Don’t know if everyone knows but there’s a war going on…and its in L.A. West side vs. east side. The west side with its sparkling beaches, quaint cottage lined streets and third street promenade shopping mecca faces off against the east side’s hyper chic millennial hot spots, multi-cultural, exotic urban landscapes and crazy cool restaurants. But I like to consider myself having plopped right in the middle: Brentwood. This is my oasis. My perfectly gorgeous Italian style neighborhood gracefully straddling the line between east and west. I have lived here for many years and it just gets better and better. The restaurants and the shopping are unparalleled for such tiny suburban neighborhood: Sugafish! Katsuya! Toscana! Chin Chin! Ron Herman! Madison! Coffee Bean, Starbucks AND Peets Coffee?!? Oh yeah.

So since I am THE expert on Brentwood, here is my list of the best of the best…

• Best Sushi: Yes, Sugarfish is spectacular. Katsuya is the standard in perfection. But, in Brentwood, Takao is old school phenomenal. Takao has been in the B’hood for over 20 years and it is beyond fresh and classic. Alex’s secret tip: Try the off menu spicy tuna tacos, they are glorious!!!!
• Best Italian: We have nine Italian restaurants in the span of three blocks, so this is not an easy choice but these are the staples: Toscana for Pizza and La Scala for the chopped Leon salad (don’t forget to add chicken!). But the hidden gem is Palmeri. It is PURE Italian charm with rich, succulent dishes. Sit outside, sip a crisp pinot grigio and indulge in the amazing Frutti Di Marre and Gamberoni (shrimp heads!!! yahoo!). Alex’s secret tip: Ask for the off menu linguine bolognese. It will blow your mind!
• Best Brunch / Place to Watch Sports: My absolute favorite neighborhood spot and the place that, to me, defines Brentwood casual California chic is The Tavern. The brunch is epic and the bar is THE spot to saddle up to for games and cocktails (order “The Larder” meat and cheese plate. Trust me). Alex”s secret tip: they have by far one of the BEST cosmopolitans my lips have ever touched (and they’ve touched a lot, thank you Carrie Bradshaw).
• Best shopping: We’ve got Ron Herman, Madison and Lulu Lemon. But the super secret spot is The Lady and The Sailor. While you inevitably end up waiting for your table at Sugarfish, this gorgeous European style boutique is right next door with the best classically chic, casual staple pieces I literally can never pass up. NEVER.
• Best Beauty Makeover Spots: Get your nails done at Zumani. Get your spray tan at Le Beach Club. Get your hair highlighted and lashes extended at Juan Juan. Then it’s time to answer the big question: you’re all gussied up, will you head west or east? Is it The Viceroy or The Soho House? Answer: Uber to BOTH!

So come on over and enjoy Brentwood. But don’t tell anyone about it, it’s our little secret.

xoxo, Alex

Zara Lace Top (similar one here) //  Zara Black Cutoff Jean Shorts (similar one here) // Zara Jean Jacket (similar one here) // Pedro Garcia Platform Sandals // Persol Sunglasses // Chloe Bag

Photo by Patrick Muniz