It’s no question that Angelenos love their pizzas, and since West 3rd Street has become somewhat of a foodie haven, Olio Pizzeria & Cafe has helped to fuel that fire. The tiny spot opened over the summer and has silently been gathering a steady crowd ever since. You won’t find a 16-year-old dough-tosser here: Chef and owner Bradford Kent often mans the brick oven himself, where temps regularly soar pass 800 degrees for the ultimate in crispy yet chewy crust and burrata and basil goodness.

A former food scientist for the U.S. Department of Defense, Kent’s precision and attention to detail is reflected in his near perfect pies. Kent’s training at the Culinary Institute of America has taken him across the country, from cooking on yachts to developing natural products that are still sold at Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. Starting with dough that Kent meticulously researched before refining, the pies, which range from $10.99 to $15.99, are then topped with noticeably fresh finds from the local farmers market such as the fragrant basil and savory mozzarella. The Margherita Plus, a twice baked masterpiece with ultra-creamy Gioia burrata and the Italian fave, Grana Padano, is amped even further when drizzled with the restaurant’s own Tuscan olive oil. For a more interesting dish, the menu also features Hawaiian, classic mushroom and eggplant parmesan pizzas, but Olio’s offerings don’t just stop at the pies. The menu has several salads ($6.99-$12.99) and appetizers that all utilize the massive pizza oven in some way.

The sweet and savory arugula and fennel dish that’s topped with smoky fire roasted grapes, crunchy almonds and then tossed with feta and spiced yogurt is incredibly refreshing before diving into a pie, and the delightful Greek salad made up of Katamata olives, plump tomatoes, Persian cucumbers and drizzled with a tangy lemon vinaigrette is a meal in itself. If you’re still craving veggies, the appetizers start at $5.49, where there’s the exotic roasted cauliflower in coconut curry sauce and the roasted brussel sprouts that are drenched in garlic oil and sprinkled with slivered almonds. But of course, it’s really all about the pizzas, and when paired with one of Olio’s handmade, seasonal fresh fruit sodas, this is a pizza pad not to be missed.

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Olio Pizzeria & Café

8075 W. 3rd St. Ste #100 | Los Angeles, CA 90048

Mon-Fri: Lunch, 11am-3:30pm; Dinner, 5:30pm-10pm

Sat-Sun: Brunch, 11am-3pm; Lunch/Dinner, 3pm-10pm

NO DOUBT, NEW YORK is one of the greatest cities in the world, but it’s a lot bigger than those camera pan-overs in movies. It’s full of life, angst, culture and an astounding allure that you can’t quite place but always leaves you coming back for more. It’s glamorous, it’s gritty and it’s powerful. So where the heck does one go in the city that never sleeps? Strap on your helmets, chug an energy drink and grab a metro card! Here are some ideas for the newbies attempting to take a bite out of the Big Apple.

Fifth Avenue

The most charming way to represent consumerism. Hop into any shop that tickles your fancy and ogle designer duds. Stop into Saks if you’re a label junkie and admire the beauty of seemingly endless levels of couture fashion and foreign tongues putting their money to use. Pull a Hepburn and stop in front of Tiffany’s and snap a photo. During this season, every hall is decked.

Central Park

See the statues, like the Alice in Wonderland sculpture, listen to live free music and people watch. The most eclectic people you will find in any park. Take pictures of all the crazy things you see and find! Or pack a discreet lunch of wine and cheese.

Time Warner Center

More shops to hop about into. During Christmastime at night, they hang huge 3D stars that illuminate various colors in accordance to Christmas music playing.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Have your breath taken away by sculptures, paintings and ancient artifacts. Don’t forget to head to the roof to see the ever-changing exhibits! This museum is serious and almost a smaller version of the similar art/artifacts found in the Louvre.

Times Square

Stand on the steps of the TKTS booth and take photos. Ooooh pretty lights!

Broadway Shows

You can’t really go wrong with an awesome Broadway show to make you smile. The sets are lovely, you see the crème-de-la-crème of stage actors, and it just feels so utterly old New York when you enter one of the lush theaters. Check out classics, like Hairspray, Mamma Mia or Chicago; or be daring and try a new show (Warning though: they may not be as good! Ahem Spiderman…)

Stardust Diner

This super fun diner carries the essence of Broadway, this little restaurant boasts Broadway-stars-to-be who serenade you and prance about as you eat. It’s usually crowded but has a great atmosphere and is the perfect greasy diner food post-wandering Times Square.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Seasonal Event)

Kid-friendly, with new storylines almost every year that incorporate new technology and the ever-classic, ever-lovely Rocketts paint the picture for a storybook Christmas. See their classic line kicks and feel the spirit of Christmas.

Hard Rock Café

A bit overrated food-wise, but awesome to see all of the memorabilia from rock gods and goddesses. Original costumes, guitars and photos cover the walls. Usually super crowded, so try to avoid typical lunch and dinner times.

Le Poisson Rouge

Craving a cool vibe and good music? Head here.

Ruby Foo’s

Near Times Square, but far away enough for a slight scenery change, this place has great sushi and other Japanese food.

Empire State Building and The Statue of Liberty

Classic sites to see. Take the tours and see New York at a higher level and learn a bit more about how NY became so fantastic.

Rockerfeller Center

In the wintertime this area is beautiful. See the tree, go ice-skating or grab some hot chocolate.

NBC Studios

After you hit Rockerfeller Center, head to the NBC Studios for a tour and see where some of your favorite shows are filmed and the hallways where the stars roam.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

A beautiful church with wonderful detailing and an intriguing history. Walk around, admire the architecture and snap photos.

Bus Tours

Try a themed bus tour instead of getting haggled on the street by guys who work for tour buses. Anything from Sex and the City themed ones, to Freedom Tours showing the 9/11 site, anyone from a pop-culture fan all the way to a historian can feed their cultural appetite.

The High Line

Once a railway, now transformed into an “urban park,” the High Line is decked with plants, artwork and great views of the Hudson River.

Talking to Locals

If a local New Yorker isn’t in too much of a rush, scope ‘em out and ask them to give you a recommendation or two for a cool spot around town. People love giving their own advice.

Stay tuned for a list for the more experienced NYC visitor that will involve the kooky, creative, and off-the-radar places to check out.

It’s time to drop all those assumptions about that other country because you might be mistaken. Blame it on the labeling and marketing tactics used but it worked like a charm. Here are a few myths from different countries dispelled once and for all.

Fortune Cookies. Believe it or not, fortune cookies are actually derived from the Japanese. Supposedly based off a wafer of some sort, the cookie evolved to become part of American culture. In China, packages often include directions so they don’t end up eating the paper.

Swedish Fish. These red chewies are actually manufactured in Canada primarily for a North American market. Similar candies are found in open plastic containers the country these gummies are named after, but the infamous yellow bag filled with the red fishes does not exist in Sweden. Although originally founded by a Swedish candy manufacturer, it’s now made in Ontario Canada by Cadbury Adams, who purchased the brand in ’06. Once made, they are then shipped and distributed through Parsippany New Jersey. In the UK, you can find the yellow bags in the “Swedish Food Section” in Ikea.

Iceland Weather. Iceland is relatively warm and green compared to its friend Greenland. The name was apparently derived when a Scandinavian explorer came across the land in the winter and looked at drift ice. Rumor has it that he wasn’t in a creative mood and dubbed the land Iceland after his floating ice friends. Surprisingly, hundreds of thousands of years from that first discovery, the people there have been documented to be the healthiest, happiest and have the longest life expectancy on the planet. The U.N. annual report constantly rates it as the best place to live. Turns out this little land isn’t so cold after all.

Irish Bread. Native Americans are the original creators of this St. Patty’s day go-to fare. They used soda or pearl ash to make the bread rise. Eventually this recipe would travel to Australia, Serbia, Britain, Scotland and good ‘ole Ireland. This bread is tied into multiple cultural celebrations and the recipe only seems to vary slightly from country to country.

