Concierge-ing

I had to complete a bit of homework for the hotel this evening, and in the middle of it I realized I was totally geeking out and actually enjoying the assignment. This week, each of us had to visit a neighborhood restaurant and share what we learned with the rest of our team.

And I enjoyed writing it so much I thought, why not share it with y'all too? So here's a little taste of what I do on a weekly basis:

As a concierge, we (ideally) try all the notable spots in LA. This helps us guide our guests in the right direction when they're looking for dining options, nightlife, what have you. This week, I was thrilled to visit Crossroads, the new vegan restaurant in West Hollywood. Without further ado, please enjoy my book report/review:

I visited the delightful Crossroads twice this week, first with the LACA board and again on a veggie dinner date.  Apparently I’m a fan.

Crossroads is located on Melrose at Sweetzer, in the building which most recently housed the dearly departed Philippe Chow.  As a mainly pescetarian (but sometimes Pikey-burger fiend) I don’t have the discipline to go full veggie.  Crossroads just might be the push I need.

They bill it as “Mediterranean” cuisine, and it is the only vegan restaurant in the city boasting a full bar.  The space is lovely: décor in dove grey and white, with soft lighting courtesy of several handcrafted chandeliers.  The private dining room off of the front remains, as does the indoor/outdoor dining space that will soon offer a coffee bar and treats for takeaway (think vegan-ified Larder at Tavern). 

Celeb vegan chef Tal Ronnen was present both times I was dining, and gave us a little insight into the menu.  Some items were inspired by dishes he can no longer enjoy as a vegan (artichoke “oysters” were a favorite of mine) The menu is comprised of small plates, a nice little wine list (we enjoyed champagne from Oregon; quite lovely) and seasonal cocktails.

Crossroads would appeal to our guests hoping to enjoy a healthful, yet elegant, dinner.  I can imagine it would suit vegetarians and curious meat-eaters alike, as the cuisine is inventive enough you don’t feel like you’re missing out by foregoing your steak or poultry.

If y’all want to get your veggie on in an atmosphere a little more sparkly than RFD, Crossroads is a promising new destination.  Let me know if you stop by; I’ll meet you for a negroni.

So there you have it. A day in the life of a concierge.

Actually, here's a little sound clip from this evening, so you can really get a feel for what we do:

(Helpful background info: our lobby features a plastic Philippe Starck-designed pig and horse.)

• Drunk Guest 1: You talked about wanting to ride that bull! There ya are; go for it girl!
• Drunk Guest 2: This thing better have stirrups! *It does not* She mounts the pig, and begins wildly air-lassoing with her right arm.

And scene.

Flowers

The significance is not lost on her, as she arranges flowers in the kitchen.

It gives her great satisfaction, and (dare she admit?) joy, to do so.

Outside, her neighbor is gardening.

Tending to what he loves, constantly shifting things to make life beautiful. If it doesn't work, no matter, he uproots and replants and begins anew.

It is not lost on her that they are doing the same thing.

But.

He is caring for living, breathing things.

She is artfully arranging something that is already gone.

Little Talk

I blame it on the dancing.

What? 

The need to control, to constantly remain composed. To hide any hurt or pain and to be beautiful, always. 

You know what I've found to be a suitable, perhaps superior replacement?

What?

Yoga. 

I'm teacher's pet in class. Which is bad for those other issues. But I feel safe as our eyes lock in the mirror and I recognize approval. I can look as shitty as I feel. I can breathe and realize what those feelings truly are. And I can be ugly ugly ugly. Because it doesn't matter. The inside is becoming beautiful.