By: Juliana Pires Johnson
You may know ZZ Ward through her incredible music (if you don’t please immediately download Giant and Domino – two of our absolute favorite feel good, dance around songs of all time) but we are lucky to also know her through her creative heart and generous friendship. ZZ is an explorer who inspires us in every way and is the perfect person to shine a light on the entertainment-centric hood that is Studio City.
Q: Why do you love this city/ neighborhood? Its essence and character traits
A: I love studio city, it has the best mix of restaurants offering various cuisines, yummy spots to get desserts and great coffee shops. It always brings a smile to my face driving along it’s Tree-lined streets and warm foothills.
Q: Favorite street corner
A: Woodbridge and Tujunga
Q: Favorite coffee shop and coffee order
A: Aroma Cafe has an amazing homey vibe to it. It’s a place you can go with people you know or people you want to get to know better. The indoor and outdoor seating options make it the perfect place for everyone to be comfortable. Another highlight is their extensive menu, I’d recommend the Soy Matcha Latte anytime!
Q: Favorite restaurant – lunch/ dinner and favorite food there
A: Favorite restaurant would be Iroha sushi of Tokyo on Ventura Blvd. I highly recommend getting the spicy shrimp tempura soup, it’s a creamy broth with shrimp tempura, warm avocado and is unlike anything you’ve had anywhere else! if you don’t like spice, you can ask them to make it mild.
Q: Favorite bar + cocktail or mocktail
A: Mercado Hollywood has a great vibe and plenty to eat if you’re feeling like a snack. I’d recommend trying the Michelada De Mango for a spicy treat to warm you up.
Q: Favorite building and why
A: Sportsman’s lodge because I have so many memories there. Playing open mic nights early in my career and starting and ending tours there with the bus. Their diner has a throwback to old Hollywood vibe and is a great spot to dine with friends or grab a seat at the bar and people watch!
Q: Favorite free activity – park, library, etc
A: Visiting the studio city Farmers Market. I enjoy strolling through and checking out fresh local produce as well as artisan foods and crafts. It’s a lovely way to spend a Sunday Morning.
Q: Favorite place to meet up with friends
A: Firefly on Ventura has always been a go-to spot to meet up with friends. Sit inside the bar with its library-like feel or enjoy the outside firepits, perfect for those warm LA nights.
Q: Favorite place for business meetings
A: For business meetings I prefer Joan’s On Third. It’s the perfect place to grab a coffee or breakfast and I always end up running into a familiar face.
Q: Best Neighborhood Hotel/ where you’d suggest friends stay
A: Although it’s temporarily closed due to the pandemic, I’d suggest friends stay at the Sportsman’s Lodge. It’s so central to everything you’d want to do in Studio City and they offer a lot of amenities, like beautiful pool and lots of free entertainment options. During the summer, it’s fun to sit by the pool and soak up the trendy vibe of the hotel.
Q: Spot that inspires you the most
A: Most inspiring place in Studio City would be Training Mates. It’s always a great workout and the instructors are hilarious! They always have a fun way of making you feel inspired to get in great shape.
Q: Best people watching locale?
A: Favorite people watching spot would be Trader Joe’s. You get to see lots of different types of people and the cashiers are always fun to talk to!
Q: If there was one billboard in the city, to welcome visitors and showcase its essence, what would it say…. Welcome to…?
A: Welcome to Studio City where you can shop, staycation and enjoy great food!