I'M WITH THE BAND
The Little Ones play tour guide and show us their favorite spots in LA.
While some people go to Los Angeles to rub elbows with movie stars, rockers are more our speed.
So who better to ask for travel tips than an indie band? We turned to LA-based rock group The Little Ones to play tour guide for a day. Here are bassist Brian Reyes’ top five spots in the City of Angels:
TACOS
Why: They’re cheap, they’re tasty, and they’re quintessential Los Angeles food.
My favorite place to eat them: The parking lot of the mechanic shop on the corner of Fletcher and Larga in Atwater. I’m pretty sure this stand may not be the most legal of food establishments, but the Al Pastor (spit-roasted pork) and selection of variety meats (suadero and cabeza) more than make up for any misgivings. Only open after sundown, so plan accordingly.
CASK-CONDITIONED ALE
Why: Hanging out with our beloved friend and producer David Newton (ex-pat from the UK) has brought about many new habits. Drinking this British beer is a welcome one.
My favorite place to drink it: The York, located at 5018 York Boulevard, Los Angeles. This Eagle Rock gastro-pub serves cask-conditioned ale the right way: Slightly below room temperature, hand-pumped, without the over-exaggerated bitterness of some other dark ales.
FRESH FISH
Why: There are lots of places to get it, but only a few spots where you can find both good value and selection.
My favorite place to buy it: Seafood City #13 in Eagle Rock Plaza Mall. Go into this Filipino-centric supermarket; marvel at all the exotic tropical fruits; walk to the fish section and pick out your favorite whole tilapia; tell them to fry it whole. You won’t be disappointed. This was my childhood!
OUTDOOR THEME MALLS
Why: They’re popping up a lot more in Los Angeles. Where else can you visit a Barnes and Noble while eating an Auntie Em’s pretzel while watching a fountain dancing to the music of Frank Sinatra?
My favorite place to consume: The Americana in Glendale. Like its sister mall, The Grove, the Americana features a kitschy electric trolley that shuffles mall-goers to the glorious and very classic Los Angeles institution…the Ed Hardy store! WTF?!?
KARAOKE
Why: Nothing is more fun than belting out Michael McDonald songs while drinking Soju shots in the privacy of your own Karaoke room.
My favorite place to sing stupidly: Vermont Karaoke and Billiards on 3rd and Vermont in Los Angeles. This place is open till 4 am Friday and Saturday, even though LA law prohibits the sale of alcohol after 2 am. Plus, the greatest Filipino fighter in the history of boxing, Manny Pacquiao, has been known to party here. Need proof? Just check out the autographed picture on the wall as you walk in. Mabuhay Pilipinas!
So who better to ask for travel tips than an indie band? We turned to LA-based rock group The Little Ones to play tour guide for a day. Here are bassist Brian Reyes’ top five spots in the City of Angels:
TACOS
Why: They’re cheap, they’re tasty, and they’re quintessential Los Angeles food.
My favorite place to eat them: The parking lot of the mechanic shop on the corner of Fletcher and Larga in Atwater. I’m pretty sure this stand may not be the most legal of food establishments, but the Al Pastor (spit-roasted pork) and selection of variety meats (suadero and cabeza) more than make up for any misgivings. Only open after sundown, so plan accordingly.
CASK-CONDITIONED ALE
Why: Hanging out with our beloved friend and producer David Newton (ex-pat from the UK) has brought about many new habits. Drinking this British beer is a welcome one.
My favorite place to drink it: The York, located at 5018 York Boulevard, Los Angeles. This Eagle Rock gastro-pub serves cask-conditioned ale the right way: Slightly below room temperature, hand-pumped, without the over-exaggerated bitterness of some other dark ales.
FRESH FISH
Why: There are lots of places to get it, but only a few spots where you can find both good value and selection.
My favorite place to buy it: Seafood City #13 in Eagle Rock Plaza Mall. Go into this Filipino-centric supermarket; marvel at all the exotic tropical fruits; walk to the fish section and pick out your favorite whole tilapia; tell them to fry it whole. You won’t be disappointed. This was my childhood!
OUTDOOR THEME MALLS
Why: They’re popping up a lot more in Los Angeles. Where else can you visit a Barnes and Noble while eating an Auntie Em’s pretzel while watching a fountain dancing to the music of Frank Sinatra?
My favorite place to consume: The Americana in Glendale. Like its sister mall, The Grove, the Americana features a kitschy electric trolley that shuffles mall-goers to the glorious and very classic Los Angeles institution…the Ed Hardy store! WTF?!?
KARAOKE
Why: Nothing is more fun than belting out Michael McDonald songs while drinking Soju shots in the privacy of your own Karaoke room.
My favorite place to sing stupidly: Vermont Karaoke and Billiards on 3rd and Vermont in Los Angeles. This place is open till 4 am Friday and Saturday, even though LA law prohibits the sale of alcohol after 2 am. Plus, the greatest Filipino fighter in the history of boxing, Manny Pacquiao, has been known to party here. Need proof? Just check out the autographed picture on the wall as you walk in. Mabuhay Pilipinas!
This story was published on December 19, 2008.
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