Originally published in USA Today’s 10 Best

Although French cuisine may not necessarily be top of mind when you think about Los Angeles, the city has its fair share of innovative casual bistros, authentic bakeries and upscale restaurants. With a strong French community, L.A. offers a variety of eateries that serve up many delectable (and magnifique) offerings.

The dining room at Le Salon de Thé — Photo courtesy of Marla Cimini

“The French restaurant scene in Los Angeles has evolved in a good way over the years,” notes Sandrine Klein, an art teacher and culinary instructor at Richland Avenue Elementary School in Los Angeles, which offers a dual-language French immersion program.

Originally from Bordeaux, France and a California resident for two decades, Klein started her French cooking classes – and an after-school program called LaCuisine4Fun – as a way to inspire creativity while teaching basic kitchen skills and introducing young students to tasty specialties from France.

“For the most part, the restaurants are cozy and charming, with exquisite dishes, and, of course, there’s some French language sprinkled in as well. French restaurants are always great choices for a date night, a casual meal with friends, or a celebration, too.”

With that in mind, here are a few Los Angeles French cuisine restaurants, bistros and cafés.

Le Salon de Thé

Smoked salmon at Le Salon de Thé 

Simply put, Le Salon de Thé is the real deal. This unassuming, intimate tea salon is situated on bustling Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, and it’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it.

This 36-seat tea room is owned by sisters – and Paris transplants – Laurence Botrel and Catherine Friedmann, as well as Catherine’s son, Anthony. Together, they opened their cute and cozy café that specializes in “French tea,” with beautifully-presented finger sandwiches, as well as salads, scallop carpaccio, a variety of French wines, and other savory items that change with the seasons.

Le Salon de Thé’s menu also includes family recipes from the sisters’ mother. Along with baking fresh croissants and breads, Anthony has also created a rich, homemade hot chocolate drink that’s gaining a loyal following. The café’s tranquil ambiance features bright blues and white – colors that represent the Pacific Ocean – and there’s an adjacent outdoor patio as well.

“California was a welcoming place for us to start our business,” says Catherine. “Our goal was to open an inviting tea room that makes guests feel like they are in our Paris living room. I love preparing high tea, and I wanted to bring a little of my country here. And I feel that’s exactly what we did.”

L’Appart

Scallops at L’Appart — Photo courtesy of L’Appart

Located in downtown Los Angeles, the tiny L’Appart is co-owned by Marc Moubarak and executive chef Thierry Babet. The two met several years ago in France and eventually decided to open a restaurant in Los Angeles together.

A petite oasis in the middle of a busy city block, L’Appart serves up a blend of tasty classic and modern French fare with a homey, friendly vibe. Seating here is limited, so guests receive meals that are cooked individually to order – with great deal of personalized attention to accompany their dinners.

Among the specialties at this cozy bistro are such favorites as onion soup, freshly-made burrata, bœuf bourguignon tacos, duck confit, beef tartar, escargot, gorgonzola mac n’ cheese, and scallops. This restaurant offers several daily specials as well. Avid fans adore the decadent desserts, including the homemade chocolate lava cake and crème brûlée. Brunch is also served on Sundays.

Chaumont Bakery

Chaumont Bakery

The lovely aroma of fresh-from-the-oven pastries and breads combined with brewed coffee greets customers as they step into Chaumont, a beautiful French bakery in Beverly Hills.

Chaumont features an abundance of light, sweet and flaky baked goods of many shapes and sizes inside a long, glass display case. Along with new pastries that are introduced from time to time, you will find an incredible selection that includes croissants, eclairs, pain au chocolat and flourless chocolate cake.

Owner Frederic Laski honors the French tradition and ensures that everything is baked fresh daily. Chaumont also serves light breakfast and lunch items such as salads, omelets and sandwiches made with organic ingredients. It’s not surprising that customers here usually purchase more than they plan on; it’s nearly impossible to leave without wanting to devour everything. There’s typically a line, so if there’s something special you’re craving, it’s best to arrive early or order in advance.

Monsieur Marcel

Although this bistro has been in its current location for years, you can’t help but feel as if you’ve discovered a hidden gem when you arrive at Monsieur Marcel. This outdoor restaurant is tucked away in an unexpected spot – in the back of the Original Farmers Market at The Grove shopping mall in Los Angeles.

