Hollywoodland

Sandstone Peak Trail, Malibu.

Sandstone Peak Trail, Malibu.

Another fabulous trip to LaLa Land. Love it here and enjoy it more and more every visit. This time around I stayed with a good friend who lives right in Hollywood. A change for me as I had been spending most of my time at the beach in the last couple of years. For those who have not visited LA, there is so much to do and see. Great hiking, amazing food, friendly people, and lots of sunshine. Hard to go wrong. Yes, there is traffic, and yes, lots of concrete, but there is so much to do, it's definitely worth more than a stopover. I still have so much to discover, like Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room at the Broad, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, or having a picnic while watching a show at The Hollywood Bowl. However, this trip was just for hiking, sunshine, and, well.. eating. More for next time. :) Below are a few of my new favorite food spots.

Lindsay XO

Reupublique LA - Photo cred from Hypebeast.

Republique 624 La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles 310.362.6115

Beautiful space on La Brea, excellent service and delicious food. Fun wine list too. Excellent experience. Open daily from 8am if you only have time for a coffee and pastry. We went on a Monday at 8:45pm for dinner. The place was PACKED. Why I love big cities... Great vibe, delicious and innovative plates.

Son of a Gun 8370 W 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 323.782.9033

Incredible flavors and super fresh seafood in a nautically inspired dining room from the owners of Animal, another top LA joint. The yellowfin tuna with leche de tigre, avocado and tortilla was so good I ordered a second. 

Hamachi at Son of a Gun: Galbi vinaigrette, pink lady apple, radish sprouts.

SQRL 720 N Virgil Avenue #4, Los Angeles 213.394.6526

Delightful little hot spot for breakfast or lunch or anything in between. Tried the Avocado toast piled high with pickled carrots, green garlic crème fraîche, wood sorrel and house za'atar as well as the white fish tartine with cauliflower baba ganoush, cucumbers and fennel fronds. Just the kind of menu I was looking for. Yum. Be prepared to wait under those beautiful cherry blossoms though, as the line up can get LONG. Alternatively you can call ahead to pick up, but experiencing the buzz is half the fun.

Lunch at SQRL: avocado toast and white fish tartine.

Birch 1634 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles 323.960.3369

Simple, elegant, clean yet interesting and harmonious menu. "Imagined" and interesting.

Lassens Natural Food Market 2080 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles 323.660.0052 (Silverlake) + multiple locations.

Loved this grocery store. Great pit stop after a hike for a juice and lunch to go. Fresh, clean and healthy. Friendly staff.

Happy hour with snacks from Erewhon. I think the chips and salsa verde were more expensive than the Champagne. But... ;)

Erewhon 7660 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles 323.937.0777 (Beverly Hills) + multiple locations.

The celebrity go-to organic food store and where I saw Jeremy Piven buying yogurt, oh wow. They're just like us you know.. This place was amazing for a health food lover like myself but unbelievably expensive and so crazy busy. Loved it anyway and our lunch to go was delicious! Worth the price tag and the chaos, I think...

Early evening buzz inside the rustic interiors of Gjelina.

Gjelina's mushroom toast - buttermilk crème fraîche, white wine, grilled bread & thyme.

Outdoor terrace space at Gjelina, Venice Beach.

Gjelina 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice 310.450.1429

If you are taking a trip to the beach, this restaurant is a must. Definitely one of my favorite dining spots. Every time I am in LA, I have to go here. It's always so good and the vibe is so great. If you don't manage to plan ahead and get a reservation they are open every day from 8 am until midnight so stop in and have a drink and a bite, or even breakfast or brunch. Some of my favorites are the squash blossom pizza, the Tuscan kale salad and the amazing mushroom toast (pictured). The menu is seasonal and ever changing but a few standby's seem to stick around, and the wine list is stellar. Always something new and fun to try. GTA (Gjelina Take Away) is next door in case you need a quick fix and not too far away down the street they have recently opened Gjusta, a fabulous bakery café.

Moroccan baked eggs, merguez, chili, tomato sauce, cilantro & spiced yogurt brunch at Gjelina.

Bronson-Canyon Griffith Park Trail.

Bronson-Canyon Griffith Park Trail.

