Galina's Guide to LA!

As you know, I call Los Angeles - the fabulous City of Angels - my home.

What can I say... I love LA!

Today, I thought it would be fun to give you a sneak peek into "Galina's LA" - the places and destinations that I love and can't get enough of!

LA has one of the best dining scenes out there, and here is a tasty selection of some of my favorite spots for the most divine, delicious cuisine :)


Ago

Ago in West Hollywood is amazing. I love their truffle pizza, pesto gnocchi, grilled Langostines, and their branzino fish is to die for. Ago is a great gathering place with friends, and the patio has such a warm atmosphere. I feel transported - like I'm in an intimate Tuscan backyard. On a recent dinner date with my hubby, I saw Simon Cowell and Harvey Weinstein here!


Il Pastaio

Il Pastaio on Canon in Beverly Hills is the best lunch spot.

Clafoutis  

Clafoutis in Sunset Plaza is my healthy breakfast destination. I love ordering the egg white omelet with mushrooms and spinach! Plus, you can't beat the people watching.

Joan's on Third

Joan's has the best salads and is a fun place to spot "off duty celebs" like Jake Gyllenhaal and Kate Bosworth.


Boa

Boa in West Hollywood has the best steak and wine in LA in my opinion. I order the Kansas City Aged steak - it's hands down AMAZING. The apps are always yummy, too. Love the tuna tartare. 


Tatiana Deli
I come here for Russian delicacies, such as homemade hummus and eggplant salad. The chef cooks these at home and then brings the dishes in to sell - so good!

When it comes to beauty, I love the Raya Taver Skin Care Salon and Spa on La Cienega. Very reasonable, and is the best for facials, waxing, and a total makeover! :) 


The La Prairie Spa is the best massage in town - ask for Josh. I always go to the Syndicate Hair Salon in Encino (located on Ventura Blvd. at Balboa) for my hair. Ask for Irene - she's remarkable with color and precision cuts, and works wonders with layers. She has "magic hands"! Plus, her energy is amazing. My dermatologist Dr. Rubenstein in Studio City is fantastic. He gives me a "tip top glow"!


For my nails, I go to Beverly Hills Nails - I've been coming here for years. Nina for pedicures and Vi for manicures are top notch. I sat next to Kim Kardashian when I came here one day! As wild as it sounds, the CVS Pharmacy on Wilshire and Doheny has the best products! They import products from France and London and they are all priced really moderately. It's a one stop shop!

I head to Urban Pet when I need organic pet goods, food, or treats. My doggy Troy was raised on products from here :)

When I want to break a sweat, I head to Fortune Gym on Sunset. It's a real boxer's gym! Everyone from Joel Madden to Kelly Wearstler work out here, and my trainer Misty Friedman keeps me in tip top shape. I do cardio, abs, and 20 minutes of high intensity boxing, and my favorite thing about this gym is that it's not intimidating at all. Everyone is super friendly, and the workout can't be beat.

When I need to indulge in a little retail therapy, of course I head to Wilshire. Neiman Marcus is the ultimate shopping spot, it just makes me happy :) Make sure to see Charles in shoes, he's what I call a magic shoe man. Margaret is my fave at Neiman's - she's the manager at Lanvin. -She's so considerate and has an incredible eye for styling. She suggests things you wouldn't necessarily pick for yourself, but instantly love when you try on. Love her!


Decades Two on Melrose and Sweetzer has the BEST vintage finds. Christos runs the store and is so charming and great at scouring that great Chanel jacket. The main Decades is run by Cameron Silver - they stock fab vintage Valentino, Chanel, and YSL pant suits from the 70's! I also love Selian's on Melrose. The husband and wife team who own the store scour the world for everything from the best dresses to amazing vintage YSL jewelry. Maison Martin Margiela has the chicest pieces, I got these amazing boots here that I wore all winter! And of course, my day and night aren't complete without a fabulous Single dress allowing me to look totally glam and ready to shine!

I hope you enjoyed a sneak peek at "Galina's LA" - kisses!

Xo, G