Loving and Leaving: the Best of Los Angeles

Family Books- A self-proclaimed curated bookstore owned by the same brothers that own the Silent Movie Theatre (below). Spectacular collection and events, sometimes in tandem with the theatre.
436 N Fairfax Ave x Rosewood

The Silent Movie Theatre- Not just silent movies! The Cinefamily programs films that will amaze you, go any night and be delighted.
611 N Fairfax x Melrose Ave

Show Pony- I am a show pony, so I've bought lots of clothes from Kime Buzelli. One-offs and small labels, great costume jewelry, and delicious girly artwork.
1543 Echo Park Ave

Coco de Mer- Forget Trashy Lingerie and the Pleasure Chest, this is the ultimate erotic boutique. Go with a lover and have him or her sit in the confessional and watch while you model sexy little nothings. Also- great books, accessories and workshops.
8618 Melrose Ave x Huntley Drive

Cinefile Video- The best video store I've ever frequented. I used to live around the corner and I went every day for years. Sometimes twice a day. Staffed by real (friendly) film geeks with movies organized into categories with inventive names.
11280 Santa Monica Blvd x Sawtelle

The Way We Wore- My go-to vintage boutique. I want so many things, gowns and suits especially. If you'd like to buy me presents, this is a good place to start.
334 S La Brea Ave between 3rd and 4th streets

Thompson Hotel- The rooftop bar at the Thompson Beverly Hills is my favorite rooftop on the West side. I saw Victoria and David Beckham at Kate Beckinsale's birthday party here.
9360 Wilshire Blvd x Crescent Dr

The Oviatt Penthouse- At the top of the first Art Deco building in LA (1927), it is undeniably the best location for a party I have ever seen. It also has my favorite rooftop downtown. You can rent it out for $3,000-$5,500 a night. The building was designed by Walker and Eisen and features more than 30 tons of Lalique.
617 S Olive St x 6th St downtown

RetroSpecs & Co- Simply the most wonderful sunglasses boutique I've ever been to. All frames are restored vintage eyewear. Prices range from around $300 to several thousand dollars. Be prepared.
8629 Melrose Ave near Pacific Design Center

Galco's Soda Pop Stop- It's beverage heaven. A whole grocery of vintage indie pops, sarsaparillas, ginger ales, root beers, egg creams and cream sodas. Go buy one of everything.
5702 York Blvd in Highland Park.

Bagel Broker- The best bagels in LA. Best best best. Always crowded in the mornings.
7825 Beverly Blvd x Orange Grove Ave

La Brea Bakery- The only French baguette I buy in LA. You must go to the original bakery, next to Campanile. Say hello to George and Michelle for me. Also- try the little feta pie, pain au chocolat, and great overpriced sandwiches.


Milk- My summertime ice cream parlor featuring ridiculously delicious homemade ice cream sandwiches and drumsticks. They make couture ice creams too, just pick your flavor. Also- truly great double chocolate cookies.
7290 Beverly Blvd x Poinsettia Pl.

Papa Cristo's- Excellent casual Greek restaurant and grocery with easy parking (free valet at night). Great place to go with a few friends for an early dinner, since they close at 8pm. Papa Cristo will most likely take your order at the counter. There's a big dining room and patio seating as well. Nick says, "It's the best Greek food I've had since I got back from Crete."
2771 W. Pico Blvd x Normandie


Cafe Jack- Coffee or tea in a Titanic (the movie) themed atmosphere. I love it. Plus: bell service, free Wi-Fi and smoke anywhere you like.
508 S. Western Ave x 5th St in Koreatown.

Bay Cities Italian Deli- Best sandwich and bread hands down on the West side. During the lunch rush, be prepared to wait. Completely worth it. Also- pre-prepared lasagnas, great selection of olive oil and other imported specialty foods. Open til 7pm most days, Sunday til 4pm and closed Mondays.
1517 Lincoln Blvd x Broadway in Santa Monica.