the black book: chapter one.
March 8, 2013 § 11 Comments
I’ve been so lucky to have had six people visit me since moving here in August and I’m expecting three more this semester! Cue huge amounts of excitement! I’m falling more and more in love with this city, so every time I have someone come I make it a priority for them to have the best time.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise to my friends: those of them who know me well know that I love to play hostess, and for me, being a proper hostess means being very prepared.
I’ve been keeping a running list of all the restaurants I’ve dined at, the things I’ve done and the places I’ve been both for my own personal use and for prospective visitors. There’s too much to do + see in a city as big as LA so being stocked with plenty of great options is a must, and now I’ve decided to share it with all of you!
american
- Faux Pas Bistro (bottomless mimosas // tuna tartare // frisée salad)
- Stout Burgers & Beers (morning after burger)
- The Farm of Beverly Hills (pear and brie sandwich)
- The Misfit Restaurant + Bar (the misfit burger)
- The Restaurant at Chateau Marmont (banana bread, yoghurt & caramelized bananas)
asian
- Gyu-Kaku (spicy tuna volcano // pork gyoza dumplings)
- Katana (lobster tempura // chinese green beans // katana roll)
- Katsuya (rock shrimp tempura roll)
- The Izaka-Ya by Katsuya (yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño // garlic albacore sashimi with black truffle)
- Wokcano (peacock roll // late night party roll)
brazilian
- Bossa Nova (banana xango)
french
- Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro (cheese plate // frisée salad)
- Perch LA (truffle fries // blackened swordfish // white chocolate bread pudding)
italian
- Bottega Louie (moulin rouge cocktail // portobello fries)
- Culina (salmon il crudo // sweet corn ravioli)
- Jones Hollywood (burrata caprese // rigatoni carbonara // apple pie)
- Pizza Antica (bartlett pear pizza)
- Pizzeria Il Fico (margherita pizza)
- Soleto (pumpkin ravioli)
mexican
- Pink Taco (tostada salad)
middle eastern
- Cleo (lotus flower cocktail // clementina martini // brussel sprouts // tuna tartare // scallops)
- Café Roma (perfect for happy hour after a day shopping in Beverly Hills)
- Harvard and Stone (the live music sets are so good)
- Laurel Hardware (great place for a girls night out)
- Pagoda Bar (it’s an open-air lounge situated in a Japanese garden that offers stunning views of LA – go for happy hour, you won’t regret it)
- The Edison (you’ll take a step back into the early 1900s at this place – it’s underground, the décor is exquisite, the bartenders make some of the best drinks I’ve ever had, and it’s one of the best venues in downtown)
- The Rooftop at The Standard (stunning views of downtown, outdoor fireplaces, poolside waterbed cabanas and a biergarden – I don’t think it could get any better)
- Tropicana Bar at The Thompson (an outdoor poolside lounge in the middle of Hollywood, need I say more?)
- Beverly Center
- Melrose Ave
- Robertson Blvd
- Rodeo Drive
- The Grove
- Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica
- Buy macarons at The Grove Farmers Market
- See a concert at Hollywood Bowl
- Hike Runyon Canyon
- Stroll down the Santa Monica Pier
- Order an afternoon treat at Sprinkles Cupcakes - they even have a cupcake ATM!
- Sip on a tea latté and people watch at Urth Café
I’ve also made it a page so it’s more accessible. And, as always, I’m open to recommendations so send away!
Photo and graphic © Lauren Alboini
I’ve never really spent much time in LA (just a random day trip years and years ago). I really want to go back!
You should!
I’ve never been to LA- but I wish I was this passionate about where I live. Maybe I just need to explore a little bit more :)
Some Snapshots Blog
Jess
Exploring often contributes to the fun of finding new places :)
I have lived about an hour outside LA and I have only been to four of these places – I need to catch up! Thx for sharing :)
No problem dear :)
Those are all good places! Some of the best of LA. We moved here a couple of years ago and LOVE it :)
Amazing to hear! What else would you recommend?
You’ve just made me REALLY want to go to L.A.- which is impressive considering I’ve never wanted to before haha.
Haha that’s so nice to hear!
This is a stellar list, I’m going to come back to this list on my next trip to LA. thx for sharing!