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Why Did You Eat That: Malibu Brunch

By |November 8th, 2010|Los Angeles, Why Did You Eat That?|

A couple of Sunday’s ago, I spent the day exactly how every Sunday should always be spent: with a Bloody Mary overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Le fiance wanted to take me somewhere to celebrate a month of engagement and Gladstone’s Malibu couldn’t have been a more perfect choice. The weather was perfect, so the drive to Malibu alone, was pleasant, but after valeting, our view only got better.

We were seated at a table outside overlooking the sand and the surf. There is an indoor section, though, I’m not sure why you’d bother… Our waitress asked if we were visiting, so I assume this must be a bit of a tourist stop, but I can’t imagine a local Angeleno not taking advantage of this beautiful locale. Anyway, we immediately ordered two Bloody Mary’s, clam chowder, and crab cakes. Each of which was more delicious than the next. They also brought us a monstrous hunk of fresh sourdough bread. Quite honestly, we didn’t really need to bother ordering anymore food, but like true gluttons, we ordered the fried fish sandwich (I’d pass) and the spiced crusted tuna (a must).

We certainly over ordered, but everything was delicious… and being stuffed is the perfect time for a sun nap on the beach…

Gladstone’s Malibu

17300 Pacific Coast Highway

Pacific Palisades, CA 90265

310-454-3474

Brunch is always a tricky time to get dressed. You want to look casual without looking hungover or sloppy. (Check out my old “brunch attire” tips). For a lovely Sunday by the beach, it’s all about layering:

3.1 Phillip Lim Asymmetrical Draped T Dress, $350

Chloe Wayfarer, $240.95

Splendid Lofty Cashmere Professor Cardigan, $278

Comme des Garcons Low Top Canvas Sneaker, $100

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Some Ho’s in This House

By |October 18th, 2010|Los Angeles, Why Did You Eat That?|

One of the hottest spots in town is Soho House West Hollywood. A members only club, it boasts one of the most magnificent views of the city, but only for those with the coveted card. But alas, my friends, there’s nothing for you to worry about because on Friday night we decided to dine rather than simply drink at Soho House. To inform you that our food was anything more than horrific would be a farse.

I was a bit skeptical due to the fact that the food at Soho House NY is pretty much terrible, but still remained hopeful since Cecconi’s is owned by the same folks and the food there is nothing short of delightful.

The view and the decor of Soho House West Hollywood is absolutely beautiful. They really, really outdid themselves. So, if you are only going for the scenery, I would just go ahead and skip your meal (except for the mac and cheese- cause really who can screw that up?). My companion ordered the bone in ribeye and I had the chicken cacciatore. Um, both were uh… underwhelming. Don’t bother. Stick with the LA diet and just grab a cocktail. Besides, we all know that Soho House isn’t all about the food anyway.

What should you wear at the scene to be seen (and not eat)?

Boulee Skyler Dress, $306

Brogden Jude Jacket, $848

Belle by Sigerson Morrison Lace Up Wedge Ankle Boots, $350

Marni Suede Shoulder Bag, $1,205

Liquid dinner anyone?

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: That’s Amore.

By |October 11th, 2010|Los Angeles, Why Did You Eat That?|

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Established in 1964, Dan Tana’s is a true Los Angeles institution. Loved by locals and celebrities alike, on any given night you may bump into anyone from Hilary Duff, Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, or George Clooney… so you best bring your A-game.

DantanaThough it is considered a “steak house” this place reads old school Italian to me. There is nothing fancy shmancy or over the top here. The red vinyl booths and checkered table cloths give a cute and kitschy feel (though I doubt they put thought into it). You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. From spaghetti and meatballs to chicken parm, you will surely leave satisfied and stuffed.

