D (Tu-Sa). Nest D (nightly). The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, 900 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.743.8824, wolfgangpuck.com
Gwen American. Maude chef Curtis Stone and brother Luke’s new restaurant—named after their maternal grandmother—features meat-centric tasting menus served in an art deco dining room and à la carte items served at the bar or on the patio. Plus, there’s a Europeanstyle butcher shop in the front that serves sandwiches. L (Tu-F), D (Tu-Sa). 6600 Sunset Blvd., L.A., 323.946.7513, gwenla.com
Hollywood PatinaCL0000022178 French. With Patina, the Walt Disney Concert Hall pairs classicalmusic offerings with fine dining. The in-house restaurant, from master chef Joachim Splichal, might be the best game in town when it comes to game dishes, which appear frequently on the menu. D (Tu-Su). 141 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.3331, patinarestaurant.com
Animal American. This bare-bones eatery from Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo is a carnivore’s dream. Dishes include marrow bone with chimichurri and caramelized onions; delectable takes on offal (such as crispy pig ear); and a bacon-chocolate-crunch bar for dessert. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 435 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A., 323.782.9225, animalrestaurant.com
Redbird American. Chef Neal Fraser’s contemporary American cuisine is offered in the rectory of the former Cathedral of St. Vibiana. Rack of red wattle pork and chicken potpie are part of an intriguing menu. An updated Spanish baroque decor and retro-inspired cocktails complete
chi SPACCA Italian. At the latest addition to the Mozza complex, owned by Nancy Silverton, Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich, expect a family-style, beefcentric menu. The meat portions are mammoth, most notably a 42-ounce bistecca fiorentina that takes nearly an hour to cook and can stuff a
Jon & Vinny’s Italian. Family-friendly diner from chefs/owners Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo (Animal, Son of a Gun) has it all: pastries, pizza, pasta (made in-house) and meat entrées. Takeout and delivery are also available. B, L, D (daily). 412 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A., 323.334.3369, jonandvinnys.com Osteria MozzaCL0000022174 Italian. Famed L.A.-based bread maker Nancy Silverton teamed up with affable Mario Batali on Mozza’s group of contemporary Italian restaurants. Experience the repertoire of these transcontinental talents in Osteria Mozza’s sophisticated dining room. D (nightly). 6602 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.297.0100, osteriamozza.com
rachel jacobson
Hills: D (nightly). Downtown, Burbank: L (M-F), D (nightly). 735 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.553.4566; SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills, 435 S. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.246.1501; 6250 Canoga Ave., Woodland Hills, 818.703.7272; the Pinnacle, 3400 W. Olive Ave., Burbank, 818.238.0424, mortons.com
the scene. L (F), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 114 E. 2nd St., downtown, 213.788.1191, redbird.la
9 0 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
86-94_DINING LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 90
12/16/16 11:23 AM
MEMORIES MADE FRESH DAILY SINCE 1934 L.A.’S FAVORITE SHOPPING & DINING DESTINATION For 83 years, The Original Farmers Market has delivered exceptional shopping, fresh food and fond memories to locals and visitors alike. This bustling “must-see” destination features an exciting mix of over 100 shops, gourmet grocers and world-class eateries in an historic al-fresco setting. Conveniently located next to Beverly Hills, Hollywood and a short drive from Downtown L.A. Open daily.
6333 W. THIRD ST. • LOS ANGELES • 323.933.9211 • FARMERSMARKETLA.COM #FARMERSMARKETLA Insta
86-94_DINING LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 91
12/12/16 3:43 PM
E.P. & L.P.CL0000022162 Pan-Asian. This culinary concept finds executive chef Louis Tikaram serving up contemporary Southeast Asian dishes that draw from his Fijian-Chinese-Indian heritage and Australian roots. The “Asian eating house and rooftop” consists of a rooftop deck that offers Asianinspired street food and cocktails; a private bar, also on the roof; and an indoor dining room, where you’ll find a menu of shareable dishes. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su at L.P.). 603 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.855.9955, eplosangeles.com
Closed for lunch Mondays between Labor Day and Memorial Day. 21150 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.317.0777, dukesmalibu.com h MAStRO’S OCEAN CLUB CL0000022134 Steak. At this on-the-waterfront eatery—the views are pure Malibu— starters such as ahi tartare, lobster cocktail and caviar are followed by fresh fish, whole Maine lobster and expertly prepared steaks. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 18412 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.454.4357, mastrosrestaurants.com
Pasadena
PaleyCL0000333473 California. This restaurant in storied Columbia Square features an eclectic menu that reflects an of-the-moment emphasis on seasonal California fare (think braised pork belly and popcorn ice cream). Cocktails featuring modern riffs on classics complement both the menu and the restaurant’s ambiance. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 6115 Sunset Blvd., Suite 100, Hollywood, 323.544.9430, paleyhollywood.com h Rao’s Italian. Step inside the dark wooded interior of this home-style Neapolitan restaurant in Hollywood to experience East Coast Italian at its best. Settle into a room that re-creates the legendary Rao’s Manhattan location, and enjoy dishes like meatballs, bone-in veal Parmesan and pappardelle with short-rib ragu. Or, dine alfresco on the delightful patio. D (nightly). 1006 Seward St., L.A., 323.962.7267, raosla.com
TROIS MEC Eclectic. The foodie trinity of Ludo Lefebvre, Vinny Dotolo and Jon Shook is behind this hot restaurant in a 24-seat former pizzeria. Diners must purchase advance tickets via the restaurant’s website to enjoy Lefebvre’s prix-fixe, five-course meal, which changes often. Newer French-bar-style spinoff Petit Trois is next door. D (M-F). 716 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, troismec.com
La Cienega Boulevard/ Restaurant Row The Bazaar by José Andrés Spanish. Star chef José Andrés brings a whimsical set of Spanishstyle dining experiences to the SLS Hotel. Cuisine ranges from rustic fare to the cutting-edge. Tasting room Saam offers an unforgettable 20-plus-course prix-fixe menu. Dining room D (nightly). Saam D (Th-Sa). 465 S. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.246.5555, thebazaar.com
NobuCL9000006261 Japanese. Nobu Matsuhisa’s glitzy restaurant attracts celebrities and serious foodies. An extensive menu of traditional and avant-garde sushi includes many dishes with beguiling Peruvian accents. West Hollywood: D (nightly). Malibu: B (Sa-Su); L, D (daily). 903 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.657.5711; Nobu Malibu, 22706 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.317.9140, noburestaurants.com
Malibu Duke’s MalibuCL0000022134 Seafood. Named after the father of international surfing, Duke Kahanamoku, this oceanfront restaurant captures the spirit of aloha. Not to be outdone by the spectacular views is the cuisine, which features a daily selection of fresh fish and tropical cocktails. L (M-Sa), D (nightly), Br (Su).
