I was completely content to have kept a low profile my first night back in West Hollywood. I definitely wanted to save my “mojo” for the mandatory Abbey weekend marathon (drinks and eye candy Friday night, Saturday night, and Sunday afternoon) plus I had totally gorged on dinner and could barely move after a five-course extravaganza at The Belvedere at The Peninsula Beverly Hills (www.peninsula.com/belvedere, 310.788.2306).

 

The Belvedere (Right) has been a staple in the L.A. dining scene since the early nineties, serving eclectic, innovative, and flavorful cuisine and receiving a long list of awards for its culinary ingenuity.  The service here is impeccable. Career waiters and waitresses provide only the best service. Even the bus boys are refined and professional.  And the food? Nothing less than spectacular. Each quality ingredient stimulates the senses, almost mocking the U.S. foodie revolution in which grease and bastardizing sauces have restructured the American conception of “flavor.” So what did I eat? Well to start: the “Sautéed New Zealand Langoustines” with Chanterelle Mushrooms and Spinach, Russian Fingerling Potato Purée, Langoustine Reduction. Next,  “Dungeness Crab Chowder” with Carrots, Basil and Dungeness Crab Soufflé; followed by “Golden, Red, and Chioggia Beet Salad” with Tangerines, Honey, Crispy Goat Cheese Pockets, Roasted Almonds and Saba. And for the main course -  “Slow Roasted Scottish Loch Duart River Salmon” under Sun-dried Tomato-Yogurt Glaze with Chick Pea Fritter, Fiddlehead Ferns and Espelette Pepper Broth. So really, who could party after a meal like that?

 

Well it was now time to work off those zillions of calories, and start my day bright and early with a two-hour hard-core personal training session at The Bunker (www.beverlyhillsweightlosscenter.com, 310.860.0909), a private, innovative workout studio in Beverly Hills.  Trainer Adam Ernster (left) may be easy on the eyes but he’s relentless when it comes to his tailored workouts and helping his A to D list clients achieve their goals.  Adam’s “paparazzi-proof” clandestine studio makes him a favorite for celebs training for intense roles – like Ben Affleck in The Town, Bruce Willis for Die Hard 4 and Sylvester Stallone for Rambo 4. I admit that I was there for a private vanity party - to treat myself to the gospel of a true fitness guru and learn a fabulous workout routine to fit my crazy travel schedule.  Adam left me delightfully crippled from our in-house session and all the wiser for keeping the body beautiful with the most random of objects in hotel rooms around the world.

 

After my workout I ventured to the Spa Montage (www.spamontage.com, 310.860.7840) to relax the muscles I had so recently abused.  I was scheduled for the signature “Surrender Experience,” which basically means that a highly trained "Surrender Therapist" creates a bespoke treatment based on personal preferences. I arrived an hour early to have the full spa experience and to relax in the co-ed mineral pool and enjoy a bit of time in the steam room. I wanted to treat myself to a deep tissue; and no doubt, my therapist, Rachel, stimulated the deepest of deep tissue. Her hands were absolute magic. I’m talking possibly the best massage I’ve ever had in my travel-writing career. I was also so impressed with the greater hotel product of the Montage Beverly Hills that I decided to book myself a room there on Sunday night to end my weekend in 90210-style.

 

By early evening I made my way back to Rodeo Drive for my appointment at the House of Bijan (www.bijan.com, 310.273.644). On a street that defines exclusivity, Bijan stands out as ultra-exclusive. This internationally recognized, by-appointment-only store offers the latest menswear designs for the most discerning shoppers.  The color coordinated upstairs private collection is displayed like masterpiece of contemporary art – even the fresh flowers of these hyper-organized thematic closets match the intended color palate. Throughout his store and window displays, the dearly departed Mr. Bijan pays homage to the myriad countries and world leaders who have shopped at the House of Bijan.

 

I was so caught up in the haute couture and perfume-bottle bling that I lost complete track of time during my designated hour.   But alas the weekend had officially started. I was parched and needed a drink!  I had a big alcohol-infused night ahead.  First up “O” Lounge, followed by a stroll down Santa Monica and then drinks, boys, drinks, boys, boys, drinks and more drinks at the Abbey (www.abbeyfoodandbar.com, 310.289-8410). Stay tuned for more on the Abbey in Part III.