View PDF - The Brandman Agency

page
neighborly
LA
There’s a city where people say
all your dreams can come true.
You can visit this city a 100
times and experience something completely different with
each trip. With nearly 1,600
flights going in and out of here
in a 24-hour period, we wanted
to come and see what the fuss
was all about. Yes, we are talking about Los Angeles! But it’s
not just about Downtown LA
(DTLA); it’s about the surrounding neighborhoods that make
up LA as well. Being able to
visit a few of these area really
opens your eyes to how LA is
truly a melting pot of every type
of culture. From Venice Beach
to the Arts District or DTLA to
Hollywood there are so many
things to experience in such
a small radius. We found our
favorites though!
The Broad Museum
55
page
56
Angel City Brewery
THINGS TO DO
The Broad (DTLA)
We feel that there’s a time in everyone’s life that you think about collecting art. Once you have a
nice collection you might dedicate a room to it or spread it throughout your home. But if you’re Eli
and Edythe Broad you build a 140 million dollar museum. Spending over 50 years collecting these
postwar and contemporary pieces, The Broad museum is an instant staple in downtown LA. With
artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Cy Twombly, Ed Ruscha, Kara Walker, Jeff Koons, Joseph
Beuys, Cindy Sherman, Robert Rauschenberg, just to name a few, The Broad will be a long lasting
and iconic destination for future generations.
Perry’s at the Beach (Venice)
If you love California beaches then you know and love Perry’s at the Beach. With 12 locations from
Santa Monica to Torrance, you are sure to run into one. They offer everything you desire for a day
at the beach: bike rentals, skates, boogie boards, surfboards and even tours of the beaches and its
enriched history. You need a butler for the day? Let them provide you with a service that will bring
you umbrellas, chairs and food for the ultimate lazy day on the beach. Just ask for “A Day at The
Beach”.
Angel City Brewery
Occupying an old wire cable factory that provided the cable for the Golden Gate Bridge, this brewery is becoming the place to be in the Arts District. Angel City was 1 of only 5 breweries that was
chosen by Jamison to use one of their barrels to age a beer. What came of it was a 15% barrel aged
beer and a barrel that was sent back to Jamison to barrel a special blend whiskey. Being such a
large facility there is always something to do on a weekly basis at the brewery. We suggest inquire
about Shakespeare at the Brewery!
page
59
Dining
Faith and Flower (DTLA)
This restaurant has created a perfect tribute to what was and what is Los Angeles. “Faith” was
what the street was named back in the 20’s where the restaurant stood. “Flower” is now the name
of that street…hence “Faith and Flower.” Combining worldly cooking methods and ingredients with a
California twist, the food is in a class of its own. Keeping with mix of old and new, the award winning
cocktails are no different. Using misplaced recipes that date back over 100 years; to newly concocted mixtures, you are sure to have your taste buds satisfied. In fact Faith and Flower is our DAPPER
certified restaurant of the trip!
Daily Dose Cafe (DTLA)
One outstanding point is Californians are definitely health nuts. We had the pleasure of sitting down
with owner Sarkis Vartanian of Daily Dose Café. This restaurant only uses organic and locally grown
foods. Being meat eaters, we were hesitant on this vegetarian forward restaurant, but after eating
The Farmer and The Guildsmith sandwich, your hesitation will no longer exist. These delightful mixtures of vegetables and spices will have anyone start becoming a believer in the vegetarian lifestyle.
It was nice for a change to leave a restaurant without wanting to go straight to bed (and you know
exactly what we mean). Mr. Vartanian, previously a real estate guru, was told by his doctor that his
eating habits must change. Enough was enough. Frustrated with not being able to find healthy
choices that tasted good, he was one in many that succumbs to a daily fast food diet. Daily Dose
Café was then born.
Venice Whaler
Osso (DTLA Arts District)
Everyone has their “Cheers” spot, which is usually are an extension of their personality. Osso would
be that spot for us. This quaint 40/45-seat restaurant gives off a speakeasy vibe that we love. At first
glance, we thought the restaurant relied on the wonderful cocktails mixed by Darwin Manahan and
Jordan Young. We had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Manahan and not only is he the master behind
these mixes, but he experiments and creates his own infused syrups and liquors. After visiting with
him the food arrived and that’s when we realized it was not just a mixology bar. Beef Biltong Jerky,
King Oyster Mushroom Gnocchi, and the Fried Chicken. Living in Texas, we are very familiar with
Fried Chicken but this recipe is cooked in a wok and the large flames they create is what gives the
chicken its crisp exterior and juicy interior.
Cleo (Hollywood)
Authentic Mediterranean with a twist is Cleo. Chef Elmaleh hit it on the nose with this concept. Being
Southern we are used to the shareable plate concept which is a perfect fit for this spot. The Mezzes,
Flatbreads and Oysters were delicious. Percehd at the bottom of The Redbury hotel, the ambiance
of the restaurant is edgy, yet comforting at the same time. Perfect Hollywood glam meets Mediterranean influence.
Venice Whaler (Venice)
There is a rich history in Venice and adding to this history is Venice Whaler. This beachfront restaurant has been a staple since inception in 1944. But just a year ago, Top Chef Nick Liberato was
brought in to spice up the menu. Look no further than the Connecticut style Lobster Roll or the
Short Rib Grilled Cheese. Using only fresh ingredients only from local farms you are sure to stop by
every time you are in Venice. If you don’t believe us just ask The Beach Boys and The Beatles.
Cleo
page
60
Grand Central Market (DTLA)
This is a food junkies haven. This place reminded us a little of the Farmers Market in Dallas, but with
over 50 spots to choose from. Coming up on its 100-year anniversary, this place has embodied the
always-changing community of downtown. You could easily spend a week here and eat 3 times a
day and never eat at the same place. With that said we definitely found our must visit eateries.
Eggslut
No this is not a misprint. This is the name of this wonderful breakfast joint and it is filthy good. This
concept came from a true heartfelt love of eggs. We suggest trying out the Gaucho, which to us
Texans is a wonderful version of steak and eggs on a bun.
Wexler’s Deli
This eatery is the epitome of a true Jewish deli. Using old family traditions to make their meats, you
can taste the time and effort in every bite. All the way down to the pickle on the side, which is salt
brined in house.
G&B Coffee
Business and coffee seem to go hand in hand so first and foremost, we always find our chosen
coffee spot. G&B Coffee, in the market, was exactly what we were looking for. Using coffee from
around the world, you are sure to find your favorite region here. If you are just learning your palate,
stop by on Wednesday evenings to taste a wide range of G&B coffee. Using some of the best roasters around the world, this place is a true craft coffee gem.
Grand Central Market
Faith and Flower
page
63
Abbot Kinney
SHOPPING
District La Brea (located in Fairfax district)
If you are in the Hollywood/ Downtown LA area and wanting to shop, than La Brea is your place.
Consisting of 11 buildings between 1st and 2nd, there is everything from shopping, art, spas
and dining. Our suggestions for this area are: American Rag, What Goes Around Comes Around,
Aether Apparel and a great place to grab a bite for lunch, Sycamore Kitchen.
Abbot Kinney Blvd. (located in Venice)
The street formally known as West Washington is now the playground for one of California’s elite
tourist destinations. Art Galleries, wine shops, local boutiques, and much more. We found it very
easy to get lost in the atmosphere that is Abbot Kinney Blvd. Don’t leave without visiting Scotch
and Soda, Buck Mason, Guild and for a little pick me up, Blue Bottle Coffee.
????????
page
64
NIGHTLIFE
Villains Tavern (DTLA Arts District)
Because of the consistency of the LA weather, many establishments can create outside settings
that can’t be found in most states and Villains Tavern is one of these. With live music throughout the week and some of the best mixologists in LA, it’s easy to understand why this place is
always busy. Most mixology places you visit, it takes some time for the cocktails to be made.
With the high volume of patrons, the bartenders had to figure out a prepping method that would
speed up the process without losing the integrity of the cocktail. It would be similar to a chef in
the kitchen trying to speed up a meal. It’s all about the preparation time and Villains Tavern has
it down to a science, so no matter how busy it gets don’t fret, they have you covered in a very
timely manner.
Rooftop Film Club at The Montalbán
Who doesn’t like dinner and a movie! And no one does it better than Hollywood. The Rooftop
Film Club at The Montalbán is the ultimate way to watch a movie on the big screen. Sit back and
watch some of the most classic movies of all time while enjoying great food and drinks. To top
it all off, movies tend to start at sunset and is there a better view than sunset on Hollywood and
Vine? Sit back, relax and enjoy the show in the heart of where movies were started!
The Redbury
La Descarga
Cuba meets Hollywood. This is one of several secret LA bars that the Houston Brothers created
and is our must go to! Featuring a large rum selection, cigars, and live jazz band with live dancers this is right up or dapper gentlemen’s alley.
HOTELS
The Standard (DTLA)
The Standard has revolutionized the concept of the “business hotel” by combining sophistication with leisure. It boasts a popular bar called The Rooftop and The Standard Biergarten, 24/7
Restaurant DTLA and Spin Standard the Ping-Pong Club. Having all of these destination spots
in the hotel, what need is there to leave?
The Redbury (Hollywood)
The Redbury, a hotel enriched with a warm bohemian style. It is located in the heart of Hollywood across from the iconic Capital Records. This all suite hotel has become a destination for
all celebrities, artists and musicians. Whether you are stopping by The Library bar or making
reservations at world-renowned Cleo, this hotel is the spot to stay in the LA/Hollywood area.
This hotel can easily feel like home very quickly and you never know, stay long enough and they
might even give you a tax break.
So pack your bags, book a flight and visit the city with a lifetime worth of experiences.
For booking travel, contact:
LA Tourism and Convention
www.discoverlosangeles.com
For setting up an Arts District tour, contact:
Cartwheel Tours
216 Alameda St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
www.cartwheelart.com/art-tours