Those most familiar with LA will know that there are few areas as affluent as Brentwood with it’s quaint shops and lush greenery, it’s no wonder it ranks as one of L.A.’s most idyllic neighborhoods. Amongst the perfectly tailored lawns and architectural masterpieces is a day full of art, culture, sites, and bites.
Take some time to step outside your neck of the woods…
In the morning hours…
Mornings are best spent starting off with a perfect caffe au lait, in Brentwood there is no shortage of options. Stop by Caffe Luxxe and get your morning pick-me up within the historic Brentwood Country Mart.
Caffe Luxxe
The eatery picks and roasts their own coffee giving new meaning to hand-crafted. Select from freshly baked delights courtesy of Red Rooster Bakery and be on your way.
After your AM charge, explore some of Brentwood’s architectural masterpieces for a light dose of dream home FOMO.
For afternoon reprieve…
George Sturges House
Between the Hunt, Sturges, and Nesbitt house, you’ll have quite the day exploring these post-war artfully designed properties. A Paul R. Williams design, the Hunt Residence was built in 1921 with elements of the Regency Revival style. The George Sturges house, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built in 1939 features Wrights Usonian style.
The Getty Center
After geeking out on home design of the retro times, venture off to see a different style of art at the Getty Center. A wonder on the scale of both culture, art, and design, the 24-acre Richard Meier designed campus boasts panoramic city views and renowned collections. Once you reach your afternoon craving stop point then have a seat in their lush garden for a midday picnic. The Getty Center boast exceptional dining options and a plethora of seating choices.
Farmshop
If one prefers to head back into town for their afternoon meal, the Farmshop is the perfect destination. Founded by Chef Jeff Cerciello, the eatery is a staple of the Brentwood Country Mart. With imaginative recipes and locally sourced ingredients, its the best afternoon pick me-up.
Your evening adventure…
Skirball Cultural Center
Once, day turns to night, a show at the Skirball Cultural Center is almost a given. Just north of the Getty, the center explores heritage, culture and ideals through permanent collections, rotating exhibits, film screenings and live performances.
Tavern
Finally, we recommend for your evening conclusion to dine as locals do, at Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne’s acclaimed Tavern. The destination restaurant features a tastefully prepared seasonal menu with a who’s who of patrons.
With as many restaurants as there are Bird scooters, we’ve decided to simplify your options of the week by dishing out the best places to grab a bite from power lunches to elegant fare. Read below for our nosh worthy eats throughout L.A.
“Breakfast is the most important deal of the day…”
Chef Mirko Paderno has a new gig at the fancy culinary edition to the BH dining scene. There’s only one hook: It’s not open to the public. Spring Place restaurant is part of a private co-working/art community of the same name (sort of like a Soho House) which recently debuted it’s west coast outpost in 90210. The cuisine will offer the same rustic Italian cuisine those familiar with Chef Paderno are used to(think Estrella). Still, the place is rather upscale with some 200 seats indoor and out, so apply for membership and call it your new business go-to.
Breezy Australian import Little Ruby has all the friendly vibes that makes it a morning meal go-to. Thankfully it serves “brekkie” daily, which means the restaurant’s airy ricotta hotcakes layered with honeycomb-inflected butter and fresh bananas can be had on the regular.
Destroyer, whose name references a comet, is a tiny, 16-seat breakfast and lunch space in the Hayden Tract, an industrial zone turned design district known mostly for its experimental architecture. The café is counter service only, with a menu that changes daily. For breakfast you might have a slice of Icelandic rye with cultured butter and preserves, or a bowl of oatmeal — which looks more like a Scandinavian snow globe than a bowl of porridge — studded with wild foraged currants and topped with a frozen disc of skyr.
This reasonably priced pasta destination in Santa Monica takes a lot of inspiration from Italy’s greatest restaurants and puts them in a casual, bar-like setting. Using pasta hand made by artisans in Italy then flown in weekly, Uovo serves tonnarelli al arrabiata, tortellini in brodo, and ragu around $16 to $18 a serving when they can go for nearly twice as much in other restaurants.
