BOTTLROCK in DOWNTOWN LA

I am living on the east side and looking for tasty places to eat that won't hurt my wallet. I read about Bottle Rock on LA Magazine's website and it looks nice. There is a Sunday special for 50% off their wine list with 1000 wines and huge beer list which caught my eye.

Its located downtown near the Staple center.

THe executive chef is Jared Levy formerly at Providence, and focuses on small tasty dishes. Check it by clicking on the title.

BODIUM MAKES TEA

I think this would make a GREAT holiday gift. Its under $20. I have been drinking alot more tea lately and this seems like the perfect way to make delicious but visually appealing if you have guests over. Check it out by clicking on the title.

LOTTE LAMPS

I am trying to find some cool lamps and I am not sure if I am going to get these ones, but I think they are a great deal.

Danish immigrants Lotte and Gunnar Bostlund designed the lamps and lampshades the heart of the post-WWII Danish Modern. The thing I like about most is the price and also, they have an extra heavyweight fine stoneware base and the lampshades come in linen or cotton. $155 for this model pictured..MODEL 1800.

MERIDIAN PENDANT LIGHT

These lights are just downright cool. Why?

They are handblown and have a cool vintage fell to them. Hardwire only Buy two or more for the special price of $150! You can purchase the Mazda tungsten bulb too with it which makes a perfect set of minimal chic lighting for the dining room or kitchen area. Click on the title to purchase.

WM J. MILLS & Co NEW BAG

I have blogged about this company before this past summer but I can't get enough of these WM J. MILLS & CO bags since I use them everyday for groceries, lugging random things around, laptop, and would be good for mom's.

Its a cotton canvas bag so easy washing in cold water, and the thing I love about them is that the company is 127 years told, and all bags are handmade in the North Folk of Long Island so it gives local people jobs in the area. Its $100 per bag, which is on the high end, but it will last you at least 4 years until you get sick of it. I like them cause it not to showy but not the regular LL Bean or Jcrew bag made in China and as of late, they are very fashionable to the fashionista crowd due to a NY Times article recently to promote the coolness factor. To purchase one, click on the title.

Dimensions: Measures 13" long x 8" wide x 10.5" deep. The 12" strap allows you to comfortably carry the bag over your shoulder or by your side.

SEAVEES FOR THE ARTSY

This chocolate suede oxford shoe is by a company called SEAVEES. They teamed up with Panton Color Matching System to design a modern shoe with a 1963 color design. For all those art directors or interior designers out there, this would be the perfect shoe for you or your significant other. (Thinking of you in particular Cynthia C,Michelle B, Kelly W...)
There is a Pantone logo and a PMS number on the back of the shoe which is pretty cool.

A nice feature is the suede lined collar on the shoe for secure fit. $125 price, but a vintage modern shoe that is hard to find anywhere. You can order it by clicking on the title.

CEASAR MILLAN UMBRELLA

The Dog Whisperer, Caesar Millan's foundation has a limited edition umbrella to help raise money for his rescue in Los Angeles that rehabilitates abandoned/abused dogs.

What a great way to give to his cause and also, be stylish and have a unique umbrella that is purse size. Its only $35. Click on the title above and you can order it from my favorite store in Brooklyn called Epaulet on Smith Street.

CIRCA 60 NEW YORK

I have been looking for cool vintage furniture with a modern edge in New York. I used to shop with Alex and THISISNOTIKEA.COM in LA but in New York, was at a loss. I found this place on Craigslist. Not bad, and most items are under $500. Check them out weekly by clicking on title above. Each week is they post new items for sale and things go fast. I think they have the best credenza's in town.

LARDER AT TAVERN LOS ANGELES

Suzanne Goin and Carolyn Stynes third restaurant together and Jeffrey Alan Marks LA chic restaurant is on my "new restaurants to try" list.

This restaurant looks a bit more LA/Hollywood than Lucques but I guess that is what you get when you have a celebrity chef like Suzanne Goin's name on the menu. The restaurant seems HUGE with a beautifully interior decorated bar and dining room for the agents and suits doing their business. I think the smaller casual brasserie style to go section called Larder, is more up my alley. I just want good food without all the botoxed faces and all the Marni/Zegna wearing LA scene talking about something super important. Is that mean?

The sound of the to-go salads, cheese and their own line of pantry staple items such as homemade honey and olive oil sound like a very cool gift to give to a home cook.
You can see the menu by clicking on the title which will take you into their website.

Tavern
11648 San Vicente Boulevard
Brentwood, CA
310.806.6466
Tavernla.com

STUDIO PATRO TEA TOWELS & APRONS

I need to do something to energize the kitchen area. Check out these cool dishtowels and aprons I found by clicking on the title. I think these would be a great gift for a home cook for the holiday season. I hate to tell you but they are as my sister says, retardly expensive, but I Think they are worth the $42 for the pair. Aprons are around $48. (I know, retardly expensive).

STELLA MCCARTNEY AT BABY GAP

There are three must have's. I don't even have a kid and I want to get this tuxedo blazer, $87, and the winter coat, $98 and my favorite...the skinny jeans, $58. Check out her collection by clicking on the title above.

21 SAI KAY FACIALS NEW YORK

If you are on a budget in New York and want excellent skincare without the fluff of a fancy room or sounds of a waterfall in the background, try this skincare chain.

No, they don't use YONKA or Sonya Dakar for their skincare. They use Sothy's (FRANCE) and G.M. Collins (French-Canadian). I am a product snob. I use Skinceuticals and Dr. Hauska skincare BUT when I left there, my skin was glowing and definitely rejuvenated.

The facilities are bar bones. Not a zen like facility. Its more like a clinic feel. The ladies don't speak english and you are sharing a room with other women while they are talking to each other in Chinese...TOTALLY BARE BONES, but for $55 for almost an hour its amazing what a facial can do for your face.

What you will get are Asian ladies that takes their time on you without worrying which session you gotten-the 30 mins or the 60 mins., a deep and firm face massage, and a good knap!



Here are their other locations:

163 Mott Street
115 Mott Street
Grand Street (I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS LOCATION...Ladies are pushy and lazy)
144 Hester Street
777 57th Street (Queens)
135-03 Roosevelt Avenue (Queens)
5106 51st Street (Brooklyn)