Staycation Issue

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Staycation
WEST HOLLYWOOD MAGAZINE

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2017 SUMMER ISSUE: STAYCATION
taycation
22
24
A CELEBRITY CRUISE
If you’re into cruising celebrities
— the Sunset Strip is the
primary place to go (but not the
only one).
SUMMER
STAYCATION
Can’t get the week off you need to really explore New
York City? Well, friends and neighbors, we suggest you
do what hundreds of thousands of people from around
the world do every year. Visit West Hollywood!
40
34
REKINDLING
ROMANCE
West Hollywood is the perfect getaway spot for rekindling
a romance, even for those of us who already live
here. Just read the gossip blogs about those who travel
from afar for that purpose.
AN ARTS &
CULTURE
ADVENTURE
There are plenty of free and low-cost ways to
vacation in your own city, such as immersing
yourself in its arts and culture scene without
spending big bucks.
48
IN THE KNOW
All Concierges hold the
pulses on their cities.
Being in the know and
spotting trends are essential
parts of being a
Concierge. We Interviewed
three from the
most luxurious hotels
in West Hollywood..

WHM
WEST HOLLYWOOD MAGAZINE
Dear friends and neighbors
AS A KID GROWING UP IN NORTH
PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Henry E. (Hank) Scott
henry@westhollywoodmag.net
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Allana Johnson
allana@yokcreative.com
SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR
Doug Stichler
Doug@WeHoMediaCo.com
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Owen Ward
Owen@WeHoMediaCo.com
ADVERTISING
(323) 454-7707
advertising@westhollywoodmag.net
FOLLOW US
westhollywoodmag.net
facebook.com/westhollywoodmag.net
instagram @westhollywoodmagazine
WHMC, 1138 Hacienda Place, No. 211,
West Hollywood, CA 90069. 323.454.7707.
CAROLINA (AND ATTENDING
THE SAME UNIVERSITY AS ANDY
GRIFFITH), I WATCHED THE ANDY
GRIFFITH SHOW AND MAYBERRY
RFD. THE FICTITIOUS MAYBERRY
IN THAT TELEVISION SERIES FELT
LIKE HOME TO ME, OR AT LEAST-
LIKE WHAT I WAS RAISED TO THINK
HOME SHOULD BE.
When Andy and Barney and Aunt Bee
walked down the streets they constantly
stopped to talk with friends and neighbors.
Even Otis Campbell and Ernest T.
Bass had a place in the hearts of their
neighbors, who endured Bass’s crazy
rock throwing and Campbell’s drunken
sidewalk stumbles. Despite the inevitable
tensions and disagreements, Mayberry
was family.
Almost six years ago I moved to West
Hollywood, the eleventh city where I
have lived, and what I hope will be the
last one. In WeHo I have found my Mayberry
-- a group of people who I consider
friends and family and our own hilarious
versions of Ernest T. Bass and
Otis Campbell. But I also have found the
sort of exotic and cosmopolitan community
that made my 20 years in New York
City so satisfying.
West Hollywood is a city of 1.89 square
miles that encompasses so many cultures.
There’s that Russian-speaking
world on the east side of town with
shops that sell fascinating trinkets and
restaurants that call to mind my time in
Moscow. There is that fringe of hip and
cheap shops along the city’s southern
border at Melrose Avenue that reminds
me of life in the old days on Lower
Broadway in New York City. There is
the Design District, with a collection of
stores that calls to mind the home décor
shops of the Boulevard Saint Germain in
Paris. And speaking of Paris, one could
compare our Boystown nightlife district
to the Marais. If you want to stalk the
paparazzi while they stalk Hollywood
celebrities, in West Hollywood there
places to do that.
If you lived in Mayberry you had to
take time off to go fishing in the country
or over to Asheville for a weekend
of big city life. But given that there is
so much to do in West Hollywood, and
that we have roughly 200 restaurants
and 18 hotels, we don’t need to leave
town to take break.
This issue of West Hollywood Magazine
is meant to challenge the idea that
your weekend getaway requires physically
getting away. Just book that West
Hollywood hotel room, find someone
to watch the dog, leave the car at home,
and create a bounce back email message
that says you’re away for the weekend.
That’s because you will be, in your
state of mind if not in actuality. You
will be in the West Hollywood that people
come from around the world to explore
and enjoy.
By Henry E. (Hank) Scott
Hank Scott is editor and
publisher of WEHOville.
com and West Hollywood
Magazine.
20
STAYCATION SUMMER 2017
21

