10 Glamorously Romantic Places to Kiss in Southern California

We present to you 10 glamorously romantic SoCal spots (in no particular order) that are perfect for a cinema-worthy clinch...or proposal! And, as a bonus, if you decide to capture the moment for posterity or thousands of your close personal friends on social media, they are all ridiculously photogenic places. Happy smooching! 

 1. The grand staircase in the Rendezvous Court at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. (For our post on the Biltmore, click here.)

2.   The most glamorous drinking fountains in town at the Pantages Theatre. (For more on the Pantages, click here.)

3. The courtyard of the Egyptian Theatre, with Pharaoh watching. (For more on the Egyptian, click here.)

4. A table tucked away in a dark corner at The Edison.  (For our post on The Edison, click here.)
 

5.  In front of the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ at Old Town Music Hall. (For more on OTMH, click here.)

6. In the second-floor room with all the murals at the Los Angeles Central Library. 

7.  By the lake at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. 

8.  By the pool (or in the pool) at Sunset Tower Hotel. 

9.  By a porthole in the ship building at Crossroads of the World.

10. On the dance floor at Cicada Restaurant. (For our post on Cicada, click here.)

The Love Cocktail

Need to charm a new love? Rekindle the flame of an old one? Want to forget your first love? 

Or, are you simply thirsty? 

Here's a cool vintage recipe from 1935's Mr. Boston's Bartending Book to try--it's called The Love Cocktail.

Ingredients: 
1 1/2 oz of top shelf gin (Plymouth)
1 egg white
2 dashes (1/3 tsp) fresh lemon juice
2 dashes (1/3 tsp) raspberry syrup

Instructions:
Combine and shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

We bet that the person you serve this drink to will say: "You're the cat's pajamas!" (Or, at least he or she might think it.)

A shout-out to the bartenders from Daddy-O's Martinis for finding this! www.daddyosmartinis.blogspot.com

Poppin’ Some Tags At Playclothes

The Buzz:

If you ever watched Mad Men or Lost on television, or saw the movies Catch Me If You Can, The Aviator, or L.A. Confidential, then you have seen clothing from Playclothes.

But they are not just a source for Hollywood’s top costume folks; they are a perfect place to shop for every vintage-loving and wearing man, woman, and child in Southern California. Seriously, how can you go wrong when a store looks like the biggest, coolest boudoir ever?!

Walking into Playclothes can be a dangerous thing. Well, at least it is for me (Lara). There is such a huge and gorgeous selection of everything from dresses to antique mirrors at such reasonable prices that it seems it would be a mistake not to walk out with something. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything that costs more than $200.

Recently, I popped in thinking I would maybe just take some pics for a blog I was considering writing about the store; instead, I walked out fifteen minutes later with this flowy 1970s creation that looks a little 1930s-inspired (matching jacket not shown).

There is still a clingy 1970s Bill Blass number in the back that is calling to me across the miles, and I would love to wear this 1950s dress and hat to an Easter Parade.

The Atmosphere:

Playclothes is located on Magnolia Boulevard in Burbank, which is in the San Fernando Valley. Traditionally, you can find vintage at lower prices if you just go “over the hill” from Hollywood into the Valley, but sometimes the quality is not great or it smells funny or it’s just kind of “off.”

Not so here.

I’ve been shopping Playclothes for years, and everything has always been clean and extremely well-organized, which is not easy to pull off when your selection is huge and turning over quickly. I actually even love the smell of  the clothing I buy from Playclothes, which might be attributed to Studio City Cleaners, which was their recommendation when I asked about dry cleaning and caring for my pieces.

Plus, the staff has a great attitude and seems to strike the perfect balance between being helpful and not hovering; all the girls appear so happy to be working there and have awesome personal style. You can even spot a friendly little cat wandering around. How they keep him from batting at anything with fringe, I will never know.

The Scoop:

"Hats off to you!"

Playclothes carries clothing from the 1930s through the 1980s (think shoulder pads on an epic scale!), and the items are grouped by decade all around the store, so be sure to check in every room if you’re focusing on a specific era. I tend to jump from decade to decade with my purchases depending on what catches my eye and what event I will be wearing something to, but I’m usually drawn to 1930s long dresses, 1940s suits, and body-skimming dresses and accessories from the 1970s. 

