long lashes at sephora

There are so many things to love about the grown up girl's candy store that is Sephora. They carry virtually every cosmetic, fragrance and skin care line you can imagine. They've always got the latest products in before they hit most shelves. With the addition of their (ahem, big brother) frequent shopper program, you can count on a free gift or two with virtually every purchase. (This month, it's a yummy new Pomegranate-Tangerine shower gel.) They've always got beautiful complimentary gift wrap on hand. There are numerous locations all over town. Hell, you can even shop online.

And the generous samples. How could you not love the unlimited samples they're always happy to offer of just about everything? This is the ultimate go-to for stocking up on airline friendly travel goodies.

When the familiar black and white stripes beckon, one of my favorite things to check out is the mascara bar. The last couple of years I've been happy with Paul & Joe's chocolate mascara duo for day and Dior Show for something more dramatic, but eventually, we all need a change, and mine came tonight when I realized they were all out of my color. After staring endlessly at the myriad options, I decided to give the Fresh Supernova a try. It was only available in black, but a friendly salesgirl assured me it was "less dramatic" than Show. The real lure is that this stuff promises to be a three in one - it thickens, lengthens and curls your lashes in one coat. Sure enough, it did exactly what it promised. Better yet, two coats and it went from everyday perfect to hot enough for a night out. For a mere $25 bucks, I managed to replace two favorite products with one. Woo hoo! Just imagine what they could do for you ;)

Sephora
8500 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 854-0071

for love 21

Just when you thought cheapie cheapie couldn't possibly outdo themselves, they have. On the 7th floor of the Beverly Center is the Fashion 21 empire's latest venture - an accessories store. I still can't imagine what would possess you to name a chic looking shop just across from Bloomies "For Love 21" but that unfortunate bit aside, this place is a grown up girl's candy store.

The green space designed by Lexington is so pretty, you'd think it was anything but. Pristine white displays along walls and in rounds fill every inch of the bright chandelier lit room with shoes, jewelry, handbags, panties, sunglasses, hats, hair doo dads and just about every other accessory you can think of. Prices start at $2.80 (panties and boy shorts are $3.80!) and run all the way up to a whopping $20 bucks.

Sure, some of it looks as cheap as it is (you'd probably be hard pressed to find a fabulous pair of shoes here you could actually walk in), but there's plenty worth looking at. Cute vintage flower rings, fun beaded necklaces, stylish velvet flocked bags, knit caps and gloves, colorful crocheted scarves, cotton boy shorts in every color, print and trim you can imagine, bangles galore, and plenty of other steals just waiting to be had. Just when you're wondering how to carry all of your finds, a salesgirl will appear with a silver tray for you to tote your wares up to sales counter with.

You're not likely going to find a replacement for your Coach bag or Louis wallet here, but when you're in the mood to try on a new look or pick up something you know you'll only wear once or twice without guilt, this is the place. Next time you're looking for a splurge with that ten spot you found in your back pocket, you'll know just where to go ;)

Word to the wise. Make sure you love it before you buy it. This cheapie store has the same no return/limited exchange policy all of the others do.

Beverly Center
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 855-9511

tokyo table

After reading some tepid reviews, we went to Tokyo Table with another couple and low expectations. That said, we were very pleasantly surprised.

On La Cienega's Restaurant Row, the space is modern, clean and well decorated. The giant take on mid-cent modern white chandeliers that hang over the large booths and black and white paper barrel shaped lanterns throwing soft light through the room coupled with sexy white leather chairs and booths and natural stone surfaces make for a very appealing interior space. In the short hall that joins the bar, entry and main dining room, are some very nicely done, subtle water features and we also noticed a number of private dining areas for parties and groups.

The bar area was dim lit and inviting, with b/w photos of Japan flanking the walls. The long list of asian inspired vodka cocktails was a refreshing change from the pseudo martini culture that seems to have taken hold elsewhere around town. I found they were more than happy to replace the vodka with shochu to make the sour highballs I fell in love with in Japan. They were so good, the (very down to earth and friendly) bartender actually gave us a couple on the house before we headed off to our table.

The menu reads like asian fusion tapas, so we were expecting small plates of this and that, but by the time the food rolled out we were thankful to be seated at one of the huge round, booth tables. The plates bordered from substantial to large and we ended up with an obscene amount of food. I think we ordered close to half the menu (it certainly looked that way!) and the only thing we weren't thrilled with was their version of shabu shabu and sukiyaki (but to be fair, spending a month in Tokyo will skew your perspective). Everything else was yum and pleased even the pickier palates at the table.

