Locals here in West Hollywood just got another pick-me-up...WeHo as we locals like to call it is developing into one of L.A's most popular and vibrant districts. Every street you turn on these days seems to be under construction with another superb restaurant, coffee shops, and more fabulous boutiques VERVE is within walking distance of my home, and watching the building's progress along the way was quite promising. It's a lovely addition to our neighborhood, and It's always refreshing when a business opens up and brings our community together. VERVE - noun / vigor and spirit or enthusiasm...

VERVE is nestled in on the corner of Melrose Avenue and North Almont, right next door to another popular prime spot, Gracias Madre. VERVE is owned by college friends and coffee professionals Colby Barr and Ryan O'Donovan. They thought about San Francisco for their first location but they're big on mountain biking and surfing, so they choose Santa Cruz for obvious reasons. Being in a smaller area allowed them to grow their brand at a natural pace, along with living their passion for the mountains and the surf. Now with six stunning locations, You can soon enjoy VERVE on the other side of the map in Tokyo, opening Spring of 2016.

Gleaming copper counters... when the sun shines through the windows, the copper is like a sea of electrons.. You begin to see the copper change as the light begins to change. Cappuccino with almond milk / Tom Ford Reading Glasses

Outside living is why we love it here in California. At night you can enjoy the lights in the trees and a cool coziness of the West Hollywood community.

With The openess of the kitchen and the transparency throughout the shop, the light enhances all of the natural materials. Fresh Pastries and delicious coffee cakes.

The store design was originally influenced by Scandinavian designs, clean, simple with a feeling of nature.

Juice Flight - 10 fresh juice shots from juice bar mini-chain Juice Served Here. The Flight Menu consists of: Green Easy - Field of Greens - Green Milk - Block Rockin' Beets - Redhead - Pipe Cleaner - Hot Lei - Charcoal Lemonade - Cream Party - Pixie. I definitely needed help in finishing The Flight, maybe next time you'll join me! I am now ready for take off...

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WeHo-8925 Melrose / Santa-Cruz 104 Bronson St. / DTLA 833 S. Spring St./ Santa Curz 1540 Pacific Ave.

Rain or shine, there's always time for coffee. / J.Crew Rain Boots

Hats off to you VERVE, for creating a welcoming gathering space here in our neighborhood.

Grab a gift card for a friend. Let's have coffee! Their videos on their sights are so helpful, you can learn the perfect techniques used to design the foam on top of latte's and cappuccinos.

"As soon as coffee is in your stomach, there is a general commotion. Ideas begin to move... similes arise, the paper is covered. Coffee is your ally and writing ceases to be a struggle." - Honore de Balzac

Spending time in my kitchen represents creativity and joy. I work on my blog, arrange flowers, have my coffee in the wee hours, write down my visions and gratitude list, and most of all, our family enjoys yummy meals here, while Buster our dog chills on his cozy bed. On Sunday mornings, I look forward to checking out the food section and being inspired from beautiful photos and great chef recipes. Last weekend I read an article on Dakota Weiss, (Top Chef) from Estrella Restaurant, Located in West Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard, right here in our hood. I can't wait to experience Estrella! in the meantime... I decided to give it a go in my own kitchen.

Inspired Dish from Dakota Weiss - Baked Chicken / Red & Yellow Beets / Spicy Red Cabbage / Walnuts / Yogurt / Edible Flowers/ FRANK FAMILY VINEYARDS 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon / William Yeoward China / Take a look at Backyard Boss / Everything you need to know about edible flowers.

I am fortunate to have a Whole Foods five minutes from my home. The Prepared food section is the next best thing to home cooking, and soooo fresh. I really love the challenge of admiring photos of delicious foods, then attempting to recreate and make it my own. These beets are already prepared, I added red cabbage that I marinated in Rice Vinegar and a Habanero pepper to the red beets; it gives a real kick to the cabbage, and a vibrant color: Crushed walnuts... Did you know that there is one nut that has more brain-enhancing essential Omega 3's than other nuts? And it kinda looks like a brain...Yep it's the walnut. Adding edible flowers from Backyard Boss gives a delicate and elegant touch to your dish. ( Marigolds add a peppery punch flavor)

Fage Greek Strained Yogurt / takes the place of sour cream,

The Kitchn.com is my favorite chicken recipe, it's quick and flawless every time. I used a little Mache Lettuce (known as corn salad) to add a little green color. Why not find a photo of one of your favorite chefs, and add your own creative twist to their recipe. You can't make a mistake, only a mess and a tasty meal! Presentation is a big part of the meal, taking the time to make your plate beautiful feels creative and looks fab. Enjoy your process, remember...your energy goes right into your meal that makes it's way into your body, along with those gathered at your table. I look forward to dining at Estrella, here in West Hollywood. Our city is abundant with incredible restaurants and top chefs. At least I get to be a creative chef in my own kitchen...and in my own mind.

‎”This is my advice to people: Learn how to cook, try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all have fun”-Julia Child