ALexander’s steakhouse Steak. This luxurious interpretation of the classic American steakhouse incorporates Asian influences. Certified Angus beef and one of L.A.’s widest selections of domestic and imported wagyu star on the menu. The restaurant’s new Bull & Barrel bar serves the menu plus an expanded, whiskey-forward cocktail menu and a social-hour food menu with specialty items. D (nightly). 111 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, 626.486.1111, alexanderssteakhouse.com h arroyo chop house0000333530 Steak. Find USDA Prime beef, aged and hand-cut daily, plus fresh seafood, foie gras, classic steakhouse sides and an award-winning wine list at this handsome Arts and Craftsinspired, mahogany-clad steakhouse from the Smith Brothers. A mural by R. Kenton Nelson tops the bustling open kitchen. The Pasadena favorite is popular for business and specialoccasion dinners and after-work cocktails. D (nightly). 536 S. Arroyo Pkwy., Pasadena, 626.577.7463, arroyochophouse.com h Parkway GrillCL0000333530 California. This casual yet sophisticated dining room, with its brick walls, barrel roof and exposed beams, offers some of Pasadena’s best meals. The innovative seasonal
dylan + jeni; opposite: roman udalov
lamb shank at georgie
MatsuhisaCL0000022162 Japanese. Superchef Nobu Matsuhisa’s modest, but highly acclaimed, original flagship incorporates luxurious Western ingredients and Latin American spices. Monkfish liver pâté with caviar and lamb chops with miso anticucho sauce are just a couple of his creations. L (MF), D (nightly). 129 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.659.9639, nobumatsuhisa.com
9 2 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
86-94_DINING LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 92
12/16/16 11:25 AM
menu includes whole ginger-fried catfish, brick-oven-baked Cambozola-pear flatbread, lamb chops, seafood and salads featuring produce from an on-site organic garden. L (M-F), D (nightly). 510 S. Arroyo Pkwy., Pasadena, 626.795.1001, theparkwaygrill.com h secoCL0000333530 American. Enjoy New American cuisine—including wood-ovenroasted chicken, steak, pastas, pizzas and salads—plus wine, beer and cocktails in this newer addition to the Smith Brothers restaurant family. Dine in the contemporary dining room or on the patio, which has an inviting fire pit. L, D (daily). 140 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, 626.449.9900, seconewamerican.com h Smitty’s Grill American. Soul-warming comfortfood classics and a great selection of wines round out the menu at this popular spot. Daily seafood specials, barbecued baby-back ribs, iron-skillet cornbread and homemade chicken potpie are favorites. L (M-F), D (nightly). 110 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, 626.792.9999, smittysgrill.com UNION0000333530 Italian. Chef Bruce Kalman’s seasonally driven, Californian interpretation of northern Italian cuisine results in such simple but exquisite starters as stracciatella with roasted garlic and crostini. Save room for equally unforgettable pasta dishes, including a squidink bombolotti with Maine lobster, fennel, Meyer lemon and truffle butter. D (nightly). 37 E. Union St., Pasadena, 626.795.5841, unionpasadena.com
Santa Monica CassiaCL0000022163 Eclectic. This bustling Southeast Asian-inspired brasserie finds chef Bryant Ng (Spice Table) serving
dishes like Vietnamese pot-au-feu and, on the lunch menu, an updated version of Ng’s celebrated Spice Table burger. L (M-F), D (nightly). 1314 7th St., Santa Monica, 310.393.6699, cassiala.com MélisseCL0000022163 French. At chef/owner Josiah Citrin’s Mélisse, among L.A.’s highest-rated restaurants, constantly changing tasting menus feature such sophisticated, contemporary French fare as lobster bolognese with truffles, potato-crusted Dover sole prepared tableside and wild Scottish partridge served with foie gras. D (Tu-Sa). 1104 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.395.0881, melisse.com red oCL0000022163 Mexican. Rick Bayless, one of America’s leading authorities on Mexican cuisine, is culinary director of these sexy eateries, where creative dishes are grounded in tradition. West Hollywood: D (nightly). Santa Monica: L (Sa-Su), D (nightly). 8155 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.655.5009; 1541 Ocean Ave., Suite 120, Santa Monica, 310.458.1600, redorestaurant.com Rustic CanyonCL9000006265 California. Discover boutique wines while sampling small plates of market-driven, Mediterraneaninspired fare. Clam pozole is just one of the winners. Hide in a cozy booth or mingle at the communal table. D (nightly). 1119 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.393.7050, rusticcanyonwinebar.com ValentinoCL0000022196 Italian. For more than 40 years, Piero Selvaggio has maintained his flagship’s status as a pre-eminent temple of Italian gastronomy. A telephonebook-sized wine list—often cited as America’s best—is supported by a cellar containing more than 100,000 bottles. L (F), D (Tu-Sa). 3115 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.829.4313, valentinosantamonica.com
freshly made pasta at miro
South Bay Fishing With dynamite Seafood. Among the old-school small plates in this tiny, charming restaurant from chef David LeFevre are New England-style clam chowder with Nueske’s bacon and Maryland blue-crab cakes with housemade pickles and remoulade. The oysters and cocktails are also top-notch. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 1148 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.893.6299, eatfwd.com Little sister Pan-Asian. At these trendy spots from chef Tin Vuong, sophisticated accents are added to pan-Asian cuisine, as evidenced in signatures like deep-fried Balinese meatballs, Myanmar okra curry and salt-andpepper lobster. M.B.: L (F-Su), D (nightly). Downtown: B, L, D (daily). 1131 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.545.2096, littlesistermb.com; 523 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.628.3146, littlesisterla.com
LOVE & SALT California. Dine on creative CalItalian fare (e.g., duck-egg pizza, whole roasted pig head and homemade English muffins) in this buzzy South Bay spot. Chef de cuisine/ pastry chef Rebecca Merhej’s desserts are divine. D (nightly), Br (SaSu). 317 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, 310.545.5252, loveandsaltla.com M.B. PostCL0000333507 American. Chef David LeFevre (who also helms the nearby Fishing With Dynamite and steakhouse the Arthur J) serves small plates of seafood, fresh-baked breads, cured meats and more in the space of a former post office. L (F-Su), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 1142 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310.545.5405, eatmbpost.com The Strand HouseCL0000333505 American. This beachside restaurant boasts ocean and pier views and a breezy, stylish bar. The menu
W H E R E G U E S T B O O K 9 3
86-94_DINING LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 93
12/16/16 11:26 AM
WEST HOLLYWOOD/ MIDTOWN CATCH LACL9000400897 Seafood. This hot N.Y. import immediately began reeling in an A-list crowd when it opened its doors. The rooftop hot spot boasts an alfresco dining area where guests can enjoy views of L.A. and the Hollywood Hills while sipping cocktails and dining from a seafoodcentric, internationally influenced menu. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 8715 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.347.6060, catchrestaurants.com
THE ENCHANTING ENTRYWAY AT CATCH LA
includes such starters as foie gras and charcuterie, which might be followed by branzino with black-truffle risotto and pastry chef Stephanie Franz’s doughnuts. L (Tu-F), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 117 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, 310.545.7470, thestrandhousemb.com
VALLEY GIRASOL California. Seasonal, “refinedrustic” California fare takes center stage at this inviting spot, which incorporates foraged ingredients into an inventive menu (e.g., hamachi with white fir and wild sorrel, and Mary’s chicken with juniper-infused grits and caramelized apples). D (Tu-Su), Br (Su). 11334 Moorpark St., Studio City, 818.924.2323, girasolrestaurant.com SADDLE PEAK LODGECL0000022184 American. Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, this hunt-lodgethemed spot is a study in romantic rusticity, with moose heads overlook-
ing candlelit tables. The menu focuses on game dishes such as grilled Blue Mountain wapiti elk tenderloin. D (nightly), Br (Su). 419 Cold Canyon Road, Calabasas, 818.222.3888, saddlepeaklodge.com
VENICE GJELINACL9000006250 Mediterranean. Under the direction of chef Travis Lett, Cal-Med small plates and pizzas are served to chic Westsiders. It’s one of Venice’s most popular restaurants and the neighborhood’s liveliest patio. Gjelina Take Away is next door. B (M-F); L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.450.1429, gjelina.com THE TASTING KITCHENCL0000333516 California. Foodies flock to this loud but lovely dining room for a daily changing menu of innovative yet unpretentious cuisine from chef Casey Lane: small or large plates of cured meats, artisan cheeses, vegetables, seafood and pastas.
