A few weeks ago I visited Los Angeles for the first time. I ate, and ate, and ate until I couldn’t eat anymore. And then I ate again.
The food was delicious, colorful, artistic; it was so original!
Fortunately, I was visiting with my friend Lindsay, whose husband Travis is a well-known chef in the greater L.A area. Voted twice into the top-100 chefs in L.A, he definitely knows his stuff. Needless to say, I was in good hands.
After the longest delay of life, I finally touched down in L.A on a Thursday night (technically Friday morning…but who’s counting?) and was able to enjoy four, long, uninterrupted days of food, site-seeing, wine, and more food.
Cafe Was: This is possibly the coolest and most hip place I’ve ever been to. A look that mixes high-end library with grandma table lamps (a feat I would have argued impossible), and complete with a dark wood bar and a rotating grand piano, this is the place to be. Reasonably priced drinks and phenomenal desserts – I witnessed the flavor experience that is the lavender creme brulee and rose essence ice cream. Address: 1521 N. Vine St.
Birds Rotisserie Chicken Cafe and Bar: The chicken was absolutely delicious and the Mac n’ Cheese off the charts (and I don’t even like Mac & Cheese…ever!). Great atmosphere, a good selection of beers, and super cheap (my lunch with tip was about $12). Address: 5925 Franklin Avenue.
Well-fed and ready to explore, after a delicious lunch at Birds.
The Well: Although celebrity frequented, this is the place where people come not to be seen. In a windowless basement, comfortable niches hide in dark corners, allowing for intimate conversation and a relaxed atmosphere. As hip music bumps through the speakers, people-watching is easily done from the centralized bar. Supposedly the best jukebox in town. Address: 6255 W Sunset Blvd
The Edendale Grill: Lights twinkle over the tree-covered courtyard in this romantic restaurant. Vines grow liberally through out the open, back portion of this establishment, making the walk to the restroom feel much more lovely than maybe it should 
The calamari was delicious, although the tofu vegetarian plate was lackluster. A simply block of tofu placed on top of middle eastern couscous and vegetables is not exactly a new idea, at least when it comes to vegetarian cooking. Nevertheless, the charming atmosphere and cool bar area definitely makes this a good place to visit. Address: 2838 Rowena Ave.
Sushi Dan’s: Located fairly close to the touristy area of Hollywood, this serves average sushi at decent prices. Although a good alternative to fast food, there are better places to be found. Address: 8000 W. Sunset #A202
Loteria Grill, Regional Mexican Kitchen: Beautiful decor, great location, but overpriced and badly mixed drinks. I had the mango margarita, and would definitely not order it again. Address: 6627 Hollywood Blvd
La Piazza at the Grove: This is a place you visit for one reason, and one reason only. It’s at the Grove. Celebrities are almost a given here, in this notorious shopping center. Despite the throngs of tourists, shoppers, and star-watchers, this little restaurant does have its charm. Situated next to a charming, musically choreographed fountain, it’s a good place to chow down on generic Italian foods and rest up for your next shopping expedition. Address: 189 The Grove Dr.
Watching the fountain “dance” to music from our table at La Piazza.
