Los Angeles Archives - AJ Feuerman

Friday Favorites: Puppy Love

May 11, 2018 By AJ Leave a Comment

Puppy love INDEED. Really huge news, everybody. I AM GETTING A PUPPY. I have held out for a really long time, waiting to ensure that I’d be able to properly care for one and it’s finally that time. He’s a sweet little guy – but still very much a puppy. I know I’ll have a lot to learn but I am ready for it. And I am SUPER excited. My experience with Dog Cafe LA has been really lovely and I encourage everyone to check them out. Not only for rescues, but you can pay $15 just to sit in their “cafe” and play with puppies for an hour — it’s amazing therapy. And lord knows, cheaper than my actual therapist.

But now, onward with the Friday Favorites as I sit here glowing with excitement.

WHAT I READ

I just finished the most unique, marvelous book of poetry called “Stuff I’ve Been Feeling Lately” but Alicia Cook. I don’t how to explain the structure — it’s inspired by those old school mixtapes we all used to make. Remember those?
I’m also reading a fantastic book of essays by Rebecca Solnit so I was excited to submle upon this essay by her, “How to be a Writer.”
Not to totally nerd out, but I thought this study about HULU viewing habits was really interesting.
You remember Meredith Viera of “The View” and TODAY? Love that she is launching a program to finance female documentarians.
And just to bring it home, how about a list of amazing breakfast spots from ZAGAT? I am here to try them all. Let’s go!

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

Alyssa tried a new Asian fusion restaurant that looks DELICIOUS!
Aimee’s concert photos from P!nk’s Beautiful Trauma tour are, well, beautiful.
Jessica and I went to Masters of Taste and it was THE BEST — as it always is. I’m posting my favorite dishes at @HollywoodBrunch all week!

EARLIER THIS WEEK

Last time, I posted about my excitement for Chef Ludo’s new digs and I got to try it! It was so good, I’m going back today.
Facebook lets you tie a charitable fundraiser to your birthday now, and I am incredibly proud to share that I raised over $1000 for EVERYTOWN FOR GUN SAFETY, a supremely important cause that I am super passionate about.
My parents took me up to Santa Ynez for some wine tasting on my birthday and it was a perfect (drunken) day. If anyone in LA has never been, I highly recommend the day trip.

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

There was an incredible amount of outrage over Michelle Wolf’s White House Correspondents Dinner speech. Here’s the thing, I’m actually not a big fan of hers. It has NOTHING to do with her humor, though — she’s very funny. For me, I just find her delivery style kind of grating. To each their own. THAT SAID, I find the WHCA’s behavior insulting. Do your research, folks. Whats she delivered at the dinner was pretty much in line with her typical shtick. So suck it up. And I think her behavior following the “uprising” has been excellent.

And a little levity — please enjoy this stupendous performance from Panic! At the Disco on an episode of “Ellen” this past week:

Uncle Paulie’s Brings the Authentic Italian Subs

February 11, 2018 By AJ Leave a Comment

We all enjoy the occasional visit to Subway or Jersey Mike’s but where do you stop in for your real Italian sub? The one with warmth and charm; with the amazing bread and bold flavors? I’ve come across joints like this from time to time but they really are few and far between in Los Angeles. They’re either fast food or divey but then I got to know Uncle Paulie’s.

I won’t try to convince you it feels like you’re sitting in a cafe in Italy – I’ve lived there, I know – but Paulie’s doing a lot to bring authenticity to his menu. With his red and white checkered tablecloths and robust, colorful deli counter, you feel transported off of Beverly Blvd. And with added, custom touches like an incredible black truffle hot sauce (I’m a pansy but I had to try it!) and yummy, fresh, baked goods, they’re distinguishing themselves from anyone else in the game.

But hey, let’s even put all that aside, because as the sandwich board on the sidewalk out front says, “let’s talk turkey.”

They blew my mind with TWO subs and some homemade potato salad. The first sub was their “Italian Combo” with mixed italian cold cuts, aged provolone, roasted red peppers and italian dressing. I personally requested the second one because I have a love affair with prosciutto and it did not disappoint — the “Prosciutto di Parma” with their very own house made mozzarella cheese (I mean…. HOUSE MADE?), arugula, balsamic and a little EVOO.

I know it’s become virtually clichéd to say so in blogger food reviews but everything was just delicious. Later and into the next day, I was quite findable on my couch still eating the leftovers I took home, unable to resist knowing they were in my fridge. I wanted to determine what made it so delicious and I arrived at two enlightening details.

