Miguel R.
Yelp
Is this place gatekept?
I found this spot by happy accident, by the grace of serendipity. I'd never heard of it before, which is surprising because I try to keep my fingers firmly pressed on LA's social pulse. Being an Elite Yelper kind of requires it.
It's inside the 1 Hotel in Weho, which is a treat for the senses--especially if you want a vacation fit for Dr. Pamela Isley (Poison Ivy).
We were guided to the 1 Hotel after I met a staff member at another hotel. I asked for a "swanky" place, and they led us here. After entering, we walked through the hotel's inner grounds until we were directed to Harriet's. We found a host stand with a woman and a man. It was my friend Lorraine's birthday, and appropriately, she had a huge balloon and a bouquet of desert flowers. However, the hosts didn't want us to take the balloon and bouquet to the rooftop spot; it was policy, a policy we couldn't break. They wanted us to go back to the lobby, check them in, and then return to take the elevator to Harriet's Rooftop. Ugh. I suggested we leave the balloon and flowers near the host stand, but they were concerned about theft. I thought, if someone wants to steal balloons and flowers, then fine; they probably need them more than we do. But still, we weren't allowed to.
A nearby guest agreed we should check them in, so I spotted another hotel staff member and asked if he could check in the items and bring us a ticket for claiming them later. He agreed, and I tipped him ten bucks. All was said and done. But honestly, this is a flaw in Harriet's service. For the price and setting of this joint, I don't want to be walking around, checking in balloons and flowers--I want service that prevents any interruption to my good time. I hope they address this by having someone assist with checking in items that aren't allowed at the top.
When we arrived, we were denied a spot in the main dining room and were directed to the bar. My friend L-- got a seat, and I took the space next to her. There wasn't a seat for me, though. There could have been, but fellow patrons didn't want to shift seats to make room for me. Tiresome, but I get it--no one is obligated to move.
I spoke with the host at the top, and they were able to get us a couch in the center of the space. The view, as many would say, was the stuff of dreams. I could see the LA skyline, the Hollywood Hills, and all of LA's lights. It was terrific. I wish I could remember the host's name--it was something like Kadravia. My bad. They were dressed in all black with a light blue cropped sweater that had a cape. Sorry, I can't be more specific.
I also want to praise Brooke, our server, who made the night grand! She recommended the umami tots and shumai, and everything was delicious. I felt the experience was worth every penny. We had lemon drop shots, some signature cocktails, and even a vodka shot on the house. Every element came together to make the night memorable, making me glad to be alive.
As a spoiled Angeleno, I can't deny the gratitude I feel for nights like this. The fare, lights, service, and sparkle all blended to infuse my life with joy.
At the end, we were given complimentary cookies with coconut milk. Thank you, Brooke! Thank you, Harriet's, for allowing me to breathe in luxury and delight and exhale an appreciation for the whimsy that can be found when I enter my night with an open heart and mind.
Still, you need to update your balloon and flower policy--that interrupted my flow!