DtownLA.com

Ciao Trattoria

admin — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 21:51:47 +0000

Located in the historic fine arts building, Ciao Trattoria is a relaxing escape from the stressful city life. Dimly lit vaulted ceilings and ornately decorated frames bring an ideal intimate date-like setting to the space.

Large arched windows serve as a portal to the outside which is a great vantage point for people watching. Frescos of the Italian countryside are painted below the magnificent ceilings.

Ciao specializes in fine Italian cuisine and seafood. Feast on Atlantic King Salmon and a variety of homemade specialties.

Ciao Trattoria

815 W 7th St
Los Angeles, CA 90017

(213) 624-2244

www.ciaotrattoria.com

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Rivera

admin — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:20:58 +0000

Fine lines, slick materials and creative vibrance fill the environment of Rivera. Known for its delicious contemporary mexican cuisine, Rivera caters to the downtown professional, foodies and the ‘in-crowd’ with its stunning interior design and fashionable environment. Everything is designed with the ultimate precision; every detail is planned to be exact and exquisite.

photography & article by David C Lee

When you enter the restaurant, you will see a futuristic main dining room that resembles the interior of a private jet. Backlit wooden walls and ceilings are prevalent throughout the space while contemporary 70s-inspired furniture lies throughout the venue. Warm hues of rich browns, oranges and yellow bring an inviting ambiance to to the space. The contrasting green marble floors complement the retro-chic furniture.

Have a drink on the comfortable custom-made first-class jet-setter chairs and share intimate conversation with your closest friends. A variety of cocktails are available including the American Trilogy–a mixture of rye whiskey, applejack, orange bitters and brown cube sugar.

When you are craving something sweet, try the purple rain, a mixture of vodka, violet, ginger, rosewater and thai basil. If you have a favorite type of alcohol, try the bespoke cocktail where you actually “pick your poison.” Downtown’s best mixologists will make you a delicious concoction just for your delight.

Two strings of light hang in front of the main bar. The sight of exotic tequila and unique bottles of alcohol line the main bar. The rivera logo, the signature repeated R, sits behind the main bar and actually decorates the facade of the restaurant.

Started with Poblano chile relleno salad, smoked chicken, corn, pimenton aioli which had a the perfect blend of jalapeno pepper spice, tender skinless chicken moisture and a a touch of a light blended salad. This dish could be as fancy or as simple as you want it to be- sometime you just eat chile for the sake of eating chili.

To top of the appetizer portion, the beach-like shrimp and watermelon mojoto salad, cumcumber mint is fresh and prepares your stomach for more to come…

3 main savory main courses:

-Braised kurobuta pork short ribs melted off the bone into your mouth.

-The Open-faced tacos de pescado is the healthy way to go: lightly coated with lemon juice and freshly made salsa hits the spot.

-Duck “enfrijolado”, rioja wine & cascabel chile sauce is intricate with goat cheese and a poached egg for a lunch time effect. This dish is a unique rendition of duck that has layers like an enchilada with a hint of red wine

“There will come a time, in the distant, future, when the Ocean will break the chains that bind mankind, and thus reveal to a bold mariner a vast, new world.” -Senca (3 BC-65 AD), Medea is a quote that lays on the back of each of the menus. This is the mantra that Rivera strives of.

Rivera

1050 S Flower St
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 749-1460

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Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill

admin — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:07:27 +0000

Wolfgang Puck has finally made its way to LA Live! Located next to Nokia Theatre, the impressive space boasts a loungy outdoor patio, high ceilings and amazing contemporary traditional decor. Long rectangular chandelier-like lights hang from the ceilings. Bulbs housed in champagne-flute-shaped housing cast circular shadows on the ceiling, leaving a line of a spectacular graphic effect. The design of the restaurant is whimsical and warm and exhibits a cosmopolitan flair that rivals the best of New York and San Francisco.

photography & article by David C Lee

This is the perfect place for a pre-concert dinner because of its convenient location. If you have already had dinner, take a seat on the outdoor patio–the view of Nokia theatre is spectacular as the sun sets and the lights get brighten up the scene. Watch the diverse crowd of people walk back and forth as you sip on your favorite glass of wine. The combination of minimalist furniture and fluffy pillows ensure a comfortable people watching experience.

Cuisine is American contemporary with European influence. Start your meal with the spicy sashimi grade tuna tartar, cucumber, avocado, lettuces and sesame chips. This fresh sensation melts in your mouth and is complemented by the smooth avocado texture. Next, order the pizza with roasted baby artichokes, oven dried tomatoes, and basil pesto-goat cheese. This thin crust pizza is simple, European and features the freshest gourmet ingredients.

For the main course, try the organic loch duart salmon. Served on bed of farmers market spring vegetables, pea puree and caper-herb butter, the cut of fish melts in your mouth with an explosion of flavors. The lamb chops are served with french fingerling potatoes, fennel, baby arugula, pecorino, and mint- yogurt tzatziki. While most lambs are gamey, this one is simply elegant.

For dessert, the 50/50 sundae is a must have. Tangerine granita and mascarpone whipped creme is meshes together for an ultimate smooth savory texture. The surprise of pop rocks crackle in your mouth, bringing you back to your childhood, the days of simpler times.

Roasted Baby Artichokes, oven dried tomatoes, basil pesto-goat cheese

organic loch duart salmon, farmers market spring vegetables, pea puree and caper-herb butter

lamb chops, french fingerling potatoes, fennel, baby arugula, pecorino, mint-yogurt tzatziki

50/50 sundae: tangerine granita and mascarpone whipped cream

upside down chocolate cake: coffee caramel and creme fraiche whipped cream

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill @ LA Live

800 W Olympic Blvd

LA, Ca 90015

213.748.9700

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Remedy Lounge

admin — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:31:33 +0000

Though Remedy is one of downtown’s hidden gem’s, it is home to one of the most elite social crowds. Nestled in the heart of the financial district, Remedy is the scene of one of the most exclusive nightclubs in town.

The innovative business duo behind the 800 Wilshire Group LLC, opened Remedy Lounge in winter of 2008 to an instant success. The elegance and upscale atmosphere attracted a hip crowd of downtown loft residents and young professionals who seek bold design, lounge style layout and expert mixologists.

Remedy offers an abridged menu of contemporary American light fare along with a selection of dishes from neighboring Provecho such as American Kobe Style dry aged Sliders served with truffle fries and BBQ pulled pork taquitos. Chef Gabriel Morales definitely takes bar food to the next level.

An extensive list of upscale wine and beer from boutique producers is offered alongside the finest spirits. Cocktails, such as the Blueberry Mash (Stoli blue berry, fresh lemonade, muddled blueberries, splash of club soda) are expertly prepared by expert mixologists.

Remedy’s sophisticated and sleek design evokes the feeling of a hip urban lounge rivaling that of legendary hot spots in New York and Chicago. Soaring 16 foot ceilings allow for a bi-level layout. Sleek steel and glowing glass provides the ambiance for the center bar featuring a suspended polished chrome liquor rack.

The bar is surrounded by warmly lit intimate seating areas bound by wood, metal and antique mirror paneled walls. Oversized light fixtures hang above the richly textured grey and raspberry fabrics and deep chocolate leather lounges.

The elevated VIP lounge comes complete with two 42” high definition LCD televisions, a sound system and DJ boot. The 2900 square foot space seats 65 and can accommodate up to 200 guests.

Happy hour:

Tues to Weds 5:00 pm close
Thursday to Saturday 5 to 7 pm

800 Wilshire Blvd
LA, CA 90017

213.489.1406

www.remedylounge.com

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Provecho

admin — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 21:47:13 +0000

Gabriel Morales brings Provecho downtown’s finest Modern Mexican restaurant which recently opened in December 2008. The environment is not your typical Mexican restaurant, but it is lavish and filled with luxury.

You are greeted with a grand amber chandelier that is made of large pellets of beaded glass. Wood and marble materials give the restaurant a warm feeling of opulence. Traditional Spanish tile contrasts against the rich green pattern print carpet.

A large arched waterfall plunges against a considerable glass wall while cylindrical bubble chandeliers hang from the ceiling.

Provecho has 80 to 90 varieties of tequila. Corzo happens to be our favorite. The table décor is simple and artsy—Woven chairs will comfort you as you sip on Strawberry Mojitos.

Happy hour: 3 to close, Monday, Tues, Weds

3-7 thurs & Friday

5’7 Saturday

draft beers $4, assorted cocktails and wine $5-7

appetizers: $5-6

Provecho

800 Wilshire Blvd

LA, CA 90017

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Nick and Stef’s Steakhouse

admin — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 22:13:01 +0000

If you want the best steak in downtown, head over to Nick and Stef’s. The restaurant is located in the Wells Fargo Center and is best known for its dry-aged steaks. Executive Chef Brian Kiepler uses only the top 2% quality beef known as “prime grade Black Angus,” sealing in rich flavors. As one of the few US restaurants with a display aging room on-site, they dry age their New York and Rib eye for 28 days at 35 degrees and 85% humidity. These are ideal conditions to seal in peak flavors.

When you bite into the dry-age New York steak, you will notice a slightly charred outside and a rich succulent inside. As you chew the piece of meat, it melts in your mouth. Pair with the perfect glass of wine, the experience is unforgettable. All steaks are served a la carte and accompanied by a wide selection of signature sauces and sides. we had the JBS potato puree and Mac and Cheese.

Upon entering the restaurant, you walk through the main bar, a warm geometric environment with triangular shapes, wood floors and gorgeous views of the city. The main dining room is contemporary and filled with geometric wooden shapes. The environment is upscale and laid back. The warm backlit lighting creates a comfortable ambiance.

The outside patio is spectacular. As you dine beneath the massive skyscrapers of LA, the warmth of heat lamps are by your side. An LCD tv plays the game so you can keep up with your favorite team.

Happy Hour

$2 Oysters on the half shell

$10 ahi tuna tartare

$8 Fish and chips

Nick and Stef’s

330 S Hope St
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 680-0330

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I love New York

admin — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 03:12:20 +0000

photography by David C Lee
hair by Joseph Rene Salon
makeup by Min Joo
article by Jason C. Bonzon

shot at the union lofts

Tiffany Pollard lives reality television. She first entered the small screen as a contestant on Flavor of Love, only to become the driving force behind her own reality television shows afterwards. She continues to build upon previous successes while staying true to herself, and keeps audiences glued, week after week, to their television sets with her undeniably entertaining presence and awesome style. After searching for love on all the wrong shows, she’s found her true love…her love for life. And she’s sharing it with the rest of us. This is New York.

dtownLA: Congratulations to your ongoing success with your new show ‘New York Goes to Work.’

Tiffany: Thank you so much.

dtownLA: You’re obviously a hard worker. What are your days off like?

Tiffany: I am a hard worker. My days off I’m killin. …like you know I’m just hanging out doing what I love to do, which is kick it, go clubbing, and hang out with
my little baby dogs. And just hang out. When I’m not working or on camera I’m just laid back. I like to go shopping you know just typical stuff. You know.

dtownLA: What are your dogs’ names?

Tiffany: Lullaby and Her Majesty

dtownLA: Wow.

Tiffany: Yea, they’re my little babies.

dtownLA: Where do you like to go to hangout?

Tiffany: Oh my goodness, I like to go to Les Deux, I like to go to all the hotspots… Opera. I’m always trying to, you know, make the scene. I go to Kress. I like to hangout on the weekends. Just on the weekends. I try to keep it to a minimum.

dtownLA: What do you think of the downtown scene?

Tiffany: I like it. I get much respect. TMZ they’re nice to me. (laughs) All the other
outlets…they’re pretty cool. They try to be really polite.

dtownLA: What would be a dream come true for you? Or are you already living it?

Tiffany: Wow, I really like that question, cuz it’s really professional. A dream come true for me. Honestly, I have to tell you right now that I am living it, only because I’m finally in a place where I’m comfortable with everything.

dtownLA: That’s good!

Tiffany: I don’t feel like I have any worries or any type of anxieties of, “oh my goodness am I doing this right?” I’m finally in a place where I’m comfortable with every aspect of my life, and I feel like where I am is exactly where I am supposed to be. And I’m able to like take a deep breath and finally enjoy everything. So I would definitely say I’m enjoying my dream now.

dtownLA: Doesn’t sound like it gets any better

Tiffany: (laughs) I know! It’s good; it’s a good place to be in, finally.

dtownLA: Do you have a preference for film or television?

Tiffany: You know what? I think I would enjoy I really like coming on… I love reality so I like coming on once a week. So television would definitely probably be a great fit. But also you know you can’t go wrong with a box office film. I think both. Absolutely.

dtownLA: Would you ever do a musical?

Tiffany: Oh boy, the closest thing I came to a musical so far I did do a play in Chicago called Relationship Games you know there was quite a bit of singing I wasn’t
asked to sing but I did act. You know it was pretty cool. So yea, I think I would enjoy doing a musical.

dtownLA: What would your ideal role be to portray?

Tiffany: My ideal role…You know what, I don’t know why, but I would love to play a mom. You know, I would like that because it would be a change of pace, it would
be a different side of me to show my nurturing side. So yea, I would love to play someone’s mom.

dtownLA: Nurturing side?

Tiffany: Yea, exactly. (laughs)

dtownLA: What has been the best time you’ve had in your career so far?

Tiffany: Wow, the best time…watching it grow. Watching it you know, pan out and not knowing how far it was going to span. You know it’s been almost four years
being here and coming to reality television as a contestant. So I mean that alone is you know for me to be able to sit back and reflect and you know see this thing pan out to a career if, you will. That is awesome to me. I would have never thought.

dtownLA: If you could go back in time, what would you tell yourself advice-wise four years ago?

Tiffany: Oh my goodness. (laughs) Advice-wise? I really don’t think I would’ve done anything different. If I had I don’t think I would’ve stayed true to myself if, and if I had, I really don’t know if I would be here today still. So advice-wise I think I did everything pretty much right, I try to.

dtownLA: What has been the most challenging time for you in your career so far?

Tiffany: The most challenging…I would say in the beginning it was kind of rough getting used to being on television and you know that kind of thing was fun in the beginning but you know the aftermath of people recognizing me on the street, or in the grocery store, at the doctor’s office. I really had to come in to the fact of being, if you will, famous. You know I did, I used to get panic attacks. I used to get anxiety stricken panic attacks. I had to really grow into that. And that was really difficult for me in the beginning, but now I’m used to it. It’s a part of it. And I get it now. But it was really tough in the beginning for me.

dtownLA: Do you at times miss your anonymity?

Tiffany: Yes. Absolutely.

dtownLA: Who or what inspires you to keep moving forward?

Tiffany: My family and God. I’m a really big religious person, so I believe that where I am I’m there for a reason, but of course God does inspire me, my mom, and the rest of my family, definitely. And my close friends.

dtownLA: What’s a little known fact about you?

Tiffany: Oh my goodness! Well, It’s a little known fact but its starting to become more popularized. People are in love with my natural hair, I have really really really pretty natural hair. And it’s like this really cute fro. And you know if a picture came out with me and my natural hair everybody is just really raising about it. I want everybody to know that yes, New York has natural hair and it’s really awesome.

dtownLA: Describe to me your fashion sense

Tiffany: My fashion sense is basically however I wake up feeling. I really don’t like to stick by any rules because I’m a trendy person to a certain extent. There’s some trends out there that I can get away with and some that I can’t. So pretty much my
mood dictates what I want to wear. Like today for instance, I know when I get off
the phone with you, I’m going to Tae Bo and I feel like I want to wear some heels
to show my calves off. It’s always on whatever mood I’m in.

dtownLA: Oh yea, I read up that you enjoy Tae Bo

Tiffany: I love it!

dtownLA: Do you have any style tips that you want to share?

Tiffany: It’s important to always, and I didn’t know this in the beginning but I know it now, it’s important to just highlight or feature one curve. Either it’s gonna be the bustline or the legs. I used to show it all off, it looked great, but now I like to show either the legs or the top. That’s always important; to just highlight just one of those features.

dtownLA: Keeps some mystery

Tiffany: Yea absolutely!

dtownLA: What are some of your favorite fashion designers?

Tiffany: Oh my goodness I love everybody. You know I’m the type of girl that will shop anywhere. I hit from Rodeo to Melrose or you will just catch me in Macy’s. I think mostly it’s not about designer for me it’s more about a great bargain, because I love bargains, but mostly something that will last. Seven jeans I love those most because they’re indestructible. I love a good shoe you know and that’s what it’s basically about. I go for more the construction and not the designer.

dtownLA: Sounds like a ‘practical open-mindedness’

Tiffany: Oh absolutely. Yes, absolutely. I can take a ten-dollar belt and make it look like a three-hundred dollar belt. Trust me.

dtownLA: What question would you have added to this interview?