First, the bread. Not only was it fresh and riding right on that line between too soft and too hard (read: perfect) but I noticed that the two sandwiches I ordered did not have the same bread. That is key. That tells me they care about pairing the exact right type of bread with the sub they are serving. It also tells me they’re not cheaping out on ingredients — think about that. Think about how it would save them money to just order or make one type of bread and put it with every sandwich. RIGHT?

Second, the meat. Or, specifically, the slicing of the meat. I swear, I’ve never had deli meat on a sandwich sliced so thin. It was unreal precision. And it left the food very chewable — you know how sometimes you bite into prosciutto and the whole slice comes out of the sandwich in the bite? You know what I mean? Slicing the meat the way they do and preparing the cheese on site, means that truly, every bite of every sandwich is their “perfect bite.” For the win.

So please, go meet Uncle Paulie. He’s not what you expect. I mean, even their curb is charming.

Brunch at SPRING in Downtown LA

November 22, 2017 By AJ 1 Comment

A charming outdoor brunch setting actually inside

Having Brunch at Spring in Downtown LA is like removing yourself from actual LA. Stepping inside magically transports you to a simple, pretty Bistro in the South of France. And in that setting, it’s hard to believe you’re actually on the corner of 3rd and Spring, at the base of the Douglas Building in the Historic District, a short walk from the iconic Last Bookstore.

It helps that though it’s a clean and simple space, it is also clear that the owners paid attention to fine details like leather-bound menus, colorful florals, a trickling fountain (I found it so peaceful) and a sparkling atrium.

The Chef is respectful of his ingredients, using fresh, local products. This is most apparent in their absolutely perfect pastries – it’s a must-order plate that comes with croissant, pain au chocolat, baguette and delicious, seasonal house made preserves. (At the end of our meal, we happened by the prep area with plates and plates of these pastries. It took everything in me not to put some of them in my purse.)

The Lobster Benedict is also a fresh, savory meal — the lobster itself is just so yummy! They serve it up with Spinach, which is not my thing, so I’ll pass on that next time. All I need is that shellfish, that sauce and those English muffins. I would also advise to try the little side salad. It seems rather like a throw-away but in fact serves as a perfect counter-balance to the richness of the Benedict.

We couldn’t imagine ordering something else but it seemed a shame not to try some pancakes. They were simple, fluffy, buttermilk pancakes but we didn’t need more more than that after the heavy dishes. I don’t know that if I returned I could pass up all the other more unique options (for example, the Steak Benedict with Bearnaise sauce? YES.) on the menu to have pancakes, but if you’re the person who craves pancakes for breakfast, these will do, I promise.

The other thing high on my list to try next time I go? The smoked salmon tartine on country bread toast with horseradish spread, smoked salmon, capers, arugula, dill. And perhaps the croque madame, if only so I can compare it to the croque madame at The Church Key, which I am obsessed with, and see how it compares! And even though I am a brunch devotee, I am dying to go back to Spring for dinner because the menu looks absolutely incredible.

When we were there, my friend and I remarked that Spring is also a perfect “girls night out” restaurant. So if you’re a female friend and you’re reading this, you oughta drop me a hint, hint in the comments so I invite you when I plan this.

Before we part ways, one more tip. There are several public parking lots in the area and truthfully, it’s not a part of town I am comfortable walking around by myself in, so I snagged the first, closest lot I could. I would even challenge you to leave some extra time and find parking on Spring St. if you can. They did not have a valet when I was there but it may be something they’ve since added — and I would use it if you are able.

The 2016 BRUNCHIES

December 22, 2016 By AJ 1 Comment

The Best Brunch in Los Angeles in 2016

Happy holidays, fellow foodies and welcome to the 2016 Brunchies, recognizing the best brunch in Los Angeles in 2016.

In Los Angeles, Brunch is a part of our culture. It’s oversized sunglasses and purposefully tousled ponytails, three-day-old beards, and whatever wasn’t already in the laundry when you got dressed. It’s bottomless mimosas and craft Bloody Marys. Brunch is a celebration of all things — the end of a fabulous (or not fabulous) weekend! Our fabulous lives! Our abysmal lives! A day that ends in ‘y’! Whatever. It’s delicious. Who cares.

In 2014, when I was freelancing for The Bold Italic’s short-lived Los Angeles bureau, I was charged with giving out a series of Brunch awards, which I lovingly named “The Brunchies.” Alas, they are a defunct bureau yet my love of Brunch lives on in infinitum. So I decided to resurrect the honors and let you all in on the biggest hits of my 2016 brunch life.

