Rare Weekend 7.31.08

This weekend is rooting for National Watermelon Day (8/3). Go watermelons!



It’s been a long week. We know. Loosen up those tense shoulders at the new Exhale Spa at The Fairmont. Indulge yourself in a relaxing massage or one of the other luxe spa treatments. Hello, instant satisfaction!

Exhale Spa at The Fairmont Hotel, 101 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, (310) 319-3193, fairmont.com/santamonica

In L.A., brunch is a big deal. Maybe that’s why Whist is going all out with their new à la carte brunch menu. Try everything once but start with the Malted Waffle Sundae; an extra malty Belgian waffle, with a little fruit, a little frozen Greek yogurt and a lot of salted pecans. Then again, there’s the Sourdough Pancakes with organic plum butter and Tahitian vanilla whipped cream…

Whist, 1819 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, (310) 260-7500, viceroysantamonica.com

Head to Culver City for Gyenari Korean BBQ and Lounge, serving up refined Korean favorites in California style. Enjoy traditional favorites like “Japchae” (glass noodles, prime rib, vegetables in soy garlic sauce) or modern dishes, including “Jeon Jeon” (crispy pancakes prepared two ways: applewood bacon and white cheddar, or shrimp, calamari, and kimchee). There’s also a vegan menu, desserts, and an extensive cocktail list. All this in a beautiful, subtly minimalist lounge. What more could you ask for?

Gyenari, 9540 Culver Boulevard, Culver City, (310) 838-3131, gyenari.com

Celebrate Andy Warhol’s birthday (that’s August 6th) by getting to the Michael Kohn Gallery for a special black-and-white photograph exhibit. Over 200 of Andy’s pics will star in The Photography of Andy Warhol. Through August 22nd.

Michael Kohn Gallery, 8071 Beverly Boulevard, (323) 658-8088, kohngallery.com

Summer is for travel, and nobody knows this better than Flight 001, the international mod jetter boutique. Hit their online and boutique sale and save on luggage and leather goods, including the covetable Paul Smith Trompe l’Oeil Boom Box Briefcase, reduced to $250 from $425. Sale ends August 9.

Flight 001, 8235 West 3rd Street (at South Harper Avenue), (323) 966-0001, flight001.com