2017
DISTRICT BOOK // DTLA T H E I N S I D E R’S G U I D E T O D O W N T O W N L . A .
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ESSENTIAL RULES
FOR FULLY ENJOYING
DTLA
RULE
NO. 1
WALK IT! Welcome to the most walkable neighborhood in L.A. By Elizabeth Turner // Photography by Maximilian Rivera
A
t the heart of a city designed around car culture, Downtown Los Angeles stands out as a walker’s paradise. Boasting a walk score of 94, this patchwork of urban neighborhoods offers a sidewalk-level view of the rich history and dynamic future
of Los Angeles living. For Downtown residents—the number of which has more than tripled since the revitalization boom kicked off in 1999—DTLA is the antidote to L.A. gridlock. According to a 2015 survey by the Downtown Center Business Improvement District, 22 percent of locals live and work here, and 62 percent of that group walk to work every day. Errands are easy to accomplish on foot. And with the city’s mass transit system centered
Model Genevieve Abell (Aston Models) wears fashions by DTLA-based Paper Machine. Read more about Paper Machine designer Natashia Miyazaki in “My Day: Fashion District” on page 98. Styling by Shari St. Jones; makeup by Christine Tirado; hair by Yumi Kotani.
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Downtown, many residents live happily car-free. A longtime stomping ground for artists, DTLA is dense with museums, galleries, theaters and other performance spaces. New shops, restaurants and bars pop up every week, inviting residents and visitors to hit the streets in search of the next great thing.
A MAJOR CROSSROADS In 1924, more than half a million people a day crossed the intersection of 7th Street and Broadway, making it the world’s busiest intersection of the time. To see the evolution of this historic crossroads, turn to page 56.
RULE
NO. 2
EAT, DRINK, REPEAT
So many flavors, so little time. The best of L.A.’s vibrant food scene is on fine display in DTLA. High and low options abound, from taco stands and gourmet food trucks to rooftop bars serving craft cocktails with big city views. Splurge-worthy dining spots include Neal Fraser’s Redbird, situated in the former rectory of Vibiana Cathedral, and Otium at The Broad museum. Rolling with a crew that just can’t decide? Head straight to historic Grand Central Market, a foodie-approved food court where anyone can find his or her heart’s desire. Genevieve samples the strawberry sorbet from Gelateria Uli’s splendid selection of small-batch frozen treats. Necklace, crystal ring and off-the-shoulder Alexa romper, all by Paper Machine. Watch by Komono.
GELATERIA ULI
S p r i n g A r c a d e B u i l d i n g , 5 41 S . S p r i n g S t . , H i s t o r i c C o r e 2 1 3 - 9 0 0 - 4 7 1 7 // g e l a t e r i a u l i . c o m
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D I S T R I C T B O O K // D T L A
RULE
NO. 3
MINGLE!
Say hello to local dogs (and their humans). DTLA is dog-friendly by design. When the 1999 Adaptive Reuse Ordinance spurred the conversion of commercial buildings into lofts, landlords actively courted dog lovers with pet-friendly policies and amenities. Canine companions got residents walking the streets and talking to their neighbors. Join the conversation: Enthusiastic locals know the best spots to explore. Babak Housh, owner of Cleaners LA, dry cleaning and tailoring studio, and his friend Suzzi Stardust take a play break with their bull terrier rescue pups, Axel and Simone.
CLEANERS LA
3 14 E . 8 t h S t . , Fa s h i o n D i s t r i c t // 2 1 3 - 9 1 0 -2 5 2 2 CleanersLA.com
D I S T R I C T B O O K // D T L A
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RULE
NO. 4
FOLLOW THE ART Explore the cultural scene.
With world-class museums (The Broad, MOCA), the galleries of the Arts District and Gallery Row, and head-turning murals around every corner, the visual art vibe is strong in DTLA. For music, theater and dance, fans flock to epic venues such as Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Music Center and the historic Ace Theatre.
