So, here is the part I of my "topten things to do in Los Angeles (winter 2010)" list:
Grand Central Market: Built in 1917 Grand Central Market is still one of the best places you can have your lunch in downtown area with locals. Like many others all around the world it is a perfect chaotic food market with cheap crowded food vendors, spice, fruit and vegetable stands, rushing customers and always busy dining areas. From the first minute you walk in you have a feeling of being in the right place. Tacos and tostadas from Jose Chiquito and spicy sea food ceviche from Maria's Fresh Seafood were absolutely amazing.
The Varnish: Owned by Eric Alperin and Sasha Petraske The Varnish is a prohibition era speakeasy style bar located in a out of sight back room of Cole's French Dip Restaurant. The space is small, cozy, always crowded and a well kept LA secret. Eric Alperin is a wizard of old school American cocktails. Vieux Carre, Kentucky River and American Trilogy are highly recommended for whisk(e)y fans but the real experience is to ask the bar staff to fix something for you. They are extremely helpful to find the perfect cocktail for your taste. It is not a place to rush the bar staff though. Every cocktail is made from scratch in front of your eyes with perfect precision in a very traditional way and it takes time. It is pretty amazing to watch Eric Alperin work. You should find a seat at the bar and take your time to enjoy your drink.
Nickel Diner: Definitely the best place to have a breakfast or brunch in downtown area. Everything in the menu is to die for. Do not mind the line in front of the restaurant at weekends and wait patiently for a table. I promise it will be worth to wait for. I had the best french toast I ever had there but like I said everything in the menu deserves equal amount of attention. Maple bacon donut is their signature item and a perfect way to finish your brunch on a lazy, sunny Sunday morning. Yummy...
Cana Rum Bar: Located in one of the far corners of a parking lot Cana is one of the newest joints owned by 213 which I was planning to visit for a long time. It is a small place decorated like an eighties gentlemen's club with an open air cigar lounge. Their rum inventory is pretty impressive. Thanks to the bartender for hosting a small scale tasting for me. I had a chance to taste some very rare and tasty rums which I would like to talk more here some time soon. It was a real good night...
*by The Mamas & The Papas from their song California Dreamin'
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