@julianapjohnson
Our very own Editor-in-Chief takes you on a tour of her beloved West LA, where she has lived and created cherished memories for the past decade with the help of the community and businesses celebrated below.
Q: Why do YOU love West LA/ the neighborhood? Its essence and character traits
A: What I love most about LA in general is that every neighborhood has such distinct personalities and traits, and a quick 20-minute drive can take you from the beach to a city hike, to the theatre or to a concrete jungle. What I love about West LA is its proximity from central West Hollywood + Beverly Hills and equal parts to the beaches and chill of Santa Monica, Venice and Malibu. It feels like the perfect middle ground between work and play.
Q: Favorite street corner
A: 26th and San Vicente… right where the neighborhood homes meet the Brentwood/ Samo businesses and coffee shops. This corner boasts the Brentwood Country Mart (home of GOOP, Café Luxe, Christian Louboutin), the delicious Amici Restaurant, Blue Bottle and other great gems.
Q: Favorite coffee shop and coffee order-
A: Alfred on the corner of San Vicente + Bundy. I order a double Americano or a Chagaccino!
Q: Favorite restaurant – lunch/ dinner and favorite food there
A: R+D Kitchen on Montana. I’m obsessed with their deviled eggs and tuna picnic sandwich special. They also have a yummy Newporter and Mediterranean Ahi Tuna Salad.
For dinner, Peppone is the OG of Italian restaurants for me. I love a good chicken parmesan, their gnocchi and pastas. Their wine list iS incredible in breadth and impressive in price.
I am also so lucky to be flagged by 2 of the best new Italian Restaurants in LA – Jon & Vinnys and Pizzana. Pizzana is my favorite for pizza- the Cacio e Pepe and Margherita are musts and Jon & Vinnys is the best for their Spicy Fusilli Pasta, Meatball and a killer wine shop – Helen’s.
Q: Favorite bar + cocktail or mocktail
A: Baltaire has the best bar setup where you can hang out all night with a huge menu to choose from.
We also love heading to The Ivy by the Shore and enjoying a margarita or two by the bar with some chips and guacamole.
Q: Favorite free activity – park, library, etc
A: Taking walks around the neighborhood above San Vicente and below Sunset and admiring all the gorgeous homes.
Q: Favorite place to meet up with friends
A: Brentwood Country Mart! Even amidst the pandemic, it open and safe.
Q: Favorite place for business meetings
A: Coffee outside Joe & The Juice, Lunch at The Farmshop (Brentwood Country Mart) and/ or R+D Kitchen on Montana.
Q: Best Neighborhood Hotel/ where you’d suggest friends stay
A: The Brentwood Inn, Santa Monica Proper
Q: Spot that inspires me the most
A: Driving by the coast and being at the beach
Q: Best people watching
A: Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica
Q: Best shopping
A: I love all of the small shops on Montana Ave but if you’re looking for the big dogs head over to Century City’s Westfield Mall or Santa Monica’s 3rd Street Promenade
Q: If there was one billboard in the city, to welcome visitors and showcase its essence, what would it say…. Welcome to…?
A: Climb the mountains, ride the waves, soak up the sun and find your way.