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Los Angeles

Los Angeles, that shimmering mirage in the desert, is a city that defies easy description. It's a place where dreams are manufactured on studio lots and fortunes are spun from thin air, only to vanish just as quickly under the relentless California sun. One moment, you’re walking on clouds, and the next, you’re trudging through smog. But that’s the charm, isn’t it? LA is a city built on contradictions, a sprawling metropolis where the sacred and the profane coexist in a delicate, glittering balance.

Los Angeles

 

When comparing Los Angeles to other cities, people from New York, Chicago, and beyond have no shortage of cutting remarks, often reflecting the long-standing rivalries and cultural differences between these urban giants. New Yorkers love to deride LA as a city of shallow, self-obsessed dreamers with no real substance – a cultural wasteland aka “LaLa Land”. They mock LA’s obsession with appearances, saying it’s a place where everything is spread out and disconnected - physically, emotionally, and intellectually - unlike New York, where culture, grit, and authenticity are supposedly packed into every square inch. To Chicagoans, LA is a soft city, where the weather is too perfect, the people too laid-back, and the food - especially the pizza - just doesn’t measure up. The idea of a place that doesn’t know the bite of winter or the sweat of a hot summer day is baffling to them.

 

“Tip the world over on its side and everything loose will land in Los Angeles”. 

Frank Lloyd Wright

 

But don’t be fooled by the tinsel and the glitz. Beneath its sun-soaked surface, Los Angeles – the City of Angels - has a dark heart, beating with the pulse of a city that knows how to laugh at itself, even as it takes itself far too seriously. It’s a city that’s at once dazzlingly superficial and deeply complex, where the line between fantasy and reality is blurred, if not entirely nonexistent. And maybe that’s the point. Los Angeles doesn’t ask to be understood - it demands to be experienced, in all its glorious, maddening, and utterly intoxicating contradictions.

 

 

First Things First – Tourist Traps to Sidestep:

Like any world-class city, LA is not without its tourist traps. The places listed are ones where, more often than not, the hype doesn’t live up to the reality.

 

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Established in 1958 to recognize achievements in various entertainment categories, including motion pictures, television, music, radio, and live performance. 

Hollywood Walk of Fame

While it is iconic, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is often overcrowded, with hordes of tourists vying for a glimpse of stars embedded in the sidewalk. The surrounding area can feel tacky, filled with aggressive street performers and overpriced souvenir shops.



Rodeo Drive

Unless you're genuinely in the market for luxury goods, Rodeo Drive, in the heart of Beverly Hills, can be an underwhelming experience.

Rodeo Drive

The street is lined with high-end stores that are out of reach for most visitors, and the area can feel pretentious. Moreover, the street itself is pretty small and can be covered quickly. You’re more likely to encounter other tourists taking selfies than spotting actual celebrities.



Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Wax museums like Madame Tussauds are often heavily advertised, but they can be a bit of a letdown. The novelty of seeing wax figures of celebrities wears off quickly, and the steep admission prices might leave you feeling like you’ve paid too much for a few photo ops.

 

“I love Los Angeles. I love Hollywood. They’re beautiful. Everybody’s plastic, but I love plastic. I want to be plastic”. Andy Warhol

 

Hollywood and Highland Center

This shopping and entertainment complex, home to the Dolby Theatre where the Oscars are held, is often touted as a must-see.

Hollywood & Highland Center

However, it’s essentially just a mall with some tourist attractions thrown in. The architecture is an odd mishmash, and the area can be overwhelmingly crowded, especially during award season.

 

Venice Beach Boardwalk

Venice Beach has a reputation for its bohemian vibe, street performers, and eclectic shops, but the reality can be less charming.

Venice beach boardwalk

The boardwalk is often packed with tourists, and the vendors and performers can be aggressive. While the eclectic vibe might appeal to some, the area is also known for being dirty and sometimes unsafe, making it a less-than-ideal spot to relax by the ocean.