PHOTO’S COURTESY OF : SUNSET TOWER HOTEL, CHATEAU MARMONT, LAUREL HARDWARE, SOFITEL WEST HOLLYWOOD, CATCH LA
TAKE A THREE-DAY WEEKEND AND
EXPLORE WEHO
Staycation
The end of summer is a month away and you
still haven’t taken a vacation? Can’t afford that
first class seat to Paris? Can’t get the week off
you need to really explore New York City? Well,
friends and neighbors, we suggest you do what
hundreds of thousands of people from around the
world do every year. Visit West Hollywood!
That’s right. Take a three-day weekend and explore
what the awesome Aussies, brilliant Brits
and naughty New Yorkers find so wonderful about
our little burg. All it takes is opening your eyes to
the rich mix of style and nightlife and dining that
characterize WeHo and that those of us who live
here never really take time to experience.
We at West Hollywood Magazine have put together
three different getaway agendas. One is for
those of you who are celebrity crazed, another
is for those who are art fans, and finally, one is
for those who need to spark new life into a relationship
that’s feeling a bit rusty. But that’s not
all. We’ve reached out to the concierges and front
desk staffers at local hotels to get their recommentions.
WeHo is too expensive, you say? Think of it this
way — for less than the cost of even an economy
class ticket to Paris (not to mention a week’s stay
in a hotel in the Marais) you can have the sort of
glamorous weekend in WeHo that people cross
the Atlantic for. And without having to take your
shoes and belt off and go through an airport security
line. But you must follow a couple of rules:
BOARD THE DOG AND DITCH THE CAR. NO
GOING HOME TO FEED FIDO WHILE YOU’RE
LUXURIATING IN A HOTEL ON THE SUNSET
STRIP. CALL A TAXI OR LIMO SERVICE (OR
UBER OR LYFT) TO GET AROUND — YOU’RE ON
VACATION, REMEMBER, AND YOU DON’T NEED
TO BE WORRYING ABOUT FINDING PARKING.
PACK LIKE YOU’RE HEADING TO THE BALMY
AND GLAMOROUS CLIMATE THAT WE ALL
TEND TO TAKE FOR GRANTED. MAYBE IT’S
TIME TO REPLACE THAT WORN BATHING SUIT.
DO YOU REALLY WANT TO SHOW UP FOR DIN-
NER IN A GLAM WEST HOLLYWOOD RESTAU-
RANT WEARING THAT SAME OLD COCKTAIL
DRESS OR THOSE SAD CARGO SHORTS?
On the pages that follow are our suggestions
for a visit to West Hollywood
that you’ll never forget.
TELL YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT
YOU’RE GOING ON VACATION, BUT DON’T
TELL THEM WHERE. THAT WILL CURB PHONE
CALLS FROM FRIENDS (AND COWORKERS)
THAT WILL DIM THE FANTASY OF YOUR
WEEKEND GETAWAY.
22 STAYCATION SUMMER 2017
23

IT’S EASY TO HAVE A STARRY-EYED STAYCAY IN WEHO
CHATEAU MARMONT
If you’re into cruising celebrities —
spotting in the flesh those folks you
see on the screen at the Arclight or
Regal Cinemas or on Bravo — the Sunset
Strip is the primary place to go
(but not the only one). One option is
a weekend at the Chateau Marmont,
which sits just east of the West Hollywood
border on Sunset Boulevard.
It’s a place where Robert Pattinson’s
comings and goings are the subjects
of almost-daily online gossip postings.
Lindsay Lohan was temporarily
banned from the Marmont after rack-
PHOTO COURTESY OF LE PARC SUITE HOTEL
ing up a $46,000 bill that she didn’t
A Celebrity Cruise
WITHOUT LEAVING TOWN
pay. But you might run into her there
now because Marmont owner Andre
Balazs lifted the ban in 2012. Also keep
your eyes open for the likes of Britney
Spears, Colin Farrell, Elijah Wood, Matt
Dillon, Christina Ricci, Tobey Maguire
and Jude Law. But remember, don’t ask
for autographs. You’re here to feel fabulous,
and groveling for an autograph
from an annoyed celeb is sure to set
the Marmont staff on edge.
Once your limo works its way past the
paparazzi and up Marmont Lane, the
bellboy will escort you to your room. A
standard room (about 300 square feet
with a courtyard view) will cost you
as little as $435 a night. But we suggest
you go for the “premier one bedroom
suite.” It will set you back $2,774 for
two nights, including taxes. But you’ll
get a kitchen and dining area and a
large terrace with sweeping views of
the city below. (On second thought,
who needs a kitchen in a city with such
fabulous restaurants?) That’s less
expensive that an 11-hour flight to Paris,
with you and your beloved crammed
into an economy seat, which is costing
around $2,000 at present.
THE SUNSET TOWER
The Marmont restaurant is another
place to celebrity cruise and dine, with
entrees in the $20 to $55 range (the latter
for the steak frites). But the joy of
West Hollywood and its environs (which
we call Greater WeHo) is that there are
many other celebrity cruising options.
We suggest that on Friday night you
summon your limo and head to the Sunset
Tower (ask the Marmont concierge
for help in securing a reservation).
Dimitri, the famed maitre ‘d, will seat
you in the Tower Bar, a restaurant
whose food hasn’t won a James Beard
prize, but Anjelica Huston, Bradley
Cooper, John Mayer, Jason Reitman,
Jason Sudeikis, Vince Vaughn and Barbara
Davis — to name a few of the
celebs likely dining near you — don’t
seem to mind. Dimitri is known for
his effusive welcome to celebrities and
regulars and also for not suffering arrogant
fools. Just ask that Arab sheik
whose demand for a table because he
was “royalty” sparked an invite from
Dimitri to dine elsewhere.
Saturday daytime? You can lounge by
the Marmont pool and see what those
stars look like without makeup artists
at hand. Or you can take a trip down
the dark side of Hollywood by signing
up for a Dearly Departed tour. Consider
it a way to say goodbye to celebrities
you haven’t met (and never will).
24 STAYCATION SUMMER 2017
25

