INK.ing IT AND A LITTLE BIT OF SEXINESS

I have always enjoyed dining out whether alone or with friends. I mean, who doesn’t?

Though a plate of eggs benedict at the Museum Café or Apartment 1b paired with a glass of cold mimosa or that bowl of pomelo salad from People’s Palace is always a treat – I also enjoy going to restaurants in the city that are pretty much low-key.

Sometimes we run into a little eatery that you would never initially enter, but surprises you with an experience that is anything but.


(Hipster central - Melrose Avenue)

Right across the pond, located where Hamasaku used to be along the twelve-block shopping strip on Melrose Avenue or what Angelenos call “the hipster central” – with designer shops like Miu Miu and Marc Jacobs sprouting like mushrooms alongside trendy Fred Segal, Kitson and vintage shops like Decades is Ink., chef Michael Voltaggio’s first signature restaurant.



Eating at Ink. creates an incredible impression with flavors inspired by the myriad of cultures that make up the city of Los Angeles.


Chef Michael Voltaggio of Ink. Photo credit: vegas and food)

And yes, there is always a good reason for all the hype. I hear most people take away happily.

Ink.
8360 Melrose Ave
West Hollywood
California 90069

NO WHIP AND THAT EXTRA KICK

I am pretty particular with the coffee I drink – yes, no whip, non-fat, warm and not hot, no cream and yes, I only use brown sugar. Not a big fan of lattes – I would rather have 7 cups of brewed coffee.


(Finished with Moroccan print tiling and coffee inspired graphics, Intelligentsia’s interior is chic, minimal and clean.)

Moving out soon, I think I finally found a great coffee shop with the perfect ambiance right smacked on Sunset.



Named by Monocle as one of the great café’s in the area, Intelligentsia puts a lot of work into making each individual cup, and it shows in the taste, and price. ( Perfect for those days when you need that extra kick which means – every day!)

ART+HOME: ARTEXTURAL DESIGNS

There is nothing quite like the third week of March in Manila, when the design crowd congregate en masse for Manila FAME International but hold on, if you can’t stop by, Angelenos and Filipinos in the west coast will be drawn with a real crowd-pleaser.


(Merella Single Seater and Stella Stool in laminated rattan)


ARTEXTURAL, a design showroom of high-end home complements and objets d'art from internationally acclaimed, award-winning designers from Cebu (Vito Selma, Clayton Tugonon, Ramir Bonghanoy, Francis Dravigny and Jamaica markets) ASEAN's declared city of culture, with focus on natural materials such as abaca, rattan and tobacco leaves, recently opened its doors, luring visitors in the art + fashion hub of downtown Los Angeles.



(Paisley accent chair and wrinkle pendant lamp)


Yes, all furniture and accessories are synonymous with progressive design, artisanship and function, handcrafted in Cebu, ASEAN's official City of Culture.


(Extra large crazy cut vase and Cheesan planter)

The opening of ARTEXTURAL in Los Angeles just gave us an excuse to linger a little longer in this sun-soaked city.

Gallery at Luma South, opening in March, will showcase sculptures by Juan Carlo Calma.

I’ll definitely put this on my agenda for 2012!

ARTEXTURAL SHOWROOM
910 S. Los Angeles Street, Suite 702
Los Angeles, CA 90015