Palm Springs: City of Night

Palm Springs: City of Night

Sun, Fun, and the Magic Nights

Fun Facts: Palm Springs has the largest concentration of midcentury modern residential architecture in the world, showcased every February during the Modernism Week celebration.

With more than 70,000 pools, Greater Palm Springs can boast that it has more pools per capita than anywhere else in the country.

Greater Palm Springs is the home of more than 100 golf courses, which is why many refer to us as the Golf Capital of the World.

Every city has its personality. Something to consider is whether or not that city is a city of night—or day? Los Angeles by day, is frankly an often-unattractive attraction of template malls—especially if the background light is the opaque gray that haunts the the early summer. This has become a topical discussion in such masterworks as John Rechy’s City of Night and the Door’s L.A. Woman, which begged the question: ” Are you a lucky little lady in the City of Light? Or just another Lost Angel? City of Night”. Los Angeles by night actually has some glamor. Take a visit to the Griffith Observatory to see a panoramic view of the city with all its twinkling and a parade of heatwaves and enjoy. The daylight will reveal a sprawling endless scenery of freeways and buildings—hardly the stuff of Hollywood dreams.

)As we head southeast to that cozy town of Palm Springs and its environs, we are treated to a different perspective: this is not a city you want to be in the daylight. In the summer the heat can settle in at 108 degrees and above. Barefoot walking not recommended for humans or animals. It is a perpetual Play Misty for me as the misters create a watery gloom of vapor that quickly evaporates in the mid-day sun. But then comes the night—The Palm Springs night, the night of the cashmere wind, the whispering hush of palms trees swaying—sounds poetic? It is. For at the close of day, the lights come on, lines get drawn, the temperature dips, the rattling of cocktail stirrers begins—it’s time to party!

There is something unique about the desert night—there is little humidity in fact, Palms Springs with the exception of June 23, has not had any rain in 128 years, but there is a slight breeze and that makes everything sexy. This must be true as it explains the proliferation of bedroom mirrors that are everywhere in Palm Springs—closets, ceilings, walls, everywhere there are mirrors—which is surprising given that this is to a large extent an older community, weathered and worn by the perpetual and endless summer. There are also plastic surgery centers on nearly every block.

As with all good things, PS summers, despite the heat draws hordes of sun-seeking tourists willing to battle getting there—it’s actually the leaving that is difficult. But like that other “resort” town, Las Vegas, the key is in their being unique as cities—quite unlike any other cities in the US—and in this case, one best seen at night.

Book in advance (as in February).

Best Food & Drink

1. The Tropicale Palm Springs

A chic and sophisticated décor provides the setting for our distinctive “world cuisine”, a provocative mix of zesty influences that creates a delightful dining experience in Palm Springs, California. Plush high-backed semicircular banquettes surround our dining room and offer comfortable and private seating. The cuisine has a light, exotic feel with an emphasis on Pacific Rim specialties, from Chilean Sea Bass baked in Banana Leaves or Kahlua-Barbecued Pork Chops to all sorts of tasty tapas, salads, wood-fired pizzas, and desserts. The Coral Seas Lounge, a hip mid-century style bar is lined with sexy black leather bar-stools and is reminiscent of the upbeat lounges of old Palm Springs. It wraps around the dining room and leads outside to a lush, tropical, 2000 square foot dining patio where a variety of specialty cocktails and old-school favorites are mixed – an ideal place where friends gather and martinis are sipped under the starlit desert sky.. Map

Best Places to Stay

1 Korakia Pensione

257 S. Patencio Rd., Palm Springs, California 92262, United States

This Mediterranean style bed and breakfast bills itself as a retreat. In the heart of downtown Palm Springs, the Korakia Pensione (the name translates to “Crow Hotel”) is a magnificent oasis made up of multiple buildings spread across an acre and a half. The heavy stone, almost tiki look, exterior spreads from the outside to the rooms and villas inside.

