martin + osa

Last week we had the opportunity to check out a new store opening at Century City Mall to benefit Step Up Women. Who wouldn't love to shop with a cocktail (or two) and some passed hors d'oeuvres in the name of charitable giving?

Martin + Osa is an offshoot of the American Eagle brand and the latest upscale sportswear line geared at the Banana buyer, whose name comes from an American adventurer couple who spent most of their lives on safari. The clothes were, well, very Bananaesque, but more casual and with the addition of khaki. A whole lotta khaki. Particularly in the men's. If you know a man who loves khaki, this will be his new favorite store.

Aside from a couple of lovely knits (I did my part for the cause purchasing a thin, cream colored wool sweater with a faux turtleneck and the prettiest border pattern to layer for $88), a beautiful bordeaux velvet peplum jacket ($128), and some very cool shiny textured leather zip pouches ($48), much of the selection - menswear, in particular - was unremarkable, at best. I'm hoping that once they find their niche in the market, that'll improve.

Far more impressive - the stores design. All of the Martin + Osa shops are marked with a striking wood paneled entry, well laid out without feeling empty or sparse, and have an absolutely gorgeous fitting room area that's a low-lit long hall, floor to high ceiling, seemingly endless panel of polished grainy wenge. I was tempted to try a few things on just for the sake of admiring the space!

Also of note - the little things that matter. My sweater purchase was popped into a recycled (and recyclable) white pull string pouch that could be used to wash, store, or travel with. The gift bags we left with included his and hers travel sets with soft, supple leather passport holders and matching luggage tags - chocolate brown for him and a striking shade of pale aqua for me. They're getting plenty of use already!

10250 Santa Monica Blvd #185
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 785-7924

the wine cellar

So, you've splurged on that bottle of Bordeaux (and eleven of its friends because you didn't want it to get lonely!), and you know it needs to age for at least another year or two before you crack it open. Now what? Sure, you could put it up on that fancy rack you have on the bar, but do you really want to risk opening up vinegar in a few years because your place overheated one too many times in summer or your countertop's at a bad angle? Of course not.

So, what do you do?

You rent a wine locker.

And that's where these guys come in. Aside from a little sign out front, you'd never even know this old ivy covered brownstone on an industrial side street facing the 405 in West LA was a mega wine storage facility housing some of the finest and rarest vintages ever bottled. There's nothing glamorous about this place (which is evident when you sign in and out at the lobby, decorated with some antiques, old stuffed pheasants, vintage crates and dusty tapestries), but it more than meets the needs of any wine enthusiast - from the novice starting out with a case or two to the sommelier and collector looking to house many a vintage long term. The facility is monitored for precise temperature and humidity, under 24 hour security and surveillance, and fully insured.

Ever wondered where folks in the wine business store their wine? Now you know.

Locker sizes, (and corresponding annual rents), range from the modest to the entirely immodest. For example, a top level (meaning, you'll need to stand on a ladder to get to it), 18 case locker with a plain plywood door and padlock holder, (you provide the lock), will run you about $300/year. A steal compared to space at a wine shop or any other "fancy" storage facility where you'd pay triple that. Prepare to nearly weep as you walk past some of the cage lockers and spy floor to ceiling high stacks of prized cases valued in the tens of thousands.

Naturally, something this great is kept a secret for a reason, and getting in on the action doesn't come by easy. If you're in the market for a locker, call to see if there's miraculously something available - but be prepared to have your name on a wait list for as long as a year or more if there isn't.

Tip - You can only access the wine lockers when the facility is open, so always check the hours before you head out. They're generally closed Sunday-Monday and early before holidays, so if you had some great bottle in mind for that Christmas Eve dinner, plan ahead and get in there before they're closed.

1919 Pontius Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90025

(310) 477-9463

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