chic-a-boom

Specializing in 20's - 80's collectibles and memorabilia, if you like your pop history with a splash of kitsch, you'll love all the vintage treasures at Chic-a-Boom.

This hidden Melrose haunt, just east of La Brea and best known by the big sign shooting off the roof, carries everything from vintage postcards and posters to magazines, pins and toys. The architecturally pre-war space is like a giant grown up toy store overflowing with great finds stacked and piled in every nook and cranny.

The shop's been around nearly 30 years. The owner - who used to have a second store devoted purely to rock-n-roll goodies - is a trip, and after a few minutes of easy conversation with her, it's obvious she's passionate about everything she brings in - and equally passionate about who she allows to take home a few of the more rare finds.

Despite wanting to buy half the store - and refraining from walking out the door with a life-size David Cassidy (watch out Hoff!) - the Beer talked himself into an original, untouched, 60's NY subway Connery Bond poster that's become one of our prized possessions.

Whether you're in the market for a big vintage splurge or a few fun things to spruce up your decor, this is a fun spot everyone Angeleno should check out at least once.

6817 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038

(323) 931-7441

bohac

If Indian imports are your thing, look no further. Bohac on Melrose (which has recently trimmed down from two locations to one), is an Indian trader who carries everything from home furnishings to jewelry.

Come here for amazing textiles, pillows and cushions, a great selection of Indian jewelry (bangles, earrings, cuffs, toe rings, belts, decorative bindis, etc.), large scale furniture, carvings, doors/archways, candles, vases, art and other accessories, and one of the best selections of saris you'll find on this side of town.

If you're in the market for a beautiful sari skirt or wrap, they nearly always have a two for one special going on which makes the prices even better, especially if you're shopping with a friend. Plan to spend some time looking ... the myriad handcrafted textures, colors and designs will keep you occupied trying to decide what to take home.

If you're looking for something in particular - ask. Often they have specials - like tons of copper Indian serveware--that's in storage and needs to be sold.

7556 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 966-0096

pink's

This places gets props just for the historic kitsch factor. Being that I hadn't been here since I used to ditch junior high, I decided to stop by with the Beer's parents visiting from the UK.

Thankfully, the line moved quickly an we had our to-go order, packed and out the door, in under twenty. The chili was just as I remembered it - oily and meh. I can think of at least a dozen places with better chili BUT this is still a fine dog. No doubt in my mind there isn't a kosher dog in the house, but for cheap eats, can't really complain.

The Pastrami Reuben dog was tempting (with mustard, kraut, swiss cheese and pastrami), but I finally settled on the Martha Stewart dog (a 10" stretch dog, mustard, kraut, relish, chopped tomatoes, three slices of bacon and sour cream) and it was damn good. The folks had the polish sausages with grilled onions and mushrooms and seemed content. Next time, I'm getting the Mulholland dog. It's a bit of a mystery to me what's (not) on it, but I saw a few made, and man did they look good.

I wouldn't advocate going when the line is around the corner, but if you can catch it when it's not and you're mood for a creative, messy, piled high dog, this is the place to be.

Tip - Some people have made cracks about the line being an e-ticket to the toilet. If that's what you're in the market for, head over to OkiDog on Fairfax - they'll give you the shits (and maybe a little salmonella) every time.

709 N La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038

(323) 931-4223

elixir

** Update ** Sad to report, the rumors are true. Elixir is officially closed. (7/12/07)

If you're looking for a little zen on the westside, than this is the place to be.

They've got more tea than you could shake a stick at (well, I guess you could shake a stick at it, but I can't imagine why you'd want to), and a beautiful little garden to sit outside and enjoy it in, by day and (torch lit) by night.

They offer a slew of "elixir" tonics - Virtual Buddha, Liquid Yoga, Chi Devil and Morning After are a few of my pics - which can be had hot, or, cold and sparkling, (they seem sweet, but fear not, no added sugar) though for me, the real draw is their amazing variety of tea which can be enjoyed by the pot. Try the Gen Mai Cha or the Bengal Chai with milk and honey - they won't disappoint.

In the market for a little splurge or to take something home? They have an amazing selection of tea and teapots for sale, though unless money is no issue, you're probably better off looking for quality ceramics in J-Town. Sage, incense and all sorts of earthy goodies are also readily available, and at far more reasonable prices than their teapots.

You'll notice they're also a complete herbal apothecary with a full line of herbal tinctures and tonics for all that ails ya, and if you're lucky the herbalist will be in to help you navigate the myriad bottles of this and that.

As others have mentioned, it's worth checking out their calendar for events and goings on. Some evenings, there's live music out on the patio facing the garden or the card readers will be out doing their thing.

Tip: The Bodhi Tree bookstore is right across the way, so it's worth checking both places out if you have time.