 

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 760-864–6411

. Map

2. Sparrow

Originally built as Castle’s Red Barn in 1952 by MGM actor Don Castle and his wife Zetta, it was one of the original resort getaways for Hollywood elite. Legend has it that iconic actress Elizabeth Montgomery had her first marriage at the Red Barn. The property also has had incarnations as Catalina Palms, El Rancho Lodge and now Sparrows Lodge. The Lodge was fully restored in 2013 and many of the original buildings are still in use with modern updates retaining the charm of the original Red Barn.

THE LODGE:

Sparrows Lodge is a completely restored 1950s retreat. You will be welcomed roadside with a simple hand-painted sign with two Sparrows. The Lodge has a modern rustic vibe that carries through to our rooms, communal barn, outdoor fire pit and vegetable garden, accented by a collection of fine art including works by Ruscha, Kelly, Katz & Baldessari. The 20 rooms feature exposed beam ceilings, russet red walls, concrete floors with inlaid pebbles and butterfly chairs. Swiss army blankets top plush mattresses, and instead of closets you’ll find a metal footlocker along with hooks and hangers. Our bathrooms feature rain showers, and many include horse troughs as bathtubs. Most rooms have private patios. All rooms have AC/Heat and ceiling fans. With no televisions or phones in the rooms, there is an environment of ease and simplicity.

Sparrows Lodge
1330 East Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92264
tel. 760 327 2300

 

Day 1

RELAX, JUST DO IT

Time to chill, get some sun, take in the fresh air and relax. There are more pools per capita in Palm Springs than the entire United States—enjoy one, you’ll like it.

Day 2

THE PLANE, THE PLANE!

The Palm Springs Air Museum is home to one of the world’s largest collections of flyable WWII aircraft and from Korea and Vietnam; and unlike many other museums, our air-conditioned hangars have no ropes to keep you from interacting with our exhibits. In addition to our aircraft, exhibits and activities allow visitors of all ages to gain a fresh perspective of World War II — the unparalleled event that shaped the world we live in. A new hangar opened May of 2017 holds exhibits and aircraft from the Korea and Vietnam Wars. 

 

Day 3

RISE ABOVE IT ALL

Leave the city, the heat and the margaritas behind an head on up the mountain in the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway—the world’s largest rotating tram car—travels over two-and-one-half miles along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon, transporting riders to the pristine wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. During your approximately ten-minute journey, tram cars rotate slowly, offering picturesque and spectacular vistas of the valley floor below. Once you reach the Mountain Station—elevation 8,516 feet—enjoy two restaurants, observation decks, natural history museum, two documentary theaters, gift shop and over 50 miles of hiking trails.

Never-Before-Exhibited Collection of Rare Warhol Photographs

Never-Before-Exhibited Collection of Rare Warhol Photographs

Where to Watch (Oscar-nominated Movies)

Where to Watch (Oscar-nominated Movies)

Ready, Set, Go: Don’t lose the Oscar party competition because you haven’t seen all the films. Here is an inclusive guide as to where to watch the winners

this weekend:

Best Picture:

“Judas and the Black Messiah” — in theaters (no longer on HBO Max); VOD release TBA

“Mank” — stream via Netflix

“Minari” — in theaters; stream on VOD

“Nomadland” — in theaters; stream via Hulu

“Promising Young Woman” — in theaters; stream on VOD

“Sound of Metal” — stream via Amazon Prime

“The Father” — in theaters; VOD starting March 26

“The Trial of the Chicago 7” — stream via Netflix

 

Best Animated Feature Film: 

“Onward” — stream via Disney Plus

“Over the Moon” — stream via Netflix

“A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon” — stream via Netflix

“Soul” — stream via Disney Plus

“Wolfwalkers” — stream via Apple TV Plus

Best Documentary Feature: 

 “Collective” — stream on VOD

“Crip Camp” — stream via Netflix

“The Mole Agent” — stream via Hulu

“My Octopus Teacher” — stream via Netflix

“Time” — stream via Amazon Prime

Best International Feature Film:

