A globe-trotting roundup of the season’s most enticing openings, exhibitions, hotels, and tastemakers across Industry’s favorite cities.
Los Angeles
BY AMBER GIBSON
Culinary Culture
A new exhibition at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles delves into Japan’s UNESCO-recognized intangible culinary heritage. WASHOKU | Nature and Culture in Japanese Cuisine explores how the Japanese archipelago’s distinctive environment, thousands of years of ingenuity, and the Japanese people’s deep reverence for nature shapes their approach to food. Built upon the foundational pillars of rice and fish, washoku represents not just sustenance, but a sophisticated cultural achievement that balances taste, technique, and a deep attunement to seasonality. The exhibition, developed in collaboration with the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo and The Asahi Shimbun, runs through October 18.
6801 Hollywood Boulevard, japanhousela.com/exhibitions
Gloss Boss
No salon does nail art quite like MiniLuxe. With locations in Beverly Hills and Brentwood, the swanky nail lounge is always at the forefront of nail trends, including BIAB builder gel with a mini Russian manicure technique for a precise cuticle finish and long-lasting results. Studio manager Juan-Daniel Vergara said clients are gravitating toward bright, mood-boosting shades for summer, including shimmery yellows, vibrant corals, and bold pinks. “For nail art, chrome finishes continue to be a standout trend, while cat-eye manicures are gaining popularity for their subtle dimension and light-reflective effect,” Vergara said.
228 N Canon Drive, Beverly Hills; 11961 San Vicente Boulevard, Brentwood, miniluxe.com
Suite Goals
The Anthem Hotel’s new Soccer Legends Suite celebrates some of the most memorable moments in U.S. soccer history. Among the design highlights are a tribute wall with Tony Sanneh’s U.S. National Team jersey, a game-worn jersey from DaMarcus Beasley, Hall of Fame scarves, signed memorabilia, and custom embroidered cleats worn by Landon Donovan. Throughout the suite, the spirit of one of the world’s oldest and most beloved sports comes to life through a striking soccer goal headboard, turf-inspired elements, and displays honoring generations of players who helped elevate the game. A portion of the proceeds from suite bookings benefit The Sanneh Foundation, with a mission to empower youth, improve lives, and unite communities through sports, education, and health.
3900 W Century Boulevard, Inglewood, anthemhotella.com
Purple Reign
Jacaranda is one of Los Angeles’ most talked-about culinary debuts this season. Located on Melrose Avenue, the intimate 30-seat restaurant is the latest project from acclaimed chef Daniel Patterson and his wife, Sarah Lewitinn. Named after Los Angeles’ iconic purple-flowering trees, the restaurant opened during peak jacaranda bloom season and centers on a highly seasonal tasting-menu experience. The menu is heavily vegetable-driven, reflecting Patterson’s longstanding philosophy of elevating produce to fine-dining status. Expect bright, colorful dishes, with past highlights including soft tofu dressed with caviar and seaweed and pepper-crusted duck paired with blueberries, green salad, and grilled bone broth. Dinner tastings ring in at $295 per person, with options for wine, sake, or n/a accompaniments.
6623 Melrose Avenue, jacaranda.la
Mexican Mariscos
Chef Enrique Olvera’s hospitality group, Casamata, expands its footprint in Los Angeles this summer with the opening of San Damián on Abbot Kinney, located in the former ATLA Venice space. Led by Damian DTLA’s chef Chuy Cervantes, the menu celebrates Mexican mariscos and the culinary bond between California and Mexico with dishes ideal for a beachside setting – local ceviches, aguachiles, tlayudas, and tacos, as well as select Damian favorites. Mexico City-based architecture studio Taller ADG refreshed the dining room and bar with airy light wood and lush greenery.
1025 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, damianrestaurants.com/san-damian
