Life and Times in SoCal

We were back in the UK a couple of days after the year changed - Jan 3 to be exact. we were only there for a quick visit - 5 days to see the older members of our families as they find it more difficult to travel to us and mainly to see my dad who has some health issues. Sadly we missed his birthday (Jan 11) but did leave him a card and birthday wishes. He shares his birthday with youngest member of my family, my grandson Koby who was 3 on the same day 

So its the middle of January and I find myself in the Lone Star State, Texas. Dallas to be exact helping yet another of our sites move the needle on its performance. This should only be a short gig as I have to be back in LA by the end of February to start the changes and bring to life the new plant there.

On  Monday January 20th, Julie and I got tickets for a Coldplay gig in Hollywood, at the Hollywood Palladium. This was the 4th concert in a 5 gig "World tour" that started in Jordan and finished in LA. There was only around 2500 people present. The concert was very acoustic and not at all like their 80,000 sell out arena gigs. They played a few tracks from their new album, Everyday Life, and some of their well known tracks from previous years. the acoustic version of Fix You was AMAZING. When the band asked the audience to put away your phones, for Viva La Vida people did. It was probably the first time most of the people had seen the band in real life, rather than through a screen! 

Looking forward to February. We appear to have been unfathomably missed off the invite list for this year’s 92nd annual Oscars ceremony on Sunday February 9, 2020, so it’s unlikely we’ll be rubbing shoulders with any A-listers. I do, however, have the next best thing in the form of this handy guide to LA’s best star-spotting. So if you find yourself in LA anytime of the year really, these are the places to be seen in…

 

La La land itself. The place where you can see the stars 24/7. Not the ones in the sky, obviously – too much smog for that – but the ones we love to watch on the sliver screen and would scream after if we ever got to see them. Actually, you probably shouldn’t scream after them if you see them, because if you take my advice and check out these hip LA joints you might very well spot a celeb or two. 

The strangest thing about LA is the hotel culture; much of the most amazing stuff happens in hotel bars and rooftop pools and the great thing is you don’t even have to be a guest to hang out there – so here’s where to go to see and be seen…

High atop the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown is Spire 73, the hotel’s 73rd story rooftop bar that claims to be the highest open-air bar in the entire Western Hemisphere. There’s plenty of outdoor seating, lounge cabanas, and fire pits. On the menu are bar bites, a slew of sweets, and cocktails too, of course. 

Since opening in 1928, this legendary property has been the preferred address for celebrities, royalty and the international elite — and it’s easy to see why. Located at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Rodeo Drive, it will put you in the enviable heart of Beverly Hills, with designer shopping, fine dining and postcard-worthy views at your doorstep. You can be your very own Pretty Woman, but you may have to bring your own Richard Gere!

Experience the Boxwood on the Roof at The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills. It’s referred to as playfully sophisticated, and we think that’s just perfect. Enjoy dreamy views of the city and tasty libations such as the Brit with a Twist - Kikori Japanese whiskey, orgeat, and fresh lemon juice. 

The Hollywood Roosevelt has been around since 1927. It hosted the first ever Academy Awards and was the playground of Marilyn Monroe. It also has two of the hippest bars in LA. The Library Bar is a hidden treasure, tiny but delightful. The bar is covered in fresh fruit and herbs and smells beautiful. Tell the mixers a bit about your favorite flavors and they’ll make a unique cocktail just for you. Also check out the Tropicana Bar with its dramatic fire pits around the David Hockney pool. Hollywood doesn’t come cooler.

Tuck into this indoor-outdoor rooftop restaurant and bar for beachside breezes and views. The menu is dependably straightforward, with things like brussels sprouts (yes the one's you have at Christmas, roasted and sprinkled with balsamic vinegar are wonderful) and sliders to choose from. The cocktails are equally approachable. This is a great place to quietly people watch.

The Farmers Market has been around since 1934 and is full of food vendors and unique little shops. The Shine Gallery is packed with Americana and is the place to find a unique gift while watching the stars unsuccessfully hide under their baseball caps. Right next to it is The Grove, one of LA’s best shopping, dining and entertainment destinations. After you’re done with the credit cards, check out the filming for Extra Live where celebs pop in for interviews most days.

The hit TV show Melrose Place was named after this stretch of alternative stores, independent boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants for a reason. Get yourself strutting down the Ave and pick up some wicked vintage items and designer goods, just like the A-listers do.

Dolby Theater (Formally Kodak Theater) - "Welcome to Hollywood …. what's your dream?"

The Dolby Theater is the home of the Oscars and offers tours of the areas you’d normally only set eyes on if you were nominated. When the Oscars aren’t on various acts on tour use the theater as a venue. Its not common to see stars here (except on Oscar night or when they are doing a hand/foot print ceremony next door at the Chinese Theater) but it is a cool place to visit and walk the grand staircase like you've been nominated!  The place is a little tacky think of Blackpool, without the class and donkeys, but you can't visit LA without going to Hollywood.