Los Angeles November 2015

HOME/AWAY

Edition

Anna CAMP TRUE-LY PERFECT

THE REDBURY HOTEL

Dodgers Stadium 7:53pm Late Summer 2015

ESTEBAN JIMENEZ Nikon 323 500 8336 instagram.com/copterpilot

TEAM

the

“October extinguished itself in a rush of howling winds and driving rain and November arrived, cold as frozen iron, with hard frosts every morning and icy drafts that bit at exposed hands and faces.”

—J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix This is what we want everyone to think: Los Angeles winters are just as bad as the rest of the country, so it would be better for you to stay home.

Don't come to our beaches, they’re covered in snow. Don't hike our trails, you might get frostbite. Stay away. Nobody come to California anymore.

Just kidding (maybe that's what the author’s initials—J.K.—stand for).

We all know that November is one of the most glorious months of the year in California. Sure, temperatures might drop a little in the morning but after living through the furnace of October, who in their right mind could complain about that? We have you covered whether you want to stay here and suffer through this brutal winter with us or pack a bag and run away (Luggage Deconstructed PG. 92).

and exploding in culture. We thought Anna Camp would be the perfect cover girl for this issue since she spends as much time Away on set as she does here at Home in Los Angeles.

As we focus on what’s great here at home, you’ll find us reporting on recent trends we love such as loaded fries (PG. 27), tiki bars (PG. 45) and tiny homes (PG. 147). You can follow us through the ultimate $33M gift guide (PG. 62), go thrift shopping with us (PG. 77) and hear from local interior design experts weighing in on how to make your house a home (PG. 136).

Then we take you away from it all. Fabulous girls getaways (PG. 158), breakfast in bed at a beautiful resort (PG. 150), bungee jumping off a “bridge to nowhere” (PG. 126) and behind the velvet ropes for an allaccess visit to Vegas. (PG. 173) Our seventh issue of LOCALE Los Angeles is our best issue yet. We hope you love it. It’s made for you.

ERIK HALE

This Home/Away issue of LOCALE Los Angeles can be your guide to a city that is in need of explorers. It is a city that is expanding in size

ASHLEY HICKSON, COO/CO-FOUNDER

RICK RAMIREZ, DISTRIBUTION

Born and raised in New Jersey, Ashley Hickson has enjoyed living in sunny Southern California since she was 17. After graduating from Chapman University in Old Town Orange, Ashley joined forces with Erik to create LOCALE Magazine. Known as Erik’s right and left arm, Ashley is THE go-to girl for everything LOCALE. She enjoys being an intricate piece to LOCALE’s puzzle and is proud of the down-to-earth, innovative magazine.

Rick is a California native and has lived in Orange County all of his life.

A lover of nature, Rick is an avid camper, with an extensive knowledge of Southern California's beautiful mountain and forest regions. He further expresses his connection with nature artistically, through his unique watercolor paintings. Among his many other interests are cooking, history and music.

MIKE TODD SMITH, MARKET MANAGER

Born and raised a Cali native, this Los Angeles local has worked the last four years as a freelance production manager for editorial magazines, fashion companies and a top record company. Now living in Newport Beach, this girl has made LOCALE Magazine her home.

She enjoys fashion, art and music, and spends a lot of her time on photo shoot sets. Kiley is thrilled for the opportunity to work with LOCALE, and excited for all the upcoming adventures!

Mike was born in Los Angeles, raised in Laguna Beach and has created a home in San Diego. After graduating from the University of Arizona, Mike helped build ECCO Restaurant and then later a custom golf car company, LUXE. Mike found his true passion within LOCALE and now wakes up inspired everyday.

REILLY KAVANAUGH, ART DIRECTOR + DESIGNER With a bachelor’s degree in graphic design under her belt, this Redlands native has produced creative for major fashion labels, institutions and ad firms. Reilly Kavanaugh is a tiny artist, at 4 feet 11 inches, who is much tougher than she looks. As the most artistic member of LOCALE, she exhibits a youthful energy and fierce, current designs.

ERIN PRICE, SALES & MARKETING Erin is a California native with a sense of adventure. Raised in Long Beach, she yearns for travel. Her curiosity leads her on adventures and her outgoing personality allows her to make friends easily. Her position at LOCALE Magazine as sales and marketing coordinator is exactly suited to her talents. Her main focus is to make new friends and keep our partners happy.

JASON KOSKY, MARKET MANAGER Jason was born and raised in South County with the Dana Point Harbor as his backyard. He is proud to call such a beautiful place home. Family has always been most important to him, and now he is a father to two beautiful girls and a husband to a wonderful wife. Jason says, “As long as I have my family and my health, I am a rich man.”

ANDRE MATAELE, MARKET MANAGER Born and raised in Hawaii, Andre has made Southern California his home for the past four years. His position at LOCALE in sales allows him to continue building relationships with people who he values greatly. If he’s not working hard, you can find him laughing with his friends or in the water.

BRIANNA ROMANO, SALES & MARKETING Brianna is a California native with an eclectic taste in fashion, music and activities. After graduating with a degree in fashion and textiles, she became a jack-of-all-trades, juggling multiple jobs from fashion stylist and makeup artist to professional organizer. After interning for LOCALE, she finally decided to plant her feet in a place where she can utilize all her talents. She loves traveling, making dinner for friends, a good beer and taking Instagram photos of her dog, George.

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PUBLISHER

| NOVEMBER 2015

KILEY COLEMAN, MANAGING EDITOR

NICK CIMARUSTI, EDITOR After living in New York City for a year, Nick now calls Southern California home again. He completed his bachelor's degree in English and Spanish at USC and a master's degree in journalism at Columbia University.

Besides editing, you can find Nick embarrassing himself on Snapchat, posting Instagrams of palm trees or tweeting pop music mashups.

ALYSSA KLOPFER, SALES & MARKETING Born & raised in the Irvine bubble, Alyssa is an Orange County native with a passion for art and travel. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in art history from Westmont College in Santa Barbara and a summer European adventure, Alyssa discovered LOCALE and is so excited to work with this incredible team. In her spare time you will find her with a cafe au lait blogging at her favorite coffee shop, sitting in a museum or searching for any reason to plan a weekend getaway to San Francisco.

ELYSSE JAMES, EDITOR Elysse is a born and raised Southern California girl and has lived in Orange County for most of her life. She earned her bachelor's degree in print journalism from Cal State Long Beach and spent most of her career in newspapers before joining LOCALE Magazine. When she's not editing, reading and writing, Elysse enjoys trying new local restaurants, drinking coffee and cooking dinner for friends.

JON PERINO, WEB CONTENT MANAGER As a lifelong Orange County native, husband to a beautiful journalist and father to a rowdy 2-year-old boy, Jon appreciates every single day that he gets to spend in this Southern California paradise. When Jon is not in the office handling the web content for LOCALE, you can almost always find him camping at the beach with his family or playing with old cameras he finds on eBay. Jon’s heart beats to the sound of the local lifestyle of his home, and he feels privileged to raise his family in such a lively place.

the CONTRIBUTORS NOVEMBER 2015

WRITERS

JESSIE DAX-SETKUS

RANDA AKEEL IG @randaa7

NICOLE FERA

SHANE RADACOSKY www.ShaneRad.com IG @ShaneRad

IG @San_dee_ayGirl

NICOLE POLLARD www.lalaluxe.com IG @lalaluxe TW @lalaluxe

PHOTOGRAPHERS DAVID DIAZ TAE KWON

ELIZABETH NUTT www.elizabethnutt.com

ADAM GENTRY

www.taekwonphoto.com IG @taekwonphoto

CANDACE VERDONE IG @thesoulexperiment

www.gentryimages.com

FERNANDO A. FUNES

MARISSA WRIGHT IG @headovertail FB /head.over.tail

BRITTANY XAVIER

www.braziliansanta.com www.fernandosimprovblog.wordpress.com IG @fernandoafunes TW @fernandoafunes

BEAUTY STYLISTS JOSIE GONZALES MICHAEL WESLEY www.bluewesley.com www.surfart.co IG @bluewesley

Q S PHOTOGRAPHY www.qsphotography.com IG @josgonzales FB /quasistudios

SONIA RESHETNIKOVA www.soniaresh.com IG @soniaresh FB /SoniaReshetnikova

ALEXA ERICKSON

www.thriftsandthreads.com IG @thriftsandthreads

TASO PAPADAKIS www.tasophoto.com

MARIE SPADA

KOLINI FAAGATA www.koliniphoto.com IG @koliniphotography FB /koliniphotography TW @kolinilynne

IG @marie.charisse

JESSICA LEVY www.fxbyjess.com IG @fxbyjess

TRAVIS WEST IG @mrwestwakeup TW @mrwestwakeup

ANGEL MANUEL

SARAH CHORLEY IG @sarahchorley

www.angelmanuelphotography.com IG @angelmanuelphoto FB /angelmanuelphoto TW @mrangelmanuel

OLIVIA BUSH www.oliviabushphotography.com IG @oliviabush FB /oliviabushphotography TW @oliviabushphoto

ALONDRA EXCENE SHIELDS IG @AlondraExcene_mua FB /makeupbyAlondraExcene TW @AlondraExcene

KATIE FUGNETTI www.fugnettiimages.com FB /katie.fugnetti

ALEXANDRA HUYNH www.alexandrahuynh.weebly.com IG @duyafeelme

NOBLE ANDREWS IG @nobleandrews FB /damiennobleandrewsphotography TW @nobleandrews

DANIELLE EVANS IG @itsdanielleleilani TW @missdaniellee17

CHRISSY LYNN www.chrissylynn.photography IG @chrissylynnphoto FB /chrissylynn TW @chrissymonkey

SARAH REDZIKOWKSI IG @BeautyBySarah TW @BeautyForVegas

TAYLOR SIMMONS www.simmonsview.wordpress.com IG @simmonsview1

HUNTER COLE www.huntercolephotography.com IG @huntercolephoto

LISA PROVA SAMMY ZARGARAN IWINK STUDIOS

MICHELLE SLIEFF

IG @Lisaprova FB /LisaCavalone TW @Lisaprova

www.SammyZPhotography.com IG @SammyZPhotography FB /SammyZPhotography

ANGELA HATCHER IG @hatcherangela

STEPHEN PANOSIAN www.steviepphoto.com IG @steviepphoto

ERIC STRAND IG @thewhiskeyscout

FASHION STYLISTS

JACOB VEGA IG @JacobVega

ROB HOLBROOK SUSAN KRUPA TW @TraevelPhoudee

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www.r-rproductions.com IG @therobh TW @rob_holbrook55

FINLEY CAMPBELL ANH NGUYEN www.anhstudio.com

www.finleyyves.com IG @finleyyves

*FOR FULL INFORMATION ON OUR CONTRIBUTORS GO TO www.localemagazine.com/about

LOCALE MAGAZINE

Contents NOVEMBER 2015

THIS ISSUE: Home/Away

SETTING THE TABLE

AWAY EXPERT

150

154

The Breakfast Club Breakfast in Bed Just Got Even Better

158

On the Road Again

AWAY FEATURE

Girls Just Want to Have Fun

From The Neighbourhood to Olivver the Kid, Learn About the Artist’s Music Journey

Where to Take Your Girlfriends for the Perfect Girls Getaway

ESCAPE: VEGAS

173

All LINQ’d Up

Exploring Las Vegas’ All-Inclusive Hot Spot for Millennials 8 |

| NOVEMBER 2015

HOME FEATURE

136

HOME EXPERT

House Warming

Take a House and Turn it Into A Home with These Top Professionals

147

Half Pint Homes

Living Large in a Tiny Home

LOCALE MAGAZINE

Contents NOVEMBER 2015

14 NATIVE KNOWLEDGE Monday Through Sunday, by Locals

EAT/DRINK 21 EAT EXPERT

STYLE/BEAUTY

98 LOCALE LOOKS

55 BEAUTY EXPERT

Unique Venues to Celebrate “I Do”

Face Time

Get Healthy, Celeb-Worthy Hair From These Pro Stylists

Knot Your Average Ever After

GO/DO

Chateau de Chef

Two Chefs Discuss Cooking at Home

114 DO EXPERT 62 FASHION SPREAD

The $33 Million Gift Guide Living in Luxury

Off the Hook

Unlimited Customer Service With No Strings Attached

27 EAT FEATURE

Do You Want Fries With That?

Dig Into These Stacked Spuds for the Perfect Fall Comfort Food

77 THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

From That Thrift Shop Down the Road

Thrifts and Threads Blogger Brittany Xavier Guides You Through the Art of Vintage Shopping

120 DO FEATURE

Walk This Way

Walk With Sally Leads the Cancer Community to Their Mentor Program

38 DRINK EXPERT

Hidden Treasure

Dive into Whiskey with Cash Black at the £10 Bar, Hidden Inside the Montage Hotel

84 COVER GIRL STORY

126 FIRST TIMER’S GUIDE

Blonde Ambition

Hanging By a Thread

92 LUGGAGE DECONSTRUCTED

130 DO PROFILE

Baggage Claim

The Social Network

Pitch Perfect’s Anna Camp on Her True Hollywood Story

45 DRINK FEATURE

Island Hopper

Where to Find a Glass Full of Paradise 10 |

| NOVEMBER 2015

Everything You Need to Bring for a Great Getaway

The Ups and Downs For a First Timer’s Bungee Jumping Experience

OC Native JJ Jones Facilitates Connections Among Celebs

®

All rights reserved © 2014, the entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright. No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in retrieval system or transmitted in any forms or by any means without express written prior permission of the copyright owner.

LOCALE MAGAZINE ph: 949.436.8910 | fax: 949.682.4807 info@localemagazine.com COVER Photographed By: Noble Andrews, www.nobleandrews.com Model: Anna Camp, @TheRealAnnaCamp Styled By: Nicole Pollard, www.lalaluxe.com Hair By: Lisa Prova, @LisaProva Makeup : Jacob Vega, @JacobVega Location: The Redbury Hotel

1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028, www.theredbury.com/hollywood Apparel Provided By: Gemy Maalouf, www.gemymaalouf.com Earrings Provided By: Lionette by Noa Sadé, www.lionetteny.com Bracelet and Rings Provided By: Jason of Beverly Hills, www.jasonofbh.com

Making THE ISSUE

The Redbury Hotel at Hollywood and Vine embodies the glamor of classic cinema which inspired November’s beautiful cover shoot with actress Anna Camp, celebrity beauty stylist Lisa Prova, photographer Noble Andrews, makeup artist Jacob Vega and wardrobe stylists Nicole Pollard and Courtnee Scully of LaLaLuxe.

Having been friends for years, Lisa’s styling always takes Anna to the top of her hair game. Lisa and Anna spent most of their time catching up about all the amazing things going on in each others’ lives. For this issue’s shoot, Lisa highlighted and lowlighted Anna’s hair and applied two different glosses using all Goldwell products, including Goldwell Topchic for Anna’s color, Kérastase VIP to add lift to her roots, Goldwell Elixir oil before curling and Goldwell Gloss finishing hairspray for shine and soft hold. Lisa also created a side part for Anna’s hair to pair with her deep red pout, completing Anna’s Old Hollywood look.

Jacob Vega used MAC Cosmetics to glam up Anna’s classic film vixen vibe.

His essential MAC tools included Prep + Prime Skin Base Visage, soft brown All That Glitters eye shadow, MAC 36 Lash, Costa Riche and Fascinating MAC Eye Kohls plus Fleur Power Blush. Nicole and Courtnee wanted to assemble a Mad Men-esque theme while keeping it modern as well. The pieces they chose had modern silhouettes to complement Anna, but each piece also had intricate details to capture the authentic vintage feel. While Nicole and Courtnee prepared Anna’s gorgeous dresses, Noble and his photo assistant set up all throughout the Redbury—the bars, staircases and even an upstairs suite. Noble says his job was made easy by the all-star beauty team and especially Anna’s friendly, down-to-earth attitude. “Not to mention, any chance to jump on the bed, and I’m in.”

Native Knowledge

BY LOCALS FOR LOCALS // Where to be Monday - Sunday

“

Everything you order is presented so beautifully you will have a hard time not turning your plate into an Instagram post.”

BEATRICE DE JONG Manager, Real Estate Operations

ERIC ONG Founder and Owner, Humble Potato

As a real estate agency, we are always thinking about walkability scores. No place is more walkable from the office than my favorite Middle Eastern lunch spot, Dune. I highly recommend the falafel wrap. www.dune.kitchen

Heading to a meeting with my managers at Humble Potato in LA. On my way, I stop by Fruit Gallery for their refreshing Body Detox Juice or the Warrior Super Smoothie. Later in the day, I grab a late lunch at Tacos Por Favor.

M

M

www.humblepotato.com | www.fruitgalleryla.com www.tacosporfavor.net

A gorgeous space with a French, open T market vibe, Zinc is one of my favorite local restaurants. Whether I’m just stopping in for a strong latte, a lunch meeting or a Sunday brunch, it is always a crowd pleaser. Everything you order is presented so beautifully you will have a hard time not turning your plate into an Instagram post. Zinc helped me discover the perfect cocktail—a Ransom and Tonic. www.zinccafe.com

Off to Streetcraft LA to meet with Emmet and discuss our ongoing art, design and branding work. Stopped by Sakura House as I’ve been craving Yoshi-san’s yakitori and off his secret menu, champon, a lesser known relative of ramen from the Nagasaki region. It’s so good.

T

www.streetcraftla.com | www.sakurahouse.net

Featured on the LA episode of The Layover with Anthony Bourdain, Tacos Villa Corona is still one of Atwater Village’s best-kept secrets. Cheap, fast and flavorful tacos! I love to pick up chilaquiles breakfast burritos and peer through the windows of the parrot shop next door.

Our beer/wine license for the Humble Potato Culver City store is finally active! I met with Omar from Three Weavers Brewing Company to discuss pairing their craft beer with our food. From there, I stopped by Pollo A La Brasa Western in K-town for their succulent rotisserie chicken. Don’t forget the extra ají sauce!

The Silver Lake Picture Show is a free event where you can watch movies like Amélie and Wayne’s World with short intro films by local filmmakers. Bring some blankets, lawn chairs and a picnic dinner for a casual date night out.

www.threeweavers.la | www.polloalabrasa.net

W

T

www.silverlakepictureshow.com

Every Friday from 3 to 7:30 p.m., Atwater Village hosts a local farmers market. There is truly something for everyone including children’s art activities and organic pet food! I love this farmers market because it is held in the evening, so it’s not too hot to wander around for a bit after work. The fresh strawberries and avocados inspire healthy dinners, and the cronuts will leave you addicted!

F

W

“

After dinner, we stopped by Salt & Straw for some delicious fresh-made ice cream.”

We have a quick pow-wow to discuss menus with my kitchen team at Humble Potato Culver City. We’re gearing up for National Fried Chicken Day and Hot Dog Day. Later that day, I met up with close friends for drinks at Bunker Hill in Downtown.

T

www.bunkerhillbar.com

I met with Elaine from Economic Development and other small business owners to discuss our upcoming block party for our district. After dinner, we stopped by Salt & Straw for some delicious freshmade ice cream.

F

www.saltandstraw.com

www.seela.org/atwater-village-farmers-market

Potted is one of the most innovative outdoor S and garden stores in Los Angeles. Here you will feel like each stylish planter or piece of furniture was chosen for you. It is a great stop for a little decor pick me up or future home garden inspiration.

We took our two-year-old, Kendra, to her favorite playground at Playa Vista. After that, we hit up Jon & Vinny’s at the Fairfax District, a cool little area where you’ll find a lot of restaurants, mom-and-pops and urban/street-wear boutiques.

S

www.playavista.com | www.jonandvinnys.com

www.pottedstore.com

Cliff’s Edge is the ultimate romantic date spot in S the evening. Comfortable mounds of seat cushions below tree branches, twinkling lights and beautiful attention to decor details (even the bathroom wallpaper is special). It really is a hidden gem in the middle of Silver Lake. Evening dates are great any night of the week, but Sundays are for brunch! Cliff’s Edge has a delicious ever-changing menu, intimate bar and some magical charm. www.cliffsedgecafe.com

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I escaped the hustle and bustle of the city and drove down to Balboa Island for a stroll with my family. After that, we had dinner at Anjin, my favorite old school Yakiniku joint in Costa Mesa.

Order the apple salad and their amazing sausages.

S

www.balboaisland.com

Native Knowledge

BY LOCALS FOR LOCALS // Where to be Monday - Sunday

“

There’s no better way to ring in the weekend than with a relaxing evening visit to Nelson’s at Terranea.”

J.C. LISCANO Head of Los Angeles Operations for American Airlines at LAX I’m an avid bike rider, and most recently M completed the AIDS/LifeCycle Ride to End AIDS from San Francisco to Los Angeles in June (seven days, 545 miles). I like to start off my busy week with a ride up the coast from Palos Verdes to Malibu. I always stop at Trancas Country Market in Malibu to refuel with their Ginger Lime High energy drink from the juice bar and some fresh ovenroasted turkey from the deli. www.aidslifecycle.org | www.trancascountrymarket.com

ERICA MAU Marketing Manager, Hotel Angeleno Monday afternoons are less rough when you’re at the beach atmosphere of Côte Brentwood for an after-work mani-pedi. It also doesn’t hurt to stop by SusieCakes next door for the best cupcakes you’ve ever had!

M

www.coteshop.com | www.susiecakes.com

Get through the day with a donut (or dozen) at Stan’s Donuts. If you insist on eating lunch first, In-N-Out is nearby for the burger fave of all California locals. #yum T

www.stansdoughnuts.com

Having four kids, we’re always busy fitting their T schedule with ours. On Tuesdays, we take our two girls to South Bay Aquatics for swim lessons and then head to Black Bamboo Sushi in Palos Verdes for their crunch roll and grilled chilean sea bass. www.southbayaquatics.com | www.blackbamboosushi.com

The best hump day snack is obviously ice cream, and there’s nowhere better than Sweet Rose Creamery. Each flavor is homemade from organic ingredients. Check their website for daily flavors. Pure deliciousness!

W

www.sweetrosecreamery.com

I like to take a moment to relax midway W through the week, so after work I head to Captain Kidd’s Fish Market and Restaurant in Redondo Beach. They have great fresh seafood, and it is always nice to walk the pier.

Try out happy hour at the Blind Barber.

Delicious grilled cheese sandwiches and cocktails await you! Tip: Look inside the barbershop if you find yourself getting lost! #speakeasy

www.captainkidds.com

www.blindbarber.com

The Strand House in Manhattan Beach is a great place to host colleagues for business dinners. They have an ever-changing menu, which keeps the selections fresh, and I’m a fan of the Prairie Fresh ‘Prime’ Pork Chop.

TGIF lunch spoils are at Lemonade. Tasty chicken chili and gigantic macaroons are the treat of the week, but veggie dishes abound for those eating healthy. Don’t forget to try the actual lemonade! www.lemonadela.com

T

T

F

www.thestrandhousemb.com

There’s no better way to ring in the weekend F than with a relaxing evening visit to Nelson’s at Terranea. The restaurant and bar are right on the bluff and boast the best views of the sunset. After dinner, we head to the bar to enjoy live music while taking in the spectacular views. www.terranea.com/palos-verdes-dining

I love to free dive the kelp beds off of Honeymoon Cove or Christmas Tree Cove on Saturday mornings while my kids enjoy the beach.

After our time at the beach, we like to head to Inka Wasi to get our Peruvian food fix.

S

Beauty surrounds you at the J. Paul Getty Museum that overlooks the L.A. cityscape with art from around the world. Head down the hill afterward for happy hour at WEST Restaurant & Lounge to end the day with cocktails and the sunset.

S

www.getty.edu | www.westrestaurantla.com

My Sunday brunch spot is the Tasting Kitchen in Venice. Must have: their sticky bun. Not too sweet, not too sticky—it’s the baby bear of all sticky buns. No matter your diet the splurge is well worth it!

S

www.thetastingkitchen.com | www.thetastingkitchen.com

www.californiabeaches.com/beach/honeymoon-cove

Sunday is beach day with the family. We kick off the day with a hearty breakfast at Good Stuff Restaurant in Redondo Beach’s Riviera Village. My favorite dish is the I’m Jones’n for an Omelette. Following breakfast, we head to Malaga Cove Beach where we paddle out to Haggerty’s to catch some waves.

S

www.eatgoodstuff.com www.californiabeaches.com/beach/malaga-cove-beach

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“

Head down the hill afterward for happy hour at WEST Restaurant & Lounge to end the day with cocktails and the sunset.”

PHOTO BY: Kolini Faagata

eat /drink

Month Nov. Y2E0A 1 5R

21 EAT EXPERT Two Outstanding LA Chefs Share Which Chefs Inspire Them—And Why They’re Passionate About Their Work

27 EAT FEATURE The Low Down on the Loaded Fries Revolution

38 DRINK EXPERT Montage Hotel’s £10 Bar is Beverly Hills’ Best-Kept Secret

45 DRINK FEATURE Tasty Tiki Blends Take Your Taste Buds To Paradise

27

EAT FEATURE Do You Want Fries With That?

SPITZ 1725 Hillhurst Ave Los Angeles, CA 90027 323.522.3309 www.eatatspitz.com

19

NOVEMBER 2015

D u E a C e t h a e f h C Two Chefs Discuss COOKING AT HOME WRITTEN BY: TRAVIS WEST PHOTOGRAPHED BY: OLIVIA BUSH

The professional life of a chef is filled with pressure, passion and painstaking attention to detail. Those qualities together will produce chefs like Chef De Cuisine Ian Gresik of Drago Centro in the financial district of Downtown Los Angeles and Chef Aaron Robbins, the director of culinary operations for Culinary Lab.

PHOTOSHOOT LOCATION: PIRCH 101 S Brand Blvd Glendale, CA 91210 818.743.9999 www.pirch.com

A chef’s life at home, however, is a complete turnaround from their work life in the kitchen.

Gresik and Robbins trade in pressure for relaxation and their chopping knives for baby spoons. Other than baking a soufflé or preparing coq au vin for hungry restaurant patrons, chefs are just like the rest of us.

The real culinary experience is not only being in awe of the dish, but tasting each individual ingredient with an appreciation for the techniques used. Away from bustling servers and the rush to complete an order, chefs can do just that. At home they’re able to take their time while cooking and savor every step.

| NOVEMBER 2015 | 21

HUNTER GATHERER THE EXPERT: Ian Gresik, Chef de Cuisine at Drago Centro

Chef Ian Gresik of Drago Centro in the financial district of Downtown Los Angeles has a passion for cooking that extends further than just the restaurant in which he works. When at home, he routinely cooks dinner early on Sunday evening with his wife. On nights where he works late, Gresik and his wife either have a night out on the town or stay in and make something simple.

As a healthier option, fish is usually on the menu in the Gresik household. While the restaurant keeps him busy, Gresik still finds time for hobbies like hunting and gardening at Drago Farms in the Santa Ynez Valley.

“YOU HAVE TO HAVE SELF-MOTIVATION TO IMPROVE A DISH AND KEEP TINKERING. - CHEF IAN GRESIK

WORD TRAVELS FAST:

Chef Gresik says culinary school students should do the extra work and be professional.

“When I was in culinary school, it was an 18-month program at least eight hours a day and they taught you how to be professional, not just cook,” Gresik says.

“What I find now is that since a lot of programs work five hours a day for nine months, the kids coming out are expecting something else. They don’t know what a job will be like. The chef community is small and if you don’t show up to an interview word spreads.”

22 |

Q: I read that you were born and raised in Southern California. Have you lived anywhere else?

Ian Gresik: Born and raised in California. Local chef, been in the business for about 15 years now.

The time goes pretty fast. I’ve left a few times, but I always come back—LA is where my heart is.

Q: What got you into cooking? Was it something you grew up with?

IG: I kind of grew up cooking. My mother was a good cook. She worked a lot, and on her days off we would spend time in the kitchen together. Those times piqued my interest and I thought it was a good avenue for me to pursue.

are that great. We try to let the ingredients speak for themselves and get what is in season and what’s good at that time and try not to mess it up.

Q: What is it like at home for you? Are you always cooking?

IG: Every Sunday night I cook at the house, usually early with the wife. I make a simple dish.

We eat a lot of fish, so it’s usually a grilled fish or baked fish or some kind of meat. Pretty easy—I try to make enough so there is something left over for the next day and then we like to eat in one night and go out one night for a date night. We just moved to Pasadena so we like walking to one of the restaurants.

Q: When you cook at home, what do you use?

IG: I like to use a lot of fish and vegetables.

Q: Where do you shop for ingredients?

IG: I try to go to farmers markets for my produce.

Local vendors are really good as well. They tend to have fresher ingredients.

Q: Is cooking at home a lot more pleasure than anything else?

IG: Oh, of course. I get to enjoy time at home and relax. I always appreciate the time I get to cook at home because I can try new things and don’t need to worry so much about messing up.

Q: A chef’s lifestyle requires lots of dedication, with the long hours and late nights. Did you ever think this life was not for you?

IG: There was a point when the grind and daily routine got to me, but that really bothered me because I knew that this is what I wanted to do. I loved it. Before I married my wife, she let me know that we needed to spend more time together and that was the only time where I questioned whether I should choose the love of my life or my passion.

Luckily she compromised and we make it work.

Q: How much are you involved in the farming aspect of food?

IG: Really into it since we have Drago Farms in Santa Ynez. We go up once a week to pick. We have three full-time farmers who work the farm for us.

With just two acres it is still kind of experimental, but it’s fun. To watch something from seed to plant to fruit is impressive. It’s not economical right now, but you need something to keep you interested and motivated. It’s always fun to have pristine ingredients to work with.

Q: What’s your daily routine like? I know a lot of chefs spend their days picking produce and preparing for service.

IG: At Drago Centro we do both lunch and dinner service, so my day starts around 9 when I get into the restaurant. For the first hour I do paperwork— uneventful stuff to get woken up—and then I prep for lunch service. The reason I come in early is because I want guests to have the same experience as guests dining for dinner. I don’t want people to think because it’s lunch we are going to mail it in.

After that I prep for dinner service, do my ordering and go home.

Q: Do you do any hunting?

IG: Both Celestino and I do. He is more of a bird hunter while I hunt more for deer and wild boar.

It’s fun to be more connected to the meat supply.

You develop more respect and appreciation for the meat when you are skinning it yourself and putting in the work.

Q: Who was one of your biggest influences?

IG: Working with Celestino Drago, the owner of Drago, taught me to do less. A lot of younger chefs try to impress and overcomplicate things, but if you show some restraint and honor the ingredient you’ll be just fine. That’s one of the biggest things I took from working with him. It has been seven years working with him.

Q: A lot of chefs have a philosophy when it comes to cooking. Some use seasonal produce, others are big into farm-to-table. How would you describe your philosophy?

IG: Even though we are an Italian restaurant, we use a lot of California ingredients. I like the farm-totable mentality. I use local producers and vendors that specialize in one thing. Most of the time when people do one thing they do it well as opposed to someone doing 10 different things and none of them

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Q: What’s the most interesting kind of meat you’ve had?

IG: That I’ve shot? Venison.

Q: It’s pretty lean, right?

IG: It’s pretty lean. What I like about venison or deer is that it isn’t gamey, it’s lean, clean tasting.

Reminds me of good grass-fed beef.

Q: What’s next for you?

IG: For me, working at Drago. We are going into our eighth year and a goal I set for myself is to be better than the past year and just work on my craft. If you are not trying to get better, then you’ll stay stagnate.

You have to have self-motivation to improve a dish and keep tinkering. The work is never done.

Q: What part of being a chef is most rewarding for you?

IG: Running the team. I get a lot of satisfaction from watching them come straight from culinary school and making them into great chefs. Even when they leave, it’s rewarding to see them come back and see what they have done. That’s really rewarding for me.

“EVERY SUNDAY NIGHT I COOK AT THE HOUSE, USUALLY EARLY WITH THE WIFE. I MAKE A SIMPLE DISH.” —CHEF IAN GRESIK

DRAGO CENTRO 525 S Flower St Los Angeles, CA 90071 213.228.8998 www.dragocentro.com

HOT DISH: Roasted

fennel salad with corn and watermelon radish

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GASTRONOMY 101 THE EXPERT: Aaron Robbins, director of culinary operations for Culinary Lab

When he isn’t creating a new menu as the director of culinary operations for Culinary Lab, Chef Aaron Robbins can be found at home gardening or preparing meals for his wife and baby.

Similar to Gresik, Robbins prefers fish because of the many flavors and ways it can be prepared. Admittedly, Robbins has had to make more baby-friendly foods, but enjoys the time spent doing so with his wife.

“I TRY TO USE AS MUCH AS I CAN FROM THE GARDEN IN OUR BACKYARD.” —CHEF AARON ROBBINS

CATCH OF THE DAY:

Chef Robbins says fish—including sea bass—and scallops are his favorite protein to cook with because he feels he can do more, and gets more color and flavor with fish as opposed to beef.

DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME:

Chef Aaron Robbins says culinary students should work hard and be better than the people around them to rise quickly.

“Watch, listen, learn and soak everything in. I had a culinary student come in and change all my dishes.

Don’t do that,” Robbins says.

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With a garden readily available in his backyard, Robbins hopes to one day show his daughter the importance of food and teach her where it comes from and how to appreciate the process from seed to plate.

The real experience is not being in awe of the dish, but being able to taste each individual ingredient with an appreciation for the techniques used.

Q: What got you into cooking? Was it something you grew up with?

Aaron Robbins: I started at a young age cooking alongside my mom. I just grew a love for it and in high school I joined a catering program. I used to be an artist working with clay and painting and I love the idea of painting your canvas on the plate. From there I just started working in restaurants and worked my way through the ranks.

Q: Your wife was telling me you grew up in Eugene, Oregon. How did living there influence your cooking?

AR: There are a lot of farmers markets there and organic produce. I just grew up working in kitchens there and once I came here at 18, I enrolled in culinary school.

Q: What’s your daily routine like?

I know a lot of chefs spend their days picking produce and preparing for service.

AR: Right now as the director of culinary operations for Culinary Lab, I’m doing a lot of ordering. The restaurants we oversee are Hinoki & The Bird, 33 Taps, Pizzeria Ortica and Lost Property. We have multiple vendors and I’m always trying to get the best ingredients for the best price.

myself if you send out crap food and sloppy plates. I’m patient in that I’ll stop and show a cook once and then if it keeps coming out the same then it’s going to be a problem.

During the rush hours I’m intense because the orders come in at once and if food is not going out on time or the way it’s supposed to be, it’s our reputation on the line.

Q: A lot of chefs have a philosophy when it comes to cooking. Some use seasonal produce, others are big into farm-to-table.

How would you describe your philosophy?

AR: I’m more of a farm-to-table chef. Much more of what is in season right now, like crosnes, and that’s just how I cook. My philosophy is very farm-to-table, very seasonal.

Q: What is it like at home for you? Are you always cooking?

AR: We have to make more baby-friendly foods. So I’ll do baked chicken stuff with lemons and garlic. Since we have a lot of stuff in the backyard, we can use our giant lemon tree and rosemary plant, a persimmon tree and figs.

Q: When you cook at home, what do you use?

AR: Fish. It’s probably the most versatile meat there is as far as color and ways you can cook it.

Q: Where do you shop for ingredients?

AR: Well, we have our own garden so I try to use that stuff—mostly vegetables. When it comes to meat, I will go to meat markets.

For fish I try to head to the coast to find the freshest stuff.

Q: Is cooking at home a lot more pleasurable than anything else?

AR: Yeah, absolutely. I get to spend time with my wife and little one and expose my daughter to cooking and gardening.

“SINCE WE HAVE A LOT OF STUFF IN THE BACKYARD, WE CAN USE OUR GIANT LEMON TREE AND ROSEMARY PLANT, A PERSIMMON TREE AND FIGS.”

Q: How much are you involved in the farming aspect of food?

AR: I try to use as much as I can from the garden in our backyard. I love exposing my daughter to that; I think it’ll be fun when she gets older to bring her in the garden and have her pick and plant stuff and develop appreciation of where food comes from.

Q: Who was one of your biggest influences?

Q: What’s next for you?

AR: I have some people I —CHEF AARON AR: I’m hoping to get back into look up to like Chef Grant ROBBINS the kitchen soon. Don’t have Achatz at Alinea and a chef a name or a place yet, but it’s named Jim Schebler at the happening. Hope to have more of a new Foundation Room where I used to work.

American or gastropub with an open He’s an amazing chef. I worked with a lot kitchen. It would be really cool and hip of great chefs over the years. Working my for LA. way through the kitchens and side-by-side plating helped me develop my own style.

Q: Things can get a little heated in the kitchen and some chefs are known to have a fiery temper. Is that because their reputation is there on the plate?

AR: I’m intense, but fair. If you’re messing up I’ll probably kick you off the line and do it

| NOVEMBER 2015

CULINARY LAB 8033 Sunset Blvd Ste 877 Los Angeles, CA 90046 424.284.2580 www.culinarylab.com

“I GET TO SPEND TIME WITH MY WIFE AND LITTLE ONE AND EXPOSE MY DAUGHTER TO COOKING AND GARDENING.” —CHEF AARON ROBBINS

HOT DISH: Potato-

crusted local seabass, orzo, hen of the wood mushrooms, English peas and roasted crosnes with a curried carrot emulsion. | NOVEMBER 2015 | 25

PLAN CHECK KITCHEN + BAR 1111 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90017 213.403.1616 www.plancheck.com

Dig Into These STACKED SPUDS for the Perfect Fall COMFORT FOOD

WRITTEN BY: DAVID DIAZ PHOTOGRAPHED BY: KOLINI FAAGATA

27

hile trapped alone on a deserted island, all I want is a solar-powered Kindle, sunglasses and a bag of potatoes—with a block of cheese and maybe a deep fryer.

Like any proud Californian, I love French fries. And what do I love even more than French fries? French fries loaded with savory deliciousness on top, underneath, and in a ramekin next to the plate so I can dip more fries into it. Luckily, our very own Los Angeles is host to some of the premier loaded fry spots on the West Coast. Whether you’re about to prep your stomach for a night of bar-hopping, nursing the headache from the night before or just want some delicious comfort food, these eight locations are proudly serving up some of the tastiest spuds on this side of San Gabriel. All Angelenos couldn’t be happier since ketchup is so mid-2000s.

“ SPITZ Ò

SPITZ 1725 Hillhurst Ave Los Angeles, CA 90027 323.522.3309 www.eatatspitz.com

This gem of a restaurant sits on the corner of a very quaint and very parkable residential area (crucial in LA). Spitz is an essential feature of the Pastel Neighborhood with its low roof and open-faced exterior. It welcomes its patronage with beachy-patio vibe interiors. Two giant windows at the front of the building open up the room, and the wooden bar area soaks up the sun during your afternoon food run. Their full selection of rotating craft beers and homemade libations thoroughly tempt you to re-create your busy weekend on any day of the week. Spitz serves up

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These GOLDEN TATERS are out of control.

essential Mediterranean dishes with beef, chicken, falafel and, of course, lamb döner kebabs, like the Zesty Feta Döner wrap, and the Spicy Döner. But one of the main reasons you come to Spitz at all is because of their renowned street cart fries. These golden taters are out of control. They come topped with essentials like red onions, pepperoncini, creamy garlic aioli and a gorgeous handful of feta cheese on top.

And, since they have sriracha sauce at every table, it is highly recommended that you drizzle a little bit on top or at least make a little pile of it on the side for fry dipping.

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: Spitz keeps board games like

Battleship and Connect Four on hand so you can indulge your competitive spirit while you inhale the restaurant’s renowned street cart fries.

“

The gravy is hot, the cheese is hot, and the fries are hot— HOUSTON, WE’VE FOUND THE HOLY TRINITY.

BIG WANGS BIG WANGS 1562 N Cahuenga Blvd Hollywood, CA 90028 323.469.2449 www.bigwangs.com

Ò

Classic poutine involves French fries, gravy and cheese curds. In New Jersey, this traditional recipe was tweaked a little when they decided to use mozzarella cheese instead of the typical “squeaky cheese,” or curds. This very East Coast interpretation of the Canadian classic is referred to as Disco Fries. Lucky for us, LA’s own Big Wangs on Cahuenga serves these delicious beasts daily like some kind of Saturday Night Fever.

Sitting in the dead center of Hollyweird, this restaurant and sports bar is wide open with no windows on its giant front walls. The place has a full arcade in the back, a full bar in the front and a dozen flat screens streaming every game you might want to be watching at that moment. Big Wangs also has a rotating beer selection filled with limited editions and microbrews to pair with an order of their Cajun Buffalo Super Wangs, a mountain of fries covered in cheese and gravy. Big Wangs piles its Disco Fries with fluffy and crunchy shoestring potatoes covered in fresh, thick gravy and melty, stringy mozzarella. The gravy is hot, the cheese is hot, and the fries are hot—Houston, we’ve found the holy trinity.

This East Coast classic comes on a giant plate, is served fresh, and needs to be immediately consumed while paired with their strongest beer. So make sure to bring a few people or a giant appetite.

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE:

Big Wangs is located a block away from the Hollywood and Vine Metro station. So next time you don’t want to drive your car downtown before a night out, take a quick Metro ride to Hollywood, get some Disco Fries and a round of drinks, and let the city worry about getting you home. | NOVEMBER 2015 | 29

“

Then, they are smothered in a FRESH, SMOKED GOUDA AND HEAVY CREAM BLEND that adds a special smokiness to the dish.

SIXTH STREET TAVERN Ò

Sixth Street Tavern has the luxury of being located at the center of Downtown’s revitalized nightlife area. Located up the street from the Standard, and right next door to the Library Bar, this drinking hotspot is quickly becoming one of the most preferred bars in the area. This location is well-lit and warm, with shop-style wired lights and subdued brown tones to set the steampunk gastropub spirit just right. Since they are first and foremost a bar, they have a fantastic drink menu with craft beers and original concoctions, but they also have appetizers to pair

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SIXTH STREET TAVERN 630 W 6th St Los Angeles, CA 90017 213.614.1900 www.sixthstreettavern.com

with your drinks, namely the Beer Cheese Fries. The French fries are cut in-house and seasoned with a special house blended salt.

Then they are smothered in a fresh, smoked Gouda and heavy cream blend that adds a special smokiness to the dish. The fries are covered with a blizzard of finely shredded fresh Parmesan cheese, and set in front of you like a little white cheese-nimbus where angels sleep. The next time you go to Sixth Street for a beer or two, make sure you get an order of the Beer Cheese Fries—then your drink won’t get lonely.

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE:

The Beer Cheese Fries served at Sixth Street Tavern no longer actually include beer as an ingredient, though the dish has retained the name on the menu. The change was not because beer was too crazy, but because they found a way to make the fries even better.

“

Paired with a BURGER AND LEMONADE, or completely on their own, these fries are the dreamy mix of SWEET AND SAVORY.

LITTLE SOMETHIN’ EXTRA:

They have their secret sauce in packets, so don’t forget to ask for some if you need a little more animal in your style.

NOT-SO-SECRET “SECRET” MENU:

Ò 4 x 4: Four 100 percent pure beef patties, four slices of American cheese, lettuce, tomato, spread and onions on a bun. Ò Grilled cheese: Two slices of melted American cheese and all the garnishes on a bun (super secret: make it Animal Style). Ò Protein style: A pure beef patty wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun. Ò Neapolitan milkshake: Vanilla, chocolate and strawberry flavored shakes mixed into one delicious cup. Ò Animal Style: Cheese, extra spread and grilled onions. Get it on a burger, fries—or both.

Yellow peppers will also kick it up an extra notch; just ask for them.

IN-N-OUT BURGER Ò

It would be irresponsible if we completed a feature on the best-loaded fries in Los Angeles and didn’t include our California staple—Animal Style fries from In-NOut Burger. These are a classic choice for the many patrons that visit In-N-Out regularly (sometimes more than once in a 24-hour span). Even if people don’t eat them, they know all about them. These fries are considered part of the secret menu, so you won’t see them posted anywhere. However, all you have to do is say, “I’ll take a drink, a Double-Double, and Animal Style fries, please.” Soon, those fresh-cut French fries topped with a thick slice of melted American cheese, secret

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IN-N-OUT BURGER 7009 Sunset Blvd Hollywood, CA 90028 800.786.1000 www.in-n-out.com

spread and grilled onions are all yours. Paired with a burger and lemonade, or completely on their own, these fries are the dreamy mix of sweet and savory. Dipping a few in ketchup is also not frowned upon, especially if you use the chili peppers (that are also on the secret menu) to spice it up. Luckily there’s only one size of these puppies, which definitely helps with portion control—one could easily scarf down a couple of orders. But the portion size also helps you justify ordering a second batch. You don’t want to go hungry in the middle of the night, now do you?

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE:

You can order your fries well

done for a crunchier Animal Style experience. Also, if you have a predilection for spicy, order the fries with chopped chilis on top for slices of pungent little yellow peppers. There is a laundry list of secret menu variations that a hungry patron can peruse, and these just happen to be some of the most delicious.

“

Soon, those FRESH-CUT FRENCH FRIES topped with a THICK SLICE OF MELTED AMERICAN CHEESE, SECRET SPREAD AND GRILLED ONIONS are all yours.

“

PIGGY FRIES are almost like a deconstructed, California-style GRILLED CHEESE.

THE OINKSTER Ò

The Oinkster is one of the best places to get a quick burger and fries with the comforts of a sit-down spot.

The restaurant has many items on the menu that your taste buds will be begging you to try, but the signature Piggy Fries are definitely a main attraction. Reminiscent of In-N-Out’s Animal Style fries, the Oinkster takes all of those flavor profiles and adds its own spin—plus a double-sized portion. Fresh Belgian-style fries are topped with thousand island dressing, caramelized onions and very thinly shredded cheddar cheese.

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THE OINKSTER 776 Vine St Los Angeles, CA 90038 323.536.9248 www.theoinkster.com

What takes these up a notch is when you start to dig into this pile of warm goodness, you uncover lettuce and sweet peppers mixing in with the creaminess and the warmth of the melty cheese. Piggy Fries are almost like a deconstructed, Californiastyle grilled cheese. The Oinkster mixes simple ingredients to create a fantastic meal you can eat there or take home to feast on while watching your favorite show.

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE:

There’s outdoor patio seating at the Oinkster’s Vine location, and nobody minds if you bring your pets along while you eat some of the most well-executed comfort food variations in the Hollywood area.

“

Then HOUSEMADE SWISS CHEESE made with TRUFFLE SALT AND WINE is oozed over the bed of potatoes.

PLAN CHECK KITCHEN + BAR

PLAN CHECK KITCHEN + BAR 1111 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90017 213.403.1616 www.plancheck.com

Ò

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE:

A lot of places serve pastrami, and a lot of places serve French fries. In the rapidly progressing Downtown area of LA, there are a lot of places to get good beer also. But there are only a few locations that do all three of these things very, very right. Plan Check Kitchen + Bar on Wilshire is one of those places. This gastropub is located right on the outskirts of Downtown, which makes it a thousand times easier to find parking and an ideal escape from the bustle of the city center.

Pastrami gravy fries aren’t the only thing that Chef Ernesto Uchimura and the rest of the Plan Check crew have mastered in their kitchen, but they are absolutely a stand-out favorite on the menu. First and foremost, Plan Check cooks its French fries in beef tallow to extract all of those succulent flavors and cram them into each fry spear. Then housemade Swiss

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cheese, infused with truffle salt and wine, is oozed over the bed of potatoes. After that, tender slices of the best pastrami I’ve had since Canter’s Deli are piled on top. Their meat is carefully selected and cooked long and slow to ensure supreme tenderness, smokiness and a charred-spice crust that makes Plan Check’s pastrami one of the true heavy-hitters in LA. The entire thing is doused in gravy that’s prepared from the leftover roux during the beef preparation. Finally, some diced pickles are thrown on top because everybody knows pastrami needs pickles to feel complete. Uchimura told me this dish was originally born out of necessity, with the need to use as many leftover ingredients and waste as little as possible. The result is this wonderful mix of flavors that takes simple ingredients and makes them irresistible.

After your hearty and savory meal, if you feel the need to delve into something sweet, you’d be a fool not to grab one of the made-toorder cruller donuts. This almost churro-like pastry is hot and fluffy on the inside, and crunchy on the outside from a fresh fry (not in the beef broth, don’t worry), and topped with vanilla ice cream.

“

A SOUR CREAM SQUIRT AND GUACAMOLE DOLLOP finish off this mountain of cilantro-y, steak-y French fry perfection that’s worth the trip and lost gym time.

MY TACO Ò

MY TACO 6300 York Blvd Highland Park, CA 90042 323.256.2698 www.my-taco.com

Walking in from sunny York Boulevard, this Highland Park restaurant makes you feel immediately comfortable. My Taco is decorated with a traditional Mexican color palette of blues, yellows, reds and greens. The restaurant’s tables and chairs are wooden and painted in similarly vibrant hues. The location has expanded over the 21 years that My Taco has been in business, starting off as a taco cart in Bell in 1994. Lunch hour brings many hungry patrons, so be prepared to wait or order ahead of time for pickup. In addition to its signature barbacoa tacos, My Taco is also home to the very hearty and very popular carne asada fries. The shoestring fries are fresh, the carne asada is juicy, the mozzarella cheese is melted. A sour cream squirt and guacamole dollop finish off this mountain of cilantro-y, steak-y French fry perfection that’s worth the trip and lost gym time. Nothing is worse than carne asada that is as tough as leather, so My Taco takes pride in its flavorful and tender cuts of meat. Even though carne asada fries were created in San Diego, My Taco brings the diverse flavor and culture of Baja California to the heart of Los Angeles like a boss.

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: Because homelessness in

Los Angeles is a major issue, the My Taco team volunteers once a month at Freedom Church, providing hot meals for families and others in need. My Taco also hosts food and toy drives during the holiday season to further help local Angelenos in need.

HIDDEN TREASURE

Dive into Whiskey with Cash Black at the £10 Bar, Hidden Inside the Montage Hotel

WRITTEN BY: ERIC STRAND PHOTOGRAPHED BY: STEPHEN PANOSIAN

THE EXPER T

CASH BLACK Bartender at the £10 Bar at the Montage Hotel

Childhood Dream Job: Cowboy

B

everly Hills is known for its ostentatious display. It’s a town all about being seen, so it might be surprising to find out the Los Angeles bar with the most exclusive top shelf is one you’ve probably never heard of. The bar has no signs. It doesn’t advertise.

It doesn’t have artist-inspired frontage with drought-defying water features. The average nightly crowd? Twenty-two people. On the second floor of the definitely visible Montage Hotel, £10 Bar can only be reached by being escorted through the first-floor kitchen and up the back stairs. Once inside, you’ll find yourself in an absurdly wellappointed bar with a patio overlooking the garden courtyard outside.

The whisky selection is deep rather than wide, focusing on the Macallan and its sister distillery, Highland Park. While the bar’s forte is definitely exclusive and top-shelf scotch, £10 Bar does have a selection of rare and hard-to-get bottles. You can also purchase £10 Bar’s own brand of cigars and smoke them on the outdoor patio.

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£10 BAR AT THE MONTAGE HOTEL 225 N Canon Dr Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310.906.7218 www.montagehotels.com/beverlyhills/dining/10-pound

“A GOOD DRINK IS LIKE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP: IT TAKES TIME AND PERSONAL CARE.” —Cash Black

| NOVEMBER 2015 | 39

“HERE, I ALSO HAVE THE LUXURY OF TIME—TIME TO MAKE THE PERFECT COCKTAIL TO MEET YOUR NEEDS.”

WHISKY OR WHISKEY? You’ll see whiskey spelled in different ways, and it all has to do with where it’s made. Whiskey is from the United States and Ireland.

Whisky is basically everywhere else, although some U.S. brands use the whisky spelling; most notably Maker’s Mark bourbon.

—Cash Black

FOREVER YOUNG Unlike wine, whiskey doesn’t age after it’s been bottled. The 12-year-old bottle of whiskey you’ve been saving for 10 years is still a 12-year-old whiskey.

FLAVOR SAVOR The best way to enjoy a glass of whiskey is to take a small sip first and swirl it around in your mouth.

This acclimatizes your taste buds to the high alcohol content and allows you to fully enjoy all the flavors on your next sip.

Decorated by Nina Petronzio, £10 Bar features handcrafted furnishings from the Plush Home furniture collection. The small indoor seating area has the atmosphere of a small bistro while the patio makes you feel like you’re visiting friends for a drink and cigar. Bartender Cash Black welcomes you with a ready smile and a bubbling enthusiasm for scotch and the perfectly crafted cocktail.

Q: You have quite a close relationship with the Macallan. Can you describe what that means?

Cash Black: We are one of the first to know anything new coming out of the Macallan. We are the official outpost of the Macallan. They call us “the treehouse.” Looking out over the tops of the trees in the garden, it seems appropriate. When I started here, they handed me a leather-bound Macallan manual—it felt like the secret ninja tablets were being passed down!

Q: You have some extremely rare and expensive whiskies. What’s the top of the top-shelf?

CB: That would be the Macallan 62-year. It goes for $3,360 per dram.

Q: And the question everyone wants to know, do you get to sample it?

CB: I always tell people that even if I smelled it, it would throw off my inventory!

Q: Do any specific bottles stand out among these standouts?

CB: We have The Marriage, a limited edition of 1,000 bottles celebrating the Royal Marriage of Prince William to Catherine Middleton. We’re

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having it appraised for its current value. We also have the No. 6, and we’re one of only two places in the country you can try this. It’s known as being the most intensely Macallan in flavor.

Q: Aside from the exclusive scotch selection, what makes your bar special?

CB: It’s a bar, yes, but it’s also an oasis. It becomes your bar. The beautiful thing is the personal relationships we form here. The main thing is this is a place where you meet your closest friends for a glass of exquisite scotch. Here, I also have the luxury of time—time to make the perfect cocktail to meet your needs.

Q: You talk about developing personal relationships. How does that work being a hotel bar?

CB: Only about 10 percent of our patrons are Montage guests.

Around 80 percent are actually locals. Someone will come in and ask me for the drink I made them last week, or last year. It’s like going further and further down the rabbit hole!

Q: How does being a hotel bar affect you?

CB: I have a whole hotel at my disposal. When I’m trying to mix the perfect cocktail to meet someone’s needs, I can walk down to the kitchen and ask, “What’s fresh?”

Q: A lot of people don’t mix scotch, or have it over ice. What’s your feeling on this?

CB: You can mix vodka with anything. Scotch, in its profile, is difficult to work with. You have to be careful. A good drink is like a

“IT’S KNOWN AS BEING THE MOST INTENSELY MACALLAN IN FLAVOR.” —Cash Black

“IT’S A BAR, YES, BUT IT’S ALSO AN OASIS. IT BECOMES YOUR BAR.” —Cash Black

AGE LIMIT £10 Bar has Macallans aged all the way up to 62 years, but by law no Scotch whisky can be aged less than 3 years. If a whisky doesn’t have an age stated on the bottle, it is called an NAS, or No Age Statement, whisky.

TOP TIER The most expensive bottle of whisky ever sold was a $628,205 six-liter bottle of Macallan M DecanterConstantine sold at a Sotheby’s Hong Kong auction in 2014.

NATIVE

KNOWLEDGE Many cocktails are off-menu. Ask Cash for his specialty Jimmy Mac based off the Macallan 18.

good relationship: It takes time and personal care. I try to let the scotch speak for itself. Scotch is always changing, and you have to change with it. The Macallan 17 Fine Oak is known as “the perfect dram to have over ice on a hot summer day.”

Q: What’s your approach to serving drinks?

CB: “How do you like your scotch?” The answer to that helps me determine what kind of experience you want. But the greatest thing I’ve learned isn’t how to make 300 drinks, it’s the power of a person who is genuinely interested in you for five minutes.

Q: How did you start at £10 Bar? CB: I started in Las Vegas, but I moved to LA after bartending at a bar in Montana. I worked a couple places before coming to the Montage. I started in valet! I’d never parked cars professionally before. I’d parked my car, of course, but never a Ferrari. It’s different. I moved to serving in the daytime tea room, which serves more than tea. When they needed a bartender in £10, they liked what they saw in the way I treated the customers. It reminds me of what one of my bosses used to say about me: “There’s something wrong with that boy. That kid is always too happy.”

Q: When someone doesn’t know what they want, what do you suggest?

CB: The Macallan 25 Sherry Cask is a perfect place to start. It’s been called “the distinguished dram for the respectable gentleman.” That usually sells it!

“I TRY TO LET THE SCOTCH SPEAK FOR ITSELF. SCOTCH IS ALWAYS CHANGING, AND YOU HAVE TO CHANGE WITH IT.”

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Q: You even have a chilling menu! What’s on it?

CB: We offer four options for chilling your drink. We have an ice sphere made from Highland spring water, the very water they use to make the Macallan. We have a logo sphere, that’s an ice sphere with the “£” logo etched by laser into the center of the sphere. Then there’s the KoldDraft ice cube that’s pretty popular in a lot of places. It freezes from the inside out to get rid of impurities and is very slow-melting. The final option isn’t ice, but a frozen soapstone. It chills with no dilution.

Q: £10 sounds exclusive. Who do you have to be to get in?

CB: Anybody can get in. You just have to call 310.906.7218 to make reservations. There is a $50 minimum order per person and the dress code is business casual.

—Cash Black

Q: We’ve talked a lot about the Macallan. What else is on the shelf?

CB: We carry a good selection from their sister distillery, Highland Park.

Their Dark Origins is one of my personal favorites. We also have some Bourbon and WhistlePig Rye. We get Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon any chance we get, but it disappears as soon as we get it.

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Q: I’ve heard rumors you had a $64,000 shot. Can I see it?

CB: Unfortunately, we just sold that. It was the last drop of the Macallan 64year left in the world. The purchase price will be donated to a charity of the patron’s choosing.

Island

Hopper

WHERE TO FIND A GLASS FULL OF PARADISE WRITTEN BY: FERNANDO A. FUNES PHOTOGRAPHED BY: NOBLE ANDREWS

Los Angeles is the birthplace of tiki drinks. Popularized by the Hollywood scene of the 1930s, especially at Don the Beachcomber, tiki drinks are distinctly LA: cool, smooth, sweet and relaxing. If you’re looking to take a mini vacation to Polynesian paradise, then check out the following LA tiki spots.

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The Good Luck Bar 1514 Hillhurst Ave Los Angeles, CA 90027 323.666.3524 www.goodluckbarla.com

A mysterious pink glow draws you inside the Good Luck Bar, where blenders buzz in sequence and coconut ceramic mugs, beer bottles and cocktail glasses dot the landscape. The drink orders just keep coming as regulars, first timers, old college friends, blind dates and work buddies all order the same drink: the Potent Potion. The most popular drink at the Good Luck Club, the Potent Potion is a rockstar cocktail of Sailor Jerry rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, Angostura bitters and

ground nutmeg, all blended to icy-smooth perfection. David Granger, Good Luck Club bar manager and drink co-creator, worked with Jones Hollywood bartender Eric Tecosky to create an original cocktail that captured the essence of classic tiki drinks while adding some kick and sting in the process.

The Potent Potion was that collaboration, and it’s a been a successful one. He calls it “Christmas in a cup.” Stop in and try one for yourself.

T HE P OT E N T P OT ION : Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum Fresh pineapple juice Coconut cream Angostura bitters Ground nutmeg Garnish with nutmeg

The drink orders just keep coming as regulars, first timers, old college friends, blind dates and work buddies all order the same drink: the Potent Potion.

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KEEP ING IT OL D SCH OOL :

N AT I V E K N O W L E D GE :

The Good Luck Club pays homage to a legendary and now long gone Chinatown dive bar, Yee Mee Loo’s. In fact, the Yee Mee Loo bartender, Richard, was invited to be the first bartender at the Good Luck Club as a star attraction.

Three hundred Potent Potions are served every week from 16-18 bottles of Sailor Jerry; that’s 15,600 Potent Potions a year from 832-936 bottles. David Granger, The Good Luck Club bar manager and drink co-creator, attests to serving 20,000 himself.

| NOVEMBER 2015

Tiki No

4657 Lankershim Blvd North Hollywood, CA 91602 818.766.0116

Tiki No pays homage to the tiki bars that came before it. Blowfish lampshades dot the roof of the bar, emitting a rainbow glow that bounces off the wood counters, tiki masks and totem poles create a fun, kitschy ambiance.

At night, palm leaf thatched bars and booths give the sense of a tropical outdoor paradise. Tiki No makes you feel comfortable, welcome and ready to have a good time. But when you’re here, make sure to try the Suffering Bastard. A Tiki No favorite, the Suffering Bastard has quite a history. Cairo, Egypt 1920s, The Shepheard Hotel: A busy bar is out of rum, low on other essential ingredients and filled with hungover patrons looking for a cure. Surveying the ingredients around

him–cognac, gin, spritzer spruce and ginger–a desperate bartender makes a new tiki concoction to quench his clients’ thirst, relieve their headaches, and save his own ass: The Suffering Bastard. Since then, the Suffering Bastard has been a tiki drink staple. Tiki No’s version is made with Barton London Extra Dry Gin, Paul Mason Brandy, ginger syrup, Fee Brothers Falernum, a dash of Angostura bitters and a squeeze of lime. Unlike your usual tiki drink, this one has no rum and it contains West Indian flavors—the falernum and Angostura bitters—that set it apart from other tiki drinks. Come in and relieve your suffering.

Tiki No makes you feel comfortable, welcome and ready to have a good time.

SUFFERING B A STA R D : Barton London Extra Dry Gin Paul Mason Brandy Falernum Ginger syrup Dash of Angostura bitters

NATIVE KNO W L ED GE:

PARTY C E N T R AL :

According to Tiki No’s general manager Simon Jones, “The botanicals, the juniper of the gin, really pops with the West Indian falernum, so you have a mix of the two—the spice of the ginger and the botanicals from the bitters. It’s very spicy. The cognac gives it a mild backend. It gives you a taste of the West Indies.”

Tiki No has food trucks every Thursday starting at 5:30 p.m., and it also hosts karaoke every Sunday starting at 9 p.m. Plus, every Wednesday, Tiki No hosts a POG tournament so you can relive all your ’90s glory. The entry fee is $10 but first place earns a $100 prize and runner-ups are consoled with Tiki No’s Scorpion Bowl drink. | NOVEMBER 2015 | 47

Don’t confuse this version with your generic, middle-of-the-road, overly sweet Mai Tai; this is something else.

D UKE ’S M A I TA I: Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum Orange Curaçao POG Dark rum float Garnish with a fresh pineapple

Duke’s

Malibu 21150 Pacific Coast Hwy Malibu, CA 90265 310.317.0777 www.dukesmalibu.com

Nestled between the winding lanes of Pacific Coast Highway and the surf-and-sand necklace of Malibu’s coastline, Duke’s Malibu celebrates the life of Duke Kahanamoku, Hawaii’s most famous citizen surfer. Because of the ultra relaxed island vibe, you can enter in your Sunday best or you can roll into the side bar with your board shorts, tank top and flip-flops, plop down at the bar, and order Duke’s Mai Tai, their pinnacle drink.

LO CATI ON , LOCATI ON, LOCAT I O N : Duke’s has locations in Huntington Beach, Waikiki, Maui, Kauai and a new location in La Jolla.

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Don’t confuse this version with your generic, middle-of-theroad, overly sweet Mai Tai; this is something else. Using light and dark rum, a symphony of fruit juices and orange curaçao, this is a tiki drink with quite a wallop. It’s refreshing, sweet and deceptively strong, and the perfect accompaniment to the stunning waterfront location and excellent service at Duke's.

T H E MAN , T H E L E G E N D : Duke Kahanamoku was something out of a comic book: He won an Olympic gold medal at 21 in swimming for the US and continued as an Olympian for the next 20 years. In addition to appearing in 28 movies, Kahanamoku is credited with the global popularization of surfing.

The Purple Orchid 221 Richmond St El Segundo, CA 90245 310.322.5829

Fifteen years ago, Dave Fernandez and his wife, Rebecca Jakob-Fernandez, renovated a run-down dive bar in El Segundo to transform it into a classic tiki bar: The Purple Orchid. A few out-of-date tiki drink recipes, however, included no-longer-in-production ingredients. So, working his magic, Fernandez took these old recipes and endowed them with new ingredients and a modern touch to create tiki drinks fit for a contemporary palate. And, as it turned out, the people love his drinks, especially the Funky Monkey. Actually a Purple Orchid original tiki drink, the

Funky Monkey fuses banana, coconut, cinnamon, vodka and pineapple juice, with just a little bit of lime juice, into a wonderful tiki drink that can’t be found elsewhere! This concoction complements all of the sweet flavors by adding a dash of lime that infuses the drink with the right amount of tartness to make it smooth, balanced and delicious. If you’re looking for a neighborhood bar with great drinks and a welcoming atmosphere that is honest and authentic to tiki culture, then this is the place for you. Like Dave says, “This is a real bar. Things go on here.”

FU N KY MO N K E Y: Bananaa Coconut Cinnamon Vodka Pineapple juice Just a bit of lime juice

If you’re looking for a neighborhood bar with great drinks and a welcoming atmosphere that is honest and authentic to tiki culture, then this is the place for you.

(NOT JUST ) LOCA L S ON LY: Built before the current tiki bar craze, Dave Fernandez and Rebecca Jakob-Fernandez wanted to bring back the authentic tiki bars they grew up with. This bar isn’t cashing in on a hot trend nor is it a tourist trap with overly ironic kitsch and manufactured ambiance. It’s a real place where people play pool and listen to music from a jukebox and socialize with each other.