Best View

The Penthouse (Santa Monica)

I’ve cited this one before but you just can’t beat their view. The food is good — you’ll find traditional items like Benedict and baked eggs but you’ll also find a killer rigatoni and pan seared Branzino. Make sure you save some room and your calories so you can start the meal with their cinnamon rolls or enjoy some dessert afterward. You get 360 degree views there but ladies, make a stop in the bathroom, too. The view from the last stall is something patrons wait in line for!

Honorable Mention: The Castaway (Burbank) — and complimentary champagne is included in their brunch buffet!

Best Avocado Toast

Flower Child (Santa Monica)

I don’t know what these magical wizards do over there but this simple combination of avocado, a soft egg, black sesame and a little white cheddar on their dense, whole grain toast is so good that you may actually order two pieces. And by the way, it’s only $6 and 360 calories so in addition to being utterly delicious, it’s guilt-free.

I’m pretty obsessed with this place, by the way. It’s worth mentioning that their whole menu is delicious and I’m gutted that it’s not closer to where I live.

Honorable Mention: BLD (Mid-city).

BLD’s Avocado Toast puts a unique spin on the trendy menu item. They bake poached eggs, chorizo, manchego cheese, smoked paprika right into the avocado and serve thick, lightly-toasted sourdough on the side. The chorizo really elevates the flavor.

Best Group Brunch

The Church Key (West Hollywood)

I love The Church Key’s sprawling space that can open up in the front to the street so that you can enjoy the indoor/outdoor dining West Hollywood Brunches are meant for. With all their space and vintage charm, a lot of their big tables are like their own tableaus and what’s more, they have many tables set up with large groups in mind. The first time I enjoyed brunch there with a large group, we sat around a big, round table, which is always ideal to me so that no one feels cast away to the end of a row and is unable to chat with the folks at the other end. Also clutch for any group brunch? They take reservations.

Best Mexi-Brunch

Mercado (locations in Santa Monica, Mid-City and on the Cahuenga Pass)

Everything at Mercado arrives on your table looking and tasting fresh. As a second honor, I might also reward them with “Best Breakfast Burrito” — the massive wrap is stuffed with scrambled eggs, nueske bacon, mexican rice, frijoles negros, roasted potatoes, pico de gallo and oaxaca cheese. Their “Chilaquiles Rojos con Huevos” is a true winner as well but you must add the carnitas to it because the way they prepare their carnitas alone is unbelievably delicious.

Got room for an appetizer? Their chips are just as fresh as anything else on the menu, made in house. The queso will leave you wishing the portion was bigger but only after you’ve also polished off their guacamole, topped with spicy pepitas.

Best Bloody Mary

Hyperion Public (Locations in Studio City and Silver Lake)

Even though they may be best known best for their “f yeah” fries and their “omg dip,” their simple, classic Bloody Mary leaves a mark. The mix is made on site and though you won’t find it bacon infused or loaded with a slider-on-a-stick, there is nothing flawed about it. Now that they’ve opened their second location in Studio City, there are two locations to enjoy it at. (P.S. They also started offering bottomless mimosas this year and lord-have-mercy do they make a great stack of pancakes!)

Best Brunch That’s Not For Me

Au Fudge (West Hollywood)

Founded by Jessica Biel, the cleverly named Au Fudge is a restaurant that caters to children first. You enter through a rustic, country gift shop that sells baked goods along with tchotchkes and toys. Beyond, a bubbly cafe setting adorned with marble, pastels and plenty of kitschy kid-friendly space. (Even the bathrooms have kid-friendly sinks and toilets!) The hub of the restaurant is a large creative space that runs the whole length of the restaurant. It is enclosed, filled with craft tables, toys, and staffed. It is available for parents to drop their kids into at a rate of $15 for two hours so they can dine “in peace” though plenty of patrons bring their kids to the table where a rather indulgent kids menu and crayons await. It is a super-energetic space where you seldom hear the word “no” among the noise and clutter of it all. My meal was delicious, my company was lovely, but it’s never going to be my first choice because I’m quite the snobby bruncher.

Best Patio

Eveleigh (West Hollywood)

Eveleigh may be located in the heart of WeHo but once you walk through the restaurant and out to their rear patio, it’s like being transported to an chic, rustic tree-house escape. The one thing I’ll caution is that the breathtaking setting might leave you with rose-colored glasses. The food is good, but not great. The service is adequate though the servers are all modelesque and not particularly warm. And the prices are a bit high. So it’s up to you how badly you want to dine in this setting!

