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The glitter, glitz, gleam and glamour of Los Angeles attract millions of visitors and Hollywood hopefuls every year and when the weather is always 75 and sunny, it’s no wonder why. The City of Angels sprawls 465 square miles, complete with beaches, desert, mountains and a diverse array of people and cultures, all lending credence to LA’s distinct culture and charm. But even though the laidback California vibe oozes out of every pore, this city is anything but dull. You’ll have more than enough to do between driving around the Hollywood Hills and Rodeo Drive, hiking some of the best trails in the country and eating at one of the many organic farmer’s markets. A playground for the beautiful and rich, LA has ample fine dining, spa and shopping opportunities, as well as a plethora of cultural institutions, including the Getty Center and LACMA, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. And remember: treat yourself like a star, after all, this is Hollywood, baby.
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Los Angeles County Museum of Art
5909 Wilshire Blvd
Tel. 323.857.6000
www.lacma.org
Years in the making, Phase I of LACMA's Transformation is now a celebrated reality. The Broad Contemporary Art Museum, the BP Grand Entrance, the new modern galleries—all are open for you to experience at the heart of LACMA's twenty-acre, seven-building campus.
The Hollywood Bowl
www.hollywoodbowl.com
The Hollywood Bowl is the largest natural outdoor amphitheater in the United States. The Bowl is a friendly sociable place where Southern Californians gather to picnic and enjoy outstanding music under the stars. Throughout the summer the LA Phil presents the best in jazz, classical, Broadway, and world music, featuring artists that range from Sarah Chang to Diana Krall, John Williams to Pet Shop Boys, and Nancy Wilson to Arcade Fire.
ArcLight Cinemas
6360 West Sunset Blvd.
Tel. 323.464.4226
www.arclightcinemas.com
Catch a movie in LA the way it was meant to be seen: ample legroom, retrospective showings mixed with blockbusters, reserved seating and many more amenities – both in the "black box" and out – make this a more refined and complete movie-going experience.
Bliss Spa
930 Hilgard Ave.
Tel. 323.930.0330
www.blissworld.com
With triple oxygen treatments and carrot-sesame body buffs, Bliss Spa in LA is a treat. Located on the second floor of the W hotel, clients can indulge in brownie buffets, grass-tiled steam showers and manicures with movie showings.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
6000 Santa Monica Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90038
Tel. 323.469.1181
www.hollywoodforever.com
Known as the "resting place for Hollywood’s immortals", Hollywood Forever Cemetery offers a distinctive glimpse into the lives that once were through the celebrity memorials and a LifeStory tribute.
Cinespia
6000 Santa Monica Boulevard
www.cinespia.org
Cinespia may appear like another movie watching venue, but it offers an entirely unique viewing experience. Beginning in May, a society of film enthusiasts comes together to watch classic films outdoors. Bring a picnic dinner and sit under the stars, then stay after the movie for hot spins from the area’s coolest DJs.
Getty Center in Los Angeles & The Getty Villa in Malibu
Getty Center: 1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, California 90049
Getty Villa: 17985 Pacific Coast Highway
Pacific Palisades, California 90272
www.getty.edu
The Getty Center and Getty Villa dedicate themselves to ancient and medieval art, while surrounded by gorgeous views and gardens, that alone, make these collections two must sees during your L.A visit.
Griffith Park
4730 Crystal Springs Drive
Tel. 323.913.4688
www.laparks.org
Although often overlooked as one of the country’s best parks, Los Angeles’ municipal park contains spectacular scenery and activities including horseback riding and golfing. Five times the size of New York City’s Central Park, there is much to discover here on a typical beautiful day in Los Angeles.
Rancho La Brea Tar Pits
5801 Wilshire Blvd.
Tel. 323.934.7243
www.tarpits.org
Indulge your inner paleontologist in the heart of LA. Since 1906, over a million bones have been collected from the pits, including saber-toothed cats, giant sloths, mastodons, dire wolves and other fabulous creatures which met their deaths in these treacherous petroleum sinkholes. Outside you see a baby mastodon stretching its trunk toward a parent sinking into the depths. Inside you see many more creatures—even humans—and learn a lot about this incredible place and time. But, don’t walk the grounds in your best shoes; you could get oil rings.
Architecture Tours L.A.