Later on, we discovered the desserts were just as deceptively huge. From the menu photos we expected them to be smallish and good for sharing, so we ordered a few. Wow, we had no idea. Their signature dessert toasts were the size of my head and the four of us barely put a dent in one. The flambe bananas they light at the table were also tasty and huge. The green tea shaved ice was a bit lack luster given the other options, but it was gigantic. They sloshed it into a giant to-go container for me and out of the freezer the next afternoon it was fantastic.

Entertainment was also in abundance - between the barely legal self-proclaimed "OC girls" toddling around in long tops they were trying to pass off as dresses (no shit, they were walking around in barely hip length, slit dresses with panties in full view that even had the hot, hollywood hostess laughing out loud) and our server in-training trying to contend with our deliberate drink induced obnox, and our table being lit along with the bananas due to some libation spillage - there was no shortage in laughs.

Bottom line, no, this isn't traditional Japanese or sushi, but it's a beautiful space, with very good fusion fare at reasonable prices, great service and a welcome addition to our restaurant row. We had a great evening here and will definitely be back.

50 N La Cienega Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(310) 657-9500

shah abbas

If you live in the area and like Persian food, you can't really go wrong at Shah Abbas. Everything from the salads and grilled meats to the stews and rice, is perfect. Huge portions, reasonable prices, pleasant service and, best yet, fast free delivery.

We've been eating here for years and the quality of the food and service has never let us down. Some faves include the sultani combo (perfectly seasoned and grilled filet mignon kebab with a couple of other meat specialties), the fesenjoon (traditional pomegranate and walnut stew with chicken), and the albaloo polo (lamb shank with sour cherry saffron rice). The tadeeg (sheets of crispy, buttery rice from the bottom of the pan, a Persian specialty) is served with stews of your choice for dipping. At a very reasonable $5.95, this is a must-have starter you can make a meal out of, just be sure to order your stews on the side so the rice doesn't get soggy en route.

The restaurant is perched atop a second story corner, in an unremarkable mini-mall on San Vicente and La Cienega. If you're dining in, be forewarned that the large, ornate (read, toeing the line of bad taste) decorated space - complete with clover shaped tile fountain centerpiece, dance floor and disco lighting - may be deceptively calm weeknights, but come the weekend, it leads a double life as a Persian nightclub. Dinner often comes with a bellydancer in your lap and deafeningly loud music, so if you're in the mood to quietly enjoy your meal, be sure to order in!

400 S San Vicente Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 659-3242

trader vics

Oh, the memories ... and not just mine. My gran used to hit happy hour here in the 50's when she still had an office in Beverly Hills. Grandma doesn't remember much, but she does recall the Mai Tai's, which are memorable indeed!

This is mid-century Tiki at it's purest. Part of what I love about T-Vics is that not much has changed since then - including some of the bar and wait staff!

The vibe is old school and cool, the drinks are stiff, and the appetizers get tastier with every drink (pass on the sushi, everything else is good - especially if it's fried!). My poison is the Scorpion which is served up with a big gardenia floating on top. Don't be fooled by the girlish exterior- it's a sweet, smooth concoction that'll knock you on your ass. And if that's your goal, just go straight for the Scorpion bowl (it serves 2-4, depending on the crowd and who has to work in the morning).

I've had dinner here a few times and despite being a bit pricey, it's very good, even if only for the kitsch value.

This is one local spot I'll be very sorry to see go - it's slated for demo (date still TBD) to make way for condo development and a possible Waldorf-Astoria hotel. Damn shame and a big mistake if you ask me. But until then, I'll be there drinking up!

Tip: There are some libations that have actually been pulled from the menu over the years for being too strong (I shit you not). As for my faves on that list, there are some things even I won't reveal, but if you ask real nice, one of the older waiters likely will ; )

9876 Wilshire Boulevard Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (310) 276-6345

asakuma

Even with a recent change of hands, Asakuma is still one of the best places in LA to find great sushi without costing an arm and a leg. Everything is consistently fresh and delish, there's a full bar and easy, inexpensive valet parking (which belies it's upstairs mini-mall location).

Though there is a full service restaurant and dining room, if you're up for sushi, this is one place you'll definitely have a better experience sitting at the sushi bar. The specials menu is a great start, but be sure to ask one of their seasoned chefs for the day's recommendations and go from there.

