DOA: Designers Out + About

The C Word

2011-07-15T17:54:00.000-07:00

Are you getting sick of hearing the "c" word? Not that one you perv. The one related to this weekend's closure of a major freeway. Well join us next Fri, Jul 22 from 630-830 pm to celebrate (another c word) the end of the use of that word, for a year at least. We will be joining the Friday Night Wine Tasting at Barnsdall Art Park in Los Feliz in conjunction with Silverlake Wine. Tickets are $25, must be purchased in advance and includes a limited edition wine glass. If you don't drink wine and want to join us winos anyway, admission is $5. You can also purchase a ticket for a guided tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Hollyhock House (at designated times). Food trucks will be available as well.

And since this weekend's closure is going solve all of our fair city's traffic woes, then there should be no problems getting there next week! ;)

4800 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles 90027
323.660.4254

P.S.- If you are even reading this far and do get stuck in traffic this weekend, just think of this song.

Its summer!

2011-06-20T12:56:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy month and this is sort of last minute so we'll make it easy (relatively). Join us this Fri, June 24 from 630-8 pm at Rosewood Tavern to celebrate the start of summer and hopefully the end of June gloom (i.e. slutwear time! John is prepping his thong collection as we speak.). Located in the heart of the increasingly hip Fairfax Village area, this month old chophouse has the look of an old tavern/saloon/pub (think dark subway tiles and lots of dark wood) brought to you by George Abou-Daoud. You may remember we visited his last place District on Sunset about a year ago (and closed recently). This place has a focus on craft beer (28 on tap) and scotch. So there it is. See you soon!

P.S. And by "slutwear" we mean feel free to wear anytime AFTER this event.

448 North Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles 90036
323.944.0980

Màs DOA + tour

2011-05-13T19:19:00.000-07:00

Join us downtown next Fri, May 20 at Màs Malo. The new-ish location of Silverlake's Malo. You may be familiar with Tracy Beckmann Design when we visited her other project, The Tar Pit about a year ago. She renovated this historic large, domed space with a chevron motif to create a jazzy feel. This space was the former location of Clifton's Cafeteria "Silver Spoon" (opened in 1975) which has been closed and empty since 1997. Before that, its was the Brock and Co. jewelry store built in the 1920s.

We will be on the loungy mezzanine level to perhaps sample some of their tequila based cocktails. We will also get a tour of their "tequila vault" housed in the former vault of the jewelry store and now holding around 240 tequilas and 30 mescals. Then down to the 70s inspired late night/weekends only bar in the basement. Some of you old ladies may remember this as the location of the "The Garden of Meditation" diorama that had a life sized statue of Christ kneeling in prayer when it was Clifton's. Ahem, I will stop there.

So come on down. We'll even modify the time to 7-830 pm so you Westsiders can join us.

515 West 7th Street, Los Angeles 90014
213.985.4332

CORRECTION: Piano Bar = Red Medicine

2011-04-11T16:52:00.000-07:00

Oops. Did I say "Piano Bar?" I really meant Red Medicine. Sorry guys. When I originally wrote the previous write-up, it was for our usual 2nd Fridays event but this Friday the 15th (the 3rd Friday) is the start of LACMA's "Jazz at LACMA" series which means crowds and loud music—not quite conducive to the "deep, intellectual" conversations we have about design at our events. So we are moving venues. Just down the street from LACMA to Red Medicine.

Red Medicine opened a few months ago with an unusual approach to Vietnamese/French cuisine and cocktails from the founder of the every growing Umami Burger chain. While receiving mostly positive reviews, they also received some backlash when they kicked out and posted a picture online of LA Times restaurant critic S. Irene Virbila. The interior is designed by movie production designer Charisse Cardenas and has the look of what seems to be a growing trend, particularly in restaurant and bar design, of using reclaimed/rustic wood and steel. So please join us on Fri from 630-8p. (Hey we're finally out of Hollywood.) I'm sure if you behave, there will be no picture taking and online posting.

