Local Intelligence: Robertson Boulevard, Los Angeles

Jean Therapy: Paige Premium Denim is just
one of the celebrity haunts on Robertson
Boulevard in Los Angeles.

By Nandita Khanna

When I'm traveling it's not the guidebooks that I turn to, or even the area magazines (but I do buy them)-- it's the locals. Who knows where to eat, sleep, and hang out better than those who call the city home? Earlier this spring I headed to Los Angeles on assignment for the magazine's 20th anniversary issue. While I'd like to think I know the city well--I grew up there-- much like New York, things change in the blink of an eye. And while I insist that In and Out Burger is still the best place in town to grab a bite, I invited these three trend-setting women below--all of whom have taken up post on perpetually packed Robertson Boulevard--to share their favorite secrets and tips in the City of Angels.

Suzanne Zenker, boutique owner, Horn. Favorite Restaurant:"For an easy-going atmosphere and great people watching I head to Ago. The pasta alla contadina with panchetta and tomatoes is the best [8478 Melrose Ave.; 323-655-6333; entrees, $12-$39]. Favorite Hotel: The L'Ermitage is hip but not overcrowded and the rooms are sexy. It's such a cool hotel, no wonder Angelina's mother lived there [9291 Burton Way; 310-278-3344; doubles, $398-$598]." Favorite Haunts: "The best store for window-shopping is hands down Resurrection for its selection of vintage [8006 Melrose Ave.; 323-651-5516].  I love the European feel of Bristol Farms for all my groceries--it's expensive but worth it [9039 Beverly Blvd.; 310-248-2804]. Palmetto stocks specialty European creams and beauty products that you can't find anywhere else [8321 West Third St.; 323-653-2470]." Favorite Theater: "Spend a Sunday afternoon at the Grove, which is an outdoor mall where you can eat, shop, and watch a movie [189 The Grove Dr.; 888-315-8883]." Favorite Spot to Explore the Great Outdoors: "I start every morning with my dog at Runyon Canyon [2000 North Fuller]." Favorite Place to Take Visitors: "Malibu Seafood Market where you can pick out your own fish from the grill [25653 Pacific Coast Hwy]."

Paige Adams-Geller, designer and owner of Paige Premium Denim. Favorite Restaurant: "Il Grano's cudo appetizer is fantastic. The chef-owner, Salvatore Marino goes to the fish market every day and everything is so fresh! The seared tuna is served with tomatoes that Sal grows in his own garden [11359 Santa Monica Blvd.; 310-477-7886; entrees, $13-$30]. Favorite Hotel: Right on the ocean, the Viceroy in Santa Monica is hip but not stuffy. The poolside cabanas are a great place to lounge [1819 Ocean Ave.; 310-260-7500 doubles, $319-$557." Favorite Haunt: "The Paige store on Robertson, of course! I love spending time there and hanging out with my customers as they try things on [116 N. Robertson Suite #B; 310-360-9888]." Favorite Gallery: "I love the photography exhibitions at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica. There's so much inspiration in one place [2525 Michigan Ave]. Favorite Place to Take Visitors: "I take them for a drive down the Pacific Coast Highway to the Malibu Country Mart. The selection of food is so expansive and everything is delicious [3835 Cross Creek Rd.]."

Dominique Cohen, jewelry designer and owner of Dominique Cohen boutique. Her new, limited-edition jewelry collection for Target is in stores now through February 2008. Favorite Restaurant: Everything on the menu at Mr. Chow is so amazing--you can't go wrong [344 N. Camden Dr.; 310-278-9911; $60-$80, per person]. Favorite haunts: I love that the city has such a great range of items from high to low in both fashion and home decor. It's the true L.A. mindset to take something and make it your own. Some of my favorite places include, Fresh [860 S. Los Angeles St.], Liz's Antique Hardware [453 South La Brea], and the Rose Bowl Flea Market [1001 Rose Bowl Dr.]. Favorite Theater: The Cineramadome is iconic Los Angeles. I went there in my teens and Andy Warhol sat behind me! How cool is that? Now that it's been restore it's become hip again. I just went to a premiere there [6360 W. Sunset Blvd.; 323-464-1478]." Favorite Place to Take Visitors: "Hands down the Hollywood Bowl [2301 N. Highland Ave.; 323-850-2000]. It's one of my favorite spots in whole city. And no visit to L.A. is complete without going to the beach."