With many families finally reunited, this is certainly the most wonderful time of the year. Whether celebrating with your loved ones or just celebrating the season, here are some SoCal spots to enjoy special vacation moments.
ACTIVITIES AT THE HOTEL
Shutters on the beach: Cozy up by the fireplace inside the lobby of the lavishly decorated Shutters on the Beach Lounge (1 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica) with nightly live entertainment, while savoring his Romp on the Beach cocktail, a Eggnog variant, as well as a vacation fare of 1 Pico Executive Chef Sean Michael Runyon. “This is the time of year to treat yourself,” Runyon says, “and the most discerning palates will appreciate my unabashed use of truffles and caviar. “
Beverly Hills Peninsula: Plan some fun at The Peninsula (9882 South Santa Monica Blvd.) with a wreath-making and mixology class from McQueen Flowers (December 15, $ 175) and brunch with Santa (December 19).
Beverly Hills Hotel: There’s something for everyone at the Beverly Hills Hotel (9641 Sunset Blvd.), a kids’ cookie decorating class (December 16, $ 75), and 12 new varieties of Polo Lounge’s legendary soufflé, including the pumpkin pie, with libations like the Fig Sidecar.
Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills: At Waldorf (9850 Wilshire Blvd.), Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has designed an eight-course tasting menu for Christmas Eve (including black truffle and hamachi toast, $ 260). And the hotel’s Holiday High Tea returns with the festive sounds of a classical harpist (December 19, $ 110).
The Hermitage: Step into an immersive winter wonderland at the Lobby of The Hermitage (9292 Burton Way, Beverly Hills), which has been painstakingly transformed by Emmy Award-winning set designer Matthew Steinbrenner of Love makes it live, currently in production at The Wallis.
El Encanto: Hollywood’s beloved Santa Barbara hideaway (800 Alvarado Place), brews Butterfly Tea (December 19-21, $ 125 adults) with holiday-inspired bites and festive movie nights (December 23 and 24, 75 $ adults), including epicurean popcorn and hot chocolate. “The Butterfly Tea is an ode to the iconic butterfly migration that sweeps across the county and El Encanto each year,” says Julia Solomon, Marketing and Communications Manager at El Encanto.
Laguna Beach assembly: At Montage (30801 South Coast Highway), snap Insta-worthy photos of the opulent exhibits from Mistletoe to Montage and Gingerbread Village before sinking into one of the plush sofas in the lobby for their inspired afternoon tea. vacation with profiteroles and ocean view.
Hotel Figueroa: Savor the vibe of a European vacation at their new restaurant, Sparrow (939 South Figueroa Street, DTLA), where festive Mediterranean cuisine and cocktails abound, including lamb shank osso bucco, Reggiano tagliatelle with truffle and the enchanting Abruzzo cocktail with orange oil and herbal smoke. .
West Hollywood Edition: At Sunset Strip’s Edition (9040 Sunset Blvd.), artist Rachel Lee Hovnanian created a festive tree installation, Time for Love. Guests who purchase the special Time for Love cocktail can select the color of the tree that lights up and the product supports the nonprofit Healthy Minds Mental Health Project.
From left to right: L’Ermitage decor. A winter display of mini-trains at Shutters on the Beach.
Courtesy of the brand; Courtesy of Elizabeth Baker Photo
RESTAURANT OFFERS
Grain whiskey bar: well done Excellent chef Winner Brooke Williamson has reopened the Grain Whiskey Bar at her restaurant Playa Provisions (119 Culver Blvd., Playa Del Rey). Holiday drink creations to pair with bar bites include Hot Buttered YUM !, with Spiced Rum, Honey Molasses Butter and Fernet-Branca Marshmallow
Grandmaster files: At Grandmaster Records, a multi-level culinary and nightlife destination soon to open in Hollywood (1518 North Cahuenga Blvd.) – located in a former recording studio – the holiday menu includes orecchiette with simmered Magra lamb. . “The whole menu is festive, smart and, most importantly, fun,” says chef and culinary director Monty Koludrovic.
Republic : The restaurant (624 S. La Brea Ave.) has specials that include their signature panettone and gift baskets ($ 85, with house granola, Verve coffee, shortbread cookies, almond caramel, house jam and stollen).
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele: The restaurant (1534 N. McCadden Place) created a special dough, Spicy Arrabiata di Mare (with branzino, scallops, squid, shrimp, clams and mussels), $ 35. For every dish sold, he donates $ 10 to A Place Called Home, a nonprofit that supports youth with arts, education and wellness programs in South Los Angeles.
Pot: The modern chophouse (8225 Beverly Blvd.) will be open for Christmas Eve and New Years Eve and will offer Chef Suzanne Tracht’s signature Pot Roast with caramelized roasted onions, carrots and creamy horseradish ($ 155, for four people).
Akasha: Culver City Restaurant (9543 Culver Blvd.) offers take out Christmas Eve and Christmas Day food, available to pre-order through Tock on December 23-24. , winter squash and chestnut soup, Tuscan-style braised ribs and, for gourmets, a box of gluten-free cookies and a chocolate Yule log.
Left to right: Holiday tea service at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. Celebration with Veuve Clicquot in El Encanto.
Courtesy of the brand (2)
This story first appeared in the December 8 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.
