Want to go skating when it's 80-plus degrees? Me too. Where should we meet up? Why at ICE in Santa Monica. The 8,000 square foot rink is one of the largest outdoor rinks in town. And, it's decorated with a festive floral decor that just might match your bikini.
Address 1324 5th Street (at Arizona Avenue), Santa Monica, CA 90401
Grom Gelateria has what you need to right your internal temperature, no matter what the thermometer says outside. Are you chilly? Warm up with one of Grom's signature hot chocolates. Need to cool off? A scoop or two of Gelato should do you fine.
Address 3886 Cross Creek Rd., Malibu, CA 90265 310.456.9797
Ok, so the environs are way less haute haven than Japanese pub crawl. But the ramen, oh the ramen, is nothing short of award winning. I guess that's why Angelenos often cue up in front of Daikokuya for upwards of two hours waiting to get their hands on a steaming hot bowl of silky porky broth, pork belly chashu, marinated boiled egg, menma, and of course, noodles. This is not the stuff you made in your collage dorm. Don't believe me? Just ask L.A. food guru Jonathan Gold.
Address 327 E 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 213.626.1680
Nothing cures seasonal depression like a little retail therapy. If you adore decor or are just a fan of exquisite design, run, don't walk, to Iko Iko. The boutique showcases a fantastic collection of limited-edition, rare, hard-to-find, and vintage furniture, textiles, pottery, and jewelry, perfectly curated by shop owner Kristin Dickson. Iko Iko's racks also shelve pieces from Dickson's avant-garde women's wear line, Rowena Sartin.
Address 1298 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026 213.719.1079
As soon as winter hits, I want to warm up with a hot cup of joe and some comfort cuisine. Lucky for me, Shaky Alibi has both. A combo coffee klatch/waffleria, Shaky Alibi servse a wide variety of ground beans plus traditional liege Belgian waffles, stuffed with your choice of sweet or savory ingredients.
Address 7401 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 323.938.5282
