Category Archives: los angeles
My little sister Maggie had an extended stay/internship with me recently, and although we worked very hard and didn’t have much time to play, I still endeavored to introduce her to all of my favorite Los Angeles haunts. One particular Saturday morning we had to awaken quite early to do the delivery and installation of an event for one of my celebrity clients, and afterwards we were famished. So we found ourselves at one of my all-time favorite brunch spots, Bottega Louie.
Maggie had purchased her hat at Goorin Bros. the night before (I’ll leave hats for another post- but I’m obsessed!), and she looked darling and so cheerful despite the amount of work she had to do. I can, however, venture to say that it is highly unlikely she will be going into a career in floral design or the wedding industry. 
Bottega Louie is a favorite of mine because it really does feel like stepping into a parisian restaurant. It’s the closest experience I’ve had (stateside) to Laduree, — and while it would be blasphemy to actually compare it to Laduree, it’s still a charming spot with a very parisian vibe.
The coffee is always perfection, and the lemon ricotta pancakes or salmon benedict are just a few of the delicious menu choices for brunch.
But of course, the crowning glory, the element you cannot leave with out…. French Macarons, of course! They melt in your month. They are utterly delicious. They are…. heaven.
And bringing a pretty box of macarons to share with friends? Well, between Maggie & myself and our friends John & Paul, we managed to consume a dozen macarons with amazing speed, while still relishing every wonderful, unusual flavor.
Bottega Louie
700 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90017
213.802.1470
Hours: 10:30a-11p M-F, 9a-11p S-Su
A new ice-cream shop has opened in my favorite neighborhood, Los Feliz Village. When I lived one block away from this little strip, I spent time every single day on Vermont- eating, watching movies, browsing the bookstore, and picking up my mail. I still maintain a post office box at the Los Feliz station, but now I only visit it every week or two. It was on a recent trip to the post office that I noticed the Paradis Ice Cream shop (where a Pinkberry used to be- hmmm?), and when my {lovah} and I had an ice cream craving shortly thereafter, we decided to drop by Paradis to give it a try!
While I’m usually partial to gelato, this ice cream was smooth and creamy and utterly delicious. There was a nice array of flavors, and I tried several of them before settling on Hazelnut. Mmmmmmm. Two thumbs up!
Paradis
Fresh Ice Cream Made Daily
1726 N. Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
818-248-1004
Hours: 12-10 M-Th, 12-11 F-Sa, 12-10 Su
Just a couple weeks ago, a sweet new coffee shop popped up on my street, just three blocks away! My friend Bonnie alerted me to the opening of Broome St General, she never fails to know what’s new and happening in L.A.! I’ve now been to Broome St at least half a dozen times, but here are a few photos from a recent birthday luncheon I shared there with my girls Bonnie, Summer and Megan…
Summer always looks so breezy and cool. She has the most impeccable style. And her styling obviously extends to gift wrapping, as well.
Broome St General Store is first and foremost a coffee shop. But they also have delicious sandwiches and salads and other yummy munchies, brought in from Heirloom L.A. and other local vendors. The first time I was there, I saw a Lavender Hot Chocolate made for a customer. So the next time I went in for a morning coffee, I asked if they could make me a Lavender Coffee (I am a lavender fiend!!!). Voila! Lavender Mocha. TO DIE FOR. They also have a darling collection of well-curated items for the home and kitchen.
Megan looks so posh in her bright pink lipstick. Hot stuff! And Bonnie is always so serene and lovely. I seriously love these ladies so much. They are incredible friends and tremendous “office-mates.” We keep each other sane as small, creative business owners.
Broome St. General Store
2912 Rowena Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90039
323-570-0405
Hours: 8-8 M-Sa, 9-6 Su
{lovah} and I recently stopped for a weekend lunch at simplethings, a sandwich & pie shop on Third Street. {lovah} ate a Thanksgiving sandwich (turkey, cranberries & all the fixings) and declared that it was very good indeed.
I opted for a Steak & Lager Pie, which was mouth-wateringly delicious. It was perfectly seasoned and was accompanied by arugula greens in a balsamic vinaigrette. Delish! Because we were headed to a party that evening, we also got nine little mini pies to go…
The flavors ranged from Salted Caramel (my current favorite) to Sour Cherry to Banana Creme to Lemon… and on. They were the cutest little miniature pies you’ve ever seen, and scrumptious to boot!
Also, I’m a sucker for good branding + packaging, so simplethings has won my heart! If you’re in the area, check it out!
simplethings
Sandwich & Pie Shop
8310 W. 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
323-592-3390
Hours: 11-9 M-Th, 11-10 F, 9-10 Sa, 9-9 Su
Despite this past weekend being incredibly busy, I took some time to see a fashion exhibit at the LACMA with friends. The exhibit closes on March 27th, and it was fabulous in every way, so I want to encourage all of my local readers to pop in and see it this week! If you are a history buff, a costume junkie, an Anglophile, or an artist or designer of any kind, this exhibit is an absolute must-see. It is Fashioning Fashion: European Dress in Detail, 1700-1915. Here are a few detail shots that I snapped with my phone:
Although I have several times pursued the costume & fashion exhibits at The Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Museum of Costume in Bath, I found myself again in complete awe of the fashions of yesteryear. The detail that went into the design and construction of these garments is absolutely mind-boggling, especially when you consider that every single little stitch was made by hand!
My favorite era in fashion is undoubtedly the regency era, and I was thrilled to see about half a dozen glorious gowns featuring the classic empire-waist and puffed sleeves. There were white muslins such as Josephine Bonaparte wore, ball gowns grand enough for the Bingley sisters, and this sweet yellow and lace number that seems perfect for the unassuming Jane Austen, herself!
Everything about this exhibition is brilliant: brilliant curation, brilliant styling, brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. What are you waiting for? Go now!!!
Fashioning Fashion: European Dress in Detail, 1700-1915
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
5905 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-857-600
Hours: 12-8 M/T/Th, Closed Wed, 12-9 Fri, 11-8 S/S
