VA(STAY)CATION: 3 DAYS IN THE EAST SIDE OF LOS ANGELES + PASADENA

EXPLORE COLORADO BLVD

The pulse of Pasadena is the iconic, well-manicured Colorado Blvd. Start the day with the BEST breakfast burrito at Wake and Late. Some of my other favorite spots on this infamous strip are, Alfred for an iced vanilla latte, the Pasadena Antique Mall for cool vintage finds, the newly opened Kinrose Creamery for unique flavors, like Honey Baklava ice cream and the Norton Simon Museum for a dose of art. Don’t miss the beautiful Sculpture Garden. You are also a stone’s throw away from the Rose Bowl’s Flea Market, if you happen to be there the 2nd Sunday of the month.

GET YOUR GREENS

The ultimate in outdoor activity is a trip to the Huntington Botanical Gardens. My fave spots are the Desert and Rose Gardens. If you plan in advance, try to snag a table at the newly opened Rose Garden Tea Room. Swing by Erewhon on Lake Ave afterwards for an afternoon snack. The smoothies are heavenly (Get the Hailey Beiber Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie), the sushi sandwich is a must try and this location was just anointed with a coconut soft serve machine, so go nuts.

SHAKEN NOT STIRRED

Life changing martinis? Check. Best baked potato this side of the 101? Check. I urge you to lean into the indulgence and have dinner at Arroyo Chop House. They have quite literally perfected the blue cheese olive adorned martini, so much so that I can’t drink them anywhere else. If there are a few of you, split the tomahawk steak, caesar salad, jumbo onion rings and creamed spinach. It’s an old school steakhouse experience if you're up for that level of being doted upon. I usually am. If you are feeling sushi vibes instead, you can’t go wrong with Enya Sushi. Must try: the lemon roll.

SELF CARE PICKS

My bi-weekly manicure/pedicure happens at Gloss Nails on Raymond Ave. Ask Tanya for a hard gel manicure and know that she excels at Cat Eye and graphic designs. I’m late to his trend but recently went to EN Head Spa for a scalp treatment and I highly recommend.

LOOP DE LOOP

Start the morning with a coffee and pastry at LA Mill before taking a loop around the Silver Lake Reservoir. There are usually a couple flower trucks parked by the playground. If you are looking for more of a vertical challenge, there are eye-catching, artsy staircases sprinkled all over the neighborhood.

PLAYING FROGGER

Make the quick drive from Silver Lake to the popular Frog Town area for lunch. One of my favorite sandwich spots in LA is Wax Paper. Order the Kai Ryssdal with extra shaved pecorino and a fruity iced tea. And if you’re around Thurs–Mon, try the very photogenic Mariscos Za Za Za. If you time it right during the season, you can catch a Dodger game nearby.

STAR IN SWAN LAKE

I prefer my swans in the dark, when the reflections of Echo Park Lake transport you. If you were lucky enough to score a reservation at Donna’s, please proceed. If you didn't there’s a slim chance you could squeeze a table if you show up right at 5, especially now they are open seven days a week. Get the garlic bread, Fusilli Alla Vodka and Chicken Parm every time. End your night feeling 15 years younger at neighborhood arcade Button Mash or check out the latest band you’ve never heard of at Zebulon.

SELF CARE PICKS

I have loved HeyDay since living in NYC. Some of my facials have been there. The team is always up for fielding questions in real time, and their retail shop is perfectly curated. When you step into The Now for an transformative massage, you will feel transported to Tulum when you’re really just on Sunset Blvd.

TOP OF THE MORNING

Some of my favorite coffee spots on the east side are: Little Ripper LA, Kumquat Coffee, Collage Coffee, and if you have your pup in tow, they will appreciate Muddy Paw Coffee. For a breakfast delight, pre-order some baked goods from Sugarbloom Bakery. My faves are the kouign-amann and brioche cinnamon rolls. Make sure to order online two days in advance, as they don’t have a retail space, just a pickup window.

SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP

In the middle of Atwater Village on Glendale Blvd, you will find a sprinkling of unique retail shops covering the gamut from women’s fashion to jewelry to plants. One of my favorite shops, Wine & Eggs, is a go to spot for unique snacks and wine. Shopping in Highland Park on York Blvd will also satisfy your need for retail therapy. Shorthand, Arroyo Records and Crush & Touch should be on your list. A bit off this path, but still in Highland Park, is Blue Sunday LA, where you can find a very well curated assortment (i.e. cool brands you’ve never heard of) of clean beauty and skin and body care.

BLOCKBUSTER THROWBACK

The East Side is often equated to Brooklyn, and this list for dinner is giving 718 vibes. Newly opened on the in Highland Park is the very popular Highly Likely. Deeper into Glassell Park, you can dabble between “new york style” Shins Pizza and the still wildly popular Barra Santos.

If you’re a cinephile, then you’re going to want to catch whatever is showing at the recently resurrected Vidiots. Finish the evening with a nightcap at Capri Club or pinball haven Walt’s.

OLD CLASSICS

The heart of Eagle Rock is a throwback to the classics. There are several iconic restaurants that have been standing since the 1950’s. Get that nostalgia fix at: Casa Bianca for Italian, Colombo’s Italian Steakhouse and Jazz Club for steak and entertainment, Cindy’s for breakfast and The Eagle Rock Italian Bakery and Deli for sandwiches and Italian cookies.