Before there was Hollywood, there was Santa Barbara and with this summer's 100th year anniversary of the Hollywood Sign - it's our Hello to Hollywood issue. Santa Barbara is known as the original Hollywood and was home to the first major film studio - Flying A Studios. Peek inside Gwyneth Paltrow's "American Riviera" Montecito Guest House up for listing on Airbnb and get some Jollies out at Rosewood Miramar Beach. Plus, the Glitz & Glamour of old Hollywood back in LA and some of our favourite places to escape all the drama. This issue is dedicated to all writers and the WGA, standing for protections against the use of artificial intelligence. Inside this issue you'll find...
HELLO TO HOLLYWOOD
THE ORIGINAL HOLLYWOOD
Santa Barbara
image courtesy of the
Santa Barbara Historical Museum
Santa Barbara, known as the original Hollywood of California, was home to the first major film studio - Flying A Studios which produced many silent films in the early 1920s. In 1910, the Essanay Film Company from Chicago visited Santa Barbara to locate Spanish settings and warm weather for their popular western genre short films. Production as Flying A Studios began, holding both urban and rural locations as the perfect backdrops for their movies. During its principal operation between 1912 and 1917, Flying A Studios was one of the largest motion picture studios in the United States rivaled only by Hollywood. But Santa Barbara show business soon slowed down, due to a film distribution system that was outdated but mostly because Hollywood further South was on the rise and began to attract all the popular stars. The last film made in 1920 was “Sunset Jones” - all of their production buildings became abandoned, and many of the alumni were soon forgotten except Victor Fleming, who went on to famously direct “Gone with the Wind” in 1939. Today, the original 225-ft-sq Flying A Studios property on the corner of State and Islay streets is long gone, but the legendary landmark Arlington Theatre - built in 1931 and designed in the Mission Revival style reminiscent of a colonial Spanish town features a villa with fountain and seating for over 2,000 guests. This historic theatre is home to first run films, live performances, and major film festival event - the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
SCENE & SEEN
CORAL CASINO BEACH & CABANA CLUB announced that Chef Thomas Keller - who currently holds seven Michelin stars across multiple restaurants, including the world-famous Per Se, New York & The French Laundry in Napa Valley, will be overseeing all food and dining options inside the private membership club and for the first time - the TYDES restaurant will be open to the public by reservation only. The exclusive club and its amenities have long remained limited to members and hotel guests staying at the connected Biltmore Hotel. Thomas Keller's new menu will be more accessible to locals and tourists. No specific date has been announced, but the resort is aiming for a fall opening in 2023. Since 1937, the Coral Casino beachside has been a landmark hangout for Old Hollywood and is home to where actor Esther Williams once famously performed her water ballet in the larger-than-Olympic-size pool.
OCEAN FUTURES GALA The Ritz-Carlton-Bacara, Santa Barbara hosts Jean-Michel Cousteau’s 78 Years of Diving & Discovery Gala with proceeds benefiting The Ocean Futures Society on Nov 10th, 2023, plus weekend highlights:
* Welcome Reception with Jean-Michel Cousteau and Celebration of Whales art exhibit
* Morning with Jean-Michel Cousteau Eco Hike & Breakfast
* 78 Years of Diving & Discovery Gala, where Jean-Michel Cousteau will personally premiere and present an original multimedia presentation with his acclaimed historic and never before publicly shown footage
* Whale Watching Excursion with Jean-Michel Cousteau and the Ocean Futures Society Team
MONTECITO INN - the city’s elite status dates back to the days of silent film and Charlie Chaplin himself, along with a small group of investors, built the Montecito Inn in 1928 as an upscale getaway. It became one of the most desirable destinations along the California coast. In 1943, years later, Charlie Chaplin returned to Montecito to marry the love of his life, Oona O'Neill. Sit right up at Chef Phillip Frankland Lee's Omakase restaurant Sushi|Bar Montecito Inn. Behind the door lies an intimate counter housing 10 prized seats, serving up a whimsy of its namesake fare in 17 courses.
RUINART PICNIC elevated experience at Rosewood Miramar Beach tasting of Ruinart (art-inspired) champagne, in a Hello to Hollywood style romantic setting along with a self-guided tour of the property’s highly curated art collection, which includes over 500 works including Norman Rockwell, Mel Bochner and Pablo Picasso.
