Posts Tagged ‘beverly hills’

Sip and Socialize from Some of the Best LA Hot Spots

Thursday, April 21, 2022
Debbi DiMaggio

Home-Buyers and tourists alike flock to LA for the white sandy beaches, business opportunities, sunny weather, blue skies, and pink, yellow and orange sunsets.

Where best to enjoy the magnificent views of the city than from one of the many rooftop restaurants.

Here are my Top 5 Restaurants with A View as Best Described by each of these Stylishly Elegant Venues

Experience Merois at the Pendry West Hollywood is perched atop a stunning hotel residence by Montage Hotels and Resorts located on Sunset Boulevard. Merois combines the city’s open-air allure, featuring striking downtown and Sunset Blvd views, with Chef Wolfgang Puck’s vision for the sophisticated subtleties of Japanese, Southeast Asian, and French/

California cuisine. Highlight: I love the bold design, soothing colors, and fabulous patterns.

Rooftop by JG at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills located at the corner of Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards with wrap-around views from Downtown LA to the East and the Pacific Ocean to the West. This pinnacle social venue features panoramic views of Beverly Hills and Hollywood from 12 stories aloft. An impeccably styled garden setting, the Rooftop by JG is among the largest of its kind in Beverly Hills. This one-of-a-kind experience is not to be missed. Enjoy memorable lunches and dinners in an exceptional venue. Highlight: The magnificent vistas of stunning Beverly Hills homes, lush gardens, sparkling swimming pools.

Photo Credit: UNSPLASH

Openaire in Koreatown at the Line Hotel Native Angeleno, surfer and two Michelin-starred chef Josiah Citrin serves a culinary vision built around.

Photo Credit: UNSPLASH

California’s bounty from land and sea at Openaire. The menu embraces each season and reflects the melting-pot culture of LA. Highlight: The lush and unique greenhouse and outdoor terrace.

Calabra Santa Monica at Proper Hotel as described by Forbes 2021 “Best Outdoor Hotel Restaurant Patios In Southern California” –The elevated outdoor rooftop restaurant and bar, serves outdoor rooftop restaurant and bar, serves Mediterranean and California cuisine, prepared in an inspiring surrounding with the ocean as the backdrop. Whether from the sundeck, circular bar, or indoor lounge, views are best enjoyed with boutique wines, seasonal cocktails, and small-batch spirits. Highlight: I never tire of the elegant interior design of each Proper Hotel and Calabra is no different.

Photo Credit: UNSPLASH

Harriet’s Rooftop at the 1 Hotel West Hollywood. Revelry with wines, seasonal cocktails, small-batch spirits, and a remarkable view. The h.wood Group presents Harriet’s Rooftop, an elevated cocktail lounge boasting unparalleled panoramic views of Los Angeles. Designed by John Sofio of Built, Inc., the indoor/outdoor rooftop space features deep burgundy awnings, tasseled umbrellas, dark green and white striped furniture, string lights, and greenery framing sweeping views. Executive Chef Chris Crary, 2011 on Bravo’s Top Chef: Texas, where he made it into the top ten and was voted “Fan Favorite.” In 2012, Gayot.com named him one of the “Top Five Rising Star Chefs” in the U.S. Highlight: The sparkling city lights of LA can be seen for miles, and the retractable roof; rain or shine Harriet’s won’t disappoint.

Photo Credit: UNSPLASH

Photos by UnSplash are characteristic, not representative of the venue or view.

where do you want to go?

Thursday, March 3, 2022
Debbi DiMaggio

Today, WeHo, LA

When I’m asked for recommendations — in any city — it turns into a full 3 day itinerary and a blog post. Flashback… Years ago when apps were new — imagine that, pre app life. I partnered with a company who provided an app platform. My app was Live Local – I broke down multiple vacation destinations and included places to eat, stay, cocktail, coffee including highlights and things to experience and do.

Social Squares

Recently I was out to dinner with a childhood friend who asked for restaurant recommendations in West Hollywood. She actually lives in  Calabasas — which is actually in LA, but West Hollywood is about an hour away on a good day sans traffic — and wasn’t familiar about where to sip, stay and play as a guest in my home away from home.

Here are a few of my favorite West Hollywood and LA hot spots — Note: I don’t pay that much attention to the food (I know that’s odd); I’m all about design, energy and ambiance first.  However, I am sure the food is good too.

