LA’s Fashion District: This Ain’t Rodeo Drive

The frenzied streets of LA’s Fashion District seem worlds away from Beverly Hills’ manicured poshness three miles to the west. Reminiscent of a cross-border shopping trip to Mexico, LA’s fashion district is a mecca for in-the-know Angelenos looking for bargains.



Pretty it ain’t…in fact, if you have an aversion to crowds, Mexican-style mercados, or loud noises, be forewarned - this is not the place for you. The draw for me is seeing an actual sidewalk in LA overflowing with people, not to mention knock-offs galore.



Sidewalk vendors cook up hot dogs wrapped in bacon (aka heart attack in a bun) under questionable hygienic circumstances. But it’s easy to overlook when you catch a whiff of the delicious greasiness. Bells from popsicle carts jingle, hawkers shout ‘5 doh-lers, cinco dolares’, and blasting ranchera and techno music energizes and deafens at the same time. All in all, it seems like a real downtown - more of the third world-variety, but a downtown filled with people nevertheless.



Santee Alley – a heavily-congested alley that would make claustrophobes run for cover - is ground zero of the Fashion District. Located between Maple and Santee streets on the stretch between Olympic and Pico Blvds, Santee Alley is notorious for all sorts of bootleg items. You’ll find ‘designer’ handbags, pirated DVDs, let-it-all-hang-out dresses, noisy toys, and assorted ghetto bling. If you’re looking for fabric, bead, rug, and flower stores, they are concentrated north of the alley around 8th and 9th.

Tips:
• Bargaining's almost a requirement, or the chotchkie-pushers will think you’re a pushover
• Most places don’t have dressing rooms
• Bring cash because these shops don’t accept American Express (or Mastercard or Visa for that matter)
• Parking is plentiful. Just bring a couple bucks – lots run about $3 to $6 for the day, depending on when you go

Sweet Libertine: Breath Of Fresh Air On The Sunset Strip

Amid the ADD-inducing lights and glitz of the Sunset Strip lies the nondescript lounge Libertine. You won’t find lines of the barely legal, let-it-all-hang-out crowd here. That’s because one, they’re all at Dublin’s or Miyagis down the street and two, there are no lines at Libertine. This is a place that realizes making people wait in lines is not cool.



In fact, Libertine is still a well-kept secret. From the outside, it looks like a historic old house (Charlie Chaplin lived here in the 1920s) and it’s so non-descript there's no sign out front, which can make it a bit challenging to find. But it’s worth the effort.



The best way to spot the place is to look out for Pinche’s Tacos – the cheerily decorated, lip smackingly-good taco place next to Libertine. Open late, Pinche’s provides the perfect 2am snack. In fact, the food’s so darn good (granted, I had a couple of drinks in me at the time) that you might yell ‘Pinche tacos’ when you realize those three tacos you just scarfed are not calorie-free.



Unlike a cavernous club or a cramped dive bar, Libertine is more like a classy house party, with plenty of room to lounge on the couches or bust a move on the small dance floor.



It’s sparsely decorated, except for the occasional flat screen TV adorning the wall. And if you want some air, the cheery back patio is relatively roomy, lit up with lights, and even has a few chairs and tables.



Like most places, the music differs by night. Check the site for details. The Friday we were there was ‘House of Groove’ night, and the drummer accompanying the DJ made the whole set seem like live music. Did I mention Libertine boasts a stripper pole? It doesn’t quite fit in with the rest of the place…but then again, Libertine doesn’t quite fit in with the rest of the Sunset Strip.

Libertine on Sunset
8210 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(across from Chateau Marmont)
323-656-3005

Getty Center: Fridays Off The 405

Once a month the Getty Center plays host to an LA-tastic evening event. Not only are the regular galleries and exhibits open, there’s also dancing, drinking, and awesome DJs spinning.



In true LA style, the event pays ode to the gnarly traffic gridlock Angelenos deal with on a daily basis and bills itself ‘Fridays Off The 405’, meaning the attendees are enjoying themselves at the Getty instead of being stuck on the 405 freeway below.



Set atop a steep hillside, the Getty Center offers wedding proposal-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean and Westside, particularly at sunset when a rose-and-orange- colored glow illuminates the darkening sky.



A futuristic white tram zips you up the hill from the parking area to the modernist Getty complex. This ain’t your typical LA museum. Designed by Richard Meier, the other-worldly buildings - made from 16,000 tons of light-reflecting, beige-colored travertine stone brought from Italy – are reason enough to come.



Organized around a central arrival courtyard, the Getty has unusual indoor/outdoor space that could only work in LA’s year-round sunny climate. The curving buildings are interspersed with jetting fountains, light-filled terraces, and creative gardens. A visit is almost like being transported to some idyllic Star Trek planet.



The LA-ness of the whole thing really comes through in people's dress styles. Quite simply, anything goes - artsy fartsy vintage, business casual, beach dresses with flip-flops. I even spotted a couple clad in 100% spandex and running shoes. So don't worry about any kind of dress code here.

