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Culver City, Los Angeles

DRINK OF THE MONTH – CUCUMBER MULE

I adore the Culver Hotel, a historic landmark that opened in downtown Culver City in 1924. Its history is very Hollywood—John Wayne is rumored to have won it in a poker game and it housed over 120 Munchkins during the filming of the Wizard of Oz. The hotel’s swanky decor and nightly live music create a romantic and magical atmosphere.

the-culver-hotel

I’ve enjoyed many laid-back nights sipping cocktails on velvet lounges while watching black & white flicks screened on the wall in the hotel’s classy lobby. I’ve also experienced (and participated in) lively evenings where swing dancers scooted across the small dance floor, bewitched by the sounds of Dave Stuckey & the Hot House Gang.

culver-hotel-drink-menu

Speaking of cocktails, meet the Cucumber Mule, a delicious concoction of American Harvest vodka, fresh lime juice, muddled cucumber and Fever Tree ginger beer. Stop by the Culver Hotel to enjoy this month’s Drink of the Month during their daily happy hour from 4-7pm. Live music starts around 7:30pm. While you’re there, check out the Velvet Lounge in the back, up the stairs.

cucumber-mule

Another favorite: The Bulleit Old-Fashioned made with Bulleit Bourbon, Angostura bitters, orange bitters and a sugar cube.

old-fashioned-at-culver-hotel

Have you been to the Culver Hotel? What’s your favorite poison?

November 3, 2014 by
Los Angeles

Blue Bottle (& Caitlin) in LA

“Sometimes when I miss my bestest friend in the whole wide world, I post pictures of her on my blog.” – Weird things Melody says (and does apparently).

My bestie Caitlin

Caitlin digging into the Flatiron Truck’s bacon mac ‘n cheese. Isn’t she cute?!

Caitlin and I met in New York. We both worked at a PR agency in the Flatiron District, where we spent many conference calls pretending to strangle ourselves with phone chords. Our friendship quickly grew over slices of pizza enjoyed on stoops, diner grilled cheeses & coffee (side note-cool band name), grumbles about our Devil Wears Prada breed of a boss, strolls through the city and multiple convos about boys in bands. We’ve both moved around a bit—her to San Francisco then back to NYC, and me all over Texas then to LA. Despite the distance, we remain great friends. When we see each other (which is not often enough!), we pick up right where we left off.

A couple months ago, Caitlin came to Los Angeles to help open the new Blue Bottle in the Downtown Arts District. Like Caitlin, Blue Bottle is amazing. And(!) they’re setting up shop all over LA. Not in LA? You can buy their glorious brew online, or if you’re lucky, at your local grocer. The New Orleans iced coffee is a must. Enjoy the pics from the opening party, then go enjoy a coffee while you text your bestie.

Happy Monday, friends!

blue-bottle-in-lablue-bottle-in-lablue-bottle-in-la

The Pharmacie LA mixing up the event’s signature drink—the Blue Bottle Old Fashioned.blue-bottle-in-lablue-bottle-opening-in-la

The Flatiron Truck and Guerrilla Tacos were on hand to tame belly beasts. Blue-bottle-opening-in-la

October 27, 2014 by
Los Angeles

Adventures in Los Angeles

A friend of mine (Hey Lauren!) flew to Los Angeles to catch a glimpse of the Van Gogh and Kandinsky exhibit at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Since I’d never been to the Lacma (shame on me!), I jumped at the chance to join her. We started our day at Monsieur Marcel in the Original Farmer’s Market at the Grove, then scooted over to gaze in awe at the La Brea Tar Pits, before making it to our final destination. I’m already antsy to return for another visit. You can bet I’ll be joining other artsy fartsy Angelenos for Jazz on Friday nights.

The Trolley at the Grove in Los Angeles

The cheese plate, French wine and people-watching at Monsieur Marcel in the Farmer’s Market is hard to beat, y’all.

Cheese plate at Monsieur Marcel in Los Angeles

Get in my pocket, ya cute mammoths.

The La Brea Tar Pits in Los AngelesThe LACMA in Los Angeleslacma-los-angeles-1

Should’ve been a hand model.

The Van Gogh and Kandinski exhibit at the LACMA in Los Angeles

A favorite: Modjesko, Soprano Singer (1908) by Kees van Dongen

Modjesko, Soprano Singer (1908) by Kees van Dongen

Another favorite: The Open Window (1905) by Henri Matisse

lacma-los-angeles-4The Lacma in Los AngelesThe Lacma in Los Angeles

Where are you dying to go in LA? Leave a comment below and perhaps I’ll go snap some pics and share!

October 20, 2014 by
Culver City, Los Angeles

Coffee in Culver City

Bar Nine Collective is one of my favorite spots to start the morning in my hood of Culver City. Not only do they make bomb.com cold brews, but they also offer a tasty selection of breakfast treats. Just make sure you get there before 11am, when the (also delicious) lunch menu starts. If you’re serious about coffee (or fun), stop by on Sundays at noon for a public cupping, where you can sample all of their coffees. You can also get down on brunch from 8am-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Psst… They don’t serve Mimosas or Bloody Mary’s, but you’re welcome to BYOB. Enjoy the pics, then go follow them on Twitter for caffeinated updates!

Bar Nine Collective Coffee in Culver CityBar Nine Collective Coffee in Culver CityCoffee at Bar Nine Collective in Culver CityCoffee at Bar Nine Collective in Culver CityCoffee at Bar Nine Collective in Culver City

Ladies and gentlemen, Bar Nine’s avocado toast: avocado, radish, chili flakes & lemon.

Avocado Toast at Bar Nine Collective in Culver City

The beautiful breakfast sammie: Applewood smoked bacon, farm fresh eggs, avocado, Gruyere & kale slaw.

Breakfast Sandwich at Bar Nine Collective in Culver City

Where do you get caffeinated in Culver City?

October 20, 2014 by