N AT IVE KN OW LE D GE : Beyond reviving old drinks from recipes with extinct ingredients, Dave’s creativity extends to making the lamps, artwork, and other decor (except for the tiki masks).

| NOVEMBER 2015 | 49

BOA

Steakhouse 9200 Sunset Blvd Ste 650 West Hollywood, CA 90069 310.278.2050 www.innovativedining.com/ restaurants/boa

BOA Steakhouse is not your conventional steakhouse. At BOA you can have a one-of-a-kind dining experience that can’t be replicated elsewhere. Besides wonderful culinary flair and the possibility of catching a movie star or two, BOA Steakhouse is a laboratory for exciting hybrid cocktails.

The restaurant’s innovative bartenders, Josh Renfree and Tara Shadzi, are cocktail alchemists who are constantly creating new drinks that fuse elements from eclectic genres.

The most recent tiki-inspired creations—Vida de Playa and

Tiki Roots—are evidence of their mixology prowess. If you’re looking for the perfect tiki-inspired drink to get your evening going, look no further than the Foreplay. The Foreplay combines Cazadores tequila, Campari, passion fruit and lime to create what Renfree calls a “tequila passion fruit negroni.” The different flavors contrast just enough as they harmonize into a sublime balance of bitter, sour and sweet.

Drop by BOA Steakhouse and drink one or two Foreplays with your crew. I hear the steak’s pretty good, too.

FORE P LAY: Cazadores Tequila Campari Passion fruit purée Lime juice Agave Garnish with a lime wheel

If you’re looking for the perfect tiki-inspired drink to get your evening going, look no further than the Foreplay.

NATI VE KNOW L ED GE: In addition to great cocktails and tiki drinks, BOA Steakhouse is a great spot to go for wine: BOA Steakhouse is a 2015 Wine Spectator Restaurant Award winner. They have over 560 wines with an inventory of 4,400 bottles.

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R E P U TAT I O N AT T HE ST E A K: BOA Steakhouse has a 25-25-23 rating in the Zagat Guide.

TikiTi

4427 Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90027 323.669.9381 www.tiki-ti.com

A Los Angeles hole-in-the-wall, Tiki-Ti is the Vatican of tropical drinks. Tiki-Ti’s lineage dates back to the original tiki bar, Don the Beachcomber. Ray Buhen, the first generation owner and bartender of Tiki-Ti, apprenticed under Don the Beachcomber for a few years before setting off on his own and eventually establishing Tiki-Ti in 1961. Continuing the family tradition, second generation owner and 50-year veteran bartender Mike Buhen mans the Tiki-Ti helm with his sons.

This legendary bar offers 94 tiki drinks with enticing and kooky names such as Banchee, Black Widow, Chi Chi, Dr. Funk, Electric Lemonade, Uga Booga, Zombie and Ray’s Mistake.

Each drink has a meaning and flavor all its own, but no drink is as special as the Bayanihan. A Tagalog word meaning “to be together,” this coconut, pineapple juice and rum concoction facilitates instant best frends and barside camaraderie as its tropical flavors mix together. The Tiki-Ti facilitates togetherness so much, in fact, that the same patrons dating back to the 1960s frequent the establishment every New Year’s Eve! So drop in and get a Bayanihan for yourself. Make sure to come in early, though—the bar has a small capacity and people line up just to get a seat. Cheers!

T H E B AYANIHA N : Rum Coconut Pineapple Juice Other juices

Each drink has a meaning and flavor all its own, but no drink is as special as the Bayanihan.

NATIVE KN OW L ED GE:

D RIN K OF T HE WA LKIN G D E A D :

Tiki-Ti will be celebrating its 55th anniversary this April. Having a direct link to Don the Beachcomber, Tiki-Ti has weathered the ups and downs of the tiki bar craze to earn its own legendary status. Tiki bar enthusiasts must undertake a pilgrimage to this LA landmark at some point in their life.

If you’re looking for the most authentic version of the Zombie, Don the Beachcomber’s most famous tiki drink, Tiki-Ti’s version is a near identical twin! | NOVEMBER 2015 | 51

PHOTO BY: Tae Kwon

style

/beauty

Nov. 2015

55 BEAUTY EXPERT Lisa Prova, Robin Felix and Freddy Razo Create Stylish and Gorgeous 'Dos for Every Client

62 FASHION SPREAD A Look into Living the Millionaire Lifestyle From Home to Handbag

77 THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID Shop the Best Spots in LA for Designer Gems at Thrift Prices with Blogger Brittany Xavier

84 COVER GIRL STORY Anna Camp Dishes on Embarrassing Moments, Success in Hollywood and California Living

92 LUGGAGE DECONSTRUCTED A Guide to All Your Vacation Packing Essentials

98 LOCALE LOOKS

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BEAUTY EXPERT Face Time

Step Outside the Box and Celebrate Your Wedding Day at One of These Three Unique Venues

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FACE TIME G E T H E A LT H Y, C E L E B -WO RT H Y H A I R F R O M T H E S E P R O S TY L I S T S

R OB IN FE LIX

L I S A P ROVA

F R E D DY R AZO

WRITTEN BY: MARISSA WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHED BY: TAE KWON

Los Angeles might be home to you, but to those not blessed enough to live in Southern California, LA is Tinseltown: the magical place where movies come from. With one in six residents working in creative or entertainment industries, it’s easy to understand why Angelenos are generally nonchalant about celebrity sightings or walking through open sets—it’s just another day in the neighborhood. Traffic on the 405 can make it difficult to find magic in the mundane, but you can put on some rose-colored glasses by gifting yourself a bit of beauty. A new outfit or pair of shoes will put some pep in your step, but with the holidays around the corner it’s the perfect time to update your locks with a fresh style.

Having a hair professional you completely trust your mane with is the difference between feeling just all right and feeling like someone sprinkled you with pixie dust.

There are hundreds of salons and barbershops in the

greater Los Angeles area, so picking a stylist can feel a lot like Russian roulette. Fortunately, you can avoid the gamble by visiting one of our beauty experts. Passionate about healthy hair and confidence-inspiring style, Lisa Prova, Robin Felix and Freddy Razo have collectively beautified Los Angeles for almost 50 years and they’re not looking to slow down. While their backgrounds and current salons are about as different as could be, our experts share common ground where it counts—a commitment to excellence, artistic vision and the hunger to continue learning and developing. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Love of beauty is taste. The creation of beauty is art.” By Emerson’s standard, our experts are much more than stylists; Prova, Felix, and Razo are the artistic equivalents of a love child between Andy Warhol and David Copperfield, except they don’t keep secrets from their clients.

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WHY FELIX DESIGN STUDIO SHOULD BE ON YOUR LIST: 1. Passion makes the difference. Robin Felix loves to make you feel beautiful and only works with stylists who feel the same way.

2. Get spoiled. The Felix Design Studio clients are all treated to a VIP experience from the moment they walk in the door (even if they’re a walk-in).

3. They’re serious about the health of your hair. As a salon they exclusively feature Phyto hair care products so you can experience what your hair is supposed to feel like without suffocating under silicones and synthetics.

4. The staff is required to take elite classes to keep developing their skills and stay up to date with what’s happening in hair trends.

5. The space itself is totally gorgeous.

Natural light pours in from enormous windows that wrap around the front, the decorating is chic and a living wall gives a nod to the natural hair products they feature.

NEVER HEARD OF PHYTO? HERE’S WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: 1. High-performance hair care formulated in France over 50 years ago to return hair to its most vibrant potential. Phyto is one of the most respected brands in the world.

2. Ninety-five to 100 percent natural, boasting the highest concentrations of essential oils and plant extracts in hair care, Phyto transforms hair starting at the root.

3. They have a treatment for any hair type or hair problem—normal to dry, ultra-dry, weakened or damaged, color-treated or highlighted, fine, thinning, unruly/frizzy/rebellious, dandruff—all benefit from proper care with Phyto.

4. The styling products are parabenfree. Enjoy professional styling without having to expose yourself to more chemicals and preservatives.

5. Phyto is a pioneer for beauty—it was the first to bring these products to market: Day cream for hair (Phyto 7) Sunscreen for hair (Phyto Plage) Hair treatment with essential oils (Phytopolleine) Dietary supplement for healthy hair and nails (Phytophanere) Botanical hairspray (Phytolaque Soie) Revitalizing treatment for thinning hair (Phytocyane) Botanical keratin to repair hair (Phytokeratine)

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: Robin Felix is in high demand so it’s best to plan ahead and book an appointment before your hair needs a touch up.

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"

Robin Felix has been helping women feel beautiful for over three decades by giving them styles that reflect who they are.

ROCKIN' ROBIN THE EXPERT: Robin Felix, Owner of Felix Design Studio and Certified Educator for Dream Catcher Extensions

The holiday season brings plenty to the Q: When you aren't doing hair, how do you flex table but it’s not always about food. Holiday your creative muscles? parties are the perfect excuse to get a little extra RF: I try to travel near and far to discover and glam so you’ll forget how much you miss the challenge my skills by seeing what people are doing summertime weather. There are plenty of rules about with their looks and then coming back to the chair accessorizing for a special occasion and as important and creating new trends. as the right shoes are, if you’re planning to just pull Q: What do you think is going to be the hot new your hair into a sock bun, you’re overlooking an trend for hair next year? opportunity to take your look to the next level. In RF: We’ve slowly gone full circle from the 1930s to a season about giving to others, gifting yourself a now. I think styles are going to be reminiscent of the gorgeous hairstyle is sometimes the best present you ’40s vintage style. Look up ’40s hairstyles and you’ll could ask for. Robin Felix has been helping women see some of what we are already emerging into. feel beautiful for over three decades by giving them Q: If you were building the soundtrack to your styles that reflect who they are. His salon, the Felix life, what bands or songs would you want?

Design Studio in Rolling Hills Estates, is a stunning RF: Well, music has always been a part of my life sanctuary for beauty and provides the stage on since I was a child. “What a Wonderful World” by which Felix does some of his best work. After years Louis Armstrong still makes me feel good, no matter of operating a full service salon and day spa, Felix how often I hear it. I have been blessed many times wanted to get back to his roots and focus on what over in this career and I am grateful. he knows and does best: hair. Since relocating to the Silver Spur Peninsula Mall, the Felix Design Studio Q: What does your perfect day in LA look like? has transitioned into featuring Phyto products RF: Perfect day in LA is waking up on a bright and hair dyes exclusively to keep with their sunny morning, getting onto my paddle dedication to not only beautiful hair, but board, lunching with friends, shopping all healthy, strong hair, too. An appointment with around LA for the latest clothes (shoes are Felix will transform your look and put the my private obsession). Then shopping for a spring back in your step, but as a holiday gift meal I’ll prepare for friends at an intimate to you he has been generous enough to give dinner in my home.

FUN FACT: us a step-by-step tutorial in how to make your Q: When did you start to feel like you were Robin Felix hairdo ready for anything and everything. is a die-hard going to "make it" as a beauty professional?

Q: Describe your signature style. hockey fan with RF: Ever since I was 4 years old. I always a Los Angeles Robin Felix: I always try to keep a portion knew hair was my thing but it really didn’t Kings logo of the cut somewhat classic, with a current feel like I “made it” until I was an educator tattooed on edge as well. Most stylists only do current, for a hair company and I was onstage the back of his which many times grows out uneven and cutting hair in front of a room filled with 500 arm. difficult to style as it grows out. With a classic hairdressers—I got a standing ovation for foundation and edgier lines and creative color, it haircuts that I gave to six models in 45 minutes. I creates a style/cut that is personalized yet current was brought to tears. and stylish for the client of today.

Q: What was the first tattoo that you got?

Q: What is your favorite part of working in the RF: First tattoo was my Felix the Cat on my right arm, beauty industry? inspired by my late brother Ron, when I was 25.

RF: The constant evolution of the beauty industry Q: What hair products do you think are essential never goes stagnant. for the best hair?

Q: What is your favorite hair trend right now?

RF: Firstly, a great shampoo to properly cleanse, RF: Style, color and cuts are very ambiguous. Also, then a great weekly masque and always some styling women are not afraid of super-short edgy styles, and product, like a volumizer, and a great hairspray. guys are sporting long hair and coloring as well.

The Felix Design Studio is located near the Peninsula Shopping Center so after you finish getting your hair done with Robin and his team, you can go show off your new look.

H O L I DAY H A I R STEP-BY-STEP:

1. Gather your tools.

To create these looks you will need the following:

#1

#2

#3

#4

Curling wand

Finishing spray (a.k.a. hairspray)

Hair pins and a hair tie

Teasing brush

2. Start with clean, dry hair and give your hair a light misting of finishing spray all over so your style will hold up.

3. Curl one-inch sections of hair into spiral curls by twisting the sections slightly as you wrap them around a curling wand. If you flatten your hair onto the wand, you will get more of a ringlet shape.

4. Let your curls cool completely (this seriously makes a difference) before loosening up by running your fingers through your hair a little.

5. To build some volume, flip your head upside down and fluff your hair at the roots, but do your best to not disturb the ends too much so your curls will keep their shape. Set the volume and your curls with a little more finishing spray while your head is down.

6. If you are into serious volume, take a triangle-shaped section at your crown and tease without touching the ends. Set the volume you just built with more hairspray and then smooth the hair over the top.

Now you have the base to create any of the looks Felix created for us.

Look No. 1–Keep it down: Part your hair however you normally like to wear it. Then take a section of hair from the crown of your head (what you teased if you wanted the serious volume) and push it slightly forward to build extra height before securing the section with crisscrossing hair pins. You can leave the front of your hair down for a glamorous look or twist small pieces before pinning them back to add some drama.

Look No. 2–Get it off your neck: Take a section of hair from the crown of your head and push it slightly forward to build extra height before securing the section with Look No. 1’s crisscrossing hair pins.

Then pin your hair into a loose, messy bun just below where you built the volume at the crown or smooth your hair down into a slightly offcenter bun at the base of your head for a sleeker holiday look.

Look No. 3–Not your average pony: Start with a deep, off-center part. Pull your hair into a high ponytail, leaving the front section of your hair (your bangs or where they would be) out before securing with a hair tie. Take the hair you left out of the ponytail and smoothly pull it back before wrapping it around the hair tie (to hide it) and anchoring the hair with hair pins. Grab a teasing brush and break up the curls to build dramatic volume for your pony. If your hair doesn’t hold a curl well or is really silky, be sure to use plenty of finishing spray to give the style some endurance.

FELIX DESIGN STUDIO 550 Deep Valley Dr Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274 310.265.943 www.felixdesignstudio.net

Look No. 4–The Braid bun: Pull your hair into a ponytail like the sassy updo in Look No. 3 but this time don’t break up your curls with a teasing brush. Twist your ponytail into a simple braid and then wrap the braid into a bun shape at the top of your head. A tight braid will give you a smooth but interesting updo or you can do a loose braid to achieve a soft, romantic look. | NOVEMBER 2015 | 57

"

I like the traditional aspects of cutting hair. I like the side parts and pompadours, but I don’t keep myself in a bubble.”

—FREDDY RAZO

HOW TO STYLE YOUR HAIR LIKE FREDDY RAZO: #1 Shampoo your hair with Grow Shampoo or the Shampoo Paste. #2 Emulsify a small amount of the Johnny B. Gel in your hands before applying it to your damp hair. #3 Use the Vent Brush to blow dry your hair, directing it up and back to build volume in the front. #4 Take a small dollop of Street Cream to style the base (or lower half) of your hair. #5 Finish the style using Clash, a hair gum with a paste-like texture and superior hold, and by directing your hair into the shape that you desire.

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: You can book an appointment with Razo online at www.razothebarber. resurva.com and follow him on Instagram @razothebarber

CLEAN ME UP, JOHNNY THE EXPERT: Freddy Razo, Barber and educator for Johnny B. Hair Care

The power of good hair is not limited to women, despite what you may have formerly believed. And while man buns were fun, you can do better, guys. Old school men’s haircuts never fully left the scene, but the rebirth of the classic barbershop brought straight razor and clipper cuts along with it. Johnny B. Hair Care has been paying homage to classic barbering while continuing to find new ways to answer the prayers of barbers in the field for 20 years. Johnny B. was designed to give good hair from wash to style and provide professional-quality products for professionals. Freddy Razo of Montebello recognized this as soon as he finished school. While his style gives a nod to classic barbering styles, Razo is elevating the men’s hair game with an artistic flair and detailed eye. It’s no wonder Johnny B. Hair Care was happy to bring Razo on as an educator for the brand—his haircutting style is a near mirror image of the brand’s logo. For the last six years, Razo has been traveling around the United States, Mexico and Canada doing demonstrations of barbering techniques and showing the versatility of the Johnny B. product line. This is not a “those who can’t, teach” sort of thing; Razo is the real deal and balances educating the next generation of barbers with seeing his own clients.

Watching Razo transform a head of hair into a 360-degree work of art is a process that starts off firmly grounded in traditional barbering techniques. The usual suspects are all there—straight razor, clippers, comb—but it’s how Razo uses his scissors that shows where barbering is beginning to mesh with styling. The only observable downside to Razo’s skills is he makes it look almost too effortless, so it could be easy to discount the mastery he’s already displaying so early in his career.

Q: How did you get into barbering?

Freddy Razo: I just kind of did. I decided to go to barber school and then

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my wife, who’s a hairstylist, pushed me to keep with it. It’s been over seven years now.

Q: You do a lot of teaching and traveling with Johnny B. Do you still take clients as well?

FR: I definitely see clients, but this shop is strictly by appointment so I don’t do walkins anymore.

Q: What’s your favorite part of what you do?

FR: Helping my clients feel happy and be more confident. That’s one of the main reasons I got into it. To change how someone feels about themselves is really, really cool and I like that I’m able to do that for people.

out in the field. Other barbers love it because there aren’t many companies that are able to do that for you. They open up their arms to us.

Q: What makes Johnny B. different?

FR: We have different varieties of products so anything that any gentlemen would need, we have. If someone feels they’re losing their hair because they’re stressed out, we have Grow+, the deep-clarifying shampoo that FUN FACT: opens up the pores and helps it Johnny B. Hair breathe. For thin hair we have a Care is sold lighter hold gel, which helps the exclusively by hair have a little more volume. professionals, but if you are unable to find a retailer near you that supplies Johnny B. you can view the full product lines and order on their website johnnybhaircare.com.

Q: What is your specialty?

FR: I’ve been around hairstylists for a long time, so I’ve been able to kind of mesh both (barber and stylist) together. When I first started, barbers would be looking at me like, “What are you doing with the scissors…” but now it’s more of the trend. I like the traditional aspects of cutting hair. I like the side parts and pompadours, but I don’t keep myself in a bubble.

Q: How long have you been working with Johnny B. Hair Care?

FR: It’s been six years now. I contacted them right after I finished barbering school because I wanted to do more and I loved their products. It was about a year later that I got the call that they needed me to fly to Texas that night to teach a demo.

Q: What’s it like working with Johnny B.?

FR: They give me prototypes of products and ask me questions, so me and the other educators kind of feel like that’s our baby. We’ve been able to help the company create something that everybody loves, and that’s kind of what it’s about. We are the barbers. We’re

Q: If the average man were shopping for Johnny B., what five products would you recommend?

FR: The Street Cream for me is kind of a game changer; it has a really nice matte finish and you’re able to manipulate it all day. The Shampoo Paste, you can use that to shave or as a deep-clarifying shampoo and it stops dandruff, so that’s kind of all a man wants. Also there is the Grow Shampoo which is similar, it’s a deep-cleansing shampoo loaded with antioxidants. The Dope is great for a side part, pompadour or traditional style. You can run your hands through it or run your comb through it all day and it won’t flake. The Clash is one of my favorites right now because it’s one of the newest ones and they let me be part of the production.

Q: What do you like most about Johnny B.’s styling products?

FR: One of the coolest things about our products is we are able to use them as cutting tools as opposed to just putting them on to finish a haircut. I use the Johnny B. Gel for every one of my cuts. It adds texture and means I can use less product to finish a style. We also have four pomades, two of which are water-based and two of which are

MODEL: JOHN BLACK OF BRAND MODEL TALENT, WWW.BRANDTALENT.NET

"

We are making the tools to achieve our look and they bring everything together.”

—FREDDY RAZO

oil-based, so they can be used with cutting tools.

Q: How important are the tools? Could you do an awesome haircut with whatever was thrown at you?

FR: If anybody gives me any kind of tool, give me a fork, and I’ll take care of it. I’ll figure it out. As far as the tools we have at Johnny B., we make them specifically for the haircuts we’re putting out. I can do a full-on haircut with just our Fade Comb. The Texturizing Comb I use for guidelines, doing side parts, getting nice transitions from guidelines. The Barber Comb is for around the ears, to taper around the ear and give them a nice clean effect. It makes the haircut last a lot longer. A lot of our tools— the Barber Brush, the Neck Duster, everything—you’ll be using that all day as a professional. We are making the tools to achieve our look and they bring everything together.

Q: What do you think is the most overlooked part of men’s styling?

FR: I think just about everything has been covered now. I think the scissor aspect was lacking for a while, but people are picking it up. The blow drying, the old school elements— everybody’s starting to pick them up.

Q: What are your favorite styling trends for men right now?

FR: Volume, texture, putting a modern twist to the old vintage hairstyles.

Taking the traditional side part and adding texture, adding volume, giving it some life.

Q: When you're not doing hair, what occupies your time?

FR: My family. Hanging out with my kids. I get home, they tell me I smell like the barbershop, tell me to take a shower. It’s pretty cool because they get to see other people commenting on who

I am or what I’ve done and to them they kind of laugh about it because they’re like, “Oh that’s my dad … what does he really do?” This year I was able to take them to Las Vegas to see me on stage, which was one of the highlights of my career. Family is everything to me.

Q: Top five favorite albums you like to cut hair to?

FR: I grew up with the Deftones. The Deftones are by far my favorite band.

I go to see them every time they come out here. I like old school hip-hop, A Tribe Called Quest, Wu Tang and all that. I like everything that has more of a soul and has something to say, but only that I like the beats and the artistry behind everything. The Black Keys to the Beatles, I have a wide variety of musical tastes.

While his style gives a nod to

classic barbering styles, Razo is

elevating the men’s hair game with an artistic flair and detailed eye.

| NOVEMBER 2015 | 59

"

I think my signature style is definitely more of an undone, beach-y, sexy look– at least that’s what my clients tell me.”

—LISA PROVA

LISA’S PERFECT BLOW DRY: “The perfect blow dry depends on the kind of look you’re going for. If you want a messier look, I say wash and condition your hair, get out of the shower and towel blot your hair. DO NOT scrub because that just roughs your ends and makes it frizz. Add a cream to your hair and then start drying. I blow dry my hair upside down just for a little bit and wrap it in a top bun, so when I let it down it’s just like piece-y messy. If you want to do more of a polished look, definitely use the cream and blow dry all the way before you apply oil to your ends. If you apply oil before heat styling you are literally frying your hair. If you think about cooking an egg, you would put oil in a pan to fry an egg. So realistically, if you’re using a 400 degree or 325 degree or, any degree tool with oil in your hair, you’re cooking your hair.”

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: Lisa is obsessed with ClassPass, a monthly membership that lets you work out at numerous gyms and studios for $99. She loves to hit Barry’s Bootcamp first thing in the morning to start her day off right and feel like a superhero the rest of the day.

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| NOVEMBER 2015

WONDER WOMAN THE EXPERT: Lisa Prova, Celebrity Colorist and Stylist at Lukaro Salon In a city known for its beauty and its plastic surgery, Los Angeles sometimes makes it difficult to distinguish reality from illusion, but Lisa Prova leaves little to the imagination. Her New York roots dispel any suspicion of pretense. She couldn’t put on an act if she tried.

After spending a few minutes with Prova, it’s easy to see why people keep coming back to her and we haven’t even talked hair yet. She is a better version of the girl next door: a fast talking, relentlessly honest, pottymouthed firecracker who is disarmingly authentic. Even actress and client Anna Camp describes working with Prova as more of a friendship than a business relationship since their first meeting five years ago. Camp was getting ready for a party and Prova couldn’t help but offer assistance with her signature directness: “My name is Lisa, can I please help you with your hair?” Now the two exchange girl talk about work and Prova’s upcoming Paris wedding while Prova weaves highlights, hand paints sun-kissed ends, applies a quick base and then glazes Camp’s hair to dimensional blonde perfection.

With brushes in hand and an artist’s vision, Prova is changing the color game by creating natural-looking and effortless styles that require less upkeep. Babes on a budget can still get Beverly Hills style thanks to Prova’s mastery of the “quick base” and her dedication to finding hair solutions regardless of budget limitations. If you want to be a low maintenance bombshell with beachy, sexy hair, Prova should already be on your radar—especially if you are in need of color correction. All she needs is a moment to check the strength of your hair and the tones in your skin and eyes to outline the best course of action for your goals. If Prova can’t achieve the look you want without destroying your locks, she would rather have you see another stylist: “I could easily make the money—everyone needs money—but

I’m not going to compromise your hair because that’s a reflection on me.”

Her commitment to her clients and to “give good hair” (as she puts it on her Instagram) has translated into an impeccable reputation and a starstudded client list, but Prova remains grounded and willing to come to the rescue as needed. When a stylist cancelled the week before a wedding she was attending, she was quick to extend her services to the bride in need because it was the right thing to do. All she needs is a cape so her superhero status could be obvious to everyone.

Q: What made you go into hair styling in the first place?

Lisa Prova: My mom, actually. My father had just passed away, so I kind of got side tracked as far as school went. I went to junior college for about six months and then realized I was more of an artist, so my mom was like, “Well, you’ve always been good at hair…” At that point I didn’t really believe it, so I almost dropped out of hair school and my mom was like, “Absolutely not.” I swear at my wedding that will be her speech: “If it wasn’t for me, you would never be where you’re at now.”

Q: What does being a stylist mean to you?

LP: I think being able to change someone’s look completely, being able to create confidence, or just giving somebody what they want. It’s not necessarily because I’m controlling it but by coming to an agreement with my client. I think as a colorist and a stylist it’s hard to look past your ego at times, but having my crazy mom in my life keeps me humble enough to understand that I’m not better than anyone and I have to give people what they want even if I wouldn’t wear it myself.

Q: How would you describe your signature style for hair?

LP: I think my signature style is definitely more of an undone, beachy, sexy look—at least that’s what my

clients tell me. The best compliment I ever heard was, “You blow dry my hair and it looks like it wasn’t done.”

Q: When did you realize that you were doing something really special with color?

LP: When I had a client tell me that she used to have to get highlights—a full head—to be able to keep the look she wanted but I was able to create the same exact look, if not softer and more natural.

When I had someone who didn’t have a high budget to spend on their hair and I was still able to get the results and create a lower maintenance color, too, I knew there was something to it.

Q: Is color correction more about science or art?

LP: It’s about both. Color correction is scientific because you have to know how to balance pigments and measure in order to correct certain things. You have to know what’s going to cancel red and what’s going to cancel green, but the artistry comes into play when you have to actually paint it into the hair. Knowing where color needs to be corrected and how it has to lay is almost the most important. Sometimes in a color correction you can’t achieve exactly what you want the first time, but I believe there is never an excuse for a bad color, especially when it’s a correction.

Q: Do you feel like you’ve made it?

LP: I don’t feel like I’ve made it yet. I don’t know if I’ll ever feel like I’ve made it, but I’ve definitely reached my goals.

I’ve been here for six years and I told myself after five years I would have a fully established clientele at the level I was at in Florida where I was a stylist for nine years prior. When I moved out here I assisted Rona O’Connor and after five years—actually a week before—I hired someone to take my spot as her assistant and I was on the floor for myself. Now I have an assistant, so I guess some could say I’ve made it, but as far as I’m concerned you’ve never made it. You always keep going. I stay hungry—not thirsty, but definitely

LUKARO SALON 323 Beverly Dr Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310.275.2536 www.lukaro.com

hungry.

Q: What do you think is the most common coloring mistake?

LP: People pull pictures out of magazines of someone that doesn’t look anything like them and has totally different skin color and they bring them to other stylists who will give them that look. And then it doesn’t complement their skin tone, the process breaks their hair and is high maintenance. Some people who don’t have the knowledge to color their hair try to do an extreme color at home because they watched a tutorial and it can be kind of dangerous.

But I can’t say that’s the main one because sometimes it comes out really good.

Q: If you could give any celebrity a drastic makeover, who would it be and how would you revamp their look?

LP: I would definitely want to do my best friend, Kelen Coleman. Maybe shave up the side of her head or color her lighter. I don’t know how that would work with her auditions so I would check with her agents first. But I would like to see her with some sun-kissed ends, maybe a little bit more texture.

Q: What’s it like to be called an expert in your field?

LP: It’s shocking. I don’t consider myself an expert because there is always somebody you could learn from. For example, I just hired a 21-year-old assistant who has taught me so many things when it comes to styling and different types of techniques that I didn’t even learn 15 years ago.

Q: What five things should every woman have in her hair arsenal?

LP: Definitely a dry shampoo, one that’s not too powdery, a good shampoo that doesn’t strip your color. You have to picture your shampoo as being like detergent. You wouldn’t wash your nice jeans with cheap detergent, so don’t do that to your hair. A deep conditioner. A styling cream is perfect left in your hair to dry naturally or to blow it dry because it seals the cuticle. And finally an oil to keep everything smooth for your ends.

Q: What is the biggest difference between working

day. I believe it’s good for you mentally, especially with celebrities and the average LA woman? if you’re someone like me. I do suffer from a little LP: I don’t believe there is any difference. I was raised to treat everyone the same and having anxiety and working out helps me. On my days celebrity friends keeps me aware that they’re just off I’m more of a sweatpants-sneakers-no-makeup normal people. I’ll be out and people are type of chick. I like to spend time with my asking for my friends’ autographs and I’m girlfriends. I don’t drink, so I don’t really do like, “Wait a second. We were just talking the whole bar thing but I like a nice dinner about how we can’t find the right shoes to out. A workday is a day dedicated just to match a dress...” So I don’t feel like there’s work. Now that I work three days a week, a difference at all. I might see them really I have 12-hour workdays. I get up a little PUPPY early or late to avoid a crowded salon, but earlier to get ready for work and make myself PARENTS: that’s about it. My routine and personality are breakfast or my assistant makes me oatmeal Lisa lives with always the same. when I get to work. Then the rest of the day her fiancé is dedicated to my clients and no matter how and her dogs Q: How do you make each of your clients feel tired I am, I’m giving 100 percent. I go home Juno, Sammy like they’re getting the celebrity treatment? and Fabio. Her to a cooked meal from my fiancé and know LP: No matter how busy I get I always want to mom rescued the next two days are going to be the same have my clients be No. 1. I like the personal Fabio seven and I’ll look forward to four days off—and connection, so I book my own clients. I got a years ago and that’s it. text once at 10 p.m. from a client freaking out Lisa feels like over her hair. My fiancé said no one else would he rescued her. Q: What does your creative process look like?

Now Fabio is ever respond at that time. I didn’t realize it LP: Usually it all starts with a text like: “Hey a Beverly Hills was a big deal because that’s how I am—I’ll be I got your number from somebody and my Chihuahua, or, in Mexico and be booking clients for when I’m hair is this and it’s awful and I hate it.” I like as her mom back. I always apply the base color because I to stress that sometimes it’s better to just calls him, want the hands-on experience with my clients. a “chiwowstick to small steps one at a time as opposed Sure, I have an assistant, but she’s going to wow.” Sammy to doing a complete overhaul because it was a shelter do the shampooing and blow drying, so I know could compromise the hair and I’m never dog and her about all my clients—I know what their kids ever willing to do that. I would rather you fiancé rescued are doing, what their husband’s doing, where go somewhere else before I do that. So with Juno from a they live, where they vacation—whether I’m homeless man that being said, once we’ve gone over what it doing six or 20 people’s hair. My clients know who couldn’t will be I explain there is a full consultation that the only time my assistant would ever take care of her involved with your first time with me even anymore—he apply a base—EVER—is if they call and they though the salon doesn’t do consultations. gave the man need to be squeezed into a booked schedule.

I have them send pictures to me, but I ask money to take Usually that’s unrealistic because I can get them to go outside and have somebody take care of himself a base done in three minutes. I get a base, a for a little bit. pictures of their hair from the top, side and full foil, a cut, and a blow dry in in two hours. the back in natural lighting. Then I tell them I recently took a woman from orange hair to to look on my Instagram (@lisaprova) and at the blonde in two hours. photos tagged #lisaprovahair so we can go from Q: So what’s a normal day for Lisa? there to make sure we’re both on the same page.

LP: On an off day I sleep in until 9 or 10 and then I’ll spend an hour with my dogs playing with them or walking them. I’ll definitely work out. I sweat every | NOVEMBER 2015 | 61

THE

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| NOVEMBER 2015 | 75

FROM THAT THRIFT SHOP

DOWN the ROAD Thrifts and Threads Blogger Brittany Xavier Guides You Through the Art of Vintage Shopping

u

ITTANY XAVIER WRITTEN BY: BR ATA BY: KOLINI FAAG PHOTOGRAPHED | NOVEMBER 2015 | 77

u

Thrifts and Threads is a personal style blog I started in December 2013 that highlights my affordable style with thrift/vintage finds and mainstream retail brands. I also include more personal posts about my adventures as a wife and a mom to my 8-year-old daughter. I love vintage shopping and try to share that passion with my readers as much as possible!

I’ve always been an avid thrift and vintage shopper. It mainly started in high school when I started checking the local Salvation Army and stumbling upon designer jeans or a random leather bag in great condition. Since then, I still visit Salvation Army, but have found shops that already do the digging for me— sorting through what’s just old and what’s actually a treasure. I continue to incorporate vintage finds into my everyday wardrobe and love to hunt for a great piece that no one else has (or had a while ago, at least).

BRITTANY XAVIER THRIFTS AND THREADS

www.thriftsandthreads.com Instagram: @thriftsandthreads Snapchat: @thriftsnthreads

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| NOVEMBER 2015

When I have a free day, the first thing I love to do is go vintage shopping. I’m a huge online shopper with about every other item in my life, but vintage stores are places I enjoy visiting in person. Grabbing a coffee and checking out a few of my favorite spots with my little one in tow is definitely a day well spent!

Along with shopping, reselling items is always a plus in my book. LA is one of the greatest cities, by far, for not only vintage treasures but to find killer consignment spots. Here are a few places in particular that are not only great to shop, but a great place to consign higher-end items and make a little extra cash.

ENTRE NOUS 8430 W 3rd St Los Angeles, CA 90048 323.655.9096 www.entrenousonline.com

u Entre Nous means “between us” in French, which is quite fitting because it feels like a hidden gem on Third Street. West Hollywood already offers amazing shopping so it’s worth it to check out the surrounding area while you visit, but Entre Nous is still one of my favorites for designer resale. Hello, shoe wall (organized by size)! If you are a serious designer shoe lover, this place is it. Beyond the shoes, I can always find items that are nice quality and in great condition, like a Yves Saint Laurent jumpsuit. Some items I can tell haven’t been worn before, with original tags intact, and are still at a great price for designer. Celeb stylists are known to pull pieces from here as well because there’s no shortage of Chanel, Givenchy, Miu Miu, etc.

AROUND THE CORNER:

Make sure to stop for a juice or coffee at Juice Served Here, just a block down from Entre Nous: www.juiceservedhere.com/west-hollywood

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE:

Fun tip, Entre Nous also sells items on eBay.

SELLING YOUR STUFF:

Consignors can earn 70 percent of each item sold.

They purchase select high-end designer items on the spot and offer local pick up.

| NOVEMBER 2015 | 79

THE SHOWROOM PASADENA 300 S Raymond Ave Ste 14 Pasadena, CA 91105 626.844.8884 www.theshowroompasadena.com Instagram: @theshowroompasadena

u The Showroom Pasadena was the first consignment shop I found after we moved to Pasadena. The entire vibe of the store is beyond modern and welcoming and there’s a great mix of high and low prices. There are designer pieces but also great jeans that start around $40 as well, and new dainty jewels from Belladaar. No matter the price point, there is something for everyone here! I consign my items here, as do many other LA style bloggers. Blogger Julie Sarinana of Sincerely Jules actually has a dedicated clothing rack for her own line at The Showroom Pasadena. I love how TSP offers a unique blend of vintage plus new items, making the experience very fresh.

The Showroom Pasadena also offers personal styling sessions with their in-store stylist, and if I have my eye on something I’m hoping will come in (a.k.a. the perfect pointed loafer in my size), she will contact me when she spots an item that will work.

Letting The Showroom Pasadena team know what you are looking for is a great way to find items in advance and before they are put on the floor!

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE:

Stop by my favorite local coffee shop, Intelligentsia, just down the street: www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/location/pasadena-cafe

SELLING YOUR STUFF

The consignor will receive 50 percent of the selling price. For items $5,000 and up, the consignor receives 75 percent of the selling price. For items $10,000 and up, the consignor receives 90 percent of the selling price.

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| NOVEMBER 2015

u

ABOUT THE SHOWROOM

"Letting The Showroom Pasadena team know what you are looking for is a great way to find items in advance and before they are put on the floor!"

| NOVEMBER 2015 | 81

RECESS 111 N La Brea Ave Los Angeles, CA 90036 323.931.4009 www.recessla.com Instagram: @recessla

u Recess is amazing for not only designer consignment but amazing vintage finds with a contemporary feel. In particular, their costume jewelry and accessories always catch my eye with major high-end label scores, like their earrings and belts. Plus their vintage fur collection is uh-mazing!

Recess is definitely a vintage store but it doesn’t feel vintage because of the open space and wellorganized layout. Dresses are sorted by color and everything is presented in a way that makes it fun and easy to shop. Plus, anywhere that incorporates marble tables? I’m in. It’s a very hip vibe and worth checking out for sure if you are on the hunt for a cool dress or even spiked Louboutins.

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE:

Recess Home is planned to open next year with a blend of consignment and vintage home goods as well as a bar/café inside.

SELLING YOUR STUFF:

Consignors receive 50 percent of the final selling price, and for merchandise priced $1,000 or more, receive 60 percent of the final selling price.

SNACK TIME:

Make sure to grab a coffee or snack at Graffiti Sublime Coffee right down the street on Second and La Brea.

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| NOVEMBER 2015

HONORABLE MENTIONS u Each of these three shops offers something unique and that is why I love checking them all out. I could definitely spend an entire day hunting through vintage stores in LA, so here’s a few more noteworthy spots that are also great to add to your must-visit list:

THE WAY WE WORE 334 S La Brea Ave Los Angeles, CA 90036 323.937.0878 www.thewaywewore. com

JET RAG 825 N La Brea Ave Los Angeles, CA 90046 323.939.0528

WASTELAND 7428 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, CA 90046 323.653.3028 www.shopwasteland. com

AMPERSAND BOUTIQUE 658 N Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, 90004 323.466.3300 www. ampersandboutique. com

u

ABOUT RECESS

Dresses are sorted by color and everything is presented in a way that makes it fun and easy to shop. Plus, anywhere that incorporates marble tables? I’m in.

| NOVEMBER 2015 | 83

THE REDBURY HOTEL 1717 Vine St Los Angeles, CA 90028 323.435.9724 www.theredbury.com/hollywood

APPAREL PROVIDED BY: Gemy Maalouf www.gemymaalouf.com EARRINGS PROVIDED BY: Lionette by Noa Sadé www.lionetteny.com BRACELET AND RINGS PROVIDED BY: Jason of Beverly Hills www.jasonofbh.com

“If they want what I’m selling then they want what I’m selling, and if they don’t want it then they don’t want it.”

–Anna Camp

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| NOVEMBER 2015

BLONDE Ambition

Pitch Perfect’s Anna Camp on Her True Hollywood Story

WRITTEN BY: MARISSA WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHED BY: NOBLE ANDREWS STYLED BY: NICOLE POLLARD HAIR BY: LISA PROVA MAKEUP BY: JACOB VEGA

| NOVEMBER 2015 | 85

Unlike some of the roles she has played, such as her pretentious Pitch Perfect character, Anna Camp is genuine, unassuming and gracious. If you are familiar with Camp’s work it would be easy to imagine her behaving like one of her characters in her daily life, but it’s really a testament to her abilities as an actress. Even after traveling from South Africa to New York to Los Angeles over the span of a few days and suffering from jet lag, Camp jokes and tells stories while getting her hair done by friend and stylist Lisa Prova of Lukaro Salon in Beverly Hills. In a place with no shortage of people who are trying to be somebody, it is refreshing to see someone who has made it in LA remain grounded. Camp takes her acting work very seriously but doesn’t take herself seriously at all.

CAMP ON… Restaurants: “I love eating out.

Somewhere I take my parents when they come is Yamashiro—it’s got great food and really great service and the view is really lovely at night. It’s sort of classic and old school. You drive up the hill. It’s really pretty and one of my favorite places.”

What would be on her rider if she could make demands: “Iced skinny vanilla lattes, but in the winter definitely hot ones. I love coffee.”

Favorite wines: “I like a good New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

I thought California wines were good—oh my god, South African wines are crazy good and they don’t give you a hangover.”

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While jet setting and getting pampered in fancy salons sounds like the life of any other Hollywood starlet, Camp is far from typical. A transplant originating from South Carolina, Camp has all the charm of a Southern belle minus the accent. Though she considers herself at home in California these days, it was in New York that Camp started chasing her dream of being a working actress. Beginning her career in theatres on and off Broadway, it wasn’t long before Camp made headlines and received nods for her performances. After first auditioning for the character of Sookie, Camp was offered a role on True Blood and appeared in 23 episodes as Sarah Newlin.

Camp continued to gain momentum as a television star with recurring characters on Mad Men, The Good Wife, and The Mindy Project before going on to star in Pitch Perfect and Pitch Perfect 2.

Camp’s sincere nature and gentle spirit are enough to make you lose sight of her A-List ranking, but she has enough projects on the horizon to ensure you will be seeing plenty of her.

Q: Did you ever think you were going to make a living with your acting?

Anna Camp: I went to New York when I was in high school and I remember my first time walking down Broadway—where all of the theatres were—and never thought that I would ever get there. I just thought that it was this dream place to work and live. I cried when I left New York City because I didn’t know when I was going to be back. And then fast forward years later and I’m opening my first Broadway show, so you really never know where you’re going to be or where this career is going to take you. So I’m always surprised that I’m working and I’m always surprised to be getting paid for what I love to do.

Q: When did you first start to feel like you made it?

AC: The first time I started feeling like I was making it was my first cover. I think it was the New York Post that came out when I was in this Off-Broadway show called The Scene over at Second Stage with Tony Shalhoub and Patricia Heaton. It was the first big OffBroadway job that I had ever had. The cover of the art section had a picture of me and Tony Shalhoub and the headline was something like: “Shalhoub and Heaton Shine but Camp is Champ.” I was like, “What?!” That’s insane to me. To see my picture and have my name in a headline—that was the first time I really felt like I had a shot at this business and working consistently.

Q: So what’s the most diva-like thing you have listed on your rider?

AC: I really don’t have anything. People think that actors can demand blue M&Ms and yellow candles, but you really don’t get to do that until you’re J. Lo, so I have nothing.

Q: How long have you been singing?

AC: I would sing around as a little kid; I sang in high school and was the lead in some of our high school musicals and stuff like that, but I never really considered myself a great singer. I just consider myself an actor who can sing a little bit, but the first job ever that I got in New York City was a musical.

Q: Was there a song in Pitch Perfect that was especially hard for you to feel like you were nailing it?

AC: Not really. We had classes with this a cappella guy and our music supervisor and stuff, so I never really felt like it was too hard. We were all ready to shoot by the time we got in front of the camera.

Q: Did you ever stop getting nervous for your nude scene for Equus?

AC: I remember when I got the job. I was on the subway when they called and said I booked it. I almost didn’t want it because I knew I was going to have to get naked, but I felt like I had to do things that scare me. I think I will never be as scared as when I walked out on the stage again after being totally nude for 10 minutes. It was nuts. In the beginning it was the most nerve-wracking thing I had ever done. I was doing that show for six months so there were days where I felt fat or I didn’t want to go on stage, and then there were times when I became completely numb to it. By the end of the run I was just totally naked walking around like, “Whatever, I ate a burger yesterday.”

Q: Have you ever had an embarrassing moment where you were glad the paparazzi missed it?

AC: Yes! I literally got pushed off of the stage once when I was doing a play in Baltimore. It was one of my first jobs and an older actress didn’t want to wear her contacts while we were acting together.

Well, there was a blackout and she pushed me and I fell off the stage, snapped my ankle and beads went everywhere—I was playing a flapper. During the music change I hoisted myself up onto the stage within the music cue. There was no way anybody was going to see me with my dress over my head so they called an ambulance, stopped the show and I was taken to the hospital with my full costume on, mascara running

APPAREL PROVIDED BY: BCBG Max Azria www.bcbg.com BANGLE PROVIDED BY: Jason of Beverly Hills www.jasonofbh.com

“There is so much rejection in this business, but there’s a part of me that thinks people know how I work finally.”

–Anna Camp

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“By the end of the run I was just totally naked walking around like, ‘Whatever, I ate a burger yesterday.’ ” –Anna Camp

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APPAREL PROVIDED BY: Gemy Maalouf www.gemymaalouf.com SHOES PROVIDED BY: Manolo Blahnik www.manoloblahnik.com BANGLE PROVIDED BY: Jason of Beverly Hills www.jasonofbh.com BRACELET PROVIDED BY: Van Cleef & Arpels Beverly Hills www.vancleefarpels.com

| NOVEMBER 2015 | 89

down my face and this feather on my head. It was crazy. I was really glad there were no pictures of that.

It was bad. I did the rest of the show—it was a small performance—on crutches.

What she sings at karaoke: “I love Nancy Sinatra’s ‘These Boots Were Made for Walking.’ It’s something fun. Everybody knows it—they can kind of sing along. It’s not hard to sing when you’re drunk.”

If she wasn’t an actor: “I would have that pale pink (hair) thing going on.”

Surviving jet lag: “Ear plugs, eye covers and lots of water.”

Native Knowledge: The Library Bar inside The Redbury Hotel features drink and food specials from 5-7 p.m. daily for social hour. Enjoy $8 specialty cocktails, $7 wine by the glass, $5 beers and bar bites from $3-$7 while lounging with friends or shooting pool.

Q: Do you prefer to work on Broadway, TV shows or films?

AC: I think it depends more upon the role. If the role is something that’s really complicated and challenging, I’ll work in whatever medium it is. I’m pushing myself as an actor, going places that I wouldn’t really go in my daily life, and I want to make sure I’m building on the last role that I had. But I like to work.

Q: Your trademarks are your soft smile and your blonde hair, but have you ever wanted to drastically change your look?

AC: Who knew that’s what I’m known for? And I have wanted to dye my hair dark. For True Blood they made me a long, dark brown wig that was beautiful. I loved it and I want to do that one day. I think it would be fun. Every time I say that Lisa Prova says, “Yeah but it’s going to be a lot of work to get back to light and you know you’re going to want to be blonde again.”

Q: How long has Lisa Prova been doing your hair?

AC: Five years. We were at a party at the Roosevelt Hotel and I had just met Lisa. I was trying to get ready when she was like, “Girl, what are you doing?”

She curled my hair for me and it looked really good, so I went in to see her a couple days later. She has changed my hair. I had to keep cutting my hair almost once every two weeks because it was just breaking off and it wouldn’t grow. After I started going to Lisa my hair was growing out and it was healthy and amazing—and the color! People started complimenting me every job that I ever went on.

When someone would do my hair they’d be like, “Who does your color? It’s so natural.” Now we’re more friends than anything. It’s great.

Q: How would you describe your personal style?

AC: You mean when I’m not wearing pajamas on an airplane? I like to dress a little bohemian, a little California beachy. I love dresses. I have a problem with walking by a beautiful sundress; I’ll think, “That looks like it’s me” and I usually buy it. My closets are bursting with sundresses. They’re so comfortable when you’re getting your hair done, too.

Q: Who are your favorite designers when you need to be red carpet ready?

AC: I love a good Marchesa dress. There is something

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super elevated, yet romantic and classic at the same time. They’re super feminine and I love feminine dresses. So yeah, Marchesa is one that I really love.

Q: Are you primarily a California girl now or do you spend more of your time in New York?

AC: I just booked a television show that is going to be shooting in New York, but I love California. I always get so happy when I land. It’s beautiful. California itself is a beautiful state and it really feels like my home now.

Q: You have a lot of really cool work coming up: Saints & Strangers, The Good Girls Revolt, Brave New Jersey. What role are you most excited about?

AC: Well I just finished Saints & Strangers, that’s what I shot in South Africa. It’s a really gritty telling of the Mayflower and coming to America. It shows the struggle and the courage of the people to be on this boat for so long and to go into a place where they had no idea what was waiting for them. It’s an incredibly emotional performance and I’m playing a very selfless and kind person. I usually play these kind of uptight bitches, so I’m excited for people to see a different side of me and for people to see someone who is incredibly generous and selfless and truly a good person.

Q: Do you still get nervous for auditions?

AC: I’ve been very lucky that I’ve been offered the last few jobs that I’ve gotten, but usually I’m excited to go into an audition room if it’s something I’m passionate about. I used to be super nervous. It’s the worst. There is so much rejection in this business, but there’s a part of me that thinks people know how I work finally. If they want what I’m selling then they want what I’m selling, and if they don’t want it then they don’t want it. We weren’t meant to work together and it wasn’t my job to begin with, so I go in totally confident that I am a good actor and I know I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing. You just have to throw your audition sides out in the trash before you get in your car and you’re done.

Q: If you could star in any remake, TV or movie, what would it be and what role would you want to play?

AC: I would love to play Blanche Dubois, whether it’s on stage or whether it’s a remake of Streetcar, like the film. It’s a role that I would die to play when I get old enough. It’s something that I have to do before my career is over.

APPAREL PROVIDED BY: Gemy Maalouf www.gemymaalouf.com EARRINGS PROVIDED BY: Lionette by Noa Sadé www.lionetteny.com BRACELET AND RINGS PROVIDED BY: Jason of Beverly Hills www.jasonofbh.com

“I’m pushing myself as an actor, going places that I wouldn’t really go in my daily life, and I want to make sure I’m building on the last role that I had.”

–Anna Camp

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Everything You N

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a GREAT GETAW AY

WRITTEN BY: NICK CIMARU STI PHOTOGRAPH ED BY: SAMMY STYLED BY: BR ZARGARAN IANNA ROMANO & REILLY KAVA NAUGH

EVERYBODY LOVES A GOOD VACATION, BUT PACKING? Yikes. No worries, though: Whether you’re setting sail for the tropics or hitting the slopes, we’ve got your luggage situation covered. From bikinis to hiking boots and everything in between, our packing guide knows just what you need to plan the perfect trip. Minimal hassle and maximum style.

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hat

tank top

Seed

Hobie

$70

$44.95

camera

sunglasses

Vestal Watches $110

passport

ipad

Apple

sunscrean Hobie $14

ipad case Seed

$59.99

beach bag Hobie $24

As you map out an escape to nature, be prepared for everything from drafty forests adventures to treacherous mountain trails.

M R O T S s

sunglasses

Vestal Watches $90

r e p o o r T

duffle bag

sunglasses case

$199

$45

Seed

Madison Del Mar

men’s Shaving Kit Gary’s $195

Pomade

Cloth & Metal $22

scarf

Gary’s

belt

$275

Cloth & Metal $45

Hendrick's Gin $40

socks

Hobie $14

Have fun in flannel on your mountain expedition

watch

Vestal Watches

Gary’s $185

hat

$92

$30

Hobie

Cloth & Metal

$320

jeans

flask playing cards

Cloth & Metal $15

flannel Hobie $79

vest

Gary’s

$1,195

boots

Cloth & Metal $198

1, 3, 13, 17. Gary’s - www.garysonline.com, 2, 10, 14. Hobie - www.hobie.com, 4, 5, 11, 12, 15. Cloth & Metal - www.clothandmetal.com, 6. Madison Del Mar - 858.259.7622 7, 16. Vestal Watches - www.vestalwatch.com, 8. Seed People's Market - www.seedpeoplesmarket.com, 9. Hendrick’s Gin - www.us.hendricksgin.com

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water bottle Seed

headphones

Beats by Dre

campy

$159.99

CUTE

windbreaker

hat

$129

$90

Seed

vest

$30.95

Cloth & Metal

iphone case

Seed

Seed

$149

$99.95

boots Seed $100

passport

ipad case Incipio

$44.99

suitcase

Madison Del Mar

backpack Seed

$650

$59

t-shirt

watch

Hobie $24

lip balm EOS

$3.29

Vestal Watches $70

sunglasses

jeans

$75

$148

Vestal Watches

Seka Boutique

1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 16. Seed People's Market - www.seedpeoplesmarket.com, 2. Beats by Dre - www.beatsbydre.com, 4. Hobie - www.hobie.com, 6. Cloth & Metal - www.clothandmetal.com, 9. EOS - www. evolutionofsmooth.com, 10, 13. Vestal - www.vestalwatch.com, 11. Incipio - www.incipio.com, 14. Madison Del Mar - 858.259.7622, 15. Seka Boutique - 760.633.1680

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FOR

A trip to the ocean wouldn’t be complete without a tote bag full of sunscreen and snacks, but don’t overlook these other beachy necessities.

surfboard wax

SHORE

Hobie $2.25

hat

sunglasses

Vestal Watches $110

Hobie

tank top Hobie

$18

$25

towel

Hobie $26

Go bo-Hobie chic with towels & tanks

sunscreen Hobie $14

Throw some shade with these classic sunglasses

ipad

Apple

flip flops Hobie $56

passport

swim trunks

Keep it together with Herschel’s iPad holder from Seed

anti-hangover drink

Sauvage

Resqwater

$75

surfboard

Byrd X Thread Designs Surfboards $850

$4.49

bluetooth speakers

swim trunks

ipad case

$49.95

$75

$59.99

Jammy Pack

Sauvage

Seed

beach bag

Cloth & Metal $68

1. Byrd X Thread Designs Surfboards - www.tdsurfboards.com, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 11. Hobie - www.hobie.com, 4. Vestal Watches - www.vestalwatch.com, 8, 13. Sauvage - www.sauvagewear.com, 9. Apple www.apple.com, 10. Cloth & Metal - www.clothandmetal.com, 12. Jammy Pack - www.jammypack.com, 15. Seed People's Market - www.seedpeoplesmarket.com, 16. Resqwater - www.resqwater.com

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hat

Seed

after browning lotion

$70

surfboard

Hobie

beachy

beach bag Hobie

KEEN

Thread Designs Surfboards

$20

$625

suimsuit

$44.95

Sauvage

Top $95 Bottom $95

camera

wetsuit Hobie $130

Stay dry with a Hurley wetsuit

Treat your feet with these white Havaianas

towel

Hobie $27

swimsuit

Ola Swimwear Top $86 Bottom $72

flip flops Hobie $20

tank top Hobie

shorts Hobie

$24

sunglasses

Vestal Watches $90

$54.95

2. Seed People's Market - www.seedpeoplesmarket.com, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12. Hobie - www.hobie.com, 4. Sauvage - www.sauvagewear.com, 5. Thread Designs Surfboards - www.tdsurfboards.com, 9. Vestal Watches - www.vestalwatch.com, 13. Ola Swimwear- www.olasolswimwear.com

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Knot Your MOPA 1649 El Prado San Diego, CA 92103 619.238.7559 www.mopa.org BRIDAL GOWN PROVIDED BY: The Dress Theory www.thedresstheory.com FLORALS PROVIDED BY: Luxe Botanique www.luxebotanique.com FURNITURE PROVIDED BY: Lauren Sharon Vintage Shop Rentals www.laurensharon.com

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Average Ever After Unique Venues to Celebrate “I Do” WRITTEN BY: NICOLE FERA PHOTOGRAPHED BY: JOSIE GONZALES PHOTO ASSISTANT: AL VINTAYEN DESIGN COORDINATOR: AVENUE SIX EVENTS HAIR AND MAKEUP: EMALYN D. STYLING: ABIDE FASHION MODELS: PAUL SHAUGHNESSY, Maggie Inc. Models & NATALIA FULTON

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PUESTO 789 W Harbor Dr Ste 155 San Diego, CA 92101 619.233.8880 www.eatpuesto.com

Puesto is located at The Headquarters At Seaport—previously the headquarters of The San Diego Police Department.

An open-air retail destination, visitors can find an eclectic mix of spots to eat, drink and shop.

Looking for a fun, casual and colorful place to host your wedding reception?

Puesto’s large and lively bar is the perfect environment to host a toast and fill up on authentic Mexican fare among eye-catching interior design attributes, including Chor Boogie’s street art.

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BRIDAL GOWN PROVIDED BY: The Dress Theory www.thedresstheory.com FLORALS PROVIDED BY: Luxe Botanique www.luxebotanique.com

Puesto’s large and lively bar is the perfect environment to host a toast and fill up on authentic Mexican fare among eye-catching interior design attributes, including Chor Boogie’s street art.

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PUESTO 789 W Harbor Dr Ste 155 San Diego, CA 92101 619.233.8880 www.eatpuesto.com BRIDAL GOWN PROVIDED BY: The Dress Theory www.thedresstheory.com FLORALS PROVIDED BY: Luxe Botanique www.luxebotanique.com

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THE CONDOR’S NEST RANCH 37537 Magee Rd Pala, CA 92059 949.290.6088 www.thecondorsnestranch.net

If you are looking for a unique wedding experience customized to your and your partner’s style and ideas, look no further than The Condor’s Nest Ranch. This Old California vintage-style ranch takes the pressure of planning your wedding day away by coordinating the caterers, bar service, DJ and more.

The ranch only schedules one wedding per weekend, so you and your guests are sure to experience something special at this beautiful outdoor area with the help of Lisa Biesterfeld and her team.

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BRIDAL GOWN PROVIDED BY: The Dress Theory www.thedresstheory.com FLORALS PROVIDED BY: Luxe Botanique www.luxebotanique.com

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This Old California vintage-style ranch takes the pressure of planning your wedding day away by coordinating the caterers, bar service, DJ and more.

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THE CONDOR’S NEST RANCH 37537 Magee Rd Pala, CA 92059 949.290.6088 www.thecondorsnestranch.net BRIDAL GOWN PROVIDED BY: The Dress Theory www.thedresstheory.com FLORALS PROVIDED BY: Luxe Botanique www.luxebotanique.com

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MOPA 1649 El Prado San Diego, CA 92103 619.238.7559 www.mopa.org

The MOPA, or the Museum of Photographic Arts, is located in beautiful Balboa Park and is an ideal location for any wedding. Not only does the park offer the perfect backdrop and entrance into the event, but the museum will be set up to your heart’s desire. Whether you prefer to be married outside in the sun or against the beautiful art featured inside, Melissa Pfeiffer and the MOPA team will be happy to accommodate and assist you in making your day something truly special.

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BRIDAL GOWN PROVIDED BY: The Dress Theory www.thedresstheory.com FLORALS PROVIDED BY: Luxe Botanique www.luxebotanique.com FURNITURE PROVIDED BY: Lauren Sharon Vintage Shop Rentals www.laurensharon.com

Not only does the park offer the perfect backdrop and entrance into the event, the museum will be set up to your heart’s desire.

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MOPA 1649 El Prado San Diego, CA 92103 619.238.7559 www.mopa.org BRIDAL GOWN PROVIDED BY: The Dress Theory www.thedresstheory.com FLORALS PROVIDED BY: Luxe Botanique www.luxebotanique.com

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PHOTO BY: Anh Nguyen

go /do

Nov. 2015

114 DO EXPERT 4G Wireless Explains How Every Customer Gets VIP Status

120 DO FEATURE Catch Up on How Nick Arquette Has Changed the Cancer Community by Creating Walk With Sally

126 FIRST TIMER’S GUIDE A Bungee Jumping Adventure on the Bridge to Nowhere

130 DO PROFILE

126

A Look Inside the Fast-Paced Networking Career of JJ Jones

FIRST TIMER'S GUIDE Hanging By a Thread

PHOTOSHOOT LOCATION Bridge to Nowhere Sheep Mountain at E Fork Rd Azusa, CA 91702

BUNGEE JUMP AMERICA E Fork Rd Azusa, CA 91702 310.322.8892 www.BungeeAmerica.com

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hook OFF THE

Unlimited Customer Service With No Strings Attached WRITTEN BY: TAYLOR SIMMONS PHOTOGRAPHED BY: MICHAEL WESLEY

THE EXPER T

HASTY HONARKAR Director of Marketing and Digital Media at 4G Wireless

Mission: “Not to sell, but to provide customers a custom solution to their needs in a nonpressure environment.”

4G

Wireless is a common term in today’s world. It is something that younger generations take for granted and older generations are encouraged to learn about so they don’t get left behind. It has created a world that is vastly smaller, as well as a communication system that allows us to stay connected no matter where we find ourselves. While face-to-face communication will always be the most rewarding, 4G Wireless has created a nation where entrepreneurship and adventure are encouraged, allowing people to feel confident that they can be connected with their loved ones no matter what. This luxury is what fuels today’s change.

As I sat down with Hasty Honarkar in Newport Beach, her sweet smile and confidence showed a woman who was fun to talk to. She is educated and passionate about what she does. As she described the company her father started after moving to the United States at the age of 20, I could sense her love for her family as well as her work. She describes a company that centers around the customer experience. It is a company that truly cares for its clientele and supports them in their advancement into the modern world. I could not help but feel inspired by this pleasant woman, her big dreams and accomplishments.

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VERIZON 4G WIRELESS LAGUNA BEACH 495 Broadway St Laguna Beach, CA 92651 949.464.9944 www.4gwireless.com

| NOVEMBER 2015 | 115

“WORKING CLOSELY WITH OUR VERIZON FAMILY HAS ALLOWED US TO STAY AS UP TO DATE AS POSSIBLE IN REGARD TO THE LATEST OFFERS AND PROMOTIONS THAT WE CAN EXTEND TO OUR 4G FAMILY.” ­— HASTY HONARKAR

HOW HONARKAR DESCRIBES 4G WIRELESS: 1. Innovative 2. Customer Service Focused 3. Driven 4. Appreciative 5. Family Oriented

Q: What is your role in the company?

Hasty Honarkar: I was about 10 years old when my dad entered the wireless industry in 1998. It was then that I started shadowing him to learn everything I could learn when it came to business and entrepreneurship. As I got older, I left the comforts of our corporate office to work in the 4G stores to get more hands-on training with sales and operations. After a few years, I realized that I was very passionate about the marketing and creative aspect of the business. In addition, I was also gratified by the feeling that we provide to our satisfied customers, which led me to focus on the overall customer experience within our retail locations. Utilizing my many years of experience and dedication, I grew into my role as the director of marketing and decided to take on the challenge of merchandising as well. I strive to creatively update the aesthetics of our brand while shifting the perception of our company goals. Our mission is not to sell, but to provide customers a custom solution to their needs in a nonpressure environment.

Q: What is the story behind the name “4G Wireless?”

HH: Years before 4G or even 3G networks were released by carriers, my dad was constantly attending different conferences and shows.

He started hearing about the direction the wireless industry was taking. The fact that everything would change due to this upcoming 4G technology fascinated him. We wanted to create our name and build our identity before that change happened. Once it was launched and all the carriers offered that 4G signal, we had identified ourselves as the name so many people hear around the world today. We were lucky enough to be the forerunner.

Q: What motivates the success of the company?

HH: Our success is motivated by really seeing how we help both our customers and employees live better and stay more connected.

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We have almost 1,200 employees. We love giving them new opportunities, training them and having the ability to see them take a new direction in life. Watching them grow into their roles as well as strive to become even better is what motivates us the most.

Also, seeing customers repeatedly come back and refer friends and family because they feel like they are being serviced the right way pushes us to lead the way in the industry. A strong customer experience makes our will to grow that much stronger.

Q: How do you keep up with technological advancements?

HH: We are constantly researching new products and attending summits as well as tech conferences to see the latest advancements in the industry. We also keep a strong level of communication with manufacturers, such as Samsung, Apple, Motorola and LG, to learn more about their pipeline. Once we get that information, we pass on the knowledge to our employees by updating them through intensive hands-on training. We stay connected with the latest advancements to provide our customers with the specifics that will benefit them the most in the long run. Working closely with our Verizon family has allowed us to stay as up to date as possible in regard to the latest offers and promotions that we can extend to our 4G family.

Q: What makes you different from other brands?

HH: How we prioritize our customers separates us from other brands. Not only do we inform customers about the features and benefits of the devices, but we also make the effort to identify the customer’s wants and needs. Any other company can try to sell you on a product or service, but only a few truly consider your lifestyle to qualify the sale appropriately. Our goal is to deliver the dependable service that Verizon provides in a comfortable environment that genuinely focuses on the customers’ experience.

An example of this change is shown through our store remodels.

Since we have noticed that there have been more parents that come into our stores with their kids, we started adding a kids section so parents can focus on making the right purchase. We have also added more seating so customers will be more comfortable while discussing their phones or waiting. It is truly about listening and adapting to the changes that would most benefit our customers.

Q: Where do you see 4G Wireless going in the future?

HH: I see us not only growing across the nation, but also setting an example for the entire industry. That is what we have been doing, and that is what we will continue to do.

Q: Can you give me a hint as to what is to come?

HH: Eventually our locations will be what everyone is now calling smart stores. They will exhibit technological advances as well as leave a feeling of wonder that is unexpected of a typical cell phone store. Being customer-centric will remain our main focus as well as finding new innovative ways to make the customer experience that much more enjoyable. We have recently been dabbling with the idea of catering to the various demographics, and we will continue to move in this direction. We currently have locations that cater to both the Latino and Chinese markets. Our plan is to ensure many of our stores connect to various groups of people so our customers feel at home in their local 4G store. We want all of our stores to be at the heart of the communities, and we strive to have our employees connect with people.

Q: How did you get to where you are today?

HH: Endless determination, motivation and sleepless nights. Given this was the industry that I grew up in and that my dad worked hard for, I am very driven and strive for the best. I have gone to

every training and conference imaginable and studied every one of our departments to understand the necessary touch points needed for the company’s overall sustainability and growth. Everything and everyone is connected, and a critical part of the larger picture.

I have studied the formula on how to understand and connect with the customer and transferred that to how our employees bridge the gap to create long-lasting relationships. I would not be here today without my dad as my inspiration. He worked multiple jobs to provide for our family when I was a child, and he never gave up on his vision of success. Having witnessed that makes me feel very lucky and blessed. It also makes me strive to work hard to reach my highest potential like my dad. I was also surrounded by strong women like my mother and grandmothers. They taught me that a woman can accomplish anything a man can and that I should never give up on my dreams.

Q: How has the company as a whole gotten to where it is today?

HH: My dad had many experiences in the industry and learned to handle any obstacle that came his way. He came to this country alone when he was only 20, and worked multiple jobs while in school to support his family. He was very resourceful in the sense that he communicated with successful people to learn what it takes to be successful. When he got in the industry in the late ’90s, he saw the potential. With our family’s moral support and backing, he continued to strive to achieve his dreams within the industry. Despite all the success, he is not afraid to say, “Hey, I want to learn a little bit more about that to make a better decision.” He was never afraid of asking questions if necessary. Also, our company doesn’t differentiate between the executives in our corporate offices and the people on the floor. Everyone plays a critical role in the overall growth of 4G Wireless, and we never stop showing them our continuous appreciation.

“I SEE US NOT ONLY GROWING ACROSS THE NATION, BUT ALSO SETTING AN EXAMPLE FOR THE ENTIRE INDUSTRY. THAT IS WHAT WE HAVE BEEN DOING, AND THAT IS WHAT WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO.” —HASTY HONARKAR

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NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: 4G Wireless likes connecting with communities and enjoys working to benefit local youth clubs and charities.

“BEING A WOMAN IN THIS INDUSTRY, AS WELL AS ANY WORLDWIDE, IS ABOUT PROVING THERE ISN’T A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN IN REGARD TO THEIR ABILITIES AND KNOWLEDGE. WOMEN REALLY DO HAVE A LOT TO SAY IN THE WORLD OF BUSINESS.” —HASTY HONARKAR

Q: Who inspires you personally?

HH: A lot of people. Other than my father and mother, strong, innovative individuals such as Steve Jobs and Elon Musk who aren’t afraid to veer out of the norm and look at the endless possibilities of our future.

Everything starts out as an idea. It only becomes a reality when someone doesn’t give up and keeps on trying until the result is what they imagined.

Q: What other brands inspire this one?

HH: Apple. I think they have made a major impact on almost every industry as well as our society. One day we hope to be a brand and company that others look to for inspiration. We try to motivate others by giving back to the communities that we call home.

Q: How do you give back to local communities?

HH: We love being involved with the communities. We show a lot of support to local schools by sponsoring school organizations, sports teams and clubs. For events, we invite local youth organizations, such as the Boys & Girls Club, to be present and donate a portion of our sales to benefit the respective organization.

Q: How is it working in Orange County?

HH: It’s good. Orange County is a different market than everywhere else. People here feel a lot more comfortable investing in the wireless ecosystem as a whole. In many other communities, we have to convince them how valuable these wireless devices are in helping them stay connected. The Orange County market already understands its value. We started here. Our first store was in Laguna Beach.

I was born and raised in Orange County. My family began its roots in Orange County. It’s the place that started it all, and is the county that supported our growth the most.

Q: How has wireless changed the world?

HH: It has brought us together. No matter where you are, day or night, you can reach out to connect with a loved one. Now people are using their phones to find

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a life partner. You can use your phone to adopt a new family pet or even purchase your next car. You can locate the nearest hospital in case of an emergency.

Turn on your thermostat at the house while you are at the office or even lock your front door. Track your child or elderly parent. It is a convenience thing. You hold the world in your hand.

Q: How has it affected education?

HH: Unfortunately, now everybody has started Googling everything, so maybe our spelling and grammar skills have gotten worse. In the end, we have all the information we need in the palm of our hand.

Schools now have e-books and online classes; you can now access whole course loads within seconds.

Q: Is working in a male-dominated industry tough?

HH: I am the first female marketing director in our company. A lot of things have changed over the last couple of years, but it is never easy. At first, trying to get the men in the industry to understand me and my vision was quite difficult. They seem to make the assumption that I run on emotions. However, I think that these same emotions have helped me read in between the lines and focus more on the details as well as what the customers want. Being a woman in this industry, as well as any other, is about proving there isn’t a difference between men and women in regard to their abilities and knowledge. Women really do have a lot to say in the world of business.

Q: If you could do it all again, what would you do differently?

HH: I would have learned to balance my life a little bit better. I am very devoted to my job. Sometimes it is difficult for others to understand that dedication.

Throughout my teenage and young adult years, my career was my priority.

Q: What would you say your personal strengths are?

HH: Persistence, adaptability and my attention to detail. I am determined to push through all that is

necessary and I will not take no for an answer. I don’t stop until I get what I want if I truly believe it is the only way to succeed and move forward. However, I am flexible enough to grow from criticism and adjust to changes.

Q: What are the strengths of the company?

HH: We can adapt rather quickly to changes within the industry while still catering to our customers’ needs. We have also gotten so good at expansion that it is quite impressive. Our team was able to acquire 25 stores in four states from another agent overnight.

We had our best staff train and welcome the new team to our 4G family, all while making sure the new locations reflected our identity, standards and goals.

There is nothing our team cannot accomplish.

Q: How has 4G Wireless changed communication?

HH: It has changed a lot. I can’t imagine a world without cell phones. I look at my cousins’ children, and how they will be so intelligent because they will grow up with access to so much information.

Sometimes it makes people not talk, and that can be a negative thing. I think it’s important to use our phones when we need them, but it is also important to put them down for face-to-face conversations.

Q: Is there a way that you promote face-to-face communication?

HH: We promote the idea of face-to-face communications every day. When we have our staff meetings, we put our cell phones down and just talk. As convenient as texting is, we continue to have conference calls and webinars. We walk over to each other’s offices and sit down with one another. At the end of the day, the goal is to feel connected to people. Cell phones and wireless technology help people stay connected when they are apart and distracted with everyday life, but it is important to take that extra personal step when you can to make that real life connection.

«

WALK T H IS WAY

WALK WITH SALLY LEADS THE CANCER COMMUNITY TO THEIR MENTOR PROGRAM WRITTEN BY: KATIE FUGNETTI PHOTOGRAPHED BY: TASO PAPADAKIS

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WALK WITH SALLY 840 Apollo St Ste 324 El Segundo, CA 90245 310.322.3900 www.walkwithsally.org

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A M E N TO R IS SOMEONE WHO HAS WALKED OUR

PATH BEFORE WE HAVE. THEY ARE EXPERIENCED ADVISORS WHO, FOR WHATEVER REASON, HAVE CHOSEN TO TAKE AN INTEREST IN THE NEXT GENERATION.

W

hether a personal or business mentor, they can be the most influential person in our lives, leading us by example to the light at the end of the tunnel. Mentoring has become so important that every year the whole month of January is dedicated to it.

There are online resources to help us find mentors in a community, whether in business, faith, schools or nonprofit. At Walk with Sally, an El Segundo-based nonprofit, they understand just how powerful mentoring can be for children impacted by losing a parent to cancer.

It’s a breezy Sunday morning, and I’ve driven out to Tarsan Stand Up Paddle in Redondo Beach. I’m here to meet the founder of Walk with Sally, Nick Arquette, and to find out more about the man behind the vision. The surf shop is packed with kids, parents and their mentors and there is a nervous excitement in the air. I’m told that today is a very special day. Not only do mentors and kids get to learn how to paddle board from the experts, but they have the rare opportunity to meet others who have found hope on the other side of cancer. After everyone is outfitted and a decisive game of 122 |

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Rochambeau is played, then it’s out to the sand where the kids take turns paddling in the harbor and running in relay races. That is where I find Arquette. He is a blur, running at full speed around a cone and back across the sand to the finish line. After highfives all around, he takes a breather to tell me more about Walk with Sally.

was slipping away, and he wanted to do something about it. He knew from experience that kids who’ve lost a parent to cancer should have someone to talk to who knows what they are going through. Arquette saw a void in cancer treatment and realized he might be the best person to do something about it. After researching the positive effects of mentoring, he Arquette’s mother, Sally, is the developed a mentorship model with a inspiration behind the program. As small group of friends and volunteers. a single mother, working two jobs to He then piloted it at a local support her sons, she was school where he began devastated to find out she The pilot program has mentoring a boy named had been diagnosed with grown into Walk with Hossany who had also lost breast cancer. Arquette was Sally. For the past 10 his mother to cancer. Due 16 when, after five years years, their mission has to their common experience of treatment, his mother been to provide free with cancer, they formed passed away. “Cancer mentoring services to a fast friendship and changes everything,” children with a parent Arquette noticed an Arquette said. In fact, his living with cancer or immediate improvement in whole life would change who have lost a parent, Hossany’s social skills and when he and his brother guardian or sibling to grades at school. He knew were forced to move across cancer. then that he was on to the country to live with something special. their dad. “I am honestly not sure how I even made it through that time,” That pilot program has grown into Arquette said.

Walk with Sally. For the past 10 years, In 2005, while working in the film industry, he recalls waking up at the age of 32, after having not seen his mom in 16 years. His memory of her

their mission has been to provide free mentoring services to children with a parent living with cancer or who have lost a parent, guardian or sibling to

3 FACTS ABOUT WHITE LIGHT WHITE NIGHT:

1 g It was inspired by the healing color Arquette and his mother used for meditation.

2 g “White Light” comes from the times Arquette remembers sitting with his brother and mom while envisioning white light all around her as part of her cancer healing treatment.

3 g Everyone wears white and brings a white light to commemorate Arquette’s mother, Sally.

WALK WITH SALLY CURRENT EVENTS:

1 g Walk With Sally has expanded to Orange County and currently has one mentor/mentee match.

2 g There are 16 kids on the waiting list for OC’s Walk With Sally, so the nonprofit is in need of more mentors.

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE

g The first mentee at Walk With Sally has gone to college after eight years with her mentor! Walk With Sally is proud to have awarded her a scholarship for her studies, and hopes to make scholarships available to every mentee pursuing higher education in the future.

ARQUETTE’S MOTHER, SALLY, IS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE PROGRAM. AS A SINGLE MOTHER, WORKING TWO JOBS TO SUPPORT HER SONS, SHE WAS DEVASTATED TO FIND OUT SHE HAD BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER. ARQUETTE WAS 16 WHEN, AFTER FIVE YEARS OF TREATMENT, HIS MOTHER PASSED AWAY. cancer. Their model focuses on forming successful matches, which they simply call friendships. Mentors must have a cancer story and are required to devote at least one year to their mentee. “Most mentors tell me after one year that they can’t imagine ever leaving the child,” Arquette says. For this reason, the staff at Walk With Sally dedicate most of their time and resources to making matches based on geographical location, interests and cancer stories. They want to make sure that it is easy for the child and mentor to get together, have fun and form bonds that will last a lifetime.

Earlier in the day, I spoke with a mentor, Bob Oh, who went looking for an opportunity to give back after losing his mother to leukemia four years ago. He has been involved with the program for just two months and both he and his mentee, Nathan, seem ecstatic to have been paired together.

Nathan could barely wait to tell me

that he had recently had the chance to build a solar-powered robot with Oh, who works as an engineer. At 11 years old, he loves math and science and wants to be a systems engineer. “He is one of the brightest kids I’ve ever met!

He has a job waiting for him,” Oh says.

Later in the day, my heart sank to learn that Nathan had lost his father to cancer in January, just two days after his father’s 46th birthday.

You wouldn’t know it at first glance, but everyone here has a cancer story. Melissa Boyce, 31, of Hermosa Beach, has been a mentor to Dossie for eight months. “We mostly do girl stuff,” Boyce tells me. She was inspired to get involved with Walk with Sally after volunteering at their summer fundraising event. She had experienced the devastation of losing her father to cancer when she was 12 years old. Dossie is one of five children and the only girl. She tells me she

and Boyce are girlfriends and do fun things like paint and go to plays. “I feel like I’m getting the most out of this,” Boyce says as she tells me about the friendship she has formed with Dossie’s mom. “Witnessing what she is going through with her husband’s cancer has completely changed my perspective on what my mom was going through with my dad.”

Although mentoring is mostly done one-on-one, every couple months the staff at Walk With Sally organizes friendship activities. In the past, they’ve done activities like surfing and ocean therapy with the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation, whale watching at the Ocean Institute and the ropes course at Fulcrum Adventures. However, today it’s all about stand up paddle boarding!

“We’re recreating family and community,” Arquette says, “and

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ARQUETTE SAW A VOID IN CANCER TREATMENT AND REALIZED HE MIGHT BE THE BEST PERSON TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. AFTER RESEARCHING THE POSITIVE EFFECTS OF MENTORING, HE DEVELOPED A MENTORSHIP MODEL WITH A SMALL GROUP OF FRIENDS AND VOLUNTEERS.

that is huge!” Many of these kids have never been to the beach, let alone had an opportunity to learn how to paddle board. “Today is their day, and we’re bringing joy and light back into their lives,” Arquette says. The friendship activities, together with one-on-one mentoring and careful attention to matching kids to mentors is a model Arquette believes can be expanded to every city in the U.S. and the world. “Where there is cancer, there is a need and this need turns into a mission for us,” Arquette says.

Walk With Sally has grown over 100 percent in the past three years and is expanding its reach.

The group is funded entirely by donations from individuals and businesses in the South Bay community. Every July is White Light White Night, the premier fundraising event. “This is not your typical fundraiser,” Arquette says, grinning earto-ear. “There are no tuxedos quietly mingling in a hotel conference hall. It is a party!” They invite local restaurants, offer food, wine, dancing, a live

auction and live music. Although they’ve had bands like Berlin, Blues Traveler and Smash Mouth rock the party in the past, this year, they welcomed Neil Diamond tribute artist and local fan favorite Super Diamond. Everyone wears white, to bring light to the children and in honor of Sally. The goal of the event is to raise money but also to share real life stories with the community. “It’s a fun and powerful evening, and I think people leave feeling cleansed,” Arquette says.

If you’re feeling inspired, remember October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Walk With Sally is encouraging everyone to get involved in organizing their own fundraising campaign. Host a wine party, or help your kids organize a car wash anytime during the month of October and donate all proceeds to Walk With Sally. Get creative and embrace the opportunity to raise awareness of the effects of breast cancer while making a positive impact on your community.

TIMER’S GUIDE

By a

THE UPS AND DOWNS FOR A FIRST TIMER’S BUNGEE JUMPING EXPERIENCE WRITTEN BY: SARAH CHORLEY PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ANH NGUYEN

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PHOTOSHOOT LOCATION Bridge to Nowhere Sheep Mountain at E Fork Rd Azusa, CA 91702

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TIPS FOR AN EASIER ADVENTURE: 1.

Make sure your camera has extra batteries or memory cards. However, photography is discouraged on the way up to the bridge to maximize jumping time.

2.

Bring a swimsuit and hang out in the river below to relax before hiking back.

3.

Take a friend or two. Even if they don’t jump, have them take lots of ridiculous photos.

4.

Don't bring a giant water bottle. The bridge has a water purifier for refills, so just bring a small bottle for the way up. That way, you aren't lugging around a huge bottle for the whole trip.

5.

Sunscreen is vital—the twohour hike is mostly in the sun!

6.

Focus on enjoying the sensation of jumping and the exhilaration of the free fall instead of any fear you might be feeling.

7.

Try both the Superman Front Dive and the Backwards Plunge!

9.

Trust the harness and enjoy the ride! Let out a good, healthy scream as you jump.

10.

Brag to all your friends when you’re done.

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The answer was automatically yes.

Overthinking a bungee jump trip might result in chickening out and changing my mind. So for anyone who might be considering taking the jump, I suggest not overthinking—just jump! With proper safety precautions, of course.

save driving directions to your phone or print directions beforehand. Also, arrive early for good parking.

Jumping takes place from a tall bridge overlooking shallow but rushing streams that encircle beautiful grey boulders.

Below the bridge is the perfect place for For my bungee jump journey, I had onlookers to sit and admire jumpers who the privilege of hiking out with the will be inevitably screaming with fear experienced guides at Bungee America, and shaking with delight as adrenaline who led me and about 30 other pumps through their veins. Take adventurers down a five-mile it from me, participants have I didn’t feel afraid at all trail ending at the ominously nothing to fear as they actually before jumping, jump. Multiple guides double named Bridge to Nowhere. The because I felt hike isn’t too difficult if you're check every safety system and very confident physically active, unless you ensure jumpers are safe at in the safety have a hard time with hiking all times. In fact, the jump is mechanisms. narrow trails. The bridge is secured by not one, not two, but located in the Angeles National three cords. I didn’t feel afraid Forest, past the boundary of the park at all before jumping, because I felt very on privately owned land. A short drive confident in the safety mechanisms. from Los Angeles or Orange County, Emotions were running high as participants will want to reserve the participants prepared for their turn whole day for this trip. Keep in mind to jump. The group was nervous and you'll be without cell phone reception, so

excited at the same time and, occasionally, terrified. I knew I wanted to go toward the beginning of the group, but not first. You know, just in case—best to let someone test it out first. But I felt perfectly comfortable after watching the first two people jump. After the crowd of other jumpers and onlookers counted to three, I leaped backwards off the platform with my arms out like a starfish and enjoyed the thrill of falling through the air. This part was really intense because for a moment, you forget that you're going to bounce back up. Instead, all of your focus is centered on the free-falling sensation, which is both surreal and exhilarating. Just a few seconds seemed to take an eternity as I waited for the cords to fully stretch and launch me back up toward the sky. After the initial catapult brings your body back up and then down a few more times, you lose momentum and are left swinging below the bridge before being reeled back upward. All of my energy was so focused on enjoying the fall that I actually forgot

BUNGEE JUMP AMERICA E Fork Rd Azusa, CA 91702 310.322.8892 www.BungeeAmerica.com

JUMP AROUND After your first jump, each additional jump is $50.

You're required to do three jumps (minimum) before instructors allow you to do an advanced jump, such as the Ankle Dive, Elevator or Lumberjack.

Take it from me, participants have nothing to fear as they actually jump.

to scream when I jumped from the bridge.

As I was swinging around at the bottom, I finally let out a scream. It felt good.

Only after the initial jump, as I fell freely through the air between the bridge and the water, before the tension on the cord whipped my body back up in the air, did I feel like I truly jumped off of a bridge.

Waiting for the cord to catch me was the most intense part. I had been worried that the snap of the cord would be harsh and cause major whiplash, but it was actually quite cushioned and didn’t hurt. The harness jumpers wear center the return bounce throughout the body and two harnesses are attached to the chest and hip area. Helmets ensure head protection and can also be used as a

#1

camera mount to document the jump for your family and friends' entertainment The staff at Bungee America is a fun, funny, but also professional, group.

They ensure that participants are safe during all aspects of the jump and encourage those experiencing last minute apprehensions. Jumps can be made facing forward or backward, and jumpers can jump either once or twice (price varies according to the number of jumps). After the jump, participants even get a shirt as bragging proof of their jump. I'd suggest going with a friend to create silly videos of one another.

After such a big adrenaline rush, the five-mile hike on the way back feels a

It will be chilly when you arrive, so start your day with pants and a jacket. However, you'll eventually get hot so make sure to dress in layers that can be easily removed.

#2

Wear clothes that won’t get bunched up by the harnesses.

#3

Bring sunscreen, or some sort of sun protection.

#4

Wear a hat and sunglasses for the hike.

little longer than it did before bungee jumping, so drink plenty of water throughout the day. The team at Bungee America actually has a water purification system for participants on the bridge, so be sure to fill up before you depart.

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE:

Overall, the experience was very safe and fun. I’d say it makes a great day date for an active couple, a cool outing for friends or even a fun solo adventure. So the next time a frenemy tells you to “go jump off a bridge,” consider entertaining the suggestion (with bungee cords, of course). Send them a cheeky photo of yourself springing through the air, having the time of your life, to thank them for the great idea.

#5

Take a good hiking bag, or a small, light-weight, comfortable backpack.

#6

Don't wear any favorite pieces of clothing.

Bring snacks; the trail is a good length and halfway through the hike the group takes a little break. Be sure to bring some fast and easy snacks like apple sauce packets, trail mix or granola bars. Make sure to keep your trash in your pack; there are no garbage cans in the park.

#7

A change of shoes and socks is really useful.

You'll cross water that isn't deep, but I did get blisters from walking with wet socks on the return hike—the cool water will feel nice but the feeling of getting blisters will not.

#8

Bring a bag for storing wet and dirty socks and shoes.

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NETWORK OC NATIVE JJ JONES FACILITATES CONNECTIONS AMONG CELEBS

WRITTEN BY: ERIK HALE PHOTOGRAPHED BY: STEPHEN PANOSIAN

Jones is a promoter, a connector, a brand ambassador, a personality—you name it, he can do it. Our first meeting is at a Whole Foods in Aliso Viejo. A grocery store seems like an odd place to meet for lunch, but, as I came to find out, Jones has a certain way of doing things. He has a natural, effortless ease and doesn’t walk so much as glide toward me, flashing a giant smile. He’s decked out in top and bottom matching gear and extends one long thin arm, engaging, and then on the move again. The theme that is most consistent with Jones is motion, and his body has been in motion for a long time.

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“I make introductions to people I think would work well together—whether it is a business, friendship or charity, I connect people. I guess you could call me a facilitator.”

– J J J O NE S

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“The celebrities trust him not to put their business in the street.”

–GAVIN MA LOOF

him to reconsider the opportunity he’d passed up. Jones reached out to the Maloofs and this time accepted their offer. He was moving again, this time to Las Vegas.

J

ones moved with his mother (his parents are divorced) from Los Angeles to Orange County when he was in the third grade. In eighth grade, the family moved to Inglewood. It was a culture shock at first, leaving buttoned-down Orange County for Inglewood, plus Jones was struggling in school and “always asking too many questions.” His mom dressed him in white polo shirts and blue dockers in a Blood neighborhood. When Inglewood didn’t work out, Jones moved to Shreveport, La., where he learned “charm, manners and Southern hospitality.” After about two years, he returned to California where he attended three different high schools before finally graduating from Aliso Niguel. Every year, someone new was telling his mom, “We are going to get him together.” But really the only person who could get Jones together would need to be Jones himself.

“Wherever I’ve went, I’ve always got along with everybody,” Jones says.

Maybe he just got along with everyone too well.

After high school, Jones worked at a home loan center, coached basketball at the YMCA and won rap battles. He was friends with Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu, the bass player from Korn, who happened to have a basement studio in the nearby Laguna Hills community Nellie Gail. Jones spent hours practicing in Fieldy’s studio, day after day, working on his raps.

That practice paid off when Fieldy took Jones, only 19 years old, to a party filled with celebrities, playmates and billionaires, including Henry Nicholas. On the way to the bathroom, Jones bumped into Nicholas, the co-founder of Broadcom. He gave a short speech that filled Jones with confidence—the Fortune 500 CEO applauded Jones’ energy and told him that if he would focus, he could do something special with his life. People had been telling Jones this his entire life, but this time he listened.

At the same party, Jones met Dalene Kurtis (2002 Playboy Playmate of The Year), who wanted to introduce the young rapper to the guy she was dating, Phil Maloof, who was working with Interscope Records. Maloof’s family also owned the Sacramento Kings and The Palms Casino. After listening to Jones rap on the spot, Maloof told him he wanted to sign him to his record label and introduce him to his brothers. In an era pre-dating smartphones, Jones had yet to figure out who Phil was, but Maloof asked him to come to Las Vegas to audition for his brothers and a few friends.

So Jones went to Vegas, CD sample in hand, to meet the Maloofs at a suite in The Palazzo hotel.

When Jones arrived, he put his CD in the player and readied himself to perform. Suddenly, the power went out.

“You don’t need music, just rap,” Maloof says.

So he did. And he crushed it. No music, just Jones. Yet, as impressed as they all were, the Maloofs saw something else in Jones.

“Do you really want to be a rapper? Or do you want to be a businessman?” asked Joe Maloof, president of Maloof Companies.

“I want to be a businessman,” Jones replied.

“Good. Then I want you to come to work for me as my driver,” Joe Maloof said.

“What?” Jones couldn’t believe it. “Nah, I am just going to keep doing this.”

He returned home to Orange County, where his friend Zack encouraged

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Jones started working as the Maloofs’ driver, living in a hotel for the first two weeks. The Maloofs had quite a few homes in Las Vegas; Joe Maloof was living in a $4 million home in Lake Las Vegas at the time, but had recently broken up with a girlfriend and didn’t want to stay there anymore. He let Jones move out of the hotel and into his mansion. His decision to move to Vegas was just getting better and better. Everything happened so fast that Jones never had a chance to be in disbelief—he was working and this was just part of the job. Thirty days later he was promoted to assistant and put on the payroll.

That fall, Jones made his first trip with the Maloof family to Sacramento to conduct Kings business. Jones says it felt like everyone he met in Sacramento was unsure what to think about him. He had been fun to have around at summer pool parties in Vegas, but Sacramento was all business. Jones says he understood this right away, putting away the Vegas party attitude and turning on work mode. Whatever they asked him to do, he found a way to do it.

Joe Maloof asked him to design a hat for the team store but Jones quickly found there were layers of red tape to get a design approved. He decided to circumvent that route—he pushed the hat through, had it made and the design was successful.

“We knew right off the bat we could trust him,” says Gavin Maloof, vice chairman of Maloof Companies. “We all just had a good feeling about him.”

We finish our lunch at Whole Foods and walk to the parking lot, where Jones’ aurora blue convertible McLaren 650S Spider is parked.

It’s easy to pick out among a sea of Acuras and Toyotas, and not the car of someone who wants to go unnoticed.

We’re headed to Melin, a custom hat company Jones consults for—well, not so much consults as reps, and not so much reps as introduces. Jones is great at introductions.

As the Maloofs’ assistant, it was Jones’ job to take out celebrity clients and powerful friends and show them a good time. His first celebrity client was Jamie Foxx.

“JJ will take you out,” Joe Maloof told Foxx over dinner one night.

That weekend, Foxx, Javon Walker (former NFL wide receiver) and Jones put up prize money and hosted an ass-shaking contest at The Palms pool. First prize was $1,000. Hosting celebrities just became what Jones did.

He was in charge of the celebrities for the Maloof family and also The Palms.

He acted as if he belonged, as if he was one of them. It was easy for Jones.

Jones helped the celebrities and athletes avoid the “Player’s Tax.” Though everyone pays in Vegas, part of his job was to make sure his clients and friends did not get overcharged because of their celebrity status. He is also a natural connector, and he gained a reputation as someone to go to for the hook up. He was always out, having a great time.

“I had the best table every night. I had the owners table, I was having fun,” Jones says. “If it was Tryst Thursdays, I was at Victor Drai’s table. If we were at TAU I was with Jason Strauss.” Jones was where the party was and that’s where his clients wanted to be. Being in the spotlight allowed him to make some remarkable connections, like the night he introduced Kanye West to Barry Bonds.

“I was running an errand one night and stopped off in Garduno’s Mexican restaurant inside The Palms. I bumped into Kanye—I had never met him but asked him if he wanted to meet Barry Bonds,” Jones says. “Barry and I had just been talking about the song Kanye wrote about him, ‘Barry Bonds’ and they were both excited to meet.”

“Stars tend to get stuck in their own circles,” Jones says. “I make introductions to people I think would work well together—whether it is a business, friendship or charity, I connect people. I guess you could call me a facilitator.” With so many influential people, it must be natural to want to share stories. But what happens in Vegas stays there, right?

“I had fun and kept my mouth shut,” Jones says. “I never get starstruck, except for the time I was eating dinner with Bill Clinton. I couldn’t help but stare.”

Former presidents aside, Jones always maintains his cool around his celebrity clients. “He is a people person,” Gavin Maloof says. “The celebrities trust him not to put their business in the street.”

And that trust has earned him quite a few favors.

“A favor is worth more than money,” Jones says. “I can call anyone in my phone for a favor.”

Just who would we be able to call from Jones’ phone? “The world,” he states plainly. “Tom Brady, Ryan Sheckler, Ludacris, Michael Phelps, Floyd Mayweather ... the list goes on and on.”

We arrive at the Melin office and Jones enters like a big ship, moving slowly but making waves. He’s introduced to owners Cory Roth and Brian McDonell

by Sheckler’s agent, Steve Astephen from Wasserman Media Group.

Astephen thought Jones would be a perfect fit for them; placing Melin hats on the heads of Jones’ celebrity friends could certainly help the business.

HATS OFF: Jones is partnered with Melin, a Southern California-based brand of luxury headwear. Their brand’s name, Melin, is derived from “milliner,” a term describing a person who designs and crafts headwear.

Roth and McDonell show Jones their hats, detailed with metal and leather trimming and stored in leather boxes.

These are not your typical snapbacks.

The hats range in price from just over $100 to well over $1,000. During the first meeting, Jones suggests some tweaks to the hat designs. They like his suggestions, and him, immediately and tell Jones they want him involved.

He becomes an equity partner and goes to work immediately.

A BETTER TOMORROW: Jones and Phil Maloof are both involved with Never Too Hungover, a vitamin blend that prevents hangovers. By rehydrating and defusing alcoholic toxins, Never Too Hungover ensures you’ll be hangoverfree after a night out—it’s also sugar free, gluten free, low calorie and has no added caffeine.

The first call he makes is to Gabrielle Union. Jones tells Union he has something for her boyfriend, Miami Heat guard Dwayne Wade, and sends him some hats to try. He then ships samples to friends DeMarcus Ware of the Denver Broncos, skateboarder Rob Dyrdek and Snoop Dogg.

Wade started wearing the hats everywhere. They sent him dozens of hats and he started matching the color of the hat to the car he was driving that day. At the time, Wade was in all of the tabloids because of his upcoming wedding to Union.

Jones also dropped by Melin’s booth at Agenda, the surf and skate trade show. By the time he reached the booth, about 30 people had followed, including Birdman and Floyd Mayweather. The partnership with Jones was a quick win for Melin. The brand is now carried in LIDS and Bloomingdales, and Jones says the company is doing exceedingly well.

It’s quickly evident that Jones’ need to keep moving is as much out of purpose as it is out of desire. He’s currently involved with a drink to prevent hangovers called Never Too Hungover, a dating website, a brand called Publish (which he wears and encourages his friends to wear as well) and is working with the Maloofs to bring an NHL team to Las Vegas.

Two years ago, when Gavin Maloof sold the Sacramento Kings, he decided to pursue another venture: hockey.

He worked with Bill Foley, billionaire chairman of Fidelity National Financial, to bring a professional hockey team to Las Vegas. Their goal was to sell 10,000 tickets. If they were able to do that, it seemed likely they could win a franchise. Jones was able to sell boxes to competing nightclub impresarios like Jesse Waits from XS and Tryst, Alex Cordova from The Hakkasan Group and Victor Drai from Drai’s. “We ended

up selling 13,000 tickets. JJ was able to sell a lot of sky boxes to his network of friends,” Gavin Maloof says. “JJ is a great host, he does a good job of bringing two parties together.”

would need to be with Joe and Gavin all day. In the nighttime I would want to go out. I would be going all the time. Even when I wouldn’t go out, I would still be up researching, working, inspecting.”

“Trust me,”

With so much time spent doing business and networking, does Jones have any time for recreation? “Seventy percent work, 10 percent fun, 10 percent video games and 10 percent basketball,” Jones laughs. “I really don’t sleep. When I was in Vegas I

Even though Jones flexes on Instagram with hundreds of coveted Mayweather v. Pacquiao tickets and carries an iPhone full of sports and movie stars’ cell numbers, he’s still just a regular dude.

“JJ is the kind of guy you want to hang out with.”

