Today, WeHo, LA
When I’m asked for recommendations in any city, it turns into a full 3-day itinerary and a blog post. Flashback. Years ago, when apps were new, imagine that, pre-app life. I partnered with a company that provided an app platform. My app was Live Local. I broke down multiple vacation destinations and included places to eat, stay, cocktail, and coffee, including highlights and things to experience and do.
Recently, I was out to dinner with a childhood friend who asked for restaurant recommendations in West Hollywood. She actually lives in Calabasas, which is actually in LA, but West Hollywood is about an hour away on a good day sans traffic, and I wasn’t familiar with where to sip, stay, and play as a guest in my home away from home.
Here are a few of my favorite West Hollywood and LA hot spots. Note: I don’t pay that much attention to the food (I know that’s odd); I’m all about design, energy, and ambiance first. However, I am sure the food is good too.
Thursday, or your first night.
Dinner @Olivetta, located down from the infamous celebrity hangout, Craigs LA, Olivetta is an elegant space, a designer’s paradise. It can’t be taken all in, in a single sitting. The patterns, the textures, the way they mix and match, and each room is something quite unique. Translation: you must go back multiple times and dine in various rooms, even at different tables and booths, each offering a new outlook.
After dinner, head up to Santa Monica Blvd for dessert @Bottega Louie, although an Italian cafe, it is perfect for a late evening pastry or dessert. The colorful display of macaroons is certainly instagramable!
Start your Friday in LA at one of the Korean Spas. WiSpa, Olympic Spa, or my favorite SPA LA in the heart of Koreatown. Before or after your spa treatments, brunch at Openaire, amid the twinkling greenhouse of the Line Hotel patio, where seasonal California fare awaits. Native Angeleno, surfer, and two-Michelin-starred chef Josiah Citrin serves a culinary vision built around California’s bounty from land and sea at Openaire. The menu embraces each season and reflects the melting-pot culture of LA.
Take a break shopping at N Robertson, then get ready for dinner @
Laurel Hardware, and if dancing is of interest, there’s nothing like a gay bar, and that’s
The Abbey.
Saturday Night –
Merois @Pendry West Hollywood on Sunset. Enjoy the magnificent views of downtown LA. Begin your journey with a martini in the striped pattern bar with subway tiled wall, this lounge brings me back to Miami, bold, elegant, and colorful. This art deco lounge is filled with beautiful, bold colors of blues and greens, appointed with palms. Then move from the open-air bar into the dining room and experience another extraordinary Wolfgang Puck menu.
Sunday Brunch @
The Henry, from coffee to cocktails, the greatest neighborhood restaurant definitely my favorite anytime of day. I meet friends for coffee, work at one of the high tables, dine for lunch, happy hour, and dinner. Not many places can say they offer something for every time of day. My only complaint they don’t open early enough.
Or opt for old school and always popular, The Ivy across the street, or the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Want more Shop Rodeo Drive, Sunset to Melrose, 3rd and Beverly Drive
Hike Runyon or Wattles Canyon
Beware Of
Workout, Box, Cycle, Spin, or
Meander through the Museum of Modern Art in Downtown LA
walk down Melrose or just around town, the streets are filled with art and art galleries
Need a hotel recommendation? Stay Kimpton La Peer, in the heart of WeHo, or on Sunset @ the Pendry WeHo or the Mondrian next door.
Interested in touring homes, reach out and book an appointment. For a list of Open Homes, shoot me an email at
[email protected].
Whether I am working out, hiking, working at a cafe, hotel in or at home, visiting with friends, sitting in a cafe, people watching our touring and showing homes, LA is where I find and redefine what inspires me. I hope you enjoy this journey.