Sherman Oaks option Mizlala has taken the Valley lunch scene by storm. Owners Danny and Justine Elmaleh are turning out Middle Eastern fare that competes with the best that LA has to offer, and all from one very colorful space.
Right in the heart of Pico-Robertson’s predominantly Jewish neighborhood, the Lodge Bread team has opened up Hasiba, an Israeli cafe with hummus, pita sandwiches, and more, in a casual, reasonably priced storefront. Everything’s vegetarian too, with a few vegan options as well, which makes it a great pick for those avoiding meat.
Chef Miles Thompson is steering a pretty big boat these days with Michael’s in Santa Monica. The long-standing restaurant has been in the hit-making business for decades, helping to launch the career of countless well-known chefs, but it’s all now in the hands of the eager wunderkind who navigates between classic menu items like foie gras and all-new interpretations like hamachi collar with fish-sauce caramel. Add in the gorgeous leafy patio, the always eclectic crowd, and the fun-loving Michael McCarty himself working the room, and it’s smooth sailing at one of LA’s most iconic restaurants.
Niki Nakayama’s phenomenal California-Japanese kaiseki might possibly be the most impressive restaurant to visit in Los Angeles. If the Michelin Guide were still rating in LA, n/naka would be a strong contender for three stars. The hidden-in-plain-sight building in Palms hosts one of the warmest, loveliest dining rooms, with fantastic wine pairings and pristine seafood prepared with a master’s touch. Reservations required, often weeks in advance.
There are so many phenomenal restaurants in San Gabriel Valley, but this one has a great mix of hand pulled noodles, stir-fried specialties, and regional Shaanxi favorites with plenty of space to bring a crowd. Order the biang-biang noodles, lamb “burgers”, and more.
Over the hill and through the woods to Pacific Palisades we go! Heading down Sunset and past Brentwood, you’ll find this hillside-oceanview neighborhood abundant in luxury homes nestled perfectly into the bluffs. From stunning estates to the Getty Villa and Will Rogers State Park, why not make a day of it in L.A.’s westside escape.
In the morning hours
Getty Villa
What better way to start your morning then amongst the art found at Getty Villa. Based on the remains of Villa Dei Papiri in Herculaneum, the faux villa is the home of J. Paul Getty’s Mediterranean antiquities. Hours could pass as you tour through roughly 1,200 artifacts on display at any one time.
Eames House
If your historical interest is peaked then head to the next famed abode, Eames House. Designed by couple Charles and Ray Eames, it stands as one of Southern California’s most beloved examples of modernist design. The Pacific Palisades abode stuns with its Mondrian-style color-block exterior and environmentally-sensitive siting.
Will Rogers Historic State Park
If you’ve had your fill on architecture and art, fresh air should do the trick by making your way to Will Rogers State Historic Park. The grounds originally served as the former home of writer and first honorary mayor of Beverly Hills-Will Rogers. Maintained as it was in the 1930s, the 186-acre park is a destination spot for ocean views, polo matches, and horseback riding lessons if your feeling indulgent.
For a midday reprieve
Pacific Palisades
By the time the afternoon hits, famished is an understatement. Make your way to the new Pacific Palisades Village for a range of dining options to appease your midday cravings.
General Porpoise
General Porpoise is L.A.’s first concept from James Beard Award-winning chef Renee Erickson. The famed Seatle doughnut shop brings L.A. rows and rows of sugar-coated goodness freshly baked daily.
Hanks
Blue Ribbon’s first take on the sports bar fits cozily into one end of the Palisades Village complex at Hank’s. With the eatery brings flat-screen TVs, beers, cocktails and some serious burgers to the neighborhood.
Jennifer Meyer Jewelry
Before you leave be sure to check out the shops as the village also includes first time L.A. flagships from Rachel Zoe and Jennifer Meyer Jewelry.
Gladstones
If you prefer to grab a bite a bit closer to the cliffs then Gladstone’s will serve as your landmark destination. Situated where Sunset Boulevard meets the Pacific Coast Highway, it’s become a place of Southern California legend. Gladstones offers a menu plucked from the very ocean it overlooks, serving modern renditions of classic dishes.
