OCCUPATION: Curator of contemporary art, LACMA
MY STYLE: Clean lines with unexpected prints, accents, and oversize accessories, all heavily influenced by Peter Som, my best friend and Lulu’s godfather. At home, it’s mid-century minimalism warmed up with African and Eastern textiles, and pre-Korean War furnishings and objects from my mother and gradmother.
I LOVE LOS ANGELES BECAUSE: You can “design” your own life by choosing a neighborhood that works for you. There are great public schools (we’re in 3rd Street district, and Lulu’s dad is in Wonderland), farmers’ markets, yoga studios, secondhand shops, museums, restaurants, wine shops, book stores, the beach, hiking… and the Korean food! Having recently moved from New York, I found it difficult to adjust to the driving and distance involved with living in the Hollywood Hills, so I moved down to “the flats” in 2009, and now I can easily walk or bike to the park, playground, bagel shop, grocery store, and dry cleaner.
LACMA
The largest art museum in the western United States recently expanded, creating the Broad Contemporary Art Museum to house (some of) Eli Broad’s famous collection, and to host exhilarating traveling exhibitions. LACMA’s Arts for the NexGen project is the only free youth membership program of its kind in the U.S. and features art classes and camps for kids of all ages. In addition, during museum hours, kids can visit the Boone Gallery to learn about brush painting and Korean art.
Noah Purifoy Foundation
This 10-acre sculpture garden is home to Purifoy’s signature assemblage-style pieces, created in Joshua Tree from 1989 to 2004. The artist’s work has been displayed nationwide, but the site on which he made his oeuvre is undoubtedly the best backdrop for viewing it.
Café Verona
This open-air neighborhood café is a veritable oasis in the center of L.A. We love stopping in for a casual and intimate midday meal of polenta con uova, or ravioli di zucca. The classic Italian offerings are constiently high-quality and delicious.
Pizzeria Mozza
Despite pizza’s glowing reputation amongst children, Christine prefers Pizzeria Mozza for date night. The product of La Brea Bakery’s Nancy Silverton, celebrity chef Mario Batali and restaurateur Joe Bastianich, this Melrose street spot serves a superlative slice. Around the corner, Mozza 2 Go provides pies for carryout or delivery, while the newly opened Scuola di Pizza teaches Italian food prep from pizza-making to pig butchering (seriously).
Paul Frank
The cartoon sock monkey that launched a thousand products really is too cute to ignore. Kids love Julius and his gang of animated friends, who grace the surface of nearly everything, from lunch boxes and helmets to pajamas and t-shirts.
BLD
BLD’s casual setting and modern comfort food are as perfect for a business lunch as they are for a family brunch on the weekends. Christine recommends the fried-egg sandwich, ricotta-blueberry pancakes and grilled jidori half-chicken, as well as the perfectly portable picnic boxes the restaurant offers for pickup during summer’s Hollywood Bowl season.
Pan Pacific Park
Pan Pacific’s newly renovated playground is conveniently broken into two separate play sections. One is ultra-safe for kids ages 2 to 5; the other is bigger, with attractions geared for 5-year-olds and up. After your little ones are worn out, enjoy a picnic on the grassy expanse. Then, of course, go back for more! Photo courtesy of: JuanCarlos Chan/The Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks
Hollyhock House
Completed in 1923, the former home of oil heiress Aline Barnsdall was Frank Lloyd Wright’s first project in Los Angeles. Guided tours of the interior are available midday on weekends, but the grounds (also known as the Barnsdall Art Park) are free, open daily, and perfect for a picnic!
Touch of Faith Aesthetics
Individually customized corrective treatments focus on improving a client’s overall health and look. Each mandatory consultation gives treatment and product sugestions, in addition to diet guidelines. What’s more, many Touch of Faith treatments feature Epicurean Discovery products, which use a proprietary metadermabolic enzyme complex that fights the signs of aging by aiding in repair and regrowth.
Sophie Dance
Classes combine classic ballet with modern hip-hop and tap elements at Sophie Dance. While teaching technique, instructors also emphasize self-expression and fun, making the philosophy especially well-suited to the younger set. On the weekends, swing by the back patio for food from Green Truck and coffee brewed by the Venice Grind coffee cart.