Patrons rave about the rustic, quaint ambiance and delightful French classics that have been served up here for decades. Some of their specialties include cheese fondue, moules-frites (mussels with fries), raw oysters, Niçoise salad, burgers, omelets, charcuterie boards and seafood specialties.

Monsieur Marcel is also known for its daily happy hour during the week with half-priced French wines. As an added bonus, this restaurant also has an adjacent gourmet market with a variety of foods, specialty cheeses, chocolates, books, gifts and kitchen-related gadgets from around the world.

République

One of Republique’s appetizers 

A foodie hotspot since opening in 2014, the buzz-worthy République is owned by chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke – the latter of whom has been a James Beard nominee for several years running.

Open all day – with breakfast daily and brunch on Sunday – République offers something for everyone, with a distinctive blend of French and new American specialties. Several favorites include wild Mediterranean loup de mer (with morel and yellowfoot mushrooms and gnocchi), butternut squash agnolotti and Broken Arrow Ranch venison (with baby beets, black truffle and sour cherries).

Housed in a historic structure built by Charlie Chaplin in 1928, the location is as mesmerizing as the food. Once home to the legendary restaurants La Brea Bakery and Campanile, the interior today features soaring ceilings, wooden tables and exposed brick: all within a stylish, fun, airy ambiance. There’s always a crowd here – day and night – so it’s best to make reservations, especially during prime times.

The post Everything You Need to Know about French cuisine in Los Angeles appeared first on Marla Cimini.

Ready to visit the Original Cannabis Cafe? Here’s all you need to know!

An earlier version was published in USA Today 10 Best

As a frequent Los Angeles visitor, I visited the Original Cannabis Café a few years ago. It was closed for a while but there’s good news now! The restaurant opened its doors again — serving up an array of cannabis offerings, along with accompanying culinary creations.

Where is the origional Cannabis Cafe?

The Cannabis Cafe is located in West Hollywood, California. It has a large parking lot and offers valet parking, too. The cafe is very large, airy and features indoor-outdoor seating with a lovely patio surrounded by a wall, keeping it private. No one walking past can see inside the patio area. 

Marijuana has been legalized for recreational use in the state of California since late 2016, and this pioneering cafe can be considered a sign of the times. (Since its initial launch, the cafe changed its name from the Lowell Café in December 2019).

What does the Cannabis Cafe look like inside?

An entirely unique concept, the 6,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor cafe offers a friendly environment to dine in a modern, yet rustic setting while enjoying a variety of cannabis options at your table (or the bar).

It also features a spacious, picturesque 45-seat patio with tables and chairs that surround a 70-year-old olive tree, an organic “living wall,” an inviting bar area and plenty of cozy booths inside the dining room.

At first glance, it appears to be similar to the many other lively, upbeat restaurants in West Hollywood with a cool vibe. Guests are chatting over raucous rock ‘n roll tunes and snacking on nachos and other gourmet-style comfort-foods.

But there’s one major difference: Instead of cocktails being shaken and stirred, the main feature of this cafe is cannabis – in a variety of forms including joints, edibles and beverages.

Andrea Drummer, a leader in the cannabis community who is known for her expertise in cooking with marijuana serves as executive chef and co-owner. She explained, “We’re so unique. We are essentially creating a new industry. This space is so perfect for our cafe and we were smiling from ear-to-ear when we finally found this building. It’s been fun and exciting to open this cafe – for me as well as our innovative team.”

And what about the smoke? There’s no haze here – the cafe is airy, open and uses a powerful air filtration system that is “casino-grade” and renders the smoke (almost) unnoticeable. Anyone strolling by on the sidewalk would never know the patio beyond the tall hedges is filled with smokers a few feet away.

Drummer noted, “We were thinking of the community at large and there is still a stigma attached and we wanted to be incredibly conscientious of the smoke.”

Chef Andrea Drummer — Photo courtesy of Original Cannabis Cafe

Due to legal regulations in the state, the food items and the cannabis sold here are kept separate, which means although you order both from the same “flower server,” you will receive a different bill for each. This also means that the food menu does not offer cannabis-infused food.