8400 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills 90211
323.651.5500

image from Eater LA

Piano Bar (update 04.08.11: please see new post for venue change)

2011-04-08T18:35:00.000-07:00

And by piano bar I don't mean a bunch of silverhairs singing Judy Garland around a baby grand, I mean famed architect Renzo Piano and his latest addition to the LACMA campus, Stark Bar. This bar and adjacent restaurant Ray's (named after Ray Stark, the late film producer) serves seasonal cocktails, a California-centric wine list, and artisan beers and spirits. Although the best time to come this open air bar is probably on a warm summer evening, that's also when Jazz at LACMA starts up—which means large crowds. Preview the drink menu here, save your change (if you didn't give it all to the IRS), and join us ~~next Fri, Apr 15 from 630-8pm~~ to celebrate tax day.

~~5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles 90036~~
~~323.857.6180~~

image from EatShopSleep

A Mini Bar Crawl/Tour

2011-03-04T15:42:00.000-08:00

Why hello! Did you think we left you? Not so fast. As many of you know (and a few of you may have been cruising since its opening), the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is a Los Angeles landmark that hosted the first Academy Awards in 1929 and has a long list of notable residents from Marilyn Monroe to Marilyn Manson. Major renovations in were completed in 2005 by designer Dodd Mitchell, but we will be visiting the latest additions to the hotel. First up the intimate Library Bar—while not new, the menu here is always new as well known "mixologist" Matthew Biancaniello creates cocktails based on farmers market ingredients and your personal tastes. We will then move to the bar at the newly opened Public Kitchen and Bar designed by Studio Collective—an open space adjacent to the lobby that has that 1920's-1940's vintage, lofty feel that seems to be the trend these days (think marble topped counters and butcher block tables). Finally, we will crawl up to The Spare Room designed by the same team (2 for 1 special?) and open for a couple of months now. This lounge has a feel of a vintage game parlor but more Art Deco-y. In fact there are 2 bowling lanes here as well as comfy oversized seating for other types of game play (um, board games that is).

So hope to see you next Fri, Mar 11 from 630-8p. Cheers.

7000 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood 90028
323.466.7000

Back to Friday plus another tour!

2011-01-10T19:12:00.000-08:00

Happy new year everyone! We had great success with our last building tour at Sunset/Vine in the summer so we are having another! Actually not for from the last one since Hollywood seems to be the place to be these days. We're hitting up sbe's (SLS Hotel and The Abbey to name a couple) newest hotel project The Redbury. Designed by photographer Matthew Rolston who seems to be expanding his repertoire to include music videos and experiential design, The Redbury is described as "boho chic." You can decide on what it is when you take our special tour that includes their outdoor event courtyard and a couple of guest rooms.

As this is a special event, please reply to let us know if you will be attending ~~this Fri, Jan 14~~ Fri, Jan 21 (new date) from 630-8p. Thanks.

1717 Vine Street, Hollywood 90028
323.962.1717

London in L.A.

2010-12-04T14:45:00.000-08:00

Join us as we continue DOA 2nd Fridays on Thursday, Dec 9, at The London West Hollywood (is there a West Hollywood London in the UK?) for our holiday extravaganza from 630-8p. And by extravaganza I mean a bunch of gay designers standing in a circle drinking. Fun no?! The reported $54 million spent to transform the former Bel Age Hotel into Hollywood Regency style by David Collins Studio matches the year it was completed—(so) 2009. We will be at the rooftop bar with a gorgeous panoramic view of the city and was described by Concierge.com as the "World's Sexiest Rooftop Pool" (whose designation may change after we John visits). Come for some holiday libations and surprises!

1020 San Vicente Boulevard, West Hollywood 90069
310.854.1111

Thu is the New Fri; Old is the New New

2010-11-07T21:34:00.000-08:00

Basically we're trying out a new night, Thursday so we're keeping it simple and going back to an old favorite, Palihouse (sorry not Melrose Spa—I said "old favorite" not "old standby" Jim). Same time, 630-8pm. Can you handle it? Of course you can. See you this Thu, Nov 11 in the lobby lounge.

8465 Holloway Drive, West Hollywood 90069
323.656.4100

It's October!

