People Magazine Editor Dishes On Her Favorite Neighborhood Haunts

In anticipation of our all-night happy hour tonight at Oscar's Cerveteca in Venice, we asked People Magazine (obsessed!) editor and long-time westsider Aili Nahas to dish on some of her favorite spots in Venice and other local ‘hoods she frequents, from Playa del Rey to Culver City.  Trust us -- her insight on all things fun to do is just as amazing as her insight into celeb culture (she gives our odds of marrying Ryan Gosling a 1 in 10...million.  Hmm.).  Not only is she cool, but she's also smart, pretty, and well-traveled. We'd hate her if we didn't love her.

Enjoy, and see you tonight! 

BGG: What are your absolute favorite restaurants in the area? 
AN: As a self-proclaimed pizzaholic, I don’t believe there is anything better than Pitfire Pizza in Culver City.  It’s an ‘order at the counter’ joint that also serves organic veggies with burrata cheese, homemade ice creams like lavender and salted caramel, and, of course, delectable pies like my favorite -- the greens, egg, and ham (braised rapini, egg, and prosciutto). Plus, they have wines by the bottle or glass and a great beer selection.  For sushi I love Irori in Marina Del Rey and for moules frites and a glass of rosé in a gorgeous outdoor courtyard, nothing beats Lilly’s French Café in Venice.

BGG: Are there any hidden gems our readers might not know about?
AN: Locanda Positano is a teeny tiny Italian gem on Lincoln Blvd. in Marina Del Rey.  The waiters are Italian, the lighting is romantic, and the food -- like the housemade pappardelle or the seafood risotto -- is delish.

BGG: What about bars?
AN: For wine tasting without leaving the city, buy a 'credit' card at Pourtal wine bar in Santa Monica and redeem it for sips of varied reds and whites -- just insert your card, press the button that corresponds to the wine you’d like to try, and out comes a perfect 2 oz. pour.  

BGG: What are some outdoor activities you suggest we try out in your neighborhood? 
AN: A leisurely bike ride from Playa del Rey to Santa Monica takes about 30 minutes and provides for ample people watching from the skate parks in Venice to the bikinied beach goers near the Pier. End your ride at Blue Plate Oysterette for a plate of Fanny Bays and cold Sauvignon Blanc!