“Another Round” (Denmark) — stream via Hulu

“Better Days” (Hong Kong) — stream on VOD

“Collective” (Romania) — stream on VOD

“The Man Who Sold His Skin” (Tunisia) — TBA

“Quo Vadis, Aida?” (Bosnia and Herzegovina) — stream on VOD

Best Animated Short Film:

“Burrow” — stream via Disney Plus

“Genius Loci” — stream via Vimeo

“If Anything Happens I Love You” — stream via Netflix

“Opera” — TBA

“Yes-People” — stream via Vimeo

Best Documentary Short Subject:

“Colette” — stream via YouTube

“A Concerto Is a Conversation” — stream via YouTube

“Do Not Split” — stream via YouTube

“Hunger Ward” — stream via Pluto TV

“A Love Song for Latasha” — stream via Netflix

Best Live-Action Short Film:

“Feeling Through” — stream online

“The Letter Room” — stream via Vimeo

“The Present” — stream via Netflix

“Two Distant Strangers” — TBA

“White Eye” — TBA

Additional Feature Film Contenders:

“Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm” (Best Supporting Actress; Adapted Screenplay) — stream via Amazon Prime

“Da 5 Bloods” (Best Score) — stream via Netflix

“Emma” (Best Costume Design; Makeup and Hairstyling) — stream via HBO Max

“Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga” (Best Song) — stream via Netflix

“Greyhound” (Best Sound) — stream via Apple TV Plus

“Hillbilly Elegy” (Best Supporting Actress; Makeup and Hairstyling) — stream via Netflix

“Love and Monsters” (Best Visual Effects) — stream on VOD

“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” (Best Actor; Best Actress; Production Design; Costume Design; Makeup and Hairstyling) — stream via Netflix

“Mulan” (Best Visual Effects; Costume Design) — stream via Disney Plus

“News of the World” (Best Production Design; Cinematography; Sound; Score) — stream on VOD

“One Night in Miami” (Best Supporting Actor; Adapted Screenplay; Song) — stream via Amazon Prime

“Pieces of a Woman” (Best Actress) — stream via Netflix

“Pinocchio” (Best Costume Design; Makeup and Hairstyling) — stream on VOD

“Tenet” (Best Production Design; Visual Effects) — stream on VOD

“The Life Ahead” (Best Song) — stream via Netflix

“The Midnight Sky” (Best Visual Effects) — stream via Netflix

“The One and Only Ivan” (Best Visual Effects) — stream via Disney Plus

“The United States vs. Billie Holiday” (Best Actress) — stream via Hulu

“The White Tiger” (Best Adapted Screenplay) — stream via Netflix

Catch It While You Can…

Catch It While You Can…

The drive to the Griffith Observatory is always a fun-filled drive. It is where Vermont Avenue meets the hills as one passes the rich homes of Los Feliz, the open spaces where the coyotes roam, the Greek Theater and up the hill to the Observatory. On a recent Friday night, the drive was interrupted by the twinkling of lights on the left—and a parking lot full of parked cars! Turns out, it was The Cinespia Drive-In at The Greek Theatre, a drive-in movie presentation in Griffith Park.

Make it an “Only In LA” event (an event that is popular but you need to be on some very hip list to know about it), but it looks like great fun. On April 17, the film Hairspray will be played against the backdrop of foliage and landscape. Here’s what we know:

Sat, April 17, 2021, 8:00 PM PDT  Doors at 6:30 PM It is $45 per car.

Limit 4 customers per car.

Patrons must remain in their car, masks must be worn when using restroom.

Bring food and drink, no alcohol permitted. (ah huh)

Occupants of your car must be members of your household.

Made in LA

Made in LA

Made in L.A. 2020 artist Reynaldo Rivera’s large (and largely unseen) body of photographic work captures Los Angeles’ queer clubs and house party scene in the 1980s and 1990s. These images depict a version of the city that has all but disappeared: Echo Park as a predominantly Latinx neighborhood rife with artists, writers, and performers full of flair and queer glamour. For Made in L.A. 2020, Rivera shares a selection from this archive, including intimate photographs from clubs (front of stage and back), bars, and house parties.