Parking lot views, LA vibes..

Dreamliner

“Live in each season as it passes; breath the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.”

— Henry David Thoreau

Latest London

Shopping in Sloane Square, Chelsea, and Polpo restaurant.

Come dine with me.... La Petite Maison, Mayfair.

Burrata and baguette. La Petite Maison, Mayfair.

High Tea at The Ritz, Mayfair.

Cupcake delights at Fortnum & Mason.

Tap Coffee, Wardour Street, Soho.

Covent Garden Crowds.

St Paul's, "The Actor's Church", Covent Garden.

Covent Garden.

Christmas Eve line up for cheese! Neal's Yard Dairy, Covent Garden.

Neal's Yard Remedies, Covent Garden.

Hotel Russel, Bloomsbury.

The British Museum, Bloomsbury.

Christmas Day Bubbles: Henri Abelé Brut Rosé, a new favorite.

Morning sun on Monmouth street, Seven Dials.

Afternoon buzz at Monmouth Coffee, Covent Garden.

Delicious (and healthy) mince tart and the best flat white. Ripe Kitchen, Camden.

Sunday Flowers, Regent's Park Road, Camden.

Run time in Regent's Park.

Regent's Park...in December...

Festive street lights, Kingly Court near Dehesa Tapas, Soho.

Theatre Royal, Covent Garden.

Harrod's by night, Knightsbridge.

Ice skating at the Natural History Museum, Kensington.

The stunning Corinthia Hotel, Embankment.

Tower Bridge walk on Christmas Day.

Morito Tapas, Exmouth Market.

Mezze at the fabulous Moro restaurant, Exmouth Market.

Just another old building...Embankment.

Picturehouse Central Cinema in Piccadilly Circus.

Christmas Lights, Piccadilly Circus.

London again... I know... But bear with me. :) The above are some of my favorite snapshots from my latest trip. This was my first time visiting the city during the holiday season and it was spectacular. If anyone loves the opulence of Christmas it's Londoners as they sure know how to celebrate the season in style. I have included links in all the photos (all taken with iPhone) above, but for more detailed recommendations you can refer to my last London post here.

Lindsay XO

LONDON LOVE

Market day in Notting Hill.

Market day in Notting Hill.

Notting Hill.

The Marylebone.

Vegetables at Borough Market.

Fish Monger, Borough Market.

Skate!!! Borough Market.

Borough Market

Bedales of Borough Market Wine & Cheese.

Hedonism Wines, Mayfair.

The Sine Qua Non Wall display at Hedonism Wines

Hedonism Wines.

Pimms at OXO Tower Bar.

Just one of the many history plaques seen on every other building.

Champagne at the bar. La Petite Maison.

Poulpe finement tranchée (Octopus thinly sliced in lemon oil), La Petite Maison.

Carpaccio de thon (tuna carpaccio), La Petite Maison.

Regent Street, Oxford Circus.

Regent Street, Oxford Circus.

Since my first visit to the city, I have been enchanted with London. I love its diversity, architecture, parks, art, shopping, and most of all its food scene. There is so much variety of life to choose from. In a few days my sister will be moving to the city so to commemorate I wanted to share some of my favorite photos and a few recommendations (mostly food & drink based) from my most recent visit... Enjoy!

Lindsay XO

EAT

La Petite Maison 53/54 Brooks Mews W1K 4EG +44 (0) 20 7495 4774

Because I love this restaurant so much I have managed to dine here three times on various occasions. It's just so good. Simple, yet elegant, and far from fussy. The hors d'oeuvres are all outstanding and I particularly love the desserts. Service is spot on and I always feel like I'm just as important of a guest as one of the celebrities who just may be dining there too.

Moro 34-36 Exmouth Market +44 (0) 20 7833 8336

I have made reservations here every time I have had time in London but unfortunately have had to cancel on each occasion. Next visit for sure. I am a fan of the cookbooks and think the eclectic menu with North African and Spanish dishes sounds divine.

Ottolenghi Various Locations - 

Another great London staple, you must try Ottolenghi. I visited both their Notting Hill and Belgravia location. Perfect picnic food, or find a seat inside.