The event goes from 6p to 9p, but no need to be fashionably late. The cost of parking is $8 per car (although the event is technically free) so carpool and pack in as many as you can to save money. The reason to arrive on the early side doesn’t become clear till it’s time to leave. Basically, it’s a case of ‘last one in, last one out’ and being last could mean you’re stuck in the underground parking for two hours.

Don't miss the next Friday Off The 405 on June 27, 2008 featuring DJ King Shade.

Harboring A Crush On Newport Beach

Known for its overwhelmingly large number of well-heeled, white Republicans and infamous as the home of the Cohen family on that TV classic - The OC, Newport Beach has a definite rep. But even if you're not a Republican or an OC fan (I'm neither!), this laid-back beach town still makes a great day-trip.



Life revolves around the water in Newport Beach, 50 miles south of LA. On sunny days, beach-goers fan out across the golden sand to soak up rays and swim in the aquamarine water. Boogie boarders and body surfers glide along the rolling waves. The beach here may evoke picturesque Baywatch scenes, but it’s not so different from Huntington to the north or Laguna to the south.



What really makes Newport special is its 4-mile harbor filled with seven man-made islands and over 9,000 vessels, from rowboats to luxury yachts.



Lining the harbor is the historic Balboa Fun Zone. Built in 1936, the Fun Zone lives up to its name with a small ferris wheel, merry-go-round, and an arcade. Sailboats or kayaks can be rented here if you want to take a spin around the harbor.



Across from the Fun Zone is Balboa Island – the biggest of the seven small islands and a Newport must-see. An auto ferry floats pedestrians and up to three cars across the harbor for $1 a pop per pedestrian.



To enjoy this mile-long slice of Americana, take a stroll around Balboa island. The cottage-like houses boast small, carefully-tended gardens. Boat slips line the shoreline. In between these slips, families take advantage of small beach plots to sunbathe, while their kids play in the calm harbor water. A glimpse down the narrow streets shows most houses flying a U.S. or USC flag or both.



Balboa island may seem as unassuming as Mayberry, but this is some of the most expensive real estate outside Manhattan. Besides the golf carts and bikes residents use to get around, there are plenty of pricier rides. Newport is said to have the highest per-capita number of Mercedes-Benzes in the world.



Like a 50s flashback, Marine Ave - the island's main drag - seems like it hasn't changed much over the years. Dad’s and Sugar n’ Spice, a couple doors down from each other, continue their decades-long battle over who rightly lays claim to the original Balboa Bar – a vanilla ice cream bar coated in chocolate and the topping of your choice. So for fairness sake, that means you need to give both a try. Save room for Balboa Candy, also on Marine, which specializes in old-time candies and offers barrels of saltwater taffy in every imaginable flavor.

As for parking, all I can say is good luck. Your best bet is trying to snag a spot in the lot by the Balboa Pier, which is within easy walking distance of the Fun Zone and the auto ferry to Balboa Island.

Directions:
- From the 405 freeway, take Hwy 55
- Hwy 55 will cross Pacific Coast Hwy and change names to Balboa Blvd
- Turn right onto Main St. to the Balboa Beach parking lots

Main Street Ventura: City of Good Fortune

Promoted as the ‘City of Good Fortune,’ Ventura is aptly named. This small seaside town, with its backdrop of rolling hills, enjoys sunny days (an average of 258 a year to be exact) and gorgeous surfing beaches. What really sets Ventura apart, though, is its vibrant Main Street - a rarity in SoCal where mall culture has sucked the life out of most small city downtowns.



Just a one-hour drive north of LA, Ventura is typically used as a takeoff point for the nearby Channel Islands or bypassed altogether en route to Santa Barbara – its swankier neighbor to the north. But this small city is definitely stop-worthy.



Where else could you find a tapas bar serving Kobe beef burgers a couple doors down from a thrift store with a window display of neon-colored umbrellas? Like surrounding cities, Ventura has its fair share of cookie-cutter chain stores. But on palm tree-lined Main Street, these are a rare breed. Everyone from thrift store mavens to hip trendsetters should feel at home here.



Anchored by the San Buenaventura Mission to the west, the area offers thrift shops, trendy boutiques, jewelry stores, upscale wine bars, a taqueria, a cookbook store, a 50s style diner, and a funky coffee shop all in eight blocks. And for architectural buffs, don’t miss the beaux-arts style City Hall. Built in 1912, this historical landmark overlooks the city from Poli St., a block up from Main.

Here are a few highlights:



San Buenaventura Mission
211 East Main Street

Get an up close view of California’s mission history at founder Father Junipero Serra’s reputed favorite. The donation for a self-guided tour of this mission, founded in 1782, runs $1 for adults and 50¢ for children.

Coalition Thrift Store
270 East Main Street

A treasure trove of games, clothes, appliances, and other bits and bobs. This is my favorite thrift store of the three in the area. And besides the great prices, you get the benefit of knowing the money from your purchases is going to a good cause.

