#laurel hardware

20190518 📷 Yoo Yeon Seok's instagram update

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As part of my push towards adulthood, I have officially moved in to my first big-girl apartment in Hollywood! I'm loving the neighborhood so far (I have a theory that it's as close to New York as you can get in LA), it's four blocks away from Runyon Canyon where there's an awesome hike and outdoor yoga classes, so I'm a happy girl, and I'm excited to have an new area of LA to explore. My roommate is great (I'm now a believer in the magic of Craigslist) and her boyfriend's pomeranian, Lady, is my new spirit animal. Surprisingly, I've lived there for three weeks now and have managed to not spend any money at the Pinkberry that's right across the street. Thankfully, Momma Okey came up after I moved in to help me get settled, and of course we tried out some new restaurants in the process. I knew she would love Laurel Hardware on Santa Monica, which was a total scene even on a Monday night. Don't be deceived by the outside--it's a renovated hardware store and the front dining area doesn't look like much (momma was skeptical at first), but the back is poppin. There's a bar and lounge area, and a beautiful back patio complete with foliage and twinkly lights. Small plates (a little too small...but tasty) and cocktails were just what we needed. The dim mood lighting made for some less than appetizing photographs, but you get the idea. 

 Spicy Asian-Inspired Ribs

Burrata and grilled tomatoes

mmm Scallops in creamed corn

The next day we went out to run our errands, and started out with lunch at Seasons 52. They rotate their menu with the seasons, so we had some fabulous summer dishes. 

Heirloom Tomatoes with panko crusted mozzarella

Ahi Tuna Tartare with mango chutney and a Fig Flatbread

And for our last dinner (with Lena, of course), we went to a little neighborhood wine bar a couple blocks down from my place called Vintage Enoteca. For you USC kids, think Bacaro all grown up. Lots of vegetarian options too, which was perfect for Lena. 

Watermelon, feta, and basil salad with red wine reduction

This Mac and Cheese was amaze-balls.

Sweet potato gnocchi with basil cream sauce and candied pine nut...by far the most delicious thing we had, despite how strange and unappetizing it looks.

Bill Barminski

ladder, 2013

bronze and wood

Laurel Hardware