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. 

For everything. Favorite place in LA.

Part restaurant, part market, part publication, Botanica is a lively space in LA’s Silver Lake neighborhood. We converted the former drop ceiling liquor store by peeling the space back to its original shell and opening up the back wall and patio creating a space that reflects their personality and cooking – bright, lively and communal.

The Rose Bowl happens in Pasadena. The Flea Market is only once a month, its usually the second Sunday of the month. Its a great place to find vintage clothes, antiques and rare treasures. I once found an amazing David Hamilton book that I bought for $15 when it was worth $500.

I hang around on the rooftop to relax. Los Angeles traffic is crazy so this is a good place to calm down and try to find my zen. The view is great and I love the rooftop Neon signs you can see from here.