It’s safe to assume that Heather Taylor has her hands full at the moment. This month, the West Hollywood-based co-founder of Culver City’s Taylor De Cordoba gallery (with husband Alex De Cordoba) will close the taste-making space in order to reopen it as an art consultancy. For most, being an authority on emerging artists would be a full-time gig, but Taylor isn’t content to draw the line there: She’s also the author of lifestyle blog LA in Bloom, where she chronicles her domestic exploits, from baked pumpkin donuts to marigold garlands, and she designs an eponymous textile range that marries bright and modern embroidered motifs with rustic linens. Given her prowess in such wide-ranging creative endeavors, who better than Taylor to offer a shortlist of L.A.’s most charming local haunts?

By Melissa Goldstein

CREATURES OF COMFORT It’s a three-minute drive from my house, which is equally convenient and dangerous. I know I can always find chic staples here, including the best selection of Isabel Marant, and pieces from some of my favorite local designers including Clare Vivier handbags, Black Crane separates, Hansel from Basel socks, and Beatrice Valenzuela shoes.

NICKEY KEHOE I head here when I’m looking for something to give my interior spaces a breath of fresh air. They have a fantastic selection of accessories such as indigo-dyed pillows, hand-carved wooden spoons, Astier de Villatte incense and vintage baskets.

CHERRY AND MARTIN This Culver City gallery has one of the best programs in the city.

CLAUDE MORADY This is where my husband and I found my emerald engagement ring, among other treasures. Claude and his wife Jennifer are completely delightful to work with and they have impeccable taste.

GRACE LEE For delicate yet contemporary pieces, I love this LA-based jeweler. My favorites include a black diamond bracelet, a rose gold signet ring, and simple emerald studs, but everything Grace makes is wearable, special and beautiful.

DOLCE ISOLA This is the bakery for the Ivy restaurants and has all the Ivy classics (hello, crab cakes) at a fraction of the price and aggravation. It’s located in Culver City, feels like an undiscovered treasure, and everything from the huevos rancheros to the water, which is served with thick slices of lemons and limes, is perfection.

SQIRL For both breakfast and lunch I’m addicted to this hole-in-the-wall on the east side that specializes in toast, rice bowls, and porridge. I get the Kokuho Rose Brown Rice Bowl (rice with sorrel pesto, Meyer lemon, hot sauce, feta, and a poached egg) and an almond milk cappuccino.

SON OF A GUN My favorite dinner is the smoked Mahi dip, linguine with clams, and whatever raw fish is recommended that evening. To drink, I order The Crafty and Elusive Elk, a mezcal-based cocktail that isn’t always on the menu.

PIZZERIA MOZZA The bar around 5:00 pm on a Friday is one of my favorite spots to meet friends. You have about an hour until the crowds start flooding in, so it’s easy to get seats. A chilled glass of prosecco with a girlfriend is a lovely way to wind down from the work week.

NATURA SPA On Sundays, I love meeting friends at this day spa in Koreatown for body scrubs and quality time spent soaking in the tubs. Natura also has a great restaurant, so it’s nice to make a long afternoon out of it, complete with hot Korean noodle soup and barley tea.

THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL Going to see live music here in the summer is such a classic L.A. experience. You bring a picnic, meet friends, and it barely even matters what you’re seeing. It never gets old!

HOLLYWOOD FARMERS MARKET I’m here on most Sunday mornings. While loading up on flowers and produce for the week, I always run into at least a couple friends. It feels like the center of the city.

JOAN’S ON THIRD This cafe and shop is my go-to for a quick breakfast or coffee. I get a latte and the soft-boiled egg with toast. It’s simple and perfect.

ARCLIGHT HOLLYWOOD I love going to matinees and then heading over to The Hungry Cat for an early evening cocktail.

DIANE MAGNETTE She’s my favorite yoga teacher—she instructs at different studios around town and also offers private lessons. She is nurturing and also kicks my butt.

FLYWHEEL For a major calorie blast, I take a spin class with either Tevia or Emily Celli-Recht.

HUCKLEBERRY BAKERY & CAFE Zoe Nathan’s bakery in Santa Monica is a total dream zone. If I really want to indulge, I’ll go there for a pastry.

HOLLYFLORA Co-owners Holly Vesecky and Rebecca Uchtman are good friends who also happen to be my favorite florists. They infuse their craft with a sense of art that I find really inspiring. Getting a delivery from Hollyflora can change my entire mood.

Pictured: Heather Taylor
Photo by Jeana Sohn

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