Over the last year or so we’ve been exploring people and parts of Los Angeles that we truly find inspiring. It’s exciting to come upon passionate people who love what they do and see it visualized into a successful part of their lives. The more people we speak with the more we understand that we’ve just cracked the surface of this wonderful city and there is so much more to explore. In the next week or so we will have some more of our favorite people / places to highlight but we also wanted to see someone else’s perspective on life in the city. We’ve reached out to a few friends to share some of their favorite places, be that homes or shops or just genuine magical spots, that make up this great city of ours. It’s always fun to have another perspective right?
For our first adventure into this exploration, we would like to introduce you to James MacDonald. James is an actor, writer and director who lives in Highland Park, CA with his wife and two children and their dog Sakari. James (Jim as we know him) has this wonderful quality about him that makes you feel immediately at ease. He’s originally from Wisconsin by way of New York. Jim always has a great recommend of a great little spot to check out and gives you a sense that he has truly explored many aspects of this city. We asked Jim what were 5 of his favorite spots this side of town to hopefully learn a few secret gems we’ve missed along the way.
Here are James’ 5 spots not to miss:
Wing Hop Fung Ginseng
727 N. Broadway #102 L.A., CA 90012
Herbs, sake, cookware, this two level shop has all things Chinese. And if you’re hungry from shopping, Chego, the food truck, just opened a restaurant a couple of doors down so save room for a cubby pork belly bowl!
Ai Hoa Supermarket
860 N. Hill St. L.A., CA 90012
Want a piece of ginger the size of your hand for under a buck? Want to play what the hell kind of Asian vegetable is that with your friends!? How about shrimp so large you would swear they aren’t shrimp but some strange deep-sea creature you’ve only seen on The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau? Then this is your place.
Monterey Doughnuts
5930 Monterey Rd. L.A., CA 90042
This sweet lady has put her two kids through college selling the most amazing doughnuts you’ve ever had. I personally like the sweet raisin danish myself, but my kids are strictly doughnut hole fanatics. C’mon, you know doughnuts are the perfect food. Get a dozen, a couple scratchers, and just be happy for Pete’s sake!
Arroyo Casting Pond
415 S. Arroyo Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91105
It’s not Walden Pond but it’s ours gosh darn it! I love this place. I’ve raced electric boats on her with the kids. Watched my husky, who hates water, try and convince the other dogs by barking at them that ponds are no fun. I’ve had picnics, slow jogs by her, and silent mornings with a thermos of coffee, watching the birds swoop, as the sun peaks over the mellow oaks.
Fresco Community Market
5915 Monterey Rd. L.A., CA 90042
An amazing beer selection, but that’s just for starters. I also love their meats. I get their whole chickens and have them butterfly them at the meat counter for easy grilling. Super friendly folks work this place and with a business model that helps people who have been down on their luck get jobs and back on their feet, I find it an inspiring model of how to give back to your community while still having a kick butt business.
Photos by: James MacDonald
Nice article Kelly, You going to TRY them?? Bet you ARE!