Taco Bell in Mexico. Taco Bell went away from Mexico for almost fifteen years until 2007, after an unsuccessful venture. Some Mexicans were quite upset with the rebirth, stating that U.S. chains were far too common in their country, i.e. Starbucks and Subway. These Taco Bells, however, do not compete with traditional Mexican cuisine. Instead, they add more of an American fast-food flavor to their menus by adding French fries and ice cream. Tacos are re-named as tacostadas, playing off the word tostada in order to protect the traditional taco image. Taco Bell in the U.S. has about 5,800 locations, while abroad in total there are only 278. Yet still on the streets of Mexico, vendors sell these little U.S.-infused tacos.

America, Not the Fattest Country. Obesity is still a major health issue in America with our overindulgent and unhealthy lifestyles consisting of fast food and expanding waist lines. But according to a recent country-by-country obesity report, other countries are putting on more weight at a faster rate than America, which is especially seen in the Middle East and Pacific Island Nations. Kuwait is number one on this list.

Clockwise:The Association; Point Dume State Beach; Cool Haus; Umami

You have friends visiting from out of town and they’ve never stepped foot in Los Angeles. It’s your job to play host but, oh where to take them? Avoid the touristy trap and stick to what the locals do. It might be hard to cover a city that stretches over 4,000 square miles made up of over 80 sub-cities, but quintessential LA can be summed up in four experiences: burger joints, food trucks, beaches and, of course, the Hollywood Bowl.

Gourmand burgers

We take our burgers seriously. Gourmet burger joints have been popping up one after another and you’d be amiss not to try any of the following: Umami, The Fix Burger, Father’s Office or The Counter. Your guests will be tempted to scarf it down after one succulent bite. But if they’re more into gourmet hot dogs and beer, take them to Wurstküche, a hip, German gastropub, for their juicy, exotic sausages and crispy Belgian fries.

Trendy food trucks

Food trucks have always been aplenty in LA, but not the kind that is branded, food specific, tweets about their whereabouts and shows up at all the hip venues around town. The food truck explosion in LA began soon after Kogi BBQ’s Korean fusion tacos became a crave-worthy hit. Since then, hundreds of unique food trucks have opened up shop and it’s getting even tastier on the streets. Don’t let your guests leave without trying the former, as well as Rebel Bite and their “dirty spaghetti tacos.” For a breakfast/brunch truck, track down Buttermilk for their velvet chocolate chip pancakes. As for cold desserts, artisan funky-flavored ice cream sandwiches served in edible wrappers (made from potato and soy) are a must-try at Cool Haus. However, if you and your guests are not willing to truck it, they have a brick and mortar store opening soon in Culver City. To wrap up the whole experience into one, head over to the Outdoor Cinema Food Fest where a list of food trucks are lined up to cater to your picnicking needs, or the Downtown LA Artwalk that occurs the second Thursday of every month. To track down the most popular food trucks, visit FindLaFoodTrucks.com.

Restaurants

Plenty of swanky restaurants abound in LA, but if you want a gorgeous view of the city, opt for Takami Sushi & Robata Restaurant on Wilshire. The food may be a bit steep in price but you can still enjoy a round of drinks. To catch a glimpse of the typecast Hollywood elite or industry execs where the paparazzi may be lurking outside—and for good people watching—Fig & Olive or Koi will fit the bill. If you’d rather dine at a hip and lounge-y venue that serves up good wine minus all that Hollywood hype, consider The Village Idiot. And before you head on out of the area to try a completely different culinary experience, stop by Bottega Louie for their macarons and desserts and a view of their eye-catching interior with high ceilings, stark white décor and glass windows. Now to give your palates an Eastern kick, head on over to Koreatown’s Moodaepo II for an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ experience aimed for a young and diverse crowd, and Din Tai Fung in Arcadia for the best soup dumplings you’ll ever taste in LA.

Bars/Lounges

The Association in downtown LA is where the locals go. A hidden spot with no signs to direct you to the entrance, this speakeasy-esque lounge is rumored to have highly skilled mixologists. Ask them to whip up a few concoctions and you see why. For unique and gourmet drink concoctions with Hollywood glamour, the Library Bar at the Roosevelt Hotel won’t disappoint, though a few too many drinks can make a dent in your pocketbook.