A world-class professional, chef Drummer developed the cafe’s menu to complement (not contain) the cannabis offerings. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Los Angeles, Drummer worked as a chef at the Ritz-Carlton, and has been a private chef for several years, known across the world for cooking with cannabis.

She’s also the co-founder of Elevation VIP Cooperative, and author of the cookbook “Cannabis Cuisine: Bud Pairings of a Born Again Chef.”

The food menu

Table with cannabis and food — Photo courtesy of Original Cannabis Cafe

She describes her culinary style at the cafe as “eclectic comfort food.” Drummer explained, “Originally, I wanted to start with a farm-to-table concept, so a lot of our produce comes from local growers and smaller farms in the area. But ultimately, I wanted to offer some comfort foods that support the cannabis consumption experience. So, I added some traditional and homey items with a bit of a spin on them. Not necessarily complex – just a concentration on the fresh ingredients and delicious taste.”

Drummer mentioned that she plans to play around with new recipe ideas and food concepts. “We’ll see what sticks and what people like and we will build upon that,” she said.

The food menu’s offerings are all personally created by chef Drummer, with plates that are generously-portioned (not a bad approach, considering the potential for increased appetite).

Smash burger — Photo courtesy of Original Cannabis Cafe

Several best-sellers include: vegan nachos (with housemade chips topped with cauliflower, red onion, guacamole and Follow Your Heart “cheese”), signature cobb salad (a delectable oversized bowl with grilled chicken, garbanzo beans, roasted broccoli, avocado, soft boiled egg and more) and crispy Brussels sprouts and turnips.

For brunch, favorites include the cheese griddled breakfast burrito (with scrambled egg, fries, avocado and chips); French toast, and the signature “smash” burger, among other offerings.

There are a number of desserts on the menu too, including an especially decadent and creamy version of baked Alaska. According to Drummer, both the food and flower menus will be changing on a regular basis, featuring new items throughout the year.

She noted, “The audience in our cafe is very different than expected. At first we thought that West Hollywood customers prefer healthy, light dishes, so we started out with six different salads – but they were not all a hit, so we wound up taking some of them off the menu,” she laughed.

The cannabis Cafe’s menu

Curated by the cafe’s renowned cannabis expert (and vendor relations director), Red Rodriguez, the “flower” menu is robust, straightforward and descriptive. It clearly states the THC potency of each item and categorizes them into easy-to-understand sections.

Guests can purchase plenty of options, including flowers and buds, pre-rolled joints and vapes. If you’re a frequent smoker and prefer a higher potency, there’s also hash, oils or waxes, and for a lower octane choice (containing a fair amount of CBD), you can select beverages and edibles. Bongs are available for rent, and rolling papers, lighters and ashtrays are abundant.

Fruity Pebbles dunkers — Photo courtesy of Original Cannabis Cafe

Rodriguez explained, “I curate the cannabis menu to ensure it’s diverse, clean and creative as possible. All of our flower is fresh – and most of our product has been harvested in the last few months – sometimes even a week ago. I have indoor, outdoor, hydroponic…everything is sustainable.”

He added, “I’m very passionate about cannabis and I really want the café to truly represent our industry and community as well. We want to make sure we are here for everyone.”

A few of their most popular offerings on the “flower” menu include:

• Cann beverages – A local California company creates infused beverages that contain a low-dose of THC. It’s served in cans and offered in several flavors, including lemon lavender.
• OG by Loaded Co. pre-roll – This pre-roll is unique and includes a patented glass crutch (also known as a filter or tip).
• Top-Shelf Cultivation Flower – Featured in the “experts only” section, the “whoa-si-whoa” cannabis strain is described as exotic and balanced. (At 31% THC, this is recommended for cannabis connoisseurs only).
• Hot chocolate by Kiva Confections – (A special for winter) contains 5 mg of THC

As the cafe ramps up, there’s a lot of room for new items on the menu. Rodriguez said, “We will be rolling out special offerings in the near future. We’re considering happy hours, tea times, seasonal items similar to our exquisite hot chocolate and a variety of holiday items as well. We’re in line to get our alcohol permit, so in the future, we hope to be able to sell drinks in a designated area as well.”