 

“People cut themselves off from their ties of the old life when they come to Los Angeles. They are looking for a place where they can be free, where they can do things they couldn’t do anywhere else”. Tom Bradley, former Mayor of LA

 

Hollywood Sign Hike

Hiking to the Hollywood Sign is a bucket-list item for many visitors, but the experience doesn’t always live up to the expectation.

Hollywood sign

The hike itself is often longer and more strenuous than people anticipate, and the views, while nice, don’t always justify the effort. The sign itself is also roped off, so you can’t get as close as you might hope. Additionally, the area can be crowded, especially on weekends, detracting from the experience.

 

 

Hidden Gems Worth Your Time

For a first-time visitor to Los Angeles looking to experience something truly unique, here are a few "hidden gems" that should not be missed:

 

The Museum of Jurassic Technology

Museum of Jurassic Technology

Nestled in Culver City, the Museum of Jurassic Technology is an enigmatic, surreal space that defies easy categorization. It’s part museum, part art installation, and entirely oddball. The exhibits blend fact and fiction, leaving visitors questioning what’s real and what’s fabricated. It’s a place where you can explore everything from obscure scientific artifacts to curious folklore. The experience is intentionally disorienting, but it’s also utterly unique and fascinating - a must for anyone who enjoys the strange and wonderful. Available by advance reservations only.

 

 

Griffith Park’s Old Zoo

Tucked away in Griffith Park in the heart of LA, (Griffith Park, by the way, covers 4,310 acres making it one of the largest urban parks in North America. Much larger, less tamed, and far more rugged than New York’s Central Park or San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park – just saying) are the abandoned cages and enclosures of the Old LA Zoo.

Griffith Parks Old Zoo

They offer a hauntingly fascinating glimpse into the city’s past. Once the site of the original Los Angeles Zoo, which opened in 1912, it was abandoned in the 1960s when the animals were relocated to a new facility. The supposedly haunted grounds and the crumbling structures are open to the public, making it a great spot for an eerie, offbeat picnic or a hike with a twist of history.

 

“In Los Angeles, by the time you’re 35, you’re older than most of the buildings”. 

Delia Ephron

 

The Getty Villa

Today, though often overshadowed by the larger Getty Center, The Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades is a one-of-a-kind treasure, a stunning recreation of an ancient Roman country house.

The Getty Villa

Described as “an intellectual Disneyland” when it opened to the public in 1974, the museum houses a remarkable collection of over 44,000 Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities dating from 6,500 BC to 400 AD.

Getty art

Built by oil tycoon, J. Paul Getty, the museum inherited $661 million following his death, making it the richest museum in the world. The villa, set amidst beautiful gardens, offers the only place in LA where you can peruse treasures of the ancient world while gazing out at shimmering ocean views. The serene atmosphere and meticulously designed architecture provide a peaceful escape from the city's hustle.

 


The Magic Castle

Located in the heart of Hollywood, The Magic Castle is much more than just an entertainment venue - it's a legendary institution steeped in history, mystique, and the art of illusion. The building itself, an ornate Victorian mansion, was originally constructed in 1909 as a private residence. It fell into disrepair before being transformed in 1963. Today the Magic Castle serves as the clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts, an exclusive organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of magic.

The Magic Castle exterior

Over the years, the Magic Castle has attracted a constellation of famous visitors. Legendary magicians such as Dai Vernon, often called "The Professor" and considered one of the greatest magicians of the 20th century, made the Castle his home base.

Dai Vernon

Hollywood icons like Orson Welles, Cary Grant, and Johnny Carson - himself an amateur magician - were frequent guests. More recent visitors have included the likes of Neil Patrick Harris, who served as president of the Academy of Magical Arts, and Steve Martin, who began his career in entertainment as a magician.