THE EVELEIGHCL9000400897 American. With a menu chockablock with farm-fresh veggies and meats served in a country-chic space, the Eveleigh projects an image of cool rusticity. The kitchen endeavors to use housemade ingredients in both its dishes and cocktails. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 8752 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 424.239.1630, theeveleigh.com NORAHCL90004 American. At this beautiful, 120seat restaurant, a fashionable crowd mingles over seasonal cocktails at the wraparound marble bar. Chef Mike Williams designed the frequently changing menu of compelling dishes—the cast-iron cornbread with rosemary-honey butter is a hit. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 8279 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.450.4211, norahrestaurant.com PETROSSIANCL90004 French. Highlights at this temple of caviar include caviar-and-roetopped blinis and vanilla panna cotta with espresso “caviar.” An on-site boutique offers caviar, smoked fish, chocolates and wines. L (daily), D (M-Sa), Br (Sa-Su). 321 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.271.6300, petrossian.com
RÉPUBLIQUE French. In a landmark once occupied by Charlie Chaplin’s studio, fine-dining veteran Walter Manzke and pastry-chef wife Margarita turn out bistro classics (e.g., escargots, duck confit and steak frites) for a trendy clientele huddling at communal tables. Café B, L (daily); Br (Sa-Su). Bistro D (nightly). 624 S. La Brea Ave., L.A., 310.362.6115, republiquela.com
WESTSIDE CRAFTCL0000022129 American. New York chef Tom Colicchio of TV’s Top Chef brings his signature concept to L.A. The restaurant’s endless à la carte menu of contemporary American dishes includes fun, shareable plates such as roasted octopus and diver scallops with vermouth butter. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 10100 Constellation Blvd., L.A., 310.279.4180, craftrestaurant.com HINOKI & THE BIRD California. Enjoy Japanese and Southeast Asian flavors in a hip environment inside luxury residential tower the Century. The lobster roll is infused with green curry and accented with Thai basil, while an entrée of black cod is scented with the smoke of the namesake hinoki wood. L (M-F), D (Tu-Sa). 10 W. Century Drive, L.A., 310.552.1200, hinokiandthebird.com SOTTOCL9000400899 Italian. This restaurant specializes in regionally inspired Italian cooking, including beautifully executed rustic trattoria dishes; soft, chewy Neapolitan pizzas cooked in an 8-ton wood-burning oven; and intriguing housemade pastas. D (nightly). 9575 W. Pico Blvd., L.A., 310.277.0210, sottorestaurant.com
FOR MORE TO EXPLORE, SEE WHERE LOS ANGELES MAGAZINE AND DOWNLOAD THE CITY GUIDES BY WHERE TRAVELER APP
COURTESY CATCH LA
D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 1633 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.392.6644, thetastingkitchen.com
9 4 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
86-94_DINING LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 94
12/12/16 3:43 PM
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
L.A. PRIME
MENU HIGHLIGHTS Starters Pan-roasted bone marrow Baked Blue Point oysters Rockefeller Blue fin tuna tartare Side Dishes Crispy Brussels sprouts Creamed bloomsdale spinach White cheddar mac and cheese
Located on the 35th floor of the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, the award-winning L.A. Prime invites diners to experience a culinary adventure in a relaxed atmosphere with refined service. Known for its innovative and edgy cuisine, L.A. Prime offers wet-aged prime beef steaks, as well as beautiful lamb chops, double thick pork chops and fresh fish and shellfish. Dishes are enhanced with local produce and paired with wines from an award-winning list recognized by Wine Spectator. Our award-winning culinary team of chefs have created a masterful menu of artfully presented dishes made with fresh ingredients to please the palate. Stars wink through floor-to-ceiling windows as diners sit back, relax and enjoy all that downtown has to offer. D (nightly).
Steaks Bone-in Delmonico rib-eye 22 oz Primal-cut New York strip 14 oz Bone-in filet mignon 14 oz Composed Entrees 3-pound Maine lobster Double-thick-cut Niman Ranch pork chop Grilled free-range Colorado lamb chops Seared Mano de Leon jumbo scallop Pan-roasted wild king salmon Chilean sea bass SautĂŠed shrimp scampi King oyster mushroom
404 S. Figueroa St., downtown
213.624.1000 thebonaventure.com
95-97_DINING SPOTLIGHT_GBLA17.indd 95
12/12/16 11:26 AM
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
ARROYO CHOP HOUSE
PARKWAY GRILL
The Smith Brothers’ modern take on the classic American steakhouse, Arroyo Chop House, is the only restaurant in the San Gabriel/San Fernando Valleys to serve USDA Prime Beef and the highest quality Wagyu steak exclusively. This strikingly handsome restaurant, inspired by the Arts and Crafts architectural style for which Pasadena is famous, is clad in rich mahogany, and the cozy booths are bathed in seductive light. The prime steaks are aged a minimum of 28 days, hand-cut daily, and perfectly seared in a 500-degree broiler. The restaurant also offers whole Maine lobster, fresh seafood, Alaskan king crab legs, fresh oysters and shrimp. Complement your meal with a bottle from the award-winning wine list (Wine Spectator “Best of” Award of Excellence) or enjoy one of the many premium single-malt scotches. Reservations suggested. Piano music nightly. D (nightly).
The Smith Brothers’ trend-setter in innovative regional American cuisine, Parkway Grill specializes in a seasonal, market-driven approach to cooking that incorporates diverse influences and classic French technique. It has been named the #1 Restaurant in Pasadena by food writer Erica Wayne of the Pasadena Weekly and one of the top 35 most popular restaurants in Southern California by Zagat. Throughout its over 30 years, Parkway Grill has showcased an intriguing array of dishes using locally sourced ingredients. Demonstrating the ultimate commitment to fresh produce, Parkway Grill planted its own organic vegetable and herb garden behind the restaurant, which continues to thrive in the heart of Pasadena over 25 years later. Recipient of the Wine Spectator “Best of” Award of Excellence, the wine list features selections from many of California’s finest small producers. Reservations suggested. Piano music Monday through Saturday evenings. L (M–F), D (nightly).
536 S. Arroyo Pkwy., Pasadena
510 S. Arroyo Pkwy., Pasadena
626.577.7463
626.795.1001
arroyochophouse.com
theparkwaygrill.com
95-97_DINING SPOTLIGHT_GBLA17.indd 96
12/12/16 11:27 AM
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SECO
SMITTY’S GRILL
Enjoy fine New American cuisine, a vibrant, contemporary environment and complimentary valet parking at Seco, the Smith Brothers’ newest restaurant. James Beard Foundation Award-nominated chef Mark Peel created the diverse menu, which features such tantalizing dishes as wood oven-roasted chicken, wood-fired pizzas, steak frites and salads, all composed of seasonal ingredients and fresh herbs and spices. Cozy up to the fire pit on the outdoor patio, or dine in the atmospheric modern dining room. Guests seeking a lively atmosphere will find it at the bar and lounge, where fine wine, craft beer and signature cocktails are served alongside a bar menu during the daily happy hour from 4:30-6:30 pm. Recommended as “Great for Lunch” and “Outdoor Dining” by OpenTable voters, this new spot offers something to everyone. L, D (daily).
With Smitty’s Grill, the Smith Brothers bring you American comfort food at its best. Set in a clubby grill atmosphere with vintage photos depicting Hollywood glamour, Smitty’s offers familiar all-American dishes. “Smitty’s is a fine place in which to rediscover a cuisine that many of us have forgotten: our own. It is truly America the scrumptious,” says Merrill Schindler of Zagat. The menu features iron-skillet cornbread, filet mignon, homemade chicken pot pie, rattlesnake BBQ baby back ribs, Smitty’s famous meatloaf and more. Dine indoors or outside on the covered patio. The dining experience also features a stocked top-shelf bar and an extensive, award-winning wine list (Wine Spectator Award of Excellence). Reservations suggested. L (M–F), D (nightly).
