West Hollywood: Who would guess that a town encompassing just 1.9 square miles would be the epicenter of the world's A-list Oscar and Emmy parties, celebrities, and the most creative talent of the entertainment industry? West Hollywood is small only when measured in square feet. Here's my latest roundup of findings to feast on in the west side of Tinseltown.
Andaz
The 70's "Riot Hyatt" has had, appropriately for Hollywood, a major facelift: Andaz, a new concept by the Hyatt brand meaning "personal style" in Hindi, has a bold personality that's perfectly posh. The 257-room hotel boasts intriguing furniture and art, a sexy rooftop pool, an airy, seamless restaurant, and in-room views of the LA skyline.
I'm all about the little touches that appreciate the guest, and Andaz is right on point. There's a complimentary non-alcoholic mini-bar (refreshed daily) and a check-in process that provides you with wine or pool towels (check-in is done by hosts with laptops.)
One of Andaz's best features is its RH Restaurant, an open-kitchen concept with a sincere dedication to the growing "market to table" philosophy. There are few walls and no low ceilings in RH. From the bar to the kitchen refrigerators, viewable from most tables, the space seems liquid, creating a flow that makes the restaurant so naturally social.
Executive Chef Sebastien Archambault brings a Southern France flair to RH with modern takes on Hudson valley foie gras ravioli, homemade crispy petaluma duck confit, and a perigourdine poached egg. We were most impressed by the tenderness of the slow braised beef cheek and a gooey walnut cake nearly floating on an exquisite caramel sauce.
True to the Andaz culture of style and grace, our server, a handsome, ridiculously young 22 year old was so exceptional, we almost tipped him the cost of the meal. That's service.
The Gendarmerie
Not everything in Hollywood is drizzled with glitter and filled with fluff. The Gendarmerie, an inconspicuous day spa set in a refurnished West Hollywood home, is a prime example. It's a homey spa, where lunch is made daily from the kitchen and watching your favorite sitcom is encouraged in the lobby/living room.
I enjoyed a lovely massage by one of the Gendarmerie's welcoming therapists and lounged afterwards in the courtyard festooned with seasonal flowers and bright décor.
I later discovered that the Gendarmerie was created by the maker (Topper Schroeder) of Gendarme Fragrances, the #1 selling fragrance in Barney's New York and coveted by dozens of celebrities that include Serena Williams, Sharon Stone, Jennifer Lopez and others. I knew there had to be some celebrity fans at this jewel of a spa.
Comedy Show at The Comedy Store
Comedy performances can be smashing hits or total misses, but at the Comedy Store on a Saturday night, you can't be disappointed with a varied line up of noted comedians that step on stage every 15 minutes.
This was my 2nd time at the famous black-and-white colored laugh landing and once again, I had to leave early, not out of disappointment, but because my face was physically tired from so much laughing.
Jim Carrey, Chris Tucker, Whoopi Goldberg, Howie Mandel-these are just a few of the now famous comedians who were once unknown performers on stage at the Comedy Store. Even today, most aspiring comedians establish their names at the Comedy Store. See (and laugh) for yourself.
Extremedys 2012 Hand & Foot Spa
West Hollywood is a small town. Apparently, everyone knows (and I did ask) that the best place for a pedicure is at Extremedys 2012 Hand & Foot Spa, a tranquil and no-non-sense spa.
Naja Rickette, the spa's sought after owner with a celebrity roster, created an enticing pedicure menu of services featuring the Glass Slipper, Sling Back and Stiletto.
Extremedys' signature add-on is a reflexology treatment, a major massage for tootsies. Naja personally gave me a super relaxing massage, and I can now understand why clients claim they've "been Najafied!"
Consistently featured in national media outlets, Naja stays on top of trends and currently offers MinxNails, a no-paint option now sported on the nails of Beyonce and Rihanna.
The Hall-- Inside the Palihouse Holloway Hotel
Simply put, the Brits aren't known for their food. Fortunately, the Palihouse Holloway Hotel's Hall Brasserie is making a serious attempt to rectify this culinary notion.
Every Sunday, the delightful courtyard restaurant features a Roast Sunday lunch, complete with backgammon and several British newspapers. Nothing on the menu seems too risqué, it's a brasserie, after all, humbly serving "urban country food," our server noted.
The menu changes often under the helm of Executive Chef Brendan Collins and on our visit, we found a short but robust list of egg benedicts, pate plates, and a number of meaty offerings.Katherine Sutton
Freelance Writer
JustLuxe Contributor