MURAL ART BY PETER GRECO AT AMERICAN HOTEL
3 0 3 S . H e w i t t S t . , A r t s D i s t r i c t // 2 1 3 - 5 4 5 - 4 6 9 5 // a m e r i c a n h o t e l l a . c o m
RULE
NO. 5
TIME TRAVEL Feel the history.
Arguably the most beautiful thing about DTLA is its palpable sense of the city’s rich history. Architectural gems include The Bradbury Building at left (1893), with its skylit atrium, cage elevators and Victorian ironwork. The Biltmore Hotel (1923) harks back to the glamorous 1920s, when Broadway was the epicenter of L.A. shopping and nightlife. A few blocks away, the Romanesque Fine Arts Building (1926) originated as a swanky studio/ gallery space for Downtown artists, but became an office building during the Great Depression. And don’t miss what is still considered one of the last great train stations: Union Station (1939), a gorgeous mash-up of Art Deco and Mission Revival styles.
THE BRADBURY BUILDING 3 0 4 S . B r o a d w a y, H i s t o r i c C o r e
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SILVER SCREEN REDUX DTLA’s historic Theater District is making a comeback—70 years after its big breakout. By Lydia Mack
O
n a stretch of Broadway that was once littered with heaps of last night’s empty bottles and flattened cigarette butts, tourists and hipsters cross paths
at the trendy Ace Hotel, housed alongside the iconic United Artists Theatre. A block and a half away, a new marquee shines brightly at the Globe Theatre. Just up the street is the Orpheum Theatre, where plenty of young hopefuls have chased the dream at American Idol auditions. Broadway’s stretch of 12 movie palaces in six blocks makes up the Broadway Theater District. By its heyday in 1931, the district had the highest concentration of cinemas in the world, with seating capacity for more than 15,000 patrons. But after hitting its peak in the 1930s, the Theater District went dark. Architectural masterpieces were buried under wholesale jewelry stores, swap meets and discount electronics. Most auditoriums went decades without seeing people and instead were used for storage. The few theaters lucky enough to make use of their seats were those leased by Spanish-speaking movie venues and churches. But thanks to City Councilman José Huizar’s “Bring Back Broadway,” the Los Angeles Conservancy, the Broadway Theatre Group and the Los Angeles Historic Theatre Foundation, the Theater District is enjoying its moment in the spotlight once again.
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THE THEATRE AT ACE HOTEL
9 2 9 S . B r o a d w a y, Fa s h i o n D i s t r i c t // t h e a t r e . a c e h o t e l . c o m
Rick Astley marks the release of his album 50 with a concert on October 13, 2016. Photography by Peter Neill of Be-Hookd Digital
DRINKS WITH A VIEW Settle in for sunset and watch the lights come up in L.A. from one of these rooftop spots. By Shelley Levitt
W
hen the sun starts going down, head up to one of Downtown’s rooftop bars, where the views are as intoxicating as the crafted cocktails.
The magic hour is especially magical from the vantage point of a penthouse patio, a sky-high pool deck or an aerial urban lounge. Linger for late-night eats—anything from burgers to bánh mì—and you’ll discover the secret that birds have long known: The panoramic vista of Bunker Hill, Pershing Square and the neighborhood’s Art Deco towers is well
LOOK PHOTOS/ALAMY STOCK PHOTOS
worth some extra flight time before returning to the nest.
THE ROOFTOP AT THE STANDARD
5 5 0 S . F l o w e r St . , F i n a n c ia l D is t r i c t // 2 1 3 - 8 92- 8 0 8 0 // s t a n d a r d h o te l s .co m
You can nibble on pretzels, wieners, strudel and beer from the Biergarten. Or settle into a waterbed pod with your favorite book or sweetie. Either way, the views are spectacular. A DJ spins every night.