140 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena
110 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena
626.449.9900
626.792.9999
seconewamerican.com
smittysgrill.com
95-97_DINING SPOTLIGHT_GBLA17.indd 97
12/12/16 11:27 AM
©2016 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. 16-ADV-19383
HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. (s16) ©2016 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. 16-ADV-19383
98-99_ATTRACTIONS OPENER_GBLA17.indd 98
12/12/16 3:24 PM
play time
BENCH BY SEF PINNEY DESIGN, PHOTO SUZANNE MÉJEAN-PINNEY/COURTESY THE AUTRY
ATTRACTIONS THEME PARKS, STUDIO TOURS, RECREATIONAL PURSUITS, MUSEUMS, CONCERT HALLS, STARGAZING AND SPOTS OF HISTORICAL INTEREST: THEY’RE ALL HERE.
W H E R E G U E S T B O O K 99
98-99_ATTRACTIONS OPENER_GBLA17.indd 99
12/12/16 3:24 PM
ATTRACTIONS
THE FAB FORUM This year marks the 50th anniversary of Los Angeles hockey team the Kings as well as the 50th anniversary of The Forum, which Jack Kent Cooke, who owned the Kings, built to bring the National Hockey League to L.A. Architect Charles Luckman (LAX, Madison Square Garden) based the project on the Roman Forum, and it served as home to both the Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team from 1967 to 1999, when the teams moved to Staples Center. The “Fabulous Forum,” which had hosted performances by musical greats like Paul McCartney, Elvis Presley, the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin, underwent a massive renovation in 2012, becoming a world-class concert venue once again. Today, the 17,500-seat Forum continues to draw L.A. music lovers to Inglewood, where they catch shows by headliners including U2, Madonna, Mumford & Sons and Bruno Mars.
AUTRY MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN WEST The museum in Griffith Park, which is named for performer Gene Autry, presents exhibitions and programs that explore the stories of cultures and examine how their interaction has affected the history of the American West. It also houses one of the top U.S. collections of Native American materials. 4700 Western Heritage Way, L.A., 323.667.2000, theautry.org CALIFORNIA AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUMCL0000022308 The mission of this institution is to research, collect, preserve and interpret for public enrichment the history, art and culture of AfricanAmericans, with an emphasis on California and the western United States. The permanent collection includes works ranging from traditional African wood masks to modern and contemporary compositions by artists such as Noah Purifoy and Sargent Claude Johnson. 600 State Drive, Exposition Park, L.A., 213.744.7432, caamuseum.org H CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER Embark on a journey of discovery as you explore interactive exhibits in the hands-on museum’s galleries, including
Ecosystems—a free permanent gallery featuring live animals, eight immersive zones and a 188,000-gallon kelp tank. Complete your visit by seeing space shuttle Endeavour up close in the Samuel Oschin Pavilion, the spacecraft’s permanent home. 700 Exposition Park Drive, Exposition Park, L.A., 323.724.3623, californiasciencecenter.org CATHEDRAL OF OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS The cathedral, opened in 2002, was designed by Spanish architect José Rafael Moneo. The late Robert Graham sculpted the luminous doorway with the statue of Our Lady of the Angels; inside, sunlight glows through alabaster panels. Mass is celebrated on weekdays and Sundays; special events are scheduled throughout the year. 555 W. Temple St., downtown, 213.680.5200, olacathedral.org CHINATOWN The neighborhood is composed of distinctive shops, markets and restaurants both traditional (Yang Chow) and hip (Chego and Howlin’ Ray’s). Art galleries have sprung up alongside Chung King Road’s antique stores over the past few years, and the bar scene has expanded. Between Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and Bernard Street, Yale and Spring streets, downtown, chinatownla.com DESCANSO GARDENS Collections include coast live oaks, roses, an award-winning camellia garden and Oak Woodland, Center Circle and Ancient Forest gardens. Enjoy family-friendly festivals, performances, classes and activities for children, and explore the renovated Boddy House estate and the Sturt
Haaga Gallery. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, 818.949.4200, descansogardens.org DISNEYLAND “The happiest place on Earth” is home to Mickey Mouse and eight fantastic “lands.” Highlights include Alice in Wonderland, Space Mountain, new Star Wars-themed attractions, the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Splash Mountain and a fireworks show that somehow always outdoes itself. 1313 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565, disneyland.com DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE Disneyland’s state-themed counterpart offers lands based on Hollywood, beach culture and the Gold Rush. The “World of Color” is a spectacular water, light and sound attraction. Other highlights include California Screamin’ and the Pixar-film-inspired Cars Land. 1313 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565, disneyland.com DODGER STADIUMC Since 1962, more than 125 million fans have watched the Los Angeles Dodgers play baseball at Dodger Stadium. Spectators are awed by a breathtaking view of downtown, green, tree-lined Elysian Hills and the San Gabriel Mountains. Guided tours available. 1000 Vin Scully Ave., L.A., 866.363.4377, ladodgers.com DOLBY THEATRECL0000022328 G The home of the Academy Awards, formerly the Kodak Theatre, has also been host to a range of musical artists and notable TV and awards events. Daily guided tours give visitors architectural and historical highlights
COURTESY THE FORUM
ATTRACTIONS H AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFICCL0000022306 Journey through sunny Southern California and Baja, the frigid waters of the northern Pacific and the colorful reefs of the tropical Pacific, and see more than 11,000 marine animals at this world-class aquarium. Touch sharks and sea jellies, and meet penguins, sea otters and sea lions. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, 562.590.3100, aquariumofpacific.org
H STARRED LISTINGS ARE FEATURED GUESTBOOK ADVERTISERS. 1 0 0 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
100-111_ATTRACTIONS LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 100
12/12/16 3:49 PM
and an insider’s look at the Oscars ceremony. 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.308.6300, dolbytheatre.com EL CAPITAN THEATRECL0000022316 The venue debuted in 1926 as a theatrical stage, graced by such stars as Clark Gable. In 1941, Citizen Kane had its world premiere at El Capitan. Now, as an exclusive first-run theater for Walt Disney Pictures, it hosts screenings, live stage shows and world premieres. 6838 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.467.7674, elcapitantheatre.com EL PUEBLO DE LOS ANGELES El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument is the oldest section of Los Angeles, with 27 historic buildings clustered around an old plaza. Olvera Street (Alameda Street between Main and Los Angeles streets) is a festive open-air Mexican marketplace with restaurants and shops. 125 Paseo de la Plaza, downtown, 213.628.1274, elpueblo.lacity.org EXPOSITION PARKCL9000006321 The park’s Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is the only site to host two summer Olympics (1932 and 1984). It’s currently home to the L.A. Rams. Adjoining attractions include a renowned rose garden, the Natural History Museum, California Science Center and California African American Museum. 700 Exposition Park Drive, Exposition Park, L.A., 213.744.7458, expositionpark.ca.gov H GRAMMY MUSEUM Explore 160-plus musical genres, pretend to be a rock star, see artifacts such as Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” jacket, learn to produce and record in the interactive In the Studio exhibit and more at this 30,000-square-foot museum in downtown’s L.A. Live entertainment district that celebrates the power of music. The second-floor Clive Davis Theater has played host to artists including Ringo
Starr and Taylor Swift. 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite A245, downtown, 213.765.6800, grammymuseum.org GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY The most-visited public observatory in the world reopened in 2006 after a $93-million renovation. The Big Picture is the largest (150 feet long and 20 feet high!) astronomically accurate image ever produced; the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon theater seats 190. 2800 E. Observatory Road, L.A., 213.473.0800, griffithobservatory.org
See and Experience 10,000 Authentic Showbiz Treasures Showcasing 100 years of Hollywood! “#1 Hollywood Tourist Attraction” –LA Weekly
“One of LA’s Top 10 Museums”
–LA Tourism and Convention Board GRIFFITH PARK “Certificate of Excellence” With more than 4,210 acres of nat–Trip Advisor ural terrain and landscaped parkland, Griffith Park is the country’s largest municipal park with urban www.TheHollywoodMuseum.com wilderness area. Highlights include 1660 N Highland Ave. at Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90028 the Griffith Observatory, Autry Open Wednesday - Sunday • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Museum, Travel Town, the Los An323-464-7776 geles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, the Greek Theatre, hiking trails and horseback riding. 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, L.A., 323.913.4688, Hollywood Museum_1-4sq_v4.indd 1 laparks.org/griffithpark H HOLLYWOOD MUSEUM In the historic Max Factor Building, just steps from the Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Museum houses 10,000-plus authentic showbiz treasures that showcase a century of Hollywood’s entertainment industry. Don’t miss Max Factor’s makeup rooms, where Marilyn Monroe became a blonde and Lucille Ball a redhead. 1660 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 323.464.7776, thehollywoodmuseum.com HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME Terrazzo and brass stars line the sidewalks and offer a history of the Hollywood entertainment industry, honoring those who have made significant contributions in radio, television, motion pictures, recording and live performance. Quentin Tarantino and Kathy Bates are among the recent honorees. Hollywood Boulevard from
10/1/14 2:52 PM
50 YEARS OF NURTURING WILDLIFE & ENRICHING THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE Help us mark our 50 th year as L.A.’s landmark zoo! Discover our commitment to making this world a better place for animals and the best place in town for you, family, and friends to connect with wildlife. It’s a yearlong celebration that’ll have you roaring with satisfaction – and migrating back for more! Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed December 25.
