Summer really is the best. It feels like a 24/7 party and everything is just a little more fun. So in my summery state of mind, here are my picks for July. xx
Givenchy stud-embellished sunglasses via Barney's New York
Photography by Beau Patrick Coulon
Half Baked Harvest food blog & recipes
Wax & Cruz Ixchel Beach Blanket
Mario Luca Giusti Acrylic Tumblers via Maison Midi
We first learned of the great Hillstone Group with R&D Kitchen in Santa Monica. You may have seen Sissy's recent post on The Honor Bar, Montecito. We are kind of obsessed. These guys just KNOW HOW TO MAKE A BURGER. I'm not sure if there's one I like better. Hillstone has mastered the art of adult and kid-friendly, upscale comfort food. And it turns out, that more often than not, Jason and I want to go to their Beverly Hills location - South Beverly Grill, on most Friday nights. It's upscale and beautiful inside but totally kid friendly. And did I mention that they make damn good burgers?! If you are looking for seriously good baby back ribs, they make some delicious ones too. South Beverly Grill also offers a special sushi menu that their other locations do not.
I love the moody decor. Yet it's a very family-friendly place.
Table for 1? You can pull up a stool and enjoy your meal at the pretty bar.
We love piling into a big red booth and "trapping" Brixton in. Hehe.
Sushi is made-to-order at their sushi bar.
Spicy Tuna Roll with jicama and fresh wasabi.
Thai Steak and Noodle Salad
Cheeseburger and Fries. Yes, please.
South Beverly Grill is located at:
122 South Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills
Happy Friday! xx
The Valley is ever-so-slowly coming up in the food arena. With Girasol being at the forefront of this (opening almost two years ago), it is one of the best restaurants the area has to offer. Executive chef and "Top Chef" alum CJ Jacobson, created a menu that they describe as refined-rustic California cuisine. And I have to say, some of the prettiest dishes around. Here's our recent meal.
Swirly greys, inspired by the sunflower - their namesake, cover their walls and ceiling.
Peach and Burrata Salad
Pan Roasted Mary's Chicken
Sea Bass (Fish Special of the Day)
Smashed Potato
Fresh Strawberries & Donuts and Chocolate Brownie Cake with Salated Caramel Gelato and a cappuccino for dessert. Forgive the dark shadowy pic and focus on the yumminess.
If you are looking for an elevated dining experience in The San Fernando Valley, this is a good one. xx
Girasol is located at:
11334 Moorpark Street
Studio City, CA 91602
Photo courtesy of ICDC
It's National Donut Day! So I thought it would only be fitting to check out the city's newest high-end Ice Cream, Donut and Coffee Shop -- ICDC.
Located directly next door to bld on Beverly Blvd., ICDC Is the cutest little pastel-colored shop, serving daily-made donuts with innovative flavors, fresh batches of ice cream and 100% Arabica bean Vittoria Coffee.
I stopped in to pick up some donuts for this special holiday. Here are a couple shots.
A cranky toddler joined me on my excursion. Hence the blurry pics.
As an ice cream fanatic, I approve of all of these freshly made flavors. Even with the glare they look good.
Behold: DOONUTS. Clockwise from left: Rocky Road, Crispy Treat, Salt & Pepper Caramel, Chocolate Glazed and Vailla Cream Filled in the center.
I'd come back anytime! Happy Donut Day Y'all!! xx
ICDC is located at:
7450 1/2 Beverly Blvd.
(Closed Mondays)
It seems to me that Venice's Abbott Kinney is pretty much where it's at for restaurants these days. A few gal pals and I had a fun ladies' night out at Chef Casey Lane's The Tasting Kitchen. Featuring a daily changing "bill of fare," we tried a bunch of different dishes and drinks. Here's what went down.
Style is on point with the leather covered Eames chairs and the bare wood-top tables. Love the "indoor" trees.
Today's menu.
The frosted process coupe was a really nice touch, I gotta say.
Cheers, Ladies.
Warm housemate bread and butter is basically the best thing in the world.
Five cocktails for four ladies. That's about right.
Charcuterie platter. The fluffy empanadas were fun to stuff with meats and burrata.
Raddicchio Salad.
Pesce Crudo.
Muscles with Saffron Cream.
Tagliarini with Shrimp & Serrano, Roasted Lamb Leg and Creste di Gallo with Calabrian Sausage and Breadcrumbs
I think we tried almost every dessert.
Ice Cream is always king. Especially the house-made mint chip. Ladies night, every night? xx
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The Tasting Kitchen is located at:
1633 Abbott Kinney Blvd.
Venice
Open for dinner 7 days a week and brunch on weekends.
We love to party! Twink + Sis is a design collaboration and party blog by sisters, Laurén LaRocca (Twink) and Marlan Willardson (Sis).
