La La Land or Bust

Los Angeles represents many things to many people – beautiful beaches, posh zip codes, and most recently (post Oscar season)… it’s the city for big dreams.  But it was its finely tuned wellness scene that drew me to it.  Curious about all things well and good, I explored LA like a part-time tourist, part-time local… moving across neighborhoods, from studio to store, in a car, often in traffic.

Here are a few moments in La La Land.

Santa Monica

Famous for its sandy shores and pier, this hood maintains that SoCal vibe.  Filled with yoga studios, spas, and cool cafes, the well life is written on every block.  Despite the foggier than usual weather, I still opted for a seaside lobster roll at Shutters On The Beach.

Beverly Hills & Hollywood

Epitomized on film as the end all be all for dreamers alike. 90210 proved to be clean and pristine, while Hollywood held a certain dated charm among its hills.  In BH, I stopped by Sugarfina for some fancy gummy candies infused with what else, than Dom Perignon.

Venice Beach

A total circus of entertaining folk, from skater boys (and girls – note the kid below to the right) to strong men (and women – check me hanging out below) to starving artists.  Lining the beach are shops and booths, as well as massage pallors and marijuana clinics.  There I skipped the clinic but stopped by the super cool Moon Juice cafe for a famously “dusted” latte – edible alchemy at its best.

Top Restaurant Picks

In Los Angeles vegan is as normal as grits in the southern states. But here it’s also an art form, perfected by creativity and aesthetic flairs.  Here are my two favourite restaurants of the trip.  (Photos swiped from their respective sites.)

Plant Food + Wine: located in Venice Beach, the minimal interior served as the perfect canvas for their culinary creations.  I absolutely loved the cashew raclette, heart of palm ceviche and vegetable lasagna!  Their garden looked pretty too, if you prefer your veggies al fresco.

Gracias Madre: located in trendy West Hollywood, this plant-based eatery has Mexico at its heart.  Beautifully designed from bar to table to patio, it maintains a sense of flavor throughout its interiors and plates.  I had the plantain enchiladas with mole, which was excellent!

What I Wore

Beverly Hills: shirt: J.Crew / dress: Gap / sneakers: Nike / sunglasses: Celine / bag: Kate Spade
Venice Beach: jacket: Pilcro from Anthropologie / top: J.Crew / jeans: Top Shop / scarf: PrAna