We ended off our holiday with a stay in Los Angeles (see travel diary here). We thought LA would be the perfect place to take in some sun after the snow but Mother nature had other plans…
Though LA only manages to get 10 days of rainfall per year, we caught 2 of those days. While it did put a little “damp”er on our stay, we nevertheless, all had a wonderful time.
The Peninsula at Beverly Hills (my fave) was our home for 3 glorious days. Upon arrival, we were upgraded to one of their palatial, 2 story villas (thank you to Ovation Travel!!!).
On our first night, we dined at The Nice Guy, my favorite restaurant by far. I ate the most delicious grilled branzino EVER!!! The staff was super friendly, I loved the cozy vibe, and the live band had me grooving all night long.
On day one, David and I went to Runyan Canyon for a hike. The weather was a perfect 74 degrees and it was an invigorating way to start our day.
Afterwards, it was breakfast at The Peninsula rooftop and then we were off to Venice Beach for some shopping, strolling and eating.
We ate lunch at Gjelina in their charming backyard. This farm to table restaurant is a must in Venice Beach. Our next activity of the day was dinner at Nobu Malibu. On the upside, it’ s always a good meal plus I had my favorite lychee martini but disappointed because they were out of my favorite spinach and artichoke salad. Boo hoo hoo. Heating lamps made outdoor seating enjoyable and looking out at the ocean was dreamy.
Day two, the clouds rolled in and each of us chose an indoor activity. I took my 11 year old son to the Petersen Automotive Museum. What impressed Jack most was a simulated race card ride while I was smitten by the classic Jaguar and original Lightening McQueen Car.
We all met up for lunch at Cecconi’s, an LA staple, and then headed to the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel. Dinner (note: eating was our main sport) was at E. Baldi, a classic and easy Italian restaurant.
Our last day with umbrellas in tow, was spent window shopping on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. I couldn’t get the movie Pretty Woman out of my mind and all I wanted to say to each sales person was, “Big mistake, huge!”
Our final Lunch was at Il Pastaio, followed by our New Years Eve dinner at the new Catch restaurant. Catch was a blast on every level. Our girls were thrilled to spot Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, Hailey Baldwin and Britney Spears. Believe it or not, Jack was picked up by former Miss Maryland. It was an eventful night for all. For once we made it way past midnight and it was well worth it!
Things to do, places to go:
The Broad Museum: Though we couldn’t get tickets, this contemporary art museum is on my must list.
Malibu Wine Safari: Get your wine on in the wild and book early. I couldn’t get tickets last minute.
Alo Yoga: A must stop for the fashionable and fit. The store also has an adorable open door cafe.
Leclaireur Los Angeles: A Parisian transplant fashion boutique
Violet Grey: By far, my favorite beauty boutique
Blown: Great blowouts at fabulous prices.
Urth Cafe: All time favorite with my kids. Must have the green tea boba
Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy 2017!
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