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STYLE SQUAD Pocket Square Clothing has given menswear a bold punch of expression and DTLA trendsetters show how to make it personal. By Kathy Nenneker // Photography by Allen Daniel
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here’s a fashionable orbit around the L.A.-based menswear accessories company founded in 2011 by Andrew Cheung and Rodolpho Ramirez. Their
philosophy on style, that dressing out of the box is the new normal, has attracted a diverse following to Pocket Square Clothing that includes corporate CEOs, directors, artists, musicians and athletes, all looking to personalize the traditional menswear uniform. “Accessories are the one place where men can really experiment with their wardrobes,” Ramirez says about the locally made line that includes ties, socks, lapel pins, tie bars and pocket squares, all pieces that “offer a way for men to express their own personal style.” The partners met in college, where Cheung majored in business and Ramirez in architecture, and both are the sons of firstgeneration immigrants. “Our moms were seamstresses; we learned to sew from them. In the beginning, we were making every single piece in our line,” Ramirez says of their start. After operating a series of pop-up shops throughout L.A. in 2016, they opened their Downtown flagship, where they also offer custom suiting available in more than 1,000 fabrics alongside furniture designed by Ramirez. About their home base, Ramirez says, “We’re influenced by the culture and identity of Downtown, which is so mixed. We’re very much informed by the community around us.”
POCKET SQUARE CLOTHING 205 W. 7th St., Historic Core // pocketsquareclothing.com
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Lim at work in 2015 on a large mural, Astronaut, in Atascadero, California.
VISION QUEST Best known for his large-scale blackand-white paintings, artist-photographerdirector Tommii Lim is DTLA’s answer to the modern Renaissance man, doing it all with bold simplicity. By Elizabeth Turner
F
or artist-photographer-director Tommii Lim, DTLA is the nexus of simple living and creative inspiration. The L.A. native took up residence
on Spring Street in 2008, before it became the hub of Downtown nightlife. “I loved it right away,” says Lim. “It was a little bit more raw then. I met all different sorts of people—a lot of them are my friends to this day.” As Downtown flourished, so did Lim’s creative output. But it all came to a standstill in 2010, when an accident threatened the loss of his right eye. The injury required a year of painstaking recovery before doctors could do a corneal transplant. Then, with a newly installed cadaver’s cornea and 24 stitches in his eyeball, Lim faced another full year of recovery, persistent double vision and depression. “For two years I couldn’t make any artwork. It was a big ordeal,” he says. “But it was good for me to step back and take a break. I started appreciating my friends, my family. It sounds cheesy, but it just made me appreciate the world.”
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DÉJÀ VU A flashback to some of the iconic street corners and historic moments that are reflected in the current resurgence of DTLA. By Poul Lange
B
ustling sidewalks jammed with pedestrians, cla nging streetca rs a nd schools of bicycles cr owd i n g t he a s ph a lt . T went y-fou r -hou r
businesses and scores of restaurants and theaters packed with well-dressed Angelenos. A municipal rail system bigger than that of New York City. It might sound like a Los Angeles city planner’s fantasy, but it was a reality in L.A. in the 1920s and ’30s, when Downtown was the booming heart of the metropolis. With over 1,100 miles of rail connecting Downtown with the surrounding counties, and thousands of jobs in the banks and financial institutions along South Spring Street and in the stores of the Jewelry District, the area was in constant movement. A burgeoning entertainment center showcased the celluloid dreams created a couple of miles north in Hollywood. Grand hotels shot up, and Bunker Hill thrived as a wealthy residential neighborhood, full of elegant Victorian mansions. The funicular, Angels Flight Railway, had been in place since 1901, ferrying passengers up Bunker Hill, and in 1939, Union Station opened, effectively connecting Downtown with the rest of the country. Of course, cars were part of the picture, too. Lots of them. And the automobile eventually came to play an important role in the demise of Downtown. With the development of the Los Angeles freeway system after World War II, residents and corporations moved to the suburbs
