Rodeo Realty’s Josh Flagg current listing recently featured in the LA Times Hot Property
Josh Flagg LA Times listing feature
Josh Flagg of Rodeo Realty Beverly Hills currently holds the listing for actress and model Lily Collins West Hollywood Condominium. The Jack A. Charney designed high-rise-Sierra Towers was built in 1965 and is a corner unit with approximately 1,700 sq. ft of space.
Sierra Towers Condominiums- West Hollywood
As the publication notes…
“Lily Collins is ready to fly the coop in West Hollywood, listing her condominium of about a decade for sale at $2.995 million”.
The spacious abode features walls of windows with stunning views of DTLA to Century City. The LA Times goes on to note additional highlights of the West Hollywood property and Lily Collins most notable roles. Stating as follows of the property…
“The main living area is largely devoted to open-plan space and consists of living and dining rooms, a wet bar and an updated kitchen. A custom walk-in closet/dressing room and a built-in office are part of the master suite. A private terrace extends the living area outdoors. The condo also features full service and has valet parking, 24-hour security and a swimming pool.
Sierra Towers Condominiums- West Hollywood
Collins, 29, is the daughter of musician Phil Collins and antique dealer Jill Tavelman. She got her first taste of show business at the age of 2 with a role on the BBC show “Growing Pains.” Since then, Collins has scored film roles in “Mirror Mirror” (2012), “The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones” (2013) and Warren Beatty’s “Rules Don’t Apply” (2016).”
The best part of the holidays other than quality family time is the time to get away. While we love the sites and scenes in the city of stars, sometimes it’s nice to spend the festive season abroad. With that in mind we have rounded together the top destinations to jet off to between Hanukkah and the New Year, so pack your bags for the great Winter escape!
Mexico’s Pacific Coast
While Puerto Vallarta is always a guaranteed great time south of the border, the beach town of Sayulita delivers its own level of style. Just 20 miles south from the major resort area, this is plentiful of vintage board shops and hammock strung guest homes. Feel like splurging? In between beach shack margaritas and local bites are NYC and Parisian designers tucked into brightly painted boutiques. Your winter getaway awaits!!
Tbilisi, Georgia
While this destination may seem an unlikely choice for a winter get-away, it is an ideal spot for those looking to find a different skiing scene. While places like Aspen and Switzerland never disappoint, the same can be said for Tbilisi. With its jumble of colorful balconies, Art Nouveau facades and picturesque flea markets, its the perfect combination of Eurasian wonder.
Botswana
It’s the place where HRH Prince Harry swept nor HRH Duchess Megan off her feet. It is also one of the most extraordinary safari experiences you can find in this region of the South African Nation. The Okavango delta is overflowing in wildlife found throughout the areas protected park and game reserve. With the area’s new found press, Wilderness Safaris was lucky to open it’s new luxury tented suites; Oorokwe Camp at the right time. With bleached timbers and private deck , these accommodations along the border of Moremi Game Reserve is fit for any Royal or visitor alike.
Nepal and Bhutan
As we promised, this is a list of destinations perfect to visit during the winter months, and the area of Nepal and Bhutan holds true to that promise. Stay at the famed Dwarika Hotel–an oasis of architectural charm and traditional luxury, one of many luxury hotel options in the area. Then take your exploring to new heights by enjoying a helicopter ride to the top of The Taktsang Monastery. There you will enjoy a picnic lunch above the clouds followed by a hike down to tour the Monastery. When do we leave?
India
While India almost speaks for itself as a travel choice, this year marks a historic opportunity to visit. This year the country celebrates 150 years since the birth of Gandhi. Also while there one can see the wonder of Nagaland and the Kaziranga National Park-home to asiatic rhinos and some of Asia’s last surviving former-headhunting tribes.
Tohoku, Japan
Japan has always served as a fascinating and unique destination full of culturally exquisite finds. With so many area’s to chose from to explore, why not venture off the beaten path? Tohoku, 90 minutes north-east of Tokyo offers incredible natural landscapes. Perfect for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter, it is a year round escape. Wander through the village of Kakunodate, home to Samurai legends and artisan workshops, reminiscent of the Edo period.
Mackenzie Country, Otago, New Zealand
We all know New Zealand as the land of Hobbiton(or Lord of the Rings fans know this), but the island nation is more than fantasy in it splendor. With it’s glacial highlands and sunken valleys, visitors are recommended to enjoy the country’s Alp region for hiking, biking and luxury accommodations.