Honorable Mention: Terrine (Mid-City)

Best Brunch Nachos

Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern (West Hills)

Jimmy’s “Totchos” are tater tots, cheese sauce, sour cream, bacon and salsa and they. are. everything. It’s not a fancy spot, set in the new outdoor half of Westfield Topanga, but it’s comfortable and the staff is exceptionally friendly and accommodating. Jimmy’s puts their own spin on American classics with everything prepared by hand in small batches with high-quality, fresh ingredients. The result is super flavorful, elevated pub food that will have you passing your fork around the table for a bite of everything. And the Totchos. Definitely have the Totchos. (Pictured below with the sour cream on the side because someone at our table doesn’t like the stuff. Insanity.)

Best Non-Traditional Brunch

Barrel and Ashes (Studio City)

The South comes to the San Fernando Valley with a Brunch that includes BBQ, small plates, craft cocktails and a boatload of charm. They’s also doing a good service by opening for brunch at 10:30 in a town where most places open their doors at 11. I’ve narrowed my favorite menu items to two: The Frito Pie and the Hoe Cake. The first is essentially white trash nachos — a Fritos bag popped open on it’s side and loaded up with goodies like chili, cheddar cheese, sour cream, peppers and onions. The latter is a cornmeal flatbread loaded with maple butter and green onion, served on a sizzling skillet. They have some hoe cakes with toppings on the menu but all I’ve ever needed is the “regular.”

Best Sleeper Brunch

Cannibal (Culver City)

Why wasn’t this place more crowded when I went? Was it an off day? Are people intimidated by menu items like the “Double Down” – a sandwich with bacon, ham, sausage, cheese, two eggs and avocado pesto served on bread that is actually hash brown patties? Cannibal, which doubles as a hip butcher shop, is an indulgent experience but if you can shove your guilt way down deep, it’s so freakin’ delicious. Surely it must be on it’s way to being one of the most popular brunch spots in Los Angeles.

Honorable Mention: Ledlow (Downtown)

* * *

So what is, OVERALL, the best brunch in Los Angeles in 2016? It’s just too hard to say and there are still so many I need to try! So I just refuse to answer that question. When someone asks me for a recommendation, I always respond by asking what area they want to be in, what kind of setting they’r seeking, what they want to spend… It’s impossible to name the best brunch in Los Angeles, but I think that’s a GREAT idea of how much the city has to offer! Thank you, 2016, for some amazing Sunday meals with friends! And now…

Brunches I Need to Try in 2017

Post & Beam (Baldwin Hills)
Spear Steak & Seafood (Downtown LA)
Odys + Penelope (Mid-City)
Magnolia House (Pasadena)
Sonoma Wine Garden (Santa Monica)
Sunny Spot (Venice)
Wolf (Mid-City)

Don’t forget! If you love brunch as much as I do — or hell, even half as much as I do, you’ll want to put your email address into the newsletter subscription box in the top right corner to receive reviews and exclusive content. 2017 will be a whole new year of brunch adventures!

Take Me To Church – A Holy Brunch Experience

April 29, 2016 By AJ 2 Comments

And so it was written (like, actually written on their website): “Every moment at The Church Key is an interactive experience. From our inventive menu with dim-sum style service, to canned and frozen cocktails, flaming desserts and even the server attire, we strive to constantly push the restaurant envelope. Chic enough for a celebratory evening yet approachable enough to be your neighborhood go-to, overall, we just want you to have fun and eat well.”

There you have it. A perfect summation. I absolutely love The Church Key. I’ve enjoyed a couple of fancy Hollywood events there and recently had the pleasure of trying their brunch. It was actually the first time I’d seen the place in daylight and it’s just so damned fabulous, I was glad to get in before it got crowded for quality Instagram opportunities. Because priorities.

As if it didn’t look so chic in wide view, there are also lots of unique, vintage touches that I absolutely love, too, when you start to really look. Be sure to walk around!

How badly do you want one of those airline drink carts for your home right now?

Probably almost as badly as you want something off this menu….