BRITNEY SPEARS COLIN FARRELL ELIJAH WOOD MATT
DILLON CHRISTINA RICCI TOBEY MAGUIRE AND JUDE LAW
ANJELICA HUSTON BRADLEY COOPER JOHN MAYER JASON
REITMAN JASON SUDEIKIS VINCE VAUGHN BARBARA DAVIS
HILTON SISTERS CHELSEA HANDLER KRIS JENNER MARIAH
CAREY CINDY CRAWFORD LARRY DAVID SYLVESTER
STALLONE QUINCY JONES KENDALL AND KYLIE JENNER
LARRY KING ARI EMANUEL CHRIS BROWN NAS JAMIE FOXX
DAVID BECKHAM BOB SAGET MILLIE BOBBY BROWN PARIS
HILTON HILARY DUFF MATT DAMON AL PACINO KATY PERRY
KARDASHIANS TAYLOR LAUTNER JOSH HUTCHERSON

EXPLORE CASES LIKE MANSON, JANIS, WHITNEY AND MICHAEL
glitterati
My partner is crazy about celebrities. Is there a restaurant or club that we can
get into without a month-ahead reservation to catch a glimpse of someone
like Beyonce, or Justin Bieber or Kylie Jenner?
Of course, one can never totally guarantee a celeb spotting. Ultimately, you can
see them anywhere, from Pavilions to Starbucks to Equinox. But when it comes
to dinner there are a few places that up your odds of seeing a celeb or two.
Craig’s, PUMP and Cecconi’s are always hot and a good bet for seeing a celeb.
SARAH DANDASHY/THE LONDON WEST HOLLYWOOD
THE DEARLY
DEPARTED TOUR
Driver Brian Donelly will
have you laughing (not easy,
considering the subject) during
his two-and-a-half hour
drive through Hollywood,
West Hollywood and Beverly
Hills. You’ll see the place on
Ivar and Hollywood Boulevard
where Fred Mertz collapsed
on the street. You’ll see the last
place where Mae West could
say “come up and see me sometime.”
You’ll see the actual
bungalow at the Marmont
where John Belushi overdosed.
You’ll hear the 911 tapes of one
of the Menendez brothers reporting
the murder of his parents
and of Joaquin Phoenix
pleading for help for his brother,
River, outside the Viper
Room on Sunset Boulevard.
It’s all poignant reminder that
no matter how fabulous we
are, we all end up in the same
place. And if you’re into selfies,
take advantage of that stop
at Will Rogers Park in Beverly
Hills, where your guide will
urge you to get a photo taken
next to the urinal where the
late George Michaels got busted.
Call (855) 600-DEAD to
make a reservation. And consider
taking a creepy tour of
the museum at 5901 Santa
Monica Blvd. before you hop
onto the tour van. If that museum
won’t make you hug one
another (out of fright), what
else could?
911
PHOTO COURTESY CHATEAU MARMONT
29

CRAIG’S WEST
HOLLYWOOD
dishes (remember, you’re
still in Southern California!)
IF REALITY TV IS YOUR PASSION...
If you still have an appetite
after the Dearly Departed
Tour, there are many options
for a Saturday night
dinner. Consider Craig’s on
Melrose Avenue, where you
might spot the Hilton sisters,
Chelsea Handler, Kris
Jenner or Mariah Carey, to
name a few regulars.
Craig Susser, who opened the
restaurant about seven years
ago, offers an American classic
menu with an Italian
twist Pasta carbonara, chicken
parmigiana, cioppino are
a few of those dishes. It also
includes a selection of vegan
The spaghetti dish named
after the late Hollywood producer,
agent and actor Jerry
Weintraub validates the film
industry connection.
SUR
If reality TV is your passion,
you can’t do worse than dinner
at SUR, the set for Lisa
Vanderpump’s Bravo reality
show “Vanderpump Rules.”
You’re almost certain to see
at least one of the “real housewives”
of Beverly Hills dining
near you (after all, Vanderpump
herself is one of
them). But you’ll probably,
PHOTO COURTESY OF CATCH LA
PHOTO COURTESY OF SUR
depending on your sexual
orientation, want to goggle
the SUR staff, whose sexual
antics give “Vanderpump
Rules” what plot it has.
Keep an eye out for Jax Taylor
and Tom Sandoval. With
any luck, your hostess will
be Stassi Schroeder or Kristen
Doute. The food – mostly
American classic — gets
generally good ratings. But
the food is not what SUR is
about, is it?
If sitting at a table SUR doesn’t
satisfy your hunger for Lisa
Vanderpump, you might consider
walking up Robertson
Boulevard to P.U.M.P., her
restaurant and lounge on the
corner of Santa Monica Boulevard,
where she also hangs
out. You also might quench
that Vanderpump thirst with a
cocktail at SUR made from her
branded booze. The Strawberrini
and SUR Cosmo both
include Vanderpump Vodka.
CATCH LA
Cindy Crawford, Larry David,
Sylvester Stallone, Quincy
Jones, Kendall and Kylie Jenner,
Larry King, Ari Emanuel,
Chris Brown, Nas, Jamie
Foxx, David Beckham, Bob
Saget, Millie Bobby Brown,
Paris Hilton, Hilary Duff. So,
you were looking for a celebrity
menu? You’ll find it at
Catch LA.
The restaurant atop the roof
of the building at the intersection
of San Vicente Boulevard
and Melrose Avenue is
relatively new. But it already
is so solidly booked that you’ll
need to make a reservation
well in advance of your staycay
(or ask the agent or manager
of a fabulous friend to
book one for you.)
30 STAYCATION SUMMER 2017
31