Keep an eye out for jackets from the 1950s, 1970s sunglasses, gorgeous pastel slips from all eras that you must lounge around your house in, and small beaded purses that are perfect to punch up an evening look, plus all manner of baubles, bangles, and beads. 

(SIDE NOTE: I wore one of the peach-colored Playclothes dresses I bought from the thirties on the red carpet at the Pantages Theatre with my friend Cori. See pic below!) 

Most of the home furnishings and accessories inside Playclothes are near the entrance, and if books are your bag there are piles of them scattered around the store. Make sure to check the hallway by the dressing rooms, as I once found an All Color Book of Art Deco by Dan Klein there.

Me striking a pose like Nicole Richie!

And speaking of the dressing rooms… They are wonderfully, whimsically decorated with clothing and pictures and accessories, and are the size of a bathroom or small bedroom, so you can really get a sense of how a garment moves. Plus, the lighting is good and there is enough space that there are no close-ups on any body parts you don’t want to get close up with. (Cue the Hallelujah Chorus.)

By the way, around Halloween, you must come here for your costume, as they have everything from Elvis (the Vegas days, with the low-cut jumpsuit, sunglasses, wig) to a vintage flight attendant. Some of the costumes (like the 1920s fringed flapper dress I spotted) are so cute you will want to wear them all year.

Playclothes is one of the few vintage stores I know that carries items for the little ones! 

There are some antique toys in the very back corner of the shop, and lots of clothing for girls and boys. I found a sweet little vintage linen shirt and jacket (complete with bowtie!) from the 1950s for my three-year-old there. Although I have yet to keep the bowtie on long enough to get a pic. But a Diva can dream, can’t she?

And don’t forget your man! Call him in (he’s probably been out front sitting in a chair and holding your purse), and show him the vintage cowboy boots and suits. Playclothes is the place to deck your honey out like he is Fred Astaire in Top Hat.

Who knows? He might even Waltz you out the front door and right home…

The 411:

• Allow plenty of time for your visit, because this is a large store that will take a few hours to sort through. Unless you know specifically what you want, like a beaded purse or vintage cowboy boots, it is best not to rush in and out because you might miss a treasure. Trust: When you see the place, you will not want to go until you have explored every corner.
• Check out the mannequins! There are tons scattered around, and you can pretty much pull off what they are wearing for yourself (ask for assistance with this). We have found some wonderful items this way, such as beads from the 1970s and my dress pictured above. They will also give you some great ideas for putting together your own looks. A lot of people are doing this; one of the sweet gals that works at Playclothes said that by the end of the day they are usually surrounded by naked mannequin torsos.
• Porto’s Bakery, just up the street on Magnolia at Hollywood Way, is a perfect pre- or post-shopping stop. Fuel up or recover with a Chai Latte and their famous potato balls. The whole neighborhood is wonderful, and full of antique stores, vintage clothing stores, and thrift stores. Plus, NBC is a few moments away on Olive, and Downtown Burbank is close with more shopping at the mall, Ikea, tons of restaurants, and a ginormous movie theatre.

The Contact Info:

Playclothes

3100 W. Magnolia Blvd.

Burbank, CA 91505

818-557-8447

www.vintageplayclothes.com

www.Twitter.com/VntgPlayclothes

A Vintage Heartbreak Playlist

Sometimes, you just need a cathartic, mascara-streaming-down-your-face, ugly cry. And sometimes, that moment comes on Valentine’s Day, which one of my friends refers to as S.A.D. (Singles Awareness Day).

Whether it is a love that does not know you exist, a love who does know but does not care, or a love that once was but now can never be (translation: you were dumped), may these ten tunes about heartbreak, loneliness, and revenge cleanse your soul and start you on the path to healing.

And may next Valentine’s Day find you singing L.O.V.E.! xxoo

 

A quick note: I have chosen some of my favorite versions of these songs, but they are classics and have been done brilliantly by many different singers over the years.