The flower servers are experts and with a great deal of experience in bud-tending. They patiently help customers choose the best options and are trained to keep a careful watch for over-consumption. (And yes, the staff does get to partake while working…it’s their job, after all).

What to know before you go

The Original Cannabis Cafe has a light and airy ambiance — Photo courtesy of Original Cannabis Cafe

Of course, the cafe has its quirks, too. Due to strict adherence to state laws, the kitchen must remain separate from where the cannabis is sold. This affects the location of the restrooms, which are situated behind the venue. (So guests need to exit through the front door and walk around to the back in order to access them).

Not surprisingly, the Original Cannabis Café is leading the way for other, similar ventures to open in Los Angeles in the near future.

Rodriguez says, “Cannabis in general is inclusive to everyone. The other cafes will all be a little different and they will all have amazing visions of what consumption really is. I really feel there is no competition among businesses. This is their home, too. We all win. I’m excited to see the new versions of cafes that will be opening.”

A few tips for visiting the Original Cannabis Cafe

• Make reservations for weekends. The cafe is open to walk-ins during the week, but they do request you make reservations for weekend visits.
• Bring your ID – All guests must have legal identification or they won’t be admitted, period. Customers are vetted by a security representative who checks IDs and bags as well. If all goes well, you will be permitted to walk down a pathway to the front entrance.
• You can’t bring your own – Guests are not allowed to bring their own pipes, bongs or tobacco. However, there is a charge per person “tokeage” fee to bring outside cannabis into the cafe.
• No alcohol allowed – Alcohol is not sold in the café. Customers are not permitted to bring in outside food or beverages.
• Hours – The café is open Tuesday through Sunday and hours vary. (The café offers free Wi-Fi and guests are encouraged to bring their laptop and work from there, too). Brunch is offered on weekends.
• Parking – The Original Cannabis Café has a parking lot, valet is $10 dollars.
• Visit the cafe’s website for all FAQs for your visit!

The post Visit The original Cannabis Cafe In Los Angeles (2024) appeared first on Marla Cimini.

Known as a favorite Southern California desert escape, Palm Springs has recently become a culinary oasis as well.

Gabriel Woo, chef at the Barn Kitchen says, “It is a very exciting time for the Palm Springs food scene. As the area introduces more events and activities to draw a variety of experience-seekers, the food scene is becoming more chef-oriented, leading to diverse cuisines at the helm of talented, industry-conscious, socially involved individuals.”

Executive Chef Jason Niederkorn from the Pink Cabana restaurant added, “With the continuing growth and development of the Coachella Valley, we notice a more diverse and discerning demographic coming with it. Successful restaurants in the area are inventing fun and unique concepts that have become really appealing to these guests.”

Here are several notable restaurants in this Southern California desert oasis that are worth a visit.

Del Rey

Del Rey’s cozy, intimate space — Photo courtesy of Villa Royale hotel

Tucked away inside the sprawling, Mediterranean-style Villa Royale resort, Del Rey restaurant is a cozy hideaway with a cool vibe. Featuring dark paneling, a fireplace and an intimate, dimly-lit twelve-seat bar, the stylish dining room emits the ambiance of a secret speakeasy.

Created by chef Louis Martinez, the menu is small yet offers several specialties, including grilled branzino with poblano cream and sprouted almonds; brick chicken that’s seared with an actual brick from the hotel and served with braised lentils; and the charred octopus featuring salsa verde and potatoes.

The mixologists create distinctive cocktails, including Permanent Friends, made with gin, grapefruit and pineapple juices, and jalapeño vanilla maple syrup. Or perhaps try the Floating Hat, a tequila-based drink featuring Ancho Reyes Verde and Cointreau.

4 Saints

Dining room at 4 Saints — Photo courtesy of Kimpton Rowan hotel

Featuring stunning unobstructed views of the four surrounding mountain ranges that inspired this restaurant’s name, 4 Saints is located on the top floor of the Kimpton Rowan Hotel in the center of town. As the only rooftop bar and restaurant in the area, 4 Saints offers a robust wine and cocktail program to accompany the panoramic vista, and the spacious bar is a lovely place to relax with a beverage.