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In 1946, moviegoers had a choice between the western The Outlaw, featuring Jane Russell, and the romantic comedy Tomorrow Is Forever with Orson Welles and Claudette Colbert. Today, the Rialto’s Art Deco neon marquee heralds the store inside, Urban Outfitters. The Yellow Cars of the Los Angeles Railway were on track in Downtown. The urban rail system opened in 1901, and at its peak of operation it ran 20 streetcar lines and 1,250 trolleys. In 1945, the railway was sold to National City Lines, a company backed by Firestone Tire, Standard Oil of California and General Motors, among others. Predictably, the trolleys were soon replaced by diesel buses, and the last electric rail car was dismantled in 1963. Coming full circle, in 2016 the L.A. City Council approved the first steps to re-establish a streetcar route in Downtown. Herald-Examiner Collection/ Los Angeles Public Library
UNDERGROUND ART Creating a sense of place and reflecting history, the architecture, murals and designs of L.A.’s Metro system make getting around just part of the experience. By Bekah Wright // Photography by Mark Esguerra
L
os Angeles is an expansive city, to say the least. Getting around the metropolis via the L.A. Metro system brings with it many benefits, among
them opportunities to be immersed in art. What Metro commuters realize right away is that this isn’t some humdrum subway—it’s the heartbeat of Los Angeles. When plans for the Metro began back in the 1970s, actor George Takei, who served on the Southern California Rapid Transit District’s board of directors, was adamant about integrating art into the transit experience. The fruition of his efforts can be seen throughout the Metro’s meticulous design, where neighborhood stations represent a sense of place. Indeed, step into the Hollywood/Vine station and artist Gilbert “Magu” Luján’s film reels and “yellow brick road” bring on nostalgia for Hollywood’s film industry. Stars of another kind can be seen at the Vermont/Sunset station, where artist Michael Davis combined medical symbols and celestial orbits, tips of the hat to nearby hospitals and
At the Hollywood/Highland station, artist Sheila Klein’s environment, Underground Girl, is based on the abstracted insides of a woman, forming an architectural pelvis.
Griffith Park Observatory. Not only can travelers take in permanent art installations, but there are temporary exhibitions as well. A current one to catch is the Through the Eyes of Artists… poster series
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TIME MACHINE Three historic venues offer a flashback to a storied past. By Katherine Sullivan
C
ranes dot the Downtown skyline and DTLA buzzes with shiny new luxury developments, but thoughtful redevelopment and creative caretakers
have nurtured back to life some of the city’s most illustrious properties. Stepping into these clubs, restaurants and theaters is like traveling back in time to L.A.’s heady years of speakeasies and underground bars. Also in the mix are locations that successfully mash up then and now, nightclubs that flash with lasers and pulse with EDM in carefully preserved cultural landmarks. In the Art Deco Oviatt building, well-dressed couples at the Cicada Club relive the swing era, dancing to live music in one of Downtown’s most elegant spaces, while blocks away, one of DTLA’s hottest nightclubs, Exchange LA, pulses in the former home of the Pacific Coast Stock Exchange. In the Higgins Building basement, the city’s first power plant has been transformed into The Edison, an Art Deco–inspired nightclub lounge with retro cocktails and live music.
CICADA RESTAURANT AND CLUB 6 1 7 S . O l i v e S t . , F i n a n c i a l D i s t r i c t // c i c a d a r e s t a u r a n t . c o m
On specially scheduled nights the Cicada Club swings with 1920s- and ’30s-style live music and dancing. Cameron McCormick takes in the view of the dance floor from the mezzanine. Photography by Marko Prelic
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LITTLE-BIG BAND LEFT: Phat Cat Swinger performs live
at Cicada, August 2016. RIGHT: Dancers on the floor during the
performance of Phat Cat Swinger. Photography by Marko Prelic
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EXCHANGE LA
618 S. Spring St., Historic Core exchangela.com
DJ Jackal at on stage during a performance, August 2016. Photography by Allen Daniel
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Increase your heart rate and take in spectacular views on the exterior stairways at Walt Disney Concert Hall.
