The nose knows. Vote for the most creative florist, soothing aromatherapist, or other purveyor of ode-worthy odors.
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The Crew Intelligentsia
You go to sleep only so you can wake up and smell the fair trade, locally roasted, brewed-to-order Intelligentsia coffee. The hard-working crew keeps you caffeinated fourteen hours a day. Read More
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Originally published on August 17, 2007
Smart Move
Intelligentsia Opens
Coffee connoisseurs, prepare to walk the very jittery walk.
Intelligentsia, the environmentally and socially conscious roasters from Chicago, opens this weekend in Silver Lake.
After a year in the works (hey, it takes time to implement a manipulated water filtration system and configure those 68 seats between the two inside bars and outdoor tables, okay?), you can finally try their direct-trade, reserve, dark roast, or blended beans in Clover made-to-order cups, espresso beverages, or to-go bulk.
Like wine, beans are graded, named for regions, and priced according to year, locale, and availability, with everything from $2 drips to $130 pound bags. Order Ethiopia Yirgacheffe or Costa Rica Flecha Roja “bright and clean” — the coffee concierge will heart you forever. Brush up on your javocabulary at Sunday morning home brewing seminars, where you’ll pick up terms like “cupping,” “baggy,” and “micro-lot.”
Because it’s time to talk the talk.
Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea, 3922 West Sunset Boulevard, between Hyperion and Sanborn Avenues, Silver Lake (323-663-6173 or intelligentsiacoffee.com). Opening reception tonight at 7 p.m. -
Holly Vesecky Holly Flora
Would a flower arrangement composed by any other floral designer smell as sweet? Definitely not. For weddings, events, and day-to-day loveliness, Vesecky's sophisticated, inspired style is intoxicating. Read More
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Originally published on October 23, 2007
Mansion Apartment Shack House
Fall 2007 Wedding Guide
According to the game of M.A.S.H., the day will come when you and your husband, Johnny Depp, live in a shack with your seven kids, sharing the keys to the family convertible. But first, a wedding.
P.A.P.R.
(Pressed. Artsy. Printed. Recycled.)
The multimedium ways of Tiny Pine Press are very inviting. Send out site-specific vintage postcard save-the-dates, opt for the Bold and Beautiful mix of drawings and set type, or let Yifat Oren and Jennifer Parsons start embossing and stitching away.L.O.C.L.
(Living Room. Out of Town. Church. Loft.)
With an indoor/outdoor space and a green approach, private downtown loft Marvimon maxes out at 150 for a seated dinner. DIY officiants register at the Universal Life Church for nearly instant ordination. It’s free.H.E.L.P.
(Headache. Earful. Law, In-. Planner.)
The week (or two) before your wedding, turn everything over to Resource Force. With Ria Lewerke and Stacy Earl’s music and entertainment backgrounds, you couldn’t possibly be the biggest ’zilla they’ve ever seen — plus, their Rolodex is packed with bands, DJs, and photographers.
F.R.O.C.
(Frilly. Ruched. Off the Rack. Couture.)
General manager Kadie Bilodeau can help you navigate Monique Lhuillier’s swanky new salon in West Hollywood. Bespoke too soon? Shop new and once-worn gowns at the Brides Against Breast Cancer fundraiser.G.A.N.G.
(Gals. Alums. Nobody. Groomsmen.)
Have a ladies-only LeSpa day at Sofitel LA. Book seasonal hydrotherapy soaks and deluxe mani-pedis. Send the dudes out for the night on The Short Bus. It’s little, yellow, different — a lot like the painkillers they’ll need come sun up.
F.L.U.R.
(Florist. Landlord. U-Pick. Ralph’s.)
Call on floral artist Holly Vesecky to do your budding. Not your average flower girl, she favors monochromatic blooms and branches of young fruit paired with modern bases, burled wood, and antique vessels.C.N.D.Y.
(Cake. Nougat. Doughnut. Yodels.)
Ask The Little Next Door’s new pasty chef, Michael Brock, for desserts tied together by color or ingredient. For nonsweet teeth, there’s Love Catering. Jonathan Darr, Jimmy Smith, and Hermes Clausz are a foodie trifecta cooking for parties of eight to 1,000.
P.O.M.P.
(Photos. Oversize Heads. Magic. Portraits.)
Send photos of your guests or attendants to Cayce Chambers Cole before the big day and she’ll cut traditional sihouettes (with fun accessories) to give out as thoughtful gifts. In return, they can write well wishes on biodegradable Chinese paper lanterns.S.K.A.P.
(Saigon. Kalamazoo. Anguilla. Portugal.)
Portugal’s new Aquapura Douro Valley to be exact. Wine tastings, biking tours, and long lunches come with the territory; a balcony overlooking the river and a sneaky entrance to the Vale Abraao restaurant and bar come with the presidential suite.So it’s the perfect place to reflect on your M.A.S.H. hit of a wedding.
Need more ideas? Check out the spring 2007 wedding guide. -
Mary Odson and Lisa Ritter Big Sugar Bakeshop
Of the many tasty new treats Ritter and Odson have introduced this year, nothing compares to their doughnut muffin. One whiff of the cinnamony, sugary sweet goodness says it all. Read More
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Originally published on January 3, 2007
Bake What Your Mama Gave You
Big Sugar Bakeshop
Whether it’s kahunas or hairdos, the “big” prefix practically guarantees respect. (Try spreading your new nickname around the office and watch as no one dares steal your stapler.)
Now there’s Big Sugar Bakeshop, Studio City’s newest sweet authority. And they definitely have the goods to back it up.
The cozy neighborhood spot takes a homespun approach to everything they make. All cakes (layer, cheese, cup — you name it), pies, fudge, cookies, brownies, shortbreads, and bars are made on site. And their signature dark, rich coffee is custom roasted nearby.
Gourmet chocolates and cookies are ready for the giving, and there are lots of things you can’t eat, too, like letterpress cards and cookbooks.
All that under one roof?
That deserves a really big whoop.
Big Sugar Bakeshop, 12182 Ventura Boulevard, between Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Laurel Grove Avenue, Studio City (818-508-5855 or bigsugarbakeshop.com).