Aitch's Perfect Day in LA
The filmmaker skips coffee and wakes up with Ella Fitzgerald and a Laurel Canyon sunrise before heading to a super-local breakfast spot for brunch with friends
Aitch Alberto and I have known each other for nearly 20 years. She’s a filmmaker and she’s from Miami (like me). At this point, though, she’s a true Angeleno having lived in Los Angeles for over a decade now. We had her as a guest on the podcast last week and she shared her perfect day in LA. Then I thought, why not make this a recurring thing? Not just with podcast guest but also with other friends, writers, publicists and travelers who are really passionate about the cities they travel to or live in.
So welcome to the first “Perfect Day” post of hopefully many to come! Really excited to share these for multiple cities soon because whether you’re a visitor who only has 24 hours to explore or a local who wants to experience your hometown through a new set of eyes, there’s nothing like getting recommendations from a friend who’s got the perfect day (Sunday or otherwise) down to a science.
I pulled Aitch’s suggestions while editing and listening back to her podcast episode. Read on for her perfect LA day:
Wake up early, watch the sunrise, listen to some Billie Holiday or Ella Fitzgerald and make a small breakfast at home before heading out to explore. “I don’t drink coffee,” she shared.
Drive over the hill to WeHo for brunch somewhere like Dialog Cafe, La Conversation Bakery (currently delivery only) or Conservatory (which sadly closed January 1). Another fun brunch option is Soulmate, a semi-outdoor Spanish-fusion spot with non-stop mimosas or rose for $35 per person.
After brunch explore some more—head to the beach and cruise through Venice and Malibu (stop at Malibu Country Mart for some shopping). Then take a drive through Topanga on the way back to the city. “That vibe is very LA.” Windows down, music up “with an edible or a joint the entire time.”
Go home, take a nap and then grab some Korean BBQ (the food court at H Mart in Koreatown is one of Aitch’s favorite spots). Finish the evening with drinks at Jumbo’s Clown Room—a quintessential LA establishment and “bikini bar” that’s been open in East Hollywood for over 50 years.
If you haven’t already, you can listen to our chat with Aitch here: