studio dna

Finding and falling in love with a new salon and stylist is a lot like finding a new man. You need time to get settled and be sure it's right before you start showing them off to your friends!

I first met salon owners Danny and Aubrey at an event last year and though I loved what they were doing, I had just started seeing someone else and wasn't about to start cheating.

A couple of months later they were hosting a special cut-a-thon to benefit the LA AIDS Marathon. I still couldn't bring myself to stray, but my boyfriend needed a haircut and we both wanted to support a business run by good people who actually cared about giving back to the community, so off we went.

After I saw what their superstar stylist Angel did with his hair, I started having some serious second thoughts about what I needed in a hair relationship. Temptation took over and I decided to give her a try. Besides, if it's only once, it doesn't really count, right? Not only did she give me the best cut, color, scalp massage, and style I'd had anywhere, (and at a much better price!), it was the first time I've ever had endless great conversation with the person doing my wig. As if that weren't enough, her cuts grow out beautifully on both his short and my long hair, and they look as good a month later as they do when you walk out of the salon. Needless to say, it was a three-way lovefest, and we were hooked.


The remarkable thing about Studio DNA is just like the perfect man, it's beautiful both inside and out. It's not easy creating a modern, stylish space while maintaining warmth and making it feel like home, but somehow they've pulled it off. Everything about the place is cool, from the sleek lines of the stylist stations to the great chandelier hanging over the wash basins in the colorist's area, and the ever changing mix of music - from lounge mixes of Marley to classic 80's new wave and a little JT thrown in for good measure. And since we all know gettin' your hair did can work up an appetite, there's always a supply of treats on hand including old fashioned glass bins filled with sweet and savory treats and an endless supply of free trade coffee and tea from Funnel Mill next door. Not to mention a selection of magazines that would make a Publisher's Clearing House rep's head spin. And after you've had your fill of tea, don't miss what is quite possibly the sexiest bathroom this side of the 405.


There's no lack of substance here to go with all that style. In addition to the stylist's services and a full line of amazing Bumble & Bumble product, the salon houses a wonderful little boutique filled with personal and home accessories from Aubrey's native South Africa, the sales of which further tribal women supporting their families and villages. Some of my picks include the knits and woolens and the gorgeous hand made glass platters and bowls that make gorgeous gifts.

Needless to say, Angel is my hair's new BFF. After more than half a dozen visits, going from a different shade of blonde, brunette and red to another virtually every time, she never misses a beat. That said, I would recommend any of their stylists without reservation. Having seen just about all of their work, it's obvious that Danny and Aubrey have gone to great lengths to hire people who embody the same degree of quality and core values they and the salon exude.

I've been in LA long enough to have had a fling with just about every hot celeb salon out there at least once, including a pre-Bravo Jonathan in WeHo, Esoterica, Frederic Fekkai, and Saeger French in BH, not to mention countless others, and trust me, these guys are simply the best.

If you want to do something good for your hair - and your soul - give Studio DNA a try. You'll be happy you did.


902 Broadway
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 451-3200

www.studiodnasalon.com

manna kbbq

One of the highlights of living in LA is the cultural diversity that translates to a plethora of ethnic eats to be had. Being of the mind that you can't really go wrong with meat and fire, I've been to most of the K-BBQ joints in town, but when it came to finding one suitable for a 30 plus party, I was stumped.


Enter the Manna Meat Rave. This is the bastion of all you can eat meat for a very nominal $16.99 per person. Even knocking back a healthy number of Hite beers and pitchers of sweet lemon soju to the dulcet tones of (as my Beer would put it) plinky-plonky Korean techno, you can expect to drop less than $30 a head - and that's including a generous tip.

Is it the best KBBQ in town? Of course not. No one's going to come round and give you a tutorial or make sure your meat is turned and cut properly. And if you don't ask for some things, like rice wraps and steamed egg, you're probably not gonna see them, but for the type of experience they're providing - a fun, relaxed, just rowdy enough, smokey, DIY, indoor-outdoor party vibe for a group - you can't knock it with a stick. Be prepared to ask twice for most of what you order to be sure you get everything you want, and definitely ask for refills on the banchan and salad, because mystically different items appear every time they bring another round.


Party people, beware. If you come with a cake, you're guaranteed a "complimentary bottle of champagne." What that translates to: If you seem to be having a birthday or similar such occasion, they will come out when they decide it's time for you to be done and promptly shake the hell out of a cheap bottle of champers, flip it upside down, and pop it to explode in a geyser spray all over you, the table, and all the poor schmos sitting anywhere in the vicinity. Another word to the wise; make sure you're done eating before the soaking transpires because somehow the half bottle of champagne dripping from the dirty ceiling onto the flaring grill isn't nearly as appetizing as one may think, even after a couple of jugs of lemon soju.

3377 W Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90019

(323) 733-8516

www.mannakoreanbbq.com

baskin robbins

This is the stuff little ones' dreams are made of. If you grew up in these parts, trips to Baskin Robbins for a fat scoop of bubble gum ice cream - and the resulting sugar high it induced - were a treat wholly worthy of some good behavior. If you ever went to a kiddie party, you probably had slices of at least a dozen BR ice cream cakes, too.

And, ooooooh, the clown cones. How could I forget the clown cones! They gave me the creeps!

When one of my best friends told me she was getting a classic birthday cake here for our shared celebration this month, I couldn't have been happier. And let me tell ya, every bite of that cake delivered, from the peanut butter cup ice cream and unmistakable bite of frozen white cake, down to the tang of copious amounts of FD&C #40 in the red icing trim.

Sure, it's no Haagen Dazs, Scoops, Mashti Malone's, or any of those other places your grown up palate tells you you should prefer, but it's a very tasty bit of nostalgia sure to hit the spot, and a guaranteed stroll down memory lane.


271 North Canon Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 273-3422

mandarin noodle house

Having grown up with an uncle in the area, I've always known that if you want real Chinese, you've got to head east to the SGV. When I do, one of my favorite local places for a casual, inexpensive lunch is Mandarin Noodle.

The food here is simple, rustic and divine. My picks for a perfect meal include the spicy handmade noodle, ordered dry with shredded pork instead of chicken, the scallion pancakes, meat dumplings, pickled cucumbers and a steaming pot of hot tea. That combination seems to hit the spot every time and if you're lucky, you'll have just enough leftover to take home and enjoy later. Not to mention plenty of cash left in your wallet to pay for gas on the drive home, since that'll likely cost you more than the meal. If you want one more item to pack to-go, the pork chop fried rice served with fresh greens and a tasty preserved egg, is another favorite that won't do you wrong.

In other reviews, some have noted less than friendly service, but I've never encountered that personally in my dozens of visits for noodle love. The place has had a couple of facelifts over the years, and they've recently gone through a change in ownership, but I'm happy to report, the beacon bright orange and yellow awnings and the quality, inexpensive food have remained a constant.

701 W Garvey Ave
Monterey Park, CA 91754

(626) 570-9795

century shoe lab

In between finding the latest hot spots to shop and deciding where to eat next, there's the pesky matter of tending to some of life's little necessities... like where to take care of all those fabulous shoes in your closet.

If you shop at Century City or frequent their AMC 15, you've probably passed this shoe repair tucked away by the Gelson's valet countless times without a second glance. I know I did, that is, until the day I went shopping and couldn't stop hearing clickety-clack, clickety-clack. Everywhere I went... clickety-clack, clickety-clack. I thought a phantom horse was following me around the mall until I realized, in a moment of horror, the clickety-clack was me! I'd somehow lost the soft plastic taps on both of my stilletto heels, leaving me strutting around on nails. Literally.

Haunted by the clickety-clack I decided it was time to throw in the shopping towel and head to the car. Balancing down the escalators nearly on my toes, there it was. A shoe repair! On my tippy toes I went in hopes of some help, and sure enough, they told me to slip them off and they'd fix them right up. Less than ten minutes and ten dollars later, I was out the door in my buffed up beauties, good as new. Off I went to pick up where I left off, floating along on my perfectly polished heels to nothing but the sweet sound of silence; free to enjoy the dulcet tones of muzak gently piping in and the sound of credit cards burning holes in my wallet. Just as it should be.