ZooLAbrate50.org
W H E R E G U E S T B O O K 1 0 1
100-111_ATTRACTIONS LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 101
12/12/16 3:49 PM
Madame Tussauds Hollywood The interactive museum allows visitors to check out wax sculptures of stars such as Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp and Taylor Swift. Guests can mingle with actors on the red carpet, challenge sports heroes or take the stage with music megastars. Picture taking is encouraged. 6933 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.798.1670, madametussauds.com highland park bowl
Gower Street to La Brea Avenue, and Vine Street from Yucca Street to Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, 323.469.8311, walkoffame.com h hornblower cruises & events Elevate your next dining experience by taking a cruise aboard a Hornblower yacht. Sip Champagne, dine, dance, relax on the sun deck and take in beautiful marina views. Choose from dinner and Champagne brunch options. Private charters are also available. Fisherman’s Village, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, 855.594.7226, hornblower.com Knott’s Berry Farm A top-notch collection of roller coasters at “America’s first theme park” includes Boomerang, Silver Bullet, Sierra Sidewinder and Pony Express. Camp Snoopy is for the younger kids. Soak City water park, open during the summer, is adjacent. 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200, knotts.com
L.A. County Arboretum & Botanic Garden The 127-acre site represents a diverse world of plant life and is known for its peafowl, which roam the grounds and perch in trees. “Lucky” Baldwin’s historic Queen Anne Cottage is a highlight of the walking tour. 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, 626.821.3222, arboretum.org L.A. LiveCL0000333415 L.A. Live is a bustling sports, dining and entertainment center. Staples Center hosts sporting events and concerts, and Microsoft Theater and the Novo by Microsoft feature pop acts. You’ll also find bowling alley Lucky Strike and music and Grammy Award history at the Grammy Museum. 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.763.5483, lalive.com h LOS ANGELES ZOO AND BOTANICAL GARDENS The L.A. Zoo, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, is home
h Museum of ToleranceCL0000022332 The Museum of Tolerance hosts powerful exhibits on the Holocaust and such subjects as human rights, intolerance, immigration and family. Exhibitions include Anne, about the life and legacy of Anne Frank. Simon Wiesenthal Plaza, 9786 W. Pico Blvd., L.A., 310.772.2506, museumoftolerance.com Music Center Four of the city’s most revered performing-arts venues are here: the Ahmanson Theatre, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Mark Taper Forum and Walt Disney Concert Hall. Resident companies present theater and opera and philharmonic and choral music. Tours of all the venues are available. 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.7211, musiccenter.org h NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY00022308 The largest natural and historical museum in the western United States safeguards more than 35 million diverse specimens and artifacts. The historic building holds the larg-
est collection of gold in the U.S., a kid-friendly Discovery Center and a Dinosaur Hall. 900 Exposition Blvd., Exposition Park, L.A., 213.763.3466, nhm.org h The original fARMERS MARKET What started in the summer of 1934 as a farmers market with produce sold from truck tailgates has become an L.A. institution, with more than 100 restaurants; produce, gourmet grocery and retail stalls; international gift shops; and even a couple of bars. Du-par’s Restaurant is open 24/7. The Grove shopping center is adjacent. 6333 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.933.9211, farmersmarketla.com h Paramount pictures STudio Tour Go behind the scenes of filmmaking with an intimate two-hour tour of this iconic Hollywood studio. Explore over a century of Hollywood history, and witness some in the making. Tours are offered seven days a week. VIP and After Dark options are also available. Reservations recommended. 5555 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, 323.956.1777, paramountstudiotour.com petersen automotive museum Newly renovated museum displays some 150 vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles and features 25 rotating exhibitions. Additions include Forza Motorsport Racing Experience and Disney/Pixar Cars Mechanical Institute. 6060 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.930.2277, petersen.org Queen Mary Guided and self-guided tours allow a view of the historic (and allegedly haunted) hotel and ocean liner, which is permanently berthed in Long Beach Harbor. Enjoy a meal, shop and even spend the night in an original stateroom. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0738, queenmary.com
danielle bernabe
to more than 250 different species, many of them endangered, living among immersive habitats and lush gardens. Enjoy live presentations and shows, a kids play park, the interactive California Condor Rescue Zone, a beautiful carousel with hand-carved animals and more. Ticket proceeds help protect endangered and vulnerable species. 5333 Zoo Drive, L.A., 323.644.4200, lazoo.org
1 0 2 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
100-111_ATTRACTIONS LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 102
12/16/16 11:28 AM
RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM Galleries and media provide highlights of Ronald Wilson Reagan’s life, from childhood to the opening of the library and museum that bear his name. The Air Force One Pavilion houses the world’s only “flying White House” available for public viewing. 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, 800.410.8354, reaganfoundation.org H SAN DIEGO ZOO It’s world famous for a reason. Visitors can get up close and personal with more than 4,000 creatures from nearly every corner of the world. Animals, both well-known and unfamiliar, live in habitats rich with features and activities (such as the Elephant Odyssey and Australian Outback exhibits). The zoo, a landmark San Diego attraction, is a longtime leader in animal care and wildlife conservation. 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park, 619.231.1515, sandiegozoo.org H SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK The Serengeti is thousands of miles away, but the 1,800-acre Safari Park (formerly the Wild Animal Park) lets visitors experience a safari here. More than 375 species roam the extensive exhibits, designed to resemble natural habitats such as savannas, forests and lakes. Guided and self-guided tours bring animal adventurers safely close to elephants, giraffes, gorillas, lions, antelopes, zebras, rhinos and more. 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, 760.747.8702, sdzsafaripark.org SANTA CATALINA ISLANDCL0000022311 Snorkel, kayak, take a zip-line tour or explore the west side of this 21-mile-long island, where buffalo run wild. Enjoy the ocean air, dine at seaside cafés, browse the shops and get pampered at Island Spa Catalina. The island, which is 22 miles south-southwest of downtown Los Angeles, can be reached by ferries
and helicopters departing from Long Beach and San Pedro. 310.510.1520, catalinachamber.com SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS NATIONAL RECREATION AREA Flowers bloom on the hillsides here year-round, and the climate and topography create a diversity of vegetation that provides the habitat for over 45 mammal, 400 bird and 35 reptile and amphibian species. It’s a great place for hikers, horseback riders and bird-watchers. 26876 Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas, 805.370.2301, nps.gov/samo H SIX FLAGS MAGIC MOUNTAIN This popular theme park’s roller coasters include Green Lantern: First Flight and Twisted Colossus, an update of the iconic wooden roller coaster. The high-tech Justice League: Battle for Metropolis is set to debut this year. Hurricane Harbor water park, open seasonally, is adjacent. 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy., Valencia, 661.255.4100, sixflags.com/magicmountain
Join Us, e Water’s Great
Dinner, Champagne Brunch and Summer Sunset Cocktail Cruises
HORNBLOWER.COM • 855-594-7226 MARINA DEL REY NEWPORT BEACH LONG BEACH SAN DIEGO SAN FRANCISCO BERKELEY NEW YORK