URBAN HIKE Sprint through the concrete canyons of DTLA for a good workout and an up-close view of some of the town’s most popular architectural landmarks. Photography by Ian Spanier
F
or an outdoor training session with great views the stairways, parks and hills of Downtown can easily give Runyon Canyon and Griffith Park a run
for their money. This trek will take you through stainless steel canyons designed by architect Frank Gehry, by a lake that sits atop a parking lot and along the entire length of a railway line. While you probably won’t meet coyotes or rattlesnakes on your metropolitan trek, you might encounter hummingbirds, parrots and Pomeranians.
WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL Most concertgoers head straight into the Frank Gehry–designed home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, but take the stairway on Grand Avenue near 2nd Street to the rooftop Blue Ribbon Garden for a look at another side of the masterpiece. Pause for a breather to enjoy the year-round blooming landscape and the sculpture A Rose for Lilly (see page 94), a fountain designed by Gehry as a tribute to the late Lillian Disney. Then pick the pace back up and run the paths and stairways that wind up the building’s stainless steel-clad exterior.
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CLIFF LIPSON/CBS
Perry works with Joel McHale on the set of the CBS sitcom The Great Indoors.
MY DAY
Blushington
Palihouse
HOLLYWOOD & LARCHMONT Beyond the iconic tourist attractions are charming neighborhoods with trendy shops and innovative restaurants to explore. Celebrity hairstylist Jade Perry shares a few of her favorite places. Photography by Alexander Laurent
J
ade Perry lives a high-pressure Hollywood life, working with clients on film sets, photo shoots and press junkets. To balance out her hectic days on set, she spends time at the spots she loves. “I see the same faces every day,” Perry says. “I frequent the same
shops and restaurants and know everyone by name. We may seem to be wandering around in La La Land, but we look out for one another and we are very attached to our community.”
10:30 A.M. BEAUTY BREAK at BLUSHINGTON 8591 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood // blushington.com
For a glam squad at the ready without the sky-high cost, Perry looks to the pros at this pretty makeup studio and beauty lounge where services include eyelash extensions, brow shaping, glycolic peels and makeup application.
12:30 P.M. LUNCH at PALIHOUSE 8465 Holloway Dr., West Hollywood // palihousewesthollywood.com
The Tower Bar at Sunset Tower Hotel and The Blvd Lounge at the Beverly Wilshire are among Perry’s spots for a glass of sparkling rosé, as is Palihouse with its warm, boho Lobby Lounge. Steps away from the Lobby Lounge is Mardi Restaurant, the European-inspired brasserie where locals while away brunch over polenta baked eggs and bottomless mimosas.
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Larchmont Village Wine, Spirits & Cheese
“The thing I love about Hollywood that I assume most people don’t know is that it is an actual neighborhood.”
2:00 P.M. STYLE STOP at CLARE V. 619 N. Croft Ave., West Hollywood // clarev.com
“I’m a clutch-only type of girl, and Clare V. is the mecca of clutch bags. Her style is Parisienne chic swathed in yummy leathers. I’m obsessed,” says Perry, and style bloggers and editors are, too, making Clare V. simple totes and minimalist clutches a must-have. Clare V.
4:00 P.M. SHOP at LARCHMONT VILLAGE WINE, SPIRITS & CHEESE 223 N. Larchmont Blvd., Larchmont // larchmontvillagewine.com
Clare V. purses on display
“I wish I could live inside,” Perry says. “They have a gorgeous selection of wines from just about everywhere—perfectly curated, very European and hard to find—plus a selection of cookies, crackers, oils, spices and jams. It’s my first stop when planning a dinner party and my go-to when I need a great gift. Ask for Simon or Sergio, they know everything.”
6:00 P.M. LIGHT SUPPER AND DRINKS at SALT’S CURE 1155 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood // saltscure.com
Perry loves the chicken liver mousse at this meat-centric bistro where chefs Chris Phelps and Zak Walters source ingredients grown and raised in California, and butcher and craft their dishes in-house.
