Favorite Places in Los Angeles

Pretty much all of our posts are triggered by questions from our friends. This post is inspired by Chad Barger of Productive Fundraising, a nonprofit consultant colleague, productivity nerd, and generally all-around good guy. Follow him on Twitter at @fundraiserchad!

So the greater LA area is BIG. I can't even assume to be an expert on this metro, as I have spent most of my time in Pasadena, Burbank and Orange County. But, here are my picks anyway:

Musso and Frank's Manny Aguirre

Musso and Frank Grill
6667 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028
https://mussoandfrank.com/
Time to go old school. I have a soft spot for classic early 20th century style restaurants that still pride themselves on great cocktails, impeccable service, and traditional fine dining.

Din Tai Fung
Multiple locations in the Los Angeles area
https://dintaifungusa.com/locations_us/
I have not been to this location, but it is one of the ways that the Taiwanese are taking over the world. I've been to Din Tai Fung locations in Taiwan and Hong Kong. I love their pork and the crab and pork Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings).

Sashimi course at Hamasaku

Hamasaku
11043 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025
http://www.hamasakula.com/
Most good Asian restaurants in LA are in strip malls, it seems. While this place is a bit tricky for a first-timer to find, once inside, it's a little oasis. We had the omakase, and I was happy with almost all of the courses--the only critique I would provide is that I think there were too many heavier cooked dishes; I would have liked a little more balance in some lighter choices.

Counter at Pizzeria Mozza

Pizzeria Mozza
641 N Highland Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
https://pizzeriamozza.com/
Is this place worth the hype? Yes, it is. Eat at the bar if you can. Not as crazy busy for a late lunch.

Other things we like that are not restaurants, theme parks or something related to movie or television production
Don't get me wrong. I LOVE Disneyland and have had a blast at Universal Studios many times. But you have to do something else, right?

The Getty Museum
https://www.getty.edu/museum/
I've been to the Getty Center many times and I run out of time every visit. Amazing collection. I hope to check out the Villa sometime.

The Autry Museum of the American West
https://theautry.org/
I didn't think this would be my jam, but I enjoyed it. I particularly enjoyed the Hollywood Western memorabilia.

I have several restaurants on my list to try, including but not limited to, of course:

• n/naka
• Trois Mec
• Kogi Tacos

Maybe it's time for a trip.