“L.A. Style” isn’t something you do the way you’d just buy a ticket and check off a list of hotspots (as you could perhaps do in New York). With that approach, you’d just be absorbed as just another tourist roaming the streets of Los Angeles. This west coast hub is all about making connections and having a reliable form of transportation (nobody walks in this town).

We arrived in the evening and immediately checked into our lovely studio apartment located in the heart of Westwood. We were too exhausted to start exploring the city, so we wandered into Pinches Tacos – a lovely Mexican restaurant where your meal feels authentic and home cooked. After spending some time in Mexico, I’ve come to know what real Mexican food should taste like – let’s say they know what they’re doing in Los Angeles. This along with Jamaican food (my favorite) can be found everywhere. If you’re on your way to either Redondo Beach or Marina del Rey, I’d recommend you swing by the quaint unpretentious Hungry Joe Jamaican Restaurant.

Other restaurants I tried and you might like:

The Ivy (brunch)

Sure, this classic L.A spot is a little over the top, but isn’t that what we want? The food is delicious and the service exquisite.

A glass of champagne offered when you walk in and a fresh baked cookie to go when you leave. Love it!

Gjusta bakery (brunch)

Gjusta is all you can ask for, multiple experiences in one place. Gjusta is a bakery, a rotisserie, a fish house, a deli, a take out place, and a nonalcoholic bar.

There are so many choices and everything is fresh, local and house made.

Eveleigh

Fine outdoor dining on Sunset Blvd. Quality cocktails and good food.

Gjelina

This is not a restaurant for indecisive people like myself as everything on the menu sounds amazing! Think thin-crusted pizzas from wooden ovens with combinations like garlic confit, chilli, fontina and parmesan, and vegetable dishes like roasted white aubergine with walnut, sumac and cumin goat yoghurt. Things that will make you mouth water.

Eggslut

What better way to start the day than a breakfast sandwhich at Eggslut in Downtown L.A. An Eggslut is something I can’t describe. It’s definitely a try it yourself thing and you won’t be disappointed.

Osteria Mozza

A divine food experience. Superb pastas and other Italian delicatessen. Yes, the tabs are expensive but it’s one of those few places actually worth it. They say it is impossible to get in, but I made it so I am sure you can!

Sights I visited

Went all the way up to the Hollywood sign.

Stepping on stars in Hollywood Boulevard.

The stars span over many blocks. If you want to find a specific actor/singer just Google it and you’ll get the location instead of roaming around.

Griffith Observatory is a must if you are the kind of person who likes to see cities from a vantage point.

Walked around the Venice canals, admiring the dream houses.

Beaches I relaxed on

Venice Beach

If you’re into street art and a street vibe, you will love California’s Venice Beach. Rent a bike and bike along the boardwalk or sit back and spend all day watching the amateur players shoot hoops.

Malibu beach

Drive a long the pacific coast and enjoy the view and beautiful houses

Redondo beach

If you like it more quiet, I took the longest nap ever there..

Manhattan Beach

You can’t spend time in Manhattan Beach and not visit the pier. It is a great spot for a good view and people watching. Make sure you hang out under the pier as well as walking the top.

Clubs I partied at

Tenants of the Trees

Beautiful intimate bar with lots of green, great cocktails and great music. It has this mysterious vibe that makes you feel like you entered another world.

Standard Rooftop

Every thursday you can dance the night away on the best hip hop tunes.

The Nice Guy

A true celeb hangout. Members only, so make sure you are a friend of a friend and you are good to go. It’s not a club but more a spot to have a night out- yet not go out to the level of a club. The food they serve is delicious! A perfect balance between a restaurant and a nightclub. They have live singers every night who sing oldies for that laid back vibe.

Chateaux Marmont

A hotel to some, home to a few and clubhouse to others. The guest are a mix of fashion folks, celebrities, artists and musicians. The hotel has a stricts no-photos policy. I wasn’t aware of this so I took a picture with sound effects. Yes, that was quite an akward moment. I said I would erase the picture but hey I forgot. So here you go…

Rooftop and pools I experienced

The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel (pool)

Old Hollywood at its best.

W Hotel (pool&rooftop)

Great music and gorgeous people, make sure you are on the guestlist.

Mondrian Hotel (rooftop &pool)

Frequent Dj sets, cozy concerts, classic cocktails and bites that dont dissapoint ( try the truffle fries)

E.P and L.P (rooftop)

A place to see and be seen. Plenty of seating and an incredible view of the Hollywood Hills

Hotel Erwin (rooftop)

The only rooftop lounge in Venice beach with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

 

Shopping areas I spent hours at

Abbot Kinney

Some of the best instagrammable walls and street art. Cute concept stores.

Hipster paradise when it comes to clothing stores.

Rodeo Drive

The most popular Rodeo Drive activities are window-shopping and people-watching, both less damaging to the pocketbook than its intended activity: shopping.

Melrose Avenue

One of L.A.’s most famous streets and my favorite featuring a myriad of shopping, dining and entertainment. The street begins at Santa Monica Boulevard where the cities of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood meet, otherwise known as the intersection of posh and funky. Don’t forget to pose in front of the “Made in L.A” wall or the bright pink Paul Smith building.

Sundays vintage market at Fair fax Highschool

A huge vintage market paradise if you love vintage.

The Grove

An upscale outdoor shopping center that reminded me of mainstreet Disneyland. The street-grid layout and lively crowd gives it the feel of an old fashioned downtown. A balanced assortment of dining and shops. Don’t forget the visit Farmer’s market while you’re there.

I had a great time in L.A and I will definitely be back there is so much more to explore. I hope I got you excited and motivated to do the same. It was a holiday to remember…

With love,

Maureen