I have had the good fortune of accumulating some pretty cool friends and contacts throughout my journeys, work experiences and bicoastal living. And now I’m putting them to work…well, sort of. I’ve rounded up some of my chicest, in-the-know girlfriends and asked them to share their neighborhood go-to spots. Today’s collaboration comes from my uber stylish friend Natalia Velez-Ireland, whose South American roots and East Coast sensibilities blend perfectly with sunny Los Angeles- and The Carrie Source. In her words, here’s why Natalia likes to hang in historic Studio City.
Photo courtesy of Gary Rapoport
Fryman Canyon I love hiking this trail, a short, 3-mile loop in the Hollywood Hills. Fryman has beautiful scenery on the overlook, the trail is clean and usually very un-crowded. George Clooney lives off one of its side streets, as do many other notable Studio City celebrities, don’t be surprised if you see one hiking next to you! www.laparks.org
The Village Restaurant A modern gastro-pub offering new American small plates, and specialty cocktails that are outrageously delicious. Try the Booker and Bacon, which is bourbon with black walnut bitter, caramel and a delicious piece of bacon as garnish. The short ribs and ox tail mini burgers are a must as is the crispy cauliflower. Trust…Mmmm! www.thevillagestudiocity.com
Weddington Golf & Tennis Located on Whitsett Blvd, Weddington Golf & Tennis has been the hidden jewel for golfers and tennis enthusiasts in its surrounding community for 50+ years. It has a small community local feel, with residents such as Ron Perelman, Jon Lobvitz and many others seen on the green. www.weddingtongolfandtennis.com
Wasteland The second outpost for the famed Melrose Ave location, Wasteland Studio City offers amazing vintage and high end designer re-sale, as well as new contemporary labels. Their scrutiny for top designers, quality, and current trends can’t be beat and it’s a great place to sell those old Pradas or vintage Guns N’ Roses tees! www.shopwasteland.com
Tracy Anderson Method So you want Gwyneth’s thighs, Madonna’s arms and Shakiras abs? Go to Tracy. The fundamental basics of her workouts are low weights, high repitition, high intensity muscle sculpting, combined with energy packed cardio-dance. The results? Small, toned, lean and mean, and very, very sexy. www.tracyandersonmethod.com
Sushi Row You’ve heard of the Valley’s famous Sushi Row? It’s true. The best sushi in LA, which is essentially some of the best in the country. Because there are so many to review here are my top picks: Asanebo, Katsuya (the original), Sushi Nozawa now Sugarfish, Kawami, and Matsuda. Don’t bother with the rest, these are the best. www.katsu-yagroup.com
Yogaworks Did you think I could exclude yoga on an LA list? No way. Yogaworks is new, very clean, sunny, bright and has a great vibe. I love Jeremy’s class for introspection and detail to form. Rebecca’s Friday dance class offers a live music yoga blend session, which has me skipping out of there, walking on sunshine. www.yogaworks.com
Bedfellows This unique home furnishings store has some of the coolest designs I’ve seen to date. The beautiful window displays lure us in every time, featuring unconventional items within the contemporary, modern, post-modern and mid-century vein, layered with a warm So-Cal vibe. My top find was a vintage tiki bar from the 1950’s with gorgeous orange and aqua hues, and tiki masks carved into the front. Yes, I’ll take a cocktail along with that couch and chair, and bed…. www.bedfellowsca.com
Pressed Juicery As the Hollywood Reporter wrote It’s bye-bye coffee bar, hello Pressed Juicery. Love the Vanilla Almond, Citrus 3 and 4, and all of the Greens. For an added boost, I like to walk over to Pressed, peek into Canyon Beachwear which is right next door, and feel inspired about jumping into that bathing suit. www.pressedjuicery.com
Oyster House Saloon A Studio City classic dive bar, a Valley legend with a renegade menagerie clientele. The waitresses talk with raspy voices, you may find yourself seated next to tour roadies or aging porn stars, or maybe a jazz player from the Tonight Show. At the end of the night they offer a free peach schnapps vodka shot that will leave you with a killer hangover and a smile on your face. 12446 Moorpark St. Studio City, CA 91604 818.761.8686
Natalia Velez-Ireland resides in Studio City, CA with her Burmese cats, Frank Sinatra and Grace Kelly. When not scouring local finds, fabulous digs and wonderful watering holes, Natalia supplements her lifestyle by working as a Digital Media expert at Burst and Blinkx Media. Natalia’s background hails from New England, followed by a stint as an 8-year Manhattanite. Searching for sunnier skies, Natalia moved to Los Angeles 7+ years ago, with her CA native husband, David. Today she calls LA her home, and is ever on the hunt for the new and best the city has to offer. You can check out her posts on TheCarrieSource.com
Tags: Culinary, Culture, decor, Fashion, Los Angeles, Studio City