Their brunch menu offers more than just breakfast-like fare. You could have a burger or salad as easily as an egg dish, which is great. I know not everyone likes breakfast food. (But for reals, who are you and what’s your deal?) They also have bottomless mimosas — practically a brunch menu requirement here in Los Angeles, even though I don’t personally need it; I prefer a good Bloody Mary or even just tea. But if you want it, it’s there to give you life at $15. They also have a St. Germaine and champagne carafe for four for $25 that is probably pretty damned tasty.

We were a group of eight so we were able to try a lot of menu! Nothing really disappointed but I would say the “Gratin” fries were a little misleading. We ordered them to share and instead of “fries” we got this VERY fried few chunks of potato. It was a good bite but so buttery, I couldn’t imagine eating much more of it.

Can you see how it’s like thin, thin layers of potato refried together? Very unique but I’m pretty easy to please when it comes to potatoes. I also thought “gratin” meant creamy or cheesy.

But the main courses were all decadent, delicious works of art. In particular, to my left, some French Toast that was very nearly stolen. By me.

Those are dollops of sweetened whipped cream. In the cup? Strawberry syrup. DIVINE. It was DENSE toast and impossible to finish.

I ordered “Toad in the Hole” and basically had no idea what to expect. And then this:

I mean, COME ON. That’s just a big chunk of bread hollowed out and filled with gruyere, eggs and smoked bacon.

I regret nothing.

To conclude I would offer these tips:

Take an Uber. Not just so you can drink but because their valet seemed rather untrustworthy to me. What can I say? I function strongly off “vibes.” Also, valet parking in WeHo is never cheap.
It’s great for big groups. They have a lot of space. On a beautiful day, they open up the front and it’s l ike eating on a lovely patio.
Go for dinner, too. It’s equally as decadent and delicious. Also, the popcorn, believe it or not, is to die for. You’re just going to have to trust me on this and know I don’t even like popcorn that much.
Also, Monday nights they offer a fried chicken special.
Oh! And —- well, just go there. Okay? Just go.

For all the details, here’s their website.

Don’t forget! If you love brunch as much as I do — or hell, even half as much as I do, you’ll want to put your email address into the newsletter subscription box in the top right corner!

Hollywood Burger Solves Your Pantages Problem

April 7, 2016 By AJ 1 Comment

If you live here in Los Angeles and have ever been to the Pantages Theater in Hollywood, you’ll likely agree with me about one persistent, frustrating issue.

There is nothing to eat over there.

It’s improved, mind you. There used to be absolutely nothing. An over-the-counter sandwich shop maybe. Now there’s a Dunkin’ Donuts and there’s that bar a block down that serves good bar food and has only-okay service. But every time you go to The Pantages and want to grab a quick bite before the show, where do you end up? (And don’t say Katsu-ya. No one gets out of that place quickly and not for less than $100.)

But the problem has been solved. Hollywood Burger has moved in across the street! (And even if The Pantages isn’t on your calendar, make a trip out. It’s delicious.)

In addition to gourmet burgers, other menu favorites include all-natural/hormone free chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, veggie burgers, classic and sweet potato fries, tater tots, salads, milkshakes, secret sauces made with perfectly blended herbs and spices and more. For me it was the VIP Burger all the way with Applewood smoked bacon, American cheese, red onion, tomato, lettuce and Hollywood Secret Sauce. And YUM. Their burger is kind of down-and-dirty. It’s not a fat patty or perfectly round. It is hand crafted, made fresh, and 100% delicious.

We also wanted to sample a non-burger so we got a bite of The BLVD sandwich: crispy fried chicken, spicy slaw, dill pickles & Chipotle-Honey Sauce. I must confess I loved this as much as, if not more than, the burger.

Of course, we weren’t getting out of there without some fries and chili cheese tots. BECAUSE REASONS.

And we could have stopped there, mind you. They had totally earned me as a repeat customer like three bites in. But the Manager hinted he makes a mean milkshake. He wasn’t lying.

And before you point a finger and argue with me “But AJ, I want to have a cocktail or five before I see a show!” Well then to you I say, “Shut it. Hollywood Burger serves beer and wine. All problems solved.” It elevates the place to more than just fast food. TVs on the premises allow you catch the game, and everyone who works there is delightful.

See? No excuses. Problems solved. You’re welcome, everybody. Enjoy!

And one final note on parking — it’s available via several public cash lots in the area or the garage in their building which you can enter from around the corner. They are also very convenient to the Los Angeles Metro. Visit their website here.

Very Exciting (BRUNCH) News!