of spiced curry of Jidori chicken legs with potatoes, cucumber
yogurt, cilantro and papadams. EP also offers a reasonably
priced brunch menu.
JUST DON’T GAWK
If you’re crazy about the Kardashians, you might dine elsewhere.
The Australian website D’Marge interviewed Smillie
and said he “still retains his own moral standing when
it comes to celebrity endorsements. One line he will never
cross is that of the Kardashians.” He has declined their multiple
offers to film in his restaurant.
After dinner, you can head to Delilah on Santa Monica Boulevard
near the old French Market. Don’t worry, those WeHo
friends and neighbors who think you’re out of town will see
you unless they’re part of the celebrity glitterati.
Delilah was opened by h.wood Group’s John Terzian and
A must is dressing like a
reality TV celebrity (the restaurant
notes on its website
that it reserves the right to
turn away anyone inappropriately
dressed). However,
if you are a true celebrity,
you’ll no doubt get away
with those newly fashionable
torn jeans.
While you’re drooling over
the celebs, don’t forget to at
least take a bite of that $93
Alaskan King Crab or that
$79 whole snapper. Yeah, it’s
expensive. But remember
you’re surrounded by stars
— in the sky above and at
the tables around you. Just
don’t gawk.
EP & LP
Another in what appears to
be a growing trend of rooftop
bars and restaurants is EP &
LP. Located on the top of the
building at 603 N. La Cienega
Blvd. at Melrose, its outdoor
patio is called Long Play
(hence “LP”), and the restaurant
on the floor below is
called “EP” (extended play).
Consider that one of its owners
is Grant Smillie, a famous
Aussie DJ. EP, LP, DJ — now it
all starts to make sense.
The rooftop offers views of the
Hollywood Hills and features
a bar where you may spot the
likes of Matt Damon or Al Pacino.
(Although they may be
tucked away in the more reclusive
rooftop section known
as “Frankies.”) The bar offers
Asian-Aussie influenced cocktails
such as “Where Love
Lives, a mix of mezcal, damiana,
passion fruit, guava, Thai
chili and lime, and bites like
organic tofu fries and a panko
breaded fish sandwich.
If you’re a little afraid of
heights, you also can book
a table at EP downstairs,
whose executive chef is the
famed Louis Tikaram. This
restaurant bills itself as “an
Asian eating house without
regional boundaries.” The
food has hints of Chinese, Fijian
and Vietnamese cuisine
and includes fresh California
produce. Grandma’s Fijian
Chicken Curry is a good
example, with a combination
PETIT ERMITAGE
PHOTO COURTESY OF SUNSET TOWER
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHATEAU MARMONT
PHOTO COURTESY OF PETIT ERMITAGE
PHOTO COURTESY OF SUNSET MARQUIS
Brian Tollare last fall in the space once occupied by DBA and
the somewhat infamous Voyeur, a topless club with a hint
of bondage that became notorious nationally in 2010 when
it was revealed that Republican National Committee reimbursed
one of its members for his spending there.
Delilah’s interior has a “Roaring Twenties” vibe, an atmosphere,
its owners say “that attributes to the timeless charm
and grace that once existed during Hollywood’s golden era.”
The menu is pretty classic -- baby back ribs, filet mignon,
macaroni and cheese with truffles. But if you’ve eaten elsewhere,
you can enjoy Deliah for the cocktails and the atmosphere,
which may well include Taylor Lautner, Katy Perry,
Kendall Jenner, Shay Mitchell, Josh Hutcherson, Randy Jackson
or E.J. Johnson.
The drink menu might require a dictionary. Specialty cocktails
at Delilah include the Pink Pussycat which includes
allaire rum, contratto bianco, barsol pisco, chardonnay,
honey, rosehip and hibiscus tea and the Loca Loni combines
banana and spice infused herradura reposado tequila,
tuaca, tawny port, Frangelico and tea pot bitters and is
served on a rock with a flamed cinnamon stick and banana
chips.
Now back to that 1,000 square foot room at the Marmont
(bigger than your WeHo apartment?) for some sweet dreams
about your star-spangled weekend.
32
STAYCATION SUMMER 2017 33