Reynaldo Rivera was born in Mexico but spent his childhood traveling across the border and within the United States—mostly between San Diego de la Unión, Mexico; Los Angeles; and Stockton, California—before settling as a young adult in East L.A. Rivera’s large (and largely unseen) body of photographic work captures the city’s queer clubs and house party scene in the 1980s and 1990s. These images depict a version of Los Angeles that has all but disappeared: Echo Park as a predominantly Latinx neighborhood rife with artists, writers, and performers full of flair and queer glamour.

For Made in L.A. 2020, Rivera shares a selection from this archive, including intimate photographs from clubs (front of stage and back), bars, and house parties. A vital aspect of his ongoing project is remembering and lending visibility to a community of vibrant trans women and drag performers who often died tragically and young. His images of people who are missing from public ledgers and administrative records offer a reminder that L.A. is a place with a deep history and a short memory.

In Made in L.A. 2020: a version, the artist’s work is present in two institutions, across Los Angeles. See Reynaldo Rivera’s work on view at The Huntington.

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Love is the Air

Love is the Air

On Saturday, October 24 2020, the Los Angeles Center of Photography (LACP) will host its 5th annual Fundraising Gala. The event will take place in an exciting and immersive online environment hosted by award-winning actress Lisa Edelstein. LACP will honor Douglas Kirkland & Francoise Kirkland with the 2020 Stieglitz Award, as well as LA photographer Estevan Oriol, and the Los Angeles Times photographers. The evening will include special guests, a showcase of photographs from our juried competition, “The Connected World” and an online post-gala cocktail party.

Guests will also be invited to peruse a virtual gallery of over 100 extraordinary photographs from artists, galleries and institutions and can hear audio clips of artists talking about their work. Bidding to support LACP will be available around the world via Artsy from October 15th – October 29th  at

www.artsy.net/LACP

Notable artists include: Douglas Kirkland, Melanie Pullen, Ellen Von Unwerth, Andrew MacPherson, Art Streiber, Aline Smithson, Alix Malka, Andrew Macpherson, Baron Wolman, Bill Owens, Dana Gluckstein, David Burnett, David Hume Kennerly, David Carol, Elinor Carucci, Elizabeth Opalenik, Gerd Ludwig, Graham Nash, Gray Malin, Greg Gorman, Hank O’Neal, Herb Ritts, Jeff Bridges, Jill Enfield, Jim McHugh, Joel Sartore, Josephine Sacabo, Julia Dean, Kevin Scanlon, Lori Vrba, Lynn Goldsmith, Marjorie Salvaterra, Matthew Rolston, Michael Shulman, Michael Grecco, Mick Rock, Mitch Dobrowner, Norman Reedus, Randee St. Nicholas, Rania Matar, Ruth Orkin, Sam Abell, Sandro Miller, Stephen Wilkes, Sylvia Plachy just to name a few!   

Tickets available for purchase here: https://lacphoto.org/events/fifth-annual-fundraising-gala-2020/

ARTSY Benefit Auction photographs can be seen here: www.artsy.net/LACP

To learn more about LACP, please visit www.lacphoto.org. 

Follow LACP:

Facebook @losangelescenterofphotography

Instagram @la_centerofphoto

Twitter @lacenterofphoto

Attached images by

Dennis Hopper by Douglas Kirkland

Grace Jones by Greg Gorman

Rascal in the 47 by Estevan Oriol

I’m Watching (Voyeur Series) by Melanie Pullen

Hollywood (Evan Rachel Wood) by Ellen Von Unwerth

Song Exploder: Short Series, Great Concept

Song Exploder: Short Series, Great Concept

Song Exploder is a podcast where musicians take apart their songs, and piece by piece, tell the story of how they were made. Each episode is produced and edited by host and creator Hrishikesh Hirway in Los Angeles. Using the isolated, individual tracks from a recording, Hrishikesh asks artists to delve into the specific decisions that went into creating their work. Hrishikesh edits the interviews, removing his side of the conversation and condensing the story to be tightly focused on how the artists brought their songs to life. Guests include Fleetwood Mac, U2, Metallica, Solange, Lorde, Yo-Yo Ma.

