Editor's Favorites: Mar Yvette

1025 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 (map)

I love tapas but parking on Abbot Kinney sucks. (No, that's not a non-sequitur.) Thankfully, my fiance and I have a scooter so we can easily find a spot even on a busy night at this place. (There's also valet for those of you who still drive on four wheels.) The seasonally driven tapas menu ranges from delish cold options like a farmers' market heirloom salad to hot dishes like the pistachio-crusted salmon served on potato puree. I also love the complimentary tapenade and warm bread--it's majorly addictive. The back patio area is romantic-ish and the wine list is supposed to be phenom, but I don't do wine, so you'll have to take everyone else's word for that.

5112 Hollywood Blvd, Hye Plaza Ste 107, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (map)

Okay, first things first: I'm totally not into dives, be it a bar, restaurant, hotel, whatever. If I feel like I have to disinfect everything around me and then immediately take a shower once I go home, I'm not the happiest. So when I say this place is among my absolute favorites, it's really saying something. Hidden inside a completely rundown strip mall called Hye Plaza in Little Armenia, it's the kind of place I never would have dared stop by, let alone eat in. But I was introduced to it from a friend whose eating habits are pretty particular (he's vegan ... and a big-time rock star, btw) and I have been coming here ever since. If you like Middle Eastern food, this place is all you need. I always order the Vegetarian Delight--the muhammara is to live for. I gladly drive 45 minutes to eat here. Totally authentic, 100% delicious, ridiculously affordable.

553 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036 (map)

I met Jose years ago when I was hosting a Spanish makeover show and he's been doing my hair ever since. Jose of Beverly Hills ... on Fairfax. Love that! (Actually, it's because he used to be a top hairdresser at a fancy BH salon.) Anyway, he makes everyone feel like family and his cuts are super affordable. Did I mention he's also an Elvis impersonator? (No, really. Like he does it professionally on the side.) Love him! Sure, I cheat on him all the time (blame my job), but he knows, so it's okay. No secrets.

201 Wilshire Blvd Ste 120, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (map)

So my introduction to Kyle happened as a sort of PR-y move, but he is so fantastic I just had to go back. He is a shear master. And just like my other guy Jose, he's got a cool laidback attitude that makes everyone feel right at home. He listens. And more importantly, he delivers. He also happens to be a musician, so the drumkit and guitars in the middle of the room make perfect sense. Even better, the salon is right across the street from Banana Republic at the Promenade, which is where I usually go to complete my look after an hour with Kyle.

10740 Wilshire Blvd, Westwood, CA 90024 (map)

They say that it's the people--not the food--that is the real reason a restaurant succeeds or fails. And if that's true, then this place is poised to rule. (Okay, I've never heard anyone say that, but it sounded like a good intro.) Hidden inside the new Palomar hotel in Westwood, this place is one of my more recent finds. The menu is seasonal with a little something for everyone (Chef Simon also has an organic herb garden on the premises), and the space is pretty, but never crowded. Tell Richard (he's the general manager) that Mar from Citysearch sent you--he's fab.

8221 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046 (map)

Want the quintessential Hollywood experience? Want to feel like you're one of the important people who wears shades in the shade and likes personal-size ketchup bottles for your perfectly crisped pommes frites? Then you'll love it here. The courtyard feels worlds away from the smoggy congestion of Sunset and the lobby is just so old-school musty boho glam. I always meet someone famous here (Michael Stipe, Christopher Walken, Giovanni Ribisi, that supposedly sexy guy from "Unfaithful" who looked sorta buff in the movie but is really quite scrawny and sweaty in person ...) and the food has never been bad. (Do weekend brunch or lunch anytime.) Truly one of my favorite places in all of La-La Land. No wonder everyone from Bette Davis to Keanu has lived here at one point or another.

1111 Second St, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

Whenever the 'rents, future mom-in-law or any other guest rolls into town, this place is without a doubt our first order of business. Located on the 18th floor of the Huntley Hotel, it offers not 180-, not 250-, but 360-degree views of the entire city, from the ocean to LAX, Downtown to Malibu. Sure, the white leather seats are in a little need of attention, but the scenery is unmatched and the service is consisently friendly. Brunch is the only time I come (it's not as busy or expensive as dinnertime) and the food is always fabulous. (Try the huevos rancheros, fresh juices and bananas foster French toast--it's so good and I don't even like bananas.)

6360 W Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028 (map)

This is my favorite place to see a movie. I was a regular even before they totally revamped it ("Evita" was the last movie shown before the renovation, fyi). We always pick our seats beforehand and print our tickets at home--so easy. (Bonus: The theater is just across the street from Hungry Cat, one of my favorite spots for awesome fresh seafood--just be sure to make a rez if you plan on showing up anytime after 6:30pm.) Anyway, I'm usually able to get a free concession since I'm always accruing points on my membership. Seats are pretty comfortable although they don't recline like the ones at Landmark. But I digress. I can hardly ever leave without purchasing a little something at the cool gift shop, and on weekend nights I love that they open up the coffee stand where I can grab a Revolution peppermint tea and Susina cookie before the show.