450 South Western Avenue

My favorite street food is this place we found when we were doing research for Street. It is this guy with a cart who serves these sweet pancakes in front of California Market. It is really one of the best things I have ever tasted. They call them “Ho Duck” and it is griddled dough, stuffed with melted butter, caramelized brown sugar, and nuts. It’s served crisp and warm, folded up. Get a coffee from next door and it is the perfect afternoon snack to give you a buzz.

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Body Electric

I tend to gather jewelry when I’m traveling, but I went to this fabulous piercing/tattoo parlor on Melrose when I needed a new stud for my nose piercing. The place is totally cool, totally L.A. And the guys there were so great to me!

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Third Street Promenade 

I love music and love to walk on the promenade and hear some great street musician. Sometimes it is someone amazing. One time I was walking through the parking structure in Santa Monica, across from Border Grill, and I heard Jackson Browne singing as he was walking up the stairs!

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The Golden Bull

Given that I work quite late most nights, to unwind after work, I love to go to the Golden Bull in Santa Monica after work. It’s totally casual, straightforward, old school food.

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Homegrown Produce

We have such a gift to live in L.A. We have the most amazing lemon, lime, kefir lime, plum, and peach trees, tomatoes, artichokes, peas, herbs, and also hoja sante that our chef gave me that is now huge. I sit outside and can’t believe I live in a place that is so incredible.

Ocean Avenue

I love walking along the sidewalk on Ocean Avenue and looking down at the ocean and the trees lining PCH…it’s unbelievable. Walking north, you see the hills on your right, you see Malibu, you see the ocean. I feel like I am in another world—it’s magnificent. The panorama from there at 7 a.m. takes you out of the city and into the South of France.

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Samosa House

So many of our Indian products for Street come from the Samosa House. I love the woman that owns it; she’s very knowledgeable. I get pretty delicious food to take home for dinner if I don’t want to cook. I love that it’s close to my house—and I love the chai! My most favorite spice is the Indian spice of curry neem leaf.It has such a great Indian flavor, one if you taste once you will love.

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Venice Beach Drum Circle

I have to say, walking the boardwalk in Venice is still a great place to see a live performance! Every Sunday night, the drum circle includes people from all walks of life; it’s an interesting equalizer of people. You don’t have to pay. It’s just a hang. It’s about sharing an experience with people you might never be hanging with. It’s about the open air, the ocean, the earth and life.

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Grand Central Market

If you go to Grand Central Market downtown you have to get a pupusa! The Salvadoran loroco pupusa stand is located on the northern side of the market, near the middle. They are the real deal. I also love the stand close to this pupusa stand that sells gorditas and tacos—tongue is especially the one I die for!

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John Anson Ford Theatre

The Ford is unlike the bigger venues like the Bowl. It’s an outdoor venue, it’s intimate, and great place to pack a picnic and take in a show. On August 13, husband and wife aerial dancers Catch Me Bird performs at the Ford Theater. They are one of my favorite shows!  Basically—in dance, in word, and in movement—they bring the ups and downs of their relationship to the stage.

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