By: Tracy Hall
Tracy Hall is one of those people in your life who seem to know everyone and everything. She can single-handedly guide you to the best of just about anything and introduce you to the coolest new restaurants, gadgets and beauty regimens. We find ourself “influenced” by almost all of her IG posts and therefore realized there was no one better to take you through a trip down Beverly Hills!
Q: Why do you love this city/ neighborhood? Its essence and character traits
A: Growing up in LA, Beverly Hills feels like home to me. I love the familiarity of it and that I feel so safe here (and the views definitely don’t suck!).
Q: Favorite street corner
A: I think the entrance to the Beverly Hills Hotel on Sunset and Crescent is the most quintessential and iconic “Beverly Hills” corner
Q: Favorite coffee shop and coffee order
A: Forever a basic bitch, I love Alfred. My order: Iced almond latte (always iced, even if it’s under 60 degrees). Sometimes I’ll go crazy and throw in some cinnamon. Green door on Robertson is also delish. Same order!
Q: Favorite restaurant – lunch/ dinner and favorite food there
A: Lunch –
Porta Via: Kale salad, no quinoa, add salmon. It’s one of my fave salads ever. You also can’t go wrong with Honor Bar. Pro tip: Make a friend go with you. One person gets the burger and one person gets the crispy chicken sandwich – you each get half of each and then, obviously, fries. With a glass of Sancerre. (On ice, because I’m ratchet and it can never be cold enough)
Dinner – Louka on Canon. I’m hesitant to share because it is legit my go to favorite secret spot but it’s the best Greek in LA. Milo’s vibes but soooooo low key, the staff is amazing and the food is incredible. Greek salad with literally ALL the bread dipped in the dressing, all the dips, the octopus, spanakopita, any of the fish – it’s all insane. And their greek yogurt dessert with honey sitch is ridiculous. They also have a sick wine list with biodynamic options for my stuck up ass.
Q: Favorite bar + cocktail or mocktail
A: I am sucker for any kind of spritz; Aperol, gin, white wine with soda and St Germain – I really don’t discriminate. Bar 1912 in the Beverly Hills Hotel is my fave low-key quiet spot. For something livelier, I would say Polo Lounge, the Waldorf rooftop or Tower Bar.
Q: Favorite building and why
A: The Waldorf rooftop has the best views 🙂 Shani Darden’s studio on Civic Center is def my favorite place to go though. Her spa is next level STUNNING and the estheticians are incredible for all your facial needs and dreams. And last but not least – Barneys. RIP.
Q: Favorite free activity – park, library, etc
A: I am embarrassingly uncultured but Franklin Canyon is a great spot to walk around and see some ducks or you can do a real hike if you are less lazy than me.
Q: Favorite place to meet up with friends
A: Wally’s is my go-to for a mid-day or happy hour drink/snack moment. Craig’s is always our go-to night out dinner spot.
Q: Favorite place for business meetings
A: Bar 1912 at the Beverly Hills Hotel is one of my secret spots – it’s never as busy as Polo Lounge so it’s great for working/taking meetings.
Q: Best Neighborhood Hotel/ where you’d suggest friends stay
A: My fave for a staycation is the Bel Air Hotel – it’s so quiet, so pretty, great food, super private, good spa, all the things. I haven’t stayed at The Edition yet but it’s beautiful and in a great location.
Q: Spot that inspires you the most
A: Tomoko Spa! It’s gorgeous – you legit feel transported to Kyoto. The service is insane and the massages are everything. It’s the best. I love doing the Japanese experience (2 hour massage with sushi served in your treatment room) with a friend for the ultimate treat/reset day. It’s the best cure for burnout or just needing an escape, I always leave feeling refreshed and inspired.
Q: Best people watching locale?
A: Highly controversial answer but I loveeeee a hotel bar for real life Pretty Woman reenactments. The Montage Garden bar used to be the best for this- I haven’t had a chance to see if the Maybourne lives up to it’s predecessor but I’ll keep you posted. The Peninsula and the Four Seasons are good too. The Bel Air Hotel always feels like everyone there is having an affair (even if they aren’t it’s fun to make up scenarios in my head) so that’s fun people watching for sure.
Q: If there was one billboard in the city, to welcome visitors and showcase its essence, what would it say…. Welcome to…?
A: “Beverly Hills, that’s where I want to beeee…” – Weezer