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Oh Melrose. This Hollywood go-to spot is legendary for it's cutting edge fashion boutiques and rock & roll devil may care attitude. Don't forget that it is in the middle of one of the densest residential areas of Los Angeles.
The apartments and homes that spread away from Melrose are some of the most coveted in LA for the young and ambitious. This is a see and be seen neighborhood and the neighbors you have may make the difference between success and failure in this town of "it's not what you know, it's who you know".
Of course there are the staples of a Starbucks or Coffee Bean every other block for the entire stretch and the prerequisite hamburger joints but, the personality of this place comes from places like the Snake Pit, a dive bar if ever there was a dive bar. The Groundlings, sketch comedy at it's finest. The secondhand shops and the overpriced trend turnovers which burn bright and disappear like shooting stars on Melrose. It's like that here, you're either an institution or a shooting star. The entire town is like that. It's just obvious on Melrose.

I lived on 4th st. in downtown LA for a while and I truly loved it. I had a huge loft for thsame price I would have paid for a small studio apt. elsewhere.
This massive space was a blank canvas and I was able to truly make it my own. It even had a secret room behind a bookshelf in the library and a full Skatepark downstairs!
As much fun as it was it had it's drawbacks too. For instance there was not a grocery store for miles and the threat of gang violence was very real. Laundry was also a bit daunting but once we worked out our system these seemed like minor concessions.
For one thing we had the most amazing view of downtown LA through our almost panoramic view.
Our location was right between the Mexican East LA, the Vietnamese Alhambra, Chinese Monteray Park, Korea Town, South Central and Thai Town.
This made for the opportunity to eat in a different country every night of the week! Also the Arts in downtown LA are vibrant and a secret underground unto itself. The original loft-goers (pre-loft trend) were mostly artists and any given weekend there were several amazing parties and gallery openings happening all around our area. Usually you discovered these through word of mouth while walking the dog or visiting the coffee shop.
Add to this the fashion, produce and flower district and you have the opportunity to live in vibrant gorgeous style for next to nothing.
It is nice to see the loft explosion bringing more people and culture downtown. There is even a grocery store opening! But truth be told, something has been lost. the sense of adventure of being an urban pioneer. Of having a world of infinite possibilities for your space. With more people comes more rules restrictions and attention. Good for the neighborhood, bad for pioneers.

Buena Vista Terrace is a wonderful secret nestled in the nook that runs along the peak of the hill between Eagle Rock, Higland Park and Pasadena. It is a narrow winding hilly street that lifts it's inhabitants out of LA life and allows them to float above a glorious valley with an abundance of open land and picturesque views.
Neighbors are neighborly (with the exception of a few grumpy Gusses) and everyone loves this wonderful hidden valley that has city views of Glendale on one side and Los Angeles on the other.
Barking dogs are common as everyone in the valley seems to have one.
The occasional ice cream truck's music echos through the valley during the summer but beyond that it is as peaceful as can be and at just over 5 miles from downtown LA!
The steep hills and winding roads are an adventure unto themselves. There is even a not-so-secret road connecting Eagle Rock to Highland Park that probably isn't safe but is driven daily by dozens of in-the-know drivers.
Even better than driving through this neighborhood is taking a walk around and catching the spectacular views and discovering the hidden homes among the hills.

Old Town Pasadena is a popular destination for shopping and dining for Angeleno's. It's upscale shops and boutiques give it a wonderful style and the fact that it is one of the few places in Southern California where you can shop without having to go to the mall is indeed refreshing.
Aside from condos and apartments the actual residential neighborhoods are a little ways away but they are indeed beautiful neighborhoods.
That said, the boulevard has much to offer. From Tiffany's to the Apple Store, Forever 21's flagship super store to H&M fashion and style conscious consumers have no trouble finding lots to occupy their wildest desires. Add to that Zara, American Apparel, Juicy Couture, Diesel, Pottery Barn, Urban Outfitters, Restoration Hardware and on and on.
And lets not forget the dining. Oh the food is to die for. From Spitfire Saloon's upscale take on the roadhouse to JJ's Steakhouse the range of dining experiences range from simple to fabulous.
The fact that parking in most of the garages is free for the first 90 min. makes Pasadena a great choice for window shoppers who don't want to spend a fortune.
Side streets abound with fantastic options and adventures.
Old Town is a great area and with the development that is taking place there are more and more opportunities to live right in the middle of it all.

