LEVEL UP

Nightlife impresarios Jonnie and Mark Houston (No Vacancy, Black Rabbit Rose) have partnered with Mitchell Hochberg of Lightstone to launch a multilayered dining, design, and performance-driven nightlife entertainment experience in downtown L.A., directly across the street from Crypto.com Arena and the Los Angeles Convention Center. Spanning 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, Level 8 includes eight unique restaurants, bars, and nightlife venues. There’s French-teppanyaki by chef Joshua Gil at Maison Kasai, South American live fi re grilling by chef Ray Garcia, an al fresco oyster and ceviche bar, and a nightclub inspired by a 19th-century cathedral. Everything begins at lively piano bar and jazz lounge Mr. Wanderlust, featuring a fictional adventurer’s eclectic tastes, where a trapeze artist descends from a chandelier. 1254 S Figueroa Street, level8dtla.com

NEW YEAR, MORE GLOW

Med-tech skincare brand Formula Fig just opened its second location in Los Angeles, and both Culver City and West Hollywood stores have five treatment rooms, identical menus, and universal pricing. Formula Fig’s facial treatments are technology driven and delivered in 45 minutes or less, combining tools like LED light therapy with lymphatic drainage or nano-needling with cryo-therapy and ultrasonic high frequency to stimulate collagen production. Neuromodulators and facial filler injections are available as well, alongside a carefully curated selection of skincare products. Both locations boast a striking color palette and sleek, geometric design for the Canadian brand’s first foray into the United States. 926 N Sycamore Avenue (West Hollywood) and 9300 Culver Boulevard (Culver City), formulafig.com

BEACHSIDE HIDEAWAY

Venice-based Gjelina Group is famed for its collective of trendy restaurants, and they recently broke into the hotel space with their inaugural concept, Vitorrja, set just one block from the Venice boardwalk. Drawing from the utility of traditional boarding houses, Vitorrja’s residence-like rooms and suites boast marble countertops, warm wood tones, and floral prints, creating the beachside bungalow vibes of your dreams. Apartments and suites come with full kitchens and Smeg refrigerators. Continental breakfast of freshly baked pastries and coffee is included with every stay too, courtesy of Gjusta Bakery a few blocks away. 15 Rose Avenue, stayannex.com/vitorrja

FEBRUARY FEASTS

Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia is pulling out all the stops this month with special menus for Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day. On February 10, a Lunar New Year dinner featuring Caymus Vineyards includes five spice duck, braised pork belly, and whole steamed fish along with red bean soup for dessert. A few days later for Valentine’s Day, an “Avec Amour” menu for lovers includes classic indulgences like tomahawk steak for two, lobster thermidor, and chocolate crème brûlée with tableside flourishes by chef Gabe Colunga and his team. Overnight guests can enjoy a flower bar at check-in and a special chocolate amenity, too. 130 W Huntington Drive, Arcadia, marriott.com/laxme

BOULEVARD OF DREAMS

Set to become the largest Black-led public art project in the country when it opens this February, Destination Crenshaw is a reparative development initiative set along Crenshaw Boulevard in central L.A. The project will feature more than 100 works from influential Black artists in a series of permanent and rotating outdoor installations for a vibrant, multi-sensorial celebration of the area’s strong arts culture. The gallery will be accompanied by several new pocket parks, providing inspiring spaces to gather, rest, and reflect. The project’s leaders are also investing in a reforestation program with plans to plant more than 800 trees along the boulevard. Crenshaw Boulevard, destinationcrenshaw.la