Nusa Penida, Indonesia
While Bali and the Gili Islands already serve as world renowned vacation spots, the island of Nusa Penida is just as breathtaking. Located just of the south east coast of Bali, Nusa Penida offers untouched landscapes. Amongst the beauty is a chance to soak in the natural wonder of the Giri Putri Cave or Angel’s Billabong. Stay at the Kabeh Jati Garden Villa for a perfect nights rest.
Panama
While 2019 will be a celebration off Panama City’s 500 year history, mid-December begins it’s season of the best time to travel to the region. While the country is small in size, it offers vast options of exploration. From it’s white sand beaches and indigenous culture and it’s to tropical rainforest and misty highlands, your adventure awaits.
Palomino, Columbia
With it’s beautiful; Caribbean beaches and and stunning wildlife, Palomina is the ideal holiday escape. Enjoy surfing or floating via tub down the Palomino River and its natural beauty. With it’s amazing range of seafood and luxury stay options, this Columbian destination awaits your well deserved visit.
With Thanksgiving mere days away there is one crucial guide you’ll need for your holiday travels. Where to eat? Spare yourself the Cinnabon and take your flight bites to new heights(Double Points for Rhyming!). Below is your LAX cuisine guide by terminal. So read on and quench your cravings. Because there hasn’t been a sorting this good since Harry Potter chose Gryffindor(If your not watching HP with the fam is it even the holidays?!?!).
Terminal 1
Trejo’s Tacos
Trejo’s Tacos
Gate 11a
Fans of the film actor will know these tasty tacos have been making wave in the city if angels. With locations citywide, it is no wonder Trejo Tacos has set up shop at LAX. You wont find all of the menu offerings your used to at his other locations, but all the favorites are accounted for. Try the steak asada or vegan optioned cauliflower and jackfruit. With bowls, burritos, and quesadillas, there is plenty to chose from Trejo’s.
Cassell’s
Cassell’s
Gate 11a
In the same newly added food quarters as Trejo Tacos is the 60-year-old iconic burger counter–Cassell’s. Order diner style classics with their patty melts and cheeseburgers, and enjoy added extra’s like fried egg and sweet potato fries. To keep it retro, finish off with an old-fashioned milkshake which is sure to send you into dessert beverage paradise.
Terminal 2
Sealegs Wine Bar
Sealegs
Gate 28
Looking for something a bit more in the sit-down restaurant realm and less on the grab and go don’t miss your flight vibe? Well you shouldn’t miss your flight but you should enjoy stylish decor, quality food and appropriately priced wine at Sealegs Wine Bar. While the food is not quite the bites from the sea you’d assume from it’s title, you will find delicious “California-esq” cuisine.
Built Custom Burgers
Built Custom Burger
Gate 24A
You will find no shortage of burger joints in our bustling LA airport, but you will find a craft your own option at Custom Built Burgers. Choose bun or bowl, beef, turkey, chicken or vegan patty and a full range of free toppings to make your pick of.
Slapfish
Slapfish
Gate 23A
Up your breakfast game and stop by Slapfish for their take on the morning meal. Choose between shrimp and grits, lobster-egg-avocado tacos and a smoked salmon-veggie-and-herb-topped bagel. Missing the am cut off time, their lobster roll or New England clam chowder is an equally satisfying midday match.
Terminal 3
The Parlor
The Parlor
Gate 37A
To all true sports fanatics, no fret on missing your teams play by play(unless your mid-air, you’ll catch it when you land)! The Parlor has set-up the perfect offshoot of its Melrose spot to help you keep score. Enjoy great cocktails and a grilled four-cheese sandwich on parmesan bread in the comfiest leather lounge you don’t need mileage points to enter.
Shake Shack
Shake Shack
Gate 34
So everyone from NYC to LA and yonder knows the “dealio” with Shake Shack. If you don’t allow us to educate you. Born out of the city that never sleeps in a hot dog cart(really the original food truck) is everyones favorite burger joint. Keep it basic with a ShackBurger smothered in their famed Shack Sauce. Or venture down the fast food road with a griddled flat-top dog stacked with tomatoes and pickles! Orrrrrr the underrated super crispy Chicken Shack and an over-the-top-in-all-the-right-ways frozen custard. Ok we’re done now.
Terminal 4
Real Food Daily
Real Food Daily
Gate 44
Whether you’ve joined the plant-based fan club, really don’t want another greasy burger, or are actually vegan–Real Food Daily is here to appease all. So don’t tire yourself on a mediocre Kale Salad from Airport Snack Shack that shall not be named(more HP jokes, your welcome!) and appease your taste buds. Try the seitan-and-tempah club or veggie-miso soup along with all of their other vegan goods to grab and go. Your natural, gluten-free, dairy-free, non-gmo foods gods will thank you.