SONY PICTURES STUDIOSCL0000022348 Sony Pictures Studios celebrates Hollywood’s glory days and offers an insider’s view of a working motion-picture studio. Tour guides lead a walking tour, illuminating the film and TV production process and sharing tales of Hollywood legends. 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, 310.244.8687, sonypicturesstudiostours.com H STARLINE TOURSCL9000006387 Hollywood’s largest celebrity tour company offers its famous Movie Stars’ Homes tours throughout the day. Its broad repertoire also includes sightseeing tours to movie locations, beaches, theme parks and San Diego. The CitySightseeing double-decker hop-on, hop-off tour has 70 stops around L.A. 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.463.3333, starlinetours.com
W H E R E G U E S T B O O K 1 0 3
100-111_ATTRACTIONS LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 103
12/19/16 12:33 PM
TCL CHINESE THEATRE Built by master showman Sid Grauman, the theater—opened in 1927, declared a historical landmark in 1968 and recently renovated—is still a popular location for celebritypacked studio premieres. The concrete handprints and footprints in the forecourt have immortalized some of Hollywood’s brightest stars. 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.461.3331, tclchinesetheatres.com TMZ CELEBRITY TOUR The popular Hollywood tour takes passengers to celebrity hot spots where stars eat, drink and get into trouble. The tour regularly encounters celebrities who are happy to interact with guests. Recently spotted stars include Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Ben Affleck. Tours daily. Hard Rock Cafe, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., 105, Hollywood; The Grove, 189 The Grove Drive, L.A., 844.869.8687, tmztour.com UNIVERSAL CITYWALKCL0000022351 The dining and shopping promenade adjacent to Universal Studios features more than 65 entertainmentthemed restaurants, clubs, shops and movie theaters. Enjoy massive pasta dishes at Buca di Beppo, or see a film on a floor-to-ceiling Imax screen at the AMC theater. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 818.622.9841, citywalkhollywood.com
Millions of lives have been touched by the man simply known as “Ron” to his many friends. Fully professional in over 29 fields, his life was a constant adventure. Walk through the chapters of his life at the L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition. Located at 6631 Hollywood Boulevard. Call 323-960-3511 for advance scheduling.
H UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOODCL0000022350 The world’s biggest motion-picture/ TV studio features rides, shows and a behind-the-scenes studio tour, featuring Peter Jackson's King Kong 360 3-D. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction is all the buzz. The VIP Experience gives you a private guided tour through a prop warehouse, working movie sets and soundstages and allows you to skip lines for attractions. Universal CityWalk is adjacent. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 818.622.3801, universalstudioshollywood.com
WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR HOLLYWOODCL0000022353 Guests are transported on electric carts for a three-hour excursion through the studio responsible for such classics as Casablanca and TV shows including The Big Bang Theory and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The tour changes daily, based on where the action is. 3400 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank, 877.492.8687, wbstudiotour.com
PERFORMING ARTS AHMANSON THEATRECL0000022282 One of the four main venues that make up the Music Center, the Ahmanson is at the theatrical forefront locally and nationally. It regularly hosts engagements of Tony Awardwinning shows and world premieres. Highlights in 2017 include Into the Woods, Jersey Boys and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772, centertheatregroup.org THE BROAD STAGEC Santa Monica College’s state-of-theart theater features several monthly shows of dance, theater, voice, chamber music or film productions. Visitors might see a performance of contemporary dance or one of Shakespeare’s plays. A 99-seat theater, the Edye, features more experimental works. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, 310.434.3200, thebroadstage.com CENTER FOR THE ART OF PERFORMANCE AT UCLA CAP UCLA offers some of the Southland’s most consistently rewarding arts programming. Its schedule includes music, dance and theater from an international who’s who of artists and readings by best-selling authors. Most events take place in UCLA’s Royce Hall, with some programming in Macgowan Hall’s Little Theater, Freud Playhouse and Schoenberg Hall. 340 Royce Drive, L.A., 310.825.4401, cap.ucla.edu
1 0 4 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
100-111_ATTRACTIONS LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 104
12/12/16 3:49 PM
DOROTHY CHANDLER PAVILION The largest venue at the Music Center downtown is the 3,100-seat home of Los Angeles Opera and Dance at the Music Center. L.A. Opera, directed by Plácido Domingo, offers half a dozen major productions yearly. Dance at the Music Center hosts such companies as American Ballet Theatre. 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.7211, musiccenter.org THE FORUM Constructed in 1967 as an arena for the Los Angeles Kings hockey team, the Forum recently underwent a massive renovation and is once again a destination for big-name headliners, such as U2 and Bruno Mars. 3900 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, 310.330.7300, fabulousforum.com GEFFEN PLAYHOUSECL0000022285 The 1929 building that houses the Geffen Playhouse was one of Westwood’s first 12 structures. Not only have Sam Shepard and David Mamet launched plays here, but artistic director Randall Arney also has ties to superb American actors. 10886 Le Conte Ave., L.A., 310.208.5454, geffenplayhouse.org GREEK THEATRECL0000022286 Built in 1929, the Greek Theatre is part of Griffith Park. The site of this 5,870-seat outdoor amphitheater was chosen after a soprano revealed the quality of the outdoor bowl’s acoustics. The April-through-October schedule has offered headliners such as Grouplove and Sam Smith. 2700 N. Vermont Ave., L.A., 844.524.7335, lagreektheatre.com HOLLYWOOD BOWLCL0000022287 The largest natural outdoor amphitheater in the country, with 17,500 seats, offers music under the stars from spring through fall. A packed summer season features pop, jazz and rock groups, plus soloists and orchestras including the resident Los Angeles Philharmonic. Boxes in the orchestra
seats have tables for picnicking. 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 323.850.2000, hollywoodbowl.com
GRAMMY MUSEUM® AT L.A. LIVE
KIRK DOUGLAS THEATRECL0000022288 The Culver City sibling of the Ahmanson Theatre and the Mark Taper Forum fulfills the Center Theatre Group’s twin dreams for a Westside venue and a place to premiere adventurous works. 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213.628.2772, centertheatregroup.org MARK TAPER FORUMCL0000022290 Since 1967, the Taper has been the socially conscious sibling on downtown’s Music Center campus. The Taper landed early productions of such landmarks as Zoot Suit and Angels in America. 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772, centertheatregroup.org MICROSOFT THEATER The 7,100-seat venue is a centerpiece of downtown’s L.A. Live, a mammoth sports, dining and entertainment destination. On the schedule at the theater are music, dance and comedy acts, as well as awards and family shows. No seat is farther than 220 feet from the stage. 777 Chick Hearn Court, downtown, 213.763.6030, microsofttheater.com
AN INTERACTIVE MUSIC EXPERIENCE IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES CUTTING-EDGE EXHIBITS EDUCATION PROGRAMS INTIMATE ARTIST INTERVIEWS & PERFORMANCES BEHIND-THE-SCENES ACCESS For more information, visit www.grammymuseum.org GRAMMY Museum® and the Museum logo are registered trademarks of The Recording Academy® and are used under license
PANTAGES THEATRECL0000022291 The Pantages is the Southern California flagship for the Nederlander Organization and its local presenting arm. Broadway imports such as The Lion King and Wicked have enjoyed runs of up to two years here. Offerings this year include Finding Neverland, The Book of Mormon and Hamilton. 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770, hollywoodpantages.com 000022293 STAPLES CENTERCL0000022349 This state-of-the-art sports arena is home to beloved L.A. teams: The Los Angeles Lakers, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Los Angeles Sparks and the Los Angeles Kings all play
MUSEUM OF TOLERANCE www.museumoftolerance.com
9786 west pico boulevard los angeles, ca 90035 t: 310.772.2506
WH ER E G U ESTBOOK 105
100-111_ATTRACTIONS LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 105
12/12/16 3:49 PM
THE ARTS DELIVERED.