2010-10-02T14:35:00.000-07:00

While the weather decides if it wants to be summer or fall, we have decided on the next place for our next gathering, Bar Covell in Los Feliz. This cozy months old bar probably won't be winning any design awards, but it does manage to create a warm and intimate neighborhood vibe with its collection of vintage flea market finds—keys, cameras, pages from an encyclopedia to name a few. Its kind of like being in a hip friends' home cocktail party (unlike some of the high design whorehouses we've visited in months past—and I'm not talking about Michael's house). The owner and manager hail from nearby Cafe Stella and Silverlake Wine respectively and have created a tightly curated selection of wines and beers with a small noshing menu. We ~~know~~ hope you missed us last month, so please join us this Fri, Oct 8 from 630-8pm.

4628 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Feliz 90027

323.660.4400

Eater LA

No New Mail

2010-09-09T00:47:00.000-07:00

We know you've been obsessively checking your email wondering why you haven't heard from us. Well we decided to cancel this month's gathering. So go enjoy the last days of summer and we'll see you on Fri, Oct 8.

It's Clinique, I mean, DOA Bonus Time!

2010-08-06T18:35:00.000-07:00

Hope you are all having a great summer! Next Fri, Aug 13 from 630-8p, we will be gathering at the new Bodega Wine Bar in Hollywood. Yes, we met at a wine bar last month but we know there are many winos out there. Plus, they also serve beer, sake, and soju cocktails and have a small noshing menu. This 3rd location of the wine bar is designed by MAKE Architecture and features like its other locations a wine wall as well as a dangle of oversized light shades over the seating area. Following the event, you can stroll next door to the newest location of Tender Greens or catch a movie at the Arclight.

SPECIAL BONUS OPPORTUNITY:
This bar is at the base of the infamous and formerly perpetually under construction Sunset Vine Tower (former home of Beige at 360°). We have a set up a special opportunity to get a tour of the model units on Fri at 630p. Please reply to this email if you are interested so we can get a head (yes please) count.

Hope to see you.
6290 Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood 90028
323.464.3400

Hello Again

2010-07-02T17:03:00.000-07:00

Hope you enjoyed your "time alone" last month. We are back and its already July! And as we said last time, we are returning Downtown to a new-ish spot in a new-ish part of Downtown—Corkbar in South Park. Located on the ground floor of the Evo South condos, the design by MASS Architecture and Design (recent winner of the 2010 AIA/LA Restaurant Design Award for Intellgentsia Coffee in Venice), addresses the coldness of a tall concrete, steel, and glass space through the use of wood—reclaimed for tabletops, paneling on the walls, a massive curved bar, and tiered shelving with hundreds of artistically placed bottles. Judging from the name of this place, you can surmise that it is a wine bar, but it also has beers, and they are all from California. Flights are available for tastings as well as a small food menu. You can also surmise that there will be at least one gay there and probably more. Hope to see you next Fri, Jul 9 from 630-830p (extra time for those making the trek!). In the meantime, God Bless America! Booyah!

P.S. Make it a night—stop by before or after the Outfest films at REDCAT.

403 West 12th Street, Los Angeles 90015
213.746.0500

June Gloom

2010-06-06T22:47:00.000-07:00

We're taking a break this month. Do we need to give you a reason? Is anybody even reading this? I'm wearing purple panties. Anyway we will be back on July 9 for a Downtown gathering. Mark your calendars. In the meantime, get some Pride!

Running on Empty from Ross Ching on Vimeo.

Gastro-pub-y, not pub-ey

2010-05-10T14:48:00.000-07:00

It's that time of the month again—not to be cranky, but to be happy (or at least fake happy) that its DOA 2nd Fridays. This Fri, May 14 from 630-8pm, we will be gathering at District. The latest venue from restauranteur George Abou-Daoud who has several Hollywood bar/eateries and is said to design his own places. This one is kind of rustic-y/industrial-y. Mr. Abou-Daoud describes it as feeling like you're not in L.A. Is that good or bad? Not L.A. like Paris or not L.A. like Fontana? Anyway, this place has a seasonal market driven menu so the food as well as the cocktail specialties reflect that. Hope you can make it and bring some new friends.