Cole’s
Coles
Gate 44
Local’s will know Cole’s as DTLA most classic French Dip sandwich joint and those not from LA now also know it as the above. Whether your new or old to the famed spot(est. 1908, crazy right?), it’s LAX shop dishes out a equally delicious take. Pair yours with a side of spicy garlic fries and bacon potato salad to complete the meal and wash it down with their signature Old Fashioned.
Terminal 5
Lemonade
Lemonade
Gate 50B
As we have said intermittently throughout this article, if your over the airport norm of cuisine, we have your covered. Or to be more precise, Lemonade has you covered, at least in the fresh marketplace seasonal offerings realm of things. With various salads and veggie heavy dishes to chose from like the roasted broccoli with ricotta and chile-roasted butternut squash…need we go on?
Ford’s Filling Station
Ford’s Filling Station
Gate 55A
Modeled after its Culver City predecessor, Ford’s Fueling Station is the gastropub inside an airport you’ve been searching for. While it’s La County locations are long gone, you will still find all the classics at this last standing outpost. From the pub burger, to bacon wrapped dates and their Cubano flatbread, you’ll wish you traveled more often.
Terminal 6
Osteria
Osteria
Gate 64A
One of the many eateries that have come courtesy of Top Chef fan favorite Fabio Vivani, Osteria your attractive LAX option. With its orange leather cushioned seating, glass wine wall, and elegantly tiled pizza oven, its has fun to eat in as it is to lounge in. The semi-italian menu offers bites from panini to marina meatballs along with bar style choices like their truffle potato skins and veggie burger. Molto buona!!!
Earthbar
Earthbar
Gate 64A
Those of us with an Equinox membership will know it as our power-up spot and those of us who don’t will at least have juiced up at the original juice bar at some point in our LA lives. Earthbar is your pre-flight go to. Have a mix of berries, hemp milk, almond butter, and maca along with their signature Earthfusion protein to sooth or aid your air-bound jotters. They also offer Acai bowls, tasty trail mixes, fresh fruit, and other feel good food options.
Terminal 7
B Grill by BOA Steakhouse
B Grill by BOA Steakhouse
Gate 73
This more relaxed version of the swanky steakhouse BOA is the place to hit when you want more elevated airport fare (especially if you have an expense account at your disposal). Think NY strip, petit filet with red wine butter, and the same signature stacked Chop Chop salad that’s served at the Santa Monica and West Hollywood restaurants. You can also expect gussied-up gourmet burgers, wraps, and a few pastas, as well as a thoroughly respectable wine list.
BLD
BLD
Gate 72B
For something food-court-fast, sidle up to this spot that does serviceable American fare of turkey clubs, grilled chicken salads, and bacon-and-egg sandwiches on sourdough as well as vegan options including a soyrizo breakfast burrito, Impossible burger, and grain bowl.
Terminal 8
Engine Co. No. 28
Engine Co. No. 28
Gate 83
The good news is you’re just a terminal away from the pinnacle of LAX dining at Tom Bradley International terminal. The bad news is you’re in Terminal 8, and your options are lame and limited to mainly fast food like Carl’s Jr. and Panda Express. If you want a proper drink, you can get it here in addition to a range of food items like corn chowder, an ahi tuna salad, and veggie chili.
Tom Bradley International Terminal
The Great Hall
Larder at Tavern-The Great Hall
gate 148
This 15,000-square-foot dining and retail behemoth is one of the best things to come out of the billion-dollar-plus renovation that turned this terminal into one that actually looks like it belongs in an airport servicing the country’s second biggest city. Here you’ll find a lot of fast-casual versions of LA restaurants you know and love (or in some cases loved). Grab brick-oven pizza at 800 Degrees; tacos, tamales, and tortilla soup at the city’s last standing Border Grill; baked goods and lattes at Larder at Tavern; and an above-average sandwich selection at Michael Voltaggio’s Ink Sack.
Petrossian Caviar & Champagne Bar
Petrossian Caviar and Champagne Bar
gate 148
You’re already plunking down several months’ salary on a trip out of the country, so you might as get the baller ball rolling at the airport with champagne and crazy amounts of caviar at this den of decadence. Sure, you can grab a to-go “Caviar Picnic in the Sky” that starts at $200 and runs upwards of $1,000, but if you want to start off a bit tamer with a more reasonable bite onsite, go for the “Petit Petrossian” caviar plate (for a bargain $48), caviar flatbread, or caviar deviled eggs.
