One of my favorite special occasion dinner places. Always low dim lighting and a calm vibe. Piano in the background and lighting make you travel back in time. An LA classic. 

Yes- I'm going to anger some people by sharing this hidden gem with you. It is very special and I expect hate mail.  They have been serving Japanese comfort food since the late 60's and is the last gasp of a neighborhood in Boyle Heights that was once predominantly Japanese. No frills. Just a warm and loving environment- a place to escape and eat spicy tuna rice bowls and sip miso with your Japanese Grandmother. Shhh, don't tell anyone. 

This neighborhood is my home. Since I moved here 2 years ago there has been so much improvement in the area. I am walking distance from the art supply store, gourmet beer, korean barbecue, and every major freeway. I am the perfect distance from everything without being in the metropolitan epicenter. Image taken at Wurstkuche.

Part restaurant, part market, part publication, Botanica is a lively space in LA’s Silver Lake neighborhood. We converted the former drop ceiling liquor store by peeling the space back to its original shell and opening up the back wall and patio creating a space that reflects their personality and cooking – bright, lively and communal.

Jacknife has an amazing collection of tapes, vinyl, and used gear like stereos and tape decks. The quality is top notch, and if you can't find something out on the floor, chances are they'll have it in the back. If you see Trevor, tell him I sent you.