Hollywood

Me: Dec 2009, trying to pose like a tourist

Ok! So probably the first place a guest will ask to visit. They are usually underwhelmed. It's a little grimmy, but the trick is so know what to do! I say, do visit the Gruman's Chinese Theatre but I recommend you actually watch a movie there or across the street at the Disney El Capitan Theatre. These 2 majestic movie theatres built during Hollywood's heyday. Ornate details and velvet curtains that actually open before the movie. This is me

Me: Jun 2011 in the lobby of Roosevelt Hotel

Walk to the next block to the Roosevelt hotel and have drink by the pool if you feel like it. but the best bar in town is hiding in it's lobby. Look for the little window on the side, and inside will by the tiny library bar. On the bar you will see ingredients at straight from the farmers market, that will be used for your cocktail. Your bartender will gladly make suggestions based on what you like and pick something seasonal for you.I just love to stare at the old Art Deco Moroccan themed design while I am here.

You can walk up to or drive to nearby Yamashiros  just for view (even when they are closed). This is another old Hollywood haunt. During the summer they have a Wednesday farmers market up there. You can stop in for drinks and food too but I've never done that.

Are you in Hollywood on a Sunday? Stop by the farmers market off Ivar. 

Food!

Go to Cleo's! Modern middle eastern food. Small bites and good cocktails. Please make a reservation. Otherwise you can wait for a seat at the bar and eat there too! These are in the city's list for best brussel sprouts. The chef knows what's up. There's even longanisa (Filipino pork sweet vinegar sausage) on the menu.

Dessert

Mashti Malone for the most refreshing Persian ice cream. They will have your usual flavors like chocolate and vanilla but they also other fragrant flavors such as ginger, lavender, rose, saffron ice cream. 

Bars

I suggest La Descarga. You are required to make a reservation on a weekend. Why? It's another speakeasy bar. I don't want to give it away. It's fun actually surprising friends with it, because you get lead into a room, and the hosts opens the coats in the coat closet.. And viola! You are lead downstairs to a bar. Salsa themed. Bar is small so.. So.. Hard to stay the whole night.. So I highly recommend...

Harvard and stone as your next stop with the same owners. This place has a more edgy Hollywood trying to be rockstar but not making it yet feeling. Heh. Hah. You know? No you don't. Just go! 

You can also head to Cahuenga Blvd. It's an area of Hollywood with bars right next to each other. I liked starting  out somewhere quiet such as Hotel Cafe that always have live bands playing, and then end up somewhere nearby with thumping music blasting. You pick.

View at Yamashiro's: