Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows recently opened the first of several suites from interior designer Lynda Murray, offering a residential atmosphere inspired by Santa Monica culture and lifestyle. The 785-square-foot suite offers views of the Pacific Ocean and artwork that's symbolic of Santa Monica and Los Angeles, including an iconic black-and-white Henry Diltz photograph of the Doors strolling along Venice Beach. Additional artwork includes black-and-white photos of the Santa Monica Pier, surfers in Malibu and the Santa Monica Beach, as well as a sculpture created out of locally collected driftwood and moss. Other design elements include hickory hardwood floors, a contemporary candelabra chandelier, a custom-designed velvet wing-back bed, zinc distressed metal night stands, a steel and reclaimed wood coffee table, and a glass and metal desk that transitions from workspace to dining table. The suite also includes a wet bar equipped with classic 1920s-inspired cocktail recipes and a retro espresso maker.
The highly anticipated restaurant Hinoki & the Bird opened in January from chef and restaurateur David Myers and real estate firm Related Companies. The restaurant is located on the ground floor of the luxury condominium tower the Century in Century City. The menu takes its influence from the Silk Road, with dishes such as caramel braised kurobuta pork with radish and mustard greens, as well as black cod with sweet potato and pistachio. There's also a 1,000-selection wine list. Designed by Milo Garcia’s L.A.-based MAI Studio, the venue includes an interior dining space lined with original oak walls reclaimed from a barn and an oversize communal table made of copper. Curved brass panels and rows of cabinets slide open and closed around the bar, and copper pendant lamps hang overhead. The open kitchen has stacked antique kitchenware atop brass shelving. The large outdoor patio (which makes up more than half of the restaurant) is enclosed by a living wall of vines. The private dining room seats 35 or holds 60 for a reception. For buyouts, the patio holds 101 seated or 200 for a reception; the entire dining room seats 54 or holds 125 for a reception; and the entire space seats 155 or holds 325 for a reception.
In February, SBE hosted a grand opening of its latest venue, Vanguard. Following a refresh of the space, the venue has an updated look and upgraded Funktion One sound system. Across more than 20,000 square feet, Vanguard includes four distinct areas, including an expansive main room, the Living Room lounge downstairs, a large patio with cabanas, and an upstairs private lounge. The spaces can be programmed separately or together. Within each space are new V.I.P. areas, highlighted by four new tables surrounding the DJ booth and stage, and a balcony booth upstairs provides guests with their own terrace overlooking the main room and performance area. (Beginning in 2014, SBE plans to initiate a complete remodel of the venue, which is scheduled to be completed by early 2015.)
Sirena opened on Beverly Boulevard in January, serving fare billed as "coastal Italian," plus a well-curated wine selection. Opened in the former Pane e Vino space, Sirena is under the direction of restaurant veterans Peter Garland (of Porta Via), Sandy Gendel (of Pace) and Michael Sutton (of the Lodge Steakhouse). The menu offers fresh seafood, Mediterranean dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and a focus on local growers. The space is decorated with recycled wood and aqua accents to evoke the Mediterranean Sea; the name of the venue means "mermaid" in Italian.
Born into an established Irish family known for that country's inns and pubs, L.A. musician Ross O’Carroll has introduced new nightlife spot the Lash Social in the historic core of downtown. The new venue is a bar, club, and art space meant to encourage expression; creative director and designer Erik Hart used reflection, shattered building materials, blocks of granite, modular angles, and metallics throughout the venue's interior. It also has a custom-designed, distorted disco ball.
Newly available for event booking is the private residence at 9909 Beverly Grove, which features dramatic walls of glass, imported stone, mahogany walls, an elevator, and a 40-foot interior atrium waterfall. The home also offers a custom screening room and a kitchen with Viking, Gaggenau, Bofi, and stainless steel cabinetry. A sculptural stainless steel staircase separates the three interior levels. An additional steel-encased bridge leads to the 4,700-square-foot rooftop deck and pool with a dramatic view of Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean.Â
Innovative Dining Group has opened B Grill by BOA Steakhouse in Terminal 7 at LAX, just right for a meeting over a meal during business travel. The 3,400-square-foot standalone restaurant seats 118, and offers a casual approach to IDG’s signature steak house restaurant. IDG partnered with travel industry operator Areas on the project and worked with Corsini Stark Architects to incorporate BOA’s sleek look and feel. The space includes metal, wood paneling, stone countertops, and ceramic tile flooring. The menu includes the BOA burger with Camembert cheese and fried onion strings; BOA chop chop with artichokes, salami, chick peas, olives, tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, and provolone cheese; and petit filet mignon served with red-wine butter and mashed potatoes.
There's a new event space inside the historical Federal Reserve building, known as Grand Vault Studios. On the lower floor of the building, the 2,000-square-foot space—blocks away from Staples Center and L.A. Live—has Wi-Fi, a top-end sound system, large dance floor with freestanding furniture, and adjacent public parking lots. Full-service catering is available for events.
The Vertigo Salon downtown offers a spacious, sun-filled event space. The 5,000-square-foot venue, located atop the historical Standard Oil Building, has luxe chairs, beveled glass mirrors, and black crystal chandeliers throughout. L.A. interior designer Ryan Saghian designed the space, which can be used for groups with pampering services, or can reconfigure furniture for use as a versatile space for any type of event.
Le Ka is now open in downtown's financial district. It focuses on artisanal and locally sourced ingredients with fare from French chef Rémi Lauvand. Entering into the space from Flower Street, a sprawling patio, complete with fire features, offers outdoor seating. In the indoor space, sleek black furniture complements warm woods and soft lighting, a bustling open kitchen, and a stylish bar area. A large wine tower rests along one wall, framing two all-glass private dining rooms for events and meetings.