IN BEVERLY HILLS
Located in the heart of Beverly Hills, California, the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts (“The Wallis”) brings audiences world-class theater, dance and music, performed by many of the world’s most talented and sought-after artists. With eclectic programming that mirrors the diverse landscape of Los Angeles, and its notability as the entertainment capital of the world, The Wallis offers original and revered works from across the US and around the globe.
For more information visit thewallis.org
H THE WALLIS ANNENBERG CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Aka “the Wallis,” this venue transformed the historic Beverly Hills Post Office into the Lovelace Studio Theater, a theater school, a café and a gift shop. The 500-seat Goldsmith Theater is housed in a second state-ofthe-art facility. 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.746.4000, thewallis.org WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL The Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall, which opened in 2003, is one of the city’s most important performing-arts venues and architectural highlights. The $273-million, stainless-steel facility is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Master Chorale and nearly a dozen music series. Tours are offered most days. 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 323.850.2000, laphil.com
VISUAL ARTS THE BROAD L.A.’s newest contemporary-art museum, built by philanthropists and longtime art collectors Eli and Edythe Broad, contains more than 2,000 works of postwar and contemporary art by the likes of Andy Warhol, Ed Ruscha and Keith Haring, displayed across two floors of gallery space. A lush outdoor plaza and Otium restaurant, helmed by French Laundry alum Timothy Hollingsworth, round out the complex. 221 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.232.6200, thebroad.org
CONNECT WITH US:
310.746.4000 | TheWallis.org
9390 N SANTA MONICA BLVD, BEVERLY HILLS CA
GETTY CENTERCL0000022297 The magnificent, travertine-clad art institution welcomes more than 1 million visitors to its hilltop campus each year. It houses stunning collec-
tions of paintings, drawings, antiquities, photographs and decorative arts, as well as a beautiful Richard Meier-designed Central Garden with city views. It also hosts performances, films, lectures and conferences. 1200 Getty Center Drive, L.A., 310.440.7300, getty.edu GETTY VILLACL0000022298 The original site of the J. Paul Getty Museum, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, is dedicated to the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome and Etruria and houses 1,200 antiquities. Modeled after an ancient country home in Herculaneum, Italy, it offers reinterpretations of classical theater in its Villa Theater Lab. 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades, 310.440.7300, getty.edu
© TRACIE SPENCE PHOTOGRAPHY
here. The venue also hosts concerts by music’s biggest touring acts, such as Katy Perry and Taylor Swift. 1111 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.742.7340, staplescenter.com
HAMMER MUSEUMCL0029 This museum's prestigious permanent collection of impressionist, post-impressionist and European old master paintings is housed alongside critically acclaimed temporary exhibitions and contemporary Hammer Projects by emerging international artists. The Billy Wilder Theater is the venue for public programs and UCLA Film & Television Archive screenings. 10899 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 310.443.7000, hammer.ucla.edu HUNTINGTON LIBRARY, ART COLLECTIONS, AND BOTANICAL GARDENSCL0000022300 A dozen gardens amid 120 acres of rolling lawns include the recently renovated Japanese Garden, Children’s Garden, Jungle Garden, Desert Garden and century-old Rose Garden. Find Thomas Gainsborough’s The Blue Boy and Thomas Lawrence's Pinkie in the renovated gallery. Library treasures include the Ellesmere manuscript of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and a Gutenberg Bible. A visitors center, which boasts a store, a café and an orientation gallery, welcomes guests. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, 626.405.2100, huntington.org
1 0 6 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
100-111_ATTRACTIONS LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 106
12/12/16 3:49 PM
EXPOSITION Park
the crossroads of the Los Angeles community California Science Center
Š TRACIE SPENCE PHOTOGRAPHY
Embark on a journey of discovery as you explore over 150 interactive exhibits in our galleries, including Ecosystems—a free permanent gallery featuring live animals, seven immersive exhibits and a 188,000-gallon kelp tank. Complete your visit by seeing Space Shuttle Endeavour in the Samuel Oschin Pavilion. See the orbiter up close, and discover the science behind this amazing vehicle. Admission to permanent exhibits is FREE. (Excluding IMAX and special paid exhibitions.) We are located in beautiful Exposition Park, just south of Downtown Los Angeles.
