Here's John in front of the Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall. We were literally the only people on the street as we climbed up Bunker Hill, a surprisingly steep downtown LA byway. The hill once housed the chic set's homes circa-1900.
Gang:
John and I are out in LA for the Design Bloggers Conference taking place downtown… We were at the conference last year and made some fabulous friends and connections, learned a lot, and drank lots of white wine.
The 2012 DBC festivities kicked-off tonight with cocktails at the historic Millennium Biltmore Hotel, so I blew off much of the Academy Awards for more white wine and then a fab dinner at First & Hope. Frankly, the Oscars tire me. I guess I need to finally see The Artist, n’est-ce pas? Besides, Billy Crystal was so Eddie Munster…
John and I have been spending a lot of time downtown in LA in the past few months, and I am so impressed with what’s going on down here…
I wanted to highlight a few of our most favorite spots in downtown LA as well as a few places that I plan to visit in the upcoming days between keynote speakers and chit-chats with sponsors… There is an amazing array of stylish restaurants and historic architecture downtown, so get out and explore.
The super-stylish pool at the Hotel Figueroa with its cozy patio-situated tables. This is the perfect spot for an al fresco cocktail in the heart of downtown LA. Super bohemian chic. J'adore.
1. John and I are staying at the Moroccan-styled Hotel Figueroa across from the L.A. Live complex, and we are crazy about the hotel’s al fresco bar that encircles the sparkling swimming pool. Moroccan lanterns, bougainvillea, fabulous cocktails. Super chic and transporting. You are in the heart of LA but could be in Fez.
The dramatic and yet almost spare dining room at Bottega Louie. I love the occasional French flourishes in the space, including the host stand with its gilt work and marquetry.
2. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Bottega Louie. John and I had brunch here today after having this sprawling hotspot on our list for ages and ages. We are crazy for the candy-hued selection of macaroons at the bakery counter, but it’s Bottega’s pizza–such as the burrata with prosciutto–paired with Chimay Blue beer that really sends us. And the restaurant has amazing good looks, and the staff couldn’t be any nicer. If you need a place to dine after the DBC doings that’s near to the Millennium Biltmore and that’s without pretense, head here.
The stunning central atrium at downtown LA's historic Bradbury Building. The building played a prominent role in the film Blade Runner.
3. The Bradbury Building. Dating from 1893, this somewhat unassuming structure at the corner of South Broadway and Third Street holds myriad treasures within. For the building’s central courtyard is a masterpiece, all light and fabulous filigree. There are cage elevators, loads of marble, and Mexican tile floors. Sumptuous!
Whether you have time for a concert or not, be sure to visit the Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall.
4. Walt Disney Concert Hall. Even if you don’t go for a performance by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, book dinner at Patina to take in the hall’s Frank Gehry-designed glamour. Patina is very expensive, but the wild striped bass “a la plancha” with fennel is incredible. If you want a peek at the hall but with a lower price point than Patina, head for the Patina Group’s Concert Hall Cafe, perfect for a low-key lunch.
John reads the streetscape sign that gives the history of LA's amazing Central Library. Downtown LA has gobs of these signs, and they offer a wonderful history lesson to the city. Stop, and read. I learned loads about the history of downtown Los Angeles.
5. The Los Angeles Central Library. This gorgeous building was saved from destruction in the 1970s by concerned citizens. The monumental masterpiece by architect Bertram G. Goodhue channels splashes of Rome and Egypt as well as a bit of Spanish Colonial. The tile-covered pyramid at the building’s summit is especially stunning.
I love downtown LA. It’s so kind of weird and empty at night and yet so fabulous. And there’s a massive Ralph’s.
And don’t even get me started on the Westin Bonaventure and it’s glass-wrapped, John Portman-designed elevators.
Tags: #dbc2012, Bradbury Building, Bunker Hill, Central Library, Downtown Los Angeles, FIrst & Hope, Frank Gehry, Hotel Figueroa, Oscars, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Westin Bonaventure
Hello John & Jason,
JL Stermer here, I am a literary agent at N.S. Bienstock, a talent agency in NYC.
I am huge fan of your work. Seeing your before and afters always puts a smile on my face–you make me feel inspired! I’d love to see a Madcap Cottage book!
I did a bit of recon and I know that you’ve done quite a few books John, and Jason I caught a few episodes of Editor TV…
Do you gentlemen have representation? Are you looking?
I would love chat with you if you are.I would be happy to tell you more about myself as well as NSB.
Cheers,
JL