Beaches

Point Dume State Beach in Malibu is one of the best beach alternatives for avoiding crowds. Clean and quieter than most LA beaches, Point Dume also has rocks to climb on and a chance to peek at gray whales—if you happen to catch them at the right time, during the December to March migration period.

Music venue

Hollywood Bowl defines the summers of LA. Whether it’s classical music or a rock band in concert, out of town friends will definitely enjoy a night picnicking under the stars and a blast of fireworks afterward (not every night).

Get Shaved Truck (Hawaiian)

If you haven’t gotten your Hawaiian shaved ice fix yet, or let alone been to Hawaii, you’ll be smiling down to the last drop of ice with a spell of Get Shaved. The key is in the ice shavings that come soft and very fine. You also get the option of adding ice cream underneath, along with mochi balls and other sprinkler choices. Flavors to try among other unique flavors: Sour Puss (watermelon, lemon and lime shaved ice with sour spray) and Monkey Brains (strawberry and banana shaved ice with condensed milk). To find out where they’ll be making their next stops, visit www.getshavedice.com

Paradis (Danish)

Fresh Scandinavian deliciousness. Paradis has made its way here from Denmark (they 29 locations) when they decided California as their first foreign venture. Smooth and fluffy, their ice cream is made fresh daily with the consistency of gelato. Get your taste buds rolling with their special Vanilla and Ferrero Rocher flavors. www.paradis-icecream.com

Locations:

2323 Honolulu Ave
Montrose, CA 91020
Neighborhood: Glendale

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1726 N Vermont
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Neighborhood: Griffith Park/Los Feliz

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Mikawaya (Japanese)

This little shop in Little Tokyo may have been around for a long time, but it may have escaped you. Mikawaya was the first to manufacture mochi ice cream in the U.S., so best to get it from the originators. Try a bite of their “mochi-lato,” which is simply gelato ice cream inside a ball of mochi. Flavors to try: cookies & cream, mint chip, crème brulee. www.mikawayausa.com

118 Japanese Village Plz Mall
Los Angeles, CA 90012

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Haus Dessert Boutique (Korean)

Good Korean shaved ice (“bingsoo”) is not hard to find in Koreatown, but you’ll find that the best ones depend on the consistency of the ice (the softer the better), it’s ice flavor and the quality of the toppings (ice cream, assortment of fruit, sweet red beans)—this place will fit the bill if you’re looking for a trendy ambiance to lounge in and a place to enjoy a tasty cold ice shaven treat. www.myhauscafe.com

3826 W 6th St
Los Angeles, CA 90020
Neighborhood: Koreatown

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LA Creamery Artisan Ice Cream (American)

A modern take on the old-fashioned ice cream parlor, LA Creamery usually incorporates no more than five ingredients with nothing artificial using organic dairy from Straus Family Farms. All the sauces, toppings and cones are made from scratch daily. The result? Wholesome goodness to satisfy your finger-lickin’ ice cream cravings. If you’re craving Bi-Rite from the Bay area, you’ll be happy to find something similar with exotic flavors like Honey Lavender, Goat Cheese and many more to choose from.

www.lacreamery.com

Locations:
Westfield Topanga
6600 Topanga Canyon Boulevard
Canoga Park, CA 91303
Westfield Topanga, 1st level next door to Nordstrom

The Americana at Brand
777 Americana Way
Glendale, CA 91210
Next to Crumbs Bake Shop on Caruso Avenue

Westfield Fashion Square Shopping Center
14006 Riverside Drive
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
2nd level directly off the elevator, next to William Sonoma

A Hot Air Balloon Ride

Whether you want to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or just enjoy the view from above in a different way, a trip to Temecula Valley Wine Country will allow you to enjoy a sweet ride with A Grape Escape Balloon Adventure and some good wine or almond champagne at the Wilson Creek Winery. (*Get 10% off when you mention Yelp). www.hotairtours.com

35960 Rancho California Rd | Temecula, CA 92591

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Wakeboarding

You’ve heard of water skiing, snowboarding and surfing. Just combine all those techniques and you get wakeboarding—water skiing with one board. At Wake Experience you don’t need prior know-how because they’ll teach you. Opt for an hour group section with your close buddies. Check their website for more details. www.wakexperience.com

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Land Yachting

Instead of sailing on water, you sail on land in a boat-like vehicle—we think this is a pretty cool concept worth taking part in. For more details on lessons and tours, visit www.extremethings.com. 