Century City Mall
10250 Santa Monica Blvd
Ste C-24
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 772-0013

coffee house heyri

Ever wondered where to go at 3am in K-Town for coffee, cake, a snack, a smoke and free wifi?

Now ya know.

Easily mistaken for a club from the music and crowds out front, the latest Korean style late night coffee shop to open in the area offers everything you'd expect to find including an extensive selection of coffees, teas, cakes, pastries, fresh fruit smoothies, bingsu (shaved ice), and savories, like udon, sushi and tempura. Oh, and, of course, sandwiches. How could I forget sandwiches?


The converted house makes for plenty of seating options. There's a narrow, modern space inside on the first level facing the long glass service counter and pastry case, as well as very traditional, cozy, homey rooms upstairs. What was once a backyard with a tall palm protruding from its center is now an expanse of fairy light lit outdoor seating complete with music (of the K-pop variety the night we were there) piped in, plenty of heating lamps (if you're still chilly, the requisite blankets are available too) and large, private tented areas along the perimeter for groups. Feel free to hide out in one of the hidden corners - buzzer service at each table will get the attention of a server when you need one. Some of the round tables appeared to have firepits, but none were ablaze the night we were there.



There's a small lot out front as well as valet, so parking is a non-issue.



This is the perfect way to end an evening in K-Town. According to the owners, there'll soon be live music on weekends, too. And for the night owls they're open until the wee hours at 4am!





755 S Hobart Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90005
(213) 389-6138

www.cafeheyri.com

dong il jang

Dong il Jang is a bit off the beaten path and, unlike many of the other K-Town BBQ's, is not AYCE (all you can eat). The restaurant is well ventilated, there's a pretty koi pond in the entry way and many worn in booths made to seat four comfortably, in addition to some private rooms behind shoji screens for small parties. If you're in search of an authentic family style Korean BBQ experience, without loud crowds, karaoke or leaving smelling like you came off the grill, this is a reliable spot.

All meals start with a clear broth served in a small metal bowl and end with a small glass of sweet grain drink. The banchan (kimchi and other small plates) are slightly less generous than other K-Q's I've been to, but here, it's all about the meat. Big, fat, family style platters of MEAT!

Their signature dish - Roast Gui, which comes with kimchee fried rice prepared tableside at the end of your meal - is well worth the price of admission at $21 for a generous plate. Another notable mention is the Spicy Marinated Pork. It's not too spicy, but the sweet-hot grilled flavor it develops on the fire is crack-like. Wasn't expecting to love this one, but it ended up being a favorite. The Marinated Shrimp ($28) was very good as was the Bul Gogi ($24), but I've had comparable flavor and quality elsewhere for less.


If you're in the mood to drink, ask for the lemon soju. It's also served family style, shaken with fresh lemon wedges, in a large, plastic jug with a flip top and shot glasses. The sweet tart drink is just enough to balance all of those grilled flavors and washes down nicely with a Hite beer (or two).

Service is pleasant and if you look less experienced (ahem, white) working over the table top gas grills, the ladies come around often enough to make sure you don't burn your dinner, or yourself.

If you feel like you're waddling out and can't quite climb back in your car, try the new Heyri Coffee House across the street. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a little coffee on the patio and digest.




3455 W 8th St
Los Angeles, CA 90005
(213) 383-5757

jones bar & cafe

Rainy days are more and more a rarity in these parts, so when one comes, it's more tempting to head out into the world to enjoy the elements than it is to curl up in bed with a book.

When I woke to the sound of tires on wet pavement the other day, I knew I wanted to savor every moment of it. Preferably, outdoors, in search of comfort food with my lover. Setting out to run some requisite errands we decided on bbq, but didn't want to take the last drafty table by the door. That's when we realized we were just across the street from Jones. A dark brick lined bar that's a great evening spot and, for me, an even better lunch spot.

Perfect.

