Despite the hustle and bustle synonymous with city living, it’s easy to find a little peace and quiet in Los Angeles—just follow these tips from Kelvin Jarrett, chef concierge at Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza.
Bottega Louie
Begin a relaxing weekend at a popular restaurant in downtown called Bottega Louie, Jarrett suggests. “The restaurant is a very trendy Italian place,” he says. “They have a very good brunch.” For a healthy option, try the egg white omelet, which is prepared with egg whites, tofu, black beans, avocado, sweet peppers and tomatoes. (700 S. Grand Ave., Downtown; 213-802-1470; bottegalouie.com)
Runyon Canyon
“For fitness, there’s Runyon Canyon, which is closer to Hollywood,” Jarrett explains. “People love the route up there.” The 160-acre park is a popular hiking destination in the Hollywood Hills with trails surrounded by scenic views that stretch all the way to the Pacific. Start at the Fuller Avenue entrance and traverse the trail counter-clockwise for an energetic hike complete with steep slopes that concludes with a gentle descending road back to the car. (2000 N. Fuller Ave., Hollywood Hills; 323-666-5046; laparks.org)
Getty Villa
To escape the city streets even more, Jarrett recommends the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades. Open daily (except Tuesdays) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Villa allows visitors to meander through four impressive gardens and tranquil spaces decorated with bronze sculptures, reflecting ponds and benches. In addition to the ancient Rome-style gardens and architecture, the Villa displays antiquities that date back to the Roman Empire in its 23 galleries. Through Aug. 17, the exhibition “Ancient Luxury and the Roman Silver Treasure from Berthouville” will reveal a collection of gilt-silver statuettes and vessels dedicated to the Gallo-Roman god Mercury. (17985 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades; 310-440-7300; getty.edu)
Geoffrey’s Malibu
“After the Getty Villa, you can [head] over to Geoffrey’s Malibu, which is a restaurant that sits on top of a cliff,” Jarrett says. “It’s very relaxing. The ocean is right at your feet.” It’s only natural that the star of the menu is the seafood. Lunchtime dishes range from simple entrees like a grilled ahi or spicy shrimp salad to more intricate plates such as the herb-crusted salmon, served with an artichoke heart puree, broccolini and roasted tomato beurre blanc. (27400 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu; 310-457-1519; geoffreysmalibu.com)
Artisan House
As you make your way back into the city, Jarrett recommends a stop at Artisan House in downtown for dinner. A rooftop garden supplies the restaurant and bar with herbs and vegetables for its menu items, offering a fresh, guilt-free meal to patrons. Seasonal vegetables find their way into entrees like the organic chicken breast and branzino. For a quick meal, a market also sells deli sandwiches, including a vegan option that stacks kale, grilled eggplant and quinoa pate with a sun-dried tomato pesto between ciabatta bread. (600 S. Main St., Downtown; 213-622-6333; artisanhouse.net)
Church & State
Stop by Church & State for after-dinner dessert and cocktails. The French bistro is a cozy and inviting spot, according to Jarrett. Tempting desserts like creme brulee and “tarte au poires” (pear tart) can be paired with hot tea and coffee as a perfect way to unwind. The full bar also serves handcrafted cocktails: Try the Teacher’s Pet, a mix of The Famous Grouse scotch with Kronan Swedish Punsch, apple honey syrup, cinnamon and lemon on the rocks. (1850 Industrial St., Ste. 100, Downtown; 213-405-1434; churchandstatebistro.com)
