Out and About: Beverly Hills Edition

By: Samira Murphy

Every so often, at some point in your busy week, it happens–you get to play tourist for the day. Whether its hopping in the car for a scenic drive down the coast or popping into Fred Segal’s for an afternoon nosh, “me time” is so crucial. 

Once a week, we will cut the clutter and provide you with hidden gems in the city of stars and beyond. From Beverly Hills to the San Fernando Valley, take time to explore your neck of the woods!

“Beverly Hills what a thrill!”

Troop Beverly Hills
Troop Beverly Hills

Outside the glitz and glam of Rodeo drive, there are quite a few iconic points of interest in the 90210.

If one feels like taking a trip down tinsel town lane, Greystone Mansion or the Virginia Robinson Gardens prove to be an ideal way to spend the better part of your day.

Brimming with a rich history of yesteryears, these homes still stand as the Icons of their area code.

Greystone Mansion
Greystone Mansion

Greystone Mansion host many events throughout the year, from music in the garden to theatrical productions.

Upcoming soirees include Twilight on the Terrace-Sept. 30th from 4-7pm and Tour of the Best Kept Secret-Nov. 11th 11:00am-3:30pm. Or one can pursue around on their own accord daily from 10am-5pm(excluding holidays). For more info click here.

Not stopping short on the Tour de BH, the Virginia Robinson Gardens serves as the city’s first luxury estate. It does so by treating its visitors with an illustrious peak at its rich history by advance bookings only.

Virginia Robinson Gardens
Virginia Robinson Gardens

What’s so appeasing about this tour over the next? The Virginia Robinson Garden tours are Docent led. Taking visitors through six acres of unique botanical garden, including the largest collection of King Palms in the Western Hemisphere. Similar to Greystone, Robinson Gardens also host a series of events. From intimate lectures with notable members of the community to botanical illustration classes, there’s something for all to enjoy.

Most recently, they hosted their annual Friends of Robinson Gardens Gala that recognized, our own Syd Leibovitch, President and Founder of Rodeo Realty with the Spirit of Beverly Hills Award.

For more info on tour dates and events click here.

Wanting a little more fresh air? Why not stroll down the recently restored Beverly Gardens park and Bridle path?

Beverly Gardens Park
Beverly Gardens Park

Originally developed in 1907, the park is in its final stages of competition, with the majority of the 23 blocks having been made completely over. Notable landmarks include the Electric and Doheny Fountains, the Cactus Garden and the Alta Arden Pergola Garden. From Wilshire to Doheny, it’s the perfect daytime stroll.

Feeling like a splurge? You don’t have to break the bank too much with this recent shopping edition to the Golden Triangle.

Im sure you’ve seen the long ambiguous line forming around the corner of the MGM Offices? Is everyone waiting for the new iPhone? Not quite.

260 LA
260 LA

260 LA joined the neighborhood last year but has in the past month moved to a a new location, taking over the former space of Maxfield Bleu. And what is 260 LA, you may ask or already know…It’s a sample sale paradise for you inner fashion guru. Each week the shop host different designer sample sales, from Oscar de la Renta, to Moncler. Sign up for their newsletter to be in the know of whose next or pop in Tuesday-Sunday. More info here.

While in the vicinity of Rodeo Drive, take a short trip to Galerie Michael. Here you’ll find their latest works on display featuring the art of the greats captured  on canvas.

Galerie Michael is tucked up along the cobble stone of Rodeo’s more European corner. Prior featured artists included Salvador Dali and Picasso, with the Marc Chagall exhibit being their current installation. For museum times and info click here.

After all the site seeing, shopping, and strolls, there is no shortage of cuisine options in this iconic area code.

Taco Tuesdays @ Peninsula Hotel Beverly Hills
Taco Tuesdays @ Peninsula Hotel Beverly Hills

Whether you opt to break up the day with a afternoon bite at La Scala or prefer to take in the rooftop scenes later in the day during the Peninsula’s Taco Tuesday, the best way to know what’s cravings worthy in Beverly Hills is by READING OUR BLOG.

