Backyard Bite

Sunny Spot, Venice

822 Washington Blvd · Venice, CA 90292 · Neighborhood: Venice Having already been a fan of Sunny Spot since they opened their doors this past November, I was super excited to learn that they were launching their inaugural brunch weekend just in time for Mother’s Day. A special Friends and Family sampling enabled me to try a few items on their menu. With [...]

Stüssy x Plan Check Bar x Backyard Bite

1800 Sawtelle Blvd · West Los Angeles, CA 90025 · Neighborhood: West Los Angeles For my second visit over at the new-ish Plan Check Bar I got to help collaborate a special event. The trendsetters over at the street wear brand Stüssy (yes, remember them??) paired up with the new bar/restaurant just north of “Little Osaka” for a funky fresh evening. The [...]

The Pie Hole Los Angeles, Downtown

714 Traction Ave · Los Angeles, CA 90013 · Neighborhood: Downtown Think back… way back… to your fondest “Pie” memory… Smelling the aroma of your grandmother’s pumpkin pie coming from the kitchen on Thanksgiving morning… Perhaps you think of enjoying warm apple pie on Independence Day with friends. Every American has a personal connection with pie. Me? Oh, I’m a [...]

THE 4.20 (Weed+Chinese) Herb Dinner by Laurent Quenioux and Starry Kitchen, (some secret location) Los Angeles

When I was a young kid, my mom would always make sure to tell me to eat my greens. Somehow, I don’t think that eating a 5-course meal, centering on Chinese herbs and Cannabis, was what she was referring to. When I learned about the “special” dinner that was being arranged by Starry Kitchen owner [...]

Destini Café, Playa Del Ray

423 Culver Blvd · Playa Del Rey, CA 90293 · Neighborhood: Playa Del Rey If Buddha had a favorite dive restaurant, this would probably be it. This tiny little gem is impossible to spot from the street, and I found myself driving back and forth a few times before my friend flagged me down from outside the restaurant. One could [...]

Sunny Blue, Santa Monica

2728 Main St · Santa Monica, CA 90405 · Neighborhood: Santa Monica Located next door to a local’s breakfast fave, Sunny Blue is a fresh take on one of Japan’s best quick serve comfort food. Omusubi (aka Onigiri) are Japanese rice balls made with various yummy fillings inside. Have one for a snack… two or three could [...]