Los Angeles and Marina del Rey: What's New on the Westside! Summer 2007
Press Release: July 2007
LOS ANGELES WESTSIDE
For Immediate Release
Los Angeles: What's New on the Westside!
Summer 2007
Neighboring Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Marina del Rey make up The L.A. Westside Tourism Partnership, a unique coalition of visitors bureaus representing some of the most prominent hotel, restaurant and shopping venues in the country. The partnership seeks to provide media, travel professionals and visitors with an exclusive, yet manageable travel experience as they explore the Westside LA. Don't miss all the action this summer – here's what's happening:
For more information, e-mail: media@westla.com
SANTA MONICA
Hotel News
Hotel Oceana
849 Ocean Avenue,
Santa Monica, CA 90403
310-393-0486
www.hoteloceanasantamonica.com
After four months of renovations, Hotel Oceana unveils its new look in early June 2007. The carefully planned renovation includes, an all-new enlarged pool deck, a cozy outdoor fireplace, a fitness center and a refurbished lobby.
Dining/Nightlife
Abode Restaurant & Lounge
1541 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401
310-394-3463
www.aboderestaurant.com
Abode Restaurant & Lounge offers smart American cuisine by French Chef Dominique Crenn in a '60s era atmosphere, close by the Santa Monica Pier.
Le Merigot Hotel
1740 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401
310-395-9700
www.lemerigothotel.com
Ever mindful that delicious, and healthy foods can coexist, Chef Desi Szonntagh has introduced a new dinner and lunch menu at Cezanne Restaurant.
The Fairmont Miramar Hotel
101 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90401
310-576-7777
www.fairmont.com
The Fairmont Miramar Hotel launches their new contemporary flowering teas and menu. Best enjoyed at The Koi Pond Lounge.
Spitfire Grill
3300 Airport Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-397-3455
www.spitfiregrill.net
New chef Katsuji Tanabe brings life to this unintentionally chic dive.
Shopping/Lifestyle/Visitor Information
Arcona
425 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401
310-458-3800
www.arcona.com
The renowned LA spa, is heading to the beach! The luxury spa is setting up shop in Santa Monica.
Aura
1528 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90403
310-451-0181
www.aura-boutique.com
Aura Boutique brings edgy-chic eastside fashion to Santa Monica featuring designers such as Zac Pozen and Vivienne Westwood.
Clever on Main
2823 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-396-8108
www.cleveronmain.com
Clever on Main features unique home furnishing, accessories and clothing with a personal touch.
Tourism News
Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau Recognition
1920 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
310-319-6263
www.santamonica.com
Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau recently earned recognition by the City of Santa Monica as the first charter business to receive their Green Business Certification, making it one of the most energy efficient businesses in Santa Monica.
WEST HOLLYWOOD
Hotel News
Hyatt Hotel West Hollywood
8401 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069
323-656-1234
www.sunsetmarquishotel.com
Touting a rich music and celebrity history, the Hyatt West Hollywood is underway with a $24 million renovation project. The renovations, designed by architect Hal Goldstein will bring a modernist approach to the hotel – removing the balconies and adding a translucent glass finish, while the 262 rooms inside will be equipped with 42" plasma TV's, iPod docking stations, new Hyatt grand beds and luxurious showers. The fitness center will be renovated and moved to a location overlooking the Sunset Strip which the hotel is located on. Past clients of Goldstein include Burberry, Donna Karan, and Calvin Klein.
Bel Age Hotel (re-branding as London West Hollywood)
1020 North San Vicente Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069
310-854-1111
www.londonwesthollywood.com
Bringing together an unprecedented team of international talent, the London West Hollywood (formerly the Bel Age) will invoke an entirely unexpected, unparalleled hotel encounter on the famed Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. The London West Hollywood will offer 220 suites styled by David Collins, culinary cuisine by Gordon Ramsay, a full-service Golden Door spa, heated outdoor rooftop pool, fitness center and beauty salon. The full renovation is expected to be completed in December 2007, when the hotel will re-open.
Dining/Nightlife
Red Seven by Wolfgang Puck
The Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, CA 90069
310-360-6409
www.pacificdesigncenter.com
World-renowned restaurateur Wolfgang Puck has opened his second restaurant in the award-winning Pacific Design Center (PDC), "Red Seven" signifies the seventh restaurant Puck has opened in Los Angeles and the color red relates to the new, vivid, red-glass Red Building being added to the current blue and green which make up the PDC. Red Seven blends Asian-influenced cuisine, art, and architecture, with a radiant view looking out onto the PDC plaza. Open for lunch, happy hour, and dinner.