Tiffany: Oh my goodness. Everybody’s been asking me about my love life. (laughs) So I would be like, “New York, are you still single, are you still searching for love?” and the answer would be, “Right now, I gotta say that I’m happily single. I’m doing my thing, I’m loving my show, I’m in love reality right now, and I’m still in love with acting. So you know, I am single, but I’m in a happy single place.

dtownLA: Last, but certainly not least, how was your photo shoot?

Tiffany: I LOVED MY PHOTOSHOOT! It was sooo fun, I had a blast. The clothes were perfect. The photographer, David, he was just really really wonderful. I was so impressed with all the pictures that I saw. Awesome. Awesome shoot.

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Key Closet

admin — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 00:26:17 +0000

This ultra-premium shirt and $10,000 jeans line is making waves in the fashion industry.

Established in 2006 by a group of passionate designers and visionary entrepreneur Michael Hong, Key Closet clothing has quickly built a loyal following for its innovative look, ground-breaking fashions, and pioneering approach to clothing manufacture. Key Closet garments are made to convey the wearer’s confidence, style, and power – the keys to unlocking any fantasy.

photography by David C lee

Key Closet’s style is created using the techniques of an artist producing a painting. Using the blank garment as a canvas, each piece is personalized with hand-drawn designs and exquisite details such as metal studs and Swarovski crystals each set in metal brackets, producing never-before-seen designs that have caught the attention of fashion editors and celebrities alike.

Synthesizing art and fashion in a new and exciting way, Key Closet’s exclusive designs appeal to those who desire extravagant, beautiful, eye-catching clothing. Demand for Key Closet is growing by 200-300% annually, fueled by a large celebrity following.

Key Closet clothing can be seen everywhere in mainstream media on stylish celebrities such as Jamie Foxx, Terrell Owens, Omarion, Cee Lo, and Too $hort. After creating a sensation with Key Closet, Michael is set to launch Konquest high-end casual label that will bring the craftsmanship and artistry of Key Closet to a wider audience.

For more information visit keycloset.com

Photography by David C Lee
Hair & Makeup by Lilian Kha
Shot on location at the Key Closet Penthouse

Featuring shirts and $10,000 jeans by Key Closet

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Fashion in the street

admin — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:51:10 +0000

photography by David C Lee
makeup by Dedra Dakota
hair by Atouzo & Yvonne Neihule
Styling by Gus Castaneda

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1010 Wilshire

admin — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 04:50:46 +0000

TENTEN Wilshire is the ideal place for business-minded individuals to Live, Work, and Play. Whether you are a travel manager, relocation specialist, working professional, or entrepreneur, TENTEN provides the perfect blend of amenities and necessities to make your decision an easy one. You have heard the phrase “Live, Work, and Play” uncounted times, but not until now have all three been addressed in a single Lifestyle Solution.

photography by David C Lee

With the 110, 10 and 101 freeway entrances within a mile of the building, residents can be anywhere in Los Angeles in moments. In addition, cultural destinations including MOCA, Disney Concert Hall, Nokia Theater, Staples Center, and the Ahmanson/Dorothy Chandler Pavilion are all within walking distance. Shopping is also close by, with 7th and Fig shopping center, Macy’s Plaza, and the newly opened Ralph’s Fresh Fare Grocery all just a few short blocks away.

Rooftop firepit

At TENTEN, all suites are designated Live/Work, so conducting business from home in a professional manner just became possible. Basic utilities are all included in these fully furnished luxury suites, further simplifying an otherwise busy life. There are no short-term lease fees, making TENTEN the perfect option, whatever your needs may be. TENTEN Wilshire, a new lifestyle solution for professionals wanting to live, work, and play…no matter how long or short your stay.

Lobby

The view from the suites

Rooftop pool

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DtownLA.com

Ciao Trattoria

Rivera

Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill

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Remedy Lounge

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Nick and Stef’s Steakhouse

I love New York

Key Closet

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1010 Wilshire