Evening fete
Parfumerie at Theatre Palisades
With what is likely a day of bites, sites, shopping, and Palisades fun, your evening should be spent somewhat scaled down. On the weekend catch a stage performance at Theatre Palisades. While the 2018 season comes to a close with E.P. Dowdall’s Parfumerie holding the spotlight through December, the 2019 season is sure to wow.
Il Ristorante di Giorgio Baldi
If your looking for your nighttime feast, indulge at Il Ristorate di Giorgio Baldi. This Pacific Coast Highway-facing trattoria has welcomed everyone from Tom Hanks to Tom Cruise. Once you’ve sampled the kitchen’s fresh pastsa dishes like the agnolotti with corn and white truffle sauce, you’ll understand why.
Shore Bar
For after dinner drinks we recommend anchoring down at Shore Bar, a cape cod inspired craft cocktail favorite for Palisades locals. Swim through a sea of sophisticated cocktails, designed by Master Mixologist Vincenzo Marianella of Copa D’ Ora.
Whether you spent your day indulging in one destination or the other, there is no doubt that the Pacific Palisades serves as the perfect Oceanside spot to escape the city’s hustle and bustle.
Alright, so your no Curtis Stone in the kitchen and thats ok. With Thanksgiving creeping up sooner than Holiday songs on the radio, we’ve rounded up your go-to “go out” options to spare you the culinary turmoil. So put the deep fryer back in storage and ditch your Mom’s famous stuffing recipe for Thanksgiving the L.A. way.
Akasha
Akasha
Culver City
This Thanksgiving-Akaska in Culver City is dishing out their take on modern California inspired fair. The menu is pre-fixe and full of items like the persimmon-and-pomegranate salad, gluten-free cornbread and herb-roasted organic turkey. In the mood for dessert, enjoy an entire “pie buffet”. Need we say more?Reservations are from 1-8pm and prices are listed as $80 for Adults; $35 for Children (10 and under).
Polo Lounge
Polo Lounge
Beverly Hills
Nothing is more quintessential Beverly Hills then the Polo Lounge and Thanksgiving in the Pink Palace is nothing short of luxury. Also offering a pre-fixe menu selection(like most restaurants in L.A. on a holiday), the pairings do not disappointment. Opt for the traditional Turkey-organic of course-or take a chance with something outside the box, there menu always pleases. And be sure to save room for dessert as the Sweets buffet will be serving a range of customer confectionaries courtesy of their in-house pastry team. Their Brunch will be hosted 11am-3pm with dinner commencing at 5pm-8pm, with the fixed menu priced at $175 per Adult, $60 per Child.
Tom Colicchio’s acclaimed restaurant rings in the day of thanks with family-style starters like their pork belly with butternut squash and sage, and entrees like braised lamb, fish and pasta. Share a range of family-style sides such as sausage-and-raisen stuffing and Brussels sprouts. Lastly is of course a premium selection of Fall-inspired desserts, artfully whipped up by pastry chef Shannon Swindle.Reservations are available 1-8pm with menu pricing offered Ala Carte.
Crossroads Kitchen
Crossroads Kitchen
Melrose
For the none Turkey-Eaters (and just non-meat eaters in general), Crossroads is a perfect plant based option. While the idea of such may seem oft for this particular Holiday, Crossroads is a cut above the rest in offering dishes that beguile its patrons as to wether or not its just plants. This year’s menu is four courses of autumn-appropriate dishes like butternut squash bisque with nutmeg creme fraiche; spiced chickpea cake with cranberry cabernet sauce, and mashed potatoes with porcini gravy. Stimulate your dessert senses with delights like their pumpkin mousse verrine. Hours for the evening are noon-5pm with the menu priced at $75 pp.
Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant
Gwen LA
Hollywood
You didn’t think we’d mention the famed chef with out spotlighting his holiday menu? Chef Curtis Stone’s Hollywood outpost-Gwen already amazes with decadent classic fare every day of the week and the Thanksgiving Menu holds to that tradition. Dishes like the white onion veloute pair perfectly with traditional heritage turkey and his green bean casserole. Finish off the evening with a selection of perfectly prepared pies and your absolutely acceptable 4th glass of wine.This festive fete is offered 2-6pm at $75 pp.