Hadaka Sushi
8226 West Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069
323-822-2601
www.hadakasushi.com
Hadaka means "naked" in Japanese and that sums up your elegantly erotic experience at Hadaka Sushi, offering a dining experience unlike any other. Sushi gone naughty is the concept here paid tribute by Chef Edward Brik, serving French and Japanese cuisine specializing in "Nyotaimori" which means Body Sushi, the practice of eating sashimi or sushi from the body of a woman. Inspired dishes like "Miso-Horny Soup" or "Nice Rack" are accompanied by cocktails with coy names like "Lolita". Hadaka also offers an adults-only room that seats 12 and dŽcor described as French Bordello meets contemporary Japanese.
Tourism News
City of West Hollywood Named One of America's Distinctive Destinations
West Hollywood was given the prestigious honor of being named One of America's 12 Distinctive Destinations, an annual list released by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the country's largest private non-profit historic preservation organization. The City of West Hollywood is the only city in California to receive this exciting and important designation this year. The award values cities who preserve the city's unique character, protect historic buildings, enact design standards, and make the city pedestrian friendly, demonstrating a strong commitment by city leaders and residents.
BEVERLY HILLS
Dining/Nightlife
Gonpachi
134 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90211
310-659-8887
A feast for the eyes as well as the palate! It's a restaurant, yes, but more than that, it's an experience. Gonpachi's center courtyard garden is a serene masterpiece, viewable from many of the spaces in this lively restaurant and bar area. Architectural details also include antique elements from three disassembled homes in Japan. Watching the soba master knead and cut the homemade buckwheat noodles is not-to-be-missed entertainment, but eating this "labor of love" is even better. And try the sumiyaki – skewers stacked with meat, seafood, vegetables and fruit, all grilled to perfection.
Hokusai
8400 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90211
323-782-9717
www.hokusairestaurant.com
The sleek, art deco exterior may be a little misleading, but don't be fooled! Inside you'll find modern Japanese cuisine intermingled with European flair. The sushi and sashimi selections are fresh and exceptionally delicious, but do leave room for other distinctive dishes like Saikyo Foie Gras (made with eggplant), Jidori Chicken (grilled with spicy yuzo kosyo sauce) and Kobe beef cheeks. Hokusai's intimate setting is perfect whether you're entertaining a client, socializing with friends or canoodling with a loved one – so come and sip a little sake with me!
Shopping/Lifestyle/Visitor Information
Feraud
9534 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310-858-0129
www.feraud.com
More than 50 years ago, fashion designer, Louis Feraud, founded his designer label in Cannes, France. Before long he was dressing the Paris elite and collaborating with Brigitte Bardot on the fashions for her movie roles (ultimately creating her wedding gown). Feraud designs are alive and kicking today in Beverly Hills (Feraud's only West Coast location) with Parisian-influenced, fluid dresses in silk and wool and soft flannel separates and accompaniments like furs, jewelry and lingerie. Oo-la-lah!
Garrard
Two Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310-860-8968
www.garrard.com
Truly a jeweler with pedigree! In 1843, Queen Victoria appointed Garrard Jewellers as the Crown Jeweller, responsible for the care and maintenance of THE Crown Jewels and for the design of adornments worn at royal functions (including the creation of Princess Dianaâs magnificent engagement ring). The pageantry of Garrard design is as evident in the dazzling jewels and settings now available at Two Rodeo Drive as it is in the timeless pieces created for the Royal Family.
Geox
400 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310-402-5550
www.geox.com
Innovative technology keeps this company one step ahead of the competition. The new Geox store on Beverly Drive offers its signature footwear (both dress and athletic shoes) for men, women and children. The unique membrane embedded into the sole of the shoe lets your feet breathe through the bottom of the shoe, all the while repelling external elements like rain, snow and mud. The company has since transferred this technology to apparel, now offering breathable, lightweight coats and jackets. Geox has got comfort covered, head to toe!
Lola et Moi
238-1/2 S. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
310-276-5652
www.lolaetmoi.com
Beverly Hills is pleased to welcome this one-of-a-kind childrenswear line to its collection of distinctive SoBev boutiques on this friendly little street south of Wilshire Boulevard. The store's interior is itself a treat for the eyes as spirographic designs line the walls in bright pink, orange, lime green and turquoise. The fun graphics are simply a backdrop, though, for the whimsical "couture-like" fashions for little girls, ages 6 months to 12 years. The spring/summer collection includes layered tulle over sunny yellow flowered fabric – fun for any summer party. This fall, look for cozy light felt, soft cashmere and baby corduroy fabrics in bold, rich colors to take away the winter chill.