Figueroa St. winds out of downtown Los Angeles and reaches a cute old town that has been a very Hispanic neighborhood although signs of ethnic diversity are taking hold.
The metro Gold Line runs directly through downtown Highland Park and with it brings diversity and access.
With amazing Victorian and Craftsman homes available for comparatively little, neighborhoods are gentrifying. But, no one wants Highland Park to become the next Silverlake, it's personality is rooted in it's cultural diversity.
Along this strip the places to go are the Little Cave, a great dive bar that caters to a young crowd. A great jukebox and cheap beer make it a great time every weekend.
Cute shops an boutiques abound and the original Forever 21 (actually Fashion 21) is right here. Super deals are available as this store serves as almost an outlet location.
The movie theater across the street has $3 Tues and Wed showings. El Pescador has wonderful Mexican Seafood and across the way Chico's is a mandatory stop for vitamins and fish burritos.
The best adddition to the area has to be the new Vietnamese Comfort food restaurant Good Girl Dinette. This cute little restaurant has original and delicious food with my personal favorite being the chicken curry pot pie. The Vietnamese sandwich is next to none and actually, I have never had anything there that wasn't simply delicious.
Also every Tuesday there is a Farmers Market. And the new Flying Pigeon bikes not only sells Chinese traditional bikes, they do a monthly Dim Sum ride where they take bicyclists on a ride downtown for a Dim Sum breakfast.
It is that kind of community initiative that makes Highland Park a great place to get to know.

York Blvd. is a thriving, growing hidden gem outside downtown Los Angeles. One of the oldest cities in the area, Highland Park is experiencing a resurgence. York Blvd. is the epicenter of the neighborhood and the changes are obvious. Heading east from Eagle Rock Blvd. there is a new CVS drugstore a Starbucks and L&L Hawaiian Barbecue but, chains have only just begun to discover this great neighborhood. The best spots are the local flavor provided by the many independent retailers up and down this strip.
Some great neighborhoods are hidden to the North and the South of York but the area right by it still has some transitioning ahead. Given the great shops and restaurants popping up it should only be a matter of time.
The first and maybe the most unique is the quirky and adorable eyewear boutique Society of the Spectacle. Run by two sisters who live right down the street, this eyeglasses emporium is in a class all it's own. Eyewear aficionados make the trek from all over Los Angeles in order to experience the unparalleled service and selection Society of the Spectacle has become known for. Many brands can not be purchased anywhere else in Southern California.
Heading east you'll see the odd assortment of carry-out joints, corner markets and auto shops until you reach Ave. 50 and Café de Leche becomes your welcome to the business district. A wonderful coffee house with delightful pastries, Café de Leche is a local coffee house with a modern flair.
A few doors down and you'll discover the York, a wonderful gastro-pub with fantastic selections of wine and beer as well as a locally grown seasonal menu that has become known for it's delicious food selections. Order at the bar for there is no waitstaff.
The second Sat. each month is Art Walk and this section of York has more galleries than any other single place (making it the only area you can walk on the Art Walk).
Moving further east on York and you'll pass the local hardware store and a tattoo parlor, a billiard hall and there is Marty's, an unassuming bar with a great menu. Slip into this windowless bar and be transported to a decadent upscale bar and grill that has some of the best mac and cheese in the city. The drinks are stiff and the jukebox rules. Sample the entire menu as it is all top notch. I am especially fond of the beef tartar (it's prepared the traditional way).
Go another block or two and see the cute boutiques that have begun to pop up. Anatomy fitness has recently opened offering upscale physical fitness and when you are done getting in shape, set yourself back a notch with a visit to El Hurache Azteca... you will not be sorry. Inexpensive and unassuming traditional Mexican food that is so delicious that this little hole-in-the-wall is consistantly one of the highest ranked Mexican restaurants in a town full of Mexican restaurants!
If that is too fancy for you, two blocks further you'll find the legendary La Estrella taco truck! The best one out of several parks here every night. The best Pastor taco in LA. No Joke. Their burritos are out of this world too. When they ask if you want everything, just say yes.
With that in mind, when the sun goes down out come the taco stands. Locals set up on just about every block with their own take on Mexican street food. It is amazing if not a little intimidating for a gringo but as a local I would be remis in not suggesting the guy at 56th and York who makes an amazing chicken taco and sope. So amazing.
The good becomes more spread out farther East but it is good.
El Arco Iris is a nice sit-down Mexican restaurant with a full bar that has been family run for over forty years. You really can't go wrong here as everything is wonderful.
No write up on York Blvd. would be complete without the mention of Galcos soda pop stop! This legendary family run market has been serving the community for about a century. Forced to reinvent itself when the super markets moved in Galcos has one of the most extensive soda selections in the world. Over 450 different varieties. It's easy to go in for a pop and one of their famous submarine sandwiches and walk out with several cases of exciting and exotic sodas! They also stock a fine selection of hard to find beers from around the world. No visit should deny a stop at Galcos.
There you have it, York Blvd. in a nutshell. I know I forgot or have yet to discover some great places on the blvd. but I'm looking forward to it!