March 3, 2016 By AJ 1 Comment

AJ’s Hollywood Brunch Comes to Town

As many of you know (and if not, it’s in the website’s tagline up yonder), I am a fanatical lover of the brunch. My reputation for this has grown and now, truly, not a week goes by that someone doesn’t ask me for a brunch recommendation.

So while I don’t have time (yet!) to dedicate an entire website to the brunch life, I decided a monthly newsletter with an occasional ad-hoc edition would suffice for now. And thus, “AJ’s Hollywood Brunch,” my new e-newsletter is born.

Once a month, expect me to update you on my new brunch-related adventures, new openings, events, places I’ve loved in the past and would recommend, as well as links to other foodies on the web! I will be sure to include content exclusive to the newsletter every now and then so that you’ll find a benefit to your subscription; I promise, and it will be a living, breathing project, ever evolving – I am so excited!

It will definitely be Los Angeles-centric but I’ve certainly had brunch in other towns and hope to add some of those experiences in as well.

Help me spread the word! Please tell a friend. You will always be able to subscribe on this site in my sidebar, or if you’d like to subscribe right away, you can do so here:

What’s in my Pocket Friday

June 12, 2015 By AJ Leave a Comment

The Best of the web this week!

I save things in my pocket all week long and look forward to sharing the highlights with you every Friday!

Pocket enables users to save something they find online for later. I find it especially handy as a Google Chrome extension — I only have to click a button to immediately save something to my pocket. Once something is saved, the content is visible on any device — phone, tablet, computer, and even offline.

Enjoyable: 13 Fun Things You Didn’t Know Siri Could Do!
Apparently there is a restaurant in Los Angeles that serve Churro ice cream sandwiches. I must go there.
Some delicious, new brunches in LA – check ’em out! Adding them to my database…. (Yes, I have one just for brunch.)
I thought this was great — a YouTube series that breaks down Pinterest ideas. Pin-trusted or Pin-busted?

Betty White prank called James Corden!
I enjoy this time of year when all the networks roll out their new shows and schedules for Fall.
I got some fabulously comfy new flats that I may now buy in every color. I cannot recommend them enough. Check out Corso Como’s Ballasox! (Especially awesome for travel – they fold up into a little pouch.)

I’m not trying to be ass but guys, come on. Rue McClanahan died five years ago. Be smarter.
I’m seeing Sutton Foster in concert on Sunday! Do you watch her show, “Younger?” It’s pretty great but I’ve been a fan for years. If you watch one performance from her, watch “Anything Goes.”
Had a great time leading round table discussions at EAMC yesterday! Post on that subject (Managing Your Social Media Calendar) to come soon!

National Holistic Institute – A Great Massage No Longer a Secret

February 18, 2015 By AJ Leave a Comment

I’m spilling the beans on a secret kept far too long. Or perhaps I am just the last to know.

The National Holistic Institute (NHI) on Studio City is a massage therapy college. It is not Burke Williams or even a spa at all. But it is a pleasant, clean space where you can get a bangin’ massage for a bargain price. While a rather posh, “five star” spa might require more than $100 for a 50 minute session, you will find at NHI you can enjoy a 50 minute session for a mere $25 and a fabulous 100 minute session for $50.

They don’t even accept tips, relieving you of that additional pressure at the conclusion of your session.

Let me be clear so no one is surprised! The only way I can think to describe the setting is that it’s like a hospital corridor. But I don’t mean that negatively. It’s just that it’s similar as in there are several massage tables in a large room, separated by curtains. Mind you, the curtains close all the way and physically, you have a very private space. It’s just that you are not in a private room with a closing door. You won’t find a spa lobby or locker room or sauna. Instead you will drape your clothes over a chair. (Yes, it’s a co-ed space but I promise, curtains drawn, no one can see you.)

You will be able to hear the other customers around you. More so if you wind up next to a “talker” but once you’re blissed out by the treatment, you’ll pay no mind to it. There’s some gentle music playing and it’s pretty soothing but you won’t even hear that eventually.

The massage I received was AMAZING. The massage therapists are in training, of course, but that never showed. My experience was wonderful and at the end, I had to make sure I got her name so I could keep track of where she ended up at the conclusion of her training.

In any case, what it boils down to is, you’re still getting top notch, five-star quality of service for an unbeatable value. If you find yourself feeling tense and dreaming of a nice, long massage but are always feeling hindered by the potential expense, this is a clear solution for you. And even if you can afford a Beverly Hills five-star spa, why spend the money there when it equates to five visits to NHI?

They have seven locations. Please check their website for additional information and to book an appointment.