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

Bella Cucina Italiana has to be one of Hollywood’s best Italian restaurants.  Though the portions aren’t the largest, what the meal lacks in size is made up for in great taste.  The Lobster Ravioli in a creamy pink sauce, coupled with their great drinks–an extensive wine selection and special drinks like the “Blended Bella Bellini”–definitely give this restaurant the status of good eats.  Their menu is full of tasty contemporary and southern Italian cuisine. It’s a step up from a normal dinner spot, so remember you get what you pay for. And quality food and ambiance aren’t cheap. Also, be sure to make reservations.

Bella
1708 N. Las Palmas
Hollywood, CA 90028
323.468.8815

While I don’t really participate in New Year’s Resolutions–because I strive to constantly pursue self-betterment–I am aware that many choose to add things like working out and being more healthy to their list of new year’s tasks. For some, this is a number-one priority and is accompanied by diets, gym memberships and new home workout equipment. Often, simply getting started is the hardest part; as we get older our responsibilities increase, free time lessens and–as a result–we get stuck with a little extra weight.

Runyon Canyon is a good place to go to add a fun experience to an otherwise mundane exercise regimen. It can help to provide you peace of mind and add some enjoyment to your workout. In no way is running the Canyon an easy activity, but as you make your way up the trails you are presented with views that will allow you to visually inhale the beauty that is Los Angeles.

Nestled in the Hollywood Hills is the 25 years old, 130 acre park with multiple trails for walking, jogging or running. One of the trendiest workout spots, you will often see people walking dogs, practicing yoga or snapping photos of the scenery. There are two entrances: one at the bottom of the hill of Vista and Fuller Ave, and the other at the top entrance off Mulholland Dr. You can exercise for as little or as long as you want. So grab your iPod, a friend and a bottle of water, and tackle your resolutions with the natural beauty of Runyon Canyon.

Runyon Canyon
2000 North Fuller
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323.666.5046

When I stepped into Falcon, I was immediately drawn in by its ambiance and the architecture of the space. The front entrance opens up to the bar and a cozy lounge area. Around the corner is additional seating that is open to the heated patio downstairs.

This modern, Asian-inspired restaurant / lounge is much more relaxed than the normal club scene. I went on a Monday night—their hip-hop night—and the music was good, drinks were tasty and the vibe was nice. The actual restaurant is open 6 pm to 12 midnight Monday through Friday, and 7 pm to midnight on the weekends. If you stop in early for food and drinks you won’t need to be on the after-hours guest list.

Falcon Hollywood
7213 Sunset Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90046
323.850.5350

For my best friend’s 25th birthday I decided to throw a small surprise get-together for her at the Bodega Wine Bar in Pasadena. The living room vibe of the bar/lounge was extra accommodating and the heated outdoor patio added to the casual, yet chic setting. Don’t be discouraged if you’re new to the wine game, this spot is not limited to wine experts. Bodega is far from uptight with its laid-back atmosphere for conversation, plenty of seating, and surprisingly satisfying music choices (they even played a little Q-tip “Vivrant Thing”) to set the mood right. The waitresses took care of us despite the packed Friday night crowd.

The menu is very user- and price-friendly allowing you to choose from a selection of 12 reds and 12 whites all at $8 per glass. If you aren’t feeling wine, no worries…you can still enjoy yourself and have a beer, cold sake, or soju cocktails. Whether you order a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or a Red Stripe you’re sure to enjoy yourself. You may also try their new location in Santa Monica.

Bodega Wine Bar
260 East Colorado Boulevard,
Pasadena, CA 91101 Map
626.793.4300

New Location in Santa Monica
814 Broadway (@ Lincoln)
Santa Monica, CA 90401 Map
310.394.3504

I left the office to run some errands the other day and decided I wanted to do something special for the Mrs. There is this chic little bakery on Wilshire called, Vanilla Bake Shop. I stopped there a few months ago, before they opened because the design geek in me was drawn to the posh sign-age that adorns the storefront. I had a feeling then that I was going to love this place, and I was right! Vanilla is a concept shop with a straight forward product line. They do high-end cakes for weddings and special occasions, but I was there there for their wide range of gourmet cupcakes. Gourmet? Santa Monica? This is gonna hurt my pockets right? Nope! I asked the nice fellow behind the counter to run down the numbers on their gift assortments. The large cupcakes work out to be about $10 for three (which is plenty considering how rich they are). They also have “Cupcake Babies” which are a smaller version of the original that will allow you and your sweetheart to sample everything without feeling too guilty. I opted for a box of three grown-up cupcakes. The spicy carrot and fudgy brownie varieties stood out and went over well with my queen. They bake a different assortment of flavors each day of the week. I think I’ll check back next Sunday and try the mint-chocolate joints.

Over all this spot is definitely elevated. For less then fifteen-bucks you can get a nicely wrapped gift for someone you dig, and a cupcake or two for you to devour on the way home. The next time you are on the west side, drop in for a box and tell Amy (the owner and baker) that Propaganda Champ says hi.

Vanilla Bake Shop

512 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: 310.458.6644