What to do in Hollywood, Culver City during a trip to Los Angeles
Most people travelling to this city likely have a bucket list of restaurants they want to eat at – but there’s one Aussie-owned venue they shouldn’t miss.
Most people travelling to Los Angeles likely have a bucket list of meals they’d like to tick off during their visit: a burger from In-N-Out, a cupcake from the Sprinkles vending machine, a kale salad (if, like me, you’re that way inclined).
Anyone heading to the City of Angels in the coming months, however, should scratch whatever is on their list and move Grandmaster Recorders, run by Australian-born duo David Combes and Grant Smillie, right to the top.
The restaurant, lounge, and rooftop bar (with views of the Hollywood Hills and Capitol Records Building) are housed in a 15,000-square-foot space in LA’s aptly-named Vinyl District that was once a recording studio used by the likes of David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
On the “elevated and coastal Italian and Australian-inspired” restaurant menu, head chef Blake Shailes (another Aussie expat) offers up everything from potato scallops with whipped cod roe to scallop crudo and Queensland-raised wagyu.
But it’s the prawn mafaldine with salt cod XO, chilli and chives that Smillie (and every member of the wait staff) insist I try – and it does not disappoint; a pasta so delicious that if I’d had the time during my visit in late November, I would’ve returned to eat it again (and again, and again).
The venue is just one “must-visit” spot making up what Los Angeles Tourism President and CEO, Adam Burke, calls “LA 2.0”.
“Aussies and Angelenos have so many shared passions, from entertainment and the great outdoors, to incredible food and sports, and the city has welcomed countless new additions across those categories in the past few years,” Mr Burke told news.com.au.
“There are actually more reasons to visit LA now than ever before, and we believe if you haven’t been to LA since before the pandemic, there’s so much for you to discover.”
Where to stay in LA
Considering LA is made up of 30 neighbourhoods — all completely unique — it can be overwhelming when you’re figuring out where to base yourself.
“We’ve added almost 5000 new hotel rooms in the last two years with options at virtually every price point,” Mr Burke said, “and we’ve also seen a boutique hotel boom featuring unique new hotel concepts.”
I called two hotels home over the course of my six-day trip, and both were in areas that had plenty to offer in their own right. They were also a stone’s throw from dozens of what Mr Burke describes as “bucket-list ‘only in LA’ attractions and experiences”.
My three nights in the aforementioned Vinyl District were spent at tommie Hollywood — which opened last December. With 212 guest rooms across nine floors, the hotel has everything a guest could need, including a rooftop pool and lounge, and Ka’Teen, a Mayan and Yucatán-inspired restaurant from star chef Wes Avila.
As for the tail end of my trip, boutique hotel The Shay, in Culver City, fulfilled my every need, with two on-site restaurants, a gym, heated rooftop pool, and lounge.
The Shay’s 148 rooms are spacious (with bathrooms bordering on bigger than my Sydney apartment) and comfortable, with nods in the decor to the highly anticipated Ivy Station development where the hotel is located.
Where to eat in LA
The city’s dining scene, in a word (according to Mr Burke), is “buzzing” – and he’s not wrong.
“[We have] an offering that spans everything from over 400 food trucks to high-end dining experiences,” he said.
“What makes our culinary offering so unique is the incredible fusion fare, which is a result of the 140 different nationalities that call Los Angeles home … Aussies will have no shortage of incredible meals to add to their itinerary in this global dining capital.”
The Spare Room at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is a gaming parlour and cocktail lounge all-in-one, and the perfect spot for an after-dinner drink.
While dinner at North Hollywood’s The Front Yard is a highlight — the venue, especially, yes, the yard, looks like something out of a Nancy Meyers’ movie, while the menu is laden with comfort food that’s designed to be shared (though can easily be enjoyed solo).
Over in Culver City, make the most of the Platform development – where there are dozens of delicious food options and great shops.
Grab dinner at Roberta’s, the West Coast post of one of Brooklyn’s most beloved restaurants. On the pizza-heavy menu, don’t skip the Bee Sting – a red base topped with mozzarella, soppressata, chilli and honey. A scoop of ice cream from Van Leeuwen’s next door is the perfect way to round out the meal.
Nearby at Venice Beach, head to the rooftop at Hotel Erwin for a drink (and pole position for watching the sunset, just 200 feet from the sand).
Dinner at Belle’s Beach House is also a must – part of the Wish You Were Here Group, helmed by Aussie restaurateur Nick Mathers, the menu features Hawaiian-inspired bites with a Japanese influence.
What to do in LA
As the “entertainment capital of the world”, Mr Burke said, Los Angeles is “the only city where you can experience the magic of Hollywood filmmaking”.
“A must-see attraction is the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures located in Mid-City, which showcases over 13 million objects related to the art and science of movie-making including original scripts, iconic props and costumes, real Oscar statues and so much more,” he added.
If you’re a film and TV buff, the Warner Bros Studio Tour is also worth adding to your itinerary.
While you’re in that neck of the woods, check out the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). As the largest art museum on the West Coast, a collection nearing 149,000 objects that showcases 6000 years of art from around the world, there’s something for everyone to look at inside.
If you are artistically inclined, don’t leave Los Angeles without heading across to the Getty Museum – where the stunning grounds and architecture alone are worth the visit.
Having just celebrated its 25th anniversary, the sprawling centre is host to an extensive collection, including Greek, Roman, Etruscan and European art.
Anyone who’s been to Los Angeles knows the city isn’t exactly renowned for its walkability – so if you feel the need to stretch your legs, a hike to the Hollywood Sign – which this year marks its “momentous” 100th anniversary – is worth your while.
Take in the frankly incredible views, and pop into the Griffith Observatory while you’re at it.
If the beach is more your thing, a private walking tour of Venice is also a great way to get your steps up.
This writer travelled as a guest of Los Angeles Tourism
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