Sunbathing in December may seem like a monopoly of the Southern Hemisphere, but its invigorating effect is not limited to Bon Aire or Rio. An afternoon soaking in the sun is just what the body needs, and it’s easily had if you are in temperate Southern California. So march outside, park your towel, and push your sunglasses over your eyes. The sunshine vitamin will leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed, and ready to conquer your next assignment.
We Are LA
What to Eat, Where
Hotel cuisine has gotten a bad rap for being overpriced and dodgy, and while we admit the former, we’ll attempt to save you from the latter with a run-down of our tested favorites:
- Andaz West Hollywood – RH: Seared Ahi with Tomato Onion Compote
- Chateau Marmont: Croque Monsieur (one of the best we’ve had!)
- The Clift SF – Room Service: Breakfast Pastries
- The Huntley – Penthouse: Parmesan Potato Crisps (delicious hybrid between a french fry and a chip)
- The Mondrian LA – Asia de Cuba: Tuna Tartare, Lobster Club, Calamari Salad, Lobster Mashed Potatoes
- The Redbury – Cleo: Babaganoush, Crispy Brussel Sprouts
- Shutters on the Beach – One Pico: Lobster Club Sandwich
- SLS Hotel – Altitude (Tres): Chicken Sandwich
- The Standard Downtown: Cobb Salad
- The Standard Hollywood: Spaghetti and Meatballs, Hot Chocolate
- W Washington D.C. – Room Service: Penne Pasta
- W Hollywood – Delphine: Ceviche (available from 5-7pm during raw bar happy hour and all-night on Monday)
- W Hollywood – Drai’s: Ceviche Tacos
A Beat Shy of Shy
We’ve got a slight renovation going on. It’s the backyard, which is terra cotta stone and lovely, but the pool is kidney shaped and our inamourata is starting in with the big moves.
“Let’s move the wall back three feet into the hill, stick the pool heater in the other corner, and make everything grass” he says excitedly, hauling us outside.
“Ahh…” we stall, images in our head catching up. “Ants crawling up the lounge chair as we drink lemonade?”
“Or we could have grass on one side of the pool, concrete on the other” he continues.
“North and South Korea?” we offer.
“Well maybe one area of concrete with grass surrounding?”
“The Euro zone, with a donut hole called Switzerland.” This is very obvious to us.
“Ok, fine. What do you think?”
“Throw the heater in the corner, pave over the rock garden and the adjacent few feet, do the rest in grass, a zipline, please, and build a secret room in the hill.”