Artist Mark Whalen is busy putting the final touches on "Vessel", his fine art and ceramics installation for The Box and Lobby at The Standard, Hollywood which launches tonight. Originally from Australia, Mark now calls the uber cool Silverlake region of Los Angeles home. We asked him to give us an insider tour of some of his favorite neighborhood spots, because as he puts it, "I never leave the place".
Diablo taco - This place is around the corner from my house, they have awesome micheladas, fried chicken tacos, and an enormous screen that I post up at to watch ball games. If I'm not in the studio making work I'm in here watching basketball.
Stella Bar - The margaritas here are awesome.
The Staples Center - If you come to LA and have never watched a ball game live I suggest you do. Super fun.
Coffee - I always have to walk somewhere to get coffee everyday, there are two spots around here I go to, it just depends what you're looking for. Lamill Coffee makes a nice latte, but, if you're looking for something strong that will blow your head off then go to Cafe Tropical.
Black Hogg - This spot is also around the corner from my house, good menu and great sandwiches.
The Thirsty Crow - Whiskey , whiskey, whiskey - They kill it on the cocktails and, late night, there's a street vendor that slings bomb tacos right out in front of the bar.
Mark Whalen's installation entitled "Vessel" for The Box and Lobby of The Standard, Hollywood launches tonight. He also has a new show opening tonight through December 15 at Singapore's FuturePerfect Gallery presented by Black Art Projects.
