In 2012 Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice, California was deemed the coolest block in America. During my almost 8 years in LA, Abbot Kinney has turned into a mecca of the hottest boutiques where one can find unique high end products that are not mass produced. Many of these cool one-of-a-kind American finds often come to LA from NY or come to life right here … Continue reading Patties and Pies at Three Square Cafe
Founded in the 1880s as a temperance colony, Lompoc was originally conceived as a booze-free utopia. (Note: this is not to be confused with a free-booze utopia, which, I’m sorry to say, is not a real thing). William Hollister, a wealthy rancher who was once considered the state’s largest producer of wool was interested in cheap labor and clean sobriety. Today, wages are still low … Continue reading Escape LA: Lompoc, a Santa Barbara city
It’s amazing sometimes how simple the best things can be. We get so overwhelmed with choices and options these days that we forget or miss out on the good stuff. Personally I get paralyzed by indecision sometimes in doing the daily task of choosing a place to eat. Being in LA, I, like most people around here, tend to be very health conscious. When I say … Continue reading Mainland Poke – Casual Healthy Dining
Every once in a while, a food writer comes across a restaurant concept that seems to have all of the intangibles necessary to be a mega-hit. It is a glimpse into the future. I won’t be the least bit surprised if in a few years, there are fast-casual poké chains in every neighborhood in L.A. and expanding across the country. And, to some degree, those … Continue reading From Hawaii with Love
“This is not ‘Nam. This is bowling. There are rules.” — Walter Sobchack, The Big Lebowski There used to be rules to bowling, anyway: cigarette smoke, fluorescent lighting, off-brand beers, country music jukeboxes, pederasts and women named “Flo.” Times have changed. Well, not really. But at Bowlero in Mar Vista, they really have. Bowlero is the newest concept in bowling. And while it’s been a … Continue reading High Rollers in Mar Vista
“It’s completely out of your hands,” proprietor Mark Reynolds of Torrance’s Jolly Oyster Market says about the travails of mollusk farming. And yet Reynolds’ hands are scarred by cuts acquired from years of oyster shucking. These are the same hands that were once defined by the manicured digits of a high-finance banker. The African-born Englishman, who had spent time working in Dubai and Hong Kong, … Continue reading The Oyster Will Be Your World
Out in Burbank, California above Griffith Park the Calamigos Ranch at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center was buzzing this past Saturday night for the New Horizons “Havana Nights” Gala Fundraiser. Guests mingled in the garden courtyard over cocktails and silent auction items while posing for photos with their favorite actors. Charming and dashing Brant Daugherty, of ABC’s hit show, Pretty Little Liars, hosted the gala, while gorgeous Torrey DeVitto, also from Pretty … Continue reading New Horizons Gala 2015
The newly opened French brasserie Terrine with a pig painted on its white facade lets you know you have found the restaurant on Beverly Blvd. This restaurant with its unassuming exterior has been my go-to brunch spot to dine solo for many reasons. 1) No one bothers me at the bar and I can read in peace. 2) The coffee is perfect. 3) When I … Continue reading Dine and Swine at Terrine
After enjoying an incredible food and wine pairing at Petrossian West Hollywood just a stone’s throw from my pad, it was time to explore the much anticipated Caviar 301 Menu. This actual caviar tasting menu leads guests through a tasting of some of Petrossian’s most expensive caviar along with an caviar infused seven course meal (with two expensive cocktails of your choice included). We are … Continue reading Caviar Dreams at Petrossian
As Earth Day draws upon us, Kiehl’s on Montana in Santa Monica turned into a private event to unveil the environmental partnership with actors Elizabeth Olsen and Maggie Q. To help save the world, their new Limited Edition Label Art Collection of Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, will benefit Recycle Across America. A hundred percent of the net profits, up to $50,000 will be used to create 65,000 recycling labels … Continue reading Kiehl’s supports Recycle Across America
lalascoop.com 