 

Entry to the Magic Castle is by invitation only, and the strict dress code (evening wear for men and women) adds to the exclusivity and allure of the experience. Once inside, guests are treated to an unforgettable evening of magic, dining, and perhaps a drink in the Houdini Séance Room,

Houdini Séance Room

all while surrounded by an atmosphere that captures the spirit of Hollywood's golden age. The Magic Castle is not just a destination - it’s a journey to a place where the impossible becomes possible. Not unlike LA itself.

 

“Los Angeles…I mean, who would want to live in a place where the only cultural advantage is that you can turn right on a red light?” Woody Allen

 

El Matador State Beach

A hidden gem in Malibu, El Matador State Beach is part of the Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach. El Matador stands out for its striking natural beauty, attracting photographers, nature lovers, and those seeking a more tranquil beach experience away from the bustling crowds of Santa Monica and Venice.

El Matador State Beach

El Matador is renowned for its dramatic rock formations, including towering sea stacks and eroded arches that create a picturesque and almost otherworldly landscape. The beach is also dotted with sea caves and tide pools. Visitors often find themselves mesmerized by the clear, turquoise waters that contrast beautifully with the golden sands and rugged cliffs.

El Matador State Beach

Located off the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) about ten miles west of Malibu’s main beach, El Matador can be a bit tricky to spot, adding to its allure as a hidden paradise. The beach is accessible via a steep trail that descends from a small parking lot perched above the cliffs.

steps leading to El Matador state beach

The relative seclusion of the beach means it’s typically less crowded, a place for those “in the know”. Despite its low-key vibe, El Matador has a star-studded history, making it a quintessential Malibu experience that balances natural beauty with a touch of glamour.

 


The Last Bookstore

More than just a place to buy books, The Last Bookstore in Downtown LA is an experience that captures the imagination. Much like Powell’s Books in Portland, Oregon, The Last Bookstore is a sanctuary for book lovers and those who revel in the charm of a well-curated, atmospheric space. However, where Powell’s impresses with its sheer size and selection, The Last Bookstore offers a unique, whimsical experience that feels like stepping into an art installation as much as a literary haven.

The Last Bookstore Los Angeles

Housed in a former bank building, The Last Bookstore occupies 22,000 square feet and is filled with countless books, records, and eclectic art pieces. What sets it apart is not just the selection - although that’s impressive in its own right - but the way the space is designed. The store’s second floor features the famous “Labyrinth,” where shelves of books twist and turn, creating tunnels and pathways that invite exploration. It's a place where books are more than just items to be bought; they’re part of the décor, with stacks forming arches, bridges, and even a “book spiral” that invites you to wander through it.

book tunnels

The store incorporates various art installations that make the space feel like a living, breathing work of art. For example, one room is filled with suspended books, giving the impression that they’re floating in mid-air,

books floating

while another area features a vault where rare and first edition books are kept - a nod to the building’s history as a bank. The Last Bookstore, a place where literature and art intermingle, offers an experience that’s quintessentially Los Angeles - a blend of old and new, artistic and functional - all wrapped up in an undeniably cool package. It's a must-visit for anyone who appreciates the written word and the unique spaces that celebrate it.

 

Los Angeles is the kind of place where everybody was from somewhere else, and nobody really dropped anchor. It’s a transient place. People drawn by the dream, people running from the nightmare. Twelve million people and all of them ready to make a break for it if necessary. Figuratively, literally, metaphorically - any way you want to look at it - everybody in L.A. keeps a bag packed. Just in case.”  Michael Connelly

 

The Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine

Founded in 1950 by Paramahansa Yogananda, a renowned spiritual teacher and author of Autobiography of a Yogi, the Lake Shrine is part of the Self-Realization Fellowship, an organization dedicated to the dissemination of the ancient science of Kriya Yoga and the promotion of world peace and spiritual understanding.

The Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine

The land, nestled in the Pacific Palisades, was originally a silent film set in the early 20th century before being transformed into a scenic lake by a wealthy widow, who envisioned it as a personal sanctuary. After falling into disuse, the property was acquired by Yogananda, who recognized its potential as a spiritual retreat. He transformed the site into a sanctuary for meditation, reflection, and the study of spiritual principles, blending elements of Eastern and Western spirituality in a setting that is both inclusive and inspiring.

