The Day of Death is one of the most amazing experience you can get from a city like LA. Every year, during the week-end of Halloween, the Hollywood Cemetery becames the stage of the most candid and beautiful celebration of life and death I ever seen.

The Red Lion Tavern has been a neighborhood tavern in Los Angeles for over fifty years (which is a long time for L.A.), and continues to serve as a landmark for traditional German food, a wide selection of German beer, and cozy Old World atmosphere. Plus the waitresses all wear lederhosen, and it's blocks away from my parents' house.

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 restaurant has been a Hollywood landmark for over 60 years. The interior looks like time has stood still. Go to the reastaurant area to have a nice piece of prime rib, and after dinner move to the lounge area where Elaine and Marty sing their oldies but goodies. Some believe that their version of "Staying alive" is better then the original.

Crispy rice salad with the works forever.