MORE TO EXPLORE
HOLLYWOOD / LARCHMONT
BY GRACE JIDOUN
EAT PETIT TROIS
EAT MAMA SHELTER
EAT GWEN
718 Highland Ave., Hollywood 323-468-8916 // petittrois.com
6500 Selma Ave., Hollywood 323-785-6666 // mamashelter.com
6600 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood 323-946-7512 // gwenla.com
The unapologetically classic French fare at this casual restaurant from chef Ludo Lefebvre (of Trois Mec) will transport you to the Left Bank with one bite. The tiny storefront’s no-reservations policy works for spontaneous nights out, so go ahead and satisfy those cravings for pâté de campagne and an aperitif on a whim.
The best way to take in the view of the Hollywood Hills? Head to the stylish rooftop of Mama Shelter, a boutique hotel near the Pantages Theatre, and grab a drink as you gaze at twinkling lights. Sip clever cocktails (the Mama Mia! blends vodka and cherry Life Savers) while working your way though shareable plates of upscale comfort food.
Curtis Stone presides over the Old Hollywood grandeur of this Art Deco–inspired chophouse, where the food is as ambitious as it is personal (he co-owns it with his brother, and they named it after their grandmother). Super-luxe dinners are tastingmenu only, but you can pick up charcuterie to go at the on-site butcher shop.
DRINK 25 DEGREES AND LIBRARY BAR
DRINK LOST PROPERTY BAR
WATCH UCB THEATRE
1704 Vine St., Hollywood 323-987-4445 // lostpropertybar.com
5919 Franklin Ave., Hollywood franklin.ucbtheatre.com
David Lynch could have designed this mysterious lounge on the corner of Hollywood and Vine that’s dark, moody and filled with random knickknacks that you can take home. Creative cocktails and a stellar whiskey selection draw a hip crowd that’s primed to party.
Home to the alternative comedy troupe Upright Citizens Brigade, this is the place to go for smart indie comedy. Stars from Saturday Night Live, Parks and Recreation and Comedy Bang! Bang!—as well as a grab bag of improv students— have all worked their magic on the stage.
DO SHAPE HOUSE
DO HOLLYHOCK HOUSE BARNSDALL ART PARK
SHOP MELROSE PLACE
434 N. Larchmont Blvd., Larchmont // 855-567-2346 shapehouse.com
4800 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood 323-913-4030 // barnsdall.org/ hollyhock-house
North of Melrose Ave. at La Cienega Blvd., Hollywood
Carefully curated goods for all
ABOUT
Burn calories and release
Built by Frank Lloyd Wright in
aspects of your life can be found
Jade Perry recently spent three months working with Donald Glover on his new FX show, Atlanta, all the while juggling private clients in L.A. and working out of Sally Hershberger, the eponymous salon of the highly influential hairstylist. “I constantly find myself meeting and working with people I admired and watched on television when I was younger,” Perry says about her work. “I’ve had dinner with Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta at his house in Brentwood and chatted it up with Adriana Lima backstage at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion show. My hairbrush has taken me from the White House to the tents at Bryant Park to work on every famous lot in Hollywood.”
toxins (and exercise later)
the ’20s, this National Historic
on this three-block stretch in
at this celebrity-favorite
Landmark, perched atop a hill in
West Hollywood. From Compartes
day spa that describes itself
the Barnsdall Art Park, is open
Chocolatier and Alfred Coffee to
as an “urban sweat lodge.”
to the public for self-guided and
boutiques like Chloé and Marc
After relaxing in an infrared
docent-led tours. The textured
Jacobs (don’t forget to check out
sauna bed and, yes, sweating
concrete and glass structure is
the fine art bookshop, BookMarc,
for an hour, guests emerge
a spectacular example of Mayan
across the street), shopping here
renewed and refreshed.
Revival architecture.
has a chic, high-end feel.