6600 Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood 90028
323.962.8200
E. Daniels

La Brea on La Brea

2010-04-05T14:44:00.000-07:00

If you're feeling design bereft after last month's anti-design-y venue, we return to form this Friday, Apr 9 from 630-8p, at the much talked about The Tar Pit by chef Mark Peel of Campanile. The Art Deco interior is glamourous if a bit old fashioned for our taste but is worth checking out. Luckily, the vintage inspired menu is served with a modern twist (even if prices are strictly contemporary). Hopefully the crowd isn't too old fashioned either. Looking forward to see you on Friday.

609 North La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles 90036
323.965.1300

Ahoy Mateys!

2010-03-08T22:37:00.000-08:00

This month, we are trying something a little different. No Philippe Starck, no Mid-Century Modern/Regency/Hollywood meets Vegas style. Yawn. We're visiting the R Bar in Koreatown. "R" as in "yo ho ho." From the exterior, it looks like your average Korean bar. Once you step inside, it looks like your average non-Korean bar! Just kidding. It's a little speakeasy-ish, a little pirate-ish, a little dive-y. Hey, we said we'd visit "interesting places" around town, not "classy places." Hope to see you this Fri, Mar 12 from 7-830p (note slight time change for this month) and maybe you'll pick up a wench or some pirate booty. Oh, and you may need a password to get in. Watch for our "Reminder" email for the secret phrase (and no, it's not "Jim wears heels" because that's not a secret).

3331 West 8th Street, Los Angeles 90005
213.387.7227

Hello Facebook!

2010-03-04T12:32:00.000-08:00

We just wanted to let you know that we are now on The Book of Faces! Yes, that's so 2008. But we know many of you are on it and hope you can help us spread the word about your favorite gay designers (is that redundant?) group. And by "spread" we mean let everyone you know, know. Friend us, fan us, poke us (yes please), like us, love us, marry us (oh wait we can't) or whatever the proper Facebook lingo is. Help us build a great community. You can "Become a Fan" from our website or go directly to our Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/DOA-Designers-Out-About/310373964153

And don't forget, our next 2nd Friday gathering is next week. Stay tuned for for more info!

Double Me? No Double You!

2010-02-05T18:24:00.000-08:00

The large complex known as the W Hollywood Hotel and Residences just opened and it's time for us to check out if it was worth the cost. A list of local firms were involved in the project including Daly Genik Architects (for the Residences and rooftop pool) and Rios Clementi Hale Studios (for the landscaping), and Sussman/Prezja (for signage). Unfortunately, the exterior is reflective of the firm that designed it, HKS Architects—giant and corporate. But on the upside they re-did the previous Hollywood/Vine station. Anyway, we will be in the relatively interesting lobby bar called the Living Room designed by designstudio of Portland next Fri, Feb 12 from 630-8p for our first event of 2010. Hope to see you there!

6250 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood 90028

323.798.1300

Happy New Year!

2010-01-11T19:20:00.000-08:00

We're still recovering from the holidays and so, we're taking the month off—no gathering this month. But don't despair! In addition to our monthly events, we hope to introduce some weekend activities this year such as studio visits and project tours (suggestions welcome). We look forward to starting our year 2010 gatherings with you on Fri, Feb 12. In the meantime if you really can't wait a month, create your own DOA gathering wherever you happen to be this Fri from 630-8p—dinner w/ friends, sitting on the toilet, crying into your pillow... the possibilities are endless! Take care.

bizarre at Bazaar

2009-12-07T16:17:00.000-08:00

The holidays and the end of the year are coming up so we are all busy (stuffing our, ahem, faces), but hopefully not too busy for our last gathering of 2009! This month (that's this Friday, Dec 11th from 630-8p) we'll be checking out Bar Centro, the bar at the SLS Hotel with interiors by Philippe Starck—think Rococo, videos, and monkeys. Try one of José Andrés' signature cocktails that may include liquid nitrogen or flavored air. There's lots to see here if you get tired of looking at us tired designers—a Moss store with things you can't afford, a patisserie with ~~midget~~ little people sized sweets, your "junk" from various angles in the mirrored restroom, and plenty of Euro-trash. And of course, you'll still have time to do some last minute ~~falling acrobat gazing~~ shopping at the Beverly Center or head to yet another holiday party.