After deciding to sit in a cozy red leather booth against one of the exposed brick walls (versus sitting in the bright, airy, gingham checked cafe area where the same menu is available), we brushed the rain from our coats and settled in for some serious grub. Beer ordered the sausage and onion pizza with a bag of chips (literally!) while I opted for a prosciutto-mozzarella panini served with chive topped mashed potatoes in their own mini cast iron terrine. Our server was sweet (in a genuine as opposed to sugary way) and very attentive, as was the busser who made sure our glasses were constantly full and we had everything we needed. The meal was perfect. The only thing I couldn't figure out is why we don't think to come here more often.

Tip - Make sure you wash your hands before you eat. The bathrooms, and their, ahem, wallpaper, are not to be missed ;)



7205 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 850-1727

martin + osa

Last week we had the opportunity to check out a new store opening at Century City Mall to benefit Step Up Women. Who wouldn't love to shop with a cocktail (or two) and some passed hors d'oeuvres in the name of charitable giving?

Martin + Osa is an offshoot of the American Eagle brand and the latest upscale sportswear line geared at the Banana buyer, whose name comes from an American adventurer couple who spent most of their lives on safari. The clothes were, well, very Bananaesque, but more casual and with the addition of khaki. A whole lotta khaki. Particularly in the men's. If you know a man who loves khaki, this will be his new favorite store.

Aside from a couple of lovely knits (I did my part for the cause purchasing a thin, cream colored wool sweater with a faux turtleneck and the prettiest border pattern to layer for $88), a beautiful bordeaux velvet peplum jacket ($128), and some very cool shiny textured leather zip pouches ($48), much of the selection - menswear, in particular - was unremarkable, at best. I'm hoping that once they find their niche in the market, that'll improve.

Far more impressive - the stores design. All of the Martin + Osa shops are marked with a striking wood paneled entry, well laid out without feeling empty or sparse, and have an absolutely gorgeous fitting room area that's a low-lit long hall, floor to high ceiling, seemingly endless panel of polished grainy wenge. I was tempted to try a few things on just for the sake of admiring the space!

Also of note - the little things that matter. My sweater purchase was popped into a recycled (and recyclable) white pull string pouch that could be used to wash, store, or travel with. The gift bags we left with included his and hers travel sets with soft, supple leather passport holders and matching luggage tags - chocolate brown for him and a striking shade of pale aqua for me. They're getting plenty of use already!

10250 Santa Monica Blvd #185
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 785-7924

a taste of wales. at costco?

No, sillies, this isn't a tale of eating a whale!

It's true. Most Angeleno's don't know where Wales is, and they sure as hell don't know that one of their national foods is the cockle. Wales is one of the four countries (yes, it's its own country), that comprises the United Kingdom - that land across the pond we often assume falls under the blanket "England" that most certainly does not. A country rich in history and tradition, bordered primarily by the Irish Sea with lush hills and valleys, craggy cliffs, and patches of desolate coal-like terrain, it's no surprise many of the local foods come from the sea.

So, what on earth is a cockle? It's a lot like a small clam. Brits eat them as snack food, served outside of their pale orange and green hued shells in paper cones with a bit of vinegar. You can even get jars of them pickled at local groceries. The Welsh do the same, but it's more common to see them served as you would other bi-valves for dinner, and more often, on a breakfast plate with another local staple called laverbread (pronounced lavahbread), which is a made from a type of seaweed - Porphyra - native to the cold and rocky north Atlantic shores west of Swansea.

Imagine my surprise when I saw none other than a big ol' five pound net bag of live, fresh cockles staring back at me from a bed of a ice in the live seafood stall at my local CostCo - in Marina del Rey! Naturally, the first thing I did was pick up the phone to call my Welsh boyfriend! I had to repeat myself a few times before he realized I was, in fact, saying cockles. I promptly bought the bag - while a couple of onlookers asked me what they were and what I was going to do with them - and he promptly called his mother for cooking instructions. The bit about boiling them for a couple of minutes sounded like crazy talk, but after getting my way to throw in some herbs, garlic and a hefty bit of white wine, and agreeing to hold the salt (it comes from the shells), we did just that.

They smelled so good, we had a few fresh out of their shells as soon as they'd cooled just enough to handle, and they were absolutely delicious. The pink-orange flesh was so sweet, tender and fragrant it was like no clam I'd had before. To be blunt about it, I'm not much a fan of clams, but I could have easily sat down and polished off the lot.