Palermo Coffee
321 East Main Street

More than just a coffee shop, this anti-Starbucks also sells chocolates and gelato (try the honey lavender!). Enjoy your treats on the patio or inside amid the charming clutter of gifts for sale (teapots, clocks, dried flowers, etc.) Adding to Palermo’s character is the high ceiling and exposed brick wall.



Busy Bee Café
478 East Main Street

Playful red-and-white décor and boothside jukeboxes draw patrons into this 50s-themed diner. Waitresses in bobby sox and cheerleader outfits complement the ambiance. A white board out front advertises daily specials, like fried chicken and pot pie. The burger-and-milkshake fare may not outdo In-N-Out’s, but the décor sure does.

The Calico Cat Bookshop
495 East Main Street

Established in 1975, this bookshop buys and sells used and rare books. Its random collection – from cookbooks to local history – will keep bookworms busy for hours.

Please let me know if there are any additional highlights that should be added.

Directions:

- Take the 101 Freeway North
- Turn right onto California St. and travel 3 blocks to Main St.
- Parking is abundant

Parker Mesa Overlook: Best View In Town

Incredibly, the public can still enjoy unadulterated hilltop views of LA, from downtown to Malibu on a clear day. Don’t worry, this so-called ‘best view in town’ doesn’t involve scoring an invite to some exclusive mansion or becoming hired help. All that’s required is a bit of driving and hiking.



Parker Mesa Overlook can be reached two separate ways. One starts from Trippet Ranch in Topanga Canyon – the same starting point as the Eagle Rock hike. The other way – and my personal favorite - begins in Pacific Palisades from Paseo Miramar Road.



From Paseo Miramar, you will enjoy spectacular 180 degree views of LA the whole 2.5 miles up to the overlook. And when I say up, I mean up – a 1200 foot elevation gain to be exact. So on top of the views, this is a serious calorie burner.

The wide trail meanders up the ridge between the Los Liones and Santa Ynez canyons. Since it isn't a wooded trail with shade, remember to bring a hat. My favorite time to come is a few days after a spring rain when you're sure to spot wildflowers.



Thankfully, there are benches on the knoll at the top where you can rest and take in the view. If it’s really clear, you can spot Catalina Island in the distance. Be forewarned that the view is so captivating hikers have been known to completely forget about time. My husband and I got caught in the Parker Mesa Overlook’s spell and ended up hiking down in the dark – not something I’d generally recommend.

Click here for a great photo of Parker Mesa snapped by a fellow blogger.

The only downside to the Paseo Miramar starting point is that it sometimes can be hard to find parking in the neighborhood.

Driving Directions:
- From Santa Monica, drive north on PCH to Sunset Blvd.
- Turn right and drive 0.3 miles to Paseo Miramar
- Turn left onto Paseo Miramar and drive until the end of the road

Inn of the Seventh Ray – Dining in Fairytale Land

Do you believe in magic?

Fairy or sprite sightings would not seem out of the ordinary at this Topanga Canyon restaurant. The fairy tale-like setting in a woodsy canyon next to a trickling brook feels more like Middle Earth than LA.



Twinkling lights, fresh flowers, and a Buddha welcome guests as they pass under the Inn of the Seventh Ray’s entrance archway.

From the entrance, a staircase winds past tables tucked away into nooks that are surrounded by shrubbery. At the bottom, there’s a central, brightly lit fountain surrounded by tables graced with freshly-cut flowers. A small gazebo nearby houses another table.



The restaurant is unusual in that most of the seating is outdoors. It can get chilly at night, but judicious use of heating lamps makes it comfortable. And in case of rain, it’s covered by a clear tent top lit up with twinkling white lights. A small indoor dining area is available, but it’s nowhere near as spectacular as the outdoor section.

What really makes this restaurant special is the trickling brook that runs alongside the dining area. It is lit up at night to give guests a better view. Sometimes, you can even spot deer drinking from the stream.

The menu, filled with plenty of vegetarian and organic selections, perfectly complements the outdoorsy atmosphere. Fresh salmon, organic greens dressed in an herb and lemon vinaigrette, goat cheese stuffed portabello mushroom with apricot puree, butternut squash risotto, etc. Also worth noting is the restaurant’s pride in accommodating those with special diets, such as gluten-free or vegan.

On your way out, don’t forget to stop in the restaurant’s accompanying gift store, filled with organic cookbooks and handmade jewelry.

Inn of the Seventh Ray is something I don’t share easily. It’s not gimmicky or Disneylandesque. To me, it’s elegant, natural, and spiritual and it holds a special place in my heart because my husband and I celebrated our wedding day here.

May you enjoy this magical place as much as I have.

To check out reviews from fellow bloggers, click here and here.

Inn of the Seventh Ray
128 Old Topanga Canyon Road
Topanga, California 90290
310.455.1311