465 South La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles 90048

310.246.5567

1 Year Later

2009-11-06T18:14:00.000-08:00

It's our first birthday (or is it anniversary?)! Well either way we hope you can join us next Fri, Nov 13 from 630-8p at recently opened East (and by East they mean "Pan-Asian" and by "Pan Asian" they mean "all Asians look alike") in Hollywood to celebrate our birthday/anniversary. The lovely "Pan-Asian-esque" inspired interior is designed by Dodd Mitchell who seems to be competing against Kris Keith of Spacecraft Group for all the hip projects around town. What about us? Anyway, we hope to see those who haven't joined us in a while and hope to welcome some of you who still haven't made it (even though you said you would—don't make me name names Nicolas).

6611 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood 90028

323.462.EAST (should be more like 323.462.AALA)

Somebody's Watching Me

2009-10-02T16:17:00.001-07:00

Summer is over but we can still squeeze a little bit of outdoor time before the darkness and cooler weather sets in. That's why on Fri, Oct 9 from 630-8p, we will be going east to Rockwell VT and their great (6000 sf!) open-air space. Vermont in Los Feliz that is. The latest extension to Vermont restaurant by the former people behind Mark's in WeHo and club promoter Tom Whitman (sounds pretty gay to me!) with design by Rhetroactive. Hope they won't be playing that song "Somebody's Watching Me" all night long.

1714 North Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles 90027

323.669.1550

Back to the Future

2009-09-08T13:57:00.000-07:00

Remember that late 60's erotic sci-fi film Barbarella starring Jane Fonda set in the 40th century? Well the place we're going to this Friday is nothing like it (except for maybe the bartenders outfits)! We're going back to the future this week at the Barbarella Bar in Silverlake. Back to the future since the large chandelier that hangs in the space is very circa 2002. But this place has a nice airy space and outdoor area and happy hour until 7pm. A perfect way to celebrate the end of the summer. We'd especially love to see those of you who haven't visited in a while. See you Fri, 9.11 from 630-8pm.

2609 North Hyperion Avenue, Los Angeles 90027

323.644.8000

Happy Hour and a Half

2009-08-06T13:02:00.000-07:00

Think dark room with half naked masked men. Did that get your attention? (Or did you just throw up a little in your mouth?) Anyway, it is the dog days of summer and we're going to keep it simple. Nothing too fancy. Just cheap margaritas ($4 before 7pm) and a cool vibe. Please join us and the luchadors next Fri, 8.14 at El Carmen from 630-8pm.

8138 West Third Street, Los Angeles 90048

323.852.1552

The 10th of July

2009-07-03T13:02:00.000-07:00

After the craziness of Pride and Mickey's last month, we are going low key this month. And by low key I don't mean boring atmosphere and bad drinks (I can't guarantee the people though). Those of you who missed the handcrafted cocktails at a place with no signage a couple months ago in Downtown have another chance, but west of La Brea this time (did you just wet your pants?)! Try some "mixologist" created cocktails at the new un-signaged The Roger Room next to Largo at the Coronet Theater on La Cienega. You know, just across the street from Trashy Lingerie and "LIVE NUDE GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS" (note to self: bring ~~frequent VIP membership card~~ employment application). This place has an intimate, old-timey, speakeasy feel to it. Like Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour but with alcohol (and no sirens). Sounds good no? See you Fri, July 10, 630-8p.

370 North La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles 90048

310.854.1300

Pride

2009-06-03T13:56:00.000-07:00

We're heading back to Weho this month to kick off Pride weekend. And by Pride I mean being able to wear as little as possible in public (hi Jim), at least until Halloween. What better way to celebrate than at Mickey's. After being engulfed by flames in August 2007, Mickey's recently re-opened with a makeover by Dean Larkin Design who also did the Farmer's Daughter Motel. Rumor is they spent $80K on the CaesarStone countertops alone. Worth it? You be the judge on Friday, June 12 from 630-8p.