We saved the remainder to chill and snack on with a bit of vinegar and crackers, and those were quite tasty too. Now I'm looking forward to having some with laverbread when we're in the UK for the holidays!

No guarantee they'll regularly carry them, but if you don't want to hop on the next flight to London, head to your local CostCo and give some a try.

CostCo Store #49
13463 Washington Blvd
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 754-2020

long lashes at sephora

There are so many things to love about the grown up girl's candy store that is Sephora. They carry virtually every cosmetic, fragrance and skin care line you can imagine. They've always got the latest products in before they hit most shelves. With the addition of their (ahem, big brother) frequent shopper program, you can count on a free gift or two with virtually every purchase. (This month, it's a yummy new Pomegranate-Tangerine shower gel.) They've always got beautiful complimentary gift wrap on hand. There are numerous locations all over town. Hell, you can even shop online.

And the generous samples. How could you not love the unlimited samples they're always happy to offer of just about everything? This is the ultimate go-to for stocking up on airline friendly travel goodies.

When the familiar black and white stripes beckon, one of my favorite things to check out is the mascara bar. The last couple of years I've been happy with Paul & Joe's chocolate mascara duo for day and Dior Show for something more dramatic, but eventually, we all need a change, and mine came tonight when I realized they were all out of my color. After staring endlessly at the myriad options, I decided to give the Fresh Supernova a try. It was only available in black, but a friendly salesgirl assured me it was "less dramatic" than Show. The real lure is that this stuff promises to be a three in one - it thickens, lengthens and curls your lashes in one coat. Sure enough, it did exactly what it promised. Better yet, two coats and it went from everyday perfect to hot enough for a night out. For a mere $25 bucks, I managed to replace two favorite products with one. Woo hoo! Just imagine what they could do for you ;)

Sephora
8500 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 854-0071

happy turkey day!

Well, whaddaya know? It turns out doing some advance prep last night seems to have paid off. The preserved lemon-saffron-herb butter bird's in the oven, the flavors of the spiced cranberry-orange sauce have had a chance to mingle overnight, the andouillie sausage -cornbread stuffing is ready to bake, the turkey stock is ready to turn into gravy, the champagne is chilling - and all that leaves me with a little time to chill myself before I need to start the veg. Just enough time to wish all of you and yours a very, happy Thanksgiving.

Wherever you are, and whatever you may be doing today, I hope you're enjoying the holiday to the fullest.

Above, one of my favorite images this time of year - A vintage pic of the Macy's Turkey Day Parade. Far cry from the children's television spectacle that it is today.

Cheers!

willie bird time!

In the blink of an eye, another year has nearly flown by again. Just a few days till Thanksgiving which always feels like the gun sounding at the start of the Marathon that is Xmas.

My pre-race ritual every year begins with one thing - buying the Thanksgiving turkey. I think I'd tried just about every frozen and fresh I could get my hands on over the years, from CostCo and Bristol Farms to Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, but the year I discovered the Willie Bird I knew I needed to look no further.

Run by owner Willie Benedetti out of Sonoma County, all Willie Birds are free range, fresh and the majority of the birds are organic as well. Aside from the peace of mind you get from knowing the turkey on your table had a good turkey life before he got there, free of processed foods, antibiotics and hormones, they just plain taste better. Another interesting note, because the birds are free of all that junk, they tend to cook a little faster than your average bird. I've had them fried, brined, and plain ol' baked, and any way, they've been moist and flavorful. You haven't really had turkey until you've had a Willie Bird.

Thanks to the wonders of the internet and FedEx overnight, you can order one of these babies online (they range from 12lb hens shipped for about $90 all the way up to 35lb for some of the toms which will run closer to $200) and have them delivered to your doorstep. If you live in LA, I've found the best place to get your hands on a Willie Bird is at Puritan Poultry at the Farmers Market.

Located in stall #226, these poulterers know their stuff and you can reserve your bird (selecting size and gender) up to almost a month in advance and pick it up on the date of your choice. This is much more reasonable than having them shipped (averaging $40-$60 a bird) and they usually have a few on reserve if you want to head in this week with a last minute order. I can't wait to see my bird Wednesday morning!