1. “One For My Baby” – Frank Sinatra

Fred Astaire introduced this Harold Arlen/Johnny Mercer song in the 1943 film The Sky’s The Limit, but it is Frank’s version that most people think of when they hear the title.  Can’t you just picture him in some dingy little joint, tie askew, hat tilted to the side, stubble on his chin, clinking glasses with the bartender for the ninth time that night as he pours his heart out? I hear this song and want to be held as I reach for some whiskey to drink along with him.

Shameless Plug: I am hosting a new love songs show on www.MartiniInTheMorning.com called One For My Baby! It premieres on 2/14 just after 6p PST, and then moves to its regular night and time of Sundays 6-9p PST.

2. “I Wanna Be Around” – Tony Bennett

When you have been dumped, this would be the song to play down the phone as you call your ex at 3 a.m. to let them know that you wanna be around when they get their heart stomped into a million pieces. The best revenge really is looking fabulous and having a hit song, isn’t it? Johnny Mercer received the idea for the song and the opening line in the mail from a grandmother/housewife/beautician (depending on who you ask) who was inspired by Sinatra leaving his wife for Ava Gardner, and then Ava leaving Frank.

3. “In The Wee Small Hours” – Carly Simon

To paraphrase Ernest Hemingway, it is a lot easier to be hard-boiled about things in the daylight. But in the wee small hours of the morning it is a different story, as you long for the one you love while clutching the phone to your chest, willing it to ring (or even just buzz with a text).  Is there a happy reunion? People have wondered about that since Sinatra sang the song in 1955; the lyrics don’t give us any clues, and we are left with the loneliest early morning mood of all time, made especially poignant by the emotion in Carly’s voice.

 4. “You Don’t Know Me” – Ray Charles
 If you have ever felt invisible to your crush, this song is for you, as the woman Ray is crooning about is completely oblivious to the fact that he is smitten with her. He has an encounter with her and her man where Ray takes her hand for a moment, heart just about beating out of his chest, and thinks, I dream of you at night and long to kiss your lips. And she is perhaps thinking something like, this guy is staring at me a little too long and squeezing my hand a little too hard. So she walks away with her guy as Ray watches with an aching heart, the chorus in his head singing, “You don’t love me, you don’t know me.”

 5. “These Foolish Things” – Michael Buble
If you have ever lost a love, you know how the scent of their cologne or the opening notes of your song can instantly take you back to the time you were together.  In these heartbreaking lyrics, it is everything from a cigarette that bears a lipstick’s traces to a fairground’s painted swings that reminds Mr. Buble of what he has lost. There is a line that says, “Oh, how the ghost of you clings,” and while I do think this song is about a woman who simply left and moved on to someone new, when I really need a good cry I pretend that “ghost” is meant literally and that there is no chance for an earthly reunion. Unless perhaps Whoopi Goldberg shows up.

 6. “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” – Natalie Cole

Don’t feel bad about staying home alone on Valentine’s Day, or even every weekend. Natalie missed the Saturday Dance, even though she tried to go and got as far as the door—it was the thought of everyone asking about her ex that (I’m guessing) had her making a beeline for her couch with some ice cream and a few episodes of Downtown Abbey. I have heard that it can take up to two years for every one year you were together to completely get over a breakup, so don’t be surprised if you skip quite a few Saturday Dances as you try not to stir up old memories.

 7. “But Not For Me” – Elton John

This song is such a perfect example of the genius that was (and continues to be, because their songs are timeless) The Gershwins, with music by George and lyrics by Ira. “But Not For Me” was introduced by the lovely Ginger Rogers (who was married and divorced five times, so she knew a little something about heartbreak) in the 1930 musical Girl Crazy. If you have been feeling like love songs were meant for other people, lucky stars are only lucky for other people, and every other person you see is tying the knot (but there is no knot for you), this is for you. And Elton, who made us all cry in the 80s with some of his fashion choices and “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues,” has such a wistful tone that you want love to find a way and all of his dreams to come true.

