A long time ago, ok, maybe not so long ago, during my days as the West Hollywood PR guy, I stumbled upon a charming, tucked away spa on Nemo Street. It was my job. That is, walking in, taking a tour, talking to the owners/managers and then trying to convince them to give my pool of media, freebies. And time and time again I would often get looks of confusion, concern or outright disdain from the variety of businesses, especially the notorious spas. This particular day was different. Not because I was treated like royalty or because my wine glass had no bottom here. But because from the first day I walked in, I felt special, loved, heck even wanted? This place had a story, a personality by the name of Topper Schroeder, a 70-something year old man who loved and lived more passionately than I ever knew at that point. He was a record exec back in the day who ventured down the fragrance path in hopes of creating something he could wear without risking an asthma attack. Several years later, The Gendarmerie was created to give life to all he embodied, a love for people, friends and the good life. Now, The Gendarmerie continues to hold a special place in my heart, my home away from home, if you will. Among other things, haircuts, manicures, facials, massages, conversations and friends will always find you here. People often say LA is so cold and lonely. They obviously haven't spent one single minute at The Gendarmerie.
http://www.thegendarmerie.com/
I may have unearthed one of the few reasons to pay a visit to the quasi-interesting, but definitely culinary-worthy town in the East Bay known as Oakland, CA. One Sunday I found myself roaming the Temescal Farmer's Market near Berkeley. Sure the enchanting sounds of drums at 8AM could have been sufficient a wake up call, but I was there for another reason. Blue Bottle Coffee Co., I am proud to say I stumbled upon it before they made GQ Magazine's January culinary issue.
A long time ago, ok, maybe not so long ago, during my days as the West Hollywood PR guy, I stumbled upon a charming, tucked away spa on Nemo Street. It was my job. That is, walking in, taking a tour, talking to the owners/managers and then trying to convince them to give my pool of media, freebies. And time and time again I would often get looks of confusion, concern or outright disdain from the variety of businesses, especially the notorious spas. This particular day was different. Not because I was treated like royalty or because my wine glass had no bottom here. But because from the first day I walked in, I felt special, loved, heck even wanted? This place had a story, a personality by the name of Topper Schroeder, a 70-something year old man who loved and lived more passionately than I ever knew at that point. He was a record exec back in the day who ventured down the fragrance path in hopes of creating something he could wear without risking an asthma attack. Several years later, The Gendarmerie was created to give life to all he embodied, a love for people, friends and the good life. Now, The Gendarmerie continues to hold a special place in my heart, my home away from home, if you will. Among other things, haircuts, manicures, facials, massages, conversations and friends will always find you here. People often say LA is so cold and lonely. They obviously haven't spent one single minute at The Gendarmerie. http://www.thegendarmerie.com/
I stumbled upon this unassuming new development after hanging out on the Cahuenga corridor, where a kind of "we're trying hard to make this look like this isn't master-planned" development is taking hold. Notwithstanding the obvious corporate influence, this place is an entirely new concept to LA, where fashion, art music melt. I plan to head back often for creative inspiration and some popcorn at the "Snackbar." 
"You smell so good" someone uttered. I said "thanks" - in a "that's enough from you" tone. You see I'm the kinda guy that likes to feel special and smell clean, and keep it all to myself in the process. But since I have commited to divulging my favorites in this dossier, well here you go. No, it's not from a fancy fragrance company, you won't see billboards hawking it alongside Puffy, and well, that's 80 percent of the allure.