 

The Lake Shrine features a peaceful lake surrounded by lush gardens, waterfalls, and walking paths. The focal point of the garden is the Mahatma Gandhi World Peace Memorial, a shrine that houses some of Gandhi's ashes in a brass coffer - one of only a few places outside of India where his remains are enshrined.

Mahatma Gandhi World Peace Memorial,

This memorial underscores the Lake Shrine’s commitment to peace and spiritual unity. The Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine stands out as a hidden gem in Los Angeles because it offers more than just beautiful scenery - it provides a space for spiritual renewal and introspection, a rare find in a city known for its fast-paced lifestyle.

 

Urban Light at LACMA

With its 202 restored streetlamps standing in perfect alignment, Urban Light outside the entrance to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is a must-see in Los Angeles, but its magic truly comes alive at night. Under the blanket of the darkened sky, these collection of streetlamps from the 1920’s and 30’s cast a soft, ethereal glow that transforms the installation into something otherworldly.

LACMA lights

It’s not just a bunch of lights; it’s a place where art meets the soul of the city. The symmetry, the warm light, and the stillness all create an atmosphere that’s simultaneously calming and electric.

LACMA at night

It’s a place where you can feel both alone and part of something larger, where the light makes the night feel alive rather than dark. Whether you’re an art lover, a hopeless romantic, or just looking for a slice of serenity in the chaos, this installation at night is a must-see that captures the essence of L.A. in a way that few other places can.

 


Culinary Delights


“Los Angeles, Los Angeles, why God, why? Am I the worst possible guy in the world to do a Los Angeles adventures and food show? I'm an East Coast sort of guy. I'm a bundle of deeply held prejudices, morbid fears, and apprehension about this town. Palm trees have never looked more menacing, more sinister."

Anthony Bourdain

 

When it comes to food, Los Angeles has long been the culinary underdog, often dismissed by outsiders who can't see past the city's obsession with kale smoothies and Instagram-worthy avocado toast. But scratch the surface, and LA reveals itself as a gastronomic powerhouse, a city where culinary traditions from every corner of the globe collide, fuse, and evolve. From the taco trucks of East LA to the Korean BBQ joints of K-Town, the city's food scene is a testament to its rich immigrant history and the creative, entrepreneurial spirit that defines it. In Los Angeles, fine dining and street food share the same stage, each contributing to a culinary landscape that is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself.

 

Unique Los Angeles Foods to Sample

 

French Dip Sandwich

Invented in LA, the French Dip Sandwich is a must-try. It’s a roast beef sandwich served on a French roll, dipped in savory au jus.

French Dip Sandwich

There’s a rivalry between two iconic LA restaurants that each claim to have created it:

Philippe The Original claims the sandwich was created accidentally when a French roll fell into a roasting pan.

Cole’s Pacific Electric Buffet claims the sandwich was invented for a customer with sore gums.

Whatever its exact origin, the French Dip sandwich is a delicious creation that originated in the City of Angels.

 

Kogi Korean BBQ Tacos

What elevates Kogi from a mere food trend to a not-so-hidden gem is not just the food itself, but the story behind it and its impact on the city's culinary scene. Launched in 2008 by chef Roy Choi,

Chef Roy Choi

often credited with pioneering the gourmet food truck movement, Kogi's fusion of Korean and Mexican cuisines tapped into the heart of LA’s multiculturalism. Choi not only created a menu that reflected the city’s vibrant and diverse population, but it also quickly became a phenomenon, setting off a food truck craze that raced across the country.