MARINA DEL REY
Hotel News
Marina del Rey Hotel
13534 Bali Way,
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
310-301-1000
www.marinadelreyhotel.com
Marina del Rey Hotel is pleased to announce the appointment of Frederick Adriance as the hotel's general manager. Currently under the management of Pacifica Hotel Company, the Marina del Rey Hotel is located just 10 minutes from the Los Angeles International Airport, set in the heart of North America's largest man-made, small-craft harbor, and is conveniently situated just minutes from both the San Diego and Marina Freeways.
Marina International Hotel
4200 Admiralty Way,
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
310-301-2000
www.marinaintlhotel.com
Marina International Hotel has appointed Mary Banzon to serve as general manager of the property, which is now overseen by Pacifica Hotel Company. Marina International Hotel rests in the heart of the Marina.
Dining/Nightlife
Hornblower Cruises
13755 Fiji Way,
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
310-301-6000
www.hornblower.com
Hornblower Cruises has announced the launch of their hot new cruises. Spend your summer nights on a cruise ship in the Marina. Kick off the weekend right and spend Friday night on the Hornblower,s Blues Dinner Cruise where guests can enjoy two and a half hours of cruising in the Marina while sipping on champagne, feasting on a delicious dinner buffet and dancing to a live blues band aboard the ship. Hornblower also offers their two-hour Sunset Cocktail Cruise every Wednesday night.
Shopping/Lifestyle/Visitor Information
Marina del Rey Summer Concerts at Burton Chace Park
13650 Mindanao Way,
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
310-305-9596
beaches.co.la.ca.us/BandH/Marina/chacepark.htm
Beginning July 12, summer concerts at Burton Chace Park are in full swing. Catch the Marina del Rey Summer Symphony and Maestro Frank Fetta July 12, July 26, August 9 and August 23. In the mood for a pop sound? The Saturday lineup includes Amanda McBroom on July 21, Lorna Luft on August 4, Oscar Castro-Neves on August 18 and Cleo Laine and John Dankworth on September 1. All concerts are free and begin at 7 p.m.
Catalina Ferries
13737 Fiji Way, Ste C2,
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
310-305-7250
www.catalinaferries.com
Catch onto Catalina this summer on the newly revamped Catalina-Marina del Rey Flyer which whisks passengers to Avalon in about an hour and a half. The high-speed catamaran seats 149 passengers. Rates are $69 roundtrip for adults and a special rate for children and seniors is available. The Catalina-Marina del Rey Flyer departs from Fisherman's Village.
Fisherman's Village Music Series
13755 Fiji Way,
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
310-823-5411
Tune into the sound of Marina del Rey's weekend concerts in Fisherman,s Village. Listeners can enjoy a wide selection of musical stylings including R&B, Jazz, Latin, Pop and Blues. The concerts are free and run Saturday and Sunday afternoon (weather permitting) from 1–4 p.m. in Fisherman's Village Lighthouse Plaza.
Marina del Rey Free Beach Shuttle
Beginning at 6400 Playa Vista Drive,
Playa Vista, CA 90094
310-437-6070
Enjoy the surf, sand and surroundings of Marina del Rey in a hassle-free and relaxing way in the community's new Beach Shuttle Service. The beach shuttle is free and ushers people to major spots throughout the Marina beginning at Playa Vista and stopping at Fisherman's Village, Waterside Shopping Center, the Marina Waterfront Walk, Mother's Beach, Venice Beach Pier, Marina Beach Shopping Center and Burton Chace Park. The shuttle will run until September 3 on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Holidays and starts 15 minutes after each hour at Playa Vista. The shuttle operates from 10 a.m. – midnight Fridays and Saturdays and 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Sundays and Holidays. The shuttle also has special hours of operations for the Marina del Rey Summer Concerts at Burton Chace Park - 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. on Thursdays and 10 a.m. to midnight on Saturdays. The shuttle will also be available for the Abbot Kinney Festival Sunday, September 30 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
About the L.A. Westside Tourism Partnership: The L.A. Westside Tourism Partnership represents a landmark partnership between the Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Santa Monica and West Hollywood official visitors bureaus. Formed to proactively promote Los Angelesâ popular "Westside" region to the traveler, media and travel professional, the L.A. Westside Tourism Partnership aims to enhance the visitor experience at all levels.
For more information:
Burditch Marketing Communications
Brian Garrido
(323) 932-6262
media@VisitMarina.com
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