I remember when the The Sofitel hotel might as well been non-existent. That’s back when rappers, on their records, told you about the hottest clubs you’d never been to but had to make a point to crash.

“…The peanuts in LA, Bubblin’ in Dublin’s” (I Just Wanna Love You, Jay-Z).

I don’t know about the Peanuts gang, but I remember getting into Dublin’s on Sunset with someone else’s ID because I just had to be there. Only to be disappointed that there were no Jigga sightings for all the hoopla surrounding the place.

Yes, The Sofitel existed then. I remember having a singing gig there - some benefit. And… I remember thinking, “Who ever knew this place was behind the Beverly Center?”

Well, in the past five years, the Los Angeles nightlife has been renovated. Sure, you still have the SBE hotspots made popular by The Hills but now there are far more low-key yet sexy nooks all around the city and The Sofitel’s Stone Rose Lounge happens to be one of them.

The hotel lounge is the new destination of the Los Angeles Urban elite and their posses. The Stone Rose is sleek with an alluring ambience dictated by the colors of its decor. The main room is lush and warm with reds and oranges and is offset by a bluish almost cavelike adjacent. I don’t know who the DJ was that night (nor did I even see a booth), but the music was on point as well, playing early 90s hip-hop mixed with grooves from all decades to keep the body moving and the conversations light and lively.

If you want to get dressed up and kick back, Stone Rose is a great option. And unlike the club scene, there is never a cover charge or table service required to get seat.

Unfortunately, valet parking might as well be considered a surcharge for living in LA because it’s mandatory everywhere you go. And the Stone Rose was no exception at $15 per car. But if you’re LA savvy, you’ll also know where to find free street parking just a short walk from the entrance.

The Stone Rose Lounge is soulful and sexy with a mixed crowd - my kind of LA.

The Cahuenga Corridor has been the home of the Elevated Group World Headquarters (our office), for about 4 years now, and other than Popeye’s and a few hole in the wall shops, it’s a pretty dull area. In the midst of this recession I have watched the transformation of the streets I travel daily. Far from complete Cahuenga is beginning to become a staple in Hollywood. Already home to Ritual and Sugar, new clubs like Ecco and Citizen Smith are attracting a lot of attention. With the mystery of a few incomplete projects still masked by there boarded windows, there is a lot to look forward to. With a Pinkberry around the corner on Hollywood and Kitchen 24 supplying food non stop, the Caheunga Corridor is on the come up yet most impressive addition to the area is not Big Wangs, but Space 1520.

Seemingly overnight, I watched an empty building turn into a entirely unique shopping area. I remember driving by a large empty building, that could be view from both Cahuenga and Ivar, a dull grey with a for sale sign, that existed my entire time working in Hollywood. I always thought if I had millions I could do something fresh with the space. Sure enough some one beat me to it, and Space1520 is now home to an Urban Outfitters, Alife, Snack Bar and an Art Gallery. Some pretty fresh stuff in there, you might want to leave your wallet in the car.

If you aren’t aware Downtown Los Angeles is getting an Extreme “Central Business District” Makeover. Think: The Edison, The Standard Downtown, Versus. Those however do not hold a flame to L.A. Live, the expansive Sports and Entertainment District off the 110 Harbor Freeway, the wick being the 54-story hybrid JW Marriot, Ritz-Carlton and The Ritz-Carlton Residences at L.A. Live.

Recognizing the technological and internet driven times we live in, The Ritz recently hosted a live Bloggers only preview of the residences and of course your boy Blog-E (E-Nuff.Info coming soon, pause) held it down for the Elevated Crew with G. Vitte. With a full model home that will make Tony Stark hate, premium open bar and a 5-course buffet dinner catered by a man who shall remain nameless, there was no room for me to complain.

Despite the fact that the housing market has sent the global economy to hell, somebody has already bought more than a QUARTER BILLION worth of the 224 residences. This was the only number mentioned – I suppose individual home prices are on a “Need to Know” basis.

My guess however, is not cheap with its top-of-the-line high-end features and appointments plus the buildings amenities such as the private heated rooftop pool, state-of-the-art spa and fitness center, 24-hour concierge, valet parking and how could one forget – views of the mountains, the ocean, and the city! Not to mention the fact that residents also get advanced and VIP access to L.A. Live events and venues and that you would be living 27+ stories atop a 4 and 5 star hotel and small city.

So in the spirit of promoting the Elevated mantra of “Hustle Hard. Eat Well. Live Elevated,” be sure to send an invite to your house warming. Move-in is slated to begin around January 2010.

