Storefronts at Abbot Kinney
WHAT TO EAT
You'll get a very New York feel at Gjelina (from €48 for two) with its wooden walls and vintage chairs. The pizza (delicious barbecued mozzarella with tomato confit, arugula, lemon and bottarga) are among the best in the city but be warned: ingredients cannot be substituted.
But if what you are looking for is something more elaborate, the original menu of The Tasting Kitchen (from €84 for two) is supervised by the popular chef Casey Lane . This restaurant-bar includes a menu with dishes such as guinea fowl with black pepper ham or duck confit stuffed with sautéed spinach. The interior is seductive: polished concrete floors sautéed with 90-year-old olive trees, exposed wooden beams on the ceiling, and tables from old butchers.
Delicious pizzas from Gjelina
Another option is Local 1205 (from €30 for two) which is half industrial and modern warehouse and half vintage feel of an old pharmacy. This is how he has managed to conquer all kinds of foodies . The delicatessen counter of this shop-cafe sells artisanally cured meat. The seafood bar puts oysters, clams and shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico , but there are also wood-fired pizzas, barbecue and a sandwich menu.
Inside of Gjelina
And don't miss California essentials: its cold fresh fruit juices served in pitchers . You won't find tofu on the menu at Café Gratitude (from €24 for two), a vegetarian designed for non-vegetarians. Draws crowds with its inspiring dishes: "transformed" It is a plate of vegetable tacos with guacamole, black beans, salsa and nachos with cheese and cashews, which you can combine with collard greens, cucumber, celery, lemon, cilantro, avocado and jalapeño.
Black pudding with octopus from the Superba Snack Bar
But to feel the relaxed and authentic Californian spirit try Superba Snack Bar, with outdoor tables on the street and a refreshing menu. Serves Charcuterie , small plates like fried duck eggs with potatoes, truffle vinaigrette and tuna proscciutto. Don't miss the homemade pasta.
Superba Snack Bar
WHERE TO DRINK
This lair in some kind of shack, Venice Beach Wines lit up with candles at sunset, when patrons sit on its wooden benches and sip wines from an extensive international wine and beverage list.
But if alcohol isn't your thing, you'll probably have to queue (safely on your way out of work) for a soothing brew at Intelligentsia Coffee, a perfect meeting place. industrial style and very spacious.
Exterior of Superba Snack Bar
WHERE TO SLEEP
Abbot Kinney Boulevard isn't swamped with venues, so the Joel Erwin hotel's 119 seaside rooms (doubles from €212) are simply the best choice. On its fun terrace (the only one on the beach) it serves lifeguard lemonade (with organic cucumber, vodka, lemon and pomegranate juice) .
But if you prefer something more intimate, the Venice Breeze Suites apartments (doubles from €242) have spectacular views of Venice Beach . Each of its suites and studios has exposed brick walls and a kitchen.
Hotel Erwin Tuna Tacos
WHAT TO BUY
walk to the BAZAAR which is kind of like hidden treasure chest . You'll find beads, jewelry, antique furniture, and vintage clothing. its owner, Tina Wakino , frequently travels around the world to secure unique pieces.
BAZAR, perfect to find a treasure
Another upscale spot and a lovely space, it's on the corner of Abbot Kinney and Westminster. Heist boasts a wonderful mix of Los Angeles designers and international labels like Isabel Marant and MM6.
Surfing Cowboys is founded by a fashion director and also a photographer, and has become a reference place for designers looking for a surfer point and for all those who want to make very retro purchases of everything related to surfing.
Heist Boutique
WHAT TO SEE
The Center for Audio & Visual Expression (C.A.V.E) presents a new exhibition of contemporary artists every month.
Founded by Alexandra Balhoutis in 2000, fragrance store Strange Invisible Perfumes is a persuasive little space that sells essences for men and women from very exclusive firms and beautiful designs.
Strange Invisible Perfumes
TO DO
In the same Venice Beach h you can rent bikes, skateboards or rollerblades, beach chairs, umbrellas, or just sit and people watch at Perry's Café. Alternatively, if you are interested in surfing you can jump in and finally take that initial class that you want so much with Peter Paris. In less than you expect you'll be taking to the waves as the boldest of Abbot Kinney's hipsters.
- This article is published in the April 72 Condé Nast Traveler magazine. This issue is available in its digital version for iPad in the iTunes AppStore, and in the digital version for PC, Mac, Smartphone and iPad in the virtual newsstand of Zinio (on Smartphone devices: Android, PC/Mac, Win8, WebOS, Rim, iPad) .
Linus Bicycles