Thursday, or your first  night.  

Dinner @ Olivetta located down from the infamous celebrity hangout, Craigs LA – Olivetta is an elegant space, a designer’s paradise. It can’t be taken all in, in a single sitting. The patterns, the textures, the way they mix and match, and each room is something quite unique. Translation: you must go back multiple times and dine in various rooms even at different tables and booths each offering a new outlook.

After dinner head up to Santa Monica Blvd for dessert @ Bottega Louie – although an Italian caf, it is perfect for a late evening pastry or dessert. The colorful display of macaroons is certainly instagramable!

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Start your Friday in LA 

at one of the Korean Spas. WiSpa, Olympic Spa or my favorite SPA LA  in the heart of Koreatown. Before, or after your spa treatments, brunch at Openaire, amid the twinkling greenhouse of the Line Hotel patio, where seasonal California fare awaits.  Native Angeleno, surfer and two Michelin-starred chef Josiah Citrin serves a culinary vision built around California’s bounty from land and sea at Openaire. The menu embraces each season and reflects the melting-pot culture of LA.

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Take a break shopping N Robertson then get ready for dinner @

Laurel Hardware and if dancing is of interest there’s nothing like a gay bar — and that’s The Abbey. 

Saturday Night – Merois @ Pendry West Hollywood on Sunset. Enjoy the magnificent views of downtown LA. Begin your journey with a martini in the striped pattern bar with subway tiled wall, this lounge brings me back to Miami –bold, elegant and colorful, this art deco lounge is filled with beautiful bold colors of blues and greens appointed with palms. Then move from the open air  bar into the dining room and experience another extraordinary Wolfgang Puck menu.

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Sunday Brunch @ The Henry, from coffee to cocktails, the greatest neighborhood restaurant – definitely my favorite anytime of day. I meet friends for coffee, work at one of the high tables, dine for lunch, happy hour and dinner. Not many places can say they offer something for every time of day. My only complaint — they don’t open early enough.

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 or opt for old school and always popular, The Ivy across the street or the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Want more 

Shop Rodeo Drive, Sunset to Melrose, 3rd and Beverly Drive

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Hike Runyon or Wattles Canyon

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Beware Of

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Workout, Box, Cycle, Spin or …

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Meander through the Museum of Modern Art in Downtown LA

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walk down Melrose or just around town, the streets are filled with art and art galleries

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Need a hotel recommendation?

Stay Kimpton La Peer, in the heart of WeHo

Or on Sunset @ the Pendry WeHo

or the Mondrian next door.

Interested in touring homes, reach out and book an appointment. For a list of Open Homes, shoot me an email Debbi.DiMaggio@CorcoranIcon.com

Check out these unique and beautiful LA neighborhoods in and around town.

Whether I am working out, hiking, working at a cafe, hotel in or at home, visiting with friends, sitting in a cafe, people watching our touring and showing homes, LA is where I find and redefine what inspires me. I hope you enjoy this journey.

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Doris Bergman’s 7th Annual Style Lounge and Party Kicks of Emmy Week 2016

Friday, September 23, 2016
Debbi DiMaggio
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John Savage and Me! A great guy!
We chatted real estate. I have had the opportunity to cross paths with him twice now.
I still recall watching Deer Hunter when I was in Junior High with my friend MaryAnn.
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On asked, why I have attended Doris Bergman’s Style Lounge 3X!
Here’s Why..

[Read More..]

A Roof Overhead // Following My Children’s Lead #WhoKnew

Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Debbi DiMaggio

Things come to us at different times in our life.  I expect they do so when we are ready to accept.

First of all, why do I always find inspiration when I am in a deep sleep and suddenly find myself awake at 3 or 4 in the morning having to get up and write?

Our children, now young adults have been raised and personally motivated to give back in their own way.  [Read More..]

dreams

Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Debbi DiMaggio

remembering your dreams

wake up

take note

identify

research

discover

I am on a fact finding trip in LA and found myself dreaming, once again.  Away from the cluttered life of home, work and just the day to day stuff that keeps us so uber occupied, mind, body and soul.  I found myself waking up every now and again throughout the night.  My mind filled with dreams.  Dreams that woke me enough that I had to get up and start penning my thoughts so I could share them with you.  I rolled over and felt for the hotel note paper and pen that laid on the bedside table.  It was dark.  I did not turn the light on but began to jot down short phrases and words so that I could remember.