Now it is an excellent four-episode series on Netflix featuring Alicia Keys, Lin-Manuel Miranda, R.E.M., and Ty Dolla $ign.

The show is produced and hosted by Hrishikesh Hirway.  Although not a journalist, he shapes each show with a profound understanding of the result of music, and here, explores how that music comes to life. In the first episode, Alicia Keys collaborates with British musician Sampha, in an emotional exchange of sound and lyrics. Lin-Manuel Miranda reveals that he wrote his hit song. “Wait for It” from Hamilton, while on his way to a party. REM’s hit, “Losing my Religion” gets revealed to be a song that began with a mandolin riff and singer Michael Stipes patiently explains the lyrics.

What becomes apparent is that songs begin with the simplest of moments, a sound heard, a word that won’t let go, and the building of a song, usually a collaboration, becomes a creation that has many parts. It is also evident that singers and songwriters create out of necessity—this is indeed how feelings get expressed.

We seriously look forward to more episodes.

 

WanderLust: Travels Here + There

WanderLust

Adventurer, Photographer, & Professional Blogger

Taking on the World, One City at a Time

My family went nowhere. Other than some road trips to Tijuana, National Parks and Crestline, we never left the state let alone the country. Later, it would be revealed that my mother suffered from agoraphobia. My father had a taste for motorcycles.
My brother, bless him, did stray off to Alaska to live for a bit. Thats it.
At an early age, I did visit San Francisco frequently, Palm Springs often and after high school, trips to New York City were occasional. But it wasn’t until that first flight to Hawaii that the notion that travel could make you feel different happened. Maybe it was jet lag, but waking the next morning, I found myself in the ocean swimming about at 5 am.

It was only with the advent of the camera phone that travel photography became easy—prior, if you carried a camera, you carried a bag with film. The film was expensive and even more expsensive to deveope and you didn;t get to see until you were home.

The camera phone changed all that.

Travel History

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Countries

Cities

Continents

blog posts

Recent Travels

There are none. Since March 2020, life as we knew it changed.

Catalina Crunch Launches Two New Flavors

Catalina Crunch Launches Two New Flavors

If you're still holding strong to your New Year's resolutions, or the one that matters most (dieting), this may be just the boost you needed to keep holding in there. Catalina Crunch, the fastest-growing Keto snack brand, just launched two new seasonal-inspired...

Things To Do & Buy For Valentine’s Day In 2023

Things To Do & Buy For Valentine’s Day In 2023

Got Valentine's Day plans? Yes, you do, whether it's love-themed or not, and it couldn't be a more loaded time of year. With the Super Bowl also happening, and so many seasonal deals and offers on the table from brands across the board, it would be a shame if you...

Jenny's 15 Tips & Tricks For Traveling Cheap

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My Upcoming Trips

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Switzerland
Zermatt
Austria
Salzburg
United States
Yosemite, CA

My Highlights

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Jenny’s Top 10 Sites to See

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Travel Gallery

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Restaurant Review: Yamashiro in Hollywood

