Filed under: bars, celebrities, fashion, Restaurants, Shopping, top-feature
Shop Til’ You Drop on Rodeo Drive
Shopping on Rodeo Drive is an adventure like no other. We’re talking high-energy, leave-no-stone-unturned, powerhouse shopping. Anyone worth her Manolos will tell you that Versace is the final word in edgy designer fashion, Jimmy Choo is the only place for pumps and Tiffany’s has just the right bling for any occasion. They’re all here with even more fabulous boutiques, so get your plastic ready!
Pronounced roh-DAY-oh, you won’t find any cowboys here. This famous street in Beverly Hills, California runs from Sunset to Wilshire Blvd., but the shopping section of Rodeo Drive is only a three-block long stretch of boutiques that definitely lives up to all the hype as one of the most beautiful boulevards in the country. The selection of exclusive shops like Chanel, Dolce and Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli and Giorgio Armani, to name just a few all offer the finest in fashion. You’ll also marvel at the timeless landmarks and savor the variety of restaurants with outdoor patios that provide great opportunities for celebrity sightings.
Rodeo Drive is a fashionistas paradise with stores like Dior, Chanel and Coach.
The Boutiques
Even though the most popular sport may be window-shopping and people-watching, make sure to check out these boutiques firsthand. My favorites are the glamorous fashion, accessory and shoe designers.
Besides being my favorite judge on Project Runway, Michael Kors (map) is considered by many to be the leading American fashion designer for luxury accessories and sportswear. I adore the polished, sleek, sophisticated look to all his creations. He claims that his mission is to bring a jet-set attitude to women and men around the globe. For me, it’s working!
I’ve been a fan of Coach (map) purses since I received one as a college graduation gift. Again, they appeal to my affinity to simple, classic design. Over the 40 years since they’ve been making them, these bags and matching accessories come in a multitude of shapes, styles and materials. The Rodeo store does not disappoint. Their selection is better and more varied than what you may find at your local mall.
Salvatore Ferragamo (map) was a student of the human foot trying to discover why his shoes pleased the eye yet hurt his clients feet. His attention to detail is obvious when you slip on one of his beautiful pieces of art. He has fashioned shoes for the wealthiest and most powerful women of the century, from Eva Peron to Marilyn Monroe.
For a little something artistic, a crystal vase or other glass design from Lalique (map) will make a nice addition to your home. Made in Alsace, France craftsman design and create handmade Art Nouveau and Art Deco inspired glass pieces. They are truly works of art. Lalique is located in Two Rodeo, a kind of mini mall on Rodeo Drive with even more exquisite shopping options including Tiffany, Jimmy Choo, Lanvin and Versace.
The lobby of the infamous Beverly Wilshire Hotel.
The Landmarks
Just steps from Rodeo Drive, the Beverly Wilshire (map) is known as a popular hang out for Hollywood celebrities. Both Warren Beatty and Elvis Presley lived there for several years.
Now a Four Seasons property, the hotel opened in 1928 as the Regent Beverly Wilshire and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1987. You’ll probably remember it best from the 1991 film, Pretty Woman where Julia Roberts and Richard Gere fell in love.
What I love most about The Beverly Wilshire is that the moment you enter the main doors you feel as if you are a part of its great history. The elegant lobby is one of refined elegance and the dining options at The Cut, Wolfgang Puck’s steakhouse and The Blvd, where Richard Gere played the piano in Pretty Woman are culinary delights. At the very least, enjoy a beverage at The Blvd al fresco located at the fashionable intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Rodeo Drive. They also offer afternoon tea which some say is the best outside of London.
For more shopping opportunies, just around the corner from The Beverly Wilshire are top department stores such as I. Magnin, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nieman Marcus.
For architecture buffs, architect Frank Lloyd Wright made his mark here by designing the Anderton Court Shops (map) on Rodeo. Not its original design, but the triangular tower and spiral ramp are undeniably Wright. On the subject of architecture, contemporary architect Richard Meier (who designed the Getty Center) created the Paley Center for Media (map), a center that discusses the social significance of television, radio and other media platforms.
Rent an apartment just 4 blocks from Rodeo Drive!Beverly Hills, LA
The Restaurants
To top off this perfect day, you have several great options for dining on Rodeo Drive. Cafe Rodeo is the signature restaurant at Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive (map), the only hotel on Rodeo. Café Rodeo offers all day dining seven days a week, but the best part is the option to dine al fresco. While you’re sipping wine and eating the finest in California cuisine you might get a glimpse of a local celebrity.
Their menu features appetizers like Truffle Fries ($10) and Mac & Cheese ($10). I enjoyed the De-Luxe Chopped Salad ($14) with olives, artichoke, tomato, basil, feta, grilled chicken and balsamic dressing. With entrees like the Lemon Herbed Chicken, Grilled Salmon, Seabass and Filet Mignon, Café Rodeo has all the bases covered.
I also suggest walking through this luxurious boutique hotel where they have great weekend package deals. This is where Michael Kors is located as well as the Valentino boutique.
The famous stairs that lead up to Two Rodeo, a mini mall with great shopping and restaurants.
For ideal people-watching, 208 Rodeo (map) is located atop the stairs to the Via Rodeo, part of Two Rodeo’s mall. Adjacent to Tiffany & Co., 208 Rodeo features contemporary cuisine three meals a day. A morning mimosa with the 208 parfait ($8.50) of low-fat yogurt, granola and fresh berries will get you going. The grilled cheese sandwich ($14.50) with St. Andre triple cream brie, fontina, and balsamic with sweet caramelized onions is the perfect midday treat.
And for great steak and seafood, you can’t beat McCormick & Schmick’s (map) at Via Rodeo. Start off with the Dungeness Crab Cakes or Ahi Tuna and choose from all types of seafood and steak.
If you’d prefer to simply soak up the scene with a lighter meal, their Happy Hour has won awards for being one of the best in the area. With two Happy Hours, the first from 4-6 pm and again from 9:30 – 11pm you can take in the lively atmosphere at the bar and enjoy small plates that start at $1.95 from Roasted Tomato Bruschetta to a Half Pound Cheeseburger, Steamed Mussels and more.
By now, you realize that a day on Rodeo Drive is all about walking from one fabulous place to the next. If your stroll leaves you wanting to see more, meet the Beverly Hills Trolley at Rodeo Drive and Payton for a 40-minute tour (hourly every Saturday and Sunday and special dates and times during the summer and Christmas holidays). The fare is $10.00 per adult and $5.00 per child 12 and under. Not your typical Hollywood tour, this is more fun and informative at a good price.
Well there you have it! For a true fashionista a shopping spree on Rodeo Drive is a dream come true. And when you’ve had your full of these amazing boutiques and landmarks enjoy a meal at one of several dining establishments where you can simply relax and watch the world walk by.
Parking
Several area garages offer free parking that will allow you to park your car once and forget about it. Here are your two options:
Via Rodeo: On Dayton Way, north of its intersection with Rodeo Drive. Valet parking, but no parking charge. Take the driveway leading down into the underground garage. While it looks more like a hotel entrance than a parking garage, this is a valet-only parking lot. Be sure to stow your receipt safely; you’ll need it to retrieve your vehicle even if there’s no charge.
Municipal Parking Garages: West of Rodeo on Brighton Way. Underground, do-it-yourself parking.
Photos courtesy of the Beverly Wilshire and flickr: Via Rodeo, Dior and the Rodeo Drive Sign from personal collection.
