hidden gems

there's something so satisfying about finding new under-the-radar spots ~ especially in my own neighborhood.

first, fette's gallery [above]. tucked into a sweet culver city neighborhood, this house-turned-gallery has been hosting exhibits for over a year. behind the white picket fence, they've transformed the living room & all into this great open art space (a few pics). i love this balance of art gallery & happy home.

AND even closer to home, the mandrake bar [below]. it defines "hole in the wall"-- with just a no-name neon sign marking it from the street. but inside, it's a hip dive. their specialty cocktails are a unusual mix of flavors, like darky & stormy (black rum and ginger beer) and rosemary's garden (greygoose, mulled cucumber, and mint). it's a great space with room to spread out, contemporary art, faux wood tables, and an open backyard patio. definitely worth many a happy return. (yelp!)

fette's gallery
4255 baldwin ave
culver city, ca

the mandrake bar
2692 s la cienega blvd
los angeles, ca

[top photo via fette's gallery. bottom photo via kampy]