Restaurant Review: Yamashiro in Hollywood

Yamashiro

Dining with a view

Living in Southern California, it’s easy to lose sight of the thing called Hollywood—for those in the know, it’s not a place, its a street, not a pretty street either. Film studios are in fact, spread out across the area, only one in actual Hollywood—”and yet, the notion remains—”the idea of Hollywood, the history of a town, like any town, that became larger than its reality through shear imagination and luck. Welcome to Hollywood! The landmarks are many: the Sign, the Chinese Theater, The Walk of Fame, The Griffith Observatory, The shapely Hollywood Bowl. There are even some iconic restaurants, Musso & Frank Grill, Pinks, The Frolic Room and of course, Yamashiro. Perched on a hilltop in Hollywood, Yamashiro is a remnant of another time, yet vital to the survival of that idea we call Hollywood. Built in 1911, it has been featured in many Hollywood films and Huell Howser paid a visit in 2001. It has its stories, most notably, the ghost of a weeping woman, who haunts the bridal room and whose silhouette has reportedly been seen in the upstairs windows. In 1955, director and producer Fayette Thomas Moore committed suicide in his car outside the restaurant, and if that’s not enough, the ashes of previous owner Thomas O. Glover and his wife are buried in the inner courtyard. It should also be noted that Bonanza actor Pernell Roberts actually owned the property turning it into apartments in the 50s. It is a large area, and derives its names from a Japanese word that in this case means “mountain castle”. There are layers: a large golden Buddha (600 years old), a pool, a terrace, rounding walks with a stunning vistas are to be found and enjoyed here. This is quite unlike any place in Hollywood. It is a restaurant, a restaurant in the time of social distancing, a restaurant lucky enough to have always had outdoor dining, and is currently thriving. It has changed hands more often than a manicurist at rush hour, but its essence has remained. In August 2012, the Yamashiro Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places. According to the National Park Service, the Yamashiro Historic District includes “nine contributing buildings, sites, and structures on the estate property.” All good news.

So it was on a warm, late August night, the trip up the hill, past the the Magic Castle, the other side of the famed Art Deco complex, High Tower, we find ourselves at Yamashiro. It is near sundown, dusk, and the lights of the city emerge like lights on water, shimmering in the twilight. You can walk though the gardens of the restaurant, visit the very large, golden Lucky Buddha. We are admonished to not sit on Buddha, but he may receive our coin and wishes. People dining create an arc southern arc of the restaurant; it is a romantic hotspot for couples. We are seated in the garden area which has been used in many a Hollywood film, notably Memoirs of a Geisha. When asked about celebrities, we were told that Jennifer Lopez frequents as do a host of other celebrities who enjoy a rare, private dining experience in a romantic setting.

The drinks at Yamashiro are unique. One can experience Double Happiness, which is a drink composed of Tequila, Mezcal, pineapple, Rhubarb syrup, Lime, absinthe bitters. Exotic? Yes, Appetizers served run an interesting gamut of Sushi pizza and mango pureed Crab Cakes. Yamashiro recently welcomed a new executive chef, Valerri.  She welcomes us with a custom platter featuring ALL of the appetizers with SoCal spelled out—the menu is a curious fusion of foods and one senses it is Wagyu cheeseburger that is luring in the young. Coupled with a seating in the immaculately social distanced Zen Garden, we are served essentially everything from the kitchen. You know you’re in Hollywood as the occasional helicopter flies over. Everything is a complement to the previous serving. The sun has dipped into the West, the dark skies above Hollywood reveal a few stars—we are thankful for places like Yamashiro remaining to remind us of the legacy of a place, a place called Hollywood. 

Welcome to Yamashiro

The entrance to Yamashiro is a grand—the gardens await you

Good Luck Buddha

The ceremonial Summer House was placed just below the top of the hill as a resting place for guests who were climbing the stairs. The antique Buddha seated there became so popular with guests, a sign hangs from a post to warn visitors, “Do Not Climb On Buddha.” Buddha now faces west as a sign of good luck and prosperity.

Sushi Pizza

Sushi Pizza Yellow Tail, Salmon and Tuna Sashimi on a floured tortilla with truffled cream.

Our Special Platter

When the platter that had a handwritten SoCal on it arrived—we were happily surprised at how quickly Chef Vallerie turned it around.

Drinks Anyone?