 8. “Stormy Weather” – Lena Horne

The lyrics of this song remind me of living in the Pacific Northwest in the month of February; it has been gray and drizzly for months at that point, and will continue to be gray and drizzly for a few more months, and you are weary (so weary!) from the gloom and the pitter, patter, and spatter of raindrops. When you feel that you can’t go on, because everything you had is gone, Lena’s gorgeous song will add a little company to your misery and perhaps give your heavy heart a lift. And if you actually do live in the Northwest, you can look forward to some sunny and bright days in August.

 9. “After You’ve Gone” – Bobby Darin

First recorded in 1918 by Marion Harris, “After You’ve Gone” has stood the test of time and been recorded by about a bazillion other singers because the someday-you’ll-regret-leaving-me message never, ever gets old. And many times is true, as the dumper didn’t know what they had ‘til they dumped it. But until that day when your ex returns to you in tears, disheveled from nights of weeping over what they threw away and begging for a second chance, which you may or may not give them, gather strength from this song and the knowledge that you were the best thing that ever happened to them.

 10. “Body And Soul” – Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse

“Body And Soul” is the most recorded jazz standard to date, boasting Louis Armstrong as the first jazz musician to record it. This version with Tony and Amy (from his Duets II cd) is especially poignant, as it was the final recording Amy made before her death in 2011. The lyrics speak of being sad, lonely, and full of sighs while offering yourself up on a platter to someone who is turning you down. Although the narrator/singer’s life is a wreck, there is hope that one day they will get a chance to surrender themselves, body and soul, to the oblivious one. And then perhaps dump them.

 

The Edison: Lighting Up Downtown Los Angeles

A rainy night in Southern California, a strange tickle in the back of my throat, and massive traffic on the 110 could not stop me (Lara) from checking out The Edison in Downtown Los Angeles. Hearing for years the buzz about this fabulous space in a former private power plant, I have wanted to make a direct beeline to it ASAP and experience what nightlife in the early twentieth century might have been like.

And did I mention they have “absinthe fairies” pushing carts containing what looks like test tubes of the naughty liquid around? But we will get to that…

One of the several bars!

The opportunity to check out the buzz at the Edison hive came last month. Fellow Diva Cori and I had initially tried to make it a date night and finally introduce our hubbies (who shared in common water polo, strong jawlines, and an amazing affinity for their wives…wink, wink); however, reality (like lack of a babysitter on my part) changed our plans, and we instead made it a GNO (Girls Night Out) instead…oh, and plus one: Cori’s husband.

By the time I arrived Downtown (watch those one-way streets!), parked at the valet, and walked down the film noir-ish alley to the Edison’s entrance, Cori and her husband had already posed for pictures in different locations around the restaurant.

We were immediately informed about the gloriousness of a particular cocktail: The Mistress, a lovely concoction of vodka, pomegranate, and fresh-squeezed lemon juice with a hint of prosecco. Sigh. I wished my husband had come so I could have had about three of those, and he could have then driven me home as I slept in the car.

I was introduced to Cori’s beautiful friend Tatiana, a stylist at a famous spa in Los Angeles, and we started oohing and aahing over the exposed brick and metal, luxurious fabrics and furnishings, retro lighting, and ginormous staircase that takes you down into the heart of The Edison—they call it Industrial Cathedral on their website. 

And the clientele is equally glam! The Edison’s dress code is strictly enforced, so you see a lot of beautiful dresses on women and suits on men. Plus, vintage attire looks right at home here, especially with a lot of old school-themed parties and birthday celebrations going on. This is a classy joint, so dress sharp—when you see your surroundings, you will be glad you did. If you look down once in a while, you will most likely see a pair or two of sequined and glitzy shoes. And the heels in this place would make Carrie Bradshaw weep with envy!

The restaurant, which opened in 2007, is located in what is known as the Historic Core area of newly revitalized Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA). It is housed in the Higgins Building, which, having been built in 1910 in the Beaux Arts style, pre-dates the Deco Era. The folks behind The Edison were genius to design it as a nod to the building’s history, as six floors used to be a private power plant, and the downstairs restaurant and bar area are in what used to be the boiler room.

Posh dining! Imagine sitting in this chair with a drink!