Nopi 21-22 Warwick St. W1B 5NE +44 20 7494 9584

Super cute little restaurant from Ottolenghi. Go enjoy some shakshuka for breakfast or a black rice, coconut milk, banana & mango porridge. For dinner how about start with burrata with peach, coriander seeds and plum wine then perhaps the confit duck with coconut and kaffir lime? My kind of cooking. Yum!

The Natural Kitchen 77/78 Marylebone High Street +44 20 3696 6910

Multiple locations, but Marylebone is the one I have frequented the most. Just a great place to get a snack or pick up some groceries or picnic items. Easy going vibe. Lots to choose from.

Borough Market 8 Southwark Street SE1 1TL - Right next to London Bridge Station

Touted London's most renowned food market for good reason. I love a good market and this one did not disappoint, especially after picking up a glass of prosecco at Bedales prior to shopping... Picked up a beautiful charentais melon, deeply coloured figs, cheese, and some amazing olives for a little apero snack. The best.

Monocle Cafe 18 Chiltern Street Marylebone, W1U 7QA +44 20 7135 2040

Strolling around in Marylebone one afternoon I came across this café, having recognized its facade from an image I had pinned a few months earlier on Pinterest. Oh social media... I enjoy reading Monocle Magazine so was overly excited and told my friend that we needed to make a pitstop. The coffee was excellent and the snacks looked delicious too.

Modern Pantry 47-48 St John's Square Clerkenwell EC1V 4JJ +44 (0) 20 7553 9210 

Although I haven't managed to eat here yet, a friend of mine who lived in the area for awhile loved stopping in here for a casual bite to eat and glass of wine. The menu is very enticing with its unconventional and creative dishes using far flung ingredients, and I look forward to giving it a go next visit. Chef Anna Hansem has also just opened up a second restaurant complete with tapas bar in Finsbury Square. Yes please.

Albion 2-4 Boundary St. E2 7DD +44 20 7729 1051

Cafe/food store and restaurant in the bottom of the Boundary building. Great place to stop in for a light bite or morning coffee.

Boundary 2-4 Boundary St. E2 7DD +44 20 7729 1051

Boundary Restaurant, Rooms & Rooftop was high on my list to visit, if just for the chic rooftop terrace. It proved to be a very seen and be seen type of place in London's hip Shoreditch neighborhood and having to wait 45 minutes to get up there for a pimm's was not really my idea of fun but overall good experience. Outdoor heaters and comfy couches make it a great casual place to gather with friends or get some work done on your laptop with a cold beer in hand.

St. John Bread & Wine  26 St. John Street EC1M 4AY  +44 020 7251 0848

There are a few locations now for St. John but the Smithfield Bar and Restaurant is the original. Quoted as the best bread in town. Why not have a classic Welsh Rarebit or a traditional Eccles cake. Ok, thanks I will. ;)

OXO Tower Bar OXO Tower Wharf Barge House St. SE1 9PH +44 20 7803 3888

Sip on a Pimm's or chilled glass of rosé while taking in the city scape over the Thames.

The Wolseley 160 Piccadilly W1J 9EB +44 20 7499 6996

Can't go to London without a visit to this iconic European café restaurant in Mayfair. Come in for Sunday brunch or afternoon Champagne tea.

Polpo 41 Beak St. W1F 9SB +44 20 7734 4479

Italian small plates. Very it place to go. Polpo has been very successful and has multiple locations. I might need another visit to think it deserves the hype, but overall fun place to go.

Dehesa Kingly Court, 25 Ganton St. W1F 9BP +44 20 7494 4170

Really enjoyed Dehesa. Excellent Spanish tapas bar with a relaxed yet happening vibe. Fairly priced and great service too.

Tapas Brindisa 46 Broadwick St. W1F 7AF +46 Broadwick St. W1F 7AF

Another fabulous spot for Spanish tapas. Brindisa is also located at Borough market where you can sample some Iberico whilst you peruse the shelves of Spanish gourmet goods.

L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon 13-15 West St. WC2H 9NE +44 20 7010 8600

Was happy I got to experience this restaurant, but won't be rushing back... Try it out for yourself and see what you think.

