Have you been to LA? Well if you haven’t been let me tell you about the experience that you’re missing…
Hey there, fellow adventurers! Buckle up as I take you on a whirlwind tour through the dazzling streets of Los Angeles, where every moment is a chance to discover something extraordinary.
Tuesday: Vegan Indulgence in West Hollywood
Touching down in LA, my first stop was at my friend’s cozy abode in Brentwood, where I dropped off my luggage before embarking on a culinary adventure at Pura Vita, a hidden gem serving up mouthwatering vegan Italian cuisine. From creamy pasta to decadent desserts, it was a feast fit for a foodie like me! The evening ended with cozy girl talk and Netflix. I mean it couldn’t have been a more perfect night.
Wednesday: Chic Cafés and Retail Therapy
Waking up to the California sunshine, I kicked off my day with a caffeine fix at the beautiful Cafe Sheera in Beverly Hills, fueling up for a day of exploring and creating content. Cafe Sheera is so beautifully curated by the owner. I’m talking about different shades of pink and walls of beautiful flowers. I was in love. It is known to be the most Instagrammable cafe in Los Angeles. With Rodeo Drive just a stone’s throw away, I indulged in a bit of retail therapy, snapping pics and soaking in the glitz and glamour of one of the world’s most famous shopping destinations. From Rodeo Drive we went to Brentwood Country Mart. Brentwood Country Mart first opened in 1949 and provides all the cozy feels. It is so adorable and somewhat of a hidden gem. It has organic eateries and curated brands. You can easily spend several hours and shoot some content here (which is what I did). We stopped in Caffe Luxxe for matcha lattes which provided the perfect pick-me-up.
The Spot To Go:
After shooting content we arrived back to my friend’s house for a quick change and then were off to dinner at the famous plant-based hot spot, Gracias Madre. I mean this is one of the hottest places to be, Taylor Swift, Mariah Carey, Ellen Degeneres, Selena Gomez, Natalie Portman, Jessica Alba, and Amy Adams are some of the celebs spotted dining at Gracias Madre. It’s one of the most beautiful restaurants in West Hollywood. The food was outstanding. The Guacamole and the Queso Fundido are a must to start with for the table. We also ordered the Potato Pimento Flautas, The Taco Trio, and the Enchiladas. For dessert, we had the Churros. And of course, we had nothing less than the classic drinks; Espresso Martinis and Skinny Girl Margaritas.
We were knocked out and ready for bed by the time we got home.
Thursday: Work and Play
Balancing work commitments with relaxation, I made my way to Culver City for a productive meeting before checking into the luxurious Hotel Casa Del Mar in Santa Monica. With its breathtaking ocean views and elegant ambiance, it was the perfect place to unwind after a busy day.
Friday: Feasting with Friends
As the weekend approached, I reunited with old friends for a culinary extravaganza. From flaky croissants at Charmount Vegan to innovative plant-based dishes at Planta Cocina, every bite was a delightful journey for the taste buds. Despite battling the cold and wind during photo shoots, we managed to capture some stunning content to share with you all. One of the things I love most is being able to share all the details with all of you.
Saturday: Front-Row Thrills and Sporting Excitement
Saturday brought sports thrills and front-row excitement as we cheered on LAFC at BMO Stadium. From the electrifying atmosphere to the heart-pounding action on the field, it was a day filled with adrenaline and excitement. And with celebrities like Will Ferrell in attendance, the star power was off the charts!
Sunday: Spa Serenity and Fond Farewells
As my LA adventure drew to a close, we treated ourselves to a relaxing spa day at Hotel Casa Del Mar where Carla and I got the best deep tissue massages and rejuvenating treatments. Carla departed for LAX shortly after. I still had some time before my 10:00PM flight, so my friend picked me up and we headed over to Culver City, and it did not disappoint. We grabbed a bite at the wonderful Hey, Sunshine Cafe which is all plant-based. We had the bonus of having one of the sister owners in to give a variety of suggestions on what to order…and it was all so delicious. We still had some time so we decided to head over to the Culver Hotel which is elegant and full of rich history. We went to their lounge, Lillie’s Lounge, and ordered the Culver Martini while we enjoyed the house music. What an incredible experience, if you haven’t been to Culver City, I highly recommend it. It has grown so much since I lived in LA twelve-plus years ago. I am told Culver City is the up-and-coming neighborhood.
Big shoutout to JetBlue Mint as I loved every moment of my flight. I had a little door to my own private area and the service was impeccable. They knew I had a vegan meal both ways and made sure to point out all the vegan snacks as well. This doesn’t happen very often, I couldn’t believe how far they went with how they serve their customers. This will be how I fly on my West Coast trips.
Which of these top things to do in LA do you want to try?