Not the Waffle House that many of you who have visited the South, have spent drunken moments after the club, but The Waffle.  Located on Sunset just east of Vine St., near the soon to re-open Palladium, lies The Waffle, styled like a typical breakfast diner, but suited to fit the fast paced lifestyle of Southern California.  The menu has all the breakfast , lunch and dinner classics, as well as a section of Waffle Burgers and Sandwiches.  Just imagine your cheese burger with held between Waffles instead of Buns (pause).  Have a late night snack or breakfast before the shotgun start to your day. 

The Waffle
6255 W Sunset Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028
323.465.6901

Sunday – Thursday :6:30am -2:30am
Saturdays & Saturdays: 6:30am -4:30am

Since its inception in 1972, Nike has been that fast kid on the playground that no one could ever catch up with. And there is no sign of them slowing down.

In May, Nike announced the creation of Nike Sportswear, a lifestyle brand that blends its classic designs with cutting edge technology. While they only have one flagship store at 21 Mercer in New York’s SoHo district, the company is hosting a “getting to know you” period by opening pop-up temporary stores across the world. Their intentions are to create a stronger understanding of the brand and the company’s vision between the consumer and the Nike Sportswear NSW collection.

For Los Angeles residents, your nearest local is the historic Montalban Theater on Vine Street, just south of Hollywood Boulevard.

An experience for sneaker freakers and art enthusiast alike, the collection at The Montalban is the culmination of high art and high fashion, displaying the high end kicks and apparel in such a manner that you forget your in a store and feel more like an exclusive gallery opening. Various displays and videos share the past of the company and its future.

With features such as Cinema Tuesdays, a NikeID Studio and the MAKE SOMETHING!! children’s classes, the Nike Sportswear Collection at The Montalban is definitely something to add to your To-Do List. But hurry, they close shop on October 31st.

This Tuesday, you can check out an much anticipated film RocknRolla with an all star cast.

Nike Sportswear @ the Montalban
1615 Vine Street
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323-483-0089

Store Hours:
Tuesday: Cinema Tuesdays
Wednesday and Thursday: 11am - 9pm
Friday and Saturday: 11am - 10pm
Sunday: 12pm - 8pm

Located atop Cahuenga Ave, one of the primary gateways of Hollywood, is a small French coffee house known as Solar De Cahuenga.  On the corner of Cahuenga and Franklin, Solar is one of the first business you see upon your approach to the bright lights of the city.  The java spot prides itself on being a chill atmosphere with the promise of great food and comfort.  With free Wi-Fi and multiple seating areas and styles, I have had the option to kick back with a pillow and a book, throw the laptop on a table or sit on the patio and enjoy the weather.  They carry an assortment of salads, sandwiches, crepes, and coffees prepared from all natural foods, so you can fill up your stomach without draining your pockets.  Open nightly, you can check out Solar before you hit the club.

Solar De Cahuenga
1847 N Cahuenga Blvd,  
Hollywood

The lights come up, the music comes down, and now it’s time for you to decide what to do now that the club is closing. You could roll with the get money crew (the promoters), and go to pinks for some late night street gourmet. Most likely you will round up a half dozen people and convince them to go to Ihop or Denny’s with you to keep you company while you sober up. Cookie-cutter post club eats, no ambiance, and lots of laughs with good friends (if you’re lucky) This was cool when we were in college but is kinda played now. What do you think?

After the “Freedom Starts with Me Show” at the Troubadour in West Hollywood a few months back. , I decided that I didn’t want to have to make the long drive home afterwards, so I hopped on Google Maps in search for a crash pad close to the venue. Something moderately priced but posh enough to empress the Mrs. I found Le Montrose.

It’s a fresh little boutique hotel nested in the middle of a residential neighborhood in West Hollywood. The decor is modern minimal-chic. No gaudy cheerleaders, overly ornate wall coverings, and froo-froo furniture here. The design was clean and elegant. We stayed in a well appointed Junior Suite (I’m still working on getting that penthouse money) on the 6th floor. A nice view of the city, a well stocked mini-bar, 60 inch plasma, and a pillow-top California King for the lady and I to cuddle up in. Next time you have a good night out, lay up with someone at Le Montrose.

In places like New York you can walk down the street, get a hot dog off a cart and be satisfied. LA, on the other hand, is different; most people are not going to buy any food product off the street. Under drunken influence one may buy a Curb Dog in front of the club around 2:15am, but that’s about as far as it goes. If you take a short drive down La Brea on any given day you can see people lined up in front of a small white building, this phenomenon is called PINKs.  Since 1939 Pinks has served Hollywood, and as the hype has grown, you can be sure to wait on line for at least an hour. With a fully loaded menu with all types of food named after different Hollywood icons and events, there is something for everyone. But you will never see me eating a foot long hot dog, my signature meal is the Chili Cheese Chicken Burrito. Two fresh chicken breast, chili and extra cheese, make this burrito something special. Add chili cheese fries and two classic flavored sodas like Bubble Up or Grape Crush and you have a truly elevated meal.

