Always one long on views….
1) Ocean View Shopping ($ – How Much You Got?)
Shower in SPF for shopping at the revamped (reconstructed) Santa Monica Place (opens today). Mid-century modern meets 21st-century sleek. Line-up consists of marquee retailers appealing to our California sensibilities. Here’s just a few: 7 For All Mankind, Joe’s Jeans, Tory Burch, Johnny Was, Betsey Johnson, Eva Varro, Barney’s Co-Op, BCBGMAXAZARIA, Coach and more – all anchored by specialty branded Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom. The true highlight is the view of the Santa Monica coastline from the 2nd floor glass enclosed dining deck. Kristin suggests: Checkout calendar of events and parking options to make the most of your day.
2) A View of Downtown ($$)
Take in the streetscape with a progressive sampling of downtown. Your first chapter of the night begins with a round of appetizers and drinks at The Library Bar (next to LA Library). Get smart just drinking here, but as soon as magic hour approaches, jet up to The Standard’s Rooftop Bar next door. Score one of the red laminate pods for some comfy lounging as the kaleidoscope of skyscraper lights shines down. When the mood for food strikes, grab a cab and head across town to the industrial side for dinner at the french bistro Church & State, in the old National Biscuit Company building. Word on the street is the “Pot de Crème au Chocolat” is worth saving room for. Rob a little more time from the night with a duck into the newly sprung Villians Tavern just a few short blocks away in the Arts District. It’s eclectic atmosphere looks like loot salvaged from an English apothecary, Scottish hunting lodge and the deep bowels of Manhattan’s bar scene. Kristin suggests: Park in lot designated for The Library Bar – parking is only $5.00 with validation.
3) Castle Views on Imperial Beach ($ – $$$)
Did you know that there is a U.S. Open Sand Castle Competition? Go south this weekend to the environs of San Diego (Imperial Beach) where there’s a promise of a room(s) with a view (albeit made of sand) when you get there. Seacoast Drive is closed to traffic for the street portion of the festival (Aug. 6 – 8). Best day to hit the beach is Sunday when the actual competition takes place. If you’re staying overnight, consider up the coast at two beachfront hotels – accommodations available at luxury priced Tower 23 and affordable Ocean Park Inn.
Not-To-Miss Event: Get tix now (they’re bucks – no surprise) for the first ever Taste of Beverly Hills. To commemorate Beverly Hills well-known zip code 90210, the gala (Larry King hosts, Natasha Bedingfield performs) is scheduled for 9/02/10. Clever, but the entire event runs Sept. 2 – 5. Gastro-celebs participating include (among others): Ludo Lefebvre (of LudoBites fame), Michael Voltaggio (Top Chef winner), two-time James Beard winner, sustainable food connoisseur Michel Nischen and owner/exec. chef of Chicago’s Table Fifty-Two, as well as Oprah’s personal chef, Art Smith. Restaurants too numerous to mention. The list is here.
Whatever is on your plate, enjoy the view and don’t forget to tell ’em “Kristin sent me.”
**Did you receive this on Friday, Aug. 6, 2010?** Are you getting “Kristin Sent Me” before the weekend? If not, re-set your delivery notice to “Immediate.” It’s simple to do. On the right side of the blog page for “Kristin Sent Me,” you’ll see “Subscription” – click on the word “Manage” underneath that. It will take you to a page where there’s a section titled “Delivery Frequency” – click on the “Immediate” prompt. Now you’re set to get the blog in time to take advantage of all the adventures!
