I still consider myself an LA local even though I’ve lived in DC for nearly six years. I read lots of LA food blogs, stay updated on the art scene and travel there as often as possible. However, I always seem to discover new places whenever I go.

Let's start with the most important part of any trip: the food. There are lots of new trendy restaurants that recently opened in Downtown LA. But all the cool kids (not including myself) these days call it: DTLA. And the most dangerous street in DTLA named Figueroa has been shortened to: "Fig". Super trendy, guys!

For some background, DTLA use to be a sketchy and gritty place growing up. However, it’s totally started to shape up in the past year. USC students, FIDM, Loyola Marymount students and young professionals have invaded it. I’d compare it to the Shaw of DC right now yet imagine more high-rise buildings. But – like most places in LA and DC – it’s going through lots of gentrification. Yet it is certainly unrecognizable for those who grew up in LA.

KAZUNORI (in DTLA, CA)

I tried this new restaurant called “KAZUNORI”. If you’ve ever visited Los Angeles in the past couple of years, you’ve probably heard of SugarFish. It’s a staple for the LA diet. It goes In-N-Out then SUGARFISH. But - like most things in LA - it is very overpriced, trend-based and has become a place"to-be-seen". However, I will admit (thanks to my inner OCD) that I love how you can buy this sushi in a perfectly compartmentalized box.

KAZUNORI is mecca for sushi lovers out there. It’s the same sushi chef behind SUGARFISH: chef Kazunori Nozawa. His son, Tom Nozawa, decided to open a Downtown restaurant dedicated solely to Nozawa’s famous handrolls. It’s efficient, affordable and quality. You can only be served one handroll at a time. It ensures that every bite of fish is appreciated and eaten!

The 24-hour sushi bar, decorated in stark concrete, white tiles, and polished wood, is located near Main and 4th Street. You fill out a form and grab a seat. You finish in less than 30-minutes! This ensures that the line moves quickly. Although KazuNori has a Japanese vibe (thanks to it’s shoebox location and it’s emphasis on efficiency), I would categorize as a fast-casual chain like Shophouse.

GOOD TIMES AT DAVEY WAYNE’S (in Hollywood, CA)

Have you ever wanted to travel to the set of “The Brady Bunch”? Or live in California during the 1970’s? Well, here is your chance!

It’s a bar where you actually walk through a 70’s style fridge to enter the speakeasy. They serve alcoholic snow cones out of an Airstream Trailer (along with lots of beer) in the backyard with hammocks hanging everywhere. Seriously, this place cannot be any cooler. They have legit ‘70s swag, like retro candy and beer cans plus shuffle board. In true house party form, they play classics from Fleetwood Mac, Kiss, Marvin Gaye as well as sitcom theme songs from The Jeffersons.

GJUSTA (in Venice, CA)

I will NEVER visit LA without stopping at my favorite spot in Venice, CA. Just try ANYTHING on this menu. You will thank me later. It’s also near Abbot Kinney Blvd. I recommend any bread-based item. It started as an off-site bakery for their famous restaurant “Gjelina”.

MELROSE TRADING POST (in Fairfax/Melrose, CA)

You can always come across some gems at this flea market. I explored after brunch at Gjusta.

MILO + Olive (in Santa Monica, CA)

Garlic Knots! That is all. Oh, they also have some of the best pizza.

You should go for the: "Burrata & Prociutto Di Parma" tomato sauce, arugula, olive oils, sea salt. It's magnificent.

CAFÉ HABANA (in Malibu, CA)

Self-proclaimed Cuban Restaurant. But it's certainly a hybrid between Mexican and Cuban with lots of tacos and burritos. It’s a bohemian-style space known for its customer base of Cuban and Caribbean expatriates. (It actually started in NYC!)

MALIBU

You'd be silly not to visit! I suggest paddle-boarding in the Pacific Ocean.

Blog

LA-LA LAND, GUIDE #1