CHARITY DOG SHOW IN HONOR OF NATIONAL DOG DAY Miramar's Second Annual Best In Show on August 27th, 2023. Guests and locals along with their furry friends, can vie for the chance to win the ultimate Miramar Getaway. Indulge in dog and adult-friendly specialty beverages that will be available for purchase at their dining outlets with a portion of the proceeds benefiting regional shelters - Santa Barbara Humane and Love Leo Rescue.
GWYNETH PALTROW'S MONTECITO GUESTHOUSE on Airbnb - Gwyneth took to IG to share "Loneliness is a human condition, but in the past few years, increased isolation and our lack of community has made our lives even more fragmented. @airbnb had the brilliant idea of doing something to make the world a little less lonely, which is why I’m inviting you to come stay at my Montecito guesthouse for a night. While we may begin as strangers, I hope we’ll find connections and commonalities over a delicious meal. Lay by the pool, go on one of my favorite hikes and of course you’ll have a bathroom stocked with my favorite @goop products for a truly luxuriating stay. Book on August 15th at 10am PST at the link in my bio. Hope to host you soon." @gwynethpaltrow
SUITCASE
American Riviera
Montecito - Santa Barbara
MONTECITO limited edition perfume of 500 bottles from Bling King Erik Laykin, founder of the Los Angeles jewelry company - Laykin et Cie with a branch located at Rosewood Miramar Beach. Laykin worked for two years in France to create a fragrance that would represent "a perfect balance of our beautiful coast and our magnificent joie de vivre” with notes of cedar, citrus, bergamot along with hyacinth and a few 'mystery flowers'... “a most entrancing perfume that is not overbearing but is clearly with you every step of the way,” declares Erik. Eau de Parfum 100 ml $285.
THE MANOR HOUSE Miramar Home candle of the bespoke Manor House signature scent with relaxed notes of oud, sandalwood, and cedarwood in collaboration with Winford Candles. Winford candles are made with natural wax and are hand poured in custom ceramic vessels all 100% made In Los Angeles. The Shop Rosewood Miramar Beach $80.
JAMES PERSE LOS ANGELES designer James Perse was born in LA into a childhood that was split between the beach, the hockey rink and the floor of his father's innovative Los Angeles boutique Maxfield - which was at the forefront of putting Los Angeles on the fashion map. Zuma Linen Halter Dress in white $295.
THE GATEHOUSE a James Perse Concept Store at Rosewood Miramar Beach - is happy to fill your closet, your home, or host you in the shop as you relax with a fresh drink. The California-inspired store curated by designer James Perse, features clothing, home accessories and an eclectic mix of antiques sourced from all over the world.
GOOPGLOW Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator by GOOP Beauty $125. GOOP Sundries at Rosewood Miramar Beach The “holy shit” product Gwyneth Paltrow says you need to try, to immediately notice a difference.
SAME LOS ANGELES the "it" designer swimwear of the summer - handmade in Los Angeles and crafted out of the highest quality Italian swim fabrics. Gold chain one piece in faux suede cream $285.
Rosewood Miramar Beach is an idyllic coastal retreat blending traditional glamour with residential elegance. Spread across 16 acres of prime beachfront real estate, it is the only property in Southern California to offer guestrooms set directly over the sand with unparalleled views of the glittering Pacific along the coastline of The American Riviera. "Miramar, meaning ‘to behold the sea,’ takes its name from its remarkable location... inspired by the beautiful homes and grand estates of Montecito, Rosewood Miramar Beach was manifested from owner Rick J. Caruso’s idea of a sprawling Montecito estate that grew over time with the growth of a family – an homage to the genesis of the original property. The interior design of the property’s rooms and suites was a collaboration between two internationally renowned designers with extensive experience in the residential space: Diane Johnson and Nancy Corzine. Several design features pay tribute to the late esteemed Southern Californian architect Paul Williams, such as the Manor House’s luxuriantly curved staircase and the Cabana Pool’s distinctive serpentine-edge design."