I definitely felt like I was stepping into a glamorous, early 1900s dream as I heard the old-time music playing, which sounded like something you would hear on your grandma’s Victrola as she waxed on about Italian superstar singer Enrico Caruso.

There was also a classic film being projected on the wall; the night we were there, 1903’s Misfortune Never Comes Alone was being shown, which was definitely the oldest film I have ever seen. There is something about watching a film or listening to music where you realize that every person involved in it is now dead, but their art lives on, that moves me almost to tears every time I experience it.

It would be easy for almost any menu to be overshadowed by such unique surroundings, but the food and drink at The Edison does not disappoint. If you are driving or have to be up early to meet a client for breakfast in Malibu (or have a little one that wakes up at 6 a.m. no matter what), knock back The Natasha, with fresh raspberries and lemon juice garnished with a raspberry and mint sprig, which is one of The Edison’s imaginative non-alcoholic cocktails.

Our meal started with A Fine Cheese Platter, which is a selection of cheese (including goat cheese) accompanied by bread and fruit; a small platter was easily enough of an appetizer for four hungry folks. In fact, I stuffed myself with so much fromage that I got up for a stroll to check out the rest of the restaurant and try to burn off a few calories before the entrees arrived.

Different areas in The Edison have different names (you can see the layout on their website), and I think my favorite place was The Ember Room. It is kind of hidden in plain site in the middle of the space, but very private—curtains are hung at the entrance. As I peeked in while trying to not make it obvious that I was sneaking a look, I felt like I might see It Girl Clara Bow hanging with Jean Harlow at a table and talking about Gary Cooper or William Powell. 

And btw, because you could easily see a celeb here, do not bring a big camera in! Management might think you are a paparazzo and you will be asked to check it. We know this from experience.

At that moment, a beautiful gal wearing glowing wings and pushing a vintage cart filled with vials of Absinthe came strolling by—The Absinthe Fairy! Absinthe has a natural green color, has been referred to as “the green fairy,” and was consumed by Ernest Hemingway, three reasons that once again made me wish I were not driving and could partake! Next time, I will get a room at The Biltmore and cab it. And perhaps try to snag a pair of wings…but I digress.

GNO is glorious!

Making my way out of the restroom, I found that a Cirque du Soleil-style acrobatic routine was in progress in the middle of The Lab area, to the delight of the crowd of tourists, older couples, and trendy club kids. A bare-chested young man was spinning upside down while twisted in a piece of red ribbon hanging from the ceiling. But faster than I could text Cori with a “GET OVER HERE NOW HALF NAKED MAN SPINNING UPSIDE DOWN,” it was over and a deejay started spinning in the corner of the room.

Back at the table, the best entrée ever arrived: The Downtowner, consisting of jumbo prawns over stone-ground grits, topped with sautéed spinach and an egg with Zoe’s bacon and a brown butter vinaigrette (Seriously, can I go back RIGHT NOW and eat this again?). 

After sharing some with the girls and surreptitiously trying to lick the last of the grits off of my plate, we were taken to dessert heaven in the form of The Elvis. “Thank you, thank you very much!” ran through my head as we wrapped up an incredible meal with pan-fried sandwiches filled with peanut butter and banana, and served with cajeta caramel (low-cut white jumpsuit and sunglasses not included). Thankfully, I had a leopard print cuffed jacket with me to cover the food baby that had suddenly appeared in my stomach. But it was so worth it!

Some useful tips…

•  Make a dinner reservation well in advance. It fills up fast, and you might encounter a line and have to wait outside. We were told that this line typically starts at 10 pm. Although, in our opinion, it is worth the wait.
• Keep in mind that on the weekend there is a $50 minimum per person if you reserve a table, but between the incredible drinks and appetizers and entrees and desserts it is not going to be hard to meet that. And, it is nice to have a table (and when you have dinner you have the table for the night) and somewhere to sit (hold court for all your admirers?) when the place gets crowded. Our table was tucked into a quiet corner in The Tesla Lounge and was just perfect for a relaxed evening and lots of conversation. Note that your table is YOURS the entire night!
• There is a $10 cover charge per person on Saturday nights. The host told us that this was because they have a Burlesque show. When Cori went to the Edison a second time (on a Saturday night), we saw that the burlesque dancers performed at 9:45 pm for about 10 minutes. Very fun to watch!
• If you can’t reserve a table—don’t fret! You can eat at the bar in a very fun and social setting. You’ll just need to stand the entire time…so rethink the heels.

Contact Info:

The Edison

108 West 2nd Street #101  

Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 613-0000

http://www.edisondowntown.com

www.twitter.com/TheEdisonLA

Afternoon Tea for Two...at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel

View from the tea room!

Maybe one of your New Year’s resolutions is to try to slooooow things down a bit in your life. You know, take time to stop and smell the roses and actually talk to people—without having to use a keyboard. Or, maybe you want to meet friends for tea and munch on cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off.  We figured out how to do the latter option. The answer: Afternoon Tea at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles.

The Biltmore, a Historic Cultural Landmark, is located on Grand Avenue, right across the street from the Central Library, making it a perfect place to plop down after a fun afternoon of hunting down Harlow biographies and Deco fashion tomes.

The Biltmore has retained its classic glamour for nearly 90 years, and it is one of my (Lara) go-to places when friends come to town and want to go somewhere that captures an Old Hollywood vibe. This hotel is also a great local escape if you live in Southern California and need to get out of your toy-strewn house for a few hours of toddler-free calm. But enough about me!

Look at that glorious ceiling!

Striding into the Biltmore’s grand entrance (those columns! that archway!) by day might make you wish that you were decked out in a fitted suit with a smart hat, and by night a 1930s, Gowns by Adrian-style, clingy number.

If it is later in the day when you visit, you could stop into Gallery Bar for a drink and admire all the bronze and exquisite lighting. And make sure you look up as you walk through the Galleria to see the hand-painted, frescoed mural ceiling done by Italian artist Giovanni Smeraldi (one of the restaurants in the hotel was named after him).

It is tough to pin the décor down to one style; is it Mediterranean? Beaux Arts? Spanish? Yes, yes, yes, and more. We did not see any classic Art Deco details, but we proclaim the Biltmore Deco because it definitely captures the exuberance and unabashed glamour that we associate with the Art Deco era.

It opened in 1923, just two years before the start of what many experts consider the Art Deco period of 1925-1939, and it was the largest hotel west of Chicago. And even now, surrounded by skyscrapers, it still looks and feels imposing with a solid eleven stories.

The Biltmore has always had a strong Hollywood connection, from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences being founded here, to the rumor that MGM Art Director Cedric Gibbons sketched a drawing on a napkin that was the basis for the Oscar statue, to hosting eight Academy Awards ceremonies in the 1930s and 1940s.

Where tea is served!

There are four restaurants and bars in the Biltmore, but afternoon tea happens Wednesday through Sunday from 2-5p in the Rendezvous Court (once the hotel’s lobby), beside a gently gurgling fountain, under Italian chandeliers, and at the foot of an impressive Spanish Baroque staircase that you may have seen on the TV show Entourage.

With so much grandeur, you might think that you need to show up in a twinset and pearls, sit with your back straight, and stick a pinky out as you sip your tea, but the space and the atmosphere is remarkably warm and friendly, a perfect place to relax with girlfriends or your daughter.

Reservations are recommended, but thankfully we were able to slide in last-minute on a Saturday afternoon. Cori and I opted for the traditional Victorian Tea ($45 per person, excluding tax and gratuity), but you can also go with the Princess Tea ($22), which includes a pot of tea, a freshly baked scone with cream and preserves, and a selection of freshly baked cakes.

Our Victorian Tea came with more than enough food (served on a traditional three-tiered stand) and drink to fill us up!

There is a wonderful variety of teas to soothe away stress and help you forget that you are surrounded by the busy downtown streets of a major city, including Ceylon and India, Black Tea Blended, English Royal Breakfast, Masala Chai (my favorite—nice and warming), Lemon Echinacea (good for a cold), and Apricot Cinnamon. 

And did we mention that the tables are covered in white tablecloths and set with china featuring a sweet rose pattern? It is exactly the kind of china that I am always looking for at the Santa Monica Airport Flea Market. 

