Los Angeles
Home sweet (sometimes savory) home. Born and raised between Malibu and Santa Monica, I managed to escape for college but LA lured me back. Perhaps it was familiarity or the sunshine, the optionality of mountains or beach, or likely the land or promise and smell of opportunity that drew me. I like to think of this place as a bunch of little cities all squished together, and if you’ve been to Venice and Frogtown in the same day, you’ll understand what I mean.
The west side is notoriously athleisure - think women in yoga clothes regardless of the activity they’re doing, vegan and gluten-free options galore, expensive real estate but always informal. East LA can go from homeless encampments to the most desirable star-studded neighborhoods within blocks. Los Feliz and Silverlake feel like you’re living in a trendy romcom, and York Avenue in Highland Park is constantly buzzing with life.
However much I try to resist it, I really do love it here, so I’ve compiled some of my favorite places to stay, eat, shop, and visit in the city of stars.
Where to Stay
Where to Eat
BREAKFAST & LUNCH
NOTES:
Destroyer - Beautifully plated, unique brunch unassumingly surrounded by commercial office spaces.
Clark Street Diner - Delicious diner food in a setting that can only be described as a 1970’s movie set.
Highly Likely - Get the fried chicken sandwich (I think it’s called the Lil Chicky)!
Layla Bagels - A classic California sourdough bagel - light, fluffy, and garnished with seasonal toppings. I always opt for 1/2 Scarlett and 1/2 Pre-Jam but you really can’t go wrong.
Suá Supertte - A Sichuan inspired grab-and-go market and cafe with local organic ingredients and no seed oils ever. Note the cute interiors ;)
République - This iconic bakery and cafe was once Charlie Chaplin’s office.
DINNER
NOTES:
Bavel - Israeli food like you’ve never had it before. The world’s best paté and I constantly crave the Malawach.
Saffy’s - The same owner as Bavel but known for their delectable skewers. Brunch here is also worth coming back for.
Felix Trattoria - Highly recommend watching the Chef’s Table episode about the owner, Evan Funke, prior to dining here, and ordering as much as you possibly can. Reservations required.
Anajak Thai - The hardest reservation to get yet somehow absolutely worth the 4pm time slots I’ve been able to cop. That way you can get enough leftovers to be hungry again by 9pm.
Horses - Perhaps the most beautiful restaurant in LA.
Majordomo - Great food and cocktails and the rice pudding is not to be skipped!
Where to Drink
NOTES:
Bar Stella - Once a beloved neighborhood café, and now a beloved (and extremely chic) neighborhood bar. It gets crowded but they make delicious drinks, it’s a lovely environment, and the people watching is stellar.
Jones - A classic Hollywood staple.
Tea at Shiloh - Reserve several hours of creative time here to either play, c0-work, network, or relax and sip on tea. Enjoy the serene setting and live music.
Sam’s Place - New bar and bites spot with no social media and no website. IYKYK..
Where to Go
NOTES:
Rose Bowl Flea - A huge flea market on the second Sunday of every month. Highly recommend getting there just as the sun is rising for optimal selection and weather.
Where to Shop