Vanilla Bake Shop
Vanilla Bake Shop
Gate 150
The cupcake trend may be on life support, but airports have their own culinary rules, and that glass case of mini confections with perfectly piped frosting can look mighty good when you’re wandering aimlessly during a delay-induced stupor. What the heck, you’re on vacation…
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…”
The famed San Diego shop has recently opened its doors in Old Pasadena. Known for wild flavors and unique menu creations, Donut Bar brings you the most Instagrammable breakfast you can achieve at 7am in Pasadena. Featured on Ellen, Conan, and the Food Network, why not stop in for “The Worlds Most Award-Winning donut”
While The Pan has already made waves in South Bay and their other L.A. locations, they also recently debuted in Pasadena. A casual comfort food spot, you’ll have your pick of great eats from pancakes to pizza and tasty sandwiches in between.
This Abbott Kinney hot spot is the perfect start to your day on the westside. We recommend avoiding peak times but promise Gjelina is worth the wait. With their one-of-a-kind dishes and impeccable ingredients, its no wonder it’s helmed as a Venice icon. Try the Moroccan Baked Eggs with Merguez Tomato Sauce and yogurt for a spice to your daily breakfast routine.
Word famous Ippudo Ramen has recently opened up shop in Santa Monica. Having made waves in NYC and SF, the Japanese staple is sure to be equally satisfying to the LA area. Try their Karakacchan-a shoyu base filled with a unique mix of ground pork, bold umami essences, and a medley of spices! Is it lunchtime yet?
Cloudy Garlic
The Cloudy Garlic
Location: 2750 Colorado Blvd Ste 4, Los Angeles, CA 90041
Time: Mon-Sun / 11a-9p
If your a fan of all things garlic spiced or flavored don’t forget to pop a breath mint after lunch. But also, you should try Eagle Rocks trendy new sandwich shop The Cloudy Garlic. Offering up everything from garlic meatball rice bowls to Korean BBQ sandwiches, its the perfect combo of comfort and spice.
Time: MON-THUR/ 11:30a-2:30p/ FRI-SAT 11:30a- 3p/ SUN 11:30a-3p
“Bäco Mercat were any more of the moment, it would be a Pinterest page devoted to Tumblrs of itself, so that restaurant and metarestaurant could devour one another”-Jonathan Gold
Described by the late Jonathan Gold as a menu that reads like “a graduate exam on culinary poststructuralism”, Baco Mercat is just that. An education in Euro-Asian and South American fusion, the DTLA eatery brims with flavor. They are best known for their creation, the Baco-a signature flatbread sandwich served with various meats and sauces of your choice. With a full menu inspired by flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean, north Africa, southern Europe, and Asia, sit down and enjoy!
At the corner of Canon on the intersection of Santa Monica Blvd sits a hidden Parisian gem you might miss if your not in the know. Heritage Fine Wines labels itself as an organic fine wines shop and tasting lounge, and is anything but. From their John Legend pop-up(he legitimately pops in) shop to their Michelin Chef dinner engagements, you’ll wonder where its been all your life. While this can’t be your every evening dinner go-to, it is a soiree worth planning for. Catch Michelin Star Chef, Martin Simonart and his 5-course tasing menu this Saturday! Space is limited!!
Location: 649 South Olive & 7th Street, Los Angeles, 90014
Time:Sun – Thur / 5:30p – 9:30p / Fri – Sat / until 10pm
Culinary enthusiast will be familiar of the name The Nomad from its successful roots in NYC. The hotel brings new elegance to DTLA and the Chef Daniel Humm run restaurants bring award-winning cuisine to the city of stars. Guest can opt for more casual bites in The Lobby or venture to an elevated experience from the Mezzanine. Share the Roasted Chicken with Black Truffle and Brioche Stuffing paired perfectly alongside abby turnips and a crisp Belgian Brown Ale.
No not the Hollywood Classic film noire but the K-Town popular joint that serves up deliciously unpredictable cuisine. Here’s Looking at You serves up a diverse and vibrant blend of seasonally choice food touched by Pan-Asian influence. If the cocktails are swoon-worthy. Enjoy their Foie gras & unagi bowl with daikon, scallion, yolk, wasabi, and tobiko. Or the White corn ribs sautéed in poblano, cotija, and lime ending with a Cognac semifreddo drizzled in blueberry and caramelized white chocolate.
