by Dennis Richardson | Nov 9, 2023
Cowritten by Anthony Stafford
The Ingredients Of An Icon
There are some landmark hotels that are known in and outside of the state of California for their posh, chic, and luxurious experiences, from nightlife and dining to bustling with celebrities. And somehow there’s still room for yet another that has all the right ingredients for the “icon” status—and even more.
In the heart of Culver City’s Arts District, there’s a new promising icon on the block, The Shay Hotel. Opened officially in October 2021, this “Destination by Hyatt” hotel has swiftly become a mainstay, offering travelers and locals an enticing blend of posh accommodations, eclectic shopping experiences, and a dining scene that’s nothing short of extraordinary. Now, just coming off their second-year anniversary, this new gem has a strong presence that tells us it will be around for years to come, while hopefully becoming an LA icon known for generations.
We were invited for a weekend stay to experience all that the hotel and its conglomerate of small businesses had to offer during their Mercado y Más event and Art Walk & Roll Festival, and we’re providing all the details on why The Shay should be your next “Shay-cation” stay. In addition, you’ll find a sampling of small businesses you should support this upcoming Small Business Saturday (November 25, 2023).
Home Away From Home In A Prime Location
The Shay Hotel is more than just a luxurious retreat. Nestled in the Culver City Arts District, it’s perfectly positioned for exploration. The hotel is a stone’s throw away from some of the city’s hottest bars, the best restaurants, and a treasure trove of globally inspired art galleries and museums. As you explore the surrounding area, you’ll find yourself immersed in the vibrant cultural tapestry that defines Culver City. The hotel has even seen some incredible parties this year thanks to the presence of Taylor Swift and Beyoncé bringing their incredible summer concerts to Los Angeles.
Credit: The Shay Hotel
With the highly acclaimed etta anchored at its core and the glitzy Canopy Club as its crown, The Shay manages to purposefully and successfully integrate some of the community’s undiscovered and uniquely gifted businesses and artists throughout the inner workings of a hotel that feels more like a home, from the lobby’s gallery hall, which features the work of over a dozen artists and vendors, to the artfully adorned walls throughout the property. Some of these same artists and small businesses would grace the streets of Culver City and The Shay’s outdoor courtyard during our stay. The lobby isn’t your traditional kind, with a desk set front and center. Instead, you’re embraced by plentiful seating around a fireplace, a bar, a game room, a library/study, and the infatuating etta restaurant tucked subtly away, while the front desk is cleverly and stylishly hidden behind a wooden partition wall.
One of The Shay‘s standout features is its rooftop pool, an exclusive gem in the neighborhood. Guests can bask in the California sun and soak in breathtaking views while enjoying a refreshing swim, only steps from a decadent bite or refreshing sip from the enthralling Canopy Club. This idyllic setting adds to the allure of The Shay, making it a beacon for those seeking relaxation and luxury, or those who just want a delicious meal with fresh air and views.
When it comes to accommodations, the hotel offers 148 spacious rooms, including 19 suites, all designed with the utmost comfort in mind. The decor is sleek, modern, and functional, making each room a home away from home. The Shay’s commitment to guest comfort is evident in every detail, from the plush bedding to the thoughtfully designed interiors.
One historical tidbit about the hotel’s name and design worth knowing is that many of its decorations and furnishings present wooden and metallic surfaces, clean lines, and backlit circles. These touches are all reminiscent of the railroad industry and a particularly famous and successful steam locomotive’s creator, Ephraim Shay, from which its name is borrowed. We challenge you to find the trains throughout the lobby and the railroad-themed design references from the ground floor to the rooftop pool and everywhere in between!
Home-Cooked At The Hotel
When it comes to dining, The Shay shines brightly with its impressive on-property offerings. Award-winning chef Dan Perretta leads the way at “etta,” located at the lobby level. Here, guests can savor culinary delights that blend the best of local and global flavors. etta effortlessly delivers a gastronomic experience that rivals other hard-trying Michelin-starred restaurants—and it shows! etta was packed and lively, while making it quite clear that if you’re taking anyone out for an outstanding meal, this is the place to go. Creative and thought-provoking, it’s difficult to summarize the experience etta provides to anything less than a destination that every traveler and local should add to their bucket list of restaurants to try at least once.
And for those seeking another kind of elevated experience, the party-esque “Canopy Club by Mosaic” awaits on the rooftop. This is where culinary craftsmanship meets stunning panoramic views, creating a dining experience to remember. Our breakfast on the roof was nothing short of dazzling, as we enjoyed reimagined dishes under the October solar eclipse. Canopy Club’s version of French toast is by far superior to the thick-cut style we all think we love, while omelettes and even traditional breakfasts possess their own unique flair. Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s are a staple in LA, and you’d commit a crime by thinking Canopy Club doesn’t know any better.
The best part about both restaurants is knowing that they are merely steps away if you’re staying at The Shay!
It Begins and Ends With Community
We stopped by Mercado y Más during the sunset of Latin and Hispanic Heritage Month, where we discovered just over a dozen noteworthy small Latin and Hispanic-owned businesses practically having a party in the outdoor courtyard. Complete with music and food, everyone welcomed visitors with samples, smiles, and answers to their questions. Each small business had a captain at the helm, bursting with passion, purpose, and a story worth knowing. We invite you to explore the small businesses we encountered at Mercado y Más and all that they have to offer as we approach Small Business Saturday on November 25:
While visiting Atabey Coffee, we learned the subtle and meaningful differences between each of their blends’ flavor profiles and preparation, along with the stark contrasts of color and natural flavor. Best enjoyed without the addition of sugar or cream, we found each of these coffee blends to be sharp, rich, smooth, and easy to drink—comparable to sitting down and enjoying a favorite tea.
Tasty Dulzuras indulged us with the unique cultural twist of their incredible arepa/torta (cornmeal and coconut cake) and dulce de leche cake. Moist, fulfilling, and full of fun texture, these Dominican cakes are the perfect desserts with a cultural twist for parties and events to broaden the horizons of what many think of when it comes to cakes.
We found a new love at Maya’s Brigadeiro—handmade Brazilian sweets that could replace our favorite candies with no complaints. Bite-sized and in their very own lane of sweets, we appreciate this Latina-owned business for coming to Los Angeles and exposing us to a cultural gift that more should know about. Now, we’ve picked up new vocabulary, and a new craving has been unlocked.
Finally, VAVICA, helmed by sisters Valentina, Victoria, and Camila, impressed us with their line of skin and body care products. The Único Hand + Body Wash, Oil Spray, and Hand + Body Lotion smell amazing and absorb quickly into the skin, leaving it deeply moisturized, soft, and glowing to last throughout the day.
In its short existence, The Shay has already witnessed remarkable events. With Taylor Swift and Beyoncé gracing the stage at nearby SoFi Stadium for unforgettable summer concerts, the hotel has become a multipurpose hub of entertainment, attracting diverse crowds and further solidifying its status as a cultural epicenter.
The Shay Hotel is more than just a place to stay; it’s a multifaceted experience that beautifully encapsulates the essence of Culver City. Whether you’re a traveler looking for a memorable vacation, a shopper in search of unique finds, or a food enthusiast ready to embark on a culinary journey, The Shay offers an all-encompassing destination that caters to your every desire. As it continues to flourish in the Culver City community, The Shay’s future as an LA icon for generations to come seems brighter than ever.
by Dennis Richardson | Nov 3, 2023
In the whirlwind of life’s chaos, sometimes all it takes is the perfect melody to whisk us away into a world where time stands still, and joy knows no bounds. Goldie Heart, the gifted singer-songwriter and performer, offers us just that with her anthemic debut single, “Golden.” This song is not just another tune in the vast ocean of music; it’s an invitation to step into Goldie Heart’s world, where the only thing that matters is dancing and celebrating the present moment.
“Golden” is a serendipitous celebration of dance, friendship, and the transformative power of music. Drawing inspiration from the iconic era of 90’s pop, the infectious groove of disco, and the smooth R&B vibes of the 2000s, Goldie Heart’s single is a sonic journey through time and an ode to the timeless joy found in letting go of inhibitions and embracing the here and now.
The song’s upbeat tempo, pulsating beats, and irresistible melodies make it impossible not to move to the rhythm. Goldie Heart’s sultry vocals infuse the track with an undeniable charisma that captivates the listener from the first note. It’s a reminder that music, at its core, is a vessel for emotions, and in this case, the emotion is pure, unadulterated bliss.
In the words of the artist herself, “This song is about living in the moment, enjoying life, and being present with the people you hold dear. Time seems like it is moving faster and faster these days, and with so much going on in the world, I really wanted to write a fun, joyful, uplifting song that inspires people to dance, and to celebrate the NOW.” It’s a testament to the incredible power of music to uplift spirits, inspire movement, and create unforgettable memories. With every beat, Goldie Heart invites us to revel in the beauty of the present, to connect with others through the universal language of dance, and to cherish every fleeting moment.
The seamless fusion of past and present in “Golden” is a reminder that joy is a timeless and universal language, understood by all who are fortunate enough to hear it. “Golden” is more than a song; it’s an experience. It’s an invitation to step onto the dance floor of life and savor every beat. So, let go of your inhibitions, surrender to the music, and celebrate the now with Goldie Heart. It’s her world, and we’re all dancing in it.
https://www.youtube.com/@iamgoldieheart
by Dennis Richardson | Oct 6, 2023
The Journey Within: A Mind-Bending Cosmic Experience
Brace yourselves for a sensory odyssey like no other! Cosm, the visionary immersive technology company, has teamed up with eclectic DJ, artist, and founder of Fascinated by Everything, Chris Holmes, to unveil “The Journey Within.” This mind-bending audiovisual experience is set to take center stage in Cosm’s cutting-edge 87-foot diameter 12K LED domes, slated for release in Spring 2024.
The Ultimate Sensory Mixtape
“The Journey Within,” a Cosm Studios Original, is a meticulously crafted, multi-sensory mixtape that weaves together the musical genius of David Bowie, Radiohead, Joseph Campbell, Matthew Dear, and more. Holmes combines these sonic masterpieces with a mesmerizing visual landscape. Imagine hand-built LED kaleidoscopes, laser sculptures, and awe-inspiring footage of nature’s wonders, from Antarctica’s icy giants to Malibu’s sandy shores and Minnesota’s pristine lakes, hyper-detailed in all their expansiveness. Prepare to be transported from the mundane to a realm of wonder, fascination, and pure awe.
Photo Credit: Cosm
With decades of DJing and remixing expertise under his belt, Chris Holmes has crafted a magical world of light and color that promises to captivate your senses. His mixtape takes you on a multi-sensory voyage, guided by an expertly curated selection of tracks from iconic artists, avant-garde writers, and revolutionary thinkers who have profoundly influenced Holmes’ artistic journey. “The Journey Within” fosters an appreciation for the interconnectedness of all things by merging light, sound, technology, artistry, and the sheer marvels of Earth. Chris Holmes joins a prestigious lineup of artists in Cosm Studios’ Creator Program, alongside new media artist Nancy Baker Cahill and filmmaker Guy Reid. Together, they push the boundaries of immersive storytelling and design.
Inspired by the likes of Yayoi Kusama, James Turrell, and Dan Flavin, as well as Thomas Wilfred’s Clavilux and Laserium laser light shows, Holmes’ work unfolds as a journey into a transformative state of wonder and fascination. Each kaleidoscope in the experience reimagines the natural world, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of colors, patterns, and infinite possibilities on an unprecedented medium.
The Future is Round
You may have noticed a certain sphere getting quite the attention lately, but it just goes to show that the future of entertainment is indeed very round. Cosm’s 12K LED domes provide the ideal canvas for this breathtaking masterpiece, showing the leaps and bounds technology has made over the years. Holmes envisions Cosm as a “cathedral of light, color, and sound” where the community can gather for a transformative social experience that transcends the digital screens that dominate our lives.
Photo Credit: Cosm
Cosm’s venues are set to redefine fan experiences, blending crowd energy, gourmet food and drinks, exclusive merchandise, and cutting-edge visuals backed by state-of-the-art technology. In addition to “The Journey Within” and “SEEK” by Nancy Baker Cahill, Cosm’s programming will feature live sports events, including NBA games and UFC fights.
Coming Soon to a City Near You
Cosm’s first venue in Los Angeles and its second venue in Dallas are currently under construction, with plans for expansion into other key markets. Stay tuned for more information on the schedule of events when these venues open their doors, and prepare to embark on “The Journey Within,” where sound and vision unite in a breathtaking symphony of wonder and awe. Chris Holmes and Cosm invite you to experience art on a grand scale, transcending boundaries and redefining entertainment as we know it.
About Cosm
Cosm is the leading experiential media and immersive technology company redefining the way the world experiences content. With a storied history of building some of the most innovative experience technology in the world, Cosm provides sensorial experiences for every type of fan, from sports and entertainment to immersive art and education. Its immersive venues bridge the virtual and physical worlds through pioneered technology that expands the realm of what’s possible, connecting people and bringing them together in, what is called, Shared Reality. As the company continues to expand to new cities and countries, Cosm is sparking shared passions and providing guests across the globe with experiences they need to feel to believe. To learn more about Cosm, visit www.cosm.com and follow on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Threads, and TikTok.
About Chris Holmes
Chris Holmes is an artist, musician and tech alchemist who is constantly learning and endlessly fascinated. For the past 14 years Chris has toured the world as the opening act for Paul McCartney, remixing The Beatles, McCartney, and Wings songs. An accomplished remixer and DJ who has been instrumental in shaping the LA nightlife scene for almost two decades, Chris has remixed, DJed and toured with McCartney, Prince, Bjork, LCD Soundsystem, Spike Jonze, Edgar Wright, Jon Favreau, Banksy, Questlove, Radiohead and Daft Punk. As a producer, his credits include artists from house music legend Felix Da Housecat to beloved icon Sinead O’Connor. Chris has brought his invaluable vision and creativity to events and campaigns for Google, Sundance Labs, Sonos, Shinola, Nissan, Dos Hombres, Comedy Central, and Rockstar Games to name a few. He has served as music director for the LA based charity The Art of Elysium.
Photo Credit: Cosm
