Staycation Issue

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.
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STAYCATION SUMMER 2017 51