Alessandra Salituri from Citizen Atelier has quite the resume of accomplishments behind her and we are so honored that she chose us as the place to stay in Eastside LA.
As an art dealer, interior stylist and creative director, Alessandra’s primary philosophy has been to create inspiring and inviting spaces with soul. Her signature aesthetic, which she characterizes as romantic, bold and contemporary with a European touch, inspired the choice of art for her online art gallery, Citizen Atelier. Named one of the leading art galleries in the world by Elle Decor, The Zoe Report and MyDomaine, collectors have included Jessica Alba, Nina Dobrev, Neil Patrick Harris, Candice Swanepoel, designers, luxury hotels and Fortune 500 companies worldwide.
Below is her guide to Eastside LA and the nice things she had to say about Noon on Sunset Hill.
Where to Stay
In my years of traveling back and forth to LA, I have long been looking for a comfortable pied-à-terre. Anyone who knows me knows how passionate I am about hospitality and researching hotels. On past trips, I’ve either stayed with one of my friends in Silverlake, or at various boutique hotels in West Hollywood/Beverly Hills. A few months ago, I read about Noon On Sunset Hill on my friend Anne Sage’s blog.
Perched on a hill in the heart of Echo Park, it’s a beautifully curated inn-meets-AirBnb that recently opened. Sunset Hill is part of a hospitality project headed by Noon Collection; their vision was to create a series of rental properties across the US with a curated living environment for a “home away from home” feel. I was over the moon when I came across Noon On Sunset Hill and booked a 10-day stay.
The hotel looked every bit like the photos; the rooms were designed with curated modern pieces and luxury touches, as well as 3 balconies overlooking LA’s palm tree-dotted skyline. I spent many days on their terrace working on my laptop. The owner, Lex, was a pleasure to deal with and managed to create the perfect balance of beautiful design and affordability with all the amenities from home. Over the years, I’ve probably researched every hotel and AirBnb in the entire LA area to find a second home, and I can definitely say I finally did.
Where to Eat
Intelligentsia
This charming coffee shop at Sunset Junction in Silverlake is without a doubt my favourite hangout in LA. The design features a mix of white-and-turquoise tile and natural wood with a spacious terrace. I’ve spent many long days working there while sipping on lattes. One of the best parts of the cafe: it’s a hub for creatives. You never know who you’re going to meet.
Café Stella
Café Stella is a charming French bistro hidden right next to Intelligentsia. It took a few trips to LA (and many days passing right by it!) for me to finally stop by and see if it lived up to the hype. It surpassed my expectations; they serve up the most amazing brunches (oh, the ricotta pancakes!).
Botanica
Botanica is a new eatery in Silverlake that opened earlier this year. The restaurant serves California fare with a Mediterranean/Middle Eastern influence, focusing on market-fresh produce, organic wines and cocktails. The former liquor store has evolved into a space with beautiful energy and decor, including a statement wall with a blend of my favourite colours (rose, blues and grays) along with high ceilings, concrete and wood.
Ostrich Farm
I had driven by this quaint restaurant on Sunset Blvd in Echo Park several times and had seen countless shots on Instagram before venturing out for a solo brunch. Run by a husband and wife team, Ostrich Farm offers locally-sourced dishes cooked over a wood-fire grill. I was equally taken by the food, as I was by the decor, which includes brass lights, white brick, earthy elements and signature green bench. The perfect spot for a girls brunch or dinner.
Winsome
On a trip to LA last January, three people suggested I try this place for lunch. I immediately fell in love with the design. In fact, the name “Winsome” is an adjective that means “attractive” or “appealing” in appearance or character. I learned the design team, LA-based firm Wendy Haworth Design, is also behind the popular Gracias Madre and Cafe Gratitude restaurants. Simple and healthy dishes are Winsome’s signature style, and it has since become my go-to for meetings on the Eastside.
