Getting To Know West Hollywood
On Thursday, I enjoyed a girls night out with my colleague Inga.
After work, we headed over to Santa Monica–my favorite part of L.A. for years now with its iconic pier, fabulous restaurants and shops and pedestrian friendly streets. Over a delicious dinner at Italian bistro Locanda Del Lago on the Third Street Promenade, Inga and I talked about the joys of working in hospitality, much loved travel destinations and the time it takes to settle into life in a new place. Inga just relocated here from Hawaii. Though she lived here years ago, she understands the ups and downs that accompany starting over.
One of the definite ups–getting to know my new hometown more and more each day. And discovering just how great my neighborhood of West Hollywood is.
The tree-lined charm of Swall Drive
After years of living in the concrete jungle of Manhattan, I love residing on a quiet, tree-lined street of low-rise buildings. But the New Yorker in me also loves that I’m within walking distance of two huge supermarkets, Madeo–one of LA’s best Italian restaurants (popular with lots of celebs, apparently) and the trendy bars and eateries Santa Monica Boulevard.
As I become better acquainted with WeHo and surrounding areas, I am truly savoring the firsts along the way. A few that stood out this week:
Discovering Sushi Mon, a cozy Japanese eatery just a few blocks from my pad. Mission to find favorite neighborhood sushi place accomplished!
The Naked Roll at Sushi Mon: yum!!
Walking past a restaurant on Melrose and seeing three paparazzi camped out. Closest I’ve come so far to a celeb sighting!
Taking the bus. For all the criticism I’ve heard about LA’s public transportation, my first experience of it was great. Easy 10 minute ride home from Beverly Hills. And the bus driver insisted on taking only $1 of the $1.75 fare when I scrambled for change (that never happens in NYC, where MTA drivers will give you the stink eye and hold up the bus if you don’t have exact fare).
Getting a haircut at Danny Vee Salon. When you uproot your entire life, reintroducing familiar pleasures–like the joy of good old fashioned pampering–takes on a special joy.
The next first I’m looking forward to here–having a home with furniture in it. Soon (though not soon enough!), my belongings will finally arrive from NYC. After a month of living with only a bed and comfy chair, it is going to feel downright luxurious to have all of my stuff again.
In the meantime, I continue to be grateful for what I have been able to bring with me — most especially the love and support of my nearest and dearest.