Cecconi’s
Cecconi’s
Melrose
Your possibly thinking, Italian for dinner how strange? While the famed West Hollywood eatery dishes out the best southern Italian fare in the L.A. area, their thanksgiving feast is every bit as traditional as you would hope and savor over. Served family style, the courses provide the same familiar heartiness found in their comfort dishes mixed into America’s favorite cuisine. Indulge on porcini corn bread stuffing, squash tortellini and truffle mashed potatoes, as well as a selection of seasonal sweets including apple-pecan crostata. Thanksgiving with an Italian touch is served at $95 pp from noon-10pm.
Cafe Pinot
Cafe Pinot
DTLA
This California-French restaurant with a gorgeous, tree-dotted patio will be serving your choice of a three- or four-course prix-fixe dinner with both traditional fare and a few brow-raising dishes, to boot. Find sliced turkey breast with heirloom cauliflower and mole; sunchoke soup with a red wine and shallot jam; and filet mignon au poivre. Finish with pumpkin mousse or an apple crumble to really get into the fall spirit. Dinner is served 2-8pm, with a $70 per three-course meal, $90 per four-course meal; and $29 per child 10 and under.
Playa Provisions
Playa del Rey
Take Turkey to the beach atPlaya Provisions, which is offering a downright steal of a meal: just $38 to feast on roast turkey or honey mustard ham, plus a variety of sides, including chicory salad, roasted acorn squash and cranberry sauce. Finish with a selection of seasonal desserts including but not limited to pumpkin pie and cran-apple pie. This is a highly kid-friendly option, but if you’re looking for something a bit more adult, round the corner to Playa Provisions’ whiskey bar, Grain, which will be offering à la carte holiday specials in liquid form. Satisfy your turkey cravings from3-8pm at $38 per adult, $20 per child.
Saddle Peak Lodge
Saddle Peak Lodge
Calabasas
Head to this rustic mountain lodge for a four-course meal that lets you choose from hearty dishes like buffalo tartare, seared elk tenderloin with a foie gras and mushroom sauce, roast turkey with sausage-and-apple stuffing, and grilled quail with spiced cherries. Pro tip: Don’t leave before the pumpkin pie or banana-huckleberry bread pudding. Start off the day from noon-8pm, with the menu priced at $105 per adult, $65 per child 12 and under.
Tavern
Tavern
Brentwood
Suzanne Goin, Caroline Styne and chef de cuisine Joel Walsh are bringing a little something for everyone to their Thanksgiving table, with options for omnivores, vegetarians and vegans alike. Settle in for a three-course meal that offers herb-roasted organic turkey breast and stuffed leg with mashed potatoes, gravy, Brussels sprouts with pancetta and thyme, cranberry sauce with mint and orange, sweet potatoes with sherry, and sourdough stuffing with turkey sausage. There’s even the “vegan thanksgiving extravaganza” option, which offers sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, fingerling potatoes, Italian broccoli and Suzanne’s stuffing and wild-mushroom persillade. Your day at the Tavern starts serving 1-8pm, with pre-fixe at $95 per adult; $45 per child 10 and under; free for children four and under.
Catch
Catch Santa Monica
Santa Monica
Enjoy your Turkey Day seaside at Catch in the Hotel del Mar, because chef Gemma Grayis whipping up all the classics and even a few contemporary plates right at the beach. Look for a prix-fixe involving slow-roasted organic turkey with apple and chestnut stuffing, as well as roasted cauliflower pie with wild mushrooms, and Japanese snapper crudo with pumpkin vinaigrette. Spend the day seaside from 11am-10pm at $110 pp.
With all the hustle and bustle of our weekday routine we bring you a curated list of the weekends top activities happening throughout the city of stars.
Okay, so haunting season is officially over and now begins the most frightening time of the year. Thanksgiving with your in-laws is around the corner!!!!(Insert Jaws Theme song). Just kidding. But it is still a month of daunting task from choosing to cook your turkey or order in(thank you Whole Foods) and all the home prep in between. Even with this task at hand, you should take some time to explore your neck of the woods. Check out our event round up for the most #thankful time of the year and…..