Tel. 323.464.7868
www.architecturetoursla.com
Led by architectural historian, Laura Massino, these tours demonstrate the beauty, originality, and, occasional eccentricity of Los Angeles architecture. Focusing on specific areas including Hollywood, Silverlake, Beverly Hills, Pasadena and Downtown L.A. these tours celebrate the architecture of LA, ranging from the Walt Disney Concert Hall to homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright to Victorian homes from the 1880s and everything in between.
Farmers Market
6333 West Third Street (at Fairfax Ave.)
Tel. 323.933.9211
www.farmersmarketla.com
Started in 1934, when farmers displayed produce on their trucks' tailgates, The Farmers Market in LA has evolved into more than 70 shops and stalls selling everything from soup to cheese. A melting pot for all types including movie stars who come to hang out or do lunch, the Farmers Market is a place to take a break from the city's usual digs.
Hatfield's
7458 Beverly Blvd.
Tel. 323.935.2977
www.hatfieldsrestaurant.com
The sparsely furnished intimate dining room may be unassuming but the food is certainly not. The menu is as inventive as you'll find at the most sohisticated restaurants in New York, Paris or Barcelona.
Comme Ca
8479 Melrose Avenue
Tel. 323.782.1178
www.commecarestaurant.com
Think classic brasserie food but in a sunny California setting. The steak tartare is exceptional.
BLD
7450 Beverly Blvd.
Tel. 323.930.9744
www.bldrestaurant.com
Breakfast is big in the west and no where is it more evident then here. Try the ricotta blueberry pancakes or the huevos ranchero or indredible eggs Benedict. At night the whole scene changes and so does the menu. Try the Cuban sandwhich (California style).
Canelé
3219 Glendale Blvd.
Tel. 323.666.7133
www.canele-la.com
Nestled in Atwater Village, this neighborhood spot is quickly drawing big attention across Los Angeles. With its chic Bohemian charm and relaxed ambiance, Canelé offers a great dining atmosphere that serves up refreshing Mediterranean cuisine. Chef and co-owner Corina Weibel takes her experience from Campanile and Lucques and has opened her dream restaurant with a to-die-for dinner (and now brunch!) menu. The beef bourgignon and the salt-roasted branzino are crowd favorites. Even though the vibe is laidback, the food and service at Canelé are top notch.
Cut
9500 Wilshire Boulevard
Tel. 310.276.8500
www.wolfgangpuck.com
Located in the Four Seasons and designed by Richard Meier, Cut delivers an unforgettable dining experience. The Wagyu beef is fantastic. After the prime rib dinner, stay for a cocktail at the “ultra lounge.” Designed by Richard Meier.
Wilshire
2454 Wilshire Boulevard
Tel. 310.586.1707
www.wilshirerestaurant.com
New American cuisine is in good shape thanks to the freshest, seasonal organic vegetables used at the Wilshire. It’s a neighborhood restaurant that supports local organic produce; but the taste and sophistication is world class. Entrees like acorn squash, risotto and organic pork chops lend this wooded restaurant an unpretentious, West Coast dining vibe.
Katsuya
11777 San Vicente Boulevard
Tel. 310.207.8744
www.sbe.com
Made to resemble a bento box, Katsuya was designed by the Parisian Philippe Starck, who incorporates giant close-ups of a hand, lips and a dragon to accentuate the space. Starck claims these are symbols of humanity. The angular elegance of the restaurant is purposely minimal so as not to supersede the cuisine.
Lucques
8474 Melrose Ave
Tel. 323.655.6277
www.lucques.com
This converted carriage house, once the abode of famed silent film star Harold Lloyd, has a sleek California ski lodge feel. Red meat is the kitchen's strong suit; try braised beef short ribs with onions and horseradish cream or flavorful bone-in grilled club steak for two. It’s soulful, satisfying Mediterranean-inspired food. Make reservations for the weekly “Sunday Supper” prix-fixe dinner, which includes three courses for $35.
Benley: A Vietnamese Kitchen
8191 E. Wardlow Road
Tel. 562.596.8130
This minimalist Vietnamese café succeeds due to a talented team of close-knit chefs. Kim Tran and Nguyet Nguyen prepare Vietnamese classics, and Kim's nephew Phuong Tran incorporates the French techniques he learned at Campanile. Appetizers include textbook spring rolls served with chili-dabbed hoisin sauce. Dishes include pan-seared salmon topped with cilantro aïoli and flash-fried salted shrimps with soybean oil and ginger strands. There’s no wine list and no bar, so plan to bring alcohol to restaurant.