Just kidding!

You can also stay about to date with all things Beverly Hills by visiting the Love Beverly Hills website. There you’ll find limited engagements, restaurant deals and updates, as well as other neighborhood facts to keep you in the know.

L.A. Eats of the week

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 suggestions.

“Breakfast is the most important deal of the day…”

Steve Benjamin, Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Deden Putra, Richard Archuleta

With a name as cinematic as its location-The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker serves a mouthful of a title and menu selection.  A perfect mix of cafe chic and Californian cuisine. Have your pick between their delectable Ricotta Pancakes or opt for a perfectly seasoned 28 day aged Steak paired with organic eggs and accoutrements. Nestled in the iconic Sunset Plaza, the BBCM serves it fresh 8am-10pm M-Su.

Nestling into its first year with a Forbes rating under its belt, Jean Georges of The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills provides a fine dining approach to your breakfast routine. For those on the go, JG provides the ease of simple selections like their famed Sunny Side Up Frittata or house baked pastries. Or if you have time to indulge chose between the decadent Caviar Scramble or Organic Stone Fruit Toast with Elderflower Glaze.  Reservations are available as early as 7am M-Su.

Lunch, Brunch, 2nd Breakfast!

When the lunch clock hits, Avra of Beverly Hills has successfully figured out how to serve. Offering a 3 course pre-fixe menu for the ideal midday price of under $30, patrons can choose from a range of Mediterranean fare. This bounty of greek goodness includes the freshest selection of seafood one can feast their eyes on(literally, they have the fish on display) to options fitting any foodie–meat eater’s and vegetarian’s rejoice! The fixed course menu is available M-Fri 11:30am-4:30pm. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

Elephante
Elephante

Offering ocean views and rooftop vibes essential to any L.A. seaside eatery; Elephante is an ideal spot for those wishing to lunch through the week and brunch through weekend. Boasting food that punches well above it’s weight class and a whose who of clientele, Santa Monica’s newest hot spot is on point and trend. With a terrific array of wood-fired pizzas, house extruded pastas, and seasonal salads that should please just about any palate–reservations are available M-Fri at 12pm and S-Su at 10am. 

“What’s for dinner?”

Say bonjour to L.A.’s newest Parisian delight–Tesse. Located atop  the Sunset Strip; Chef Bill Chait returns to Lalaland with his take on French-Californian fare. Offering a Charcuterie centric selection from saucisse de Lyon to foie gras terrine with figs and Armagnac, one will feel as if their taste-buds drifted to Europe and back. The appetizers and mains equally please with selections such as crispy veal sweetbreads and a 34 ounce dry-aged ribeye, ending blissfully on a sweet note with their duck egg crème brûlée with almond tuile. Your diner rendezvous is served daily 6-10:30pm.

Tucked away amongst the bungalows of the Chateau Marmont is Chateau Hanare-a japanese fine dining restaurant that has built up shop on the lush L.A. property. This exclusive see or be seen hidden gem provides a range of delicacies from a Kaiseki tasting menu, in-house freshly made tofu, and  unique menu highlights such as the chef’s recommended Uni Ice cream. There is something for everyone to be found in Hollywood’s best kept secret. Reservations are available Su-Th 6pm-11pm and Fri-S 6pm-12am.

Chateau Hanare
Chateau Hanare

 

Weekend Events: Sept. 14th-16th

By: Samira Murphy

Los Angeles is a limitless playground of fun for all ages. Since time is of the essence (outside our famed traffic jams!)—we break through the hustle and bustle to bring you a curated list of this weekends top activities happening throughout L.A.

Discover your inner Angeleno!

Limited engagements taking place this Sept. 14th-16th features highlights from the art collection of the beloved late comedian Robin Williams to the return of L.A.’s scariest fall attraction Halloween Horror Nights. Read below for a breakdown of the weekend events.

