Conversations and Cocktails
Instead of the predictable bar around the corner, head to Blue on Blue at the Avalon Hotel for an after-work poolside gathering. Its new happy-hour menu includes tapas-style selections like mushroom risotto and paella, as well as a specialty wine of the month. Five private cabanas can accommodate parties of 12, or the entire outdoor space can hold 150.
Photo Finish
A city-centric gift for newcomers or natives is photographer Tim Street-Porter’s Los Angeles mini book, a compact version of the hefty original edition. Street-Porter documents the L.A. landscape, from landmarks like Disney Concert Hall to sweeping shots of palm-tree-lined streets, in the 264-page volume, which includes gatefolds that span five feet. The book retails for $17.95. Universal Appeal
Associates can mix and mingle during a day at Universal Studios, where they can check out the park’s newest ride, based on The Simpsons. The group can jump to the front of the line when you book the V.I.P. package, which includes behind-the-scenes tours and complimentary breakfast and lunch. Sweeten the experience with an end-of-day private event in the adjacent CityWalk’s It’Sugar (which is scheduled to open in June), where guests can create custom sweets at the soon-to-open Make-Your-Own Candy Bar.
A Taste of Hollywood
The Kress restaurant and lounge, slated to open in June, is a new spot to wrap up a day tour of nearby Hollywood landmarks (the Walk of Fame is right outside) or simply to host a private get-together. The venue has an Art Deco and Chinese-influenced look. A mezzanine includes a sushi bar, a private dining room, and vantage points for people-watching in the space below.
A Ballpark Perk
If a ball game is in your summer plans, commemorate the outing with the latest baseballs from Bergino, which sport a glossy-coated map of the U.S. highlighting all the major stadiums and retail for $20. Bergino also makes individual city-map balls for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, and Washington, D.C.
The Queen of Beers
For a classy take on a keg party, beer expert Christina Perozzi—a sommelier and former Father’s Office manager—offers private tasting sessions. Perozzi presents 10 to 12 varieties of artisanal and craft beers for groups of as many as 20 guests, discussing the history and folklore of each selection and helping attendees identify subtle flavors. Perozzi can track down limited-edition seasonal brews for aficionados who aren’t easily impressed, or customize classes about a particular region or type of beer.
Instead of the predictable bar around the corner, head to Blue on Blue at the Avalon Hotel for an after-work poolside gathering. Its new happy-hour menu includes tapas-style selections like mushroom risotto and paella, as well as a specialty wine of the month. Five private cabanas can accommodate parties of 12, or the entire outdoor space can hold 150.
Photo Finish
A city-centric gift for newcomers or natives is photographer Tim Street-Porter’s Los Angeles mini book, a compact version of the hefty original edition. Street-Porter documents the L.A. landscape, from landmarks like Disney Concert Hall to sweeping shots of palm-tree-lined streets, in the 264-page volume, which includes gatefolds that span five feet. The book retails for $17.95. Universal Appeal
Associates can mix and mingle during a day at Universal Studios, where they can check out the park’s newest ride, based on The Simpsons. The group can jump to the front of the line when you book the V.I.P. package, which includes behind-the-scenes tours and complimentary breakfast and lunch. Sweeten the experience with an end-of-day private event in the adjacent CityWalk’s It’Sugar (which is scheduled to open in June), where guests can create custom sweets at the soon-to-open Make-Your-Own Candy Bar.
A Taste of Hollywood
The Kress restaurant and lounge, slated to open in June, is a new spot to wrap up a day tour of nearby Hollywood landmarks (the Walk of Fame is right outside) or simply to host a private get-together. The venue has an Art Deco and Chinese-influenced look. A mezzanine includes a sushi bar, a private dining room, and vantage points for people-watching in the space below.
A Ballpark Perk
If a ball game is in your summer plans, commemorate the outing with the latest baseballs from Bergino, which sport a glossy-coated map of the U.S. highlighting all the major stadiums and retail for $20. Bergino also makes individual city-map balls for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, and Washington, D.C.
The Queen of Beers
For a classy take on a keg party, beer expert Christina Perozzi—a sommelier and former Father’s Office manager—offers private tasting sessions. Perozzi presents 10 to 12 varieties of artisanal and craft beers for groups of as many as 20 guests, discussing the history and folklore of each selection and helping attendees identify subtle flavors. Perozzi can track down limited-edition seasonal brews for aficionados who aren’t easily impressed, or customize classes about a particular region or type of beer.
Blue on Blue at the Avalon Hotel
Photo: Courtesy of the KOR Hotel Group
The pool at Blue on Blue
Photo: Courtesy of the KOR Hotel Group
Tim Street-Porter's Los Angeles mini book
Photo: Tim Street-Porter from Los Angeles/Rizzoli New York
It'Sugar patrons can create custom candy bars.
Photo: Courtesy of It'Sugar
The Kress is adjacent to many Hollywood landmarks.
Photo: Courtesy of Kress
Bergino's baseballs complement ball-game outings.
Photo: Jessica Torossian for BizBash