Should you find yourself in Santa Rosa, Willie Bird has a retail shop open to the public where you can pick up very reasonably priced birds and just about everything else turkey you could think of, including some amazing smoked turkey sausage. If you'd rather not cook it up yourself, they've got a Willie Bird Restaurant, too!

that yarn store

Having promised a childhood friend we'd learn to knit together as my bday gift to her, (that's right - we're 30 going on 70!), I went on a hunt to find the perfect yarn shop for our hot hooking adventure. It turns out there are plenty of shops all around town, and they each offer classes and sell yarn of some sort or another, but when I stumbled across the website for That Yarn Store on Eagle Rock Blvd., I knew I'd found the spot.

This is a mom and pop shop - recently relocated from a store front around the corner on Colorado - staffed and run entirely by family. Everything about this place is comfy and homey, from the handwritten notes on the door describing new groups and events, the decor (it's set up like a cozy living room with rocking chairs, sofas and an ample coffee table covered with snacks), the music (it was some indy electro jazz while we were there), and most especially, the people.

A couple of months ago I thought it would be relaxing for me to take up knitting, but after a futile attempt at learning, all I wanted to do was stab someone with my knitting needles. When we arrived, a very friendly barefooted guy welcomed us to the shop and let us know his wife, Frannie, would be back soon to teach us to knit (evidently, he was more of the crocheting type). That was when I knew we'd found the right spot :)

Frannie was the sweetest thing and had the patience of a saint. She sat us down and handed us each a pair of shiny #9 bamboo needles and a little ball of tan yarn. Before we knew it, we'd mastered the art of casting on and were slowly, but surely, knitting rows. We hung out chatteing and practicing our stitches, and before we knew it, three hours had passed, and what do you know, we were knitting!

For those of you who know your stuff, they have an ample collection of books and lending library, plenty of yarns (like fine wool, alpaca and yak - none of that acrylic junk) and needles for just about any knit or crochet project as well as a laundry list of different classes, groups and special events. For everyone else, there are classes for beginners on Saturdays at 2p and Tuesdays at 7p, but we discovered they're happy to start you a little early (or, in our case) a little late if need be. Our impromptu class was just $15 plus $5 for our needles and starter yarn. All they ask is that you buy your supplies there, which is perfectly reasonable given the beautiful and colorful selection. Now I'm hoping the skein of wine hued wool I picked up will mystically turn itself into a scarf!

lily simone

What a gift it was to happen upon this beautiful boutique! Former stylist Simone Porter opened the mid-century modern shop dedicated to small labels on Eagle Rock Blvd. almost 4 years ago. More recently, the space has been divided into both a clothing and home accessories shop.

In the clothing section you'll find labels such as Grey Ant, Ella Moss, Splendid, Kush Cush and Kenneth Lane jewelry. There's also a lovely selection of shoes, wallets and everything else a girl could ask for - including pretty glass jars of old fashioned candy sold for a buck a scoop. You may also spy Simone's lil pup Lily curled up on one of the chairs. This time of year, there were beautiful knits, wraps, and a couple of stunning party dresses in worsted wool - all at reasonable price points. My resistance worn down by the soothing tunes playing and the cotton candy pink walls, I picked up a dainty gold bamboo inspired bangle I want to wear with everything.


In the home accessories area we found all sorts of holiday baubles and ornaments, stylish textiles, vintage furnishings (including a fabulous chandelier), divine candles, and some very cool miniaturized stag's heads I had to pry myself away from.

Better than just a beautiful place with beautiful things, everyone who works here makes it a pleasure to visit. No pushy Westside salesgirls and no too cool for school Eastside hipsters. Hell, I almost forgot I was in LA!

Everything about Lily Simone is a grown up gal's candy shop, and no matter what your style or taste, there's something here for everyone.

Do yourself a favor and add this one to your holiday shopping list, even if it's just to sneak away and pick a couple of things up for the most important person on it - you.

Tip: Stop by on Tax Free Tuesday or flash your Oxy student id for a nice discount.