le Petit Cafe
Le Petit Cafe is my favorite French restaurant. I prefer it over the more well-known ones which are on Abbot Kinney nearby. This one has perfectly prepared French dishes, always in balance, and never too heavy on one element or another. It is run by a French expat and his wife, and this shows in the friendly atmosphere and the way that they let you sit at your table and talk as long as you like, even if your food was finished long ago.
PROS: Authentic French food, as can be found in France
CONS: Surrounding few blocks have no nightlife
Cleaner By Nature
Cleaner by Nature is a little expensive, but their non-toxic dry-cleaning process is water-based so your dry cleaning comes back with no chemical smell on it at all. Actually it'll smell very faintly fresh. It's pretty amazing. Other dry-cleaners offer non-toxic cleaning but they generally use a chemical solution which still leaves a smell and irritates your skin. Cleaner by Nature is the real deal.
Cleaner by Nature is also very careful with all their garments. My cleaning has always come back clean, well-pressed , and carefully packaged. Their employees are always knowledgeable and professional. This company will even recycle your old dry-cleaning hangers and plastic sleeves for you. I really like that.
PROS: Clothes come back with no smell!
CONS: Prices are higher than the budget dry-cleaners'
Fichman-Stibel Terri OD
The Stibels are a husband and wife team; both are optometrists, and you can make appointments with either of them. After I was referred to them by a glasses store in Santa Monica, I found that many of my co-workers were already long-time patients. The Stibels are precise and thorough, and have actual enthusiasm for optometry! Every time I've been, they've given me a new insight into my prescription. They're so kind that it's hardly a chore to get my checkups there.
International Auto Body
This body shop has my everlasting devotion: they do top-notch work, are friendly and professional, and will even tell you you're being too picky and don't actually need work on your car should it be true (true story :) ). I've been going to them for about eight years. Dan, the owner, loves cars and it shows. Check out his miniature car collection while you're there!
PROS: Flawless work
CONS:
