Months of hard work and planning by Japan House LA staff culminated in a grand opening celebration Friday August 24, 2018, that witnessed actor George Takei as master of ceremonies with musician and celebrity Yoshiki performing on the occasion and LA Mayor Eric Garcetti addressing the gathering. 

All of the comfort, none of the guilt is the motto at Granville and they put that to full effect at their West Hollywood location for sure. Sunday brunch at their Beverly Blvd. venue is a comfy cool affair at your own pace. The large space, airy ambience and open floor plan provide a great vibe for relaxation and a fun time with family and friends. At noon, they were already filling up with neighborhood regulars and first timers (like me) alike dining on some of their globally inspired menu. 

I live down the street from here so I have to share the latest - Hollywood & Highland, Los Angeles’ iconic shopping, dining and entertainment destination has launched a VIP ACCESS CARD with insider access, offering exclusive savings and complimentary items at 18 of the center's popular eateries, shops and entertainment venues. For the full Angeleno experience! 

As of this month, you can pick up the card on Level 2 at L.A. Visitors Center and present it to participating retailers. The card will be a continuous offering at the center with new savings and free items available on an ongoing basis. No special fee or RSVP required. 

Whether a movie buff, foodie or shopaholic, the deals in VIP ACCESS cater to all types of interests and feature offers like Dolby Theatre Tour’s $5 off each regular ticket; Jinya Ramen Express’ complimentary two-piece Crispy Chicken Topping upon purchase of any Ramen order; Quay Australia’s 15% off full price sunglasses and accessories; and Cabo Wabo Cantina’s free appetizer with the purchase of two entrees; among many others. 

Hollywood & Highland is the entertainment center of Los Angeles for tourists and locals alike, featuring the Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards. ® Just steps away from landmarks like the world-famous TCL Chinese Theatre and Hollywood Walk of Fame, it is usually the place for a Hollywood tour beginning or ending. 

With contemporary fashion and beauty brands, over 20 restaurants, unique entertainment attractions, movie premiers and celebrated live theatre, it’s the ultimate entertainment destination. I can vouch for it because I am there half the time - they have great sales and their summer concerts are so fun!

In the process of continuing to discover the city (I’ve only lived here about 2.5 years) and its many neighborhoods, I’ve stumbled upon a few hidden gems and well-known hotspots while hanging out with le husband, who has ended up becoming my best friend in the process – guess that’s what happens when you move to a new city as adults and don’t know anybody! 
 
Highlighted here are some of the results of such explorations. Sometimes I visited here after thorough research, sometimes by referrals from friends, other times on a whim and then even more so just walking by a spot and having my curiosity piqued. By no means is this list exhaustive, it never will be, not if you live in L.A. but definitely a list I’ve been meaning to share for a long time. Here goes, in no particular order!

All month long, head to Beverly Hills for it Open Later Days with energizing nightlife, shopping and festivities until 8 p. m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Enjoy live entertainment, art installations, restaurant specials and more on Rodeo Drive and throughout the Golden Triangle. 

Rodeo Drive will kick off its second annual BOLD Summer on August 2 from 6 p.m.–9 p.m. You can experience live music, fireworks, delicious food and more. Step into a world where flash floral installations take over Rodeo Drive, monogramming booths leave you with a personalized take-home memory and live painting performances bring art to the forefront on the iconic street.

Nothing beats summer in Los Angeles and the folks at The Sofitel at Beverly Hills have some fantastic offers in store!
 
Riviera 31 now offers a new summer mixology collection, created by their very own Mixology Master Frederic Zemmour. The new beverage lineup highlights the vibrant colors of the blooming flowers on the restaurant’s patio and the magical flavors of their herb garden. From cilantro to thyme, from coconut to apricot, all the way to yuzu and roasted bell peppers, expect the unexpected to play on the flavors and strength of mezcal, bourbon, cognac and other robust liquors. 
 
Eclectic Jazz Nights are in every Monday and you can stay on till the wee hours of the morning. Opt for a VIP experience to hear the unparalleled sound of Ryan Cross and his band. If they aren’t pretty badass themselves, there is also the lure of celebrity sightings to consider. We hear Imagine Dragons took the stage in an impromptu performance one time! The open mic format means that celebrities can show up and sing covers or their own songs or for hidden talents to be discovered during the night. Every Monday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Call ahead to reserve, I can say fro experience the place gets packed pretty quick and usually has a standing crowd only situation. 
 