Mélisse
1104 Wilshire Boulevard
Tel. 310.395.0881
www.melisse.com
Owner-chef Josiah Citrin created this restaurant to emphasize traditional French cuisine. Entrées range from duck à l'orange made with blood oranges to sweetbreads in a wonderful Juranon reduction. Those who take dining out very seriously should consider one of the pricey but satisfying multi-course tasting menus. Mélisse is elegant without feeling particularly stuffy. Zagat gave Melisse a number one top food award for the LA area in 2006 plus its number one wine list designation.
Mozza (La Brea & Miracle Mile)
641 N. Highland Ave.
Tel. 323.297.0101
www.mozza-la.com
Pizzeria Mozza isn't just a restaurant. It's an action film, a master class in the art of making pizza, a trip through Italy's wine regions and a magnet for a diverse crowd of hungry diners only Los Angeles could muster. It's the toughest reservation in town and Nancy Silverton & Mario Batali’s latest eaterie certainly lives up to the hype. This is pizza for epicureans- forget Pzza Hut, Mozza’s offerings are light, crispy and creative just like you get in Italy; wash ‘em down with a gorgeous Italian red wine .
Hamasaku
11043 Santa Monica Blvd
Tel. 310.479.7636
www.hamasakula.com
Unlike Matsuhisa's Beverly Hills restaurant, HamaSaku is quiet enough for conversation. It's also discreet. That may be why you notice more than one famous face emerge from the semiprivate room just off the sushi bar.
A.O.C
8022 W. 3rd St.
Tel. 323.653.6359
www.aocwinebar.com
A.O.C. serves Mediterranean fare, Spanish style. In tapas-sized servings, the A.O.C. staff brings out your orders of gnocchi with lobster, grilled skirt steak or foie gras as they are ready -- slowly allowing your stomach to fill up. It’s a great place for communal dining, especially when you consider the extensive wine list that complements the cuisine.
Osteria Mozza
6602 Melrose Avenue
Tel. 323.297.0100
www.mozza-la.com
This joint venture of Nancy Silverton, Mario Batali and Joseph Bastianich serves up over 20 pasta dishes. Make sure to try the ricotto and egg raviolo. Also have the burrata, a cheese so creamy that it liquifies on the plate. Reservations are absolutely necessary unless you get lucky a greab a stool at the marble topped Mozzarella bar.
Carolina Herrera
8441 Melrose Place
Tel. 323.782.9090
www.carolinaherrera.com
Opened in the summer of 2006, this 3,800 square foot store is haute elegance. Amazing satin cocktail dresses and other eveningwear that beckon the most distinguished shoppers. Contact: T'ien Cheshier, Store Manager.
Le Sanctuaire
2710 Main Street
Tel. 310.581.8999
Think of Jing Tio’s culinary store as a young, high-end version of Williams Sonoma. A magnet for chefs, the store also attracts home cooks from around the world. Look for cutting-edge professional equipment including handmade steak knives and truffle slicers. Call for information about an upcoming chef’s tasting session.
Kitson
115 S Robertson Blvd (Cross Street: 3rd Street)
Tel. 877.706.4379
www.shopkitson.com
This trendsetting LA boutique offers everything from clothing to body care to purses. Carrying a wide line of brands, Kitson is a hotspot, attracting the Hollywood elite and the beautiful people of LA.
Powerline 6
49 Pier Avenue
Tel. 310.374.9004
www.powerline6.com
If you are looking for the perfect skateboard, Powerline 6 is the spot. The unique, vintage look of each skateboard is achieved by exposed wood grain and matte finish, and the white oak and black walnut decks assembled with a tongue and groove technique, lend sturdiness to each board. Each skateboard is a functional piece of art—a perfect gift for enthusiasts.
Paul Smith
8221 Melrose Avenue
Tel. 323.951.4800
With Hollywood in mind, the only West coast Paul Smith boutique is a LA experience. Known for his lacy, embellished frocks, the Paul Smith boutique looks like a beautiful Parisian filmsetting—in a whimsical shade of hot pink. The female and male sections divide the 5,000 square-foot store into two boutiques. This is a destination that a true shopper would not miss.
Active Fitness
1315 Lincoln Blvd.
Tel. 310.434.1400
www.act-fit.com
"Get Active. Get Results" is the slogan of Active Fitness, a high-energy boutique gym from the founder of Equinox and The Sports Club LA. With the biggest names on the personal training circuit, the gym can provide tailor-made personal training during your stay in LA. Setting new standards for boutique gyms over the world, Active Fitness has such amenities as the latest fitness equipment, iPod stereo systems, and cardio equipment with personal televisions, as well as the service one comes to expect from an elite gym.
Beverly Hills Rent-A-Car
Multiple Locations
LAX: 9220 South Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Los Angeles: 8929 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90069
Tel. 800.479.5996
www.bhrentacar.com/exotic-car-rental/exotic-car-rental.html Zip around LA in style by renting from Beverly Hills Rent-A-Car. Offering top of the line cars such as Ferrari, Porsche and Maserati, this is the place to find the exotic car of your dreams.
Babysitter’s Guild
6399 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 812
Tel. 310.837.1800
The Babysitter’s Guild employs approximately fifty professional childcare providers. All are CPR certified and speak fluent English, to ensure the best care for your child.
The Los Angeles Film School
6363 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 500
Tel. 877.952.3456
www.lafilm.com/index.cfm
Preview a student film or take a month-long film course at the Los Angeles Film School. Meet these up-and-coming filmmakers that will provide fresh ideas and concepts to the LA movie and film scene before they become the next big names in Hollywood.
Pilates Blue
4161 McConnell Blvd.
Tel. 310.827.1481
www.pilatesblue.com
Offering training of best of the East and West coasts, Pilates Blue is a staple of the LA fitness scene, maintaining the beautiful, toned bodies of Southern California. Quality private or customized lessons can aid in balance, range of motion and even confidence.
Qantas
Melbourne-Los Angeles and Sydney-Los Angeles
The Qantas A380 is the largest and most technologically advanced aircraft ever built. It’s quieter, more efficient and more powerful than today’s largest jets. Arrive at your destination pampered and well rested.
Contact our travel specialist [email protected] for more details on this amazing new service.
The Edison
108 West 2nd Street, No.101
Tel. 213.613.0000
www.edisondowntown.com
The eclectic crowd that party in this former power plant in downtown L.A. has brought new life to the area. Could this become Studio 54 West? Maybe not, but there is so much going on from 1920's style cabaret dancers who perform 3 times a night to little private velvet curtained areas where one can get better acquainted with their "NBF" that maybe this will become a "Hollywood" version of New York's Jackie 60's club which was hot just before the meatpacking district became fashionable.
Writer's Bar
L'Ermitage Hotel
9291 Burton Way
Tel. 310.278.3344
Sleek and romantic, Writer’s Bar is the perfect get away for couples, for friends looking to reconnect, or for business. Decked with wonderful beige sofas and a warm, inviting fireplace Writer’s Bar has an atmosphere of sophistication. Featuring framed manuscripts on the walls and a garden patio restaurant, get complimentary anchovy puff pastries, toasted Parmesan crackers and curried cashews with your drink.
Nic’s
453 North Canon Drive
Tel. 310.550.5707
www.nicsbeverlyhills.com
Check out the "VodBox", a room kept at meat locker temperatures and rare, beautiful vodkas are held. Patrons who dare to enter are given fur hats and gloves to ward off the cold. While outside at room temperature, movie stars with their martinis wander about.
The Terrace at Sunset Tower Hotel
8358 Sunset Boulevard
Tel. 323.654.7100
www.sunsettowerhotel.com
After a busy day in LA and before the club scene, relax at the Terrace, where you can gaze out into the Hollywood hills and sip cocktails on the top of this landmark hotel. Try out the fish tacos under a canopy of trees.
Social Hollywood
6525 Sunset Boulevard
Tel. 323.462.5222
www.socialhollywood.com
Located next to the Hollywood Athletic Club, Social Hollywood has something for everyone: a private club upstairs for gaming and dining, and a public bar and restaurant downstairs.
Level 3
6801 Hollywood Blvd (N.Highland Ave)
Tel. 323.461.2017
www.level3hollywood.com
Feels like Miami, but it's Miami Hollywood-style, complete with sleek, ultramodern furnishings in vibrant colors. Beds perched on a stage offer some prime spots to see and be seen, or, for more privacy, tables and booths are an additional $200 and the requisite VIP lounge on top of the four bars. Level 3 offers both DJs & live acts.
Spundae at Circus Disco
6655 Santa Monica Boulevard
Tel. 323.462.1291
www.spundae.com
To score a place on the guest list for Saturday DJ club night, visit www.spundae.tribe.net. A 20,000 square-foot techno megaclub, laser light, disco fog, and giant inflatable snowflakes that hang from the ceiling help set the mood, while an endless stream of DJs spin out house music that keeps the crowd of beautiful people, suburbanites and techno-hippies on its feet.
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