Fast forward a few months and to my delight , I found out that the venue, named aptly The Victorian, had opened it’s doors to the general public from 8am to 2pm daily. Finally I could join this ‘members only club’. A couple of weeks ago, in dire need of good comfort food , I found myself in their exquisite dining room. The menu has a real southern flavor to it, in other words ditch the diet girls! There are so many delicious options, not to mention a signature frozen belini cocktail, that make The Victorian the perfect place for a long lazy lunch. I opted for the club sandwich with a side of sweet potato fries. I ended up getting half of it to go as I couldn’t finish it all and leave room for their wonderful deserts! Yes, my eyes are bigger than my belly! The Victorian is famous for their omelette’s and pancakes. If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast when in LA, then this is the place to go.

A lot of restaurants and cafe’s in LA are so concerned with their food being fat-free, that their dishes have no taste. So hurray for The Victorian who proudly display real food with authentic flavor. The staff are wonderful and will happily explain everything on the menu, as well as the history of the house, which is really fascinating. They have seating for over a hundred people outside and with it being right in the heart of Santa Monica, it’s a perfect location for a late Saturday breakfast.

Speaking of which, on Sunday’s there is a farmers market on their grounds, and while the main cafe is closed, they provide a great take-out from their bakery. The bakery, which is on the premises,makes the best scones and carrot cake that I have tasted in Los Angeles which, in my book, is quite an achievement!

The Victorian specialize in weddings and private parties. The venue also plays host to a great Jazz club on a Wednesday and Thursday night. The club is like a speakeasy, you even get a pass-word that allows you to enter!

All in all this wonderful quaint restaurant is well worth checking out. It is so rare to find a place in Santa Monica that combines old world charm, real home cooking and a jazz club thrown in for a midweek nite out!

The Victorian
2640 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Tel: (310) 392 4956

The Fred Segal store on Melrose Avenue is one of the shopping stores in Los Angeles. What makes this store so unique is that it houses stores within a store. At the core of this shopping Mecca is a wonderful cafe that’s worth sampling, even if shopping is not on your agenda.

The Fred Segal Mauro cafe is a hot-spot of star gazing on any given afternoon. It has a few outside tables but on the afternoon I went it was too warm to dine alfresco, so we sat inside, which is hotter in other ways! The restaurant menu offers everything from light salads to delicious pasta. It has a superb wine list and as I have such a sweet tooth, I found a tempting array of desserts.

The cafe doubles as an art exhibition with all the pieces for sale. It adds to the buzzing atmosphere and the art changes seasonally. I found that I didn’t want to leave the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The cafe offers a late afternoon/early evening Aperitif, which is an Italian tradition of wine sampling and an alternative to a boisterous happy hour.

This is the kind of venue that quickly becomes a regular hang-out. I have already been back for Sunday Brunch and I never went near the clothes! A miracle for sure! However, I do have my eye on one or two paintings so I could technically shop as I lunch… what a Fab idea!!

Tip: Make a reservation.

8112 Melrose Avenue,
Los Angeles, CA 90046.
Tel: 323 653 2874

On arriving at Compartes I was really impressed with it’s decor. I had decided that I needed inspiration while I was writing and I was in deep need of a chocolate fix. So with lap-top in hand I curiously entered the store. Straight away I felt at home as it a has a very European ambiance to it. The owner Jonathan has gone for a lounge vibe to the interior. It feels very relaxing and straight away I knew I would be happy there for an hour or two.

With rows upon rows of chocolate, it’s hard to decide but thankfully with a bit of guidance I sampled quite a few before I made a choice! All the old favorites are here like milk chocolate truffles, caramel and coffee. However the store has gone above and beyond to push the boundaries of taste and flavor. I tried a chocolate caramel with sea salt! Apparently the sea salt brings out the true flavor of the caramel, it was divine. I also tasted a mango saffron, cactus blossom and a raspberry pink pepper! Not only are the combination artistic but they have the most amazing prints on the top layer. All these prints are designed and created at the store so they are completely original.

Compartes Chocolatier is a truly magical experience. There are glass window that allows you to view the chocolates been made and decorated. It also serves specialty teas, coffee and hot chocolate. While I was there, I noticed that a lot of the clientele are regulars which is always a good sign.

Lately the store has run specialty nights and on Valentines Day last year they ran a week of romantic dinners with a fanfare of desserts made from chocolate! It would be great for a gossipy girly night were all you do is chat while eating and drinking chocolate. The store is also getting a celebrity following with Desperate Housewives star Marcia Cross enlisting them to make treats for her wedding. Birthday parties too are very popular, as you can have any type of chocolate made with names or favorite designs tailored just for you.

All in all I loved the chocolates and I will be back soon, as there were far too many to sample in one day. Compartes is a lovely way to spend an afternoon either with a friend or on your own for some quite time. I think the bigger coffee houses better watch out, as there is a new place on the block and the experience is sweet!

