Melody Nazarian | January 6, 2012 6:35 amLos Angeles really cleared out right before New Year's Eve when celebs jetted off to vacation in warmer destinations like St. Barts, Cabo, and Hawaii. While many of them are still away, others are slowly trickling back in and settling into 2012 by running errands, grabbing lunch, catching up with friends, and attending events. Want to know which local spots your favorite celebs are kicking off the new year at?Read More
Melody Nazarian | January 5, 2012 6:45 amIs it me or is Hollywood getting hot again? Judging by wave of openings there — The Writers Room, Komida, Fukuburger, Papilles, and now Franklin & Company Local Tavern (5923 Franklin Ave., 323-463-1552) — it seems like it's on its path back to popularity. The latest debut is a cozy gastropub with specialty cocktails, and a sophisticated American menu (minus the high-brow price tag) makes it just the perfect place to fulfill your make-new-friends resolution.Read More
Melody Nazarian | January 4, 2012 5:25 pmI can already feel it; 2012 is going to be quite the fulfilling year. You're already on your way to expanding your social circle at LA's friendliest bars and eating amazing street fare at local Italian food truck Rosa's Bella Cucina. Now add to that list skipping Starbucks to support LA's best independent coffee shops.Read More
Melody Nazarian | January 3, 2012 9:20 amIt's a new year, time to look ahead to more fabulous times. But first, let's tie up some loose ends by quickly looking back at exciting year-end openings to try in 2012. There's everything from restaurant debuts in downtown, Hollywood, and Pasadena, to new clothing and interior design boutiques, to pop-ups that will fold soon.Read More
Melody Nazarian | January 2, 2012 6:30 amCooking Channel's Eat Street with James Cunningham is a "lip-smacking celebration of North America's tastiest, messiest, and most irresistible street food." And among that perfect mix is one of LA's top Italian food trucks, Rosa's Bella Cucina, inspired by New Jersey Italian restaurant DePalma Brothers. Rosa Graziano, the daughter of DePalma's founder, cooks up old Italian traditions and kicks them up a few notches with modern touches.Read More
Melody Nazarian | December 30, 2011 6:40 pm2011 was not a low-key year for Sam Nazarian and his entertainment company, SBE. Judging from all the openings all over LA — Papaya King, The Sayers Club, Greystone Manor, The Library — and parties, it's hard to imagine when they found time to sleep. In honor of all the hot spots Sam and his crew gave us Angelenos, here's a roundup of the year's top SBE openings and happenings.Read More
Melody Nazarian | December 29, 2011 11:42 am2011 proved to be a super-strong year for mixology in LA. It was practically impossible to walk into a bar without being able to order up a fancy handcrafted concoction with ingredients like basil, jalapeño, mint, and cucumber. The crazier the mix, the more popular the sip.Read More
Melody Nazarian | December 29, 2011 9:40 amJust like you and me, celebs are taking advantage of the pre-NYE lull and running errands around town, grabbing a bite with friends, doing charity work, and attending events. Gwen Stefani and family had an adventurous day at the zoo, Eva Mendes treated herself to a spa, Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale caught up over breakfast, and Jessica Alba did some watch shopping. Step inside to see what celebs are up to before ringing in the New Year!Read More
Melody Nazarian | December 29, 2011 9:00 amFree People and Jessica Hart head to LA for Jan catalog — Racked LA
Cuddle up in front of LA's hottest hearths — Refinery 29
New Year's Eve Pre-Game — Grub Street LA
BabyCakes now open on Larchmont — Eater LA
Santa Anita Racetrack's opening day brings out some hats — All the Rage
Caulfield's: For bookworms who are also foodies — Huffington PostRead More
Melody Nazarian | December 28, 2011 1:48 pmRight now you're probably so focused on your New Year's Eve plans — the hair, makeup, outfit, the works — that you can't really think beyond that just yet. But once all the confetti has fallen and the sequined frock has come off, what are you going to do next? First you need to nurse that annoying hangover with a juicy burger and perhaps a few beermosas.Read More