I arrived on a Thursday night which is their famous grilled cheese night. Yes, I said grilled cheese! Let me tell you if you love cheese and wine this is THE night to go. The menu is varied and has something for even the pickiest of palates. I love the Croque Monsieur, it is exactly like the one you get in a Parisian cafe. Campanile also have the tastiest fries in La and that’s a tall order to fill.

The building was once the home of Charlie Chaplan’s office and the design has maintained this “old Hollywood” feel. That’s what makes Campanile different, it has character and it has charm, something hard to find in a city which revolves around the latest trend. Despite the Charlie Chaplan connection, Campanile is not a tourist trap. It has a faithful following of industry insiders and Angelenos in the know, making it well worth a visit when in Los Angeles.

If you can’t make it on a Thursday , the menu every night is a blend of Cal-Med that boosts rustic-urban cuisine. I suggest that you arrive a little earlier than your reservation. That way you can check out the scene at the bar. It has a great buzzy atmosphere that will definitely get you in the mood for a great night ahead.

This is the type of place that works for every occasion, from a first date or a power lunch, to an awesome weekend brunch. It’s even worth taking the folks, especially if they love wine and want to boost that they ate at Charlie Chaplan’s office.

All in all, Campanile has a certain wow factor, combined with a menu that will appeal to even the most discerning foodie. No wonder I’m boosting that this is a one off ‘find’.

Tip : Make a reservation!

Campanile
Tel : (323) 938 1447

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

Built in 1939 as a round-the-clock movie house for aircraft workers during war years, The Aero was a favorite theater for both locals and celebrities alike (Robert Redford visited often when he was young which lead him to purchasing it years later with hopes of using it for Sundance movies). When the war ended and bigger movie houses went up, The Aero fell out of use for many years . It wasn’t until American Cinematheque bought it, restored it to its old glory and re-opened the doors the theatre once again began to thrive.

Where else can you see classic films such as Gone With the Wind, Wizard of Oz, The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, Redux, and West Side Story (complete with a few of the original dancers on hand to meet) as well as today’s independents, art-house movies and new screenings?

Seeing these movies here gives one a new appreciation for both film and Hollywood. And with comfy seats for only $9, coming often won’t hurt your behind or your pocketbook.

The Aero
1328 Montana Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Tel: 323.466.FILM

Sitting right on the beach in Santa Monica, Hotel Casa Del Mar screams Old Hollywood but in that chic, polished, attention-to-detail way (we don’t stay in old musty places, dear, trust us). With dark woods and rich colours, the entrance alone is nothing short of spectacular. Then, there are the rooms.

Light, sunny, and oh so breezy; windows with sheers that sway from the ocean wind, glass walls enclose the deep jet tubs so you can view the ocean while you relax and light yellow fabulously deluxe linens make everything feel fresh and cosy. The stereo system and DVD player are nice touches – especially if you have an ipod to plug in and like to boogie a little before drinks in the lounge or if you need to just strike a pose on the chaise a la Marlene Dietrich.

There’s no way you could not feel just a little glamorous and Hollywood when laying out on the pool terrace which overlooks the ocean. Even if you’re not swimming you can sunbathe and have poolside drinks (after all, you’ll need something refreshing when you’re out in the sun). We love the poolside massages and the fact you can get a beautifying facial in the morning so that you’re pretty enough to listen to classic jazz in the lounge come evening. And trust us, you’ll want to look your best when drinking wine downstairs, after all, you never know who you’ll run into. It’s not just old Hollywood that comes here anymore.

TIP: Splurge on the Ocean View room; there’s nothing like it. If staying here isn’t an option at least come for drinks and appy’s in the lounge – especially on Wednesday when amazing jazz is playing and the lounge is packed with people and conversation.

Hotel Casa Del Mar
1910 Ocean Way
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Phone: 800-898-6999 or 310-581-5533

Created in trust by John Paul Getty with the goal of having a meaningful and attractive collection to as broad an audience as possible, this museum is something everyone should see – and see more than once. It’s affordable enough, having only to pay $7 for parking, that you can come and see the rotating exhibits (we can’t wait to go back in mid-June for Rembrandt).

A small tram takes you from the parking lot 3/4 of a mile up a hill to the museum which consists of several buildings and massive gardens. Spectacular views of the city are to be had from almost everywhere; the beaches of Santa Monica and the towers of downtown can be seen by just moving your head side to side. Simply walking the grounds outside can be a day but there’s so much more which you can discover either on your own or by free guided tours.

If you’re a fan of architecture, you’ll appreciate the thousand year old stones (some with fossils) that make up the buildings or trying to count the 3,200 doors. Garden lovers will appreciate the water maze, the zig-zag pathways, beautiful flowers and the lush grass on which you can nap (which you’ll need after all the hours it’ll take you to see everything). Art lovers will no doubt love the collections here, which range from illuminated manuscripts from the 12th century right up to modern photography. The Decorative Arts exhibit showcased furniture, clocks, tables and more from around the world – including the chair Marie Antoinette sat in to have her hair done. Rooms upon rooms of beautiful furniture dating as far back as the 14th century gave us more than enough ideas on how to decorate our own homes (must get ginormous bed with canopy and gilded towering clock).

Whether you’re with a group or need an afternoon break on your own, this is definitely a place to come and get away from it all, and even get a little inspired.

The Getty Museum
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90049–1679
(310) 440-7300

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

Some quick thinking lead us to The Ivy on Robertson, known for its famous star break-ups and over-priced pizza. However, its white-picket fence, the shabby chic pillows on the benches outside, and the outdoor heaters perfect for a chilly afternoon drew us in.

We each ordered a large latte to warm our hands and a piece of lemon cake with white chocolate ganache and berries to share. We spent an hour savoring the coffees which were perfect and the cake that was so amazing we wish we’d ordered two pieces instead of one.

We dished, we celebrated, we watched the secret-service drop people off. When the sun had gone down and our cups were empty, we decided to head home after celebrating at a lovely place for under $20, knowing next time after the paycheques roll in we’ll spend more.

TIP: When a birthday drew near we headed to Ivy on The Shore in Santa Monica where we sipped champagne that made our homemade fruit sorbet of coconut, raspberry and vanilla stand out proving once again you can have atmosphere, an experience and fabulous food on a budget.

The Ivy
113 Robertson Blvd.
Los Angeles, 90048
(310) 274-8303

They serve food late-nights too, so it’s a great place to bring your munchies as you end your evening out.

Pinot Hollywood and Martini Bar
1448 North Gower Street
Los Angeles
Reservations recommended: 213-461-8800

The Wayans Brothers, Larry Flynt, and Rosie Parez (just to name a few) were also there – in fact, it seemed like everyone was here. With its laid back yet high class atmosphere, the lounge could easily cater to high rollers looking to impress (as it often does with top industry people doing power meetings during lunch) or a couple of girls just looking for a glass of wine and a pizza to share.

Two hours later, we were happy, full and ready to call it a night – but the lounge was just getting started. We’ll have to come back again to see what happens later.

Four Seasons Los Angeles
300 South Doheny Drive
(310) 273-2222