It isn't every day that LA city councilman Bill Rosendahl tweets a link from the lad mag GQ, but don't worry -- this wasn't another episode of elected officials behaving badly.
Instead, the West LA rep was crowing over Abbot Kinney's recent distinction as the "Coolest Block in America" -- so named by GQ in its April issue.
We have to admit it took us by surprise. The coolest block? In the entire country? What about U Street in Washington DC, home to an Ethiopian restaurant row and the heart of a historic black neighborhood, or Frenchmen Street in New Orleans -- an avenue lined with jazz clubs and dance bars?
This kind of reminds us of the time GQ named Los Angeles the smelliest city on the planet -- we're dubious, but we'll take it! Plus, we have to agree with GQ when they say "people who live in Venice are cooler than those of us who just visit."
And while money doesn't buy you style, almost everything from the magazine's "Style Bible" can be purchased at these Abbot Kinney stores (vintage Rolex watches and rare Japanese sneakers, anyone?).
Shopfronts given a shoutout include Bazar, A+R, Jack Spade, Aviator Nation, Waraku, Guild, Alternative Apparel, Surfing Cowboys, Steven Alan Annex and The Stronghold.
As for those who want to drop cash on some homemade and local goodies, LAist points out that Abbot Kinney will soon be hosting The Venice Meet on April 7, an open-air market featuring 30 LA-based vendors.