Los Angeles, USA
Celebrities in Los Angeles
Celebrities are no different from everyone else although they do have more money to spend and would tend to avoid the masses when it comes to shopping. Fred Segal in West Hollywood and Santa Monica is a prime destination for stars. Due to its association with notorious starlets such as Lindsay Lohan, Kitson in Melrose has attracted celebrity attention.
Specialty
Downtown is the destination for some focused retail therapy. Want flowers? Why there’s a Flower District in Downtown! Jewelry? Fashion? Seafood? Toys? Yep, there are entire districts in Downtown dedicated to these particular products. You can buy art in Gallery Row up and down Main Street or see artists at work in the Artist District. They are located mostly just east of the towering Financial District. Beware though as they exist along with the notorious Skid Row.
Music
As the second capital of hip-hop culture Los Angeles has hundreds of records stores scattered around the area. Also, though vinyl has disappeared from the shelfs of regular record stores, many stores still sell used an new vinyl. Amoeba Music in Hollywood is without a doubt the best in the city.
Eat
The Los Angeles area is one of the best places in the country for food – you can find just about anything you can imagine somewhere within its loose borders. From traditional American diner culture (try Mel’s Drive-In in West Hollywood to the new wave of organic cafes to cheap and dirty tacos off a taco truck to swanky eateries with food that will take your breath away, there’s no shortage of options.
Los Angeles abounds with inexpensive, authentic food that represents the culinary traditions of L.A.’s many immigrant communities. You have to be willing to do a little legwork, go to neighborhoods you might not otherwise go to and often deal with charmless florescent-lit storefronts in strip malls, but your reward is hype-free, authentic cuisine from around the world served up at bargain prices. It’s also the birthplace of the drive-thru and numerous chains clog the roadsides – In ‘n Out Burger is a good place to sample a “traditional” fast food burger.
The cultural diversity of Los Angeles is an evident influence on the local vegetarian food restaurant industry. Where else but L.A. can you find strictly vegan and vegetarian dining, be it Chinese, Ethiopian, Mexican, Thai, American, Indian, International Fusion, Vegan Macrobiotic, and Raw Gourmet restaurants?
There are several different supermarket chains of varying quality – for something different (and cheap) try Trader Joe’s, a reputable grocery store with multiple locations (the original is in Pasadena), selling many organic products with no preservatives. They normally give out great samples to the public and sell their acclaimed Charles Shaw wine, also known as “Two Buck Chuck.” Whole Foods is another market with multiple locations and a favorite among the health conscious — but also a little pricey. Their salad bar is fully stocked, they have huge fresh burritos, sushi, hot dishes ready to go, and a comprehensive selections of pre-made, delicious salads. This is a great place to buy food for a picnic!
The nearby cities of Beverly Hills, West Hollywood and Santa Monica also offer numerous dining options.
Drink
Coffee & Tea
* Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, multiple locations citywide, 213-689-8087, [28]. Invented the Original Ice Blended coffee drinks that are now ubiquitous throughout the country.
* Elixir, Melrose Avenue (and sold at various locations and restaurants around town, including a branch at Hollywood & Highland), 877-4-ELIXIR, [29]. An excellent selection of teas and tonics, and a great garden out back to drink them in at the flagship Melrose Ave store. Hit the ATM first.
Alcohol
The hotel bars are generally considered by Angelenos to be the best places to have drinks.
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