enid
Lists
Best of Brentwood
Aside from it's infamous role in the O.J. Simpson melodrama, Brentwood has maintained a rep as an enclave for affluent families looking for a Leave it to Beaver flavor in Los Angeles city limits. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Reese Witherspoon and Steven Spielberg call the Westside neighborhood home, while others head there for its fine crop of Italian restaurants and for a little museum called the Getty Center.
One of the few independently owned bookstores around--but it won't be much longer. The store closes for good April 30. It's C-shaped exterior is modest, but the simple setup and personable service have long radiated a coziness no major retailer can duplicate.
With its abundant Italian restaurants, Brentwood might as well be called the West Coast's Little Italy, minus the hosts with fake accents enticing tourists. For special occasions (or big spenders), Vincenti delivers prosciuotto with burrata and a succulent veal chop.
Sugar fixes are easy to score on these streets. SusieCakes boasts frosting-filled cupcakes and a signature creme-filled cookie sandwich called Whoopie Pie.
The bright red Country Mart has been an institution since 1948. These days it's a collective of pricey clothing, food and gift shops that are somewhat at odds with the quaint, New England seaside town look of the place. Standouts at the Mart include plush home accessories at Turpan (310-451-9500) and the delicate baubles at jewelry spot Broken English (310-458-2724).
A whole day can be dedicated to exploring the Getty. After strolling through its five, Richard Meier-designed pavilions, wander the quirkily elegant Robert Irwin-designed Central Garden. Try and time your visit around lunch or dinner so you can eat at the wonderful restaurant with its Tuscan-like views of the surrounding hills. In summer, the Getty Center hosts live music events.
Built in 1939, Wadsworth Theatre is centered on a 27-acre parcel of land that fronts Wilshire Boulevard and San Vicente Boulevard on the grounds of the West Los Angeles Department of Veterans Affairs complex and is operated by RICHMARK Entertainment.
Shoe fanatics flock here for the mouth-watering selection of Manolo Blahniks and Jimmy Choos.
The hand-crafted, European-style truffles and chocolate treats created by chocolatier wunderkind Jonathan Grahm are the specialties.
The super sweet boutique (behind stationary store Pulp and Hide) is a favorite with celebs like Tom Hanks. Run by three sisters, they are justifiably famous for their custom gingerbread houses and gift baskets.