Neighborhood, uber-charming coffee cafe discretely situated on picturesque Melrose Place. Several locations include Alfred in the Alley and Alfred’s Tea Room.

Contemporary American cuisine done right.

Residential country inspired accommodations in eclectic Fairfax district just off Third Avenue. Intimate swimmming pool, courtyard, dining and drinking. Be sure to turn left when you leave the hotel.

Coffee, tea, dessert and karaoke served in a titanic theme “ship” just off bustling Western Avenue.

Cozy spot in small strip center serving superb French classics.

Swedish coffee shop chain opened a branch in downtown LA, in the epicenter of rapidly redeveloping Broadway; a block from The Ace. Inside Acne Studios, correct vibe for the ‘hood with an ever-changing cast of characters. Sandwiches, toasts, coffee, tea and pastries with an eye for delicious.

Pastrami doesn’t get any better than this… either does rye bread, potato salad, pickle or egg cream. Pastrami is served warm, the perfect thickness and correct blend of spices and seasoning; rye is “double baked” for soft inside and crispy crust; potato salad sweetly addictive with dusting of paprika; pickle extradordinaire and egg cream with scientific balance of foam, fizz and chocolate.

Founded in 1947, Langer’s is a true institution and is among the finest delicatessens anywhere. Personal service and pristine surroundings, served with passion, quality and homemade care.

Ambitious coffee menu, with tea, sweets and light fare served in European-Asian room.

Coffee, light fare, tea and desserts served in Koreatown. “Lofty and plush” space with marble, red velvet and spinning disco ball. European ambiance is peaceful and calm compared with other cafes in the neighborhood.

Comfortable, intimate and “lived in” hotel since 1926. Welcoming lobby with an abundance of residential charm. Center of Koreatown, just off Wilshire Boulevard and a block from the subway.

If you seeking an alternative to the abundant karaoke bars in Koreatown, wander around the corner from the main entrance of Normandie Hotel and be transported. Warm comfortable vibe serving craft cocktails and spirits.

It’s tough to find breakfast in Koreatown and most coffee cafes open late morning. Cassell’s serves high quality diner breakfast food and hamburgers in bright modern space paying homage to the past.

Interesting spot on second floor of Line Hotel. Delightful plant-filled spot serving three meals and bar; particularly delightful for breakfast.

Interesting Sunset Boulevard boutique with lots of original designs silkscreened on garments.

Modern hotel of contemporary design with lots of concrete. Ideally situated in fascinating Koreatown across the street from subway. Interesting dining, drinking and cafe options; outdoor swimming pool.

Since 1921, American made candies of the finest quality. Favorites include square lollypops of chocolate and vanilla, Awesome Nut & Chew Bars, Almond Royals in the tin and boxes of assorted chocolates. Look for the iconic black and white checkered shops where everyone receives a free sample. Locations all over the place but there is a factory and retail shop on the way to LA from LAX.

Pace is a bustling natural food restaurant that covers many bases. Located in a somewhat secluded residential neighborhood in the canyon, Pace is a real find for reliable non-trendy genuine foods.

Interesting Silver Lake fashion forward boutique.

Among Sunset Strip, a fabulous bookstore that is serious, refined , gracious and maintains long hours. Be sure to visit the periodical alley.

Smart Silver Lake boutique featuring unique and mostly handmade items.

Stiff drinks in old school charm. Situated beside the deco-extravaganza Pantages Theatre.

Perfectly preserved delicatessen landmark since 1931. Classic menu, sprawling dining rooms, in-house baking and superb deli cases to observe. Open all night.

Lunch, dinner and interesting brunch served elegantly in the heart of Silver Lake.

Small space garden boutique and other cheerful curiosities.

Contemporary men’s and women’s clothing boutique.

Although it is possible to see LA by a combination of walking, biking and subwaying, LA is a sprawling metropolis that is hard to grasp without a motor vehicle. Be sure to visit Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Hollywood Hills, Downtown, Silverlake, Venice (especially Albert Kinney Drive), the Pacific and everything in between.

Handsome and interesting boutique “advocacy through industry.”  Founded on the idea “that people can live better lives when they are given equal access to the global marketplace.”

Serving since 1953, programmatic architecture palace producing outstanding donuts 24 hours. Last time it was two donuts and coffee for well under three bucks. Must stop to and fro LAX.

Founded in 1960, upscale collection of primarily apparel shops with a playful attitude. Scale and organization is delightful.

Market driven menu and imaginative cocktails on Sunset Blvd. Great vibe both indoors and out.

Richard Meier designed modernist complex; 1.2 million square feet of travertine. Seeks to inspire curiosity about the visual arts. Board the tram and leave the real world behind. Visit the museum buildings and gardens. Destination of the J. Paul Getty Trust; words cannot being to describe the experience. Admission is free.

Modern menswear in the midst of 3rd street.

Happy menswear store on Third Street.

Purveyor of cheeses, interesting foods and wines all carefully selected.

Little Door for elegant and secluded hideaway for Mediterranean cuisine. Little Next Door servers casual French fare, pastries and breads in cheerful brasserie atmosphere.

32-room hotel for the creative crowd and the “modern urban explorer.”

Interesting menu served in super casual cafe. Within Palihotel.

Spectacular selection of everything for the bar… spirits, bitters, glassware.

If you plan to stay downtown look no further. Arabia combined with Casablanca in a former YMCA Hotel. Lush gardens, outdoor pool, laid-back fantasyland.

Infamous hideaway perched above Sunset Boulevard in the heart of West Hollywood. Modeled after a Gothic Chateau along the Loire River. Choose from an assortment of understated rooms, suites and bungalows. Even if you don’t spend the night you must experience the Chateau. “If you must get in trouble, do it at the Chateau Marmont.” Finely curated and preserved by Andre Balazs.

Visit Bar Marmont, which is more accessible and less formal, discreetly located directly on Sunset Blvd. Be sure to observe the bar flies.

Former motor lodge in the center of West Hollywood Sunset Blvd. transformed into the hipster-filled and fun Standard. Modernist restaurant is 24/7, dj spins in the lobby,  Cactus Lounge has great murals, outdoor “scene” swimming pool and model living behind the front desk. Always happening and fun.

Also visit The Standard downtown in the 1956 Superior Oil Company Building for a memorable but completely different hotel experience.

Art deco masterpiece designed by Leland A. Bryant in the heart of lively West Hollywood. Small, intimate, elegant and understated, highlights include the exquisite Tower Bar for dinner, Terrace for breakfast, lunch, cocktails and snacks,  Salon and lovely swimming pool.  Views are spectacular and staff respects privacy and embodies tranquility and dignity. Hotel and Tower Bar are truly memorable.

Home decor items from Australia and local finds to make your home and life more interesting.

Cafe and marketplace of the highest standard. Enjoy anything from a meal to exceptional snack in the heard of 3rd Street.

Curated selection of artworks, ceramics, books, decorative arts, wallets, jewelry, office goods and much more. Impeccably presented. Silver Lake location also.

Enjoy a slice or whole delicious pie… sweet or savory… banana cream to mac and cheese hand pie… in the rapidly evolving downtown Arts District.

Japanese restaurant with pleasant outdoor cafe on lovely 3rd Street. Enjoy the Robata-Yaki grilled items, sushi, ramen and the best luncheon values ever.

Friendly Silver Lake Cafe providing loads of caffeine, tea and snacks. discover the “people watching” window.