Diner by Heston Blumenthal 66 Knightsbridge SW1X 7LA +44 20 7201 3833

Have only peeked inside this highly acclaimed restaurant which has accumulated 2 Michelin stars, but I have heard rave reviews from friends who have dined here. Many will be familiar with Heston from the food network and with his first restaurant, The Fat Duck.

Daylesford Organic Farm Various Locations - 208-212 Westbourne Grove Notting Hill 020 7313 8050

Notting Hill Location. Beautiful place to get a coffee and a croissant, or enjoy their café. Gourmet food shop selling a variety of goods from their Farm in Gloucestershire.

Monmouth Coffee 27 Monmouth St. WC2H 9EU +44 20 7232 3010

EXCELLENT coffee. Enjoy their shop in Covent Garden where it all began in 1978. 

La Fromagerie 2-6 Moxon St. W1U 4EW +44 20 7935 0341 and original location in Highbury Park.

I am pretty obsessed with this cheese shop and was so pleased when my friend moved into a new flat just down the street. Accordingly, on my last visit I made it to the shop three times. It's a perfect place to get your morning coffee and a baked good while picking up a few fromages and other gourmet goods for your evening. Or, if you have time take a seat and enjoy a snack from their delicious daily changing cafe menu.

SHOP

Hedonism Wines 3-7 Davies St, London W1K 3LD +44 20 7290 7870

Even if you don't buy any wine, this beautiful wine shop is a must if you are strolling through Mayfair. An amazing selection of Champagne and vintages of Chateay d'Yquem. Excellent and friendly service too.

Cire Trudon 36 Chiltern St. W1U 7QJ +44 20 7486 7590

Stumbled in here with my candleaholic friend after our coffee at Monocle. Definitely worth the visit as I learned of the iconic candle company dating back to the 18th century. Beautiful shop and great experience talking to the shopkeeper who was very passionate and extremely knowledgeable about the brand.

Diptyque 68 Marylebone High Street W1U 5JH +44 20 7224 4948

Luxury candle boutique from another old (but not as old) French candle company. This was more exciting to me a few years back when the Diptyque line was less accessible, but still a good shop to visit if you are a fan of the brand or looking for some great host/ess gifts.

Daunt Books 83 Marylebone High Street W1U 4QW +44 202 7224 2295

I could spend hours in a good book store. This one is a gem. Five additional locations.

Selfridges 400 Oxford St. W1A 1AB

Can't go wrong here. If you need some new threads, this is a great place for one stop shopping. I was particularly impressed with their denim department and the customer service I received. It was almost worth the conversion sticker shock posted on my visa statement the next day. Almost. Selfridges also makes it easy to get your duties back on all your purchases if you are not a UK resident.

THEATER

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre Inner Cir, NW1 4NU +44 844 826 4242

If you visit in the summer, make sure to get tickets to see a show at this beautiful outdoor amphitheater. Magical. 

SWEAT

Psycle 76 Mortimer St. W1W 7SD +44 20 3728 6990

With all the eating and drinking you'll be doing in London, you may want a chance to sweat it out. Psycle opened after my last visit to the city so haven't tried it yet but if you are a fan of spin classes choreographed to music then I'm sure a class at this spin studio would be just the thing for you.

Regent's Park Chester Rd. NW1 4NR +44 300 061 2300

Have spent many enjoyable hours running in this park. So beautiful on a nice day, and the top of Primrose hill offers great views of the city. It is also a very lovely place to relax with friends and a picnic.

The Artist

“The most seductive thing about art is the personality of the artist himself.”

— Paul Cézanne

I really love this quote. It makes you think. What is it about art that we are so drawn to? What do we love about art? Paintings, music, film, writing, poetry, sculptures, jewellery, the way you dress, the way you speak, the way you live your life. IT’S ALL ART. This is l”Art de Vivre”.

Art to me is about connection and feeling. We are drawn to the way it makes us feel, and gives us a deeper connection to ourselves. It might make us feel closer to who we are, and that is seductive. When the artist is capable of putting their whole self into their art, that is when it becomes magnetic. That is when it becomes powerful. And that perhaps is the seductive thing that we feel according to Paul Cézanne.

What do you think?

LW