Los Angeles – 48 Hour Style Guide
Los Angeles – 48 Hour Style Guide
Where? Los Angeles
When? May 2015
Why? For the 7th and final leg of The Style Traveller American Road Trip I returned to LA, the city of Angels, the place my whole amazing adventure started 3 weeks ago. On arrival after Coachella I stayed at the relaxing Marina Del Rey Hotel and to end the trip I stayed at the luxury Mondrian Hotel in West Hollywood.
As you can imagine LA is a huge city of epic proportions, to get a good over view of it in just 48 hours is quite a big task. So aside from the classic tourist spots such as the iconic Hollywood sign, shopping on Rodeo Drive and visiting the homes of the rich and famous in Beverley Hills, here is an edit of The Style Traveller’s favourite hipster and trendy restaurants, bars and hang outs in the vibrant city.
Pictured below The Style Traveller Bonnie at The Mondrian West Hollywood.
We stayed at modern, decadent Mondrian hotel, mainly because of it’s great location. It’s close to the independent boutiques and young designer, fashion labels in the trendy shopping area of Melrose. And most importantly a host of cool night time hang outs such iconic rock star hotel, Chateau Marmont, The Standard as well as the bar and club at The Mondrian’s own poolside, The Sky Bar, which is especially fun on the weekend.
Pictured above The Mondrian Hotels pool with dramatic views over the LA sky line and below a shot of my suite with it’s pristine white interior and modern meets quirky furnishings and decor.
The rooms at the Mondrian are an elaborate affair blending crisp, white linen, king size beds, with Murano crystal chandeliers and perspex, sculpture art works, which double as a mirror and the rooms TV. It’s all decadent and ostentatious whilst keeping a fun and playful vibe. Perfect examples of Ian Schragar design at it’s best.
Breakfast with a view at the Mondrian hotel, I thoroughly recommend the heuvos rancheros, Mexican spicy eggs with tortilla or go healthy with the fruit platters.
Lunch is served, a healthy tuna tartar with plantain nachos with a pool view.
After dark the pool at the Mondrian commands the best views over West Hollywood and one of the most fun clubs too. So get glammed up and get your dancing shoes on, to party with the celeb crowd at The Sky Bar.
Eating and drinking in West Hollywood
LA is filled with an incredible choice of fantastic restaurants and bars. From old school classics like Nobu, Cecconis and The Ivy to new, up and coming eateries in trendy Korea Town. Two places that have been on the lips of all of my coolest friends and hipsters hunters of late are Gracias Madres and E.P&L.P.
E.P&L.P
Named after the classic vinyl record sizes of the past, E.P&L.P is one of the hottest venues in LA right now. With a hipster filled roof top bar serving mojitos and margaritas to the cool crowd and seductively dark and sexy restaurant downstairs, getting a table here is no mean feat.
Pictured above: The gorgeous Head Chef at EP&LP, Louis Tikaram, teaching me how to cook in the restaurant kitchens! He blends Fijian, Asian and Californian flavours like a master craftsman.
The bar at EP&LP is the hottest place in the city right now.
I managed a get two ring side seats at the chefs table at EP&LP, where you can watch all the actions unfold in front of you. We tried the Asian tasting menu which is absolutely, mouth wateringly delicious, especially if you love Asian food with a Californian twist. I highly recommend the spicy Oysters, the to-die-for fried rice and the fantastic roll you own, wood grilled lambs neck. It’s a truly delicious experience, not to be missed by foodies.
Above: Me enjoying champagne cocktails at The Standard Hotel Downtown with great views over the twinkling lights of the downtown business district.
Gracias Madres
The other restaurant du jour which is topping all the foodie lists in LA is the exciting new, Vegan Mexican restaurant, Gracias Madres. With an exceptional menu of spicy and insanely tasty specialities, ranging from from plantain tacos to coconut ceviche tostadas, they promise to convert even the most hardcore meat eaters in the house.
We tried the tasting menu topped off with spicy margeritas and I promise, I genuinely didn’t notice I was eating vegan and it was one of THE most delicious meals I’ve had. I can’t wait till both Gracias Madres and E.P&L.P make it across the waters to the UK. I guess I’ll just have to keep popping over to LA until they do!
Above me at Gracias Madres, below the cool customers in the trendy interior.
Above the stunning pool bar at the Marina Del Rey Hotel and below the view of the boats from my room.
So good bye from LA the last and final stop on The Style Traveller American Road Trip.
It’s been a fantastic experience and one I’d love to relive again soon.
For more destinations from the road trip click these links – Coachella – San Francisco – Sonoma –Yosemite – Big Sur – Santa Barbara.
To plan an American road trip adventure of your own check out www.visitcalifornia.com