Kogi taco truck

At a time when food trucks were mostly seen as convenient but uninspired options, Kogi dared to do something different - blending the bold, savory, and spicy flavors of Korean barbecue with the beloved street tacos of LA's Mexican food scene. The star of the Kogi menu is undoubtedly the short rib taco, a dish that encapsulates the spirit of LA’s diverse food culture. Marinated in a sweet and spicy Korean sauce and grilled to perfection, the short ribs are then served on a warm tortilla and topped with fresh salsa and a sprinkling of cilantro and onions.

Kogi taco

The result is a perfect bite that balances the rich, umami flavors of Korean barbecue with the brightness and acidity of Mexican garnishes. This unlikely but harmonious fusion is what makes Kogi a must-try for anyone visiting Los Angeles. The success of Kogi has inspired countless other food trucks and pop-up eateries,

Los Angeles Taco Trucks

contributing to LA’s reputation as a culinary innovator. Devoted fans know that a bite of Kogi is a taste of the city itself.

 

Los Angeles is 72 suburbs in search of a city”. Dorothy Parker

 

In-N-Out Animal Style Burger

While In-N-Out is a West Coast chain,

In-N-Out burgers

the “Animal Style” burger is a uniquely LA experience, a beloved secret menu item. What makes the Animal Style burger so special is all about the preparation. The patties are cooked with mustard seared directly onto them, giving the meat an extra tangy kick. This is topped with extra helpings of Thousand Island dressing - a house-made concoction often compared to a classic burger sauce - along with pickles, grilled onions, and an extra layer of melted American cheese. The combination results in a flavor explosion that elevates the standard burger to something iconic. It’s greasy, messy, and utterly delicious - exactly what you crave in a true LA burger experience.

Animal burger

What makes the Animal Style burger a hidden gem is its underground appeal. While not advertised on the standard menu, it’s a well-known secret among locals and those “in the know”. The ability to customize your order this way - whether for a first-time visitor or a lifelong Angeleno - adds a sense of discovery and personal connection to the In-N-Out experience. For visitors to LA, trying an Animal Style burger isn’t just about grabbing a quick bite; it’s about participating in a local tradition that has become an essential part of the city’s culinary identity.

 


Avocado Toast

Avocado toast, Instagram-worthy or not, may have become a nationwide trend, but in Los Angeles, it’s more than just a popular dish - it’s practically a religion. LA's obsession with health-conscious, fresh, and locally sourced ingredients has elevated this simple dish to an art form. With the city’s abundant supply of high-quality avocados, it’s no wonder that avocado toast found its spiritual home in LA.

avocado toast

The history of avocado toast as a staple in Los Angeles can be traced back to the region’s deep-rooted love for avocados, which have been grown in California since the late 19th century. The state’s climate is perfect for cultivating the creamy, rich Hass avocado, making it a ubiquitous ingredient in many local dishes. But it was in the cafes of Los Angeles that avocado toast first gained its cult status, celebrated as the perfect fusion of flavor, nutrition, and simplicity. Local chefs and food enthusiasts began experimenting with the basic formula, layering the buttery green fruit on slices of artisanal bread, often topped with a sprinkle of sea salt, chili flakes, or microgreens, and finished with a drizzle of cold-pressed olive oil.

Avocado toast

What makes avocado toast a hidden gem in Los Angeles is its versatility and the almost endless variety of toppings that reflect the city’s diverse culinary influences. Whether you’re enjoying a minimalist version at a chic café in Silver Lake or indulging in a more elaborate creation in Venice, avocado toast in LA is a reflection of the city’s unique ability to blend health-conscious eating with bold, innovative flavors.

Avocado toasts

It’s not just food - it’s an experience that embodies the laid-back, wellness-focused vibe that LA is famous for.

 

Dodger Dog

No trip to LA isn’t complete without a Dodger Dog at Dodger Stadium.

Dodger Stadium

The Dodger Dog is more than just a hot dog; it’s a rite of passage for anyone stepping into the storied grounds of Dodger Stadium, the third-oldest Major League baseball park in the United States. Introduced in the 1960s, the Dodger Dog quickly became a beloved fixture in the ballpark's culture, synonymous with the very essence of watching a baseball game in Los Angeles. At 10 inches long, this pork wiener is longer than the average hot dog, and it’s served in a steamed bun that provides the perfect vessel for a variety of toppings, from mustard and relish to the quintessential ketchup and onions.