With a new month comes new activities and events! Although November is already here and almost gone, there are still plenty of things to do this month. Therefore, here are some of the best events happening in and around Los Angeles that you should consider adding to your weekend calendar.
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.
Limited engagements taking place this Nov. 16th-18th
Event highlights include a Chinese Lantern Festival, the Great Los Angeles Walk, and an Enchanted: Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens. So, make sure to grab your tickets now as these events are sure to sell out!
This specially crafted multicultural event features more than 1,000 handcrafted pieces that create a plethora of beautiful color and light displays.
This year’s theme is “The Wild,” which will feature animals represented in lanterns from five different areas of the world, Oceania, Africa, Antartica, Asia, and America. The event will be held at from November 15 – January 16 at The Fairplex at Pomona from 5:30 – 10 p.m. on Thursday – Sundays, including holidays. For additional information, click HERE.
LA Zoo will be decorated in winter splendor during Zoo Lights. While the adult portion will feature a happy hour lounge and live entertainment, kids will get to enjoy Reindeer Village. How old were you when you found out Reindeer are real? If your answer is today years old, your welcome(if not congratulations on knowing your mammal species) and also your in luck. This holiday season you’ll find your antlered friends hanging out in Reindeer Village at Griffith Park. Along with Comet and Blitzen as the main attraction, the zoo will also be decked in bells of holly. Just Kidding. But it will feature a splendor of winter decor and sites for all to enjoy.
Location: Royce Hall, UCLA Center for Performing Arts
Head down to Royce Hall at UCLA for a specially crafted intimate and engaging event with David Sedaris. The event, which takes place annually, sees the bestselling author reading newly written work that has not yet been packaged and published in a collection of essays or otherwise. The program is put on by UCLA’s Center for the Performing Arts. Sedaris’ first reading at the famous L.A. university happened on Nov. 6, 1998, making this a near-perfect 20th anniversary for the yearly visit. This event kicks off at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information, you can visit the link here.
Burbank’s Holiday Street Fair will take place November 17 at noon, but after 4 p.m., you and your 21+ friends can enjoy the Winter Wine Walk. The event gives you a complimentary tasting cup. Enjoy the multitude of wine and beer tasting spots around San Fernando Blvd. During your walk you can also enjoy the live entertainment, holiday lights, and even snowfall! For info on this event, click HERE.
Location: Pershing Square, DTLA through Santa Monica
Grab your tennis shoes and participate in The Great Los Angeles Walk! The 13th annual event will be held November 17 and begins at 9 a.m. in Downtown at Pershing Square and goes all the way to the ocean by way of Santa Monica. To join in on the all-day strut, email [email protected]. No entry fee is necessary. To learn more on this event, visit this link: www.greatlawalk.com/
Enjoy a day of fun and airplanes at the Taxiway B at Long Beach Airport. The 2018 Festival of Flight is a celebration of flight with dozens of aircraft displays throughout the day. In addition to the aerial shows, attendees will also enjoy many activities such as helicopter tours, live entertainment, and kids activities. The event will take place Saturday, November 17 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and is completely free to attend. For more details, click HERE.
Experience a night filled with lights and scenery at Descanso Garden’s 2018 Forest of Light now through Jan. 6th. View the large displays taking over the park for a one-mile walk. Some of the new additions added this year include the neon-lit benches around the park, the Lightwave Lake, and the dining options that overlook the body of water. The Forest of Light will open daily from November 11 – January 6. For tickets and additional information, click HERE.
Location: Chase Bank Parking Lot, 10050 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake, 91602
The Toluca Lake Homeowners Association invites you to The 6th Annual Toluca Lake Turkey Trot on Sunday, November 18, 2018. To participate, there is a $10 donation and all proceeds will be supporting the North Hollywood LAPD PAL (Police Activity League). Chaired by Ryan Kugler, this year’s event will prove to be fun for the entire family!
HOLLYWOOD, CA – NOVEMBER 19: Actor Natalie Portman (R) and journalist Jada Yuan speak onstage during Vulture Festival LA presented by AT&T at Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on November 19, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Vulture Festival)
Location: The Roosevelt Hotel, Hollywood
Do you have the E! News or TMZ app on your phone? Are you always in the know of who’s who and what’s what in Hollywood. Well our dear Pop Culture addicts, your in luck. This weekend features NY Mag’s Vulture Festival at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Come see all your favorites in music, TV, film and more in a two day festival extravaganza! This year’s participants include Constance Wu, Busy Philipps, Eric Bana, Connie Britton, Chloe Grace Moretz and more. Tickets can be purchased for each event here: http://vulturefestival.com/
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.