Compartes Chocolatier.
912 South Barrington Ave. Brentwood CA
Tel: 310 826 3380

Have you ever wondered how everyone in LA looks so healthy and tan yet they spend no time in the sun? Have you looked at Charlise Theron on the red carpet and thought “how does she get that bronzed glow?” Well ask no more! I have discovered the stars secret place for that perfect tan and there isn’t a beach insight! Set amongst the backdrop of glamorous Rodeo Drive, in Beverly Hills is Portofino Sun. This salon has been tanning the Hollywood elite for years and now us mere mortals can have a slice of the pie… tanning pie that is!

The salon is the ultimate in feel good tanning. It boost’s the “Safest Sun under the Sun”. The staff are so helpful and will guide you through all the different services available. I arrived feeling pale and needing a sunshine boost. The salon offers a smorgasbord of tanning options but for the celebrity experience it has to be the customized tan. My requirement for my tan was simple… make me look like I have spent tha past fortnight on a beach in Barbados!

Firstly I decided to get my body in good shape for the tan. The salon offers a fabulous waxing service that specializes in Brazilian waxing. The waxing expert is actually from Brazil and she only uses a honey wax which is softer on your skin. The service was really quick and practically painless. Then I had the body scrub which takes place in a customized room. For the best tanning results, it’s important that all the dead skin is gone. My skin was baby soft and I was starting to feel like a new woman.

However the piece de resistance was the tan. There are over 25 different shades to choose from and the color is blended based on your requirements, as well as your eye, skin and hair color. To achieve my bronzed look my solution was made up of darker shades with fab names such as Sugar Daddy, Sensual and Chocolate! On top of the color a shimmer can be added to give you that J-LO Glow. As everyone hates that fake tan smell , the salon offers over 25 different fragrances that range from a coconut to a fresh ocean scent! The fantastic thing about a customised tan is that the sprayer can contour parts of your body. For example, if you want to have killer cheekbones or a better cleavage, it’s all done with a wiggle of the spray gun. Think of it as a magic wand to a better body! If you have never had a spray tan I will warn you that you have to arrange you body into different poses that allow “all areas” to be reached. If your shy don’t worry! The salon staff are very accommodating and it’s all so quick that you won’t have time to be embarrassed.

When I was finished I looked in the mirror to be greeted by a bronzed goddess version of myself! Fantastic! Celebrities such as Brittany Murphy, Gisele Bunchen and Paris Hilton are all fans of this salon. In fact it was noted as a 1# salon for celebrity spotting. If that wasn’t enough the owner is currently on tour spray tanning Mariah Carey and we all know how fantastic her tan looks!

The joy of this salon is the feel good factor. I left feeling tanned and fabulous. The next morning, after I showered, my tan looked so natural and I got compliments all day on how great my skin looked! It’s amazing the ways you can inject a little sunshine into your life and this way you don’t even need a blue sky!

Portofino Sun Spa
9431 Little Santa Monica Blvd. Beverly Hills
Tel: 310 276 8855

With the great weather in LA, it’s an added bonus to sit outside on a balmy summer night. Surprisingly, in LA, it can be hard to find a good restaurant with a decent patio. This restaurant has a colorful courtyard with a rustic Mediterranean feel. The Little Door has possibly one of the nicest out-door dinning areas in Los Angeles. When you walk through this “little door” it is like entering an oasis of tranquility. The restaurant is made up of four dinning areas. The Winter Garden, the Blue Room, the Piano Room and the Patio.

The food is French-Moroccan inspired and all the produce is organic. We had the Mezza Royale to start, which is an assortment of Mediterranean appetizers, with tuna tartar, goats cheese, merquez sausage and grilled salmon. It is a perfect dish to share as it combines a variety of tastes and flavors and is a substantial size. The staff are really helpful and as they are all French , you may start to feel you have left Los Angeles for Paris!

What I really love about this restaurant is the ambiance. The candle lit garden is both enchanting and romantic and is perfect for that special night out. It also has an intimate wine bar with a wide selection of wines.

It’s great to find a restaurant that evokes that “just right” feel and “The Little Door” pushes all the right buttons.

Tip: Try and get a table on the patio for a romantic night out. Valet parking available.

The Little Door Restaurant
8164 W. Third Street, Los Angeles.
Tel: 323 951 1210.

With its happy hour for the hip, this place is packed by 6. But waiting here isn’t a problem – just sip one of their famous pineapple infusion (fresh pineapple marinated in Fris vodka) at the bar or any thing from their award-winning wine list and strike up a conversation with everyone else waiting to be seen, oh, I mean table.

The wait, the loud music and the sometimes ‘too cool for school’ attitude is worth it when it comes to the food which specializes in international sea food dishes and full sushi bar (managed for over seven years by acclaimed sushi chef, Yuichi Natori). Hungry but not famished and in need of something light but different, I went with their sushi. Trusting our waiter’s recommendations we went with a few exotic things, things I normally wouldn’t have chosen. But the waiters here know Chaya and aren’t afraid to share what you should and shouldn’t get – so listen to them. You’ll be glad.