Dodger dog

What makes the Dodger Dog a must-try isn’t just its size or its place in stadium lore, but its role in embodying the spirit of LA sports culture. Dodger Stadium is a place where generations of fans have cheered on their team, sharing moments of triumph and heartbreak. The Dodger Dog is part of that experience, a culinary icon that’s been enjoyed by millions of fans over the decades. Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or just visiting for the atmosphere, biting into a Dodger Dog is like tasting a piece of Los Angeles history, wrapped up in the excitement and energy of America’s pastime.

 

I do love America. And LA is a very short commute to America, it’s like half an hour on the plane”. Craig Ferguson

 

Some Uniquely LA Restaurants & Eateries

 

Providence (Hollywood) 

Providence seafood restaurant los angeles

A Michelin-starred seafood restaurant, Providence is the epitome of LA fine dining. Chef Michael Cimarusti’s commitment to sustainable, high-quality seafood is evident in every dish, from the artfully presented crudos to the perfectly cooked mains. The soft-poached egg topped with Santa Barbara uni, breadcrumbs, and Champagne sauce is a Providence signature, and the tasting menu is a journey through the best of the Pacific.

 

Pink’s Hot Dogs (Hollywood)

Pinks hot dogs

A beloved LA institution since 1939, Pink’s is the place to go for a classic, no-frills hot dog experience. This iconic stand on La Brea Avenue serves up an extensive menu of hot dogs – 17 to choose from - with quirky names and toppings like chili, pastrami, bacon, and nacho cheese. Serving over 1200 hot dogs and 200 hamburgers a day, it’s a spot where locals and tourists alike line up for a taste of LA history.


 

Guelaguetza (Koreatown) 

Guelaguetza

Opened in 1994, this James Beard Award-winning Oaxacan restaurant is the heart of LA’s vibrant Mexican food scene. Guelaguetza is known for its rich moles (a deep, ultra-savory sauce made with dried chilies and cacao), especially the Mole Negro. Guelaguetza offers a deep dive into traditional Oaxacan cuisine in a lively, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a citywide institution, and the kind of place you’ll want to go to again and again.

 

Canter’s Delicatessen 

Canter's Delicatessen

More than just a restaurant, Canter’s is an LA institution that’s been serving up traditional Jewish deli fare since 1931. The deli has maintained its classic atmosphere, complete with retro booths, neon signs, and an old-school bakery that transports you back to a different era. The restaurant’s 24-hour service has brought everyone from Frank Sinatra to the Doors, Joni Mitchell to Guns N’ Roses in for staples such as pastrami on rye, matzo ball soup, and their legendary Reuben sandwich.

 

Musso & Frank Grill 

Musso & Frank Grill

More than just a dining establishment, Musso & Frank Grill is a venerable piece of Los Angeles history. Located on Hollywood Boulevard since 1919, it holds the title of the oldest restaurant in Hollywood, offering a rare glimpse into the city's Golden Age. Luminaries such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, William Faulkner, and Raymond Chandler would often be found writing or drinking at the bar, while stars like Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, and Orson Welles added to its legendary status. Dining here feels like a step back in time, where the martinis are served with precision, the flannel cakes are comforting, and the staff, some of whom have been there for decades, uphold a standard of service that’s as timeless as the restaurant itself. In a city that’s constantly reinventing itself, Musso & Frank Grill remains a steadfast emblem of tradition, a must-dine destination for those who want to experience the authentic flavor of Hollywood's storied past.

 

 

N/NAKA

N/Naka restaurant los angeles

Chef Niki Nakayama’s Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant, N/Naka, offers a 13-course tasting menu that showcases the delicate balance of Japanese culinary tradition and local Californian ingredients. Wrapped in neutral tones, the serenely understated room offers one of LA’s most warm and graceful dining experiences. 