Art Culture
ENJOYING ART & CULTURE (ON A BUDGET)
34 STAYCATION SUMMER 2017
35
PHOTO COURTESY OF GALLERY MONTAIGNE

STAYCATION SUMMER 2017
NO BUCKS
NO PROBLEM
There are plenty of places in ation is the Best Western on
West Hollywood where you Sunset Boulevard, which one
can plan a lavish “staycation.”
But there also are free machine in the hall and its
visitor cited for its vending
and low-cost ways to vacation
in your own city, such pool as well as its luxurious
resident squirrel around the
as immersing yourself in its beds. As of publication, a single
king goes for $309 a night
arts and culture scene without
spending big bucks. and a suite with a balcony
and a city view is about $500.
Let’s start with the hotels. There’s no restaurant on site,
One worth your consider-
but Saddle Ranch will deliver
from across the street.
The Ramada Inn on Santa
Monica Boulevard puts you
within walking distance of
everything. And, given the
background of its manager
and the preponderance of
its customers, you just might
feel for a few seconds that
you are in Australia. Next
door is Kitchen 24, where
you might run into neighbors
and friends. Across the
street is Shake Shack, a popular
burger joint, though it
no longer has the long lines
down the street that made
dining there a labor of love.
A room with a king bed at
the Ramada will cost you
about $210. An executive
suite, which comes with a
microwave and free movies
and TV, runs around $230.
Now to exploring art and
culture in the Creative City.
Given our small size, it’s a
walkable daytime adventure.
You might start at Mystery
Pier Books, the hidden gem
at 8826 W. Sunset Blvd. at
Holloway that is a must-see
for zealous readers. Browse
first editions (often signed)
written by celebrated authors
such as Agatha
Christie, Raymond
Chandler, Jane
Austen and Noel
Coward. Other
shoppers have included
Johnny Depp,
Bono, Daniel Craig, Jude
Law, Cameron Diaz, Nicole
Kidman, John Malkovich
and Oprah.
Harvey Jason and his son,
Louis M. Jason, own and operate
Mystery Pier books.
COLD WAR ESPIONAGE
IN CUBA. A CON MAN
AND A HOOKER IN LOVE
AND LOOKING FOR HID-
DEN MILLIONS. WHAT
COULD BE A BETTER WAY
TO TAKE YOUR FOCUS
OFF THE DAILY NEWS?
The shop’s usual hours are
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday
through Saturday and from
noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday,
but calling ahead is recommended.
(The store is a celebrity
favorite, so you’ll be
out of luck if you turn up at
the same time Michael Caine
has a private appointment to
browse). Call (310) 657-5557
to schedule a time to visit.
Almost next door is Book
Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd.,
which may well have an author
event when you stop
by. On July 27, for example,
Paul Vidich and Richard
Lange will be signing copies
of their respective novels
“The Good Assassin” and
“The Smack” at 7 p.m. Cold
War espionage in Cuba. A
con man and a hooker in love
and looking for hidden millions.
What could be a better
way to take your focus off
the daily news? Then walk
south. If you haven’t done
it yet, and so many haven’t,
you should tour West Hollywood
Library, 625 N. San Vicente
Blvd. between Santa
Monica and Melrose. The
library offers more than
books and magazines and
a way to escape the noise.
There are frequent art exhibitions
and events. For example,
on the first Thursday
of every month it screens
(for free) a classic film (“Citizen
Kane” on Aug. 4 and “An
American in Paris on Sept.
7). The library is open from
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays
and Saturdays and from 1 to
5 p.m. on Sundays.
Now you have only a fewmore
blocks to go to check
out the visual art scene.
36
37

A CULTURAL DESTINATION
Center for Art and Architecture, 835
N. Kings Rd. at Willoughby.
PHOTO COURTESY OF M+B
PHOTO COURTESY OF GALLERY MONTAIGNE
PHOTO COURTESY OF MAK CENTER FOR ART AND ARCHITECTURE
isual Arts
PHOTO COURTESY OF TRIGG ISON FINE ART
First, stop at the Museum of Contemporary
Art at the Pacific Design
Center, 8687 Melrose Ave.
between Santa Monica and Melrose.
(Directly across the street
from the library). The current
exhibit, “Naked Is the Best Disguise,”
features the work of L.A.
artist Peter Shire and is up until
July 2. You’ll see fascinating
tables, lamps and chairs—including
Shire’s celebrated Bel
Air Chair (1981). There also will
be more than 20 of the teapots
whose design Shire is famous for.
Admission is free, and MOCA is
open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday
through Friday and from 11
a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Less than a mile away from
MOCA at PDC, you’ll find an important
architectural landmark
that surely you’ve heard of,
even if you haven’t seen it. It’s
the Schindler House at the MAK
#ADVENTUREISOUTTHERE
PHOTO COURTESY OF MAK CENTER FOR ART AND ARCHITECTURE
Schindler House is one of L.A.’s most
beloved architectural and cultural
landmarks. Built in 1922, the house
was designed by Austrian architect
Rudolph Schindler. It revolutionized
residential architect as it didn’t have
the conventional living room or dining
room or bedrooms. It was shared
for a time by Schindler and his wife,
Pauline, with their friends, Clyde and
Marian Chace, and then with competitor
Richard Neutra and his wife Dione
and son Frank. It also has been home
to famous novelist Theodore Dreiser
and composer John Cage.
The MAK Center is open from 11 a.m. to
6 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.
Admission is $10, or $7 for students
and seniors.
Now walk back west along Melrose
Avenue to check out West Hollywood’s
largest cluster art galleries, including
Galerie Montaigne, George Stern Fine
Arts and Louis Stern Fine Art. There
are a few other galleries off that beaten
path. For example, there’s Daniel
Clayton Gallery at 513 N. Robertson
Blvd., Denenberg at 417 San Vicente
Blvd., M+B at 612 N. Almont Dr., the
8727 Gallery at 8727 Beverly Blvd. and
Trigg Ison Fine Art at 9009 Beverly.
There is a cluster of galleries in the
Pacific Design Center, but most require
appointments to visit.
38
STAYCATION SUMMER 2017 39

e L ight Is Out?
HERE’S WHERE AND HOW TO REKINDLE THAT LOVE.

