Recs, Faves and Stay-Aways

Part of the fun of living in Los Angeles, or anywhere actually, is discovering the hidden gems of the area. To help out newbies or anyone looking for a few recommendations as well as advice on what to avoid, here's my short list:

Recommendations:
Dentist - Jaime (pronounced: Hi-mee) Hernandez, DDS - (323) 525-1465

General Practitioner (regular doctor) - Dr. Velinda Paranal, Santa Monica Bay Physicians, 90404

Mechanic - West Coast Tire & Service - For all of your automotive needs, oil changes for $29.99. They are honest and their prices are competitive. Clean and professional. http://westcoasttire.com/ (310) 477-7057

Lasik - Dr. Joseph Lee, (213) 380-3937. Yeah, he's in K-town and he'll give you a smokin' deal on the lasik surgery that you just won't believe, but I, as well as four other people I know, have no complaints. Check him out on the Yelp.

Hair - Elaine, (818) 655-6000. I have gotten my hair cut from Elaine for 5 years. At $45 a cut, she has been the best deal in Los Angeles and she knows how to cut my hair! This may sound bad, but only Koreans know how to cut Korean hair. It's just the way it is and I can't change that fact of life. Her shop is on the CBS Studios lot on Radford in Studio City. She does all kinds of hair.

Faves:
Best Burger - It's a toss up between Father's Office and The Counter.

I know I have mentioned The Counter before but I just can't get enough of it! Burger in a bowl rocks. Start with the "50-50" of fries and sweet potato fries.

At the Father's Office get the beet salad and a burger and split it with a friend.

Radio Station - 100.3 The Sound. Move over Jack. Now there's something better.

Best Donuts - Again, a toss up between Primo's and DK's Donuts & Bakery.

Primo's donuts is a small shop near Sawtelle and National. The same woman is always there running the shop and the donuts are always heavy with grease and warm in the mornings.

DK's is a cramped little donut shop that sells everything from fresh fruit to greasy breakfast sandwiches to boba drinks. I have only gotten the donuts, but if you love Dunkin' Donuts or just yummy donuts in general, this will be your best bet in Santa Monica. I go whenever I get the chance.

Best Hot dogs - Costco, intersection of Washington & Lincoln. May the hot dog gods strike me down with lightning. But seriously. Can you really argue that these aren't the best hot dogs at the best price? (Sausages are in a different league, therefore not up for debate in this context.)

Best Breakfast - Maxwell's, 13329 W Washington Blvd. I have been to Jinky's. I have tried John O-Groats. But I am never quite as satisfied for breakfast as when I go to Maxwell's.

Best Cotton Candy - Anywhere you can find it.

The Landmark - The Landmark Theaters is a special venue in West Los Angeles. With reserved seating and the latest in independant films, it's a movie experience rather than just a night at the movies. (Does that make sense?) Tip: Select your seats as far away from the screen as possible.

Threading - Vinita's Beauty & Threading Studio, http://www.threadingstudio.com/ When waxing, shaving and Nairing get old, try threading! It's a crazy method of removing hair that I find to be more precise and comfortable. I have sensitive skin and the waxing reaks havoc on my face. Threading has been a face saving discovery!

Best Sushi - Hide Sushi, http://www.hidesushi.com/ This yummy sushi place does a good job of sticking to its name. I only recently discovered it hidden among all of the restaurants in Little Tokyo near Sawtelle and Olympic. It was 6:00 pm when we went and there was already a long wait. So sad I didn't "find" it long ago!

Best Ramen - Asahi Ramen, 2027 Sawtelle Blvd. Some contend that Ramenya on Olympic is better, but I disagree. Start with the banbanji (a small haystack-size lump of shredded cucumber and small amounts of chicken with sesame seeds in a vinegar-like dressing) then go simple and order the miso or shoyu ramen. Hits the spot!

Best Pho - Never found any on the westside. But down by Dodger's Stadium in Chinatown you can find plenty!

Stay-Aways:
Hollywood & Highland - This intersection is good for two things: Tourists and parking when going to the Hollywood Bowl (but you should really be taking the shuttle). Otherwise stay away.

Robert - My old landlord of several years ago. He's a d*uche. Stay away.

10 Freeway - Whatever you do, avoid the 10 westbound on weekday mornings and eastbound in the afternoons and early evenings. This is the freeway I am most familiar with though I am sure we could all name freeways to avoid at certain times of the day in Los Angeles. Stay away (or at least try to).

The 3rd Street Promenade - Go a lot in the beginning because by the end, you'll hate it and want to avoid it. Eventually, stay away.

Target (on Jefferson) - Really, it's the nearest Target for the westside. Translation: everyone and their hamster shops there. It's rarely stocked, it's crowded, the clientele (and the staff) can be unruly, it's dirty and it's an overall nightmare. Stock up at other Target stores when you can. As much as possible, stay away.

Westside Pavillion parking structure - This parking structure really can't be avoided since this mall has the closest Nordstrom's. Just be warned that the Westside Pavillion parking structure is a maze and an architectural disaster. Don't be surprised if your car gets banged or scratched or if the parking structure unexpectedly collapses. Stay away.

Sorry. The short list turned out to be a long list. There's much more that I like and dislike, but I'll leave the rest up to you for your own discovery.

I will miss the LA that I know.