One of my favorite things to do on weekends is to head to Grand Central Market for brunch, grab a few glasses of wine at the Oyster bar and then roam around downtown collecting pigeons.
Over the past few years the market has been modernized and has become a really trendy spot, but it still retains aspects of what it was like decades ago.
Some of my favorite stands are The Oyster Gourmet, Sarita's Pupuseria and the Belcampo Meat Co.
This happened last winter— due to extreme climate changes there was a rare snowfall in the hills of Los Angeles. I can count on one hand how many times I have seen snow, nonetheless driven in it. I was playing "I Love You" by Takehiko Honda while driving through Hollywood Hills and Griffith Park. I will never forget it.
Leo's is an institution. I thought there was only one truck on Venice and La Brea but turns out they have eight across LA. Watching them slice pork and pineapple in one fell swoop is both drool-inducing and an art form. Open til 3am most nights I think.
This is the place you want to go to have a awesome brunch. Be prepared for a waiting line outside on the weekends. The place is packed then. My personal favorites is the Polenta with Maple syrup, bacon, spinach and chicken apple sausage. If you had a rough night before I would suggest the "Hangover Helper", with the bottomless fresh mint-lemonade. Always does the trick.
The Rose Bowl happens in Pasadena. The Flea Market is only once a month, its usually the second Sunday of the month. Its a great place to find vintage clothes, antiques and rare treasures. I once found an amazing David Hamilton book that I bought for $15 when it was worth $500.