Hello dear Junebug readers, today we’re looking for your expert advice! Blair, Kim and I are in the Los Angeles area for the next week and we’re so excited to make the most of our stay (not to mention the fabulously sunny weather, sorry Seattle!) Our first night here was unbelievably beautiful, complete with the quintessential California sunset that we soaked in over cocktails on our patio (nice!) and now we’re totally ready for more. So fill us in; where should we go, what should we do and who should we meet? What are your favorite restaurants, shops and wedding venues? Who are your favorite wedding professionals? We’re up for anything, so don’t be shy. From hot dog vendors and dive bars to five star catering and couture dress shops, we want to know what you love in Southern California!
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welcome to la la land! sounds like you are staying in Santa Monica or Venice (probably the former). For breakfast/brunch must do Jack and Jill’s (STM), Rose Cafe (Venice), cocktail hours at The Viceroy (great wedding inspiration – perfect for an e-shoot), The Backyard at The W, Bodega Wine Bar (STM). Shopping on Montana Avenue (skip or shuffle through retail stores that make up the 4th street promenade). I live in Beachwood Canyon and my favorite place to eat, shop and go local is Larchmont Village. Cute (affordable) boutiques (Soleil Moon Frye owns one) line the street with tons of yum food and recently lots of coffee chains and your pinkberry blah blah. Best bagels in LA- Sam’s Bagels on Larchmont. Great pizza at Village Pizza. Fav stores: Village Heights, Larchmont General Store (great stationary), a few good mom and pop bookstores. 3rd Street in BH is great for clothes, more food (Joan’s on Third), great gift/home stores (zipper), vintage (polkadoots and moonbeams – wedding or bridesmaid worthy dresses for super cheap). The Vanity Fair photo retrospective is up at the LACMA – it’s a must see. The Pacific Design Center is design eye candy. Further east? Go to The Alcove, House of Pies or Home in Los Feliz and too many to name boutiques up and down Vermont Ave.
Quick time for some r&r? Go see Suzy at The Argyle in West Hollywood for a super shiny hair treatment, and don’t miss la’s best kept secret shared by locals and celebs – the Olympic Spa in Koreatown. Insanely cheap and worth every penny.
Have fun!
you should visit casa del mar…santa monica, ca – my wedding is taking place here! it’s stunning! have a drink in the bar – and over look the water! if you want to peak at the room – it’s on the lower level…it’s usually open and it stunning!
oh and have breakfast at the huntley hotel – santa monica – amazing view!
hope you enjoy our la la land :)
Thanks ladies! Those are fantastic suggestions and we’re making plans as we speak.
You need to eat a Sprinkles cupcake. It’s on Little Santa Monica in Beverly Hills. You’ll recognize it by the large line outside.
One of my favorite restaurants, if you like Indian, and actually I don’t usually like Indian, is Paru’s on Sunset. It’s at the east end of Hollywood. It’s really hard to find, lots of bars and you have to ring a door bell to get in. It’s not overly spicy which I like. I didn’t understand anything on the menu so I just order literally whatever every time I go and everything is good. Really really good.
You may have to go to Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles, it’s an LA institution. So is Pink’s but I’m not as fond of them (just not a hot dog person).
Also, once you are done with the beach — check out the mountains. We have great mountains, a beautiful national park (Angeles National Forest) or if you are on the west side, the Santa Monica Mountains.
Have fun!!
If you have time, take a drive up to Ojai. About 45-60 minutes from Santa Monica. The Ojai Valley Inn and Spa is gorgeous for a wedding venue and the spa is unbelievable. it’s expensive, but once you dip in their lavendar scented bath, you’ll be daydreaming about it for years.
Also, since you’ll be on the road, it’s just another 45 minutes up the 101 to Santa Barbara and it’s neighboring communities of Summerland and Montecito. Stop in Summerland for breakfast at the Summerland Beach Cafe. Their outdoor patio looks over the Pacific and the french toast is great.
Santa Barbara is home to tons of gorgeous places to get married. Two of my favorites are the Music Academy of the West in Montecito and Alice Keck Park on Micheltornea St. My favorite wedding photographer lives here, too: Elizabeth Messina.
I hope you get a chance to get up the coast for more R and R!
I have to say, I am sucker for the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego. If you go that way, don’t miss it. Madelynne
Be sure to check out The Way We Wore, the most fantastic store for an amazing selection of designer vintage clothing and accessories. I live in San Diego, but this store always inspires me, and its so amazing to be in the presence of such works of art. This store is perfect for the bride looking for a one of a kind gown or accessory that no one else has worn, or at least not for at least 50 years. The store works closely with costume designers and stylists to the stars! Its so fun to look and unlike any other vintage store I’ve ever ventured into! Also I noticed someone else mentioned Joan’s on 3rd, its a food lovers paradise, perfect for a casual but delicious lunch or snack in between fabulous shopping. For good celebrity spottings and amazing Japanese fusion cuisine, the new Nobu on La Cienaga is a must, expensive, but worth it for the food and people watching, just make sure to steer clear of the sushi rolls as the best food is anything under the signature cold and hot sections, Yellowtail Jalapeno,New Style Sashimi, and the Tiradito are to die for. I ate there on Monday and I’m still dreaming of the food. Hope these tips help, have fun!
That sunset is GORGEOUS! Those pictures are amazing. I just can’t get over how beautiful they came out. Gotta love California!
My wedding this summer is at La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes Estates, and it is a must see for a wedding venue. There is much to see and do in the South Bay (Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach…) Also, if you are in Santa Monica, Vanilla Bake Shop is THE best cupcake place. It is on Wilshire and 5th St. Have fun! Can’t wait to see what you blog about…