8612 Melrose Ave West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 657-9310

red pearl kitchen

After all the mixed reviews, I had to check out this new addition to our neighborhood .. We headed over for a pre-holiday weeknight dinner (sans reservation) and we loved it.

Beautiful interior - the red works and with some of the modern touches (the kitchen is behind one red-tinted glass wall of the dining room, and from the right angle, you can actually watch them cook), it doesn't feel chintzy or bordello-like. The dining room was stunning - complete with red-lit xmas tree - as was the lounge area and brand new pool table - a great alternative to waiting for a table in the dining room or trying to eat in the bar, which is also an option.

The drink list is creative and impressive (the Ju-Ju I had was perfect and not too sweet as is usually the case with signature cocktails). The menu has plenty of options for every palate and everything we tried - Lamb Meatballs, fiery hot Five Spice Chicken Wings, Pineapple Kobe Beef Skewers, Giant Prawn Skewers, Foie Gras ShuMai - were excellent and beautifully presented.

Our waitress (who was obviously stoned - no joke) was attentive and we had great, albeit entertaining, service. My only complaint may have been the tres tacky pseudo Chinois ensemble they're all forced to wear. Come to think of it, I'd have to be high to wear that every night too.

No, it's not authentic Chinese dim sum. If that's what you're looking for, head over to San Gabriel or Monterey Park and hit a real dim sum restaurant. But if you're looking for a great new spot on this side of town to have a tasty dinner and drinks with some beautiful decor, Red Pearl is worth adding to your list.

Interesting twist on valet - all the drivers were women in little red fur trimmed hooded parkas. As an added touch, when our car was returned, the valet girls had left a little package of Red Pearl almond cookies on the center console. Nice ending to a great evening.

6703 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 525-1415

diane von furstenberg

DVF immortalized the wrap dress that looks uber amazing on virtually anyone, from skinny to curvy, from the office to cocktails. Sure, you can pick up her dresses and separates at Bloomie's and the like, but why go department store when you can cut out the middle(wo)man and head directly to their flagship LA store?

Located in a great ivy covered brownstone space off Melrose Place, it's like heading into the mothership. And do I mean, mother. Variety, selection, and AMAZING sales. Not to mention, a little shopping love every girl desires and deserves. The dressing rooms are large and luxe and the sales girls are surprisingly genuine and helpful. (When they offer you a glass of champagne while you shop, don't think twice, just say yes). If you're looking for something particular, something special, or a hard to find style or size, they'll make sure they get it in for you - and it'll be done before you can bat an eye and guzzle those bubbles.

You'll also find things you won't at a department store, meaning the entire line - couture, select styles, swimwear, wraps, accessories and fragrance. New deliveries of colors and prints come in at least once a month.

Once you've been, seen, and conquered, they'll add you to their mailing list, which means advance notice for special events and sales (read: fabulous shopping and more champagne) and personal hand written notes thanking you when you make a purchase. I dunno about you, but I always feel like once I've spent a few hundred dollars on a garment, a thank you is in order.

The kind of treatment generally reserved for indulgences upwards of $5k can be yours just for dropping in to spend a few hundred on a dress - or two - which range mostly from $325-$495 with a few upwards of $700 (for the suede and ornate numbers). Jackets run about the same and separates can be had for $198 (blouses) to $255 (skirts and pants). Mind you, during a sale, you can subtract anywhere from 25%-75% from those rates.

They have some gorgeous wool felt pieces right now for Fall - the Marple skirt is DIVINE - so get your champagne knickers on and get shopping!

8407 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 951-1947
www.dvf.com

raya salon & spa

Having grown up with the owner's daughter, I've had the good fortune of knowing about this well kept LA secret for years.

Aside from their amazingly priced and skillful facials ($60-$85, if you add on time in their new hydrotherapy spa facilities) and waxing (we're talking EVERYTHING from your toes to your navel for $62), they've recently expanded into the three story space next door they've turned into a clean, modern, glass and travertine mecca of affordable beauty.

Despite their services getting all of the attention, their products - which they formulate and manufacture themselves, even private labeling to many big name cosmetic companies like Benefit - are not to be missed. These are hands down the best quality for the best price you can buy. For an inexpensive treat, try the minty Exfoliating Body Scrub for $11. One of their best sellers, the Mint Souffle, is still one of my favorite face washes. Their wide variety of facial moisturizers are still only $20 each and of a quality you'd expect to pay at least double for.

The expansion includes a rooftop area set to open soon for outdoor massages, mani/pedi and sunning. Can't wait!

Tip: If you want the best Brazilian you've ever had, make an appointment with Tanya. For facials, try to get in with Raya herself, or her daughter-in-law, Lily. They're both amazing.

Note: They're open seven days and have extended hours to accommodate even the busiest girls. And P.S. - they do have the yummy Burke-esque water, it's just upstairs in the spa area ;)

533 North La Cienega Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90048 (310) 652-2250