You love her (or him) dearly. But let’s
face it, after seven years, or 10, or 20,
the spark no longer appears as quickly
as it does on a good gas stove.
West Hollywood is the perfect getaway
spot for rekindling a romance, even
for those of us who already live here.
Just read the gossip blogs about those
who travel from afar for that purpose
42 STAYCATION SUMMER 2017
— REMEMBER CALVIN KLEIN HOOKING UP
WITH ESTRANGED BOY TOY NICK GRUBER
AT THE CHATEAU MARMONT AND SELENA
GOMEZ AND JUSTIN BIEBER LOOKING FOR
LOVE IN ALL THE WRONG WEHO PLACES?
Before you embark on this honeymoon,
take a few steps to increase its
likelihood of success. The first step is
to make sure you and your partner
agree that this weekend will be about
you and your partner.
Set up a bounce back email that tells
Please
DO NOT
D ISTURB
THE RED SUITE BY JONATHAN ADLER: PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDAZ® WEST HOLLYWOOD
your friends and business associates
that you’ll get back to them once the
weekend is over. And don’t answer
those text messages or telephone calls.
In fact, record a new voice mail message
that explains you are too far away
to respond to calls this weekend. While
that might not literally be true, you
will be far away in your mind, because
that’s what this staycay is all about.
Now, where to stay? If you’re going
to devote 48 hours to rekindling a
romance, you might consider the Chateau
Marmont, which a few years ago
made NBC News.com’s list of top 10
places where celebrities go to hookup.
If it works for them, why not for you?
A list from Trip Advisor, the online
travel booking website, lists The London,
the Chamberlain, the Mondrian,
Petit Ermitage, Le Parc Suite, Le Montrose,
Sunset Tower, the Grafton on
Sunset, the Sunset Marquis and Sofitel
as WeHo’s most romantic hotels. But
let’s face it, all of West Hollywood’s hotels
are about romance, whether it be
for a day or for a lifetime.
If you’re a sugar daddy or sugar momma
you might consider the $25,000 a night
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LONDON WEST HOLLYWOOD
suite designed by Vivienne Westwood
at the London. The two-level penthouse
is so expensive that it made TheStreet.com’s
list of “Top 10 Most Expensive
Hotel Suites in the World.” That is
pricey, but consider that No. 1 on The
Street’s list is the Royal Penthouse suite
at the Hotel President Wilson in Geneva,
priced at $67,000 a night (not clear
whether 11 a.m. is a firm checkout time
for that suite).
If you think you’ll be spending all
your time in that Vivienne Westwood
bed wondering how you’ll pay for it,
there are cheaper romantic options at
the London and elsewhere. For example,
the Andaz offers the visually stimulating
Red Suite, styled by noted designer
Jonathan Adler. Located on the
12th floor, it offers a great view south
of West Hollywood and Greater L.A.
You’ll not only feel comfortable because
of the view and the design (Adler
has described the bedroom as a “floaty,
dreamlike space”), you’ll also feel good
because 30% of the rate charged for
your room goes to (RED), the organization
established by Bono and Bobby
Shriver’s AIDS organization.
Once you’ve booked your hotel, consider
dining in the restaurant there or
in a restaurant at another hotel. That
makes it less likely that you’ll encounter
a neighbor or local friend who will
drag you back into your day-to-day life
and out of the romantic cloud that this
staycation is all about.
43
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GRAFTON ON SUNSET

18. What is your most terrible memory?
19. If you knew that in one year you
would die suddenly, would you
change anything about the way
you are now living? Why?
34. Your house, containing everything
you own, catches fire. After saving
your loved ones and pets, you have
time to safely make a final dash to
save any one item. What would it
be? Why?
The Questions
As to how to rekindle that relationship,
there are several options, one of
which you can do without leaving your
room. Mandy Len Catron explains it in
“To Fall in Love with Anyone, Do This,” you ever rehearse what you are
an article by her published in The New going to say? Why?
York Times in 2015 and now available
4. What would constitute a “perfect”
as a podcast.
day for you?
The concept is for two people, whether
new acquaintances or long-time lov-
To someone else?
5. When did you last sing to yourself?
ers, to face one another and take turns
6. If you were able to live to the age of 90
asking three sets of 36 questions or requests
designed to increase the level of
and retain either the mind or body of
a 30-year-old for the last 60 years of
intimacy. After that, you look into one
your life, which would you want?
another’s eyes for four solid minutes,
and you’re in love!
7. Do you have a secret hunch about
THE QUESTIONS?
SET ONE
1. Given the choice of anyone in the
world, whom would you want as a
dinner guest?
2. Would you like to be famous? In
what way?
3. Before making a telephone call, do
how you will die?
8. Name three things you and your
partner appear to have in common.
9. For what in your life do you feel
most grateful?
10. If you could change anything
about the way you were raised,
what would it be?
11. Take four minutes and tell your
partner your life story in as much
detail as possible.
12. If you could wake up tomorrow
having gained any one quality or
ability, what would it be?
SET TWO
13. If a crystal ball could tell you the
truth about yourself, your life, the
future or anything else, what
would you want to know?
14. Is there something
that you’ve dreamed of
doing for a long time?
Why haven’t you done
it?
15. What is the greatest
accomplishment
of your life?
16. What do you value
most in a friendship?
17. What is your most
treasured memory?
20. What does friendship mean to you?
21. What roles do love and affection
play in your life?
22. Alternate sharing something
you consider a positive
characteristic of your
partner. Share a total of
five items.
23. How close and warm is
your family? Do you feel
your childhood was happier
than most other people’s?
24. How do you feel about your relationship
with your mother?
SET THREE
25. Make three true “we” statements
each. For instance, “We are both in
this room feeling ... ”
26. Complete this sentence: “I wish I
had someone with whom I could
share ...”
27. If you were going to become
a close friend with your
partner, please share what
would be important for him
or her to know.
28. Tell your partner what you like
about them; be very honest this
time, saying things that you might
not say to someone you’ve just met.
29. Share with your partner an embarrassing
moment in your life.
30. When did you last cry in front of
another person? By yourself?
31. Tell your partner something
that you like about them already.
32. What, if anything, is too serious
to be joked about?
33. If you were to die this evening
with no opportunity
to communicate with anyone,
what would you most
regret not having told someone?
Why haven’t you told
them yet?
PHOTOGRAPHY: BROOK LARK
35. Of all the people in your family,
whose death would you find most
disturbing? Why?
36. Share a personal problem and ask
your partner’s advice on how he or
she might handle it. Also, ask your
partner to reflect back to you how
you seem to be feeling about the
problem you have chosen.
44 STAYCATION SUMMER 2017
45

