Destinations for the Modern Gentleman – Up First: Los Angeles, the City of Angels
Los Angeles – the city of dreams. It has glamour, diversity, and movie stars. Expect sunny days, gorgeous beaches, and non-stop entertainment. This sprawling metropolis consists of many interesting neighbourhoods worth exploring – Santa Monica, Hollywood, Venice Beach, Beverly Hills and of course the downtown area just to name a few. If you find yourself in Los Angeles for a couple of days, here are some cool ways to spend your time:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
SQIRL – Located in Hollywood, this popular breakfast/brunch spot might have you waiting in line for a table. The great news is that everything on the menu is spectacular! With options for everyone including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free, this sublime restaurant will give you the start you need to enjoy the City of Angels.
Dinosaur – If you’re looking for a lighter breakfast, look no further than Dinosaur coffee on Sunset Boulevard. One of the hippest places to grab a brew, get your morning java with a pastry, and enjoy the pure Los Angeles atmosphere. This is the kind of place where you can sit for hours. Plus, not only do they serve the best coffee, but their tea is equally awesome. If you can’t make it in the morning, swing by Dinosaur for an afternoon boost.
Park’s BBQ – This place is said to be one the best Korean BBQ’s in all of Los Angeles. It’s located in the heart of the Korea-town district and has won many culinary awards. They offer amazing cuts of meat that melt in your mouth, tasty marinades, and a great selection of ban-chan (side dishes). And they cook your food right at your table!
n/naka – This is the #1 restaurant in Los Angeles and serves Japanese cuisine with a modern twist. Their dishes interpret kaiseki, the traditional Japanese culinary art-form that makes for a beautiful presentation of your meal, with only the best and freshest ingredients. Complement your meal with a bottle of their premium sake. The service is phenomenal. And the chef may even come to your table for a chat.
Spago – A Beverly Hills staple, it’s Wolfgang Puck’s place, serving up California cuisine. You can choose from a seasonal a la carte menu or the chef’s multi-course California Tasting Menu. Try to get a seat on the patio if you can. And be sure to make reservations – it will be difficult to get a table without!
Sightseeing
Hiking – Hike some of Los Angeles’s best trails. One of the popular choices is Runyon Canyon. The trail lengths can run from 15 minutes to 2 hours, with a moderate level of difficulty. Enjoy sweeping views of Los Angeles from Catalina Island to the Santa Monica Mountains, and great views of the Hollywood sign off in the distance. And you may even spot some celebrities on these trails! Another popular walk is the Griffith Observatory Trail. This one will only take an hour or so, and it also offers views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood sign. Once at the top, visit the Observatory to learn about the earth, moon, and the stars.
Santa Monica Pier – A California landmark for over 100 years, you can have a stroll along this large double-jointed pier and boardwalk. Ride the famous ferris wheel or the roller coaster if you’re a thrill seeker. The pier overlooks the beautiful Santa Monica beach. If it’s a sunny day, soak up some rays lying in the sand. This is also where the iconic Route 66 ends.
Hollywood Walk OF Fame – There are over 2500 stars along Hollywood Boulevard spanning 18 blocks, so you’re sure to find stars belonging to your favourite celebrities. Take a look in and around Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, where you can see the hand and footprints of iconic celebrities past and present. You can also take an extended tour of the Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards.
Grand Central Market – A downtown landmark since 1917, this massive emporium brings together different cuisines and cultures in Los Angeles. It’s fun to wander around checking out the various food vendors, picking up some pretty flowers, or enjoying the entertainment – such as trivia nights, video game tournaments, and live music.
Nightlife
Perch – This place boasts one of the best and most glamorous rooftop patios in the city. Enjoy their handcrafted Parisian inspired cocktails while you take in the views of the downtown Los Angeles skyline. You can also sit inside beneath the 30-foot ceilings, and sip on something from their extensive wine menu or craft beer selection.
Seven Grand Whiskey Bar – Featuring one of the largest selections of premium whiskeys with bottles displayed in vintage cases. You can also try different types of scotch and bourbon in this darkly lit bar with animal heads on the walls. The staff is very knowledgeable about their whiskey, so sit back and relax and enjoy the live music, or perhaps shoot a game of pool.
Whisky a Go-Go – This legendary rock and roll bar is located right on the Sunset Strip. Since it opened in 1964, the Whisky has seen many iconic rock bands grace its stage –from The Doors to Led Zeppelin. There is live music here every night; you may just catch a performance from the ‘next big thing’.
There are so many spectacular things to see and do in Los Angeles. You are sure to leave feeling satisfied on so many levels – your culinary dreams come true, the experience of the glitz/glamour of the high life, and some of nature at it’s finest. You’ll want to return again and again!
