Each month we share five unmissable things to see and do in the Golden State. You heard it here first.
Words by DAVID NASH
HOLLYWOOD HILLS
The Hermès of Wallcoverings Plays House in the Hills
The Hollywood Hills’ newest A-list resident has graced the covers — and many, many pages — of publications like Architectural Digest, ELLE Décor, The Financial Times, Marie Claire Maison, Veranda, and Vogue Living, to name a few. Now DE GOURNAY has its own well-appointed pied-à-terre in Los Angeles to showcase the breadth of its hand-painted wallpapers and hand-embroidered fabrics throughout more than 11 distinctive rooms. Including the living room’s Nordic Garden (a rustic chinoiserie designed in collaboration with Michael S. Smith), Mughal Trees (a depiction of lush greenery embroidered with raffia, beading, and appliqué) in the dining room, and an installation of Malmaison (a panoramic hand-painted wallpaper named after Josephine Bonaparte’s fabled residence) in one of two distinct upstairs bedrooms, the home’s eye-catching interiors are what the brand refers to as a “living portfolio.” Open by appointment, a visit to the British design house’s Southern California residence is an inspiring immersion into a brand beloved by aesthetes across the globe. Contact georgia@degournay.com for more information.
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WEST L.A.
An Unforgettable Omakase Experience That Stands on Ceremony
Omakase dining has never felt more theatrical than when you’re occupying one of the eight seats at MORI NOZOMI in West Los Angeles. Chef Nozomi opened her eponymous — and incredibly intimate — Japanese restaurant under the radar in March, but in just a few short months it has become one of the most coveted reservations in town. With fish flown in from Japan and the freshest produce from the Santa Monica farmers market, the Ginza Onodera alum offers an up-to-20-course omakase menu for $250 with an optional tea pairing for $59. For a menu that changes daily, dishes might include chawanmushi (a steamed egg dashi soup), otoro and chutoro nigiri, and kegani (hairy crab), which factors prominently into her specialty dish that’s been nicknamed Kinkaku-ji for the golden temple in Kyoto. Each meal concludes with a traditional matcha tea prepared ceremonially by Nozomi as elegantly as she’s presented each prior dish. 11500 Pico Blvd., L.A.; morinozomi.com.
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MONTEREY BAY
Life is Zen at This Renovated Resort on the Dunes
Set on 19 pristine Pacific shoreline acres of the stunning Marina Dunes Preserve in Monterey, THE SANCTUARY BEACH RESORT has unveiled 60 completely reimagined rooms and suites set within its charming beachfront cottages. Designed with a coastal cabin aesthetic by architecture and interiors firm Farouki Farouki, each lodging type has its own fireplace and dedicated beach-facing terrace, and is outfitted with handmade furnishings, locally crafted artworks, and plenty of seaside charm. The resort is also home to one of Monterey Bay’s most beloved dining spots, Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette. With a central live-fire kitchen and oyster bar, executive chef Nestor Marin serves up locally sourced coastal cuisine that celebrates the region’s agricultural abundance. And for an ideal way to begin or end your day, visit the property’s new Renewal Studio & Spa, which provides plenty of ways to set your mind and body at ease, including yoga, reiki, and meditation. You don’t even have to worry about finding a sitter for Fido when booking your getaway: The Sanctuary happens to be the only pet-friendly seaside resort in the Monterey Bay area. Rates for an Ocean View Deluxe King start around $440. 3295 Dunes Dr., Marina; thesanctuarybeachresort.com.
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WEST HOLLYWOOD
An Exhibition Exploring Intimacy and Emotion Among Queer Men
Flex your cultural savvy and inclusive spirit with a visit to MASH GALLERY to see Muscle Memory, its latest exhibition devoted to challenging societal norms through the reimagination of traditional figurative artworks by seven exceptional male queer museum-placed artists. Exploring themes of intimacy, human emotion, and love through the lens of same-sex relationships, Aaron Sheppard, David Jester, Iván Madrigal, Jon Pannier, Maurizio Battifora, Michael Vilkin, and Vojislav Radovannović take inspiration from art-historic references and present fresh perspectives on the beauty and complexity of relationships between men. Founded by expressionist painter Haleh Mashian in 2018, and located in West Hollywood’s Design District, the contemporary art gallery is known for its compelling programming and support of both emerging and established artists — and this show is no exception. 812 N. La Cienega Blvd., L.A.; mashgallery.com.
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NAPA
This Annual Arts Festival is the Overture to Napa’s Summer Season
Summertime festivities in Northern California’s wine country reach a crescendo this month with the return of FESTIVAL NAPA VALLEY. Throughout its 16-day schedule, attendees have the opportunity to experience a wide range of events and performances. This year’s lineup includes more than 100 internationally renowned performers and up-and-coming talent in the fields of jazz, opera, classical, and contemporary music, not to mention the incredible culinary talent and top vintners who participate. Two of the most anticipated events are the Taste of Napa, on Saturday, July 13, at The Meritage Resort and Spa, which showcases more than 70 wineries, breweries, restaurants, and culinary artisans, as well as the following night’s Arts for All Gala held at Nickel & Nickel. This year’s marquee event headliner, Lionel Richie, will implore gala attendees to bid high “All Night Long” as it surpasses the more than $24 million raised to date in support of arts education and scholarship programs. Ranging from free-admission concerts to Patron experiences, there is something for everyone. July 6–21. festivalnapavalley.org.
July 2024
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