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Hi everyone, happy Wednesday!
During college I spent two separate summers interning in New York, and mid-August would be just about the time I’d have to return to LA to start the new school year. I’d be very sad to go, of course, but there’s something to be said for trading in the city’s claustrophobia for ocean breeze and open skies — there’s no such reprieve for me this year 😅. Naturally, whatever coast you’re on, cool stuff is always happening on the opposite one, so here are some LA-based recs that make me miss my home state. If you’re on the west coast currently, please check these out in my stead!
Strawberries & Spice
HARRY’S BERRIES SPICY STRAWBERRIES - FLAMINGO ESTATE ($80)
A few weeks ago I wrote about the Oishii strawberries, but when I actually made the trek to a Manhattan Whole Foods to track them down, an associate told me they were all out. Bummer! Instagram’s omniscient algorithm must have sensed my disappointment, because it promptly served me an ad for Flamingo Estate’s spicy dried strawberries. They’re dusted with Guajillo chile, key lime, and Himalayan salt, resulting in a sweet, tart, and spicy snack that’s bursting with flavor. Flamingo Estate is, to my mind, the quintessential LA brand — sort of crunchy and earthy and very focused on natural ingredients “straight from the garden.” The brand’s statusy heirloom tomato candle has been raved about in L’Officiel, GQ, and, of course, Strategist, but they offer everything from soap to wine to olive oil; the products are the perfect way to commune with nature in the midst of an urban jungle.
Full Bloom
SIZE 1 BOUQUET AND WINE COMBO - HEAVEN’S MARKET ($75)
Recently I noticed a bunch of brands I follow posting a flyer for Chinatown First Fridays. A group of art galleries, shops, bars and restaurants located in LA’s Chinatown area have teamed up to stay open late on Fridays, including experiential art venue Cakeland, fashion brand Eckhaus Latta, and indie bookstore Tomorrow Today. Personally, if I’d participated, I definitely would’ve stopped by wine shop-slash-flower studio Heaven’s Market to pick up a wine-and-bouquet twofer. You can choose between sparkling, white, red, rose, or orange wine, and the bouquets feature primarily foraged and locally-grown blooms and come in three different sizes. A Friday spent browsing art and books, then coming home to pour out a glass and turn on The Rehearsal? Sounds lovely to me!
What’s the Tea
TEA AT SHILOH (PRICE UPON RESERVATION)
I have no qualms about bringing a book to a bar, but sometimes I just wanna have a quiet, low-key night out without the pressure to drink or a bass-heavy soundtrack blasting in the background. And I’m clearly not the only person who feels that way, if the existence of Tea at Shiloh is any indication. It’s not entirely clear what happens at Shiloh — the experience is purposefully kept a little opaque — but from what I can glean from their Instagram, it’s basically a gathering space where people can come in the evenings to relax, chat, and connect (no laptops allowed), accompanied by ambient live music and, of course, steaming cups of tea. Located in the Arts District, Shiloh is open from 7-11pm Thursdays through Sundays, though reservations are required; if you want to socialize and meet new people without shouting yourself hoarse, this is for you.
Tried one of my recs and loved it (or hated it)? Wanna get something cool on my radar? Drop me a line at kittylguo@gmail.com or swing by my Twitter @kitguo!