Paparazzi-worthy plates (without platitudes) at Angelini Osteria

March 5, 2010

LOS ANGELES, USA – In trendy corners of Los Angeles, stepping out in layers (tunic top, boyfriend cardigan, infinity scarf) is the essence of chic. But at Angelini Osteria, the only layers that really matter are the ones in the to-die-for lasagna verde (spinach pasta, beef and veal ragu, and… (more)

High-tech wine, low-tech food at Vinoteque on Melrose

March 1, 2010

LOS ANGELES, USA – I discovered Vinoteque, a newish wine bistro on trendy Melrose, on a recent first date. The date turned out to be not-so-inspiring, but Vinoteque utterly seduced me. For years, the restaurants nestled amongst the fashion boutiques on these blocks left something to be desired. They were… (more)

Supremely Caffeinated at Intelligentsia

February 27, 2010

VENICE, USA – Yesterday we mentioned Stumptown’s delicious brew. Today, we tackle another brewmaster familiar to coffee connoisseurs everywhere: Intelligentsia. Coffee and its purveyors in the urban landscape have long been associated with the intellectually and culturally elite (the intelligentsia, if you will). It was only a matter of time,… (more)

Sprawling, L.A. style, at the Argyle Salon & Spa

February 22, 2010

LOS ANGELES, USA – Detractors who claim Los Angeles isn’t a “real” city often attribute its falseness to its sprawl. Without the lack of one true city center, it’s been described as a collection of suburbs sewn together with a spider web of freeways. It’s the sprawl that keeps people… (more)

A secret hideout in Koreatown at Hwa Sun Ji (shhhhhh…)

February 19, 2010

LOS ANGELES, USA – There’s always something oxymoronic about revealing a city’s best-kept secrets. On the one hand, the fact that a spot is both awesome and only frequented by those in-the-know warrants its mention. On the other hand, if you mention it, well then… it’s no longer a secret.… (more)

Rock ‘n’ Ramsay at The London West Hollywood

February 15, 2010

LOS ANGELES, USA – Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip has long been a place to rock. With iconic clubs like the Viper Room, the Troubadour, and the Whisky a Go Go, there’s a serious history of screaming guitars and big hair up on the Boulevard. Just because I’ve outgrown my Jon… (more)

London dreams in La-La Land at Bricks & Scones

February 1, 2010

LOS ANGELES, USA – Sticks and stones may break my bones…but Bricks & Scones is my new favorite coffee spot in LA. After arriving in Larchmont Village last fall, the café has quickly become the kind of place where the freelance crowd returns day after day, claiming regular tables as… (more)

Honeyed haircuts and dulcet cupcakes in Silverlake

November 28, 2009

LOS ANGELES, USA – Swung by The Hive today for a much-needed haircut. This boutique salon in a hip pocket of Silver Lake has been creating a lot of “buzz” since its opening a year ago. The owner is stylist Lissa Renn, who made last year’s Los Angeles magazine “Best… (more)

48 hours in LA (or how I ate my way into a bigger pants size in just two days)

August 9, 2009

LOS ANGELES, USA – To celebrate Emily’s birthday (turned 21 again this year), a couple of other voyage worthy friends and I boarded planes from the east coast and traveled our way across the country to Los Angeles to rub elbows with the rich and famous. After arriving at LAX,… (more)

Purple Spotting: Vince Vaughn in Venice

August 3, 2009

VENICE, USA – Our esteemed Guest Blogger, LittleTravelBugger, had the sighting of the trip: Vince Vaughn brunching on the terrace of 3 Square Cafe and Bakery, just enjoying Sunday morning with friends. 3 Square Cafe and Bakery 1121 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA (1) 310-399-6504 Website Map LittleTravelBugger contributed to… (more)