Undeniably chill
California Surf Club, top Thanksgiving reservations, Suá, Highland Park real estate, Sabrina Carpenter, El Roblar, MORE
CLUBS • First Word
New wave
The Skinny: One of the refreshing things about South Bay’s leisure scene is a pointed lack of the “Are you on the list?” exclusivity of its Hollywood (and Hollywood-adjacent) counterparts. But for flip-flop-wearing socialites who want a “members-only” retreat without sacrificing their beachy mojo, new Redondo Beach private club The California Surf Club is the place to be.
The Vibe: Opened this year, the club is the brainchild of Allen Sanford and Rob Lissner, the duo behind the annual BeachLife Festival. The 22,000-square-foot seaside compound — which includes both the (members-only) Surf Club and the (open-to-the-public) North Grill restaurant just next door — manages to feel both coastal down-to-earth and exclusive. The sun-soaked space is made up of a network of appealing living rooms (one hidden behind a secret bookshelf) and decorated with a mix of eclectic found objects and original artwork that gives the space a bohemian elegance.
And despite the fees ($500 a month to belong, plus a $6,000 initiation fee; day passes are also available), the mood here is undeniably chill, like the welcome lobby of a luxurious Caribbean beach resort.
The Crowd: A typical night here might have you rubbing elbows with retired professional athletes, visiting musicians, and a veritable who’s who of the South Bay. You’ll also spot local lifeguards and surfers, who were among the club’s founding members before prices jumped and a waitlist formed. The average age is late 40s, according to the club’s director of memberships.
The Amenities: Given the dues, you’d think there’d be tennis courts or a gym somewhere in sight. But at its core, the Surf Club is a social hub, one where volleyball players mingle with surf rockers; where Manhattan Beach friends gather for mimosas; and where leather-sandaled execs come to “work from home” with their laptops by the bar. A roster of daily activities includes health and fitness classes (pilates and yoga), a speaker series, intimate concerts, and a kids’ club. There are also paddleboards and bikes outside for the taking, should members want to take advantage of the beachside location.
The Food and Drink: While the private Surf Club is not a restaurant in itself, members can order from the next-door North Grill and have food ushered over. That restaurant, a gem of its own overlooking Redondo Beach’s sprawling Seaside Lagoon water park, shares the Club’s beachy chic aesthetic but is open to the public and serves elevated comfort food (like grilled cheese & tomato soup and wood-grilled marinated tri-tip sandwiches). It also has an impressive raw bar and welcoming outdoor patio with vacation-worthy views.
The Verdict: A worthy investment for South Bay tastemakers looking for a chill place to sip, work, or socialize. –Melissa Heckscher
→ California Surf Club (Redondo Beach) • 239 North Harbor Dr • Sun-Thu 8a-1130p, Fri-Sat 8a-1a.
GOODS & SERVICES • FOUND Sponsor
Restaurant meals at home
It’s peak season for fall flavors — golden, caramelized squash, crisp apples, a hint of warm spice — and Marley Spoon makes it easy to bring them to your table with recipes designed to be delicious and convenient. Every dish is thoughtfully crafted by pro chefs, so you can enjoy the best of each season, without complicated grocery lists or prep.
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→ Meals from just $5 per serving at Marley Spoon. [spon]
LA RESTAURANT LINKS: Larchmont Sichuan spot Suá taking over former Wexler’s Deli space in downtown Santa Monica • New beer garden coming to Frogtown • Frozen dessert and parrillas powerhouse Chainsaw opens brick and mortar in Melrose Hill • Can DJ spot Bar Franca bring nightlife back Downtown? • Early diners have disrupted how bars do business.
REAL ESTATE • First Mover
Three properties in Highland Park that have come to market in the past 40 days.
→ 5252 Range View Ave (Highland Park) • 3BR/3BA, 1688 SF house • Ask: $1.599M • rebuilt 1923 bungalow w/ detached garage • Annual taxes: $11,357 • Days on market: 12 • Agent: Michael Hillman, NextHome Luxe Group.
→ 6565 Pickwick St (Highland Park, above) • 3BR/3.1BA, 2226 SF house • Ask: $1.795M • at end of cul-de-sac, newly built 3-story with rooftop deck • Annual taxes: $8399 • Days on market: 26 • Agents: Ramiro Rivas and Erica Rivas, The Agency.
→ 414 S Avenue 56 (Highland Park) • 10BR/10BA, 3648 SF investment property • Ask: $2.6M (reduced from $2.775M) • new construction with front 2-unit building and rear building w/ 2 ADUs • Annual taxes: $11,476 • Days on market: 35 • Agent: George Salazar, eXp.
WORK & PLAY LINKS: In SoCal housing market, there’s now 23% more inventory this year than last • Shopping at the new House of Dior in Beverly Hills • Delivery bots can now bring you groceries • Three concerning properties around Franklin Village • 10 years on and no stone turned, what’s the future of the LA River bike path? • Comme des Garçons and the scents men are wearing • 50 pieces for fall.
CULTURE & LEISURE • Culture Mash
Pivot • The United Theater on Broadway (Downtown) • Fri @ 730p • Orchestra Center $204 per
SmartLess Live with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett • Hollywood Bowl (Hollywood Hills) • Sat @ 730p • Section K1 $166 per
Sabrina Carpenter • Crypto.com Arena (Downtown)• Sun @ 7p • Sec 102 $419 per
GETAWAYS • Ojai
Hip check
The Skinny: A legendary spot in the center of Ojai, Hotel El Roblar was in need of a serious refresh until (one of LA’s most sought-after interior designers) Pamela Shamshiri came along. Now, with a splashy rebrand and a whole new look, it’s time for El Roblar’s close-up.
The Scene: Hip mountain town meets California chill. Rustic vintage furniture is partnered with weathered rugs, a playful dino-themed wall mural, and a roaring fireplace (even in July). Expect to see everyone from Hollywood TV writers taking meetings on the patio to older folks on a getaway, to groups of Gen Z’ers grabbing drinks at the newly glammed-up bar. But no kids: the hotel is 18 and up.
The Rooms: Among the 50 rooms (11 of which are secluded bungalows), we stayed in a charming king with a terrace, which got used every morning for work and coffee. The patio is decked with a stylish red-and-white striped awning, and rooms are bathed in terracotta and ochre hues, alluding to the town’s Spanish heritage. The bathroom is well-appointed, with plush robes and Lather amenities.
The Amenities: The updated pool area is seriously chic, with waitstaff and a ping pong table to keep kids occupied before dinnertime. On-site restaurant Condor Bar serves farm-to-table Cali-cuisine with Mexican accents. The property’s spa and gym are still a work in progress, but when they’re finished, it’ll feature everything from manicures to deep-tissue and basic gym equipment (yoga mats are currently available for an afternoon stretch).
Why It’s FOUND: Not every dated hotel gets the refresh it deserves, but the newly hip El Roblar will rightfully become a buzzy place to hang in a beloved, sleepy town. –Zoe Schaeffer
→ Hotel El Roblar (Ojai, CA) • 122 East Ojai Ave • Rates from $425/night.
GETAWAYS LINKS: Ian Schrager opening PUBLIC hotel in WeHo next year • Where in NorCal to spot turning leaves • Inside the just-opened Carbone Riviera at The Bellagio • Clear Plus expanding concierge airport service for members.
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RESTAURANTS • The Nines
Thanksgiving, ticketed
Nine restaurants around town for Thanksgiving dining. Access the full archives.
Gwen (Hollywood), 4-course prix fixe, turkey confit leg, honey baked ham, beef tallow Parker House rolls, Pie Room pies, 1-6p, reserve