Las Vegas, CA

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Skydiving

So skydiving has been on your bucket list for a number of years. Well, the time has finally come. Plan a trip out to Skydive Elsinor, which is only about an hour and a half away from LA, and was featured on Survivor, Discovery Channel and National Geographic. www.skydiveelsinore.com

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White Water Rafting

For some good bonding experience, grab a group of friends—or co-workers—and get on that cozy raft. The water might not be tame, but you’re in for a thrill. Kern River White Water Rafting is about 3 hours from LA. For more details, visit www.whitewatervoyages.com

If you’re a foodie on the hunt for something tasty, different and somewhat exotic other than your typical burger, taco, sushi or pasta dish, look no further than this nugget of gold: Traktir.

Tucked on the corner of Santa Monica Blvd and Crescent Heights in West Hollywood, Traktir serves authentic Russian cuisine that will give your palates something new to look forward to after trying it for the first time. Unpretentious and laid back with whiffs of Russian culture emanating the whole place (there’s also a Russian gourmet deli market attached to the restaurant), this eatery is definitely worth a visit.

For starters, it’s worth trying the Russian Trio which consists of three different Russian-style dumplings—potato, meat and sauerkraut Vereniki—swimming in a creamy mushroom sauce you’ll be tempted to dip your breads in.

If you’re looking for a hearty main dish, the ever-so-tender Beef Stroganoff will hit the spot and comes with a side of fluffy mashed potatoes and cucumber cabbage salad. For something more exotic to pair the dish with, go with the popular Russian-style salad concocted with beets, garlic and mayo.

Beef Stroganoff

But it doesn’t end there. Top off the whole cultural experience by washing down your meal with a cup of Mors—a refreshing berry drink, or Kvas—a popular drink in Eastern Europe made with fermented rye bread (imagine a mix of beer and soda), which might be an acquired taste for some.

Now that your meal is over, you can head over to the deli next door to grab a few Russian treats to bring back home, say your final good byes or continue to party on through the night in WeHo.

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Traktir

8151 Santa Monica Blvd

West Hollywood, CA 90046

M-Th, Su: 12pm – 10pm

F-Sa: 12 pm – 11pm

Parking: Private lot/Street

I like to think things happen for a reason.  My first job out of college was located in Santa Barbara, and I’m glad that it led me there for whatever reason.  Perhaps it’s the same reason why Oprah has a home in the hills of the neighboring Montecito community, and why thousands of adolescents apply to UCSB every year.  Known as the American Riviera, Santa Barbara is like many of the sun-drenched coastal cities of Los Angeles, yet the difference is the city’s downtown center—State Street.

There is a hustle and bustle of State Street that is hard to miss; the crowd is mixed with locals, tourists and college students.  Spanish-tiled roofs and brick sidewalks proudly portray Santa Barbara’s Spanish history.  Even though many downtown businesses have closed due to the economy, the ones that remain are still going strong, and hundreds of vacationers still flock to this beach town.

For those who are willing to make the scenic two-hour trip north on the 101, the rewards are endless.  There are a wide range of shops, from the local boutiques to national retailers, over 150 dining options, and breathtaking views of the California coast.

Silvergreens

Go through the Paseo Nuevo Mall and dodge the national food chains because what lies behind it is a Santa Barbara original—Silvergreens.  It was started in Isla Vista by the UCSB campus in Goleta.  The menu boasts an array of specialty salads, sandwiches, burgers and pastas, and you can even customize your own meal.  They also have unique daily specials that will sure make your stomach growl, even if you weren’t hungry to begin with.  What’s great about Silvergreens is that they are eco-conscious.  They really take the “green” to heart with biodegradable take-out bags, tables made from recycled materials, making use of local products, and much more.  Another guilt-free aspect to the dining experience is the availability of the nutrition facts on the receipt.  Silvergreens is the first restaurant to do that and it has started a trend among local restaurants. www.silvergreens.com

The Area

There’s no getting around shopping at popular retailers like Macy’s, Urban Outfitters, and Forever 21 which all can be found on State Street.  But if you only have time to visit one boutique, be sure to make it to The Area.  Located across the Paseo Nuevo Mall, this little store is an oasis for the female shopper who’s looking for something that can’t be found in an average mall.  The clothing featured range from vintage-inspired fashions to forward looks.  Prices vary greatly too, from $15 to $100, so even the most frugal of shoppers will be sure to find something.

