EAT
The TACO TRUCK parked on Rose Avenue between Hampton and Fourth has the freshest ceviche tostadas you will ever have. Topped with a wedge of lime and fresh cut avocado, this may be the only reason my NYC-loving husband stays in LA.
I’ve been eating breakfast at the ROSE CAFE several days a week for twelve years. The staff has remained the same and it’s a true neighborhood spot. I can’t imagine not starting my day outside on their back patio with an iced tea (arguably the best I’ve ever had) and huevos rancheros. Pretty sure no one does them better. Make sure to ask for Patti. http://www.rosecafe.com
There is no better spot than GJELINA for hopping into a social swirl and snacking on thin crust pizza and incredible salads. I’m particularly fond of the spinach salad and you can’t beat sitting outside near the fire pit. http://www.gjelina.com | http://twitter.com/Gjelina
Quaint but not quiet, with tight seating on a small patio, you’ll make friends quickly at VENICE BEACH WINES. Wine and cheese. Cheers! http://www.venicebeachwines.com/ www.twitter.com/vbwines
SHOP
In keeping with the eclectic nature of Venice, Abbot Kinney is a one-stop destination for everything from bicycles to flowers to medical marijuana to surf paraphernalia.
I love FIORE FLORAL DESIGN for the quaint space and their fresh blooms. They also offer a few select gift items, all of which I love. Rose chocolate bars, votives, and I got my daughter the best book ever there, “Everyone Bonjours” : http://fioredesigns.com/
ALEXIS BITTAR, known for incredible resin bangles and jewels, it’s a must for gift giving!
http://www.alexisbittar.com | http://twitter.com/ABittarRetail
This married couple from New York moved to Venice and brought a little NYC glam with them in GUILD. Think high style, LD Tuttle boots, Ann Demuelemeester and Rick Owens. http://www.guildla.com/
I am currently bike-less (not enough storage space!) so until I am able to move, I daydream by browsing all of the simply elegant styles at LINUS; a superb bike shop.
http://www.linusbike.com/ | http://twitter.com/Linusbike
COOL FACT: Lauren Hutton is a Venice beach resident and happens to live across the street from me. Her Venice style always includes a fab floppy hat and that must be why she still has flawless skin. Love her!
Many thanks to friend and fellow Venetian, Steve Reiss, for use of some of his favorite neighborhood photos.
1 comment
Comments feed for this article
June 21, 2011 at 9:29 am
amy swift
Love all your picks, SJ! I hope you add that salted caramel desert to your list of Have-To’s!
I would add Oscar’s to your coterie of foodie haunts. It’s next to Venice Beach Wines and owned by the same people. Amazing fish tacos. It’s a small, very cool
vibe with colorful Venice types who love bar seating and good beer. I don’t know how many
are on tap but it’s pretty robust!!!