Well not all the best places on Colorado Blvd. are down by Eagle Rock Blvd.. As a matter of fact there are some legendary establishments higher up on Colorado, none more popular than the famous Casa Bianca Pizza Pie restaurant. Every night the line begins before opening and people wait patiently for their chance to sample this local pizzeria until close. It's not that the food is earth shattering, it's just simple and good.
A bit down the street is a great Vietnamese fusion cafe called the Blue Hen. It is small simple yet modern and inviting. They have wonderful takes on Vietnamese standards like Pho, porridge, spring rolls and more. I for one love Grandma's noodle salad.
Across the street is an Italian Bakery that has been in the same location for generations. They do baked goods better than anyone in LA. No joke. They also make amazing sandwiches and pizza dough. Their daily special breads are so good. Friday Semolina bread is my personal favorite.
There is also Cafe Beaujolais for French fare and Fatty's fancy and delicious vegetarian food. Tommy's burger is a popular spot although I would rather have 10 other burger joints down the street.
The Chalet is the best bar on the strip and has a ski chalet theme that makes it a fun escape. Things spread out but there is also Trader Joes, Larkin's Cajun restaurant, Cindy's Diner and the Cardio Barre exercise studio which does bar exercise classes which my wife absolutely loves.

At the base of Occidental College is the main artery of Eagle Rock Blvd.. Along this strip a slow change has shifted the endless mechanics and body shops slowly over to some really wonderful restaurants and shops.
First and foremost has to be Auntie Em's Restaurant. Their menu here is seasonal comfort food and they do it well. Having been featured on several cooking shows Auntie Em's is world famous for their cupcakes. Their Red Velvet cupcake is thought to be the best in the world. They are huge so, unless you are really in the mood for cupcake ordering one for two or more is recommended (it can be done by one though... trust me). Since the menu changes often it is hard to nail down one dish but they do make a mean meatloaf and their salads are so wonderful and fresh. Breakfast here is a big deal and expect a wait on a weekend for sure.
A welcome addition to the neighborhood was the Fresh and Easy grocery store. This is a great place to get staples that are a touch better and a little less expensive than what you would find elsewhere. I couldn't do all my shopping there but for what it is it is great.
The Bucket is a hamburger stand pure and simple. It has burgers and beer and attracts quite the collection of bikers and their buddies on weekends.
The Capri is homestyle Italian food with family service. Great people but so so food.
The closer you get to Colorado blvd. the more chain s pop up but there are the stand outs like the Rock and Roll baby shop and Armand's diner. There's a Foster's Freeze for nostalgia and Eagle Rock Hardware. The Bowling Alley has Karaoke on Sat. which is indeed popular especially on the You Tube.
I have to mention Verdugo Bar which is actually off Eagle Rock over by the swimming pool on Verdugo Blvd. It is the best beer hall in LA. They have amazing beers there and the place has been redone with style and panache. Some of the beers are so limited and exclusive that there are only a few kegs in the entire country. It is a privilege to have this wonderful place in the neighborhood.