Our sushi was incredible, some of the best in L.A. as was their Ginger Creme Brulee – another recommendation from our waiter. We were surprised to find that we had spent nearly two hours dining without feeling rushed despite the crowds and the music. The relaxed attitude of both the waiters and decor kept us happy and content, even when things got lively.

Chaya was the perfect place to celebrate, whether you want to talk with friends over a table or by making some new ones at the bar.

TIP: Reservations highly recommended, especially since you can do it so easily through their web site.

Chaya Venice
110 Navy St (Corner of Main)
Venice CA 90291
310.396.1179

Thankfully Elixir was nearby.

Their all natural, no preservatives, no sugar added tea drinks (either warm or cold) are perfect for any mood you’re in. Their Virtual Buddah, which is said to help calm the body and center the spirit, was my drink of choice. After having it prepared at the Gan Bei Tonic Bar, I took my hot drink outside, sat under heaters, in front of the waterfall, in the prettiest candle lit Asian-inspired zen garden sanctuary, reading magazines that they laid out for their customers. The tranquil setting combined with a soothing drink left me in a better state and ready to once again face traffic.

But before heading out, I picked up a few things from their boutique, including a beautiful tea pot to make some infusions at home, a book and some olive soap that I’ve only been able to find in France. With an extensive tea list and a 10 other tonics to choose, I’ll be sure to come back as it’s rare to find a spot to relax so completely in LA – even if there are celebrities sipping tea next to you.

Update: Sadly, all things come to an end – Elixir closed its doors in May 2007.

Elixir Tonics
8612 Melrose Ave
West Hollywood CA

Since 2003, Kristy Choo has been satisfying LA’s sweet tooth with beautiful, hand crafted works of art no bigger than your palm. From chocolates to scones, everything made here is fresh, slightly exotic and undeniably good. Trying to decide what to get on the already small menu was hard, so I chose the Afternoon Tea for a sampling. And for only $17, it turned out to be an incredible value.

Over 30 teas from France’s famous Palais de The are yours for the choosing. From standbys such as Earl Grey to the more colourful The des Concubines (a blend of green and black teas with hints of Cherry, papaya and caramel), having tea alone could be lunch. However, you won’t want to miss out on all that follows.

Jin’s eclectic tea service includes tasty finger sandwiches, small cakes such as a green tea sponge cake, mango infused cookies, pound cakes and scones with real clotted cream. From savory to sweet, it’s all covered, leaving one to say “oh my gosh” with every bite.

With tea and baked good in hand, the break part was next and this Asian-inspired cafes carefully crafted aesthetics set the mood for perfect relaxation. The intimate tea garden with bamboo shoots, rock walkways and minimalist tables and stools created a peaceful retreat despite having a busy street on the other side of the fence. Between the food and atmosphere, it felt more like Heaven than Venice.

Pleasantly full at the end of it all, I had only room for a few bits of their world famous chocolates which come in flavors such as lemon grass, roasted sesame and Earl Grey and Mango. With so many more to choose from, I’ll definitely be back.

TIP: Can’t make it to the store but craving good chocolate? Jin Patisserie delivers! Chocolate boxes range from servings of 4 pieces to 36 and come beautifully wrapped. Perfect for your late night cravings or last minute gift giving.

Jin Patisserie
1202 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venica, CA. 90291
(310) 399-8801

I first discovered Ole’s Danish spa a month ago when, after several months of living out of a suitcase and moving far too many times, I went in for a day of beauty – bath, scrub, massage and facial. I came out so clean and relaxed that I knew that I had found my spa. After all, us Danes must stick together.

This time, however, it was just my pores that needed work and Maki knew exactly what to do. For over an hour, my skin was cleansed, massaged, pampered and extracted which left me glowing and feeling fabulous. I left with a bag of samples, holistic health advice and a sense of calm. Too bad she couldn’t help unclog traffic.

Ole Henriksen Spa
8622 A West Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles CA 90069-2301

With several locations around LA, which always seeming to be busy, Urth Cafe has been preparing whole, gourmet, organic food since opening it’s doors on Melrose in 1998. Their pesto chicken salad, mushroom omelet with Swiss and granola with fresh fruit and yogurt dish are among the favorites. Their homemade desserts are beyond heaven – from tiramasu to pumpkin cheesecake it’s all good. If you tend to sample a bit too much, no worries. Eating here doesn’t leave you feeling bulbous since all food contains natural ingredients prepared in simply yet tasty ways.

And if you’re not hungry, the coffee and tea bar is incredible (and worth a drive in the morning for me). Their chai tea latte with honey has no caffeine but gives you pep just the same. Lavender tea can be sipped inside or bought in loose leaf to take home. One of the first organic coffee sellers in America, Urth Caffe is currently one of the highest grossing cafes in the nation by square foot. With incredible food and coffee all reasonably priced, once you’re here it’s easy to see why – everyone keeps coming back.

The busiest location is on Melrose, where stars flock and people hang out to be noticed. But if you can get past the scene it’s well worth it – healthy food that tastes sinfully good.

Urth Caffe
8565 Melrose Ave Los Angeles
with locations in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica