By: Blanda Eggenschwiler
To know Blanda Eggenschwiler is to love her and want to be around her all day. She is pure talent, good vibes and creativity. Blanda is the most unique Artist and Fashion darling. She is and creates beauty around her and is one of our greatest sources of inspiration. Trust her for all things cool. She is one of the few women we would blindly trust and take advice from…so here is our gift to you! Blanda’s insider guide to Los Feliz.
Q: Why do you love this city/ neighborhood? Its essence and character traits?
A: LA is so defined by its neighborhoods that the experience of living in this city changes drastically depending on where you live. It took me a while to find my place in the vastness of Los Angeles when I first moved here from NY and Los Feliz was the first neighborhood where I felt at home. The people who live here are super friendly and seem relaxed. I notice small things like how I get waved in when I drive instead of cut off and how everyone says hi to each other when you pass each other on the street. That in itself is also a big thing for me: people here actually walk around and I love it. It’s a really pretty neighborhood with lots of trees and cute spots and I like how close to Griffith park we are.
Q: Favorite street corner?
A: There are many. My bf and I sometimes sit on a little sunny corner after we get coffee in the morning and chat for a bit. I also love the Shakespeare bridge area and the historic little hill right next to it.
Q: Favorite coffee shop and coffee order?
A: Maru on Hillhurst is a definite favorite but I also like Blue Bottle just up the street and Bru on Vermont. I usually get a Matcha latte or an oat cappuccino.
Q: Favorite restaurant – lunch/ dinner and favorite food there?
A: Bar Restaurant is an absolute stand-out for me, their food is some of the best I’ve had in LA and the atmosphere is great as well. I have tried everything on their menu and you just can’t go wrong. I also really like All Time for both lunch and dinner and am excited to actually be able to have a dining-in experience there again. Some other favorites of mine are Blair’s, La Pergoletta, Little Pine and of course Yuca’s, a tiny converted hut in a parking lot that has been there for over 40 years and just happens to make the best burrito in town. Another total gem is “Mh Zh” on sunset, even though I guess that’s technically in Silverlake.
Q: Favorite bar + cocktail or mocktail?
A: I really miss going to bars! Our neighborhood has changed so much this past year that I am honestly not sure what is still around and what kinds of new bars we will see. I like to sit at the bar at Little Dom’s, it’s always a good vibe. Bar Restaurant (the name might have given it away ha) also has a super cute bar area, it’s chic and has the best wine selection. All that’s missing is a good dive bar or Pub. I usually just have a glass of wine, I’m not really into sweet cocktails but like a good tequila or simple martini with extra olives.
Q: Favorite building and why?
A: Griffith Observatory! It is just absolutely stunning from any angle and I could stare at the ceiling mural in the entrance hall for hours.
Q: Favorite free activity – park, library, etc?
A: Hikes. I find new loops and trails all the time. But I also love just walking through the streets of our neighborhood.
Q: Favorite place to meet up with friends?
A: Our garden! 🙂
Q: Favorite place for business meetings?
A: Stamp proper foods, they have wifi and good breakfast / lunch food as well as snacks and beverages.
Q: Best Neighborhood Hotel/ where you’d suggest friends stay
A: There aren’t too many hotels that I know of. Hotel Covell seems nice but I have never actually stayed there. I always tell my family and friends to look for a cute Airbnb instead. There are so many great little houses and guesthouses around here that are fun to stay in when visiting!
Q: Spot that inspires me the most
A: The top of Griffith Park. The feeling of space and the vastness of that view is just such a good balance to living in a big city.