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.

Max is the place for serious karaoke lovers and enthusiasts. I go almost every week during happy hour, which is $5 an hour anytime before 8P. Pro tip: ask for Joy Sound.

It’s a hole in the wall with the best homemade tortillas. Everything is perfect 

The best ramen I had in LA, maybe anywhere. Even my food-critical son loved it.

Dylan's Candy Store is located in the heart of the Grove. You can find the any kind of candy you can imagine. I always feel like a little kid in that store and attack the teeth gummy.