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

Jay once said, “Baby girl if it’s Hammer time, then hide your toes”…or you can head over to Nail Elite & Spa in Santa Monica to step your nail game up (fellas too!). Situated right next to the 3^rd Street Promenade, it’s the perfect location if you have some other errands to run.

Yes, winter is coming; but if you live in Los Angeles you’re sure to be rocking open-toed shoes at some point (it never rains in Southern California, right?). A manicure / pedicure will cost you about $32, and it’s well worth it. I’ve tried my fair share of nail shops in LA, and I drive all the way from Downtown to go to this one. You’ll receive great service, and they never rush you (I hate that!). If you really want to pamper yourself, opt for the extra 15 minute foot and leg massage…heaven!

Walk-ins are welcome but if you want to get in and out, I recommend making an appointment.

Nail Elite & Spa
407 Santa Monica Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: 310.576.7090

Raw fish? I must admit, I haven’t always been a fan. But Café Sushi on Beverly Boulevard has done its part in making me change my tune. Its casual, friendly atmosphere is a great departure from other stuffy Los Angeles restaurants; and after one bite of their warm Spicy Tuna Rice Cakes (a must), I was completely converted.

Located right down the street from the Beverly Center, this cozy restaurant is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Their service is quick, the fish is fresh, and I’ve never ordered something I didn’t like. I recommend the Crunchy Roll, Baked Cod or their tasty Chicken Teriyaki (for the remaining sushi skeptics out there).

Park in the adjacent lot ($3.50 to valet), as you need a permit to park on the street. I promise, your mouth will thank you.

Café Sushi
8459 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048-3415
Phone: (323) 651-4020

Feeling a little sore from all that working out you’ve been doing lately? Job got you stressed out? Or are you like me and you simply like to indulge yourself from time to time? Whichever category you fall under, I’m certain you will enjoy the offerings of Chiang Mai Health Spa in Hollywood. Open every day from 9am - 10pm, their Thai Massage–a mix of yoga-like stretching and massage of the muscles, tendons & pressure points–is sure to fit into even the busiest of schedules. And at $40 / hour, you have no excuse not to try it out!

But beware, this is not your normal relaxation massage; expect the masseuse’s knees, forearms and feet to be used liberally during your experience. Trust, they will work you out. But they’ll ask you which level of pressure you prefer beforehand (soft, medium or hard), so lightweights need not worry. You’ll be on your way to a more relaxed, flexible you in no time.

Chiang Mai Health Spa
6541 Hollywood Blvd. #204
Hollywood, CA 90028
Phone: 323.465.1255

Who’s Nobody Jones? One of L.A.’s local treasures… and my favorite Boutique, hands- down! A sista is doing big things for herself and the Fashionistas of color in and around Los Angeles, with this colorful, sexy and hip shop! With such events as in-house fashion shows and “Tee Parties” full with discounted brand name denim, one of kind T-shirts and treats like cupcakes to indulge in, owner/designer Odessa Bowden knows how to keep her boutique THE spot to shop! So this Friday, Sept. 28th don’t miss out on yet another exclusive Nobody Jones Hair/Fashion show… Where you “Come for the clothes and Stay for the company”!

Friday, Sep. 28

Doors Open @ 8pm
Location: Nobody Jones Boutique
4703 Crenshaw Blvd. Los Angeles, CA
Phone:323.291.7177