8857 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood 90069

310.657.1176

Downtown

2009-05-01T13:04:00.000-07:00

Yes I know—Friday night traffic, east of La Brea, homeless people, tall buildings, blah, blah, blah. Let's do it anyway! This month we will be checking out The Association, one of several recently opened bars focused on handcrafted cocktails (sorry no Red Bull & vodkas). The dimly-lit subterranean space is meant to evoke a classic London lounge and features actual Vegas casino carpeting and mirrored ceilings. What more can you ask for? Well, maybe some hot designers to fill the space like us! Join us Friday, May 8. We will even move the time so some of you delicate Westsiders can make it: 7-9pm. Then we can stumble over to the recently re-opened Cole's next door for some solid food.

110 East 6th Street, Los Angeles 90014

213.627.7385

P.S. Kindly hit "reply" to give us a shout and let us know you are coming just so we have a general count of people attending. Gracias.

STK it!

2009-04-03T16:17:00.000-07:00

Hello once again. It's already that time of the month and this time around we're visiting STK. This restaurant/bar is designed by iCrave (lame name—hope their design isn't) whose team is also responsible for a number high-profile (i.e. $$$) locations around town. STK is described on their website as a steakhouse for the "young sexy market" (That's us right? At least the "market" part.). Won't you good people join us? That's Friday, Apr 10 from 630-8pm. It will be Good Friday after all. Let's all be good together. Can I get an "Amen?"

755 North La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles 90069

310.659.3535

It's Time for a Luau!

2009-03-08T13:39:00.000-07:00

We've sort of strayed from our "interesting places" objective the last few gatherings so we're getting back on track this week as we trek out of Weho to nearby Beverly Hills (don't be scared!). Luau is a contemporary take on tiki culture inspired by a place of the same name that existed from the 50s to the 70s. This place has received mixed reviews so let's go check it out for ourselves and we can judge (you know you love to). Join us this Friday, Mar 13 from 630-8pm and please bring a friend. Let's grow our group!

369 North Bedford Drive, Beverly Hills 90210

310.274.0090

List of Places

2009-03-04T16:47:00.000-08:00

Our running list of places to check out:

Beverly Hills:

Luau

Century City:

Craftbar

Culver City:

The Mandrake Bar

Downtown:

The Association

The Crocker Club

The Edison

The Varnish

Hollywood:

Beso

West Hollywood:

Bar Centro @ The Bazaar

STK

Know of a cool place? Send us a suggestion or post a comment.

Postponed!

2009-02-06T18:39:00.000-08:00

Greetings. Our monthly 2nd Friday gathering will be moved to the 3rd Friday (3.20) just this month (February) due to scheduling conflicts. Maybe we're just superstitious and scared of Friday the 13th! But we'll make it easy and meet at everyone's* favorite The Abbey. See you on the 20th!

*by everyone, I mean straight women

Happy 2009!

2009-01-07T15:34:00.000-08:00

This month's gathering comes to us though a suggestion from Eric (so you can blame him if you don't like it). Chaya Brasserie recently underwent a renovation and we're eager to check it out. Join us this Friday, Jan 9 from 630-8pm.

8741 Alden Drive, Los Angeles 90048

310.859.8833

Holiday Party!

2008-12-09T11:30:00.001-08:00

Well its time for our next gathering and since it is the holiday season, its our FIRST holiday party! If missed our first gathering, you can still be a "first." We are going to the lounge at Palihouse in Weho, Friday, 12.12 from 630-8pm.

8465 Holloway Drive, West Hollywood 90069

323.656.4020

Where should we meet next?

2008-11-16T18:57:00.000-08:00

Our monthly gatherings are also a chance to check out cool new places. Do you have one to suggest? Let us know by subscribing to our Google Groups mailing list or post a comment here.

Our Inaugural Gathering

2008-11-13T11:19:00.000-08:00

We will be at O-Bar in West Hollywood on Fri, 11.14 from 630-8pm. Join us and be able to say "I was there first!"

7289 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood 90046

323.822.3300