The stylish dining room’s menu features a variety of Mediterranean-influenced plates that feature seasonal ingredients from the surrounding Coachella Valley. A few standouts include sea scallops with cauliflower; house cavatelli and mushroom ragu; and red wine short rib for two.

The Pantry

Feel like you’ve stepped back in time at The Pantry — Photo courtesy of The Pantry at Holiday House

With a menu that changes slightly each week and offers a taste of seasonal flavors, The Pantry has become a local go-to hot spot. Casual and lively, this eatery is located in Holiday House, a recently-renovated Mid-Century property that was originally designed in the early 1950s.

Delectable offerings include avocado chicken salad with heirloom tomatoes tossed in a light lemon-tarragon dressing, seasoned with pink Himalayan salt and cracked pepper. The Baja-style fish tacos are made with tilapia fried in a golden beer batter. The organic corn tortillas are layered with garlic aioli, cabbage, pico de gallo, pickled red onion and served with hot sauce and lime.

Their best-selling beverage is the spicy margarita with fresh orange and lime juices, agave syrup, Serrano bitters and blanco tequila.

The Barn Kitchen

Rustic and modern is what you’ll find at The Barn Kitchen — Photo courtesy of The Barn Kitchen Sparrows Lodge

Originally opened in 1952, Sparrows Lodge was a resort created for the Hollywood elite. Recently renovated, the property gives off a rustic and modern vibe, especially at onsite restaurant, The Barn Kitchen. It’s is an ideal spot to sip a hand-crafted Bloody Mary (made with soju rice wine and served with okra and olives).

Menu favorites include the seasonal fruit and burrata, a refreshing dish that features a splash of avocado oil and fresh mint. The generously-sized Barn Kitchen burger includes locally-sourced beef served with sliced onion, tomato and lettuce, topped with a local “bulkie roll” from Townie Bagels and slathered with their spicy “Milli sauce.”

The weekly chicken Wednesdays and steak Saturdays are well-attended, so it’s best to make reservations.

The Pink Cabana

Enjoy your meal in a fun environment at Pink Cabana — Photo courtesy of Sands Hotel and Spa

Opened in 2018, the Pink Cabana showcases a whimsical, casual style and an eclectic menu with French, Moroccan and Mediterranean influences prepared by award-winning Executive Chef Jason Niederkorn. Offerings include meze, with multiple varieties of olives, house-made yogurt naan brushed with ghee and dusted with za’atar spice blend, and gourmet hummus covered in zaalouk (a grilled eggplant condiment) and harissa paste (made with piquillo peppers).

The signature entrée is the Colorado lamb tagine. Using a proprietary volcano-style cut, it’s marinated with a harissa spice blend, then roasted and braised. Accompanied by orange-glazed rainbow carrots, this dish also includes saffron couscous, toasted almonds, dried cherries and mint tzatziki.

Birba

Situated close to the heart of downtown Palm Springs, Birba offers a taste of authentic Italian cuisine. This restaurant’s family-style specialties include a robust selection of homemade items with an Italian flair: pizzas, pastas and an abundance of salads.

The popular Birba pizza is topped with shaved prosciutto and chili oil with a dollop of honey, which offers a balance of sweet and savory. All pizzas here can be prepared with a cauliflower crust, as well. Another best-seller, Nonna’s meatballs combine pork and grass-fed beef, based on a classic family recipe.

The restaurant’s adjacent and inviting bar offers flavorful libations concocted with premium spirits and fresh juices, as well as a selection of local and international wines.

Mr. Lyons Steakhouse

Opened in 2015, Mr. Lyons features a sophisticated ambiance and boasts a steak-centric menu featuring three unique dining environments, including the romantic and inviting Grand Salon, the indoor-outdoor experience of The Conservatory, and the relaxed yet luxe vibe of the Lounge. It’s a great spot to slide into a sleek leather booth and sip a classic Sidecar cocktail.

Specialties include the 15-minute roasted bone marrow with local sweet dates and a mellow Tellicherry gastrique, served with grilled sourdough and an herb salad. A signature dish, the crispy Brussels sprouts are roasted, flash-fried and then tossed in a spiced balsamic vinegar reduction.

A house favorite, the beet bourguignon is a vegan twist on a classic carnivore dish and is served with farro, roasted butternut squash, mushrooms, roasted grapes.