With a wide variety of cocktails, wines and spirits, it’s easy to want to try them all—NOT recommended, but you take your pick of  from The Koan Collection which is Pisco, home-made grape chai cordial, chardonnay, lemon, pimiento bitters (for those who like drinks with information a koan is a paradoxical anecdote or riddle, used in Zen Buddhism to demonstrate the inadequacy of logical reasoning and to provoke enlightenment.) The drink featured here is Kobayashi  featuring El Tesoro Reposado Tequila, home-made Hibiscus cordial, lemon, ginger beer (“Kobayashi” is the secondary antagonist of the 1995 film The Usual Suspects. He is the enigmatic lawyer and right-hand man of the mysterious crime lord Keyser Söze). Someone is having fun naming these drinks.

Meet  Chef Vallerie

Born in her grandfather Ramiro Bayangos’ bakery in San Nicholas Philippines, Chef Vallerie learned the craft of baking the best breads and pastries in town. Raised by both her grandparents, she spent most of her childhood in the kitchen.No matter what profession Chef Vall took up, she was always drawn to the kitchen—from cooking to baking. They were always a great source of healing and therapy for both herself and her loved ones. Even when her daughter experienced the harshest forms of bullying growing up, Chef Vall’s macarons always brought a smile to her face.Seeing the joy a simple treat could bring to her daughter’s life, Chef Vall decided to enroll in professional training for baking and culinary, hoping to share her love and joy with others.What started as a way to bring joy to her family and loved ones, including volunteering at school and charities, Chef Vall’s love for the culinary arts has expanded to managing five restaurants, including leading as Executive Chef at Yamashiro Hollywood.As a mom and experienced chef, Chef Vallerie loves sharing her grandfather’s love through her cooking baking at home and professional. Especially her desserts Love Bites Pastries by Val, which was inspired by her grandfather’s treats he affectionately referred to as “my little love bites for you”.

“It may sound cheesy,” states Chef Vallerie, “but I really love my job! I feel like a kid in a candy store just staring in awe at everything this place has to offer.” The new menu features the traditional offerings and some delicious updated delights. “I have always drawn to the kitchen—from cooking to baking. This has always been a great source of healing and therapy for both myself and my loved ones,” further states Vallerie.Chef Vallerie is leading an expert kitchen staff along with a dedicated group of servers and mixologists that are taking extra precautions to make the dining experience memorable and safe, while the city continues to navigate the pandemic. As the facility has reopened, Chef Vallerie is proud to be a leading female executive chef at this iconic restaurant. Along with the new offering, Yamashiro boasts an outdoor dining experience with sweeping vistas of Hollywood and beyond that few restaurants can offer. “We are excited to enter this new chapter in the restaurant’s history,” states the Yamashiro ownership. “The Hollywood Hills and our existing patronage is in for a culinary treat.” Yamashiro has an extremely long history in the Los Angeles area as a leader in the high-end dining experience. “This announcement is the delicious delight that Los Angeles has been waiting for.”

The View from Here

Hollywood does not have the great views that cities like New York or San Francisco possess—it takes an extraordinary clean day to actually see the ocean, but we have our views. Yamashiro looks Southwest which gives you a view of downtown, central Hollywood and yes, on a clear day, the ocean.

Plan a visit

ADDRESS

1999 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068, USA
PHONE +1 323-466-5125

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Niki Smart: A Woman of Many Voices

Niki Smart: A Woman of Many Voices

Not many book launches begin with the author singing one of their own compositions, but that’s how the Helter Shelter book launch kicked off last weekend. Author, songwriter, (and our very own managing editor here at SoCal Magazine), Niki Smart and friends delivered an enjoyable hour of song, discussion and a reading from her latest memoir, Helter Shelter. Moderated by award-winning journalist, editor, speechwriter and author, Gus Silber (who brought thought-provoking interview questions) and hosted by Stephen Francis, creator of the famous comic strip, Madam and Eve, the book launch touched upon a variety of topics including the process of writing autobiographical literature, songwriting versus writing a memoir, and the realities of working at a Crisis Intervention Shelter for emotionally disturbed teenagers which is where Helter Shelter takes place.

The good news is that the book launch was recorded. Feel free to take a look!