Salt’s Cure
THE HOLLYWOOD ROOSEVELT HOTEL
RIGHT: CLIFF LIPSON/CBS
Perry on set with Joel McHale
7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, thehollywoodroosevelt.com
Food and booze go together deliciously at these adjacent hangouts in the historic Roosevelt Hotel. Bordello red walls set a sultry mood at 25 Degrees, where the sirloin burger is the star. For late-night drinks, head to the Library Bar, where cocktails feature seasonal ingredients of your choice.
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Pamela Barish
Gjusta Goods
“I ride most mornings at around 6:30 a.m. It’s the most peaceful and quiet time to get around. I also love going to the marina to the little walkway that follows the harbor and watching the boats come in and go out.”
MY DAY
VENICE With its laid-back surfer vibe and history as an artists’ community, this storied beach town has everything from eclectic shopping streets to vendor-packed boardwalks. Sculptor and painter Kristin Jai Klosterman takes us on a spin through her neighborhood. Photography by Alexander Laurent
A
lthough some locals decry the rapid gentrification taking place as loca l tech giants including Snapchat, Google and Facebook accelerate change,
Venice has retained its surf-culture vibe and hip quotient. The art colony cred is authentic; Jean-Michel Basquiat, Ed Ruscha and Robert Graham (among others) all lived and worked for a time in town. Reflecting on what has drawn so many artists to Venice, Kristin Jai Klosterman says, “I love that I can walk everywhere and that it’s beautiful every day. The light is fantastic. I can work outdoors in the fresh air most days.”
10:30 A.M. START THE DAY at GJUSTA 320 Sunset Ave., Venice // gjusta.com
This popular bakery/deli/café serves good foods made well by chef Travis Lett. The all-day café serves everything from lox hash to smoked brisket bánh mì and, of course, freshly baked breads. Klosterman starts her day here. “I love Gjusta for breakfast. Simple bagels and juice become a perfect meal for the morning.” D I S T R I C T B O O K // D T L A
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Gjusta
Kreation Organic Juices
12:30 P.M. SHOP FOR HOMEY TOUCHES at GJUSTA GOODS
as silk shirred hippie blouses and drawstring pants, Barish
324 Sunset Ave., Venice // gjustagoods.com
is also known for her line of dresses that has earned her a
Housed in a 1930s art studio, the lifestyle boutique from the
loyal celeb following including Anjelica Huston and Dana
Gjusta/Gjelina restaurant team of Travis Lett, Fran Camaj
Delaney. Of the art-lined Main Street boutique, Klosterman
and Shelley Armistead offers contemporary and vintage
says, “It’s Pamela Barish for any elegant clothing I need for
clothing, housewares, books, vinyl, and flowers for loyal fans
fancy parties or formal events.”
who just can’t get enough of the beloved dining spots.
3:00 P.M. POWER INFUSION at KREATION ORGANIC KAFE & JUICERY
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1:30 P.M. RETAIL THERAPY TREAT at PAMELA BARISH
1202 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice // kreationjuice.com
224 Main St., Venice // pamelabarish.com
For a blast of raw, organic pressed juices, Klosterman stops
The founder of this go-to boutique for boho-luxe pieces such
at this juice bar and café that also serves kombuchas, mylks
MORE TO EXPLORE
VENICE / SANTA MONICA
BY GRACE JIDOUN
EAT HUCKLEBERRY
EAT TACOS PUNTA CABRAS
EAT SWEET ROSE CREAMERY
1014 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica 310-451-2311 // huckleberrycafe.com
2311 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica 310-917-2244 // tacospuntacabras.com
826 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica 310-260-2663 // sweetrosecreamery.com
This charming, casual space offers a wide range of comforting baked treats and trendy breakfast dishes (we’re looking at you, organic quinoa with veggies and eggs). Everything is made on-site and highlights seasonal ingredients from local farms. For a sweet snack or a full-on meal, it’s hard to go wrong.