There are two West Hollywood stores
that can help with that both of which
offer a variety of accoutrements designed
to stimulate your, uh, imagination.
stimulate
designed to
WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU’RE FEELING THE LOVE DEEP
IN YOUR HEART BUT NOT EXPRESSING IT IN BED?
THE PLEASURE CHEST
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PLEASURE CHEST
Larry Flynt’s Hustler Hollywood, still
open on the corner of Sunset and Hilldale
but moving at some point, is an
open and airy emporium that includes
a cafe when you’re ready to take a
break from exploring the vibrators
and lubricants and adult videos that
might take your relationship into previously
unexplored territory.
The Pleasure Chest, on Santa Monica
Boulevard near Genesee, is stocked
with a similar array of products. Perhaps
you and your partner spend some
time in bed in your hotel reading aloud
from “The Little Black Book of Kama
Sutra,” which Pleasure Chest offers for
$9.95. Hustler and Pleasure Chest both
offer a variety of toys for adults to play
with, some covered in glittering gold.
If this staycation is to entertain a boyfriend
or girlfriend visiting from far
away, you might consider trying out
Pleasure Chest’s “We Vibe Sync,” a
couples vibrator that can be activated
from anywhere in the world (with
a Wi-Fi connection). As one user noted:
“Great for long distance relationships I
got this for my girlfriend. She lives in
New York, I’m in Chicago. It took our
Skype game to the next level ... I can
control her orgasms from thousands of
miles away. Pretty dope.”
Just remember, hard as it is to do, turn
that cell phone off for the duration of
your stay. Why pursue virtual relationships,
no matter how briefly stimulating,
when the one you love is in
bed beside you?

SARAH DANDASHY CAN GUIDE YOU
AROUND WEHO, AND AROUND THE WORLD
THE LONDON
Sarah Dandashy is The London West
Hollywood’s lead concierge. With over
12 years of concierge experience in the
Beverly Hills area, she is a recognized
member of Les Clefs d’Or, the professional
organization of concierges. In
2015, Les Clefs d’Or even named her
“World’s Best Young Concierge.”
She not only can tell you where to go
and what to do in WeHo, you can count
on Sarah for advice for that next vacation
elsewhere.
Taking her profession and passion
beyond the desk, she also hosts
an online travel series called “Ask
A Concierge” (http://askaconcierge.tv/),
where she shares weekly travel tip
videos on where to eat, what to see
and where to go in Los Angeles… and
around the world.
Q. What restaurant would you recommend
for a romantic dinner?
Sarah: Our restaurant, Boxwood on
the Roof! There’s no better way to
enjoy the balmy summer evenings
than at our rooftop restaurant. Noteworthy
cuisine overlooking views of
the city is the perfect date night destination.
But if you are seeking a restaurant
outside of a hotel, Gracias Madre
has a beautiful patio and delicious,
healthy cuisine.
Q. What restaurant would you recommend
for my dinner with the family?
Sarah: Taste on Melrose is a perfect
family spot. It’s a nice midrange restaurant
with a fun scene.
in the know
ASK A CONCIERGE
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LONDON WEST HOLLYWOOD
Q. My partner is crazy about celebrities.
Is there a restaurant or club that
we can get into without a month-ahead
reservation to catch a glimpse of someone
like Beyonce, or Justin Bieber or
Kylie Jenner?
Sarah: Of course, one can never totally
guarantee a celeb spotting. Ultimately,
you can see them anywhere, from Pavilions
to Starbucks to Equinox. But
when it comes to dinner there are a
few places that up your odds of seeing
a celeb or two. Craig’s, PUMP and Cecconi’s
are always hot and a good bet for
seeing a celeb.
Q. We want to dance! Where should we
go if we’re gay? If we’re straight?
Sarah: The Abbey is the cornerstone of
West Hollywood—gay, straight, curious,
it’s a dance spot that welcomes all!
Otherwise, Micky’s is great for the gay
scene and The Doheny Room is popular
if you’re looking for a straight lounge.
Q. Is there a quiet and romantic bar
you would recommend where the two
of us can hold hands and talk? If we’re
gay? If we’re straight?
Sarah: Zinque on Melrose is a gay/
straight friendly wine bar and a perfect
place to catch up over a glass of vino.
Q. I want to buy an anniversary
present for my spouse? Any places
you would recommend?
Sarah: Westime is great if there are
watch lovers in the family. Otherwise,
Restoration Hardware is the perfect
for those looking to enhance the home
with their unique and comfortable designs
and homewares. A bonus, they
have rooftop park thats worth a visit!
Q. Shhh, keep this a secret! But I’m
planning to propose marriage to my
partner this weekend. Is there a cool
place you’d recommend where I could
do that?
Sarah: Our rooftop restaurant is perfect
for a proposal! Make a staycation
out of the celebration or pop the surprise
over a romantic dinner.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CATCH LA
48 STAYCATION SUMMER 2017
49

