The Bob Baker Marionette Theater, founded by Bob Baker and Alton Wood in 1963, is the oldest children's theater company in Los Angeles and the longest-running puppet theater in the United States. As soon as you step through the doors you are transported into a magical realm frozen in time. Be prepared to be swept off your feet and surrender your age as soon as the artfully designed marionettes come to life. At the end of every show, the theater offers free ice cream and coffee in the birthday party room opposite the main theater where Bob Baker is available to chat and show you how to operate a marionette.

Need some socks? Need some pants? Bacon wrapped hot dogs? Remote control helicopter? A rabbit? Look no further than the Fashion District, L.A.'s version of a Turkish Bazaar. I keep my studio here, too.

Crispy rice salad with the works forever.

If you love karaoke like I do, there's a ton of spots to check out in LA, but none quite as charming (or David Lynch-y) as Melody Lounge. Be forewarned, this spot is intermittently open. You'll know they're ready for business if they plant a sandwich board outside offering cold sandwiches and cheap beer. Hopefully, you'll get a chance to meet the owner Willie, whose (possibly embellished) life stories rival Hemingway. As for the song selection, the campy MIDI versions and painfully less than accurate lyric translations can suddenly turn your favorite tunes into high-wire acts (i.e. "Leaving On A Jet Plane" magically transforms into "Libyan on A Jet Plane"). Hell, they even have a song called "Schindler's List" on the menu! Even if you don't sing, Willie or his wife will gleefully take the stage. Special tip: for a true Chinatown boner, request Willie sing Enrique Iglesias' "Bailamos."

The LA Opera at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on Grand Street in downtown LA is a must during the fall and holiday season when they have a solid lineup of opera and ballet. Very inspiring.