Friday Sept. 14th
Robin Williams Archive @ Sotheby's Century City
Robin Williams Archive @ Sotheby’s Century City
  • View highlight pieces from the personal collection of beloved actor and Comedian-the late Robin Williams and wife Marsha Garces Williams. Sothebys will showcase more than 30 items. These include scripts, props, and awards that belonged to America’s favorite funnyman. Admission is free and the exhibit is located at: 2029 Century Park E. Suite 2950
  • Looking to jumpstart your scare season? Look no further than the return of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios. The park-wide attraction opens opens up Sept. 14th and provides unlimited frights until Nov. 3rd 7pm-2am nightly. New to this year’s fear-inducing line-up is a Stranger Things’ maze. Joining a list of fan favorites from Poltergeist to the Terror Tram. Tickets range in price and can be purchased at: Tickets
  • Roar into the weekend with L.A. Zoo’s final installment of their summer concert series Roaring Nights. Guest 21 and up are invited on a exploration of art, music and wildlife . All happening as an after-hours adventure through the landmark Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. There’s everything to offer from unique animal interactions, crafted cocktails and favorite food trucks. 6pm-10:30pm. Tickets are $21 and can be purchased in person or online at: Tickets
Saturday Sept. 15th
Nautica Malibu Triathlon
Nautica Malibu Triathlon
  • Humor yourself at Don’t Tell Comedy‘s secret pop-up show in the heart of Hollywood at 8pm. Featuring a mix of celebrity headliners, that in the past has included comedians like Ali Wong and Iliza Shlesinger.  A sure way to spice up your weekend. The lineup is a secret to attendees until the show starts. But this 200th installment of laughter for a cause is likely to bring a range of surprises and special guest. Location is revealed via email at noon the day of the show and tickets ranging in price can be purchased at: Tickets
  • In celebration of its 40th anniversary Galerie Michael will have amongst it’s walls a plethora of works by modernist pioneer Marc Chagall. Glance at pieces ranging from color etchings to lithographs by the famed artist. All of which have yet to be seen by the public eye. Admission is free and the exhibit is located in the Golden Triangle on 224 N. Rodeo Dr. M-Sa 10a-7p; Su 11a-5p.
  • For the early athletic birds, the 32nd annual Nautica Triathalon returns to Zuma beach in Malibu at 7am with registration beginning at 5am. Athletes, celebrities, and philanthropists are among those who turn out to swim, bike and run.  All proceeds going to benefit the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles pediatric cancer research program. Truly a great experience for the entire family! This two-day event even includes a Nautica Kids Run and Tot trot. For information on registration and prices go to: More info
Sunday Sept. 16th
L.A. Rams
L.A. Rams
  • Close out your weekend with sounds by America’s most culturally diverse orchestra The Southeast Symphony. Celebrating their final concert of the 2017-18 season, they undertake a grand retrospective and compelling narrative about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his influence on 20th Century America. “Revolution/Resurrection”, will be performed at 6pm in UCLA’s Royce Hall under the baton of Music Director Anthony Parnther with a complimentary post concert reception provided by Urth Caffe. Tickets range in price and can be purchased at: Tickets
  • Bringing relevant laughter to the conversation, SNL Alum Alison Sweeney debuts her one woman show I, AS WELL . With a focus on the movements of the modern era, Sweeney aims to reflect through her own humorous stories, jokes, and musings. As an actress, comedian and author best known for her time on Saturday Night Live, she returns to her comedic roots at The Groundlings at 6pm with limited dates through the fall. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at: Tickets
  • With football season kicking off our Los Angeles Rams host the Arizona Cardinals for their 2018 home opener. Spend your afternoon at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum–the only venue to host two Summer Olympics and soon to be a third(hello 2028!)–and watch the Ram’s lead L.A. to NFL victory. Tickets and seating information are available via Ticketmaster at: Tickets