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. 

This is the fast track from downtown to Hollywood. I get all my exercise here, it has the perfect amount of hills and is the by far the safest bike route, as motorists are more used to the cyclists than other streets. Anything you can think of is on Sunset Blvd, so I can pick up my dry cleaning, eat lunch, visit my friends, and exercise all in one trip.

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. 

The view from my window of the concert hall and downtown LA is a great experience as an outside perspective of the city life at night.

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.