GAVIN MA LOOF SAYS.

| NOVEMBER 2015 | 133

PHOTO BY: Michael Wesley

home

/away

Nov. 2015

136 HOME EXPERT Feel Right at Home With Advice From the Top Authorities of Design

147 HOME FEATURE These Tiny Homes Are Proving Size Doesn’t Matter

150 SETTING THE TABLE Breakfast by the Beach Never Looked So Good

154 AWAY EXPERT Up Close and Personal With Touring Music Artist Olivver the Kid

158 AWAY FEATURE Discover the Best Places for a Perfect Girls Getaway

158

AWAY FEATURE Girls Just Want to Have Fun

THE PARKER PALM SPRINGS 4200 E Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.770.5000 www.theparkerpalmsprings.com

173 ESCAPE: VEGAS Taking a Weekend Tour of the City of Sin’s Newest Hot Spot for Millennials, The LINQ Hotel & Casino

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ROCHE BOBOIS LOS ANGELES 8850 Beverly Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90048 310.274.6520 www.roche-bobois.com

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HOUSE

WARMING TAKE A HOUSE AND TURN IT INTO A HOME WITH THESE TOP PROFESSIONALS

WRITTEN BY: ALEXANDRA HUYNH PHOTOGRAPHED BY: HUNTER COLE

Ò Sleek architecture, Middle Eastern motifs, vintage artwork, views of the city—a home is defined by many factors. It can be homey and cozy, intellectual and fresh or fun and eclectic, but at the heart of all that is comfort. All of the following home experts instill a piece of themselves into their designs and architecture.

While some of the experts work on luxury homes with oceanside views and lavish amenities, others help create comfort in the simple things, like the way the sunset reflects on a yard in the evening.

As work schedules get busier and technology becomes a daily reliance, homes and amenities have morphed themselves to fit in with our daily needs. Built-in smart phone chargers for living room sofas are now a practical necessity that will aid in the comfort level of a home. Living rooms are increasingly smaller and family rooms have gotten bigger because families spend less time in their living rooms—with the exception of holidays. A home is the space where you live, breath, laugh and cry. It’s where tension is released and muscles are repaired after a long strenuous day. It’s a place of love, family and friends. There is no single definition for home because it is a space that’s special to each owner.

| NOVEMBER 2015 | 137

VISTA SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY 608 Silver Spur Rd Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274

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2501 N Sepulveda Blvd, 2nd Floor Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 310.421.2814 www.EdlerDeRenzis.com

Every house tells a story. Each home is unique but you can’t tell a story until you live in it.”

—Rick Edler

A PERFECT MATCH

EDLER | DERENZIS GROUP HELPS CLIENTS FIND THE PERFECT SPACE TO CALL HOME THE EXPERTS: Rick Edler, Darin DeRenzis, Kitty Edler, Bill D’Alvia, Anne St. Cyr, Meredith Johnson, Lynn Potter and Ed DeRenzis CREDENTIALS: Realtors who represent the needs of clients for Vista Sotheby’s International Realty CURRENT PROJECT: Construction of a 7,000-square-foot home in Palos Verdes Estates

A

s you step onto the dirt beneath the bare wooden frames and absorb the resonant echoes of clanging and sawing that vibrate through the air, you can’t help but envision the breathtaking pool, the immense movie theater and the rustic wine cellar that will soon take place on the 20,000-square-foot lot. Once completed, the massive residence will be worth $5.5 million. The wooden structure resting atop the bare bed of dirt will join the myriad of beautiful Palos Verdes Estates homes overlooking the scenic rolling hills and panoramic ocean backdrop of the coastal city. The locals here take full advantage of the bountiful landscape the city has to offer with outdoor activities like hiking, going to the beach and horseback riding.

This home is just one of many projects the realtors the Edler DeRenzis Group are working on—and probably the biggest.

Knowledge, ambition and passion have allowed these Realtors to rise to the top.

Rick Edler, Kitty Edler, Darin DeRenzis, Ed DeRenzis, Meredith Johnson, Anne St. Cyr, Lynn Potter and Bill D’Alvia represent the South Bay of Los Angeles from Manhattan Beach to Palos Verdes to Long Beach and all the communities between. These homes are significant in their architectural magnificence and their breathtaking ocean views. Many of the agents live locally in Palos Verdes and Hermosa Beach and have a diverse base of knowledge of those communities. They have been the No. 1-producing luxury team in the market for a few years, which has allowed them to have unprecedented reach in both their market knowledge and knowledge of the community.

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Having that wide range of local knowledge in all markets is critically important in helping clients choose a home. Despite the competitiveness of the market, Edler credits his company’s success to the personal relationship the Realtors have with their clients. They take great consideration of what, specifically, the client is looking for— whether it is a good school system, interior design, proximity to the beach or seclusion. Although most people believe price per square foot is the most important thing to get a good deal, purchasing a home is about more than that. It’s about comfort. Every house has its own personality, so it’s about understanding clients and fitting their needs. Their clients are like family to them and the houses they sell are not just living spaces, but homes.

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Q: What locations do you work with?

Rick Edler: Our focus and our expertise is in the South Bay Los Angeles area. With that being said, real estate’s real estate. It’s land, it’s dirt, it’s structure, so we can help find the right people and the right resources throughout the world, whether it’s a second home in Florence, whether it’s investment property in Oklahoma, whether it’s development property or commercial property. If we don’t handle it we find the right resources to do it.

Q: What makes you stand out among other Realtors in the area?

Darin DeRenzis: As partners, Rick lives in Palos Verdes, I live in Hermosa Beach, so we’ve got a diversely-spread base of knowledge and we’re networked

into those communities. On a local level no one can touch the knowledge and the information that we have and we utilize that information to help our clients. On a local level in the luxury market, over 20 percent of all sales in the last two years have been off MLS. com. For us, being able to have a wide range of knowledge in all the markets we service is absolutely critical. Bill D’Alvia, one of our partners, works down in the Long Beach market.

Meredith also lives in Hermosa Beach but works the Downtown Los Angeles market and the Westside. Really having a wide range of knowledge is critically important.

Q: What are some interesting features about some of the houses that you sell?

Bill D’Alvia: There’s everything from architectural significance to being done really well. One of the best lines is that a house is just a house until you get to finishes. We’re able to look at houses at any price range and see a change because it comes down to what the details are and how people live their lives.

Meredith Johnson: I think another thing that’s significant in the South Bay in particular is the ocean and the views, whether they’re on the Hill or down in Manhattan or Hermosa. The views are critical.

Q: What are some differences you see within the markets that you serve?

DD: This home will sell for more then $5 million. It's over 7,000 square feet.

It has a wine cellar, a pool and it’s on a useable 18,000-square-foot lot. You can see the ocean, you can see the city.

It’s a beautiful property. If you go down to buy a home in Manhattan Beach for about the same amount of money, you get a much smaller lot without a yard, but you get proximity to the ocean and you’re walking distance to some of the top restaurants in California. It’s about choosing what lifestyle you want, it always has and it always will be.

Q: What have been some of your favorite homes and why?

RE: My favorite and to date the best sale I ever made was a 2-bedroom on Winlock in Torrance. The family that was selling it was in a really bad spot personally. It was a really good group of people who were in a really bad spot and they needed help and we stepped in and we did an exceptional job for them. We took care of them all the way through and to this day they thank us for helping them through, so much so that they actually asked us to speak at a funeral service. The job wasn’t outside of our scope. What we did was what we normally do, but we took such personal care and it had such a profound impact on their lives that that became special to me. The most significant sale in my life was $285,000.

Q: How do you make a new house a home?

RE: Every house tells a story. Each home is unique but you can’t tell a

story until you live in it. So people will often get in, they’ll remodel their home right away and I think that’s a mistake.

I think you need to live in it a couple days, a couple weeks and see how the home works with you, how the light works, what rooms the family spends time in. How the person uses the home is how the home speaks to them.

BD: What makes a home a home is an individual thing. Some people want more proximity. They’re willing to take a smaller house that is closer to the ocean and for them that’s what matters the most. For others it just depends: they want it comfortable, they want to spend a lot of money on interior designers, making it a showpiece.

Others just want comfort, they just want a place to disappear.

“

On a local level no one can touch the knowledge and the information that we have and we utilize that information to help our clients.”

—Darin DeRenzis

Q: What is your favorite room in your home?

RE: In my house we have a patio in the back and I find that I spend a lot of time sitting in the chairs in the back at sunset because it kind of comes over the trees and the color is nice. It’s not even in the home. When you walk through the house it’s not something I would present to someone normally because it’s not a significant part of that house, but it’s my significant part.

Q: Does every home have a personal story that you try to sell to the buyer?

RE: Yes, it’s typically when we’re selling a house we want to find out the story of the house, how the people used it, what’s important to them, what their favorite room is, what their favorite window is, what special memory they’ve had, what they’ve done. It’s usually stories with friends and family and once we know that, that’s how we market the home so it speaks to the next buyer.

Q: What is the biggest mistake people make when purchasing a home?

RE: Not using a Realtor. A Realtor can walk you through the process. You really wouldn’t want to set up your own will, you wouldn’t want to set up your own trust, you wouldn’t want to set up your own investment, you wouldn’t want to clean your own teeth. You need somebody who specializes in it, who understands it. Just having that advice and that guidance is exceptionally valuable. It’s such an expensive and large purchase for some people. You don’t want to leave it to an amateur.

You want to give it to someone with the resources and the knowledge to get it to the end.

Q: What is your source of motivation?

RE: Some of my better inspiration is from meditating—goes against the caffeine and the busy schedule.

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: Ò Rick Edler’s top picks for the locations where he would want to live: Belmont Shore, Rolling Hills, Palos Verdes Estates—anywhere that faces the ocean. | NOVEMBER 2015 | 139

MITCHELL GOLD + BOB WILLIAMS 242 N Beverly Dr Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310.691.7910 www.mgbwhome.com

MITCHELL GOLD’S FAVORITE PERSONAL PIECES TO ADD TO A HOME 1. Luxury linens and towels (we have a beautiful line of luxury linens with Matouk)

2. Personal photos 3. Keepsakes/collections 4. Art

KINGS OF COMFORT

MITCHELL GOLD + BOB WILLIAMS DISCUSS HOW TO CREATE A SLEEK AESTHETIC AND CHARM IN YOUR HOME THE EXPERTS: Mitchell Gold | CREDENTIALS: Chairman/Co-Founder of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams LEAST FAVORITE DESIGN MISTAKE: Hard-edged uncomfortable European modern Bob Williams | CREDENTIALS: President of Design/Co-Founder of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams CURRENT COLOR OBSESSION: Camel, saddle, burgundy and merlot

F

resh flowers, dim lighting, a stack of books, a personal photo collection— it’s the little things that turn a space into a home. It’s about bringing yourself, your interests and your passions into that space through its colors, textures and decor. Peering through the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams collection, you can imagine yourself at home sipping on a glass of wine or preparing an intimate dinner with friends. For designers Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams, bringing a sense of comfort and welcome into their clients’ homes has always been the main focus. They have 26 signature stores across the country and internationally, and are expanding rapidly. They also offer in-home design services in which their design associates assist you in getting their signature look. Their style is communicated through the aesthetics of a room—the classic textures offset by soft colors and silhouettes. Modern interior design is redefined with original design elements. In one showroom, the cool grays set against a black and white palette and warm wood bring out an urban environment. In another, the rustic whitewashed bricks, soft beiges, shag rug and painted ocean view on the wall bring out a refined rendering of the laidback 1970s beach vibe. Even the placement of the books on the coffee tables and the arrangement of the pillows feels very natural. The collection is soft and sophisticated as well as comforting and contemporary.

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The care that Gold and Williams put into their pieces reflects the care they put into preserving the environment. They are a philanthropic company that has been using eco-friendly practices far before it became fashionable. Their cushions, for example, are free of fire-retardant chemicals. Their wood frames are sourced from local partners compliant with U.S. forest requirements.

All of their upholstery is made in the U.S. from their factory in rural North Carolina. They also have an extensive initiative for paper, plastic and aluminum that furthers the product lifestyle while reducing the company’s carbon footprint. Their company is a founding member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, of which Gold is a board member.

Gold and Williams do not focus on trends. Instead, their designs focus on the everyday lives of individuals and how the changing dynamics of our family, friends, work lives and technology allow our homes to evolve with us. The word “comfort” is not spoken in their presence unless every sense of the word is being used. For Gold and Williams, this means that a product, from the way it looks and feels to its price tag, must guarantee satisfaction for the consumer. The collection is constantly being reinvented and remodernized in order to enhance lives while staying true to class and comfort.

Q

Q: How did the business start?

Mitchell Gold: Bob and I met in NYC, fell in love and decided we wanted to go into business together. We were life partners and business partners when we started the business but now we are best friends and business partners. I had been in the furniture industry for many years and Bob was a graphic designer at Seventeen magazine. Initially we were trying to decide between opening up a Christmas tree farm/ vineyard or a furniture business. Glad we went the route we did! We started the company back in 1989 during an economic downturn with $60,000.

Q: Were you always interested in designing?

Bob Williams: Yes, I was always a very visual person, so I was always interested in design but not necessarily furniture design.

Mitchell gave me the confidence that I needed to become a furniture designer.

Q: Where can people buy the furniture?

MG: Currently, we have 26 Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Signature Stores across the country and internationally (Mexico City, Puerto Rico, Montreal and Toronto).

We are on a rapid retail expansion plan with 4-7 stores scheduled to open per year. Plus, we have branded shop-in-shops in all of the Bloomingdale’s Home stores across the country and sell our products in approximately 60 of the top home furnishings specialty stores throughout the country.

Q: What are your most popular pieces?

MG: There are so many popular pieces in the line but some of our most iconic pieces and ones that have been in the collection for years include: Alex and Alexa sofa collections, Dr. Pitt, Gloria chair, Hunter sofa, Chester sofa, Butler bed, Franco sectional, Nico swivel chair, James wing chair.

Q. What would you say is the most important component in making a solid piece of furniture?

MG: The most important component to making a solid piece of upholstered furniture starts with the frame. Always test drive any upholstered piece of furniture.

Many pieces of furniture may look beautiful, but we know from experience that you’ll only be happy if they are also really comfortable. Always ask what the frame is made of. Hardwoods such as maple, poplar and ash are more durable than softwoods such as pine. Kiln-drying takes the moisture out and prevents warping and mildew.

Many frames include a highly durable material called engineered hardwood, made of multiple layers of thin wood glued together, that does not crack or warp. Also a strong frame is secured with double dowels and/or mortise-and-tenon joints, as well as high-pressure staples, wood glue and corner blocks screwed into place. With case goods, make sure you check overall stability of the piece and open drawers/ doors to ensure everything is lined up and operating smoothly. And consider veneers, construction and finish when purchasing.

Q: Do you have any favorite pieces?

BW: We don’t put anything in the line that Mitchell and I wouldn’t want for our own homes. The furniture we design are like our children so we never pick favorites!

Q: What draws people to your products?

MG: Our style sense seems to really resonate

with consumers. It’s a clean, modern, comfortable design. And comfortable in every sense of the word—from the way a piece sits to the way it looks to the price tag. We think people can easily relate to our modern style sense, the fact that our upholstery is all made in America, that we have been eco-friendly since the beginning, that we have exceptional customer service in all of our stores which are beautifully designed and merchandised and that we are a philanthropic company.

Q: How would you describe your aesthetic?

BW: When we started the company over 25 years ago, we were strong advocates of modern design. Today, our love for modern continues. As our collections evolve, with a ’70s modern muse, we continue to define and re-define modern home furnishings through a delicate balance of mixing updated design elements with clean and classic silhouettes. There is something about the ’70s that speaks to us and translates so well to living and entertaining today. We try to capture the comfortable side of modern. We also love an urban spirit in any locale. We capture it by bringing together a subtle palette of black and white for example, with cool grays and warm woods. We add furnishings with clean modern lines. And to give the space a collected feel we add beautiful barware, great photography, stacks of books and just the right lights to set the mood.

“

We don’t put anything in the line that Mitchell and I wouldn’t want for our own homes. The furniture we design are like our children so we never pick favorites!”

—Bob Williams

Q: Do you have a current color obsession?

BW: For fall 2015, the focus is on whiskey & wine (and those colors also tie back to our theme of the art of entertaining at home). This color palette features leathers in shades from camel to saddle, burgundy and merlot.

Q: What design mistake makes you cringe?

MG: I always cringe at design that’s hardedged uncomfortable European modern.

Q: Do you see any notable trends in 2015?

BW: We don’t focus on trends but instead spend a lot of time thinking about how people want to live today and what could make their lives easier and more comfortable. For instance, we’ve introduced desks with great style that wouldn’t look out of place in a well-decorated room because we’ve noticed people want the ability to fit a home office in anywhere—behind a sofa in a living room, in a bedroom—a place to work on their laptop and keep paperwork organized and tucked out of sight.

Q: Where do you see Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams in 10 years?

MG: We will have many more of our own Signature Stores (around 75 in total), and will continue to introduce great modern design that consumers will appreciate and want to live with regardless of what stage they are at in their lives—first home, family home, retirement, apartment, etc. We want to be the best home furnishings retailer in the U.S. and known for our exceptional design, product, comfort, value, taste and the way we treat our employees, customers and communities.

BOB WILLIAMS’ TIPS FOR CREATING A WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT IN A NEW HOME 1. Lots of comfortable seating for all ages (sink-in, lower seating plus more upright for older people to make it easier to get in and out of the piece).

2. Not too many colors. We like to use 2-3 solid, neutral colors with one color for accent and we don’t use a lot of pattern in one room. We like to keep color and pattern to accent pieces like rugs, art, pillows, lamps or throws.

3. Lighting on dimmers.

4. Fresh flowers and personal items like photos (all in the same color frames to keep collection consistent and focus on the photograph) or antiques.

5. A well-stocked bar, especially for unexpected guests.

6. A side table next to all seating is always good to have a place to rest a drink. | NOVEMBER 2015 | 141

ROCHE BOBOIS LOS ANGELES 8850 Beverly Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90048 310.274.6520 www.roche-bobois.com

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It is a multi-faceted job that she and her team delight in, as they personalize spaces to suit the taste of their discerning clientele.

BONJOUR BAUHAUS

GLOBALLY INSPIRED DESIGN MEETS MODERN ELEGANCE AT ROCHE BOBOIS THE EXPERT: Lorraine Nazareth CREDENTIALS: Los Angeles Showroom Manager of Roche Bobois INTERESTING FACT: Lorraine is the first woman to manage Roche Bobois, Los Angeles—all of her predecessors were French men

T

he most appealing impression the Roche Bobois showroom offers is the abundance of character. The collection emulates different eras and varied cultures. Sleek designs and modern technology are juxtaposed with warm textures, hues and nuances of Moroccan and Middle Eastern influences, with a European flair. The contemporary designs have a timeless and welcoming feel to them.

Lorraine Nazareth heads the Los Angeles team, and is equally warm and inviting. Her vivacious passion for the role she plays mirrors the atmosphere of the store. She points to their bestseller; a polychromatic modular collection known as the Mah Jong, introduced in the early ’70s. This composition invites the users to configure the components to suit their lifestyle. It sits low to the floor or can be double-stacked if necessary and weaves intricate designs of the East with a brilliant scheme of bright hues, creating a psychedelic experience that has attracted A-listers such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Seth Rogen.

Toward the back of the showroom in a cozy display, vintage artwork hangs above the romantic Cherche Midi bed. The soft curves of the tufted leather bed frame are accented by the antique bedside lamps. Nazareth explains that the bed can be produced in all American as well as European sizes in a variety of options on the leather, nubuck and wood nightstands.

The second floor reveals more beautiful pieces: expandable glass-top dining tables, cocktail tables and luxurious sectionals built for design and comfort and boasting technological innovation. The features on this seating include remote-controlled relax mechanisms and a smartphone charger! As I walked 142 |

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through the bedroom areas, the subdued and quiet feel surprised me. The handsomely designed furniture with metal and leather materials brought a certain warmth through the softer shapes of the pieces. The one next to it was constructed of mostly whites and contemporary artwork to create a clean-cut elegance. Tribal art is mixed with metallic tones and contemporary furniture, yet it all somehow works. There is something here for everyone. Every room showcases a different aesthetic that seems to cater to a different personality and taste. There is a distinct charm about the collection—a sleek eclecticism one would find in a family home.

It is the personal client interaction from the discovery to installation phase that Nazareth enjoys most about her work. It is a multi-faceted job that she and her team delight in, as they personalize spaces to suit the taste of their discerning clientele. Her responsibilities also include bi-annual meetings to HQ in Paris to vote on selections for the upcoming seasonal showcases as well as factory visits throughout Europe. She finds her role challenging, stimulating and extremely rewarding.

Q

Q: Describe the style of the brand and the pieces that you offer.

Lorraine Nazareth: Perusing the showroom, you will discover our collection is globally inspired. The 1980s heralded the expansion of the Roche Bobois range with the introduction of the Les Provinciales line. It offered distinctive designs, completely customizable and produced from natural materials with a know-how developed over the years. The next span of 10 years brought with it an ethnic style and the commencement of the Les Voyages pieces; a clear indication of the brand’s commitment to

keep evolving with the times. This collection housed furniture inspired by far off lands, transporting one without the need for travel. Years later these two collections merged to form the timeless and distinct Nouveaux Classiques.

Q: How was the company started? Where did the name Roche Bobois come from?

LN: Roche Bobois emanated from the amalgamation of two families, Roche and Chouchan, in 1950. Jacques Roche, with his sons, Philippe and François, inspired the company's dynamic blueprint. They dealt primarily with renowned Bauhaus pieces by Minvielle, Steiner and Airbourne.

Coincidentally, the Chouchan family (also in Paris at the time) displayed their contemporary collection at the Au Beau Bois furniture showroom. A decade later, the two families encountered each other and realized the common goal in their businesses. They merged properties to inaugurate their national franchise, which led to the birth of the Roche Bobois brand.

Q: You’ve been with the company for a while now, correct?

LN: Yes, I started in design and sales at the Orange County location over a decade ago. After three years there, I was invited to assist the LA team; I continue to grow and learn here every day as the brand develops around the world.

Q: Do you get a lot of celebrity clientele?

LN: We do. We’ve worked with Bryan Cranston, Quincy Jones, Ludacris, Gwyneth Paltrow, Melanie Griffith and Robert Downey Jr., to name a few. However, each client receives VIP treatment no matter the title they bear!

Q: What is different about the style of your products as opposed to others?

LN: A wealth of expertise, artistry, workmanship and the brand’s savoir-faire come together to produce notable pieces from remarkable wood, superior leather and extraordinary fabric. Our resourceful panel of designers, who give life to these materials and finishes with creative and meticulous minds, contributes to making us unique in the world of elite furniture.

Q: What kind of work goes into furnishing a client’s home?

LN: At Roche Bobois we want to ensure the client’s complete satisfaction. We consult with them and together hone in on a selection of furniture that will work in regard to their personal preference, the design and size and color, etc. The design team does an in-home consultation that leads to a 3D presentation of the client’s actual space showcasing their choices.

Q: What’s the most interesting part of your job?

LN: It’s always a different day, there’s never a predictable day. I love the work here and the design team is the best! We take on the privilege and challenge that our distinct and diverse clientele provides us with, in terms of integrating our furniture while personalizing their homes. They typically have an open mind regarding fashion, art and design and are savvy world travelers.

Fortified with warm smiles, product expertise and experience, our team guides them through the sale process to thoroughly explore their needs and discover innovative

ways to transform their house into their dream home.

Q: What is your most popular collection?

LN: The Mah Jong collection, created

by Hans Hopfer in the ’70s, is truly a noteworthy icon. It was the introduction of the well-known modular low-seating. It provides the end user countless possibilities of arrangements and juxtapositions from sofa, to chaise to guest bed or conversation pit. Forward thinking over 40 years ago and still iconic today, the Mah Jong has been showcased in marvelous Kenzo, Missoni, Jean Paul Gaultier and Sonia Rykiel fabrics.

It is handmade in Italy using techniques and skills of the haute couture fashion industry. Taking home your very own custom designed Mah Jong not only means you have a part, but in fact the very heart, of Roche Bobois!

“

Taking home your very own custom designed Mah Jong not only means you have a part, but in fact the very heart, of Roche Bobois!”

—Lorraine Nazareth

Q: Has the increase in technology over the years had an impact on your designs at all?

LN: We always try to stay on the cutting edge of technology. For example, we have a sectional that was introduced initially, with manually adjustable headrests. As technology evolved, the sofa developed.

Now the head and foot mechanisms are remote-controlled and you can plug in your smartphone! We also offer the Astrolab remote-controlled dining tables. David Guetta and Ludacris, among others, have one. This table base started off with wood legs with the manually expanding glass tops. Consequently, the remote control was introduced; clients love watching how the press of a button expands the glass leaves gracefully and effortlessly.

Q: Is all your furniture customizable?

LN: Yes, of course, we want our clients to personalize their selections to suit their preferences. They can select materials, colors, and we offer a variety of sizes as well.

Q: Who are some designers you have worked with?

LN: We have collaborated with distinguished designers such as Hans Hopfer, Ora-Ïto, Cédric Ragot, Sacha Lakic, Christophe Delcourt, just to name a few, and with international fashion gurus like Kenzo, Jean Paul Gaultier, Sonia Rykiel and Missoni and most recently, Rachel Zoe. Q: What other locations do you have?

LN: Primarily France, but now, we are worldwide! Italy, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Switzerland, China, India, Korea, etc! Roche Bobois is currently present in 50 countries with a worldwide link of over 250 showrooms.

Q: What are some current styling trends people seem to gravitate toward?

LN: Roche Bobois has been modernizing select furniture pieces to maximize comfort in truly aesthetic forms. Elegant, mechanized panels and remote control options allow sofas and tables to morph into luxurious, comfy, flexible pieces. Innovation is a great part of leadership and our brand continues to be a catalyst in trends, while creating timeless designs.

NAZARETH’S TOP MUST-HAVE ITEMS: 1. THE AVA CHAIR: It has long tapering limbs and resembles a dragon-like avatar transformed into a chair—a fine yet strong specimen almost like a giant ant. It is the introduction of plastic injection-created design from Roche Bobois that bridges high-tech purity with organic form. The chair is available in a variety of delightful color options and is sure to complement any decor.

2. CUTE CUT TABLE: These tables are a fun and whimsical addition and add vibrancy to the space. Available in an assortment of hues and finishes, these smooth pebble-like pieces may be enjoyed indoors or outdoors. | NOVEMBER 2015 | 143

DESIGN VIDAL 2387 W Silver Lake Dr Los Angeles, CA 90039 310.614.9444 www.designvidal.com

“

If you go for a trend then your house is always going to end up looking dated.”

—Guy Vidal

RETURN TO THEIR ROOTS

KAREN & GUY VIDAL CREATE TIMELESS DESIGN BY RESTORING HOUSES TO THEIR ORIGINAL BEAUTY THE EXPERT: Karen Vidal and Guy Vidal CREDENTIALS: The creative forces behind Design Vidal, an interior and exterior design team that provides services to homes in the Los Angeles area CURRENT PROJECT: Building a second-story master suite in a historical home in Angelino Heights

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ucked away on the east side of Los Angeles, a quaint two-story home’s interior color scheme hits you like a bag of Pop Rocks: bold, bright and fascinating. Karen and Guy Vidal, the interior designers, have a style that’s perfectly balanced between eclectic and classical. Modern abstract paintings and pieces of art collected from faraway travels bring remnants of Asia, the Middle East and Mexico, among other places. Moroccan rugs line the classic hardwood floors. The cool scent of mint wafts in from the kitchen, complimenting the exotic art on the walls. In the backyard, an ideal summer oasis of greenery surrounds a deep blue pool. The chairs in the yard are woven from recycled cloth and the alluring lights hanging from the ceiling inside are pieced together with vintage Italian glass from the 1940s. Although the residence was done over 10 years ago, the features are timeless.

Finding value and beauty in old and damaged material is an attribute Karen and Guy Vidal hold close to their heart. They are the creative forces behind Design Vidal, an interior and exterior design team that provides services to homes in the Los Angeles area. Design Vidal started off as a simple project to keep a 1927 craftsman home from being demolished and turned into an apartment building. The project ended up being a success—they were able to restore the home to a modern embodiment of its original glory and sold the home for a reasonable price. That single idea has become a full-time job for Karen and Guy, with hundreds of restoration projects, mostly on historic and mid-century homes. Design Vidal has been displayed multiple times on HGTV’s House Hunters: Renovation, What’s With This House?, Good Buy, Bad Buy? and National Open House. The couple has two children and three dogs, and they pride themselves on their ability to give any house, regardless of its architectural style, a custom professional makeover.

Their commitment to the environment has resulted in their philosophy to save rather than buy new. Their Mystical Journey collection showcases a line of environmentally-friendly cement textiles, inspired by Arabic, Moorish and Spanish design. The combination of their modern style mixed with Indian, Persian and Turkish motifs make for alluring pieces that will suit any part of the home.

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For Karen and Guy, the passion for restoration that began in 2000 turned into a lifelong career in which they help others overcome the challenge of designing and renovating their home. They use their expertise to figure out how they can improve the space that someone is living in, whether that means moving and adding furniture, renovating a kitchen or adding artwork.

Their creative niche seems to be finding innovative ways to turn the outdated and the forgotten into a repaired masterpiece.

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Q: Tell me about your business.

Karen Vidal: We are designers that specialize in renovations. We tend to do a lot of historical renovations, character properties or remodeling.

We’re remodeling specialists.

Q: What got you both interested in the industry?

KV: We started by buying a house that was on the street that we were living on and it was in total disrepair. We heard from the gardener that they were going to be selling it, so we said, “Let’s buy it and fix it up.” We had no idea what we were doing. It turns out that we had a very good skill set for it because Guy has a background in finance and I was working in production at the time. We kind of put those skills together and restored the house. It was a 1927 craftsman and it needed everything, so we just got into it, we restored and sold it and did really well. We realized we had this sort of hidden talent for design—that’s how we discovered it.

Q: Can you describe your average client?

Guy Vidal: Typically young urban professionals with kids or without kids.

KV: We do a lot of east side of Los Angeles—Echo Park, Silver Lake, Los Villas area renovations. People who have kind of an eclectic background and vibe come to us. People who appreciate a more vintage style. They don’t want a brand new home. If it’s modern it’s more like mid-century modern. Sometimes people want to do an addition, like their homes are too small, and we can do it seamlessly. Our style kind of encompasses a broad range of genres.

Q: Have you always been interested in helping the environment?

KV: We have, and as we were restoring homes that was a big part of what we

were advocating because we were constantly finding that people would tell us, “Those windows are no good, you have to rip them out,” or, “You have to rip out all that baseboard,” and we found that with a little extra work and a little finesse you could often save a lot of those materials and reuse them. So that’s always been a concept of ours. In fact, when we did our tile line, that’s why we were determined to make a cement tile line, because cement tile is environmentally friendly. It’s not kiln-fired so it doesn’t have the glazes that normally contain a lot of toxins. It’s much more green as a product.

Q: What are the origins of cement tiles?

KV: You find cement tiles in many cultures and a lot historically. You see them in Cuba and Brazil and France. We were in Mexico and they were all over Yucatán. You see them in Thailand and Vietnam, so they’re worldly.

Q: What peaked your interest in historic and classical architecture?

KV: Partly where we live, sort of east side of Los Angeles, you find a lot of those older homes that need to be fixed out, not so much anymore, but when we were first starting out there was definitely a lot. Like, we could find a little bungalow that needed to be fixed up. We appreciate the quirkiness and the style of historic homes.

GV: I love old homes here. What happens with these homes is that they’re on the smaller side and families are moving in here. They have kids and they need more space, so they want to remodel the house and sometimes they want to add on and make them bigger—another bedroom, another bathroom—that’s where we come in.

Q: What specific elements are people looking for in homes now that did not exist in older homes?

KV: Everyone wants an open kitchen. None of the old homes have an open kitchen; it just wasn’t a concept then. The kitchen was closed off—it was like you didn’t want people to see your kitchen.

Now we live in our kitchen, so a lot of times we go in and open up the kitchen, but we do it in such a way that it looks like it was original to the house.

Q: Are there any styling trends that you incorporate into your work?

KV: We sort of avoid trends, we’re more timeless.

We don’t want our remodels to look like, “Oh, that’s so 2010,” when everyone was doing plywood cabinets or something like that, so we try to be timeless with our materials. Cement tile’s been a great source for us because it has been around for centuries now and you see it in so many applications, so I feel like it’s here to stay.

GV: If you look at our cabinets, it’s not really up until you step really close or you touch them that you realize that they’re made of metal. I’ve had very experienced contractors stand very close to it and think they were made of wood. People used to use metal cabinets in kitchens in the ’30s and ’40s. If you look at the handle, it’s a vintage handle. So that’s what we like. Things that are more classic and timeless. If you go for a trend then your house is always going to end up looking dated.

KV: We did the remodel in our home 10 years ago and it doesn’t feel like it’s been 10 years. When we did our remodel we had a longtime plan for being here so that was important for us. You don’t want to do it and have to redo it.

