Guide 2 the Good Life

Often, I am asked for recommendations in a wide variety of situations. Friends routinely ask me where to go and what to do for occasions that range from an awkward first date to entertaining out of town guests. I am also known for obsessively researching products before I buy them, a verified “product review fiend”.

Here is the list of my favorite places, products, and services to recommend. I have also listed my personal contact at the establishment, please feel free to let them know I sent you there. Many of them have become dear friends. Check back often because I am always adding new categories and changing the list as I find newer and better things. Enjoy!

FOOD & RESTAURANTS

• Best Sushi
  • Toshi Sushi, 15489 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks
    • A hole in the wall establishment. Let the chef choose the day’s freshest selection for you, stick with nigiri style (no rolls!) and enjoy the very liberal cuts of fish. Say hello to Toshi and his Soux chef Marcos for me.
• Best Steak House for Serious Meat Lovers
  • Fogo De Chao, 133 N. La Cienega Blvd. Beverly Hills, www.fogodechao.com
    • Brazilian style steak, gauchos serve unlimited portions of 12+ cuts of meat wedged on swords for a striking table side presentation. Amazing salad bar accompanies the meal. Make sure to order the papaya panna cotta for dessert, it refreshing after this decadent meal and papaya is a natural aide in digestion.
• Best Place for Happy Hour Food
  • Palomino Restaurant, LA & SF locations. www.palomino.com
    • Happy Hour daily, Appetizers are half off
• Best Chocolate Cake
  • Susie Cakes Bakery, 11708 San Vicente, Brentwood (LA), www.susiecakesla.com
• Best Cream Puffs
  • Beard Papas, Locations in LA & SF, www.muginohousa.com
    • Freshly baked on location, filled with Tahitian vanilla creme. My friend, Steve Wong, owns a location in LA (Arcadia), if you visit it, say hello for me.
• Best Restaurant to Bring Out of Town Guests
  • Geisha House, Hollywood, www.dolcegroup.com/geisha
    • Celebrity owned and patronized, the chef was a former contestant of Iron Chef, this place has all the making of an LA Hot Spot. A costumed “geisha” walks around for a cool photo-op. Order the fusion style sushi and “roll” with it.

• Best Place to Shop for Kitchen Supplies & Gadgets:
  • Surfas Restaurant Supply- 8777 W Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA, 90230
    • Check out their selection of cutlery! www.surfasonline.com
• Best Chocolatier
  • CocoaBella, 2 locations in SF, www.cocoabella.com
    • Large assortment of premium chocolates from many countries in various styles
• Best French Toast
  • Toast Bakery Cafe, 8221 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, www.toastbakerycafe.net
    • Order the stuffed French Toast, full of banana pudding, carmelized bananas and walnuts. Like a bananas foster for breakfast!
• Best Iced Chai Latte
  • Toast Bakery Cafe, 8221 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, www.toastbakerycafe.net

NIGHTLIFE

• Best Place for a Rowdy Night Out
  • Sharkeez’s, Hermosa Beach, www.sharkeez.net
    • Super casual beach bar with a make shift dance floor, drinks are cheap so let the good times roll.
• Best Bar to take and Out of Town Guest
  • The Standard Roof Bar, Downtown LA, www.standardhotel.com
    • Enjoy the LA city scape and warm weathered nights on the top of this hotel. Must take a picture in the red waterbed pods!

WINE

• Best Wine Store
  • K&L Merchants, SF & LA, www.klwines.com
  • Large selection of hard to find wines and very knowledgeable staff

BEAUTY

• Best Daily Perfume
  • Gucci Eau de Parfum II
    • Fruity and floral, fun yet elegant. Transitions well from day to night, perfect for daily wear.
• Best Hair Product
  • Fekkai Glossing Cream
    • Use daily to prevent split ends. Hydrates and protects hair without being greasy
• Best Make Up Artist
  • Sharon Addison, Dior for Saks, Beverly Hills
  • Her expertise is in sophisticated, subtle applications of color which photograph very well. Particularly skilled in makeup for Asian skin tone and features. If you go, let her know I sent you. She’s a real character.

FASHION

• Best Shoes for Quality of Construction and Classic Design
  • Salvatore Ferragamo, www.ferragamo.com
    • These shoes never go out of style and are meant to be repaired rather than tossed out
• Best Holiday Sale (for men and women)
  • Arthur Beren, SF Union Square, www.berenshoes.com
    • Half off designer shoes and handbags including top brands Prada, Ferragamo, Stuart Weitzman, Donald J. Pliner, Bruno Magli and more.

TRAVEL

• Best View
  • SF: Twin Peaks, panoramic view at the heart of the city 1000 feet above sea level
  • LA: Yamashiro Restaurant, a real Japanese fortress looking down on Hollywood, www.yamashirorestaurant.com
• Best Winery to Visit, for Educational Purposes
  
  • Robert Mondavi, Napa, www.mondavi.com
    • Offers comprehensive classes daily for all skill levels, on various aspects of wine

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