Reservations must be made at least a month in advance. The meticulously crafted dishes, each presented as a work of art, make this a truly special dining experience, and exemplifies LA’s role as a global food city.

 

Lawry’s The Prime Rib 

Lawry's The Prime Rib

Lawry’s The Prime Rib in Beverly Hills, a cornerstone of Los Angeles dining since 1938, was the brainchild of Lawrence Frank and Walter Van de Kamp. They envisioned a restaurant dedicated to perfecting a single dish - prime rib - served with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, and Yorkshire pudding. The prime rib, carved tableside from a silver cart, remains the restaurant's signature experience, preserving the old-world charm that has attracted diners for decades. Lawry's also introduced its now-famous seasoning salt, originally developed to enhance the flavor of their prime rib and has since become a staple in kitchens worldwide. Lawry’s is renowned for its annual "Beef Bowl," a tradition dating back to 1956, where the college football teams competing in the New Years’ Day Rose Bowl football game are treated to a prime rib feast, always sparking a rivalry over who can eat the most. This blend of culinary excellence and unique sports tradition cements Lawry's as an enduring Los Angeles institution.

 

City of Angels

And, after all that, we’ve really only just scratched the surface…..

 

There’s a delicious absurdity to Los Angeles, a city that’s both a myth and a reality. One that’s constantly reinventing itself while, at the same time, stubbornly clinging to its past. It’s where palm trees sway like disinterested extras against a backdrop of pastel sunsets, and where contradictions collide like Hollywood car chases. Here, ambition is a currency, and everyone’s in the business of selling something, even if it’s just an idea of who they want to be. It’s a place where the broken dreams of yesterday’s starlets sit side by side with the next big thing brewing in a garage in Silver Lake.

 

Los Angeles isn’t a city; it’s a state of mind. A place where dreams are born and discarded in equal measure, where the line between fame and anonymity is as thin as the breeze across the Pacific Coast Highway on a cool summer night. Here, the surf crashes into a city that never quite decides whether it’s laid-back or just lazy (Los Angeles International Airport’s call letters are LAX afterall). But don’t let the glossy postcard images fool you - this is a city with an edge. Behind the red carpets and palm trees, L.A. is a place that thrives on hustle.

 

There’s something magnetic about it, something that pulls you in even when you’re trying to get out. It’s the way the city lights glow through the haze, promising something just out of reach, something that might be real if you squint hard enough. Whether you’re here for sunshine, stardom, or just a shot at something different, Los Angeles is ready to embrace you - just don’t be surprised if it swallows you whole.

 

So, what’s the verdict? From the surf to the skyscrapers, L.A. is whatever you make it. It’s a city that’s easy to love and just as easy to hate, often at the same time. So, grab a seat, order that overpriced cocktail, and let the city work its weird, wonderful magic on you. Because in Los Angeles, the journey is always better than the destination, and that’s the point. Take us home Frank!

 


 

 

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joe.carrillo
Aug 23

Nicely done this week! I grew up in the San Joaquin Valley (not the Valley Girls Valley) and so being dead center of the state I could have become a Giants/Niners or a Dodger/Rams fan

Of course in chose wisely and fell in love with the Dodger Dog (which Marriott almost ruined when they took over the concession at Chavez Ravine. There were protests and the stopped boiling hot dogs and went back to THE DODGER DOG).


I agree 1000% with your places to avoid….. they really should be wiped out in the next Earthquake and do us a service!


Cole’s and In & Out…… I miss them so much! You missed the Original Farmers Market….. so much deliciousness cooke…


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tripping8
tripping8
Aug 27
Replying to

We couldn't agree more joe.carrillo Can't believe we left the Original Farmers Market out. Always was a favorite stop. Well, Canter's Deli was right across the street so we came close! Always appreciate and look forward to your comments.

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