Pinks
709 N La Brea
Hollywood, Ca

The electricity was out in my office building today. I waited for a bit, but when my manicure was over, I decided to shoot over to Melrose to get fresh. Rent is due soon though, so I couldn’t get too fresh. Just a new black fitted from Crooks & Castles to crown the champ. The 8021 Melrose Ave location, the brand’s flagship store, is modestly cool. Tony Montana-esque Black marble tile, dark wood and concrete provide the backdrop for an assortment of screen printed tees, fancifully embellished hoodies, and fitted hats. In the display case you will find vintage sunglasses, red crocodile wallets, ill gold rope chains, and a Warhol inspired 357 magnum. The brand name considered, I wasn’t suprised by the loaded revolver as much as I was by the music playing in the background. The voice of the smooth operator herself, Sade, floated across the high ceilings at 8121. Gangsta! When I was ready to purchase my fitted I walked over to the display counter where one would expect to see a cash register. Instead, Chris (the marketing director for Crooks) disappeared with my hat and in his place out walked a beautiful woman holding a silver tray. I dropped my Platinum Bank of America debit card (sorry no black card yet) on the tray and she brought it to him. A minute later Chris walked out, shook my hand and handed me my bag. I think their retail experience is a brilliant extension of their brand. Go and see for yourself why “You can’t stop the Crooks.”

Crooks & Castles
8121 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, 90046

Someone who’s taste I trust when it comes to luxury, posh living, and general popping off, said that I should check out the Edison downtown. This place is perfect for me. Anyone who knows me knows that I don’t really like going to the club; the pretentiousness, loud music, and counterfeit top shelf liquor (I’ve heard) aren’t my thing. The Edison is worlds away from that. It has the perfect combination of charm and decadence, with its copper gilded walls and and gorgeous antique pendant lamps. I like this place because it has history. It is actually LA’s first private power plant reclaimed as a novel, if not unique, watering hole for civilian and entertainment professionals alike. The crowd is grown up and diverse (although a little pale for me). With ample seating and softly lit nooks, The Edison is a perfect place to end a long work day with with friends, and a good place to post up with a pretty mouthed dame (or two). Go to enjoy drinks and conversation with your people. Be adventurous: try out one of their signature drinks. I recommend “The Hemingway,” a little champagne and absinthe concoction that will help you shed the stresses of the day.

After becoming completely burnt out on the Hollywood scene, my girls and I decided it was time for a change.  We wanted something ‘low key,’ so we decided to try The Custom Hotel…no traffic, no lines, free parking and no cover. The Custom is a hip, reasonably priced boutique hotel in Westchester that opened in Fall 2007. The hotel is located just minutes from LAX, leaving its guests close to Marina del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Venice, Santa Monica and Malibu.  Hopscotch Bar & Grill is the hotel’s heated outdoor patio with a flyyyy stadium sundeck, poolside cabanas, fire pits and DJ lounge.  The layout of the outdoor lounge is so modern and chic that you won’t believe the spot hasn’t blown up like the Standard yet.  This well-kept secret is definitely going to be the place to be this summer, so make sure you come prepared to take a dip–you won’t want to miss out!
The Custom Hotel
8639 Lincoln Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90045
310.645.0400

“CHA CHA CHA” Is a refreshingly authentic Caribbean restaurant off Melrose and Virgil.  Once you step inside you’re immediately drawn to the eclectic décor and inviting ambiance.  After you’ve been seated, make sure you start with their infamous Sangria (don’t worry, they’ll leave a pitcher if you ask).  If you’re trying to impress your date you may want to brush up on your Spanish and order “la paella” or “Empanaditas” to start.  The tapas are by far the best option if you are going with a large party; you can choose from jerk chicken, coconut shrimp, ceviche, or if you’re not big on seafood they’ve got a tasty garlic clove/goat cheese pizza.  Their entrées are pretty generous in size and the service was quick and efficient. Most of the dishes come with fried plantains, black beans and dirty rice, but if you talk to your server they can substitute bread pudding, tortilla soup or homemade guacamole instead.  Street parking isn’t the best in this area so make sure you’re prepared to valet.  After leaving Cha Cha Cha you’ll be glad you chose this Caribbean escape to offset the typical LA eateries you often visit. 

Cha Cha Cha
656 N Virgil (@ Melrose Ave)
Los Angeles