The Peace Store

If you’re seeking solace and want to avoid crowded retail stores, walk a few feet away to The Peace Store.  You won’t exactly be stepping into the ’60s, but you will be amused nonetheless.  You can peruse through the counterculture literature, check out the clothing, relax on their sofas, and play the guitar that’s available for customer use.  Prepare to stay for a while because The Peace Store also has a home décor section worth browsing through. www.peacestore.com

The Coffee Cat

Before the long drive home, stop by The Coffee Cat for a caffeine fix.  It’s located a block east of State Street across the historic courthouse.  The free Wi-Fi and the abundance of outlets draw many college students and businessmen. The Coffee Cat offers a large coffee and tea menu, along with sandwiches, crepes and other snacks you can get to go for the trip back.  But before you leave, sit back and relax outside and enjoy the day.

To customize your memorable State Street experience, visit SantaBarbaraDowntown.com

Japan’s cultural beliefs and customs are rooted in Shintoism and Buddhism, which highly values peace and harmony, being others focused for the betterment of all, and being grateful. And when you add that with a 99 percent literacy rate, you get one of the most self-disciplined (technologically advanced) and moralistic societies in the world, where it’s not uncommon to find your wallet again hours later after accidentally leaving it behind somewhere. Sure, it’s a generalization but Japanese people simply don’t steal.

This is the nation that created Sony, Honda, Nintendo and, how can we forget, Hello Kitty. Japan is also world-famous for their anime, manga and bloodcurdling horror films—which gives us a snippet into their darker side of life where not everything is calm and stoic. High suicide rates ravage the nation. But leaving dark parts aside, there’s a lot we can learn from there.

Japan’s strength is in its communal attitude that strays from being individualistic. The “we” mentality is played out in all aspects of life including in times of calamity, as well as in the workplace where desks are usually arranged side by side in a large open space instead of individual cubicles.

Though the golden rule of putting others first is not a concept rooted in Americans, Japan’s peaceful and collective response to all the chaos teaches us a thing or two about life and what ingredient we’ve been missing all along.

Harlem Place Café does make wraps—and good ones, too—but you’ll have to find the place first to have a taste. Hidden alongside a long alley on West 4th Street near Rocket Pizza, the artsy café used to be called Lost Souls Café until September of last year when they decided to scrap the name and go through a new re-branding strategy.

The “new” café (opened in October) is more dimly lit and incorporates a speakeasy theme and vibe to reflect the hidden location and the fact that there are no windows inside. It’s the perfect place to chill with your laptop, take a break from the streets of downtown, or have a quick bite to satisfy that hungry belly of yours.

If you can’t decide on a menu item and are looking for something light, the “On the Up and Up” Hummus sandwich with cranberry walnut bread is a must-try. It’s filled with hummus, mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers and red onions dressed in flavorful balsamic vinaigrette. And if your adventurous palates are looking for something sweet to complete the meal with, try the Ube purple yam shake—you won’t regret it.

Harlem Place Café might not be a good option for a large group of more than four, but it’s certainly worth introducing to your small group of local or out-of-town friends.

The space is also used for art shows during the Downtown LA Art Walk. You can also catch their Speakeasy Open Mic nights every other Mondays at 9pm. And if you happen to miss that, they also have Comedy Night on Wednesdays at 8pm.

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124 W. 4^th St. (btw Spring & Main streets)

LA, CA 90013

HarlemPlaceCafe.com

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Hours

M-F 7:30am – 10pm

Sa-Su 9am – 5pm

Free WiFi