City Smarts
As Los Angeles’ hottest entertainment-industry destination, the 1.9-square mile West Hollywood officially became incorporated as its own city in 1984. The 84th city in Los Angeles County, West Hollywood is currently home to 39,000 residents. West Hollywood remains, hands down, LA’s swankiest destination for the entertainment world with its upscale shopping, boutique hotels, celebrity-owned restaurants, and a ‘haute’ nightlife.
Whether you’re headed to West Hollywood to ‘strike it big' in show biz, or to service one of the supporting industries, such as script-writing, editing, special effects, or post-production, you’ll be joining a cutting-edge community. http://visitwesthollywood.com/visitor-info/about-the-city/
Catching ZZZs
The Petit Ermitage Hotel is the most posh pad in town, and the Mediterranean-inspired property is choice amongst power-players and discriminating business travelers in need of privacy in an ultra-luxurious urban-boutique setting. There’s 80 chic suites, all with eclectic European style fireplaces and exotic raised sleeping areas — oozing cosmopolitan glamour. The exclusive Private Rooftop Club flaunts 360 degree views of the Hollywood Hills. www.petitermitage.com
The Power Palate
West Hollywood offers a selection of more than 140 dining establishments. Among my favorite sites for a serious power lunch, is AGO, one of West Hollywood’s most high-status eateries. A partnership between executive chef Agostino Sciandri, and Robert De Niro, yields Italian cuisine that’s simply divine. This Melrose Avenue spot should definitely be on your A-List. (www.agorestaurant.com) If you're jonesing for some soul food, then the House of Blues dishes out some of the best Cajun/Creole and down-home Southern food in West Hollywood. Don’t miss their celebrated Sunday gospel brunch. (www.houseofblues.com/venues/clubvenues/losangeles/)
The VIP Treatment
“Renew, relax and delight your soul!” is the mantra at the Nile Institute. After 12 years in Beverly Hills, the Nile Institute relocated to West Hollywood in 2005, to spread its wings and has never looked back. Located on Doheny Street, the Nile offers holistic skin care, aromatherapy, reflexology and body treatments, customized to soothe, relax and calm her high-profile clientele. Owner, and fifth generation “Los Angelino” Nina Curtis, travels the globe, staying abreast of the latest and proven treatments to keep her clients looking and feeling their best. She has just recently become the first to introduce the patent pending treatment D`Oxvya, which improves blood flow to tone, tighten and diminish wrinkles. Everyone who enters Nile Institute is assured to look like a star upon departure. www.styleseat.com/ninacurtis
Footloose and
Fancy-free
Get your walk on at the most trend-setting areas in town. Melrose Avenue ranges from a funky, vintage, and swank section to upscale antique shops and art galleries. You may go home with more than you planned. http://avenueswh.com
Someone Helpful
Thanks to our friends at Visit West Hollywood for providing entertaining facts and information used in this column. http://visitwesthollywood.com AT