A gem video rental store in South Pasadena.

Best ceviche in LA. Hands down.

Located less than one mile from my home in downtown, this is the best cafe in the area. It is nestled in a corridor between two buildings on a brick path with beautiful outside seating — quite the hideaway. They have the best prosciutto sandwich and the coffee is delicious.

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. 

If you really want to feel in a hollywood movie, go visit the river. Forget hollywood. To get the full experience go to this spot. You have to access through a dark, damp tunnel, and when you emerge …there it is, from Grease to Going 60 seconds, to Transformer and Drive. You are immediately transported to a high speed chase or and action movie scene. Nothing beats an Isolated piece of infrastructure.