Ask L.A. locals for their favorite taqueria and you’ll get a million answers. Tacos Punta Cabras stands out for its small but mighty menu that highlights a non-GMO, sustainable philosophy. Sip on a tamarind agua fresca while waiting for Baja-style fish tacos or cocteles mixta. Most everything is made in-house.
This artisanal ice creamery does L.A. proud with its handcrafted ice cream made in small batches with organic, seasonal ingredients. You’ll find classic flavors like old-fashioned vanilla and salted caramel, and chef’s picks like guava froyo and sweet potato with salty sesame brittle, depending on what’s in season.
EAT TERRAZZA AT HOTEL CASA DEL MAR
DRINK SHUTTERS ON THE BEACH
DRINK THE CHESTNUT CLUB
1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica 310-581-5533 // hotelcasadelmar.com
Living Room Lounge, 1 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica // 310-587-1707 shuttersonthebeach.com
1348 14th St., Santa Monica 310-393-1348 // thechestnutclubsm.com
Strange Invisible
and smoothies along with salads and wraps—all sourced from local farmers markets.
4:00 P.M. FIND THE PERFECT SCENT at STRANGE INVISIBLE 1138 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice // siperfumes.com
Rosamund Pike and Sophie Dahl are fans of botanical perfumer Alexandra Balahoutis and her line of limited-batch, handblended organic essences, all crafted in-house. The jewel-boxlike boutique is a must-visit for any fragrance connoisseur.
RIGHT: COURTESY KRISTIN JAI KLOSTERMAN
ABOUT Bicoastal artist Kristin Jai Klosterman creates sculptural work in metal and wood and mixed media paintings that deal with energy, environment and movement. Her large-scale metal sculptures can be found in public forums in California, Texas, Tennessee and Minnesota. Since 2006, Klosterman has been collaborating with Venice-based Light and Space artist Laddie John Dill, and has realized numerous monumental sculpture commissions all over the United States.
Just off the lobby of the Hotel Casa del Mar, you’ll find a transporting Mediterranean mecca, down to the blue-tiled floors, whitewashed walls and arched ceilings. But this being SoCal, the real draw is the spectacular view of the Pacific, a perfect setting for digging into Italian-inspired seafood with a craft cocktail in hand.
SHOP LOST & FOUND 2230 Main St. // 310-450-9565 2000 Main St. // 310-450-9782 Santa Monica // lostandfoundshop.com
Japanese Shibori blankets, Ulla Johnson party dresses and Tunisian sandstone dinnerware— it’s all at Lost & Found, a lifestyle boutique founded by designer Jamie Rosenthal in Hollywood. At the two shops (one for fashion, one for home), pick up unique goods from all over the world.
Sink into one of the leather armchairs in front of the fireplace and relax with a nightcap at this cozy lounge in the posh Shutters on the Beach hotel. A view of the ocean and live music keep the mood lighthearted—a relaxing place to settle in for the evening.
SHOP WASTELAND 1330 4th St., Santa Monica 310-395-2620 // shopwasteland.com
Wasteland is the kind of thrift store in which you can’t stop scouring the racks, each time discovering a designer item at rock-bottom price. The ever-changing stock of finds ranges from vintage Chanel and Vivienne Westwood to beat-up leather jackets and chunky platforms.
Santa Monica’s finest cocktails are hiding in this gem across from a car dealership. Serious sippers tout the bespoke whiskey cocktails, but all of the craft drinks here are on point. Exposed brick, low lighting and a glimmering backlit bar create a cool backdrop for sipping and snacking.
DO ANNENBERG COMMUNITY BEACH HOUSE 415 Pacific Coast Hwy. Santa Monica // 310-458-4904 annenbergbeachhouse.com
Reserve parking ahead, then bring a group to take over the lounge chairs at this beachside public pool, once part of the ocean estate built by William Randolph Hearst for Marion Davies. The renovated complex offers a children’s play area, yoga classes, gallery and café.
D I S T R I C T B O O K // D T L A
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