Throw back night.

I have always had a romance with Los Angeles. From the time I saw my first black and white film noir. Cigarette smoking starlets on Hollywood Blvd. Hat wearing gents on the sunset strip. Times may be a tad different, but if you are looking to escape for a night into the sultry past of the city of Angels here are a couple of my favorite spots. Red lips, Black heels and cigarettes are optional.


The Dresden
1760 N Vermont Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 665-4294

My 89 year old Grandmother remembers sipping champagne here hoping to get a glimpse of movie stars. Not much has changed.The Etched glass behind the bar is original art deco. The big fan like white booths will make you feel like you are in a Busby Berkley movie. But just sitting at the bar is really the way to go.If you go after 8 pm you will be privy to seeing the infamous "Marty and Elaine" who have been belting out their own versions of standards since 1979.And after a couple of the perfectly poured martinis, the songs start to sound normal.



Musso and Franks
6667 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 467-7788

In the heart of Hollywood among the cheesy souvenir shops and the tshirt clad tourists , sits an original Hollywood staple, it opened in 1919. With classic decor and Delicious old school food, you can't go wrong. The bartender Ruben will tell you all about Orson Welles while mixing a classic martini or shaking a strong Manhattan. No matter what you drink, by the time you walk back out to the modern world, you will feel a little bit classier.


The Gallery Bar ( Inside The Biltmore Hotel)
506 S Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 612-1562

Downtown is the new Hollywood. Well , its always had its diamonds in the rough. The Biltmore Hotel is my favorite. From romantic weekend getaways. To amazing New years eve. Or simply sitting in the Hotel Gallery Bar. You can't go wrong. Wood and brass adorn the bar and a side sitting room has original art deco fresco's that will take your breath away. Who doesn't like to explore an old hotel...

GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE....

Morning rituals vary for us all. If you are lucky enough to live somewhere like LA , where almost every morning is greeted with blue skies and sunshine, its hard not to treat everyday like a Sunday. Here are some of my favorite morning /afternoon spots.

THE HOOD: Studio City / Sherman Oaks

Aroma Cafe
4360 Tujunga Ave.
Studio City
91604
818-508-6505

Ambiance: Garden decor with a touch of old library.

An obvious favorite and not exactly a secret anymore. The line out the door may deter you, but it usually moves pretty fast. Weekday mornings are always better. Great atmosphere to read and write or chat with a friend. Delicious coffee ( white chocolate mocha is heaven) and unbelievable sweets. The food is pretty good, but a bit over priced for my budget. I recommend splitting the salads and sandos . Great people watching. Also a very special gift/bookstore inside. Fantastic for hard to buy ,last minute gifts. Don't forget to check out the art in the hallway to the bathroom. With monthly art changes , I have seen some really great photography and art in the past.



Pane Dolce
13608 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks CA
91423
818 783-1384

Ambiance: Classic clean coffee shop. Indoor and outdoor seating.

My neighborhood coffee shop. I am always greeted with a smile, and before I can order they start my double soy cappuccino. They have great drip coffee. Strong but not bitter. Try to make it before 12 for the delicious scones, croissants and bagels. The early morning crowd is full of neighborhood regulars and if your lucky , you may meet "Farfil" the dog who is a staple on the front steps. Another plus is the music choice.Never to loud and always interesting. Sometimes tantric Indian or classic Brazilian. really good breakfast, especially the potatoes. And fabulous Paninnis. A small town coffee shop feel pegs this place as my favorite start to my day.
It also happens to be on a block of Ventura that has all individually owned businesses ranging from a superb indie music store( yes they still exsist) FREAK BEAT RECORDS, to a great little clothing store called RONI B. BOTIQUE.. If you are feeling extra fancy stop in for a face changing facial by Lena at LENAS SKIN PLACE.


CRAVE CAFE
14504 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks 91403
818-990-7888

Ambiance: Bistro counter service with an industrial feel. Indoor and Outdoor seating


A relatively new addition to the area, and a much needed one. At the intersection of Ventura/Van Nuys the only coffee was at the usual chains. This breath of fresh air goes above and beyond what was lacking. The large menu is displayed on a chalk board above the open kitchen. A glass counter will tempt you with everything from homemade quiche to red velvet cookies. Breakfast is simple and yummy.They also have a variety of frozen yogurt complete with fresh fruit toppings. I reccomend the tuna salad( one order is MORE than enough for two) for lunch,its a healthy and fresh take on a classic, with no mayo. Not great for quiet reading spot. As the music is pretty loud and they have multiple TV's.But a fun breakfast spot, and an even better lunch or coffee date spot. A favorite shopping stop is 1/2 block down, HANDMADE, where you can find a little bit of everything.

YOU GOTTA START SOMEWHERE...

There are enough neighborhoods in LA to keep variety alive and well However, looking for a new restaurant, a comfy coffee shop or a happy hour to fit your needs can be time consuming and frustrating. Factor in the notorious traffic, and you might as well stick to your comfort zone.And most of us probably do. I am not one of those people. I love to be a tourist in my own city. Exploring as many hoods as I can. Ten years ago I started out in Hollywood(Franklin/Harvard) then moved on to Echo Park(walking distance to Dodger stadium). And have ended up in Sherman Oaks. Along the way I have prided myself on searching out the best mom and pop coffee shops. Best buy boutiques, and dive bars or date night escapes. After turning on multiple friends to all of my favorite must do's, someone gave me the idea to jump on the BLOG train and post my findings....so here I go. From my hood to yours...maybe I can help you find a diamond in the rough, right around your corner.