Our selection of tea sandwiches, which were cut into these cute tiny diamond shapes (crusts off, of course!), featured egg salad and asparagus, smoked salmon and dill butter, cucumber and cream cheese, and ham and cheese on pumpernickel. And the mini pastries are almost too pretty to eat…but, of course, we did. 

It is tough to choose a favorite among the fruit tarts, chocolate truffles, and the freshly baked scones with homemade Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves, but suffice it to say that we were practically licking the heavenly clotted cream off of our fingers, and Cori was wondering if her husband (a talented vegan chef) could make a dairy-free version of this. Stay tuned ;) 

We took a few leftovers home for our husbands, who had spent the afternoon watching the kids, although, I must confess, I continued eating the gold-dusted blueberry lemon tart in the car. J


Tea for two, please!

Contact Info:
Millennium Biltmore Hotel
506 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90071
213-624-1011
http://www.millenniumhotels.com/millenniumbiltmorelosangeles/

The Wiltern Theatre: A Glam Experience, Even From The Last Row

The Famous Sign!

Before I (Lara) was bitten by the Art Deco bug almost five years ago, I thought that the Wiltern Theatre was aesthetically pretty and an ideal place to see a show, but it was not until recently when I truly saw it for the stunning Art Deco masterpiece and historical venue it truly is.

Let me take you back a few years to my experience at the Wiltern. Instead of gazing at the luxe entrance (Terrazzo flooring!) in wonder, I could be found pounding on the locked front doors as I stood outside with twenty winners from my radio station’s contest. My goal was simple, but it was oh-so-profound: to enable my station's contest winners to enjoy an acoustic performance at the Wiltern with the band Train.

Of course, someone eventually heard all the commotion out front and let us in, and we enjoyed some lovely renditions of “Meet Virginia” and “Drops of Jupiter” and even engaged in light banter with the band.

Now, a few years later and even more in love with Art Deco, I approach those same front doors with a sense of reverence and awe, almost as if I am entering a church. Can I get an Amen?

The Glorious Entrance! Look at the ceiling!

The Wiltern is located in the big, blue-green Pellissier Building in Koreatown at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Western Avenue. A poster located at the entrance gives you a Reader’s Digest version of the theatre’s history: The Wiltern opened its doors in 1931 with the premiere of the film Alexander Hamilton, starring George Arliss.

Design on the side of the building!

The theatre showed movies for over 50 years, and it was almost torn down in the 1970s until an awesome group of Angelenos (with help from the equally awesome Los Angeles Conservancy) saved it. In the book Theatres in Los Angeles (p.43), Anthony B. Heinsbergen, whose company created much of the Wiltern’s artwork, writes (when told about the plan to tear the Wiltern down) that what really killed all the grand movie palaces was the fact that there was no parking.

In fact, folks started going to films in suburban areas simply because they had room to park. Thankfully, there is now ample parking in the form of street parking, lots, and structures, and since the 1980s the Wiltern has flourished as a venue for live music.

The best way to see the Wiltern is to attend a show. Cori and I stopped in recently to see A Fine Frenzy and Joshua Radin in concert, and even though our seats were in the very LAST row, it was still a great view. (And no, our noses didn’t bleed…much.) And the seats are comfy! And even if they weren’t, you would notice for long because you would be blissfully drowning in the acoustic sounds. Seriously, the theater’s acoustics are almost heavenly.

The auditorium part of the Wiltern is reminiscent of the Egyptian or Pantages, with a sunburst and gold (so much GOLD) everywhere, and an overall feel of luxury. You might want to get a pic of yourselves (as we did) in the lovely rotunda, which is all about waves and sun and leaves and nature. We asked a nice gentleman who worked at the Wiltern to snap our pic, which he did, while also secretly turning Cori’s iPhone camera around and photographing his charming mug. (We sooo want to publish it!)  

Beautiful terrazzo flooring out front!

Contact Info:

The Wiltern Theatre

3790 Wilshire Boulevard  Los Angeles, CA 90010
(213) 388-1400

www.twitter.com/Wiltern