Q: What’s the first thing you look at when you walk into a home to remodel?

KV: People call us and they have a reason, so we always start with what it is they’re looking for.

Oftentimes we’ll come up with ideas for them that they didn’t know they were looking for. We’ll be able to look around and determine that they need more storage or the flow of the home really isn’t working for them. We’ll say, “If we moved this here,

that would create a much better flow for you,” and people are like “Are you kidding? We didn’t even know.” We’re sort of problem solvers.

GV: Usually I’m the first person that goes in and the first thing I look for is good bones in a house.

Regardless of what’s been done to it, I look to see if it has big spacious rooms, original windows, original molding, tall ceilings, hardwood floors. The more of those elements they have, the easier it is to bring it back. We really like to restore the house to its original glory but also pull it to today’s standard.

That sort of balancing act is what we specialize in. It’s not too modernized. You want to update the house so that people can live the lifestyle that people live today but also look around and see as many elements of the original house as possible.

“

We appreciate the quirkiness and the style of historic homes.”

—Karen Vidal

Q: You’ve been featured on HGTV a few times, how was that?

KV: It was great. Probably the biggest project we did on HGTV was just down the street and it was a full bathroom remodel. You walked in and it was like an ’80s bathroom in a 1920s Spanish house, so we brought it back to looking like the original Spanish bath—it was a lot of fun. That was House Hunters: Renovation. All the episodes we’ve done are on our website.

Q: Are you drawn to any specific pieces?

KV: We love mid-century modern. I can’t resist Italian glass, so you can see I have quite a bit of Italian glass lying around.

GV: Our light is made from vintage Italian glass from the ’40s that has been in a box for many years, never been used. Dead stock.

Q: What has been your favorite design project and why?

GV: My favorite is this one, our home. It’s the one where I’ve had the most say. We get to live in it so everywhere we look we remember. Everything brings back memories.

KV: This one was an existing house that had a really bad ’60s remodel and we added the second story and the pool.

Q: How do you add a personal feel to someone else’s home that you’re remodeling?

KV: I think we always treat our clients’ homes like they’re our homes and I think that’s why our clients really like working with us. We literally act like, “This is what I would do. This is how I would do it.”

We see a lot of potential and we treat each project with the same care that we did with our own home.

We really feel like we’re responsible for people’s homes when we’re doing their homes.

Q: Are you looking to expand the online business?

KV: We are. The cement tile was our first product.

We’ve got a lot of stuff in the works that we’re hoping to come out with soon. They’re kind of based on the motifs. We like a lot of color, we like more patterns—it’s kind of playful, it’s kind of a mix of new and old. We’re working on things that will be a little bit more user-friendly than tile because tile’s a big commitment. We want to branch off and do some stuff that is just more like off the shelf.

HOME WITH PERSONALITY: “A lot of times the house itself is the source of inspiration since we work with a lot of styles. Because we have a lot of character homes, often the house already has a bit of a story. “ —Karen Vidal

Q: What other projects do you have coming out?

GV: A lot. We’ve got 15 to 20 projects coming out.

Maybe a dozen that are actually in construction.

KV: We’re building a second-story master suite in a historical home in Angelino Heights. We just finished a two-story edition in a house here in Silver Lake. On top of that it was a full renovation and we added a pool. We’re doing another house right now that’s like a 1920s Spanish where we’ve completely renovated everything—added a bathroom, added a deck. We finished a home in Echo Park where we did a full remodel, so we just have project after project.

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HALF PINT

HOMES LIVING LARGE IN A TINY HOME

WRITTEN BY: MARIE SPADA

TUMBLEWEED TINY HOUSE COMPANY 15 W MacArthur St Sonoma, CA 95476 877.331.8469 www.tumbleweedhouses.com

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TINY HOUSES ALLOW THEIR OWNERS TO HAVE THE FREEDOM OF MOBILITY WHILE STILL HAVING ONE PLACE TO CALL HOME.

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e’ve all heard of the good ol’ American Dream: Get a good job, buy a car, get married, buy a house, retire and live off of the plentiful bounty that is social security (ha!) while sailing the ocean blue (hey, it’s a dream). Nowadays, things seem to be going a little differently. We don’t stay in the same job for 30 years, people are settling down later and planting roots is a little less desirable than traveling the world to create memories. For many, the idea of working to own a gargantuan home isn’t the American Dream anymore. Now, consolidation for easy mobility and working remotely is more and more common.

Fortunately, companies like Tumbleweed saw the demand, and have been able to meet it with their tiny-house-on-wheels creations that allow people to own homes as small as 89 square feet (or smaller) and up to 200 square feet while still being able to move from place to place. For people like me who hoard shoes, apparel, accessories and the like, this concept sounds nothing short of terrifying.

After talking to Ross Beck of Tumbleweed Tiny House Company, however, the idea of a tiny house sounds pretty ideal, even for a pack rat like me.

With 45,000 people showing up at the first ever Tiny House Jamboree in Colorado Springs (they projected 10,000 people) this year, the tiny house movement clearly sounds ideal to many others, as well.

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Tiny houses began to gain steam in 2012 when Tumbleweed began offering workshops regarding tiny house living, and even how to build your own tiny house. The company began building custom trailers for their customers and then shells, or “barn raisers,” for people to finish on the inside. Later Tumbleweed started building entire custom homes and even delivering them to the happy new homeowners.

Buying a built barn raiser allows the customer the chance to complete the interior of the project, while providing them with safe external structures that follow all federal and Department of Transportation regulations. If DIY isn’t your thing, no problem. Tumbleweed can put the whole thing together with all of your specifications, and even help you come up with creative ideas for storage and amenities.

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: With only 3 percent of American businessmen wearing ties, and the ability to have endless amounts of movies and music on a tablet, the need for closet space has changed significantly over the last few decades!

So now you’re toying with the idea of jumping into tiny house living.

But what are you going to do with your grandmother’s armoire? What about that beautiful sink you found in Bolivia? What are you going to do with your antique full-sized fridge? How is a girl supposed to take a bubble bath? Well, not to worry, Tumbleweed has you covered. While there are regulations regarding the lengths, widths and heights of tiny homes, making space for your most cherished treasures is almost always an option. Beck explains it’s

all about creating the space and understanding that incorporating certain bigger items in your home means you will have to relinquish some space in other areas. These homes are custom built, though, and they are meant to reflect the personal style of the owner. Living tiny doesn’t mean getting rid of your style. Beck explains that he’s seen people create custom mobile ski chalets out of their homes so they can travel and ski all over the United States. He’s also seen bridges built from one sleeping area to the other for the children to cross over into each others’ “rooms” and even stairs with built-in drawers are becoming more popular.

Another interesting way people incorporate family heirlooms is by repurposing them and turning them into tables, seats or shelves. This allows the item to still be in the home, but to serve a purpose. Do you have an array of knickknacks you can’t part with? No worries, simply build pockets into your drapes for storage purposes! When it comes to appliances, there is no shortage for tiny houses. Those who love to cook can have their full-sized stove and oven. Washing machines and dryers, as well as dishwashers, are also able to be put into the homes. Today, people are able to live with far fewer items than they once were, as simplifying and consolidating has become the wave of the

TUMBLEWEED CAN PUT THE WHOLE THING TOGETHER WITH ALL OF YOUR SPECIFICATIONS, AND EVEN HELP YOU COME UP WITH CREATIVE IDEAS FOR STORAGE AND AMENITIES.

future. Rather than having three eight-foot CD or DVD racks, people can watch and listen to virtually anything on their smart phones or tablets. Thousands of books can be stored on a tablet as well, eliminating the need to create space for all of your entertainment goods.

With tiny homes, it’s all about finding ways to maximize your use of space with creative techniques, and Tumbleweed can help you figure out all the tricks. Tables that fold down from the ceiling, bikes that hang from the ceiling and sliding walls are all part of what makes tiny house living so clever.

If you think tiny house living only works for those who live alone, guess again. Popular with families, tiny houses have found a way to bring families even closer (literally and figuratively).

Sleeping lofts are built overhead, and Beck has even built homes with up to three sleeping areas. In fact, tiny house living for families has gotten so popular that several blogs have been created to explore what life is like under a tiny roof with a full crowd. Maybe your family comes in a four-legged, furry pack. Beck built a tiny house for a customer in Alaska with five dogs!

For something so small, they carry limitless possibilities. Currently, some of the most popular areas for people to station their tiny houses are in Oregon, Washington, Texas and Colorado. Several RV parks have turned into tiny house parks as well, fostering a new culture of tiny house communities. With tiny houses

being such an affordable option, it’s no wonder why. The tiny houses from Tumbleweed are certified RVs, which means many credit unions will provide loans for those looking to make the switch. An 18-foot tiny house runs for $57,000, a 20-foot house runs for $60,000 and tripleaxel 24-foot houses start at $66,000. When broken down into a mortgage, explains Beck, homeowners are looking at paying around $320 a month, which is considerably more affordable than a mortgage for a regular-sized home.

The average home in the U.S. is approximately 2,300 square feet, though many people live in much bigger or smaller homes. Those who live in tiny houses are able to build up to around 200 square feet, and are restricted to a width of 8 feet, 6 inches, a height of 13 feet, 6 inches, and a length of up to 30 feet. Sleeping lofts are not considered when calculating the number of square feet in a tiny house. Tiny houses allow their owners to have the freedom of mobility while still having one place to call home. Maybe you want a view of the mountains for a while, but later want to overlook a lake. Maybe you’re in the military, which provides free space for RVs and allows you the option to move from base to base with free rent. Maybe you’re a teacher and want to spend your summers in a different state. With a tiny house, all of these things are possible. As I have learned from Beck, with a tiny house, you are allowed to dream big.

MODEL BEHAVIOR

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2

3

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THE LINDEN

THE MICA

THE ELM

THE CYPRESS

The Linden is a 20-foot tiny home with 131 square feet at a price of $60,000. This home is ideal for those who love to entertain or those who have meetings, as it has an expansive great room. Additionally, the loft in the Linden has more head space than the other models, which is great for those seeking a cozier night’s sleep.

The Mica comes in three different sizes: 20 feet long and 170 square feet at $60,000, 24 feet long and 204 square feet at $66,000, and 26 feet long and 221 square feet at $69,000. The Mica is the largest tiny home offered by Tumbleweed, and is different from other tiny homes as it has hot rolled weathering steel siding, which creates the copper coloring. This home is also one level, and features a full-sized bedroom as well as a separate kitchen and bathroom.

Also, the wheels of the trailer fit completely under the home, and it has a large sliding glass door.

The Elm comes in three different sizes: 18 feet long and 117 square feet at $57,000, 20 feet long and 131 square feet at $60,000, and 24 feet long and 161 square feet at $66,000. The loft in this tiny home has the option to add dormers, which helps add space, light and air.

This design comes with a full porch and lancet window, as well as an arched window placed above the front door.

The Cypress comes in three different sizes: 18 feet long and 130 square feet at $57,000, 20 feet long and 144 square feet at $60,000, and 24 feet long and 172 square feet at $66,000. This model is great for those looking to maximize their use of interior space. The Cypress comes complete with a corner porch, which can be used as extra room for interior space. There is also a hipped room and recessed porch on this tiny design.

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The B REA K FA S T

CLUB

BREAKFAST IN BED JUST GOT EVEN BETTER

WRITTEN BY: DANIELLE EVANS STYLED BY: FINLEY CAMPBELL HAIR & MAKEUP BY: ALONDRA EXCENE SHIELDS PROP STYLIST: FINLEY CAMPBELL MODEL: KELLIE STEWART OF WILHELMINA AGENCY, www.wilhelmina.com

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erranea Resort has become the go-to destination for Southern California travelers seeking a peninsula paradise. Sweeping ocean views and a Mediterranean vibe add to the coastal elegance of this secluded resort in Rancho Palos Verdes. Any traveler exploring the California coast needs to stop at Terranea to relax, indulge and enjoy.

At Terranea, guests are encouraged to soak it all in: sun, surf and the delicious flavors of its world-class culinary department. Breakfast and brunch bring out the traditional favorites—custom-made omelettes, pastries, prime rib-eye steak and eggs, shrimp cocktail, seafood, French toast—in addition to a few unexpected options like a sushi station, pork belly, prime rib and bottomless sparkling wine.

“It is a cuisine of the senses, in harmony and respect with Mother Nature’s ocean and soil; it reflects the world’s diversity through our food outlets.”

—EXECUTIVE CHEF BERNARD IBARRA

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TERRANEA RESORT 100 Terranea Way Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 310.265.2800 www.terranea.com

At Terranea, guests are encouraged to soak it all in: sun, surf and the delicious flavors of its world-class culinary department.

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EVENTS CHEF’S TABLE:

The Terranea Chef’s Table Dinner

Series, which benefits a local charity, includes a seasonally-themed fourcourse meal from a menu of locally and sustainably grown and foraged ingredients prepared by Ibarra and other Terranea Resort chefs, paired with wines from a select winemaker or vineyard.

LAND-TO-SEA CULINARY IMMERSION PACKAGE:

Executive Chef Bernard Ibarra

leads a 3-day, 2-night experience for two which includes a whalesighting picnic, a visit to the farm with Chef to pick seasonal ingredients and prepare a meal, and a choice of honey workshop, sea salt workshop or fish market experience. The experience also includes a pastry and liquor pairing workshop, spa treatments, two seats at the Chef’s Table Dinner Series and dinner for two at mar’sel with wine pairings.

WINE LIBRARY DINNERS:

Bi-monthly series features

exclusive wine verticals from the library collection of each select winemaker, paired with a fivecourse specialty-tasting menu at mar’sel. Will Phelps, grandson of Joseph Phelps, will host and pair the Nov. 19 dinner.

“One must respect the ingredients and the cultures, feel the passion, and live your life like you are cooking a great dish.”

—EXECUTIVE CHEF BERNARD IBARRA

BEACH BREAKFAST: Oceanfront dining is what

Terranea Resort is famous for, but guests can also enjoy a more intimate breakfast in bed in the comfort of their own suite, casita or villa. Breakfast can be ordered from either in-house dining or Catalina Kitchen.

SUNRISE SERVICE: Breakfast is served daily

from 7-11 a.m., while the resort’s weekend breakfast buffet is offered from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays in addition to the à la carte offerings. Sunday brunch is offered from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. for $38 per person.

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atalina Restaurant breakfast dishes are broken passion for cooking and the tourist environment of his up into five main categories: Eye Openers, home. Following numerous accolades and stints all over Griddle Me This, All Scrambled, So-Cal Favorites the globe, Ibarra was named executive chef of the Shangriand All-In. Unique creations include the wild La Hotel in Singapore before joining Arnaud's NATIVE mushroom scramble made of grit cakes, sage in New Orleans and later the Mandarin KNOWLEDGE: brown butter, seasonal mushrooms, and Oriental in Hong Kong. Most recently, Ibarra sour cream, or the Italian-style baked eggs served as executive chef of the Mirage Hotel The Terranea chefs where prosciutto, mushrooms and fingerling and Casino and opened 16 dining facilities use lemons, herbs potatoes are baked with two eggs and served and vegetables grown at Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Now, in a rich tomato sauce. Comfort food favorites Ibarra supervises Terranea's eight on-property on-site at the resort, like buttermilk fried chicken and waffles, plus dining venues, banquets division and in-room as well as honey a self-proclaimed "best ever" cinnamon roll dining department. from Terranea’s own beehives and salt French toast, are also served.

Cooking influences everything in his life, made from Pacific

The culinary department, headed by Executive including his personal philosophy: “One must Ocean water in the Chef Bernard Ibarra, is nothing short of respect the ingredients and the cultures, feel resort’s sea salt exquisite, offering seasonal menus bursting the passion, and live your life like you are conservatory. with flavorful fare and unique pairings. cooking a great dish.” Ibarra was gracious Growing up on the French side of the Basque Country, enough to share a little of himself with us as we asked Ibarra was inspired to become a chef by his parents' him about what he is most passionate about: food.

Interview With Executive Chef of Terranea Resort BE R NAR D I BAR R A Q: When did you fall in love with food?

Bernard Ibarra: At an early age, by going to the market with my mother and eating my parents’ home cooked dishes.

Q: How would you describe the cuisine of Terranea?

BI: It is a cuisine of the senses, in harmony and respect with Mother Nature’s ocean and soil; it reflects the world’s diversity through our food outlets.

Q: What are some of your favorite signature Terranea dishes?

BI: From the local halibut dish at mar’sel to the tuna poke nachos at Nelson’s, the lamb rack at Catalina Kitchen, bashi’s crispy duck confit salad—let’s not forget Lobby Bar’s grilled skirt steak skewers with romesco sauce. I love them all!

Q: What is your favorite fall dish?

BI: My father loved to cook tripe whenever the weather would start to turn chilly in the Basque Country. This has been my comfort food for a long time, especially in the month of November. He passed away at Christmas time last year, but this very month and this dish reminds me of him, and this is a dish that I make sure I eat, at least a few times, during that month.

Q: Does the Terranea Resort menu change seasonally?

BI: Yes, all Terranea menus change seasonally, some of them several times during a season, to follow a product’s availability.

Q: What do restaurant-goers usually say about the Terranea menu?

BI: The quality and diversity of our menus/outlets make for a multitude of choices and are remarkable.

Q: I know this is a hard one, but what is your favorite thing about working at the resort besides being next to the ocean?

BI: It is to feel the Terranea culture; to have the ability to create dishes and programs and then share with the rest of the associates.

Interview with Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Terranea Resort AGNELO FERN A N DES Q: What should travelers know about staying at the Terranea Resort?

Agnelo Fernandes: Terranea is a true oasis in Los Angeles. The resort sits on 102 acres of oceanfront property on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, one of Southern California’s most scenic coastlines overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with views to Catalina Island. The property offers a variety of activitie, including eight dining venues that tap into our farm-to-Terranea philosophy, extensive spa and wellness offerings, four pools, an award-winning 9-hole par 3 golf course, and an abundance of experiential and exploratory outdoor amenities, as well as the range of accommodation offerings: 326 guest rooms and 34 suites, 50 3-bedroom ocean view casitas, 32 villas and 20 2-bedroom spa bungalows.

Q: What has changed since the Terranea’s opening?

AF: Opened in 2009, Terranea has become one of Southern California’s leading destination resorts. The resort’s distinct and different elements have continued to make it a choice retreat for Angelenos and travelers around the world. Terranea continues to enhance and expand its guest offerings such as the opening of marea luxury retail boutique, Pointe Discovery adventure concierge where guests can partake in activities such as falconry and plein-air painting, and the new Vista Pool.

Q: What makes the resort unique?

AF: Terranea has been meticulously designed to heighten and preserve the natural beauty of its oceanfront backdrop. The entire resort features a coastal Mediterranean aesthetic with design elements sensitive to the area’s natural environment. Plus, the resort’s 270-degree Pacific views can’t be beat—you can watch the sun both rise and set at Terranea.

Q: Do you have any sister properties?

AF: Destination Hotels is a collection of luxury and upscale independent hotels, resorts and residences across the United States. Offering authentically-immersed and enriching experiences, each property is individual at heart, yet connected by a commitment to drawing upon the best of each location. Continuously growing with more than 40 properties from coast to coast, the award-winning portfolio features 20 renowned golf courses, 19 indigenous spas, and 105 exceptional bars and restaurants.

Q: Should we be looking forward to anything new?

AF: Terranea Resort’s new Vista Pool joins the three existing guest pools at Terranea Resort: The Spa Pool, for guests 18 years and older to further unwind before and after spa treatments; Cielo Point Pool, for a casual adult-only atmosphere with its own sandy beach; and the Resort Pool, with a 140-foot water slide and Splash Zone for families.

Located adjacent to Terranea’s signature restaurant mar’sel, the Vista Pool is open to guests age 13 and older and offers magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean as well as food and beverage services and a relaxing atmosphere. The saltwater pool and jacuzzi are the perfect oasis for mature guests looking for a quiet place to soak up the California sun. | NOVEMBER 2015 | 153

On the Road AGAIN

From The Neighbourhood to Olivver the Kid, Learn About the Artist’s Music Journey

WRITTEN BY: MARISSA WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHED BY: SHANE RADACOSKY

THE EXPER T

BRYAN SAMMIS Musician, Olivver the Kid

Favorite Song: "For What It’s Worth"

by Buffalo Springfield

Visiting Hollywood Boulevard at 5:30 a.m. put the term “golden hour” in a whole new light. Hollywood is eerily calm right as the sun has risen and rush hour has yet to gain momentum. With an EP just released on Oct. 16, Bryan “Olivver” Sammis is like LA between traffic jams—so much more is coming and it’s going to be big.

Sammis didn’t set out to be a rockstar. He wasn’t a child prodigy, mastering instruments with ease. The stage didn’t call his name, but Sammis still found his way there. After moving to Oak Park from Hempstead, New York, while in elementary school, Sammis’ drumming career almost didn’t happen. His father insisted his sons take lessons in something, so Sammis picked the drums because his brother had already called the guitar. Somewhere along the line he caught the bug and discovered a love for the drums which carried him through playing with “too many bands” up until The Neighbourhood. These days, Sammis goes by Olivver the Kid while performing his original music as a solo act, which is a far cry from the English teaching job he went to school for, but his literary influence remains. Choosing short stories and poetry as mediums, Sammis has been writing consistently since high school and, fortunately for us, he’s turning his writing into new tunes after coming off a U.S. and Russia tour. Despite the success he enjoyed with his former band, The Neighbourhood, Sammis remains humble, saying he’s a “master of none” while he creates sexy, dirty, dark pop. When it comes down to it, Sammis sticks to his strengths: “I think I’m good at telling stories and that’s what I want to do.”

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“The EP I’ve been working on now is a short story I wrote that I turned into five songs.”

—BRYAN “OLIVVER” SAMMIS

BRYAN "OLIVVER" SAMMIS www.olivverthekid.com @olivver | NOVEMBER 2015 | 155

All In A NAME The Fonda Theatre originally opened in 1926 as the Music Box Theatre and one of the first investors was John Barrymore (Drew Barrymore’s great-grandfather). It was renamed in 1985 to honor actor Henry Fonda and has gone on to be named Los Angeles’ top venue.

“I prefer being on the road. I would literally live on the road.”

—BRYAN “OLIVVER” SAMMIS

Must-Visit SPOT The Hollywood Walk of Fame attracts about 10 million people a year to view the more than 2,500 stars featuring actors, musicians, directors, producers, musical and theatrical groups, and fictional characters.

Native KNOWLEDGE

Five-Time STAR Gene Autry is the only person to have Walk of Fame stars in all five categories of the Walk of Fame: motion pictures, television, music, radio and theatre.

Favorite FILM Bryan “Olivver” Sammis’ favorite movie is Do the Right Thing by Spike Lee.

Name GAME Bryan “Olivver” Sammis goes by Olivver the Kid for his solo project because he always wanted to change his name.

The two v’s are the result of a friend’s misspelling and Sammis liked it, so he kept it.

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Emo Night, also known as Taking Back Tuesdays, is held at the Echoplex the first Tuesday of the month and it’s free before 10 p.m. if you RSVP. Cost is $5 after 10 p.m. with all proceeds benefiting A21, a nonprofit organization that works to prevent human trafficking.

Q: What was the weirdest-named band you were in?

Bryan “Olivver” Sammis: Glen and the Sunshine Gang. We actually just played a show recently. When I was like 17 I started playing with them and it was admittedly a jokey-type band. We used to open up for Steel Panther and we played shows with Oingo Boingo and stuff. We all wore skintight skeleton suits on stage. But that was definitely the worst band name. No one was named Glen. There was no Glen or Sunshine Gang.

Q: What has been your most embarrassing moment while performing?

BS: Breaking stuff, for sure. I used to hit way too hard so I’ve broken snares. I’ve broken kick drums, I’ve broken cymbals, I’ve broken seats. When I was in heavier bands I would buy cheap seats, like wooden ones, so the pole would just pop through the seat and the rest of the time playing, basically I’m riding a bicycle without a seat.

There was a time in Colorado where I was coughing up blood. I had bronchitis and with the altitude and singing and playing drums it was really hard to breathe. My drum set after the set looked very punk rock—there was blood splattered on everything. And then I immediately went to the hospital.

get absolutely hammered, and then the next day do not leave my bed. Not do anything for a full 24 hours—that would be ideal. But I prefer being on the road. I would literally live on the road.

Q: What does your creative process look like? Does it start with words or the music?

BS: It starts with an acoustic guitar and then I sing over it to see what comes to me. And the other half of the time it starts in a studio.

I like to write so I can hear it as I’m going. Sometimes I write a song and then I go into the studio and half the time it doesn’t work out because it sounds way, way off. When you take guitar chords and try to turn them into keyboards or electric guitar and real drums or make it sound really big, it doesn’t sound the same anymore.

Q: What song was the hardest for you to write and produce?

BS: There’s a song called “Do the Right Thing (D.T.R.T.)” from my first EP. I wrote that song when I was really young. On my hard drive I have like 20 versions of that song. It’s about a conversation I had with my uncle. He told me to do the right thing, which is cool because, he didn’t know this, but it’s my favorite movie by Spike Lee. It was a great talk that we had, but it went one step further.

Q: What has been the hardest part of the transition into a solo artist?

BS: Doing literally everything yourself. I don’t even mean musically.

Musically, that’s fine, I like doing that. It’s more so like I’m my own manager, I’m my own booking agent. I have a publicist, but I basically do everything. It’s rewarding though—like a “crops taste better when you’re harvesting them yourself” type of deal. I have a calendar in my phone with all my stuff and I am always busy.

Q: Did you ever hear from the girl who broke up with you over your voicemail?

BS: We weren’t dating. We were, like, seeing each other. I’ve talked to her recently but I don’t think she knows that song is about her. I don’t think she’s ever heard it. We didn’t connect through music and I think that was like a cliff note. It’s one of those things where I don’t think she’s keeping tabs on what I’m doing musically. She’s too cool.

Q: After being on the road for a long stretch, what is the first thing you want to do so you feel like you’re home?

BS: I probably want to get home and go out with a bunch of friends,

Q: If you could make demands like J. Lo, what would you have on your rider?

BS: I used to put a pack of cigarettes every place I go. On our rider

Despite the success he enjoyed with his former band, The Neighbourhood, Sammis remains humble, saying he’s a “master of none” while he creates sexy, dirty, dark pop.

in my old band when we used to play colleges, we would put a six pack of white shirts, socks, underwear, deodorant—stuff we needed while on the road.

Q: What’s your favorite show you’ve ever played?

BS: Probably Chicago on the tour I did this year. Chicago was the biggest venue that we played and during our set we had crazy lights and we just pushed it. So I think that night we just sounded huge and looked good on stage and felt great. It was a huge show for the tour and it was for my project and not my other band so that was a very proud moment.

Q: What would your perfect day off look like?

BS: It would involve a flight to New Orleans.

Q: What is your favorite restaurant in LA? BS: I really like Sugarfish.

Q: What do you order when you go to Sugarfish?

BS: The Trust Me, all day. I like that it puts a cap on what I’m going to eat because I’ve spent $150 on just myself at sushi. And the Trust Me is what they do best. I know exactly what I’m going to get, so when it’s done, even if I’m not super full, I go, “OK, I’m done. That’s it. That is a normal amount of food that people eat.”

Q: What is your drink of choice?

BS: I haven’t drank in a while—I’m trying to be good. I’ve been eating healthier and running every day, but normally I drink Maker’s (Mark) on the rocks. Or Bulleit Bourbon.

Q: If someone wanted to bump into you, where are you a regular?

BS: Commissary. It’s a coffee shop right by my house, by Sound Studios on Sunset. I go there every morning. I go to Emo Night every month at the Echoplex.

It’s the first Tuesday of every month. They also call it Taking Back Tuesdays, and it’s a very popular event. They have DJs playing early 2000s emo like Taking Back Sunday, Brand New, etc. People go nuts.

Q: If you were playing tour guide to someone, what five places do you feel are must-sees in LA? BS: For sure whoever is playing the Greek. I go to the Greek for the Greek and I don’t care who’s playing, I just love that venue. If it’s Emo Night, for sure Emo Night. Commissary, they have the best cold brews in town. If the LA Kings are playing, to a Kings game. Then, honestly, something touristy like the Griffith Observatory or the Hollywood sign or something like that.

Q: What was the first album you bought?

BS: The first Jimmy Eat World album, that was the first album that I bought. My parents bought me a lot. I remember getting the clean versions of rap albums and they got me Blink 182’s Cheshire Cat. But the first album I bought was Jimmy Eat World. And that band holds up, and I think will always hold up.

Q: What was your first tattoo and what’s the story behind it?

BS: It’s an eye at the center of my chest. Heard of Maudlin Strangers? Their singer (Jake Hays) gave me that tattoo. His mom is Cherie Currie from The Runaways and his dad is Robert Hays from Airplane!

Q: What is your medium of choice if you are feeling creative but not making music?

BS: In college I started a poetry club with my friend Katya that for me turned into songwriting and short stories. The EP I’ve been working on now is a short story I wrote that I turned into five songs. I’m pretty good at everything but I’m not great at anything. Most people I meet are like, “Oh, I play this” and I’m like, “You’re probably better than me at that.” But I think I’m good at telling stories and that’s what I want to do. I was going to school to be an English teacher for my first three years of college and then I started writing a lot and that poetry club. If I wasn’t being creative with music, probably writing.

| NOVEMBER 2015 | 157

Girls

JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN Where to Take Your Girlfriends for the Perfect Girls Getaway

WRITTEN BY: ELIZABETH NUTT PHOTOGRAPHED BY: MICHAEL WESLEY, ANGEL MANUEL & CHRISSY LYNN

Planning a girls’ trip is easy: Pick a date, gather your gals and prepare for a weekend of laughter, adventure and some serious bonding time. Oh wait—then you have to think about all of the pesky details that go into pulling off the ultimate getaway. Planning the perfect girls’ weekend requires selecting a fabulous destination, for one, and then there’s the task of exploring options for lodging and crafting the perfect itinerary. And that’s where things get tricky. Especially because when it comes to planning a girls’ weekend, the West Coast truly has it all; there are myriad options for every type of girls’ group, from desert to ocean, city to mountains. With so many choices and incredible destinations—all of which are easily accessible whether you’re driving, flying or taking the train—how is it even possible to decide where you’ll go, let alone how you’ll tailor your weekend specifically for you and your friends?

Well, rest assured: It is possible to plan the most memorable, epic girls’ weekend because we did the legwork for you, scouring some pretty impressive luxury hotels from north to south, and east to west. As a result, we’re confident that we’ve found something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to pop champagne at a downtown rooftop, paddleboard on the Pacific, get pampered like A-listers at a top-notch spa, party poolside all day or book a private outdoor yoga class, we’ve got you covered. Check out our guide to the six best West Coast girls’ weekend getaways (we’re pretty certain you’ll want to do them all), which are sure to keep you and your girls smiling from check-in to checkout.

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THE PARKER PALM SPRINGS 4200 E Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.770.5000 www.theparkerpalmsprings.com

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SAN DIEGO

ANDAZ SAN DIEGO 600 F St, San Diego, CA 92101 619.849.1234 | www.sandiego.andaz.hyatt.com

The Andaz, true to its name, which means ‘personal style’ in Hindi, is a hotel that will allow you and your girlfriends to create the perfect weekend that, well, matches your style. And if your style gravitates toward an epic weekend party scene, then you’re in the right place. Upon checkin to the Andaz, you’ll be greeted with a complimentary beverage of your choice, which will send you straight into that weekend-getaway mindset.

As you’re sipping your cocktails or wine, you can flag one of the hotel’s hosts, who are available 24/7 in the hotel, and equipped with iPads and ample local knowledge, ready to assist you with weekend planning, restaurant recommendations, directions, or whatever else you may need. And you might consider just staying put in the lobby lounge for a few more hours, as there’s a complimentary

wine tasting that occurs from 5-8 p.m. every night—the perfect way to ease into Friday evening.

And you can expect an amazing Friday: The Andaz is in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. With over 200 bars and restaurants, the Gaslamp Quarter is buzzing with activity and fun during the weekends. Walk in any direction on Fifth Avenue (and the surrounding streets), and you’ll find an endless array of options for weekend debauchery. Of course there’s dancing and live music, but there are also plenty of bars with outdoor patio areas so you can relax and enjoy your drinks while engaging in some excellent people watching.

If you wake up feeling less than fresh, head straight up to the hotel’s RoofTop600, which puts on an incredible farm-to-table style brunch, and offers an impressive array of creative, signature cocktails. And

you don’t have to leave the rooftop for the rest of the day. RoofTop600 has one of the best rooftop pools in San Diego, with stunning views and a live DJ throughout the weekend. Lounge poolside in a private cabana, order bottle service and sip a Bloody Mary or mimosa as the pool turns into a daytime party scene that’s exactly where you want to be on a Saturday.