Workshop Kitchen + Bar

Find unique dishes at Workshop — Photo courtesy of Audrey Ma

Located in the Uptown Design District of Palm Springs, Workshop Kitchen + Bar was previously an art gallery and a theater, and has recently received design accolades from the James Beard Foundation. This stunning space includes a dining room, bar and outdoor courtyard. It’s a pleasant escape to enjoy a Palm Springer cocktail made with vodka, a splash of fresh pineapple juice, house-made grenadine and Angostura bitters.

Menu standouts include the house-cured gravlax tartine, with grilled rye bread, horseradish cream, quail egg, dill and lemon, as well as the black cod with honey-lavender glaze, celery root purée, kabocha squash and assorted vegetables.

A fan favorite, the JBF blended burger is grilled over wood and topped with cremini mushrooms, truffle pecorino, onion confit, heirloom tomatoes and lettuce.

Cheeky’s

This casual, modern café usually has a line of hungry patrons waiting in line for its unique versions of classic breakfast foods and sandwiches. Those in the know insist that Cheeky’s is worth the wait.

You should try the World Famous Bacon Flight that serves up five strips in a variety of flavors such as popcorn, apples and cinnamon, sesame honey, and garlic and jalapeno. The chilaquiles are crunchy tortillas with homemade tangy chorizo, blended with cilantro and queso fresco. For vegetarians, a popular option is the roasted yam sandwich on whole grain bread that’s topped with feta, cilantro, red onion, tomato and mayo.

Azucar

Situated in downtown Palm Springs in the La Serena Villas Resort, Azucar restaurant offers guests the option to sit in the light-filled and colorful dining room, poolside or on the resort’s rooftop deck.

With the name meaning “sugar” in Spanish, Azucar serves up distinctive delights such as mesquite-dusted swordfish with hominy and avocado puree and smoked pineapple jalapeno; jumbo scallops with polenta, corn hash and chorizo sauce; and the Jidori chicken breast sprinkled with coffee and spices and served with vegetables and pepita tomatillo sauce.

The bar’s expansive wine list showcases vintages from California, although there are also a few unexpected gems from Mexico and other countries.

The post 10 Of The Best Places To Eat In Palm Springs appeared first on Marla Cimini.

In Southern California, the town of Pasadena is a great place to visit! It’s a very short drive from Los Angeles and it’s filled with unique art galleries, lovely design, and fascinating architecture. For most of us, the town of Pasadena, California, is synonymous with the Rose Bowl and its legendary Tournament of Roses Parade, the exquisitely colorful annual extravaganza held every New Year’s Day, featuring intricately designed floats that are decorated with thousands of vibrant flowers and organic materials, and they first rolled down the sun-soaked streets in 1890.

Pasadena, however, offers more than simply an abundance of multi-hued blossoms. With a name that means “crown of the valley,” it’s also an interesting destination for art and architecture. Connected to Los Angeles via the Arroyo Seco Parkway, Pasadena is 11 miles from downtown L.A., but far from Hollywood’s glitz. Instead, it offers a quiet sophistication and thriving community for those who are visiting Pasadena.

“The city of Pasadena was founded by culturally minded citizens who valued both art and architecture. As a result, there has been a huge sense of patronage that has been fostered throughout the years,” says Rochelle Branch, the city’s cultural affairs division manager. Branch points to a few specific examples, including music (the Pasadena Symphony), dance (the Pasadena Dance Theatre, which presents “The Nutcracker” each year in the historic San Gabriel Mission Playhouse; the modern dance company Lineage Dance; and the Pasadena Civic Ballet), and, of course, myriad ways to experience the visual arts.

With a population of about 142,000, the city is expansive and its neighborhoods are best explored both on foot and by car. Visitors may be pleasantly surprised by the robust offerings packed into this small town. For example, in the Old Pasadena district alone, more than 200 boutiques, cafés, and restaurants are spread across 20 historic blocks that includes the main thoroughfare, Colorado Street.

An ideal way to experience the city’s art is through one of several self-guided art walk tours that showcase various works by local and national artists, including murals and interactive sculptures. And while meandering through downtown, visitors can’t help but admire the 1920s Mediterranean Revival architecture of landmark buildings, such as Pasadena’s city hall and the Central Library.