Long Beach’s First Fridays returns this fall with one goal: to bring you the best in local artists and musicians all in one night. Every first Friday of the month, participating Bixby Knolls businesses will come together to promote local artists and musicians with extended operating hours. In offering this monthly gathering they hope tp encourage a dialogue between businesses, artists and the community. Click here for more information.
With the same vision in mind as the Long Beach edition, Abbott Kinney’s First Friday aims to unite the best of the best in art, music, and products in the Venice hotspot area. The trendy thoroughfare of AK runs diagonally through Venice. With local charities benefiting as art junkies and the neighborhood patrons descending upon the always funky beach community, its sure to be an ideal evening. Oh, and theres adult beverages too! Click here for more information.
The famed comedian, producer, and household name-Jerry Seinfeld-descends upon the Pantages Theatre this weekend only. With his return to the Pantages stage, is his signature stand-up routine along with new quips and jabs one could expect from the legendary comedian. His latest projects include the Emmy nominated web series, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, and his Netflix special Jerry Before Seinfeld. Seinfeld continues to perform both nationally and internationally. Click here for more information.
Also the location of Rodeo Realty’s annual Day at the Races, Santa Anita turns into a “Smorgasburg Meltdown” this Saturday only. The foodie favorite event returns with all things cheesy, offering the best in food vendors and fun that Santa Anita has to offer. Don’t miss out on this showcase of ooey-gooey goodness while you enjoy your own Day at the Races! Various packages available, click here for more details. Click here for more information.
This diverse program of family friendly fun returns for its 4th annual, one-day only free community event. The Grand Ave Arts: All Access is a showcase of activities, interactive workshops and tours highlighting the world class arts and cultural programs of DTLA. Established to celebrate their commitment to the cultural landscape of LA, is a range of events. All the while showcasing the world-class architecture and programming that define the Grand Avenue corridor and LA’s cultural center. From The Broad to LA Phil, don’t miss out on this day of artful entertainment. Click here for more information.
The City of West Hollywood Arts Division presents the return of their Artists & Icons session: A Conversation with Dan Guerrero. The Artists, Educator and Activists sits down for a Q & A moderated by Tony Estrada. Dan Guerrero-and award winning producer of diverse programming for network and cable Television has been part of the West Hollywood community since 1982. The eclectic artists brings his worldly experiences to this one-time sit down put on by the West Hollywood Chamber of commerce. Click here for more information.
The Malibu 5k and Half Marathon returns to the beach city this Saturday and Sunday. A phenomenal beach course that starts and ends at Zuma Beach in Malibu brings together nearly 4000 patrons. Saturday event will feature a Health & Fitness expo while Sunday will kick-off the storied run down PCH(horrible traffic not included). Along the way, participants will see some of Californias most scenic views and stunning homes. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Malibu are the beneficiary’s of the weekend event aiming to significantly enhance the lives of Malibu youth through new programming. Click here for more information.
There is no better way to celebrate autumn then at L.A’s ;argued urban park! The Griffith Harvest festival will play host to a slew of live music, local craft beers and a Kid Zone. The entire event is presented by the Los Angeles Parks Foundation and City of L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks. Sure to be fun for the entire family, don’t miss this fall fest in L.A.’s most famed park location. Click here for more information.
Presented by Able ARTS Work is Bowie’s Piano Man + Symphonic Suite for Healing 2. The inaugural benefit concert will feature world renowned pianist Mike Garson and some of his newest work while also highlighting the artistry of David Bowie and his belief in betterment for mankind. The first alf of the matinee will showcase work by Garson from his newest Symphonic suite, with the second half featuring hits by Bowie like “Life on Mars”, Five Years”, and Garson and Bowies most famous collaboration “Aladdin Sane. . Garson will be join don stage by world-class musicians like Gaby Moreno, Denny Seiwell and Brett Hook to name a few. Click here for more information.
“From my laboratory in the castle east, To the master bedroom where the vampires feast, The ghouls all came from their humble abodes, To get a jolt from my electrodes, They did the mash, They did the monster mash.”
Rodeo Realty Beverly Hills held their own Monster Mash for All Hallows Eve yesterday.
