I am beyond tired of hearing that. L.A., nice weather, most of the time, sure. But I'd honestly prefer more rain (and not just because of the drought); and, my gosh, I dream of a legitimate wintery chill. Basically, I miss the rejuvenating nature of seasons. Pun intended. What's more, I balk at the implication that mere sunshine is Los Angeles' most redeeming quality. It's dreary today, for the record.
{The Last Bookstore, for instance}
Last summer I dated a guy from the Midwest who reveled in the misguided disdain that tends to defines the city we now call home. What he meant, I think, is that it's a pretty incredible privilege to have gotten to know a place otherwise so quickly misunderstood. Los Angeles is not easily defined, neither literally nor figuratively, and it's sure as hell challenging to get a ahold of. Lucky us.Before my time in New York, I saw City of Gold. It was fantastic for all the reasons above; and because, in telling Jonathan Gold's story, it celebrated the democratization of food criticism as well as the pure wealth of "culinary adventure that, he argues, are unique to the area in their proximity and commingled global influences." It reminded me to appreciate L.A., and my time here, even more. And with that, I give you my introductory guide to this kooky place; created for a colleague who relocated to establish our DTLA office...
Best group meal: Korean BBQ (Koreatown)
Eat more ramen: Mitsuwa Marketplace (Mar Vista) or Silverlake Ramen (Silver Lake)
Local date spots: Barbrix (Silver Lake), Cliff’s Edge (Silver Lake), Little Dom’s (Los Feliz)
My favorite “L.A. restaurant”: Eveleigh (West Hollywood)
Restaurants worth the hype: Birch Restaurant (Hollywood), Bestia (Arts District), Faith & Flower (DTLA), Pok Pok LA (Chinatown), République (Mid-City/La Brea), Sugarfish (multiple locations)
Tacos, part 1: Guisados (Echo Park); Tacos, part 2
The best in Mexican-American burritos: Al & Bea’s (Boyle Heights)
Try the original French-dip sandwich at: Cole’s (DTLA) or Phillipe’s (Chinatown) P.S.If you go to Cole’s, consider the speakeasy in the back with great cocktails and live jazz
For your bf: pancakes
DRINK
Best hipster cocktails: Bar Stella (Silver Lake)
Best beer & wine in the neighborhood: Bar Bandini (Echo Park)
Drink beer and play board games: Sunset Beer Company (Echo Park)
Drink beer and play arcade games: Eighty Two (Arts District)
Have a martini at an “Old Hollywood” bar: Bar Marmont,Formosa Cafe, Musso & Frank Grill
Priceless DTLA views (& pricey cocktails): the Ace Hotel and Perch
Stay caffeinated
Tequila & mezcal: El Carmen (Mid-City) or La Cuevita (Highland Park)
HIKE
Elysian Park: West Loop, Angels Point Griffith Park: Ferndell Trail, Mount Lee Trail, etc. Malibu: Tuna Canyon,Corral Canyon, etc.
DO
Best view of L.A. on the East Side: The Griffith Observatory
Best view of L.A. on the West Side: The Getty Center
Bike in Santa Monica; in Long Beach
Check out local live music: The Echo and Echoplex
Go to a cheap comedy show: Upright Citizens Brigade
Museums worth the drive: The Autry (Griffith Park), LACMA (Mid-City/Miracle Mile), Natural History Museum (South L.A.), Petersen Automotive Museum (Mid-City/Miracle Mile), The Getty Villa (Malibu)
Pick your beach. My favorites: Cabrillo Beach (San Pedro), El Matador (Malibu), Manhattan Beach
Read at the best bookshop in the neighborhood: Stories & Books Café—and don't forget Skylight
Rent a boat or go paddleboarding: Marina Del Rey
Reserve free tickets: The Broad (DTLA)
Shop at the best farmers markets: Monday-Thursday: The Original Farmers Market Friday: Echo Park Farmers Market Sunday: Atwater Village Farmers Market
Stroll the Venice Beach Boardwalk (because, weird) and dine at Gjusta ($$) and/or Gjelina ($$$)
Spend an afternoon in Pasadena: Huntington Library & Gardens, Norton Simon Museum, Magnolia House
Walk/shop on the East Side: Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Highland Park
