a phone booth in a hot dog store...

PLEASE DON'T TELL (ph: 212.614.0386)
CRIF DOGS (113 Saint Marks Pl # 2 New York, NY 10009)
GRAMERCY PARK HOTEL (2 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10010)
THE TIPPLER (425 W 15th Street, New York, NY 10011)

What happens when you go to a phone booth in a hot dog store? You make a call? Nope, you walk into a hidden bar! Seriously, it's like finding Narnia. Crif Dogs is the front for a cute and tiny bar called Please Don't Tell. It's by booking only, and trust me, it's hard to get through. I say keep calling and make sure everyone in your group is calling as well. If that fails, and reservations are full, never fear... Go to Crif Dogs around 5ish, entertain yourself with a yummy hot dog and fries (warning: cheese fries are covered with (I think) cheese from a can) and sit tight... We lined up at the phone booth around 5.30/5.45pm (following others) and within half an hour were siting down drinking cocktails in a gorgeous hidden gem. It's probably more just the novelty of it, but if you've never been - DO IT!

However, if you're not that keen on fighting to get into a bar, then head over to The Tippler for a nice adult beverage and a delicious cheese platter and some olives. The place is rather hidden, and my friends and I only stumbled upon it because I became fascinated by the lightbulbs lighting up the OPEN sign. A nice find indeed - it's in the basement of a building that looks like an apartment block. It's also located directly next to the Chelsea Markets, so have a stroll, do some shopping, then reward yourself with a visit to The Tippler!

And finally, I have no pictures, but the Rose Bar at Gramercy Park Hotel is worth a mention. Crowded (like every other good place in NYC) but lovely and fancy, and they have the most amazing Bellini's. But perhaps my Bellini's tasted even more delicious because they were bought for me by a lovely Academy Award winning director (no I'm not going to name drop).

a berry that's pink

PINKBERRY (everywhere in LA)

Fro-Yo. Get used to that term around here, because LA is frozen yoghurt central! There are many different fro-yo shops around town, but the main ones are Pinkberry and Yogurtland. I'm an avid Pinkberry fan, and that was long before I started working there. Granted, Yogurtland is self-serve and does have a million flavours, but personally most of them taste a little artificial to me. Instead, I find Pinkberry's flavours taste more real and put simply, yummier. I also like the fact that because it's not self serve, I know the toppings bar is kept clean and fresh and isn't contaminated by some little kid picking his nose then fingering the toppings that everyone else is about to consume. You get me? I also like that you can have the option to have a cone, cup, fruit parfait, fruit bowl or a waffle cookie sandwich at Pinkberry. Oh, and don't forget a take home (23oz) is available and fits ever so nicely into your freezer. Dig in anytime!

fun in the sun

SANTA MONICA PIER (Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401)
VENICE BEACH (1800 Ocean Front Walk Venice, CA 90291)
SANTA MONICA PROMENADE (Wilshire/3rd Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401)

The best thing to do if new (and even if you aren't new) to Los Angeles, is to head to Santa Monica Pier during the day. Best bet is to arrive midday onwards, as the morning fog (or gloom) is a common occurence especially around May - July. First thing, is to hire bikes for the day (from memory max is $15/day) and ride from Santa Monica all the way down to Venice Beach, stop along the way to take in the magnificent beach views, the beach side houses, or just to watch people (my favourite). When you get down to Venice, you'll see the market stalls, hop off your bike and stroll along and see if there's any bargains (or just to get some botox on the beach - no, seriously - only in LA). Then when you return to Santa Monica Pier, hang around until night time and see the Pier light up, it's beautiful with the amusement park rides there. If you love to shop, make sure you head over to 3rd Street Promenade for a spot of shopping or a bite to eat!

Pic 1-3: Santa Monica Beach/Pier
Pic 4: my friend on her bike at Santa Monica Beach
Pic 5-6: Venice Beach

out in nature

I've been on a few hikes of late, and have loved getting some exercise out in nature!

Runyon Canyon (2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046)

This is where you go for celebrity spotting... Or so I'm told. I, however, have not yet spotted a celebrity on my Runyon travels. There are three main trails - from a nice easy walk (or run if so inclined) to steeper trails. The beauty of Runyon is that it's smack bam in the middle of LA and easy to get to (parking can be a bitch) but the views are pretty ace. You can even partake in free yoga classes at the base of the canyon. I suggest wearing sunscreen and/or a hat and bring water - the trails are very much in the sun!

Eaton Canyon (1750 North Altadena Drive Pasadena, CA 91107)

Eaton is located in Pasadena, so it's a little further out than Runyon. It is, however, totally worth visiting. There are a few different canyon trails out here - I spotted signs for Coyote Canyon and Walnut Canyon on my way... I stuck to Eaton Canyon in search of the waterfall. I spent approximately 2 hours with my friends getting to the waterfall and back again at a leisurely pace. It's a great trail, although be prepared for jumping from rock to rock to across the stream more than once (and maybe even getting your feet/shoes wet). Lots of trees, rocks, flowers and birds chirping everywhere. We even spotted a sign at the information centre saying that bears have been visiting lately, so who knows you might even meet a bear out there.

lunch time dining

Aroma Coffee & Tea Company (4360 Tujunga Ave, Studio City, CA 91604)

After 9 months in LA, I've finally stumbled upon my (current) fav cafe to hang with friends. It's in the Valley (good old George Clooney lives somewhere out there), and until recently was an area I never ventured to, however with wheels it's easily accessible! It's a bit of a hot spot, reminding me of the cafe culture in Melbourne, and always proves plentiful in character studying (aka staring if you're me). The food's pretty awesome (warm brie plate, coleslaw and curly fries are yummo)... I'd like to vouch for the coffee, but I've never actually had one there! Afterwards, stroll down the street and check out the cute shops nearby.

cupcakes from a hole in the wall

Sprinkles 24hr Cupcake Vending Machine (9635 S Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210)

Oh. Em. Gee.

Yes. You read right. A 24hr cupcake vending machine which you need to go to purely for the sheer novelty of it! I tried their Red Velvet cupcake, and I thought it was pretty darn good. My friend and I got there close to midnight on a Thursday, and already some of the flavours were sold out. I imagine they must run out every single night! They're also about to open Sprinkles Ice-Cream right next door. Yum, cupcakes and ice-cream - what more could you want? Oh, they also have doggie cupcakes too for your fav pooch!

lights! and lots of 'em...

LACMA (5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036)

If you are into museums and artwork, then definitely pop into LACMA (and check out the La Brea Tar Pits right next door). LACMA offer free admission on the second Tuesday of every month. However, an awesome and free installation there is the Urban Lights, best seen at night time. It's even been featured in some films, I believe...