Los Angeles, CA
This past weekend I spent about 36 hours in LA. It was a semi-last minute trip where I was meant to see a game at SoFi, but that was cancelled, so I let go and let LA happen..
Before we get into it, a lil reminder that when planning my trips, I break them up into the following categories:
Outdoor
Shopping + Entertainment
Eat + Drink
I don’t do fixed itineraries. So, the categories help me have an idea of what I want to do when I’m in town, but not be married to anything. It also allows me to research places ahead of time and peruse menus.
OK, cool. We did that recap, but it doesn’t matter for this post because all of that went out the window for this trip.
Los Angeles, California (Latitude: 34° 3′ 8.0460” N Longitude: -118° 14′ 37.2588” W)
Los Angeles is located on Togva, Kizh, and Chumash land. Find out who’s land you’re on here.
I did make my usual Notes app list of places to go and things to do and eat…but 36 hours really isn’t that much time when you factor in drive times.
So, this is mostly a recap of all the places I could get to and eat at within the brief amount of time I was in town. The whole trip just served to wet my appetite for a speedy return to my absolute favorite city. (shhh…don’t tell Joshua Tree)
I swear an actual guide for this incredible city is coming in 2022.
E A T + D R I N K
To absolutely no one’s surprise, my AF adventure list revolves around food. Since, I’m not looking to turn this into a food blog…yet muhahaha…I’ll share my order and initial thoughts.
Scallops ✅
Stuffed Peppers✅
Crispy Potatoes⚠️
Mushroom Crispy Rice✅
Grilled Wagyu Skirt Steak✅
Standouts were the peppers and crispy rice. The potatoes didn’t complement the rest of our order, so I’d leave them off if I go again and try the baby lettuces.
I didn’t try any NA bevs, but it was rad to see that there were more than a couple options for those looking for alcohol free drinks.
PB&J✅
Tiger Tail✅
Maple Cruller✅
Blueberry Cream Cheese✅
I’m new to the blogging game, so I have exactly zero photos of these donuts.
Maybe you’re thinking, “Dani, Donut Man is famous for strawberry filled donuts. Why didn’t you get one of those?" Well, friends, the strawberry donuts are seasonal and tis the season for many things, none of which are strawberries.🍓
All that to say, I went to The Donut Man twice in a 36 hour time period. There are no bad choices. Hit up the original location in Glendora or the new one at Grand Central Market.
Macarons✅
No breakfast/brunch on Monday mornings, so I snagged some macarons instead. Worth the hype.
Taco surtido✅
The star of my trip. The taco of my dreams. Close-your-eyes-and-shoulder-shimmy good.
Lodging
Chic lil hotel in downtown. Based on my definition of “walkable,” this spot was central to most places I planned to go to.
The rooms are cozy (read: small). I found my room to be charming and the details to be thoughtful. It’s a renovated old hotel, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for champagne wishes and caviar dreams.
Oh! It’s pet-friendly for larger dogs too! Next time Honey Bun is coming with :)
The parking sitch is less than desirable. $50/night for valet overnight. $35/night for self-park overnight. If you’re there on the weekend and can find a meter nearby, parking is free!
F I N A L T H O U G H T S
About 10 years ago, I used to spend all my weekends in downtown. I’d take the metro in from the San Gabriel Valley and wander around the different neighborhoods. Being in the city feels like coming home for that and so many other reasons.
I spent most of my trip with someone who is also sober. Which, was nice when a massive whiff of booze came my way at Majordomo and I had to take a beat to regroup. Other than that moment, my trip never had me feeling like I was missing out on something by not drinking.
This weekend as I meandered around the Hollywood Farmers Market I thought, “I’m so glad I’m able to experience this fully present and not hungover as shit.” Granted, I hadn’t had coffee, so that also might’ve been the impetus for that thought.
The majority of Sunday was spent with my friend’s family. It was her & her twin’s birthday, so I got to enjoy the afternoon & evening laughing, talking, and being one of those people who says, “I knew you when you were only this tall!” to teenagers. I turned down an offer for beer and no one cared, pressured me, or asked me why I wasn’t drinking.
So, yeah, I didn’t get to do or see the things on my list, but damn if I didn’t have the very best time.
I think my strategy for LA will be to approach it as I did when I was younger: by neighborhood. That also allows me to work in more visits :)
Is she bored or is that just her face? Find out at queercutiesbeingcute.net
