Salton Sea is not technically LA, but is a by-product of its history and my first-choice escape from the city: one of the world's largest inland seas and lowest spots on earth, a man-made lake in the midst of the Colorado desert, a resort area in the twenties turned in one of the worst ecological disaster of the past century.
Designed by Eric Owen Moss, and surrounded by a series of his projects, this is definitely a must see. As an architect I can appreciate the details, the challenges and the effort that went into this project.
Adi and I did the mural for our friend Joram's pizza place TOWN in Highland Park. They have an incredible Mole pie, Pesto Pie, and Mushroom Rosemary. Great vibes, great food.
South Willard is both elegant and laid back. Let's call it High Folk. It functions as both an art & design gallery and boutique. It's extremely well curated with a heavy focus on ceramics by artists both known and newly discovered. Peter Shire, Ruby Neri, Jason Meadows.., work by artists I have known and admired for decades can be found here and acquired in a means considerably more approachable than through the other galleries that represent them. South Willard is a friends and family affair and the experience feels warm and welcoming. Have fun.
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.