LA Girl's Weekend

Since returning from LA after Labor Day weekend, I have needed some recovery time. I spent four glorious days with some sassy ladies in Venice Beach and let's just say we got after it. We celebrated one gorgeous bride-to-be who will be the reason for a return trip to CA in a few short weeks. 

While in LA, we stayed at a beach rental a block from the beach in Venice. A few of us met for lunch to start off the weekend at Gjelina, one of the area's best and most celeb frequented spots. We had a perfect corner table on the patio and enjoyed delicious small plates like grilled peaches with burrata and sesame kale salad. 

patio at Gjelina

Later that night we enjoyed the sunset on our rooftop deck (see picture above) and ordered pizza from Abbott's. My first and hopefully not last experience with bagel crusts. The giant slices made for the perfect late night snack. 

After many a few bottles of wine, we headed out to local bars and ended up at The Brig to dance to some high school hip hop favorites. 

Wildcat favorite: So Co and Lime 

Coffees and a walk on the boardwalk were much needed after our late night antics. We stumbled on Schulzie's. It is just a little stand tucked in a corner in Venice, but they had crafted coffee and teas along with bread pudding you ordered by the scoop. Rich and unexpected. 

That night we had the most lovely dinner at Eveleigh in West Hollywood. The space is gorgeous and the family style dinner they prepared for us was perfection. Fresh pappardelle with rich ragu, creamy baby kale salad with manchego, ridiculously crispy patatas bravas, and warm cookies for dessert were highlights. 

Eveleigh

After dinner we went to the Sunset Marquis for drinks. Bar 1200 was dark, sexy, and a reminder of how much I love hotel bars. No celeb spotting that night, but you can only imagine what has happened inside those walls.  We were able to see the rest of the hotel and this oasis so close to the Sunset strip would be the perfect place to stay on a future trip. 

Bar 1200

After another full night in LA, our last day at the beach was spent lounging, eating and enjoying our rooftop deck. We had the bride's favorite sandwich from Bay Cities Italian Deli. You better believe I polished that guy off. The bread was amazing. 

I cannot wait for my next trip back to the West Coast in a few weeks. On the schedule is a mini-road trip up the PCH, Malibu pit stop, wine tasting, a stay in Montecito, and topped off with a wedding I am very much looking forward to. I am sure I will have much more to share. 

xo

Erin