Donned in their most ghoulish attire all came out to a friendly office feast where agents turned witches and ghosts mingled with tennis stars and aristocrates alike.
A Rodeo Realty Halloween 2018
Their Branch Manager John Gould was nowhere to be seen but a curious Captain Hook had assumed his place. How strange that they appeared to be the same at a glance.
A Rodeo Realty Halloween 2018-Branch Manager John Gould(Capt. Hook)
Wandering the halls of the office abode, what a site to see was Phantom”James Richmond”of the Opera arising from his lair, mingling with Groovy”Barabra Stover”Gal and Red”Heather Witt”Riding Hood.
A Rodeo Realty Halloween 2018-James RichmondA Rodeo Realty Halloween 2018: Reds On Rodeo Duo from left: Martine Zoller and Heather Witt
As the middy fete came to a close Marie”Suzette Kitselman” Antonette descended upon affair. Before the revelers could return to their crypt, the pumpkin throne must be claimed.
A Rodeo Realty Halloween-from left: John Gould and Suzette Kitselman
With Captain “John Gould” Hook having the declared thrice the worthy guest, it twas Mario and Luigi at 3rd rank with the Wicked Witch of the West as a second hand. And who do you ask would assume the thrown? Well of course none other than the Royal herself. HRH Marie”Suzette Kitselman” Antonette.
If you’re brave enough to venture out on a weeknight we’ve got you covered. We scoured the dismally long list of Halloween events happening throughout L.A. this Wednesday. So sleep well on Hallows Eve because this round-up is sure to keep you jolted till dawn.
Annual Halloween Party for DTLA Kids
DTLA Halloween Festival
Location: Grand Hope Park, DTLA
Getting to downtown for trick-or-treating may seem like the real Halloween scare but its worth it when you make it to The Annual Halloween Party for DTLA Kids! The locals know how to throw quite the shindig and the event continues to thrive as parents celebrate the spookiest night of the year with bounce houses, puppet shows and faux trick-or-treat-doors.
Menace lurks behind every shadow in a remote village filled with secrets. The LA Opera’s annual Halloween mash-up of opera and cinema returns to the spectacular Theatre at Ace Hotel with filmmaker Carl Theodor Dreyer’s surreal 1932 masterwork, one of the most unsettling vampire movies ever made. LA Opera and The Theatre at Ace Hotel invite you to be their guest immediately following ‘Vampyr’ for a Halloween party with music and cash bar. Entry to the party is included with ticket to the October 31 ‘Vampyr’ performance.
Perfect for all ghouls and goblins is this Halloween Extravaganza at the Happiest Place on Earth. ‘Mickey’s Halloween Party’ brings out all your favorite villains from ‘Cruella’ to ‘Lady Tremaine’. Delight at a ghostly ‘Space Mountain’ and Tim Burton-ized ‘Haunted Mansion’ as lively Jack-O-Lanterns line Main Street. Trick-or-Treat throughout the park until the evening hours end with a spectacular ‘Halloween Screams’ firework show. Be sure to arrive early if you’d like a true thrill on any of the rides up to three hours prior to the event.
Location: Santa Monica Blvd (starting at Doheny), West Hollywood
Considered the largest Halloween street party in the world, there isn’t really a better place to be for the true costume aficionado. Yes the crowds are massive and to some quite rowdy but the amazing display of themed attire and general merry-making spirit deem it as at least a worthy stop along your way. Enjoy dancing in the streets, festive beverages in the bars and a night full of spooky fun!
Spend your Halloween underground (a little closer to the dearly departed) at The Edison. The clubs’ Cabaret L’Enfer will feature DJ sets, live performers, stilt walkers, tarot card readers and an “extraordinary selection of Attractions Diaboliques”. Like most other parties at the Edison, expect an old-time but sleek subterranean shindig. Costumes are not required but recommended (come on it’s Halloween)!
Since coming back from the dead a few years ago, Hollywood and Vine’s historic playhouse ‘Avalon’ has put on a ghoulish extravaganza each All Hallows’ Eve. Break out your provocative costumes and make your way to the dance floor and four themed areas!