Enjoy the expansive beach at your doorstep, with early morning yoga on the sand and sunset walks along the water; or step out from your bungalow to stroll through the lush gardens, lounge by one of the two pools, and unwind at the inspired Sense® spa and salon. Whether intimate gathering or grand entertaining, both reside in the residential Manor House where guests are invited to The Revere Room for all-day dining with an emphasis on hyper-locality, or at The Manor Bar for pre- and post-dinner libations. Oceanfront oasis - Miramar Beach Bar, takes its inspiration from a luxurious sailing vessel, inviting guests to enjoy an array of craft cocktails while lounging in front row ocean viewing. Try the TIKI OF CHANNEL ISLANDS with Bacardi 8 Rum, Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit & Rose, agave, pineapple, lime, grapefruit bitters or the spiritless LANDLUBBER Seedlip Garden, coconut H2O, Bergamot black tea syrup, and lemon - an elevated Arnold Palmer within an herbal and floral landscape of the English countryside.
Caruso’s oceanfront restaurant features a taste of Southern Italy to coastal Montecito cuisine with al fresco seating over the sand. Honored with one MICHELIN Star and a MICHELIN Green Star in 2022 and 2023 and recognized as a 2023 James Beard Foundation Smart Catch Leader. The James Beard Foundation promotes “good food for good,” with a mission to “celebrate, nurture, and honor chefs and other leaders making America’s food culture more delicious, diverse and sustainable.
More amusements await whether it's the Manor Pool's Scoop Shop and soda fountain offering gourmet burgers and house-made gelato to a variety of luxury shopping experiences and bespoke picnic experiences on the beach. Also complimentary to guests are Miramar Jolly Cars, the resort's West Coast homage to the picturesque taxis of Capri - with wicker seats, sporty canopies, and the convenience of cruising in style. Jollies are available for resort guests to explore destinations within a three-mile radius while being chauffeured by a member of the Miramar Beach team.
photos Karte Blanche & Co
HELLO TO HOLLYWOOD
take 2
SCENE & SEEN
GEORGIAN ROOM the iconic Italian 'Old Hollywood' steakhouse which first opened in 1933 and welcomed the likes of Judy Garland, Dick Van Dyke, “Bugsy” Siegel and others - quietly reopened at the end of June. Classic Italian dishes from Chef David Almany, who previously worked under Nancy Silverton for years, include veal Parmesan, rigatoni alla vodka, and a 48-ounce dry-aged ribeye. The development team at BLVD Hospitality of Jon Blanchard and Nicolo Rusconi (Soho Warehouse, Ace Hotel, Hoxton, Chicas Tacos) restored the dining space using vintage photographs which line the walls of the supper club. Dining is by reservation only, with 65 seats available and photography is not permitted. Guests are encouraged to put phones away while enjoying the piano bar and live jazz performances.
MUSSO & FRANK GRILL is another legendary steakhouse on Hollywood Blvd of renowned service and cuisine since 1919 and a quintessential Hello to Hollywood experience. Their legendary Musso Martini served the same way for decades, which for many is technically the perfect Martini - is stirred and NEVER shaken, served with a sidecar on chilled ice. "It’s a history that reads like a Hollywood script. Deals were made on the old pay phone, the first pay phone to be installed in Hollywood. Scripts were discussed over a famous Musso’s martini... From the beginning, Musso’s has been a favorite among Hollywood’s A-list. Charlie Chaplin was an early regular - often seen lunching with Mary Pickford, Rudolph Valentino and Douglas Fairbanks... In the ‘20s and ‘30s, it wasn’t uncommon to see Greta Garbo and Gary Cooper having breakfast together - or to bump into Humphrey Bogart having drinks at the bar with Dashielle Hammett or Lauren Bacall. In the ‘50s, Hollywood legends like Marilyn Monroe (and Joe DiMaggio), Elizabeth Taylor and Steve McQueen could be found enjoying drinks and appetizers in Musso’s famous Back Room."
FORMOSA CAFE opened in 1939 across from the then-Samuel Goldwyn studio where stars like Humphrey Bogart, James Dean, and Elvis Presley would pop in regularly for dining and drinks. Patrons might have seen Ava Gardner dancing past the red leather booths, or John Wayne nursing a late-night scotch (who was caught making scrambled eggs in the kitchen one morning, after reportedly passing out in a booth the night before). Many autographed celebrity photos have made their way back into newer areas of the cafe and to also tell a history of Chinese Americans in Old Hollywood, the Formosa Cafe team collaborated with the original family and local historians to procure all the original artifacts. The addition of the historic Yee Mee Loo bar area tells the story about the influence of Chinese Americans in early Hollywood. Today, the cafe has been listed among the Best Chinese restaurant in West Hollywood.