Nearby, one of the city’s most impressive art destinations is the Norton Simon Museum. This private art collection, housed in a minimalist structure, features European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century, modern works, and a collection of South and Southeast Asian art spanning 2,000 years. It includes works by Cezanne, Degas, Picasso, Rembrandt, and many others. In a serene outdoor café set within a sculpture garden and pond filled with water lilies, guests can easily imagine that Monet would have felt right at home here.

Across town, visitors can easily spend a full day strolling through the world famous Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens. Every year, this sprawling research and educational institute hosts more than 750,00 visitors. Recent enhancements include the new 8,600-square-foot, $10 million-dollar, glass-enclosed, American art wing that opened in late 2016. The Huntington’s art collections focus on European art from the 15th to the early 20th century and American art from the late 17th to the late 20th century. And each season, the botanical garden offers special experiences, so it’s best to plan accordingly. April, for example, is the ideal month to see the rose garden in its full glory and enjoy the splendor of the cactus garden’s brightly colored blooms. The gardens also feature several restaurants and cafés, including a dumpling house situated by the serene lake in the tranquil Chinese-inspired Garden of Flowing Fragrance. The gift shop offers items from local artisans, including jars of orange marmalade made with fruit from the gardens’ own grove.

When it comes to architecture in Pasadena, the city hosts a premier example of the Arts and Crafts movement, the famed Gamble House built by renowned architectural firm Greene and Greene. Tours are arranged in advance, and visitors can choose from an array of experiences guided by professional docents sharing behind-the-scenes stories. Nearby, design buffs can catch a glimpse of the town’s only Frank Lloyd Wright house — hidden in plain sight.

Tucked away in a residential neighborhood is another unexpected gem, the Storrier Stearns Japanese garden, located across the street from the lovely Arlington Garden. For design fans, the quiet neighborhood surrounding the historical luxury hotel, the Langham, is perfect for viewing a multitude of Craftsman homes built by Greene and Greene and their contemporaries.

The Pasadena Museum of California Art shines a spotlight on modern artists unique to the Golden State. The 30,000-square-foot building was developed by architect Johnson Favaro and opened in 2002. Every museum has its surprises, so peek in the parking garage for a glimpse at the Kosmic Krylon Garage exhibition of street art painted by artist Kenny Scharf.

Exhibiting innovative revolving shows, the cavernous Armory Center for the Arts features awe-inspiring contemporary art and performances. It also offers a robust roster of weekly classes for both children and adults.

And although Pasadena shines brilliantly when it comes to outstanding large-scale museums and its public art collection, there are also notable small galleries in town, including Galerie Gabrie and Tirage Fine Art Gallery. Both feature plein air works as well as diverse pieces from international artists.

For those with a thirst for creativity, Pasadena is an under-the-radar escape from the big city of L.A. and is very much worthy of several days of exploration. With the delightful wealth of art and architecture in this city, it’s no wonder visitors leave feeling artistically inspired.

The post Visit Pasadena, California and enjoy art and design 2022 appeared first on Marla Cimini.

In Northern California, courtyards, cottages and creative arts combine to form Carmel-by-the-Sea’s subtle and elegant charm. Drawing visitors from across the world, this town of one square mile overflows with art and natural beauty. These elements intertwine with distinctive architecture, including homes that appear to be plucked from a fairytale and placed into this delightful beach town.

Located on the Monterey Peninsula, about 120 miles south of San Francisco, Carmel-by-the-Sea is easy to explore on foot. Its downtown area is lined with galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Behind buildings, more than 40 narrow, hidden passageways twist and turn, opening onto courtyards often adorned with outdoor sculpture or artwork. The courtyards were constructed in the 1920s, around the time when Hugh Comstock’s Dollhouse Tudor houses and shops were built. The small- town ambience is palpable; there are no addresses or parking meters. Aside from Carmel’s tiny downtown, sidewalks are nonexistent. 

And seemingly always, the Pacific Ocean is steps away. For a breezy sea stroll, simply walk toward the beach, which is dog friendly (along with many hotels, restaurants and other establishments). The town’s streets slope downward to the Scenic Bluff Path that stretches from tony Pebble Beach to Point Lobos, offering glorious views overlooking the waves, gardens and cypress trees along the way. 