700 Exposition Park Drive Los Angeles, CA 90037 323.SCIENCE (724.3623) californiasciencecenter.org
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Discover 4.5 billion years of history under one roof at the largest natural history museum in the Western United States. NHM features grand mammal dioramas, rare dinosaur fossils, a spectacular gem hall and exhibits of pre-Columbian and Los Angeles history. Explore natural landscapes of Africa and North America, a rainforest, distant cultures of the Aztec, Inca and Maya, and tour new permanent exhibits such as Age of Mammals and the Dinosaur Hall, one of the best dinosaur exhibits in the world. Each week find activities for children, families and adults that inspire wonder, discovery and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds. 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007 213.763.DINO (3466) nhm.org
Exposition Park, a premier destination set on a 160-acre campus, is home to world-class museums, the historical landmark Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and a wide variety sports, culture and entertainment. Explore Exposition Park today. expositionpark.ca.gov
Located south of Downtown Los Angeles at Figuroa Street and Exposition Boulevard 100-111_ATTRACTIONS LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 107
12/12/16 5:21 PM
LOS ANGELES COUNTY MUSEUM OF ARTCL0000022301 The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is the West Coast’s most comprehensive museum, housing European masterpieces, an extensive collection of American art and a pavilion for Japanese art. Additional art can be found in the Broad Contemporary Art Museum and the Lynda and Stewart Resnick Pavilion. Take a picture in Chris Burden’s iconic Urban Light, just off Wilshire. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.857.6010, lacma.org
starlinetours.com
/starlinetours
80
@starlin
citysightseeingla.com
@starlinetours
800-959-3131 323-463-3333
T HE FUN S TAR T S HER
E
etours
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART Committed to the collection, presentation and interpretation of work produced since 1940, MOCA’s three venues hold some 6,800 objects in all visual media. MOCA Grand Avenue, designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, is a gem combining pyramids, cubes and cylinders with uncommon materials. MOCA Grand Avenue, 250 S. Grand Ave., downtown; Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, 152 N. Central Ave., downtown; MOCA Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 213.626.6222, moca.org NORTON SIMON MUSEUMCL0000022304 The Pasadena landmark houses a prestigious collection of European paintings, sculptures and works on paper, including masterpieces by Raphael, Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso. Also on view is a celebrated collection of sculpture from South and Southeast Asia. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626.449.6840, nortonsimon.org
NIGHTLIFE ARTS DISTRICT BREWING CO. This Arts District brewpub from 213 Hospitality embraces the craftbeer craze. The space consists of a brewery, a tasting room, a patio and a takeout window, where patrons can order from chef Neal Fraser’s Fritzi. An entertainment area with games like darts, pingpong and
skee ball completes the feel-good atmosphere. 828 Traction Ave., downtown, 213.519.5887, 213hospitality.com AVALON HOLLYWOOD0000022356 This recently renovated dance club and concert venue at the corner of Hollywood and Vine has a state-ofthe-art sound system and a storied past: It hosted the Beatles’ first West Coast performance. Upstairs is the more intimate lounge Bardot. 1735 Vine St., Hollywood, 323.462.8900, avalonhollywood.com BAR MARMONTCL0000022356 Columbia Pictures founder Harry Cohn once said, “If you must get into trouble, do it at the Chateau Marmont.” The perpetual hot spot and dimly lit VIP playground is outfitted in richly colored wood, Chinese lanterns and signature butterflies on the ceiling. 8171 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, 323.650.0575, chateaumarmont.com BREAK ROOM 8600007758 From the Houston brothers (creators of some of L.A.’s hottest bars, including La Descarga, Good Times at Davey Wayne’s and No Vacancy) comes this ’80s-style bar inside Koreatown’s Line Hotel with karaoke suites, guest DJs and live entertainment. (Break dancing? Moonwalking? Check and check.) 630 S. Ardmore Ave., L.A., 213.368.3056, breakroom86.com LA DESCARGACL9000007758 Sipping a daiquiri in this rum bar, styled as if it were plucked from midcentury Havana, couldn’t be more chic. A jazz band and dancer entertain the crowd; an open-air cigar lounge is hidden in back. 1159 N. Western Ave., L.A., 323.466.1324, ladescargala.com HIGHLAND PARK BOWL The 1933 Group has perfectly restored this Prohibition-era bowling alley—L.A.’s oldest—to its former
1 0 8 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
100-111_ATTRACTIONS LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 108
12/12/16 3:49 PM
100-111_ATTRACTIONS LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 109
12/12/16 3:49 PM
glory, with eight refurbished bowling lanes; a music room; a duo of horseshoe-shaped bars mixing up cult-classic-inspired drinks; and an open-air kitchen, which turns out Neapolitan-style pizzas. 5621 N. Figueroa St., L.A., 323.257.2695, highlandparkbowl.com PerchCL0000333562 Atop downtown’s Pershing Square building sits aptly named Perch, which has a glass-ensconced rooftop lounge with uninterrupted views of the city. The restaurant offers French cuisine, plus entertainment on various nights. 448 S. Hill St., downtown, 213.802.1770, perchla.com
sandiegozoo.org/africarocks
CARAVAN SAFARI. DEPARTING DAILY.
s d z s af ar ip ar k .o r g
£10 If the Hollywood club scene leaves you longing for a night more civilized, then ring £10 (that’s “10 pound”) at the Montage Beverly Hills. The spot serves single-malt Scotch whisky from the Macallan presented in Lalique crystal glasses. 225 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.906.7218, montagehotels.com/beverlyhills The TroubadourCL9000006384 The legendary rock club that once saw a pre-electric Bob Dylan circa 1964 now hosts alternative and emerging bands, as well as established acts who come to preview new material. 9081 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.276.1158, troubadour.com
seven grandL0000333562 This whiskey bar and lounge boasts hunting-club decor, a seasonal cocktail list, live jazz and blues and an international wall of whiskey. Intimate Bar Jackalope, featuring more than 120 premium whiskeys, is in a backroom. 515 W. 7th St., Second Floor, downtown, 213.614.0736, 213hospitality.com
UPStairs9000006385 Sip cocktails poolside, enjoy live entertainment and take in stunning city views atop Ace Hotel. The bar is a favorite spot of the increasingly hip crowd flocking to downtown’s revived Broadway Theater District. 929 S. Broadway, downtown, 213.623.3233, acehotel.com/losangeles/upstairs
SkybarCL0000022363 The beautiful, open-air bar at the Mondrian Los Angeles remains as chic today as when it opened. The ivy-covered exterior hovers over the pool. Inside, it’s all white and wood with panoramas of the city. 8440 Sunset Blvd., L.A., 323.848.6025, mondrianhotel.com
The VarnishCL9000006385 Tucked behind Cole’s diner, the Varnish is a tiny, speakeasy-style bar that prides itself on its purist approach to classic cocktails. Its Prohibition-era and pre-Prohibition-era drinks are painstakingly crafted. 118 E. 6th St., downtown, 213.265.7089, 213hospitality.com
The StandardCL0000022364 In downtown L.A., the Standard offers a rooftop playground that includes water beds by the pool, a dance floor and endless surfaces for lounging. Every clear night promises a crowd; the summer daytime scene is so L.A. The Sunset Strip location also offers a poolside scene, plus live entertainment and exclusive Saturdaynight dance parties in its “secret” nightclub, Mmhmmm. 550 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.892.8080; 8300 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.650.9090, standardhotel.com
Westbound Located on the former site of the historic La Grande Station, classy Westbound draws from its railway heritage, as evident in its railcarstyle booths. Get cozy and enjoy cocktails like the Santa Fe De Luxe and elegant bar bites. 300 S. Santa Fe Ave., Suite N, downtown, 213.262.9291, westbounddtla.com
For more to explore, see where los angeles magazine and download the City guides by where traveler APP
1 1 0 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
100-111_ATTRACTIONS LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 110
12/16/16 12:28 PM
HH_Wh
SHOPS DINING NIGHTLIFE ENTERTAINMENT
Hollywood & Highland features the Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards®, conveniently located on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. With world-class shopping, dining, and red carpet movie premieres, it’s the ultimate Hollywood experience.
Photo, Shawn Farrington
LOUIS VUITTON | MAC | SEPHORA | L’OCCITANE VICTORIA’S SECRET | FOREVER 21 | LUCKY STRIKE LIVE OHM NIGHTCLUB | DAVE & BUSTER’S | TCL CHINESE THEATRES
HH_WhereGuestBook_Ad_16.indd 1 100-111_ATTRACTIONS LISTINGS_GBLA17.indd 111
HollywoodandHighland.com
11/21/16 9:27 AM 12/12/16 3:49 PM
PARTING SHOT
Reflections
PALMS SUSPENDED IN RAINDROPS / PHOTO BY PETE HALVORSEN
112 WH ER E G U ESTBOOK
112_C3_PARTING SHOT_GBLA17.indd 112
12/12/16 12:17 PM
No theme park on earth has as many thrilling coasters than Six Flags Magic Mountain! Speed, flip, soar, and dive on nineteen world-class coasters guaranteed to provide over-the-top excitement for thrill seekers of all ages. Buy tickets online in advance at sixflags.com. For the ultimate thrill experience, book a private guided tour at sixflags.com/VIP.
112_C3_PARTING SHOT_GBLA17.indd 3
12/12/16 12:18 PM
where GUESTBOOK
GuestBook_Cover_Splits.indd 4
1/4/17 11:38 AM
LOS ANGELES
hublot.com
Classic Fusion Racing Grey. Self-winding chronograph movement. Sapphire-crystal dial in a titanium case. Grey alligator strap stitched on rubber.