DAN TANA'S in West Hollywood described as the "little yellow house" serving guests for over 50 years is a home away from home. As they say - "Hollywood elite, a politician, musician, athlete, banker, billionaire, tourist, father, mother, son, daughter; we welcome you. If you’ve been coming here for ten, twenty, thirty, forty, fifty years, we welcome you. If it’s your first time, we welcome you..." A classic Italian American restaurant where every meal feels like a celebration. But Dan Tana’s isn’t your typical Hollywood scene, you will definitely see famous actors and sit next to movie producers, but everyone’s on the same level. Dinners are old school classics with red-sauce, signature chicken parm and linguini with white clam sauce. Most entrees come with a side of pasta, wine flows freely, and everyone is ridiculously happy.
LA DOLCE VITA the legendary restaurant that opened in 1966 and became a favourite hangout to Frank Sinatra and pal Sammy Davis Jr. has reopened its doors after closing in 2020, to reveal a sparkling new dining room, along with maître d’ Christos Kalabogias (Tower Bar & SVB). New owners Marc Rose and Med Abrous renovated the 79-seat celebrity haunt, maintaining its sense of place in Los Angeles. “This is a cinematic Italian restaurant." says Rose, "We are in Hollywood,” Spearheaded by Chef Nick Russo (E.P. & L.P.), the restaurant is an homage to both its initial incarnation and growing up as childhood friends in New York City - East Coast style Italian dining.
TOWER BAR opened in 2005 inside the Sunset Tower - the old Argyle Hotel on Sunset Strip, an Art Deco landmark built in the 1920s where celebrities from Marilyn Monroe and Howard Hughes to Elizabeth Taylor stayed. This West Hollywood drinking den offers a swank lounge, bar and al fresco dining with unparalleled views of the LA skyline. But possibly even more famous is owner Jeff Klein's philosophy: "discretion is the better part of luxury." Afterall, Klein is also the owner of the San Vicente Bungalows - a private social club in West Hollywood reserved for around 750 highly vetted members and their guests. "The first rule of the social club is - you do not talk about the social club." Behind the toughest doors in town was OG gatekeeper of 14 years, Tower Bar’s maître d’ Dimitri Dimitrov. An émigré from Macedonia who achieved first name-only status in Hollywood, moving to SVB he scaled back his work week in 2022. Tower Bar maitre d' Gabé Doppelt - announced in June that he was passing the torch with speculation of him moving to New York to head up Klein's latest project, Manhattan outpost of San Vicente Bungalows. Welcome new Tower Bar maître d' Geshie Wilmot - British born musician with a heavy PR background - she will be taking over the reins at L.A.'s premier power spot.
SUITCASE
Hollywood
Los Angeles
HOLLYWOOD X SUGARFINA Tasting Collection to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Hollywood Sign with a cruise through the Hollywood Hills or a walk down Hollywood Boulevard. 5-piece candies including Walk of Fame Stars $34.
VALAS LOS ANGELES - MVLA COLLAB Fuchsia Bowler Shirt crafted with Italian eco-cotton, cut and sewn in Los Angeles with screen printed artwork. Co-designed by Vick Michel and Chris Santos $495.
EREWHON MARKET Turmeric Crush Smoothie is a vibrant blend of organic carrot, orange, ginger, turmeric, mango, pineapple, camu camu, lemon, and beet juices. Organic, vegan, and gluten-free 20 oz. $13. Erewhon Markets have 9 locations in Los Angeles - certified organic retailer and certified B Corp.
BB SIMON Michael Jackson Tribute Belt Limited Edition designed by Simon Tavassoli made of the finest Swarovski crystal to honor the memory of the King of Pop in an over-the-top Hello to Hollywood accessory $1600.
FRED SEGAL FYG Large Gold Diamond Bar Beaded Bracelet - men's bracelet $2200. Available at the OG curator of cool retail store founded in 1961 in West Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard by fashion designer Fred Segal.