The most vivid of the various snapshots, which were my dreams, was of a baby.  I was holding a baby in a hospital.  He was asleep.  He woke up and smiled at me.  He was frail and I knew instinctively he was hungry.  Although frail and unsure who I was he was smiling.  We connected.  I was looking down at him with pure joy.  I knew I had to feed him and that he nor I could wait for the doctor or nurses to arrive.  Adam sat calmly in the corner waiting, not phased, as he is used to the craziness of the situations to which I find myself.  I drew the baby closer to me and began to nurse him.  He continued to smile and I even produced milk for him to drink.  My parents came in and my mom quickly responded as I asked for assistance with his diaper.  It was too big and falling off.  He needed to be cared for and I suppose, I needed to be needed.*

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I’ve been wanting a third child for sometime.  After 40 I knew it wouldn’t happen.  Now I find myself old enough to be a grandma!  But my daughter is no where near ready nor should she be at 20.  I now understand how women get so excited and antsy for their children to have babies.

I understand that my many ideas, projects and the products I have created, such as my skincare line, my book and my t-shirt line, to name a few, stem from a desire to do more.  I always felt I needed something more or more to do on top of just selling real estate and raising a family.  Not that that isn’t a lot, it is, but I still need something more.  I’m still trying to figure out what that something more is.

I’ve longed to have another baby, at least I think that’s what I have wanted.  Someone to love, to care for and to nurture, just like the baby in my dream.

Having awoken from this vivid dream of loving and caring for and smiling at this darling, frail baby boy I couldn’t remain in bed or have gone back to sleep.  My eyes popped open, this time, around 4:15 AM – it was a restless night and I continued waking up and going back to sleep again.  The first time I just made a few notes in the dark – I haven’t looked to see if my writing is even legible.  I tried to remain in bed with the lights out and even tried to go back to sleep, but I was just so curious about the meaning of this baby that I had to get up and turn on my computer.  It’s still dark outside.  I began my research online.  I turned on the TV which is playing soothing meditation music on the hotel channel and I begin to write.

Here is what I found on line — upon my first Google search.

Baby

To see a baby in your dream signifies innocence, warmth and new beginnings. Babies symbolize something in your own inner nature that is pure, vulnerable, helpless and/or uncorrupted. If you dream that the baby is smiling at you, then it suggests that you are experiencing pure joy. You do not ask for much to make you happy. If you find a baby in your dream, then it suggests that you have acknowledged your hidden potential.

The moral of this story is that I am here in LA – Beverly Hills on a fact finding mission to learn how I can publicize my book and develop my brand.  I am here in search of what’s in store for me this year.  As each year I embark on a new project, and it’s that time once again.  The ideas start to pop up in my dreams while I sleep.  And when I awake I have a new mission.

Stay Tuned for More!

Please email me your comments, thoughts, questions and/or personal stories here or directly to debbi@debbidimaggio.com

As always,

Dream Big and Believe!!

XOXO! Debbi

PS.  Here’s to new beginnings!

I just love change, the journey and the unplanned experiences in life.

*being needed: my children are fast approaching age 17 and 20 and myself, 48!  They are mature and capable kids but I miss not being able to help and do more for them.  Right now our son Chase is in Chicago at a lacrosse tournament.  It’s the first tournament we have not attended.  We know it is important for him to go with his team, on his own.  But as a mom who wants to cheer him on, offer him encouragement and is able to be there, it’s simply difficult not to be there with him.  And our daughter Bianca is almost 20 and is working at Pandora. We are so proud of her!  The other day I cried when she told me that her friend would be taking her to the doctor.  I was stunned. I didn’t mean to cry nor did I think I would cry.  But as I drove down the street headed to my own appointments I was saddened by the fact that she didn’t need me and would go it alone, without me.  In the end both Bianca and Chase are capable and self-sufficient and it is time for me to let them continue to grow and blossom.  Chase and his 5 buddies almost missed the flight to Chicago.  I suppose if my husband Adam and I were there we would have been monitoring the boys and it wouldn’t have happened.  But then what lesson would they have learned?  Life is about many, many small lessons and mistakes.  And so it is. HO!

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