artisan house

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the press party for the grand opening of Artisan House, a new restaurant smack-dab in the middle of Downtown LA.  I was sent by my web editor to write a story about the venue--which is not only a restaurant, but also has a full market.

I didn't know much about this place before my arrival, except their slogan: Break Bread. Share Wine. Feed the Soul. These people really know how to get me.

tuna tar-tar appetizer with the magic ingredient: pistachios

margherita flatbread 

My friend Holli and I sipped on delicious wine, including this amazing Ruta 22 Malbec from Argentina (don't worry, that isn't my hand holding the bottle).  We also enjoyed all--and I do mean all--the tray-passed hors d'oeuvres floating through the room.  My favorite was a flatbread smothered with goat cheese, caramelized onions and Juniper bacon.  I never knew that three ingredients could taste so good.

I also had the honor of meeting both the owner and the executive chef, Jason Ryczek, whose passion for fresh, seasonal food not only came through during our discussion, but in every single appetizer I tried. The best part is he uses very few ingredients, which I think sets Artisan House apart from other LA restaurants I've been to (seriously, how many things can you put in one salad?).

After visiting, I'm dying to go back and sit down for a full dinner.  Now if only I had the dough for one of their four-course tastings...

If you're wondering what I wore to the event, check it out here.  What can I say-- when I discover an outfit I like, I tend to keep wearing it. Have a great week!
x

playing catch-up

My have I been a bad little blogger lately.  I have been super slammed with work these past couple weeks and have not given ample time to much of anything else.  But hopefully (fingers crossed) all of my hard work will pay off very soon!  Later this evening I want to share with you a new restaurant in Downtown LA, in which I attended their grand opening press party.  But for now, here are some things in the Internet world keeping me inspired:

image via oh happy day!

 How amazing would it be to look out your window and see this? Or live two hours away from Paris in general, like Kristin does now?

image via my style pill

I have been looking for a great clutch, and would love to add this Jennifer Haley snakeskin one to my collection. I just entered a giveaway to win this fun bag--click here for your own chance to win.

image via eat.sleep.wear

I'll take a wall of shoes one day please. And Lela Rose's shoe collection, while we're at it.  I learned recently that she is doing a collaboration with Payless--that definitely seems like something worth checking out.

image via sacramento street

This grilled asparagus and ricotta pizza looks fresh and delicious, and super simple to make. You can find the recipe here.  The best part is that you can substitute whatever toppings you like. My roomates and I have already planned to try it out soon...even if they don't know it yet.

image via i saw today

I love the look of a plain tee, jeans and a blazer.  The detailed buttons on this one kick the entire outfit up a notch.

image via brooklyn blonde

I really love this photo--from the outfit details to how you can see the photographer in the sunglasses lens. She looks super chic and cozy, and that clutch needs to get in my life.

image via blonde bedhead

Nothing is cozier than a big chunky sweater, and when it's a fun, bright hue like this one--what's not to love?

image via sequin harvest

This seems like the perfect time of year for wine tasting.  I would love to pay another another visit to Malibu Wines.

image via lisa leonard designs

If you saw my last post, you already know I'm getting into the holiday spirit as much as possible!

Also, a crazy giveaway.
For those of you who didn't know, many major fashion bloggers have amazing giveaways, in which they partner with brands to gift random readers jewelry, bags, clothes, sunglasses, etc. Check out a few of my favorites for your chance to win an upcoming giveaway!
[the glamourai,Sacramento Street,eat.sleep.wear.,Brooklyn Blonde,My Style Pill,A CUP OF JO]

Good luck and Happy Friday!
x

it's beginning to look a lot like christmas

Christmas season is in full force, and I am absolutely loving it! I have some exciting things in store so stay tuned!
xx

Note: my apologies for the poor quality of my photos...I'm currently pending a legitimate camera. Just a few weeks until the photos here are amped up big time.

nic's martini lounge

So far I've been pretty open about the fact that I'm relatively cheap (okay, maybe really cheap).  Appreciation for a good deal is something I got from my mom, and it's stuck with me.  But for some reason, when it comes to food, I'm willing to shell out a bit more from time to time.  Of course I'm always on the hunt for a good happy hour, but I tend to be a sucker for good food.  Moving to L.A. has enhanced my love for food and also helped expand my palette.

My latest semi-extravagant outing was a trip to Nic's martini lounge with a group of girlfriends for my roomate Grace's birthday dinner.  Everything I tasted had me in shock because it was that good.  Although it definitely runs a bit pricey, we managed to get a great deal.  Nic's also has a more affordable happy hour.  But what's really important to note here is how great this place is--everything from the food and drinks to the service was impeccable.

Our group began with a special martini crafted with blueberry vodka and strawberry lemonade, garnished with three fresh blueberries.  We also decided to order a couple appetizers before enjoying a decadent three-course meal. Here was our menu for the evening:

Nic's oysters, sautéed with walnuts and garlic
Gnocchi with morels and champagne cream
1st course: sorrel soup with sour cream and croutons
2nd course: Parmesan-crusted chicken with a white bean mash and side salad
3rd course: chocolate bread pudding with chocolate ice-cream and cherry sauce

Everything was incredibly rich, so to wash everything down, we indulged in a birthday cake shot to toast the birthday girl.  This shot was created with vodka from Nic's vodbox, which is basically a walk-in freezer complete with 30 shelves full of vodka in various flavors.  Patrons who wish to go inside are required to wear a fur coat, which is provided by the restaurant.  Don't worry, there's hats, too.

[bottom two photos curtsey of Nic's]

If you happen to be in Beverly Hills anytime soon, I recommend giving Nic's a try! I'd like to try out the vodbox next time.

Note: Ladies, beware of the dudes here.  It's catered for a slightly older crowd, so young girls tend to get a lot of unsolicited attention at the bar.

the candy house

In my last post, I mentioned that my family, the beau, and I ventured to Missouri to see my aunt, uncle, and cousins over Thanksgiving.  Before heading out the next morning, we stopped by Candy House Gourmet Chocolates. Nestled on Reding Mills Road in Joplin, the Candy House was a place my mom and aunt always talked about.  Granted, my mom never had much of a sweet tooth, but I definitely remember her talking about this place.  And I was never upset seeing a truffle assortment in a box sent by my aunt.

Complete with all the fudge, salt water taffy, truffles, jellybeans, and chocolate turtles you can imagine, the Candy House is already a magical place in my eyes.  But if you walk upstairs, you're met by vintage glass candy jars, tea sets, dishes and cups.  A candy store and vintage shop in one? Yes, please!

In all honesty, many of the vintage dishes were a bit cutesy and delicate for my taste, but it was still so fun to walk around and look at all the pretty things.  The fact that I had peanut butter fudge and chocolate turtle samples in my hand didn't hurt, either.  Seriously--the peanut butter fudge is to die for.

If you ever happen to be driving through Joplin (or Springfield--there's a location there as well), I highly suggest you give this sweet place a visit.  Just make sure you bring me some fudge!
xx

midwest thanksgiving

[zara vest,j-crew shirt,jeans c/o urban outfitters,bcbg boots,bracelets:cc skye and david yurman,fossil watch,ring c/o lavish (in crested butte, co)]

I hope everyone had a lovely thanksgiving! I was lucky enough to travel home to Oklahoma for the festivities, and also spent a couple days at my aunt and uncle's house in Joplin, Missouri.  My boyfriend took these photos of me at the house, which is a lovely rustic place tucked away in the woods.

I'm obsessed with this vest I recently picked up at Zara--I've basically been living in it for the past few days because it's so warm and cozy. If you're wondering, the answer is yes--I did hike in those boots with the family. You may call it crazy, but I call it resourceful. What can I say? Tennis shoes didn't fit in my suitcase.

[Sidenote: in my last outfit post, my roomate Grace took the photos. Just wanted to make sure she got some credit too!]

Tomorrow it's back to reality. Although I'm not so excited about that, I am excited about sharing some new things with you!
xx

warm in fur

{h&m dress,belt-unknown,faux fur vest and tights c/o target,shoes c/o buffalo exchange,bracelet c/o lavish (crested butte, co),brandy melville ring, mac m-orange lipstick}

With LA weather continuing to be unpredictable--'50s in the morning, '70s in the afternoon--I've found the best attire is layering.  I found this cozy faux fur vest last fall, and I love experimenting with it.  At this point it may or may not have been tried on with almost everything in my closet.  This outfit screams fall to me, and I feel very comfortable and chic in it.

Enjoy the short week, everyone!
xx