Author: Melissa Curtin

As a freelance travel and food writer, Melissa's articles have been published in Lonely Planet, Fodor's, USA Today 10Best, MSN, JohnnyJet, AAA World Magazine, Zagat Stories, Roadtrippers, Canadian Traveller, Business Insider, MoneyInc, Resident Magazine (NYC), JohnnyJet, Heart of the Hotel, World Footprints, and many more. Some of her favorite travel articles can be found in Darling Magazine. She also writes for local print magazines such as SoCal Life Magazine, Where Traveler LA, Malibu Coast Lifestyle Magazine, Conejo Valley Lifestyle Magazine, LA Travel Magazine, and LA Downtowner. Her love of adventure and learning was fueled while traveling around the world at age 20 on Semester at Sea. She received a Master's degree in Education, taught in England on a Fulbright scholarship, and has been an educator for over 20 years. For over a decade, she worked with families in the Los Angeles area to help students achieve their learning goals. For the last year she has gained PRO status as a travel advisor with Fora where she book clients dream trips - from cruises to VIP-ing hotel stays. After growing up in Connecticut and a decade in Washington, DC, west coast living has won her over. Living in California for the last 16 years has brought Melissa so much joy - thus why LaLaScoop was born. A desire to cover and discover the Best of LA became a shared passion that expanded to numerous guest writers bringing the 'LaLaScoop. Besides writing and helping children love learning, Melissa spends her free time seeking out the next adventure, savoring the Malibu coastline, and looking for unique finds for her new Palm Springs home. Follow her travels on @lalascoop or contact her at Melissa@lalascoop.com. Discover your next adventure -https://linktr.ee/MelissaCurtinMcDavitt
mmm...tasty

Nuit Blanche – Step into the 1920’s for a night you won’t forget

As soon as you arrive, you feel like you have been transported to an episode of Boardwalk Empire. A magician awaits, a sketch artist may draw you as you sip your Absinthe, and dancers or character actors are entwined throughout the night engaging and tantalizing guests with song, Prohibition-era style dancing, and saucy outfits. Could you be in the Pigalle in Paris in the 1920’s? … Continue reading Nuit Blanche – Step into the 1920’s for a night you won’t forget

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jet away, mmm...tasty, primp&pamper, topFAVs

Find your Catalina Island Adventure

Where else can you view dolphins and whales from the Catalina Express ferry, zip over a rugged canyon at 30 mph, explore the pristine and untouched wilderness in an open-air biofuel Hummer, and learn about the brilliant solar system at night on top of a vista, all in one day? Catalina Island! In 1958 the pop band The Four Preps sang, “just 26 miles across … Continue reading Find your Catalina Island Adventure

Unknown's avatarMelissa Curtin1 Comment
flair, juicy pop

Nordstrom Local Inaugural Oscar Viewing Party for influencers and fashion insiders

Valet took my car and champagne greeted me as I sashayed in heels into the very first Nordstrom Local, located on the corner of one of my favorite streets, Melrose Place in West Hollywood. I tossed my Malibu flipflops aside early that afternoon to meet my friends to watch the Oscar’s at NORDSTROM LOCAL’s first ever viewing party. The private event produced by A-List Communications served … Continue reading Nordstrom Local Inaugural Oscar Viewing Party for influencers and fashion insiders

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juicy pop

Lucha VaVoom brings nonstop laughs

We did not know what to expect when we arrived at the historic Mayan Theater in downtown LA the day after Valentine’s Day for Lucha Vavoom. The mystery behind it all had us intrigued, especially since the sold-out show was created in Los Angeles. Lucha Vavooooooom did not disappoint. We laughed so hard, we almost cried. The lewdness, the bravado, the wild insanity of it … Continue reading Lucha VaVoom brings nonstop laughs

Unknown's avatarMelissa Curtin1 Comment
mmm...tasty

Hello Franciacorta, Goodbye champagne flutes

In laid-back Venice, California, a group of Los Angeles tastemakers and wine and food lovers gathered for a special Ca’ del Bosco wine tasting lunch with the founder himself, Maurizio Zanella who was in town from Italy. The conversation over a carefully crafted meal from Crateful Catering swiftly turned to “Why does anyone use flutes anymore?” Sampling fresh crisp bubbly, a Ca’ del Bosco Cuvee Prestige MV with … Continue reading Hello Franciacorta, Goodbye champagne flutes

Unknown's avatarMelissa CurtinLeave a comment
primp&pamper, topFAVs

Cosmetics Can Damage Your Skin

Few women will want to eschew the use of cosmetics, particularly because they are advertised so widely, and we are told that we simply do not look good without ‘putting on a face’. It has been estimated that the average woman in America spends nearly $3,000 on makeup yearly – a considerable sum. When this much money is being spent on cosmetics, you will definitely … Continue reading Cosmetics Can Damage Your Skin

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mmm...tasty

The Pikey, your Hollywood pub

One of the best Thanksgiving dinners I experienced in LA was at The Pikey in the heart of Hollywood. No family and no plans found me in 2013 at my nearby U.K-style gastropub curious to sample their Thanksgiving feast, a generous plate of fancy vegetables, stuffing, potatoes, and a gigantic turkey leg.  It did not disappoint, nor does any night you visit for their cocktails … Continue reading The Pikey, your Hollywood pub

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mmm...tasty

Sexy Petite Taqueria + Omakase

Another h.wood Group concept has joined the West Hollywood neighborhood and this time not far down the road from the Nice Guy and Poppy. Find h.wood Group’s latest venue on La Cienega, Petite Taqueria. This cozy sexy dark scenester Mexican bar-restaurant is perfect for your next date or girlfriend meet up. There always seems to be someone famous just a table away. The posh restaurant filled … Continue reading Sexy Petite Taqueria + Omakase

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mmm...tasty

Eastern European brunch at Doma Kitchen in Marina del Rey

Doma Kitchen is a multicultural exchange that sits in a nondescript shopping plaza in Marina del Rey. Enjoy weekend brunch served until 4 pm with Eastern European flair. We found an outdoor spot right outside the entrance. Start with the Crunchy Bavarian Garlic Bread, a dark seeded bread stacked like Jenga that comes with a garlic, yogurt, and horseradish dip. Next, share the ricotta pancakes dipped … Continue reading Eastern European brunch at Doma Kitchen in Marina del Rey

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mmm...tasty

CLEO Hollywood expands to WeHo

There is a reason Cleo (SBE Group) in Hollywood with its Mediterranean fare has lasted 7 years at the Redbury Hotel. Now Cleo Mediterraneo can be found on W. 3rd Street at the Orlando Hotel. Cleo brought me back to Morocco, Israel, and Greece, thus why this place is considered Mediterranean food. Cleo is the perfect place to share numerous small dishes called Mezzes, like … Continue reading CLEO Hollywood expands to WeHo

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