December 2006-January 2007

Los Angeles is renowned for access to snow, surf, and nightlife in the span of a day.  ENTRÉE recentloy charted our own 24 hour adventure of culture, pampering, and fine-dining. We were deliriously happy with the free patented Face-Mapping skin analysis system
offered by the skincare demi-gods at Dermalogica whose salons and stores are spread throughout the world. We were happier still that the many cellars of wine we’ve raided have not wreaked similar mayhem on our epidermis as these pros isolated our face and neck into 14 zones, scanning its surface for signs of age, imperfection and damage, before directing us to perfect remedies found on the shelves of their ultra-cool modern store. The skin treatments—facials, back treatments, etc.—are regenerative and relaxing, the products light and silky smooth.

Speaking of rejuvenation, we took a peek at the magnificent Griffith Observatory, the city’s crown jewel, undergoing its own skincare treatments over the last five years. Looking better than most star-packed Hollywood engagements, the Griffith again appears new, its façade gleaming brightly, with epic views of the megalopolis below and mountains above. The interactive, easy- to-comprehend exhibits arc just as up-to-date, even helping us science-phobes be Stephen Hawking for the day. Due to expected overcrowding after opening, the always free museum has a reservation system that will trolley guests up the park road for a tiny fee.

ENTREE capped the night among more stars at Dakota steakhouse, in the so-trendy-it-hurts Roosevelt Hotel. Among a manly room the Rat Pack could happily haunt, we dined on a melt-in-the-mouth 16 oz. Kobe rib-eye with an indulgent, sumptuous filet matched with perfect béarnaise and peppercorn, and a few bottles of Rioja. The presentation was as beautiful and creative as other dishes—Kurobata chops, Scottish salmon, Sonoma lamb rack— were tempting. Comfort-style sides shone brightly, desserts were to kill for, and the Santa Barbara sweet prawn compared to the best lobster in the hands of Chef Michael McDonald. The commitment to creativity, quality and service is set to establish another legend in this classic hotel. Los Angeles is packed with surprises new and classic and for the ambitious, cultivated soul can fill a whole day with peace, pleasure, and play.

Visit www.dermalogica.com; www.griffithobs.org, and Dakota at The Roosevelt Hotel. 7000 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028, (323) 466-7000.