Fit, Fresh and Flavourful in West Hollywood
Many might say Los Angeles is a city obsessed with staying fit. I will say, yes it is, but it’s also obsessed with cool, fresh and fun food and I have the found the perfect West Hollywood hotspots to live it up like a true LA “WeHo” local.
Where to eat:
West Hollywood is a fabulous dining destination, combining fun and funky food with breathtaking city views. There are plenty of light and fresh options to dine and we have a Fijian/Australian chef headlining one of the coolest spots.
EP & LP
Arrive early and head straight for the LP rooftop and watch the sun set across the Hollywood Hills. Mixing handcrafted cocktails with an Asian spin, the bubble tea drinks are boozy with pops of boba pearls – a real mouth party to kick off a great evening out.
Downstairs at EP, dine at the bar and watch Fijian/Australian Chef Louis Tikaram and his team play the hot pans in the coolest way possible. This Asian eating house serves plates inspired from all corners of Asia Pacific including Thailand, China, Vietnam and also Fiji.
The pick of the menu is the Fijian style rock shrimp. A ceviche dish with a dash of chili and coconut milk and perfectly light and zesty. Make sure you also try the King Fish Jungle Curry which is packed with baby corn, long beans, thai eggplant, wild ginger, basil and topped with Hiramasa King Fish. Save room for dessert if you dare!
Mardi
The stunning indoor-outdoor atmosphere of the courtyard restaurant makes for a dramatic dining experience. Vivid patterns, deep wood and textures to stroke, Mardi at Palihouse has pushed the styling envelope beyond the white table cloth.
Take an aperitif in the bar, making sure you get there in time for a little happy hour shot, complimentary just to get you in the mood for the evening.
Lively family style plates are on offer, think cumin rubbed lamb ribs and a celery salad. The sprout salad, a stand out, with the crunchy mung beans and crispy puffed rice mixed with dandelion greens and pesto, a surprise hit.
Beaming Café
There is nothing more quintessential in West Hollywood than strolling the street in your active wear with a green juice in hand. Beaming Café is your ultimate organic superfood café with cold pressed juices and superfood smoothies with added “boosts” for what you love and what you body needs. My pick of “The Kale-Fornia”, a detox, energy boosting and alkalizing smoothie with the added boost of energy from the local bee pollen. The pollen added a touch of sweetness to the super healthy drink.
Where to sweat it out:
La Barre Belle
The gorgeous, energetic and inspirational Marnie Alton has created a studio where women can build strength and flexibility based on her dance techniques. She has trained celebrities and athletes, and her barre space is open for casual drop ins, just like me and you!
Helipad and Rooftop Yoga
It’s not just rooftop yoga at Loews Hollywood Hotel, yogis can ascend to the 20th floor and pose and stretch atop the helipad and take in the views from Downtown to the Hollywood Hills, including the iconic, Hollywood sign. It might not be in West Hollywood, but it is definitely worth the Uber ride to experience your poses from these lofty heights.
www.loewshotels.com/rooftop-yoga-in-hollywood
Wednesday evenings is when you need to get your stretchy yoga pants on and head up to the rooftop of the Palihouse Hotel. Practise your downward dogs as the sun sets in a music filled, fun flowing Vinyasa class.
Soul Cycle West Hollywood
If you are keen to sweat it out, pump to the music and get psyched by a passionate WeHo local then Soul Cycle is the perfect pick for you. I am familiar with your traditional spin classes, but Soul Cycle takes it to a whole other level with dance moves (while on the bike) to thumping music in the 45min breathtaking class.
Where to stay:
Palihouse West Hollywood
From the moment you step into the textural reception with deep-jeweled hues and dark wood furniture, the mish mash of periods and styles whisks you away from the modern Hollywood strip outside to a time of Charlie Chaplin. There are plenty of spaces upon leather chesterfields or vintage chairs to take in a beverage from the bar and catch up on some emails or dine at Mardi restaurant.
The loft-style rooms are just as eclectic with exposed brink features, marble bathrooms and a full kitchen.
Located perfectly between Sunset Strip and Melrose Place, it is handy for both shopping and dining adventures.
