It was 0600 when we landed in LA… and game on! This city never sleeps. I am very lucky to have some amazing Aussie hospo friends who now live here and who super kindly shared some of their finds.

FIRST THINGS FIRST…

Alfred Coffee (8428 Melrose Pl) is great for a caffeine hit and as close to what we get in Oz as you’ll find. I ordered the cold brew with a splash of… are you ready for this? Almond milk. Yep, it’s LA, okay, and when in LA! You know the rest.

Lunch is a no-brainer for me. I love chef Nobu Matsuhisa, and his original restaurant, Matsuhisa (129 N La Cienega Blvd), is a gem. A thing to note when ordering sushi with rice in LA: always ask for “easy rice”. I mean, you wouldn’t want to go carb heavy on too much rice! Next stop is Cecconi’s (8764 Melrose Ave) for a little afternoon aperitivo and people watching. This place is an institution and so much fun. I was still hungry, so we ate awesome pizzettas and drank Negronis. 154 delicious.com.au

After this, it was off to Trois Mec (716 N Highland Ave). Chef Ludo Lefebvre is a legend and is cooking some really interesting food. His sourdough broth
is outstanding. It’s a challenge to get a table, so book in advance. I was then lucky enough to visit the members-only Soho House, with its brilliant view of the Hollywood hills. There are Soho Houses around the world; this one is a ripper.
If you’re not a member, you need to know someone who is – and no phones!

YOUR LA HIT LIST…

Employees Only (7953 Santa Monica Blvd) This retro-styled bar is worthy of
its legendary status.

The rooftop at E.P.&L.P. (603 N La Cienega Blvd) is just awesome and it’s owned by some top Aussies. What they’ve done in LA is sensational. If you’re there for Australia Day, they throw a cracking party.

Jon & Vinny’s (412 N Fairfax Ave) OMG, I absolutely love this place. They serve delicious Italian food.

Leo’s Tacos Truck The perfect grab- and-go fast food. Find them all over LA.

Maude (212 S Beverly Dr), owned by my friend Curtis Stone, for a special night out.

Sushi Park (8539 Sunset Blvd) is excellent. Another place where phones aren’t allowed; they will kick you out!

In-N-Out Burger is a long-time fave. I love that the business is still family owned and they have hundreds of stores employing thousands of great people.

Milk Bar (7150 Melrose Ave) is a must for its famous pie.

I love staying at the SLS Beverly Hills (465 S La Cienega Blvd). It’s a fantastic hotel within easy walking distance to so many great places, plus taxis and Ubers are only ever a couple of minutes away. It’s fascinating to sit in the lobby and people watch. Be sure to wear sunnies inside when you’re there.

It’s LA, baby!