Dan Tana’s

9071 Santa Monica Blvd

West Hollywood, CA 90069

310-975-9444

So, what to wear? What to wear?? Well, when in Rome…

3243-99865Kimberly Taylor Chloe Top, $165

1066218_fpx.tifBCBG Snake Print Power Skirt, $88.80

prodImage.msDolce Vita Victoria Sandals, $115.99

rm_5_zip_clutch_black_front_745_generalRebecca Minkoff 5 Zip Morning After Clutch, $295

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: Steel Magnolia

By |September 27th, 2010|Los Angeles, Why Did You Eat That?|

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It may now be known as the infamous location of Lilo’s Tweet about failing her drug test, but Magnolia was worth stopping by well before LoLo got hammered. With the original location in the heart of Hollywood, it’s the perfect place to people watch in the evenings. Or for a more secluded moment, take a seat out on the back deck. I was excited to see a second location in DTLA for a much more chill atmosphere.

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Upon arrival at Magnolia, you must order a Grape Collins (unless, of course, you’re wearing your SCRAM bracelet). It is a perfectly refreshing mixture of muddled grapes and deliciousness.

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After a quick toast to good company, go ahead and be sure to order the tuna tartare. It’s something I’d like to call lifechanging. Piled atop a fresh avocado, the tuna is super fresh and seasoned just enough. If you’re not much for seafood, the macaroni and cheese is a surefire hit. The herb roasted organic chicken and the marinated skirt steak are both home runs in the entree department (although the the brussels sprouts steal the show in my opinion).

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Oh… and as if you even have any room left… there’s the mint chocolate chip ice cream sandwich to top things off.

Magnolia (Hollywood)

6266 1/2 Sunset Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90028

323-467-0660

Magnolia (Downtown)

825 W. James M. Wood Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90015

213-362-0880

So what’s a girl to wear to dine at Magnolia? If you can’t beat em, join em:

Screen shot 2010-09-27 at 9.51.54 PMWildfox Couture Witchcraft Tee, $78

O44LFL-26126 by Lindsay Lohan Lily Lace Stretch Legging, $66

house2009712447_p1_v1_m56577569832049884_254x500House of Harlow 1960 Leslie Square Toe Platform Booties, $275

Screen shot 2010-09-27 at 10.03.26 PMStella Mc Cartney Studded Eco Suede Shopper, $1695

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: South of the Border

By |September 20th, 2010|Los Angeles, Why Did You Eat That?|

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Last week one of my besties came from New York to visit me here in sunny Los Angeles. After launching into a diatribe about the amount of fedoras she had seen with in her first five minutes of being here, she then made a very poignant statement. She said, “Call me crazy, but I feel like everyone here tries really, really hard.” She couldn’t be more right. So, rather than take her to the typical sh*t show restaurants of Hollywood, we opted to take her somewhere a bit more low key.

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Since my pal was in dire need of cocktail and craving Mexican,  El Compadre seemed like the obvious choice. Modeled after a traditional Mexican hacienda with dim lighting and live entertainment from some muchachos with guitars, it is the perfect place to enjoy some delicious food and great company… not to mention it is home to the famous “Flaming Margarita.”

l-1I really love this restaurant because it is zero glitz and glamour, but serves up totally authentic (and yummy) Mexican (though it will never replace Benny’s Burrito). There’s a reason that El Compadre has been around for thirty plus years and it probably has quite a bit to do with their enchiladas. Most plates are fairly large and could probably be shared between two people (but no one will judge you if you don’t).

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El Compadre

7408 W Sunset Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90046

323-874-7924

So what does a girl wear to a laid back dinner in while still looking chic (and leaving enough room for tacos)?

Screen shot 2010-09-20 at 2.42.17 PM

Free People Chiffon and Lace Slip, $68

Screen shot 2010-09-20 at 5.11.41 PMWe the Free Navajo Cardigan, $168

Screen shot 2010-09-20 at 5.37.31 PMGianni Bini “Gigi” Cross Body Bag, $59

LDS15213Frye Melissa Button Boot, $288

Hasta la vista, baby

xx,

WhyDid