Or, you may choose to relax at the hotel at the mellow Andaz Wine Bar, which offers excellent happy hour prices and handselected wine from California, as well as all over the globe. But definitely gear up for Sunday Funday: The Andaz puts on a weekly Taco Sunday, where they’ll grill up fresh tacos on the rooftop and have cocktails ready for you and your girls to enjoy while you savor the remaining hours of the weekend together.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: MICHAEL WESLEY | STYLED BY: CANDACE VERDONE MODELS: BREE RANDALL, LAUREN RYAN & ALLIE MEIXNER OF BRAND MODEL & TALENT, www.brandtalent.net

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THREE MUST-DO ACTIVITIES: 1. Browse the Little Italy Farmers’ Market sdweeklymarkets.com 2. Take a brewery tour at one of San Diego’s many craft breweries brewerytoursandiego. com 3. Stroll through Balboa Park balboapark.org

With over 200 bars and restaurants, the Gaslamp Quarter is buzzing with activity and fun during the weekends.

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PALM SPRINGS

THE PARKER PALM SPRINGS 4200 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.770.5000 | www.theparkerpalmsprings.com

The Parker Palm Springs has an incredibly classy but also playfully preppy feel, which will transport you and your friends from the desert directly to the atmosphere of a chic East Coast yacht club. Pack your loudest Lilly Pulitzer dresses, a printed bikini and your tennis skirt (or something you can comfortably play croquet in) and prepare for a classic girly getaway in Palm Springs that will prove unforgettable. When you book a stay at the Parker—a hotel that refers to itself as an estate—you’ll never want to leave.

And you don’t need to leave the hotel during your stay, because the Parker has it all in the way of a perfect girls weekend escape. A boutique hotel with only 144 rooms, the Parker sits on 13 acres of land and offers countless opportunities for you and your girls to hang together outside.

Lounge and gossip in the hotel hammocks, book a private outdoor yoga class or take a group tennis lesson—the hotel has an on-staff tennis pro ready to assist you. And do not forget to order a pastis and play pétanque (the French version of bocce), or engage in a competitive game of croquet while you sip a Pimms Cup. You will never feel classier.

When you need to cool off, head to one of the hotel’s two outdoor pools—one of which is adults-only. Then saunter over to the Lemonade Stand, an adorable, Instagramworthy lunch spot right by the pool that offers drinks and light fare. You’ll also want to explore the Palm Springs Yacht Club, which boasts a 24-hour gym and complimentary weekend yoga classes, as well as a spa so luxurious you could easily spend the entire day there. After your spray tan or Swedish massages, relax together

on The Deck, the spa’s tranquil outdoor patio space, and order some champagne— because, hey, you deserve it.

For dinner, head to Mister Parker’s, which offers bistro food in a stylish, seductive atmosphere, and has an extensive wine list organized by the following three categories: crazy, sexy and cool. Top off the night with s’mores by the hotel’s outdoor fire pit. And before you leave on Sunday, stop

by Norma’s for brunch and splurge on an incredible meal from their famed Mom Can’t Make This section of the menu. Here you’ll find items like the super blueberry pancakes or the chocolate decadence French toast and you can sip on a freshsqueezed lemonade while you count the reasons why estate life is so much better than real life.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: MICHAEL WESLEY | STYLED BY: CANDACE VERDONE MODELS: VALERIE JAMES, ALLY MELLO & KAROL MARTIN OF BRAND MODEL & TALENT, www.brandtalent.net

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YOU WON’T WANT TO LEAVE THE HOTEL, SO YOU SHOULD ALSO… 1. Hit up the Parker’s own Trina Turk Boutique, in the lobby 2. Challenge one of your girlfriends to a game of chess on the hotel’s giant outdoor chessboard 3. Indulge in one of the ‘pie shakes’ at Norma’s as an afternoon treat

When you book a stay at the Parker—a hotel that refers to itself as an estate— you’ll never want to leave.

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LOS ANGELES

THE SLS BEVERLY HILLS 465 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048 310.247.0400 | www.slshotels.com/beverlyhills

At the SLS Beverly Hills, you won’t just rub shoulders with A-listers, you’ll be treated like one yourself. If you and your girls are looking for the ultimate luxurious weekend escape where you’re pampered like a princess at the spa, catered to like queens at dinner and doted on like poolside divas, look no further than this luxury, boutique-style hotel in the heart of Beverly Hills.

You’ll be mesmerized by the fantastical interior decor by Philippe Starck as you’re checking in to your lavish suite, and you’ll notice right away that his designs contribute to the hotel’s creative and playful personality. It’s a hotel that strikes the perfect balance between exceptionally chic and incredibly fun; in other words, it’s the perfect girls getaway location. Once you’re settled, you’ll want to head immediately to Altitude Pool on the hotel’s rooftop, from which you can enjoy spectacular views of Los Angeles and Beverly Hills. Order a bottle of champagne 164 |

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and toast to the weekend as you watch the sunset against the LA skyline.

When you’re famished, you need not worry: The SLS boasts an award-winning, globally recognized chef, José Andrés, whose culinary creativity is simply unparalleled. Make a reservation at Tres

by José Andrés—one of the hotel’s four dining options—to experience the ultimate in comfort food with a twist, or opt for a magical dining experience at The Bazaar

by José Andrés, which is set in an indoor piazza and offers inventive tapas such as cotton candy foie gras. If you and your girls are looking to go all out, find your way to SAAM—The Bazaar’s “best kept secret” and separate restaurant—for a 22-course tasting experience. Just in time for truffle season, SAAM celebrates the white truffle with a 16+ course menu.

After you’ve gotten your beauty sleep, head back up to the most luxurious place you could possibly spend a sunny day in Beverly Hills: in your private cabana next to one of the rooftop’s two pools. Order

mojitos and lunch, or sunbathe and nap in the relaxed, comfortable rooftop setting.

And when you’re ready to get out of the sun, head to Ciel Spa & Robert Vetica Salon to truly unwind. Here, you can book almost any spa treatment and experience the ultimate indulgences. Be sure to make an appointment in advance with celebrity hairstylist Robert Vetica, whose clients include Hilary Swank, Naomi Watts and Salma Hayek.

If and when you’re ready to venture out of the hotel to explore the upscale Beverly Hills area, ride in style in one of the SLS’s BMW house cars, a service available to all guests. Your first stop, of course, should be the glitzy Rodeo Drive, which offers some of the best shopping in the world. Or ask the SLS concierge to help you plan the perfect day, depending on what you and your girls are looking for. No matter your tastes—or celebrity status—you will leave wishing there had been paparazzi following you around all weekend to capture how glamorous and fabulous it truly was.

THREE MUST-DO ACTIVITIES: 1. Hike the hills leading to the Hollywood Sign hollywoodsign.org 2. Hit Malibu Beach parks.ca.gov 3. Visit the Getty Center getty.edu

It’s a hotel that strikes the perfect balance between exceptionally chic and incredibly fun.

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SAN FRANCISCO

W SAN FRANCISCO 181 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103 415.777.5300 | www.wsanfrancisco.com

The W San Francisco is at the epicenter of the city’s fashion, music, art and events scene, which means the sky is the limit when it comes to planning an eventful weekend in the Golden Gate City. You will, however, find it extremely difficult to leave the boutique hotel, which was made for a girls weekend getaway. You can actually book a Girls’ Weekend Package at the W, which includes complimentary rosé upon check-in, a stay in one of the hotel’s Spectacular Rooms, free high-speed internet access, a $90 credit to Bounce Blow Dry Bar, 20 percent off at Bliss Spa, and late check-out on Sunday (which you’ll need).

Whether you book the Girls’ Weekend Package or opt to stay in one of the hotel’s many plush suites, you’ll quickly discover the W is teeming with getaway weekendfriendly amenities. Settle in at the Bliss Spa’s movie-while-you-manicure stations and watch a chick flick while you’re

pampered. Or order a bottle of champagne and indulge in one of the spa’s incredible treatments, like its hot milk and almond pedicure, or its Steep Clean facial. And no matter what, don’t forget to grab a treat from the spa’s complimentary brownie buffet on your way out.

Though you’ll be tempted to hit the hotel’s incredible gym next—which is open 24/7, and features futuristic designs, stateof-the-art equipment, a self-serve gym ‘bar’ area, personal trainers and a glass ceiling—make sure you and your girls rest up for the hotel’s Throw It Back party at the Upstairs Bar. Every Thursday and Friday night, the W brings in a DJ (think Jermaine Dupri) who spins hits from the ’80s, ’90s, and ’00s. Drinks and appetizers all run at ’90s prices, with cocktails starting at $5.

If you manage to drag yourself out of your W Signature Bed on Saturday morning, which boasts 350 thread count linens, head to TRACE for a nutritious brunch that

will fuel your day. TRACE lists healthy, fresh options on its menu, such as organic eggs and the Farmers’ Fix, a kale- and cucumber-based cocktail with gin. If you can’t decide over brunch what you’ll do for the rest of the weekend, fear not: All you have to do is locate a W Insider, a local who’s at the ready to help you organize your weekend, whether it’s getting access to exclusive San Francisco clubs, learning about off-the-radar gallery openings or navigating the best shopping in the city.

Make sure that no matter what your weekend entails, you take time to walk around and explore the hotel, which offers breathtaking views of the Bay Bridge, Yerba Buena Gardens and the San Francisco skyline. Though your options are endless, you’ve got everything a girl could dream of when it comes to the perfect weekend right at your freshly-manicured fingertips.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: CHRISSY LYNN | HAIR & MAKEUP BY: JESSICA LEVY MODELS: MOLLY KUCERA, JULIA KLEIN & KATE RUSSEL OF SCOUT MODEL AGENCY, www.scouttm.com

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THREE MUST-DO ACTIVITIES: 1. Explore Yerba Buena Gardens yerbabuenagardens. com 2. Browse the Ferry Building’s weekend Farmers Market ferrybuildingmarketplace.com 3. Catch a ferry ride to Alcatraz or Sausalito sftodo.com/ferry

Every Thursday and Friday night, the W brings in a DJ (think Jermaine Dupri) who spins hits from the ’80s, ’90s, and ’00s.

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LAS VEGAS

THE CROMWELL LAS VEGAS 3595 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 866.245.5745 | www.caesars.com/cromwell

Pack lightly when you head to The Cromwell Las Vegas, for two reasons: 1. The hotel has everything you could possibly need. The rooms themselves will provide you with everything from flat irons to an entire minibar filled with high-end toiletries available for purchase. 2. You will shop.

The Cromwell is next to The Strip’s best shopping, including the Forum Shops at Caesars and the retail promenade at The LINQ Hotel, The Cromwell’s sister property.

Because The Cromwell is run almost entirely by women, they are already a few steps ahead of you in thinking of the hotel as a place for the perfect girls weekend in Sin City. From expansive security, including in the elevators, to in-suite vanity areas that feature Hollywood-style mirrors and natural lighting, to bathrooms stocked with luxury Muk bath products, you and your girls will feel completely taken care of during your stay in one of the hotel’s Parisian-style, rooms.

And then there’s award-winning female celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis’s namesake restaurant, GIADA, which offers

the perfect setting to kick off your girls’ weekend. The restaurant boasts a warm atmosphere, comfortable furniture, an upbeat and social vibe and breathtaking views of the Bellagio Fountain and Caesars Palace from its patio. At GIADA, you can kick back, order a few bottles of wine and some lighter, healthier Italian fare such as vegetable bolognese, or gluten-free pasta— the perfect meal before a big night out.

GIADA also offers breakfast and lunch, and caters 24/7 in-room dining, should you desperately need that late-night pizza.

You’ll probably spend the rest of the weekend posted up somewhere at Drai’s, The Cromwell’s rooftop beach club/ nightclub. Palm trees and panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip surround the two pools, and the latest DJ talents are always on hand to provide the music. Spend the day partying poolside and get your tan on before you head inside to gear up for round two. And if you’re wondering what happens during the transition between daytime and nighttime at Drai’s, don’t fret—the hotel offers an innovative food truck program, with local vendors that

arrive just in time to help you refuel before continuing the party.

And when it comes to rejuvenating after a long day of poolside cocktails, you’ll absolutely want to check out one of renowned mixologist Salvatore Calabrese’s espresso-based concoctions, such as the Never Say Goodnight, which is served in the traditional Italian Moka pot at Bound, the hotel’s sophisticated lobby bar. And make sure to book a private blackjack table in the reserved gaming area for you and your girls at The Cromwell’s Casino. The casino is the perfect low-key and small-scale gambling spot to kill a few hours while you wait for the party to get started.

Of course, the strip is chock-full of some of the world’s most entertaining nightclubs and bars, but you’ll be excited to learn The Cromwell offers one of the strip’s best latenight bars: Drai’s After Hours, an until-thesun-rises after party that continues at The Cromwell’s basement level. And if you need to head to brunch straight from Drai’s in your clothes from the evening before, worry not, because what happens in Vegas…

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ANGEL MANUEL | HAIR & MAKE UP BY: SARAH REDZIKOWKSI USING R+CO AND MAC COSMETICS MODELS: NICOLE ROBINSON, CORRIE DE KEYSER & JENAISY ALFONSO OF ENVY MODEL MANAGEMENT, www.TheEnvyAgency.com

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THREE MUST-DO ACTIVITIES: 1. Take a 30-minute ride on The LINQ’s High Roller, the world’s tallest observation wheel caesars.com/linq/ high-roller 2. Book a luxurious salon or spa treatment at one of many nearby hotels vegas.com/spas 3. Get an adrenaline rush on a Las Vegas zipline voodoozipline.com

Spend the day partying poolside, and get your tan on before you head inside to gear up for round two.

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ORANGE COUNTY

MONTAGE HOTELS & RESORTS 30801 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 866.271.6953 | www.montagehotels.com/lagunabeach

To put it simply, when you’re booking a girls weekend at the Montage Laguna Beach, you’re booking a weekend in paradise.

With panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, direct access to one of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California, a 5-star restaurant and an epic pool scene, the Montage has it all—and it’s only a short trolley ride (yes, the city has a free trolley service on weekends throughout the year) away from downtown Laguna.

The Montage is all about the guest experience, and no matter what you and your girls are looking for in your weekend away, they’ll personalize everything for you, down to the tiniest details. And don’t expect to lift a finger during your entire stay; the super-friendly Montage associates will even set up your chaise lounge and towel poolside, ensuring that you’re as comfortable and happy as can be, even before your complimentary poolside beverage and seasonal fruit bowl arrives.

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While the pool itself is massive and stunningly beautiful—the centerpiece of the hotel, with views of the ocean and Treasure Island Park—the Montage Spa is perhaps the most enticing amenity at the hotel.

When you book a spa treatment at the Montage, expect top-notch care and stateof-the-art facilities. You can truly spend an entire day relaxing in the eucalyptus steam room or the ocean air outdoor whirlpool.

But you and your girlfriends will want to relax and order lunch and cocktails posttreatment in your robes next to the spa’s private adults-only pool. Or, if you’re feeling more active, take a yoga class together or get your cardio on at the gym, which offers views of the ocean and an impressive selection of cold-pressed organic juices.

For dinner you have many options, all of which offer breathtaking views of the Pacific. Dine casually poolside at Mosaic Bar and Grill, or enjoy 5-star French cuisine at Studio, which is next to the hotel’s gardens. The Loft restaurant is

somewhere in between, offering creative American cuisine. But no matter where you dine, expect innovative, fresh and healthy fare. After dinner, relax in the lobby lounge to music from a live pianist, or enjoy dessert or a post-dinner drink next to the resort’s outdoor fire pit while you listen to the waves crashing on the beach.

Of course, you and your girlfriends can’t forget that the Montage is, after all, on the beach. Should you decide to venture down and get your toes sandy, Montage associates will be on hand to offer you full beach service, including beverages, snacks and beach chairs. If you’re feeling adventurous, the hotel can coordinate almost any water sport for you, including stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking.

No matter what you choose to do at the Montage, you and your girls will leave feeling tan, healthy, relaxed and happy— like you just spent the weekend in paradise.

THREE MUST-DO ACTIVITIES: 1. Go gallery hopping at one of the 200-plus art galleries in town lagunabeachcity.net 2. Take a group surfing lesson thaliasurf.com 3. Explore the many downtown boutiques and restaurants on Forest and Ocean avenues lagunabeach.com

You can truly spend an entire day relaxing in the eucalyptus steam room or the ocean air outdoor whirlpool.

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All LINQ’D Up EXPLORING LAS VEGAS’ ALL-INCLUSIVE HOT SPOT FOR MILLENNIALS WRITTEN BY: ALEXA ERICKSON, JESSIE DAX-SETKUS & MICHELLE SLIEFF

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"W

ild weekend coming!” read an email introducing our girl's getaway group to a whirlwind trip to Las Vegas.

As we scrolled through the trip’s itinerary, we knew we were in for a treat. We had a whole slew of events planned to introduce us to the LINQ Hotel & Casino, along with the surrounding Caesars dining and entertainment experiences.

The three of us immediately began planning what we wanted to wear for all of the generous events set up. “How am I going to pack all of my sequined dresses into a carry-on?”

“How many pairs of black pumps is acceptable to pack?” and, “But what if I don’t have time to shop?” were questions feverishly

flying out of our mouths.

The end result was a ridiculously oversized duffle bag weighing close to 50 pounds, a vintage suitcase from the 1950s and an underwhelming tiny toddler carry-on. With complimentary flights provided by Caesars, we filed onto the airplane and prepared ourselves for the last hour of calm before the storm.

TOUCHDOWN: Las Vegas.

We were greeted in baggage claim by a man in a sharp suit holding a sign with our names on it. Feeling like celebrities, we snuck smiles at each other as he ushered us outside to our very own limo. We pulled up to our home for the weekend, The LINQ, and checked into our own individual rooms before vigorously unpacking our plethora of outfits.

The pool at the LINQ Hotel & Casino

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DAY 1

3535 Tasting Menu: ESPRESSO BOURBON: Maker’s Mark Bourbon infused with espresso coffee beans and chilled with a diamond-shaped ice cube.

BLACKBERRY BITE: Knob Creek Bourbon infused with blackberries and cracked black pepper, fresh lemon and sage, topped with Fever Tree Ginger Beer.

3535

STAR TREATMENT 3535 OUR PICK: The Thin Mint, made with Oreo-infused Skyy Vodka and rimmed with crushed Oreo cookies.

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: If you’re not in the mood for a cocktail, don’t fret because 3535 features six wines on tap, as well as an array of Champagne selections.

OUR PICK: Save room for dessert!

We didn’t think we could muster up the energy to put one more bite into our mouths, but we’re glad we did. The Fried Ice Cream Boulder Sundae and Guy’s Cheesecake Challenge are melt-in-your-mouth mountains of goodness.

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: Guy’s bar features a frozen tap system that dispenses eight different shots for your party pleasure. Why? Shots strained or mixed with ice can become diluted, and who wants that?!

Once we settled in and explored the LINQ’s penthouse, we headed to the lobby for an exclusive cocktail tasting at the hotel’s newest infusion bar, 3535. A hanging chain-link façade encloses the bar’s floor-to-ceiling, multicolored vortex LED fixture. Once inside, 3535 took us away from the lively chaos of casino life and passersby streaming through the grounds.

Beverage Operations Manager TJ McNally, a man with a passion for the industry made apparent in his light-hearted yet eager attitude, educated us on the bar’s offerings and the drinks we’d have the pleasure of trying. Trays upon trays circulated our small crowd as we gained knowledge of the unique and innovative custom-made infusions. Each sip sent us into a new conversation of, “I’ve never tried this!” or, “This is my absolute favorite!”

GUY FIERI’S VEGAS KITCHEN & BAR:

Roughly 12 samples later, our stomachs were craving something a little more substantial. Keeping the energy up, we headed to the lively atmosphere of Guy Fieri’s for unique spins on classic American food. But before we could eat, our server greeted the table with an excessive tray of Fireball shots. “You gotta take it!” our server laughed. “It’s Guy’s favorite liquor to consume.” Bottoms up!

If you’re looking for tapas, take yourself elsewhere.

Guy’s is for going all out. From the shareables to the entrées, these plates are packed with sweet, savory and sensational grub. We got our hands on favorites like the Sashimi Won-Tacos made with sashimi-grade ahi tuna packed into crispy wonton shells with mango-jicama salsa, sweet soy, scallions and wasabi cream, the Dragon’s Breath Chili Cheese Fries made with Guy’s “low and slow” cooked chili topped with melted cheddar, pico de gallo, sour cream and scallions, and the tangy crispness of Morgan’s Greek Salad. For entrées, we devoured the 14-hour beef brisket and bacon mac-n-cheese burger.

OMNIA NIGHTCLUB:

If you’re living it up in Las Vegas, even a food coma can’t keep you down. Our last stop of the night was the brand new and brilliant nightlife experience of OMNIA, located just across the street from the LINQ at Caesars Palace. We arrived early, around 11 p.m., but the lines were already wrapped around the perimeter of the venue with crowds of excited partygoers prepared to dance straight into Saturday morning with Calvin Harris. Entering the multi-level nightclub, which spans 75,000 total square feet, was like entering a private kingdom.

The sensory overload offered a sexy and vibrant ultra-lounge, main room, mezzanine and rooftop garden. We snagged a booth in OMNIA’s Main Room, where we sipped on Grey Goose and danced underneath the colossal LED chandelier that ties the entire venue together.

EL FUEGO: Sauza Tequila infused with mango, citrus and jalapeños, mixed with agave nectar, mango puree and housemade sour mix.

THE MULE: Mint and ginger-infused Stoli Vodka with Domaine Canton Liqueur, muddled lime and topped with a splash of Fever Tree Ginger Beer. Don’t forget the candied ginger!

WAT-A-PEAR: Watermelon and rosemary-infused Tito’s Vodka with St. Germaine Liqueur and fresh watermelon juice.

THIN MINT: Mint Oreo-infused Skyy Vodka with a splash of cream, crème de menthe, crème de cocoa and an Oreo cookie crumb rim.

CHAI PEANUT BUTTER CUP: Chai tea, vanilla bean-infused Ketel One Vodka, peanut butter and RumChata.

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DAY 2

GIADA

VIEW FROM THE TOP

MUST HAVE: No matter which meal you decide to dine on at GIADA, definitely give the gelato a try. It’s creamy and just pure delicious—especially the chocolate gelato.

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: GIADA has an antipasto station! It is actually the first of its kind offered on the Strip, so order a round for the entire table to share.

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: The Pool at the LINQ Hotel & Casino also hosts weekly and monthly events like fashion shows, reggae-inspired parties, DJ competitions and more.

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GIADA:

definitely left its mark as a breakfast hot spot on the Strip.

LINQ SPA TOUR:

THE POOL AT THE LINQ HOTEL & CASINO:

When you hear “Giada” your mouth instantly starts salivating. Known for her feel-good Italian classics, breakfast wouldn’t necessarily strike you as the most opportune time to visit Food Network superstar Giada De Laurentiis’ well-known restaurant, which is named GIADA, at The Cromwell. However, with menu items like the strawberry polenta waffle or the Italian hash that features seasonal vegetables, finocchiona salumi, bacon lardons and scrambled eggs, you will definitely be glad you took the chance on Ms. De Laurentiis.

Freshly baked pastries, chia seed parfaits and a team of chefs whipping up dishes from the open kitchen create an aromatic atmosphere that quite frankly feels like an experience straight out of Rome. Warm colors, a beautiful view of the Bellagio’s famous water feature and comfortable furniture will make you feel right at home—and sad to leave when your meal is over. As we savored the final bites on our plates, we knew we needed more.

We needed gelato. Although we were practically bursting at the seams from our enormous breakfast, we were certainly glad we found room to fit some of that creamy goodness in our stomachs. Just as we were about to leave and thought nothing could possibly make that meal any better, we got an extra treat, a glimpse of the Food Network star herself. In our eyes, GIADA

Although the food helped suppress the hangover from the night before, relaxing by the pool really did the trick— rounds of life-size Jenga, refreshing mist from the pool deck’s misting system and a cabana to retreat into when we thought one more drop of sunshine would be too much. The cabana included our very own team of cabana hosts and servers that were ready with an endless supply of ice and numerous rounds of bottle service.

We realized that in Vegas, there is no such thing as too much. The 21-and-over LINQ pool provides many Instaworthy photo ops with the gorgeous view of the High Roller and the LINQ promenade. The main pool features a wet deck with four lily pad daybed rentals. Expect to see plenty of tan bodies dancing to the beat of the music and playing larger than life games like pool beer pong. If you feel like drying off for a bit, enjoy a cocktail at the pool’s main bar, featuring three flat-screen TVs, frozen beverages and frosty cocktails. Already need a break to muster up a second wind?

Head to the pool’s recover zone. Regroup in the shade with a round of pool, catch a sports game on TV, or check out some of the other games they have to offer.

As we were sitting at our VIP-style hosted cabana, we were approached with an opportunity to leave this sunny paradise. As we reluctantly listen to the alternative plan that would require us to abandon all of the fun in the sun, our ears instantly perk up when a spa is mentioned.

“Well, we guess we could break away for a quick massage or facial if we must,” we replied with glee. When walking through the contemporary hallway of the spa at the LINQ, you notice that this spa is upbeat and trendy. Sure, it’s relaxing, but it brought us a sense of youthfulness that we haven’t experienced before. Customizable music during treatments, complimentary macrobars, a sauna, hot tub and a Himalayan Salt Cave instantly make the spa at the LINQ a stand-out location that you must try.

Lying down on a heated massage bed is a dream in itself, but having the controls on the stereo system along with a massage?

Dream come true. Everything from the scent you choose to the intensity of the massage are controlled by you. Is the massage bed too hot? Turn it down, you’re in the driver’s seat. This experience truly adds the extra relaxing “ah” in spa.

This experience truly adds the extra relaxing “ah” in spa.

Cheers to Our Beers: BONANZA, brown ale (Tenaya Creek) HOP RIDE, American IPA (Tenaya Creek) GREEK GOD OF THUNDER, Baltic porter (Tenaya Creek) LONGFIN, lager (Ballast Point) SCULPIN, IPA (Ballast Point) GRAPEFRUIT SCULPIN, IPA (Ballast Point) VICTORY AT SEA, flavored imperial porter (Ballast Point)

Drai's Nightclub

LINQ Spa Tour

BEER FLIGHT TASTING AT TAG SPORTS BAR:

MUST HAVE: The signature Verde scent.

We fell in love with it while we experienced our facials and massages. The other scents are great and all, but Verde is where it’s at.

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: For only $20 you can buy a spa day pass that includes a Salt Cave Therapy Session.

MUST HAVE: True to our Southern California roots, we have to stick by the classic Sculpin IPA; however, the Grapefruit Sculpin is also a crisp, refreshing treat.

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: Tenaya Creek’s Hop Ride American IPA was a National IPA Championship Elite 8 finalist in 2012. This local brewery is definitely worth your attention.

After a long day of relaxation, we were ready to get our hops on.

Craft beers have exploded on the bar scene and we were lucky enough to get a taste of some delicious flavors at TAG by the LINQ pool. We started our journey by tasting a couple brews from a local brewery, Tenaya Creek, then moved on to San Diego favorite Ballast Point. We took sips from brews that varied from a brown ale to IPAs, a lager and even a Baltic porter—talk about range. As each flavorful beverage touched our lips we were given a quick pairing recommendation or fun fact about the beer as well as an overview on its IBUs (International Bittering Units), ABV (alcohol by volume), specialty malts, hops and flavoring additions.

Some noteworthy brews were Ballast Point’s Victory at Sea (flavored imperial porter) and their Grapefruit Sculpin (IPA) as well as Tenaya Creek’s Greek God of Thunder (Baltic porter) and Creek Hop Ride (American IPA).

WALKING TOUR OF PROMENADE:

We went back to our rooms for yet another outfit change. We had

successfully managed to wear a month’s worth of outfits in three days. At this point we were ready for a change of pace with a booze crawl along the LINQ Promenade, an outdoor retail, dining and entertainment plaza. There are plenty of restaurants and nightlife to keep your whistle wet as your hop from one place to the next. Pick your path, there are plenty of options: O'Shea's Casino, Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar, Haute Doggery, Off the Strip Bistro, Purple Zebra, Sprinkles Cupcakes, Starbucks, Ghirardelli, The Yard House, Tilted Kilt or Flour & Barley.

After the crawl end up at the High Roller, the world’s tallest observation wheel. Or if heights aren’t your thing, the Brooklyn Bowl is a music venue and bowling alley that features 32 bowling lanes and nightly performances.

HIGH ROLLER HAPPY HOUR:

After a wonderful day of touring the LINQ and all of its offerings, it is only fitting to get a bird’s-eye view from the world’s tallest observation wheel. The High Roller is a 550-foot-tall, 520-foot-diameter behemoth that towers above the Las Vegas Strip and takes a half hour to complete one full revolution. I know what you’re thinking, “A whole half hour without a drink in Vegas? What will I do?” Well, you’re in luck because this giant wheel allows you to actually rent a bar and bartender to bring

into your cabin. Each of the 28 spherical cabins can hold up to 40 people, and are available for you to either rent a solo spot or the entire cabin.

As you ascend over the Strip, breathtaking views surround you from all angles and you’re free to walk and find the perfect shot for Instagram. If you are looking for a unique addition to a bachelor party, a new elevation to get your drink on, or just a picturesque view of the strip, the High Roller is a must-see attraction during your next Vegas vacation.

DRAI'S NIGHCLUB:

Rounding out our Saturday night, a large group of us made our way through Drai's Nightclub and to the pool deck to wait for alternative R&B superstar The Weeknd to perform. Making ourselves comfortable on the deep red lounge seating, we were greeted with bottle service consisting of Champagne and vodka. With the stimulating city lights behind us and the dark pool lit up by changing deep purple and blue hues in front of us, we took in the surrounding scene of excited and enigmatic party-goers waiting for the musician to take the stage.

In typical Las Vegas fashion, The Weeknd didn't come on until 2 a.m. But once he did, he performed for hours, the outside venue gaining more of a crowd as the night turned into morning.

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DAY 3

A refreshing final dip into that pool we loved so much was the perfect way to end the trip.

Savor Your Final Moments at Mad Greek in Baker:

The pool at the LINQ Hotel & Casino, cabana room

LATER, VEGAS BREAKFAST AT GUY’S:

MUST HAVE: Guy’s Big Bite Burrito made with soft scrambled eggs, chorizo and breakfast potatoes, wrapped in a cheese quesadilla with pico, black beans and guac, served with crispy tortilla chips and salsa.

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: Sign up to be a total rewards member to receive discounted prices.

After non-stop drinking, we woke up on the third and final day of our stay at the LINQ and all we could think was that only Guy’s brunch with Bloody Marys could cure what ailed us. We ordered drinks that would fit in with our larger-than-life breakfast entrées. At first, we were overwhelmed by how large the portions were. Then we remembered how we handled it the first night we arrived and proceeded to order one of each, unbuttoning our pants for extra space. A cover up would have to hide our food babies when it came time to reconvene poolside.

CHAMPAGNE SUNDAY AT LINQ POOL:

We really couldn’t get enough of the pool and all that it had to offer: great lighting for photos, cabanas with menus that featured anything from sunblock all the way to salads and shots. A refreshing final dip into that pool we loved so much was the perfect way to end the trip. Until next time, Vegas.

The long drive home from Vegas can be a real drag, but the Mad Greek in Baker can make your trip a little sweeter.

Featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, this humble restaurant always has a line at its registers.

Next time you see the blue and white billboards diverting you from the freeway, listen to them—trust us.

Must-Try Menu Items: THE GYROS: Even Guy Fieri says they are fantastic.

GREEK SALAD WITH FALAFEL: A personal favorite of mine.

HUMMUS: I could dive into a bucket of it.

DATE SHAKE: Resist the chocolate shake!

Do it!

SPANAKOPITA: If my grandma were Greek, they are just like she would make them.

thank YOU

TO OUR PARTNERS Audi Beverly Hills Biologix Bronzed Bunny Cassievan | Johnny B Hair Care Cenci Ventures | Duke's The Chateau at Lake La Quinta CinĂŠpolis Club Pilates Dr. Sanjay Grover Drai's Beach Club El Cholo Felix Design Studio Greystar | Urban Village Haven & Co. Irvine Resorts JW Marriott | Indian Wells Resort K1 Speed Kafe Neo La Quinta Olive Oil Company La Quinta Resort & Club Le Bijou Legacy Jewelry Co. Manhattan Margarita MERE Boots Old Town La Quinta Pandora | Hearts on Fire Rock Etiquette Santa Catalina Island Company | Catalina Express Santa Monica Seafood SilverRock Resort Stansbury Collection Stuft Pizza TechSpace The Attic VESTAR | Long Beach Whole Life Balance William Grant & Sons

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