Cattle & Claw is the new pop-up eatery onsite and the one-stop destination for all things burgers and lobsters! By popular demand, C&C just launched a brunch menu that features waffle + lobsters and lobster bloody marys! Think lobster tacos & lobster toast bites & lobster beignets...you get the picture. Sofitel LA’s outdoor patio is the perfect setting to experience the new pop-up. No reservations allowed, and we are not talking about space. 
 
They also have Salsa Nights on Wednesdays, Blues performances for French Quarter Fridays and female DJs for Saturday night shenanigans. Check out the Sofitel today and let me know if you enjoy any of these experiences there!

Here’s a quick rundown of some of this city’s offerings for Mother’s Day celebrations. I’m too far away from mom to take her out but if you are treating mom to a special day/s, then these local suggestions should come handy!

What are your plans to celebrate mom on her special day this month? Here's the first in a series of recommendations as we run up to the occasion!

This Mother's Day, enjoy a scenic brunch, taking in views of the Marina at SALT Restaurant & Bar at Marina Del Rey Hotel. Executive Chef Mark Gold has carefully curated a special Mother's Day menu that will be offered during brunch hours on Sunday, May 13th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00pm. This specialty menu provides the perfect selection and pairings to come together to celebrate Mom and highlights Chef’s authentic California cuisine.
 
The exclusive Mother’s Day menu will include many specials and favorites, including the Smoked Salmon plate (Norwegian smoked salmon with whipped cream cheese on a toasted bagel) and the Beausoleil Oysters, served with SALT’s very own house cocktail sauce. Be sure to try Chef Gold’s delicious Japanese Hamachi, hand cut sashimi with fresh citrus yuzu kosho and olive oil, served with cucumber ‘ceviche’. For the main course, try Chef Mark Gold ’s flavor-packed Halibut, served with whole roasted cauliflower straight from Tutti Frutti Farms.
 
Also on offer are SALT’s signature cocktails such as the “In Bloom” a mix of Vida Mezcal tequila, pineapple liquor, hisbiscus agave and lime juice, or “The Salt” consisting of sauza tequila, grapefruit liquor, lime, agave, and orange bitters. If you’re a wine enthusiast, SALT offers an extensively curated wine list including sparkling whites, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Rosé, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Merlot ranging from wineries along the California coast. Cheers to mom!

Food and wine connoisseurs unite as the top chefs from Southern California battle for ultimate supremacy at one of LA's most mystical landmarks, the legendary Paramour Estate. The sophisticated grand entrance welcomes you into a decadent world of glamour and escapism from the entrance, with the highlight; a greeting all the way from Scotland. A bagpiper sets the tone for an afternoon of cultural immersion as the chefs prepare for the ultimate culinary face-off.
 
Taste of the World is a uniquely immersive experience featuring an orchestrated day fueled with excitement that transports guests around the world through food and beverage, accompanied by a masterfully curated entertainment experience, ultra-premium beverage offerings and a competitive Chef showdown where you decide who wins. As the competition begins, the chefs come to life and the spectacle commences as guests sample each and every dish in order to vote for their favorite at the end.
 
Sample all of the chefs' incredible creations, sip fine wines and specialty cocktails made by Flair Bartenders or visit the Rosé & Bubbly Bar provided by Celebrity Cruises while you are entertained by some of LA's top cultural performers throughout the day. From World Champion Salsa dancing to authentic Flamenco and Bollywood entertainment, the day will be filled with bright colors and big flavors from all over the globe.
 
Only a few lucky guests will be able to partake in this very private and exclusive event so get your tickets early! This is an exclusive event and space is limited. All attendees must be 21+ with an ID.  Uber/Lyft strongly encouraged as there is no street parking available outside the venue.
 
Get your tickets here! 

You know that saying about April showers? Well, you can expect a downpour in May as well – one that will have you buzzing all summer! Effervescence, the first major West Coast event entirely devoted to Champagne and sparkling wine, makes its debut in Los Angeles May 3-5, featuring master classes taught by renowned industry experts. The three-day fiesta will also feature Champagne and sparkling wine tasting events at the historic Avalon Hollywood, and an exclusive gala dinner for collectors, winemakers and enthusiasts prepared by chef Walter Manzke at République.