Famous in recent years for its former mayor, Clint Eastwood, who still resides in town, Carmel-by-the-Sea transports visitors to an earlier era with its history of attracting spirited, ambitious talents. After the massive 1906 earthquake destroyed much of San Francisco, many artists, writers and musicians fled to Carmel and established a thriving colony. At the time, the city’s Arts and Crafts Club was in its infancy and welcomed the creative community with open arms and budget-friendly rents. Among the renowned writers who called Carmel home were Sinclair Lewis, Mary Austin and Upton Sinclair, and artists such as Percy Gray, Anne Bremer and William Ritschel found inspiration along Carmel’s shores.

This Bohemian haven was incorporated on October 31, 1916, and celebrates its centennial anniversary this year with special events. Take, for instance, the citywide parade (planned by the organizers of the Rose Bowl parade) and celebratory lunch on October 29. There’s also music, theater, dance, art and culinary events planned through December.

With approximately 100 galleries situated within the town’s borders, both avid collectors and casual visitors find Carmel a dreamy art destination. For enthusiasts, Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a rare treat: to observe and interact with artists while they work in their studios. Notable artists include award-winning sculptor Steven Whyte of his namesake gallery; as well as Mary Titus of Titus Contemporary Gallery and Galerie Plein Aire’s husband-and-wife team, Jeff Smith and Cyndra Bradford. These artists open their studios to the public and are often found behind the easel or in the midst of sculpting a new masterpiece. Other standout galleries include Trotter for early California art; Cassandria Blackmore for contemporary glass works; and Gallery Sur, which showcases sculpture and photography. A trusted way to make the most of gallery visits is through Carmel Art Tours, led by local expert Rohana LoSchiavo, who offers custom walks based on her 25 years in the fine art world. 

While admiring the artwork in Carmel, it’s impossible not to be inspired by the diverse architecture as well, which ranges from shingled bungalows to modern designs. Over the years, renowned architects have left their mark here, including Frank Lloyd Wright, Charles Sumner Greene, Hugh Gutterson and others. At the corner of Lincoln Street and 6th Avenue sits the first house built by architect M.J. Murphy in 1902. Known as the “First Murphy House,” today it’s home to the Carmel Heritage Society Welcome Center. 

For more extensive art experiences, the Carmel Art Association, the second-oldest cooperative in the U.S., features multiple rooms with exhibits from numerous local and regional artists. For those short on time, the stunning entry garden is certainly worth a peek. Nearby, the Center for Photographic Art is a nonprofit that advances the Central Coast’s photographic arts through education and exhibition. It evolved from the renowned Friends of Photography established in 1967 by Ansel Adams and other photographic luminaries. Today, the organization holds installations and events throughout the year. Another major attraction is the historic Carmel Mission Basilica, with its museums and galleries. For visitors with an extra day to explore, the Monterey Museum of Art, located outside of town, features works by contemporary regional artists along with legendary talents. 

After combing through galleries, it’s delightful to relax and enjoy the culinary scene. Anton & Michel is a popular modern European restaurant, while Vesuvio offers Southern Italian specialties with views from a lively rooftop patio. Located in the landmark Cypress Inn, Terry’s Lounge features an outdoor courtyard, craft cocktails and an extensive menu, including specialties such as truffle ravioli and chicken piccata. 

Spending the night in Carmel offers more opportunities to admire the area’s history and architecture. The elegant L’Auberge Carmel is a 20-room Mediterranean-style inn with a top-rated restaurant, Aubergine. Nearby, the Cypress Inn is a landmark hotel built in 1929 and co-owned by legendary actress Doris Day. The luxurious Carmel Country Inn is a bed-and-breakfast-style retreat in the center of town. 

Much like its hidden courtyards, Carmel-by-the-Sea reveals itself to visitors in subtle ways, rewarding travelers with lingering aesthetic treasures. From the hypnotic waves lapping the shoreline, to an artist quietly working in a studio, to the understated design of a beachfront cottage, the town appeals to artists of all kinds and remains an artistic oasis today.

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