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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)?

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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

Why Did You Eat That: When I Dip, You Dip, We Dip

By |August 16th, 2010|Los Angeles, Why Did You Eat That?|

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One of the only things I hate as much as leggings worn as pants is moving and apartment hunting. Luckily for me, I spent the entire weekend searching for a new home for me and the pooch. It was a daunting task for sure and I would have much rather spent my time poolside (cocktail in hand. obv), but I suppose this is one of life’s necessary evils.

But alas, it was not a complete and utter loss. One amazing thing that came out of this weekend’s hunt was stumbling upon Cole’s French Dip. After receiving a history lesson from one of the building’s leasing agents, I headed over to check out this so called “originator of the French Dip.”  Apparently, Cole’s is Los Angeles’s oldest public houses (dating back to 1908). It was recently renovated to reflect its heritage including the original bar.

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The menu is pretty straightforward as you can imagine. You obviously should go ahead and order the French dip. You can get beef, turkey, or pastrami and can add several different cheeses to jazz it up. This is all well and good, but you better save room for dessert. The chocolate pie is hands down the BEST thing I have ever put in my mouth. I would have eaten an entire pie MYSELF.

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This is a definite must try if you are in downtown LA. I know this is short, but there are really only two things on the menu worth eating.

Happy dipping.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: Not Just Another Meatball

By |July 19th, 2010|Los Angeles, Why Did You Eat That?|

C_LA2-2_1While in Los Angeles, I have been lucky enough to dine as some of best places the city has to offer. Last Thursday night, we went to Cecconi’s in West Hollywood. My girlfriends had been telling me this was one of their favorite places to eat in LA and upon arrival, I could see why. We passed through the terrace into the bar and main dining area. The room was aesthetically pleasing both with the decor as well as the clientele. I shouldn’t have been surprised seeing as Cecconi’s comes to you from the same folks as Soho House.

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We started with the goat cheese and summer truffle pizza and when I tell you it’s to die for, you’re lucky I’m here to type this. This was no dainty pizza either. It could have easily fed four, but we went ahead and left room for our entrees. By far one of the most delicious white pizzas I have ever had.

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For entrees, we ordered tuna tartare, which they bring to the table so that you can instruct them as to how you’d like it prepared. Also ordered was the halibut with lemon and chili rainbow chard. It isn’t often that a side is even better than the main, but this was one of those instances. I could have eaten an entire bowl of that chard.  The crab ravioli with saffron sauce did not disappoint either. I love any type of ravioli, but this one was especially good. The pasta was homemade and the crab was so moist that there was not even need for sauce.

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We didn’t stick around for dessert, but I hear that the wood oven baked pear gratin with cinnamon ice cream is worth saving room for.

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I can certainly say that this will be somewhere I return. Perhaps I will throw a little dinner party in the private Butterfly room. It’s not a cheap night out, but would certainly impress a date and is worth the splurge if you are looking an incredibly delicious meal.

Cecconi’s West Hollywood

8764 Melrose Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90069

310-432-2000

So what does one wear when dining in one of the prettiest places in LA? How about this:

NIGH-WD66_V4Nightcap Clothing Victorian Dress, $303

Screen shot 2010-10-12 at 1.33.36 PMNicholas Kirkwood Burma Slingbacks, $740

Screen shot 2010-10-12 at 1.38.32 PMRebecca Minkoff Clutch, $345

xx,

WhyDid