THE MONDRIAN
With 20+ years on the job, the Mondrian’s
Greg Hall, assisted by Tara
Goldsborough, know where to go (and
what’s gone)
Beach Nation has closed (and we still
don’t know what’s replacing it). Yes,
V Cheese Shoppe also has closed, but
its sister, V Wine Bar, is still hidden
away around the corner. And you’ll
be able to find falafel before long on
Santa Monica Boulevard at the Halal
Guys where Champagne French Bakery
used to be.
As a resident, you no doubt know that
West Hollywood is a constantly evolving
city. Who should you turn to keep
up to date? That would be Greg Hall,
who moved to Los Angeles from Atlanta
and has worked as a concierge at the
Mondrian for almost two decades. With
the help of fellow concierge Tara Goldsborough,
a singer-songwriter, actor and
musician originally from Missouri, we
got answers to these questions:
Q. What restaurant would you recommend
for a romantic dinner?
Greg and Tara: Ivory on Sunset- table
75, the “R & J” table. Mr. Montague and
Ms. Capulet would approve. There’s
also Perch L.A. and The Little Door.
Q. What restaurantwould a glimpse of
someone like Beyonce, or Justin Bieber
or Kylie Jenner?
Greg & Tara: Craig’s, Catch L.A., Jones
on 3rd.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MONDRIAN
where
to go
Q. We want to dance! Where should we
go if we’re gay? If we’re straight?
Greg & Tara: If you’re just the right
amount of gay, you’ll dance almost
anywhere, but sure bets are “Bears in
Space” at Akbar and Precinct DTLA.
General interest dance-offs: Nightingale
and 1OAK.
Q. Is there a quiet and romantic
bar you would recommend
where the two of us can hold
hands and talk? If we’re gay? If
we’re straight?
Greg & Tara: EP & LP, Pearls Liquor
Bar, the Harlowe.
Q. I want to buy an anniversary present
for my spouse? Any places you
would recommend?
Greg & Tara: First year paper: Soolip.
Third year/leather: 665 West Hollywood
or Exhibit at The Mondrian for
one-of-a-kind collectibles.
Q. Shhh, keep this a secret! But I’m
planning to propose marriage to my
partner this weekend. Is there a cool
place you’d recommend where I could
do that?
Greg & Tara: Cliffside above El Matador
Beach or brave the trail down and
cross through the rocky arch at low tide
to the more secluded El Pescador. Mondrian
guest rooms are a popular choice
and can be appointed with rose petals,
flowers, champagne and more. Many
have chosen the south-facing window
seats at Skybar -- twilight is best.
50
STAYCATION SUMMER 2017 51

STAYCATION SUMMER 2017
Vicenza, Italy, and traveled
through Europe often as a
child which contributed to
his affinity for the hospitality
industry. James has been
with Hyatt since February
2014 and at Andaz West Hollywood
for about a year. In
THE ANDAZ
Luther James is an assistant
front office manager at
the Andaz who was born in
his free time he enjoys hiking
in Malibu, trying out
new brunch spots and traveling.
His favorite vacation
spots include San Diego, San
Francisco and Colorado.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SUR
Q. What restaurant would you
recommend for a romantic
dinner?
James: The Little Door
Q. What restaurant would
you recommend for my dinner
with the family?
James: Connie and Teds, Riot
House Restaurant and Bar
PHOTO COURTESY OF LAUREL HARDWARE
Q. My partner is crazy about
celebrities. Is there a restaurant
or club that we can
get into without a monthahead
reservation to catch
a glimpse of someone like
Beyonce, or Justin Bieber or
Kylie Jenner?
James: SUR and PUMP
PHOTO COURTESY OF LE PARC SUITES: PHOTO OF ANDAZ WEST HOLLYWOOD
Q. We want to dance! Where
should we go if we’re gay? If
we’re straight?
James: The Abbey, Argyle
Q. Is there a quiet and romantic
bar you would recommend
where the two
of us can hold hands and
talk? If we’re gay? If we’re
straight?
James: Laurel Hardware
Q. I want to buy an anniversary
present for my spouse?
Any places you
would recommend?
James: Sunset Plaza shops,
Melrose Avenue
Q. Shhh, keep this a secret!
But I’m planning to propose
marriage to my partner
this weekend. Is there a
cool place you’d recommend
where I could do that?
James: Consider going sky
high to pop the question to
your partner. The Andaz
West Hollywood rooftop.
The building’s height and
its placement mean is higher
above sea level than any
other WeHo place, and both
the proposal and views are
likely to be breathtaking.
52
53

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