If you like sake, they have a nice selection and the presentation is great - in large test tubes. If you're in the mood for something on the light side, or dropping in for lunch, try the Seared Ahi Salad. The Seared Bluefin Sushi is one of my personal faves along with their amaebi (sweet shrimp). Make sure you request the heads fried - despite their alien appearance, they're beyond good and you'll earn a little respect for munching down antennae with a beer and some gusto. As for basics, they make a mean Spicy Tuna and the house special, grilled Black Cod is not to be missed.

Tip: They have a special delivery only location on Robertson, east of Wilshire, that's just as good. You can even order online at www.asakuma.com

11701 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 826-0013

gyu kaku

I love meat, I love fire and I love Gyu Kaku. Indeed, it's one of the few neighborhood places Beer and I both agree on and never seem to grow tired of.

This has become a favorite because it's reliable across the board - the food is always good, the service is friendly and efficient, the location is great, there's enough variety to satisfy virtually any craving, the valet isn't absurdly priced (sometimes you even get lucky and score a street spot), they treat their regulars well (meaning, they'll find you a table with a smile no matter how crazy it may be), you can work around any diet you may be on, or you can FEAST without gagging on your wallet in the process, all in a great looking environment. Really, what more can you ask for?

There's something very warm and cozy about the modern, minimalist Japanese interior. Despite being very open - with slatted wood between seating areas, sealed concrete floors and subdued lighting (I love the paper lanterns), and a large communal dining area in the main room - the styling makes every booth, large or small, feel private.

Their house specials like the hirami miso (thin sliced marinated beef), the garlic shrimp, the house salad (inexpensive, big, fresh and tasty), and the bibimba (seasoned hot rice bowls mixed at the table) are always flavorful and fresh. If you want something a little different, try the tongue (thin sliced and perfectly seasoned, it's delish, I swear) or one of the little Japanese sausages (this makes me giggle just typing it, heheh). There's a variety of little foil packed fresh veggies to steam on the grill, all of which are good, but I'd suggest the mushrooms, asparagus and garlic spinach.

Though the style of the cooking is definitely Korean and you will find kimchee making an appearance on the menu, this is distinctly Japanese BBQ.

They've recently added a bunch of new items to the menu, like a lobster tail that was succulent and worth every (reasonably priced) penny. There's also the addition of a list of ramen soup dishes if you're in the mood for something different.

Start your meal off with a Shochu Grapefruit (Korean grain alcohol with fresh grapefruit made at your table - the latest way to get around lack of a liquor license). Ask for the pulp and get your daily serving of fruit in while you get your drink on.

Dessert on the grill is another don't miss. They have fantastic DIY S'Mores to warm the hearts of all, and these amazing bananas you grill in foil and pour, steaming hot, over ice cream. Talk about comfort food. Save a little room and at least split an order.

I was recently saddened to discover there are no more frequent flyer cards (they used to get you free food orders, culminating in a $50 gift certificate when you used them up), and to see our favorite manager, Mai, leave to open their Sherman Oaks location, but, c'est la vie, the show must go on.

I'd recommend this place without reservation, even to those who don't necessarily love Japanese food or bbq. It'll please even the pickiest of groups - from your meat lovin' bf to your vegetarian gf and everyone in between.

This is a fun place for parties. There's a private room behind shoji screens just off the main room. Add a little candlelight, and it's perfect.

Tip: They have GREAT happy hour specials here on food and drinks. Ask about the frequent diner card at the Pico location, where I heard from Mai, they still use them. Check out the restrooms - they have everything you need apres Q, including mouthwash!

163 N La Cienega Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(310) 659-5760

Photo courtesy of Joan S.

al gelato

After our less than thrilling experience at BJ's, we decided to stop by our favorite gelato joint on the way home - Al Gelato. Everything is homemade and I've yet to have anything here I didn't love, but faves include the DEEP dish apple pie with caramel sauce and fresh whipped cream (it's still a mystery to me how you bake something that size and get it perfect), the lemon ice, riccota cheesecake, and, of course, the chocolate hazelnut gelato, which is hands down one of the best I've had anywhere. If you don't do dairy, the fruit flavor ices (pear, lemon, raspberry, apple, etc.) are delish and so is the chocolate ice (it's better than most chokkie ice creams). The staff is warm, friendly, helpful and always quick to offer you another sample :) Tonight we had the tiramisu for the first time, and it was damn good. Can't wait to try their deep dish pecan and pumpkin pies this fall. Mmmmm...

I hear they have wonderful grilled sandwiches but I never have room for anything more than dessert.

Tip: Even if it seems pricey, buy a quart of your fave flavor. It's so rich, it'll last for weeks - even for a chocoholic like Beer.

806 S Robertson Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90035
(310) 659-8069

Photo courtesy of Joan S.