WANDERLUST
escape the drama
LOTUSLAND Ganna Walska Lotusland, also known as Lotusland, is a non-profit botanical garden of over 37 acres tucked away in the hillside of Montecito. Lush gardens with rare and exotic specimens and unique themed gardens with exquisite architecture invite visitors to explore Madam Ganna Walska's beautiful estate of tropical & sub-tropical plants. The garden's founder was born Hanna Puacz in 1887 in Poland. She changed her name to Ganna to pursue a career as a professional singer, performing from Paris to New York. After a successful career as a concert singer, she came to California in 1941 and purchased the estate and devoted 43 years of her life to its creation. The Lotusland gardens operate under limitations set by the County of Santa Barbara with only a set number of daily visitors. It is advised to book your reservations in advance. Tickets are $50. adult and $25. RESERVATIONS HERE
THE HUNTINGTON About 20 miles from Hollywood in San Marino, CA is The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Following a three-year closure and $11.2M restoration - the Rose Garden Tea Room set within the historic Rose Garden resumes its elegant tea service with a selection of teas, seasonal house-made scones, and a variety of savory and sweet offerings: smoked salmon with dill cream cheese and caviar, banoffee tart with dulce de leche, banana jam, with caramel crunch and buckwheat financier with lemon pistachio glaze. The Botanical Gardens, encompassing about 130 acres, feature living collections in 16 stunning themed gardens with more than 83,000 living plants, including rare and endangered species, and a laboratory for botanical conservation and research. To visit the Tea Room, you must purchase a separate ticket to The Huntington for the same day as your Tea Room reservation. Admission is not required to dine at 1919 Cafe or Red Car coffee shop. Limited tables for picnicking are available in the Garden Court/patio. No picnicking in the gardens.
THE SACRED SPACE in Summerland, CA is a tranquil and welcoming little slice of Zen just minutes outside of Santa Barbara. Relax with a cup of tea as you stroll this unique gift shop's indoor and outdoor showrooms to hunt down the perfect treasure of artifacts from around the world - objects d'art from India, Thailand, Himalaya, Buddhist statues, Indonesian art, jewelry, candles, books, incense, oils, music and more. Follow your way to the soothing water sounds outside and the surprise Zen gardens with ponds, waterfall and pavilions where you can sit and journal or meditate next to a babbling brook and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. SACRED SPACE WORKSHOPS
photos Karte Blanche & Co
HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD
back to the drama
THE HOLLYWOOD SIGN celebrated its 100th anniversary this summer. The sign was officially dedicated on July 13th, 1923, on Mount Lee over the Hollywood Hills. The sign received a facelift clean-up and coating of 400 gallons of paint in partnership with Sherwin-Williams. Each letter is 45 feet high and 31-39 feet wide and remains as a favourite photo backdrop for tourists. It was first erected in 1923 as a sales promotion for an upscale housing development that was originally called "Hollywoodland" but was trimmed in 1948 to spell out "Hollywood". Originally intended to last only a couple of years, the sign needed much repair along with a new letter H that tumbled over in 1949. In 1978 donors, including Alice Cooper, Gene Autry and Warner Brothers Records contributed $27,777.77 each for one letter of new, steel construction and established the Sign Trust to continue to preserve this Hollywood beacon.
From the window of The Everly Hollywood Hotel you can see the Hollywood sign in the distance and Hollywood Tower - built in 1929 by architects Cramer and Wise, the building, also known as La Belle Tour, is cited as the inspiration for what was the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disneyland. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is only a 5-minute walk away and the Capitol Records building just kitty-corner flashing out H-O-L-L-Y-W-O-O-D in morse code from the top of its tower as it's done since the building was erected in 1956, only changing the message for very special occasions. The Everly rooftop pool is stylishly activated from day to night with city views well-situated to the glitz of Hollywood and adjacent outdoor lounge for evening events that range from special screenings and chef demos to live music performances. Enjoy pre-function cocktail hour in the lobby bar area with a selection of wines or specialty crafted cocktail such as a Citrus Highball from Ketel One Botanicals paired with shareable Stracciatella from JANE Q restaurant downstairs. And one last Hello to Hollywood scoop - literally a scoop of Mashti Malone's voted TOP 5 ice cream shops in the world, made of fresh ingredients passed down from generations with exotic creations such as rosewater and Persian saffron.
photos Karte Blanche & Co
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