This is a tough neighborhood... to ever want to leave. Literally every house is waterfront. most have docks with extravagant yachts just begging for their occasional cruise around the harbor. While I merely rented a guest house here I did have the opportunity to immerse myself in the neighborhood life and lifestyle which includes boating, shopping, eating out at fantastic restaurants, traveling (cause when you live someplace this nice, you have to get away just to keep some perspective on your lavish life).
I would especially like to walk over to the Harbor Island yacht club and have breakfast in their quite modest little diner. Like stepping into a time capsule this place is right out of the fifties. If I happened to be getting a late start, I'd swing in for a sandwich. They have the tuna melt perfected.
Sometimes I would take my 9 iron and putter across PCH to the the Hyatt Regency and play a round of golf. Also a good place to have a $20. cocktail this place is a bit much.
Balboa Island is a short walk or boat ride and has all the amazing boutiques and quaint restaurants one could ever want.
Of course the famous Fashion Island is around the corner and shopping doesn't get better anywhere. Period. People come here to shop when they can't get what they want on Rodeo Drive. It's a great place to star gaze.
More my speed would be taking the ferry over to the Newport Peninsula and the Fun Zone and hitting the beach, grabbing a veggie sandwich (I'm not a vegetarian but they're really good) or some fish tacos along the boardwalk.
The beach and pier are great and Ruby's diner on the pier is a mandatory stop for a visitor. Head out to the point of the peninsula and check out the amazing waves and body boarders at the legendary "Wedge".
For those days where walking just seems too... pedestrian I would take my boat (you can rent a boat from a multitude of places around the harbor) to any one of many restaurants and shops that have dock tie-ups for boat parking. The Cannary is at one end of the spectrum with Hooters at the other. Each has it's place and crowd.
I do recommend hitting the Blue Beet Bar and Grill if you are in the mood for good drinks and the best steaks on the west coast. The owner used to own a legendary Steakhouse up the street that was shut down by the city due to a "tax" discrepancy (at least that is one of the stories I heard). Anyway, none of it had anything to do with the amazing food and the owner just transferred the best of the menu to his bar. The Baseball steak is unparalleled anywhere within a twenty hour drive.
I must be hungry. Anyway, this neighborhood is such that I would run into Shaq or Celine Dion or Arnold and Maria and it wouldn't be unusual.
It just really is as good as it gets.

I lived on E. Anaheim rd. for about eight years and I can't think of a more plesent place I have ever been.
Nestled in the fancy pantsy Park Estates neighborhood just west of Cal State Long Beach (CALSUB), East Anaheim rd. is picture perfect. Perhaps this is why they film movies and television shows in this neighborhood several times a year or why the marathon makes it a point to have a stretch down the same street.
A perfect mix of delightful and quaint condos and amazing family homes, Park Estates is the nicest neighborhood in Long Beach.
Walking distance to everything from great inexpensive tacos (Hole Mole) to the fanciest Brazilian Churrascaria in LA (Green Field), to fine french cuisine (Frenchy's), Sushi Studio and everything in between, dining can be an adventure.
The park at East Anaheim rd. and El Parque is a gem that relaxes me just to think of it. Just 1 square block but an oasis with it's tall trees and shaded picnic tables. Cross PCH and play the links at Recreation Park or the par three course. The Sharks Minor League Baseball is also played here as well as lawn bowling and other park activities.
Head West toward the circle and you'll find shopping of every sort.
I especially misshaving Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and In and Out Burger all just a short walk away but, that might actually be for the best..

Colorado Blvd. is the hub of dining and shopping for Eagle Rock which is a quiet yet growing oasis just outside Los Angeles. Nestled between the cities of Glendale and Pasadena, Eagle Rock is a great area and in Eagle Rock, Colorado Blvd. is the core.
Starting at Eagle Rock Blvd. and heading East on Colorado you'll find great restaurants that run the gamut from local sandwich maker Dave of Dave's Chillin' and Grillin' who puts a lot of love into his legendary subs. Catch him early as his daily specials go quick. A few doors back is the Swork Coffee Shop which, despite being a chain coffee establishment, has integrated itself into the community quite nicely. Head East and you'll arrive at the Colorado Wine Co. which is a wonderful vino shop with an eye on value. They have a tasting room in the back where you can share a glass or bottle with friends. Often in the Colorado Wine Co. you'll see and smell the delights from two local eateries being enjoyed along side the wine. Brownstone Pizza and Oinkster are carry-out worthy of a great glass of wine.
Brownstone Pizza is a reletively newcomer to Colorado Blvd. but they have quickly made a reputation as a first-class slice. Their ginormous NY style pizza tastes as if you just got off the D train. Thin and delish.
Venture across the street to Oinkster where the owner/chef has taken carry-out to a whole new level. Homemade pastrami, Carolina style pulled pork, great burgers and the most decadent french fries make it a favorite with the locals. Don't forget to wash it all down with their delicious Oinksteraide, an orange juice/soda experience unto itself.
Head up Colorado a bit more and you'll happen upon Columbo's Itallian Steakhouse. Live jazz and good food make this an institution in Eagle Rock. Across the street there is the Coffee Table which is known for coffee, sandwiches and desserts. They have added a lounge next door if coffee doesn't have quite enough kick.
The local Chamber of Commerce has limited the nightlife to 9PM unless your alcohol serving establishment has been open since before the rule so, nightlife is reserved for further up the street.
Overall, this stretch is young and hip with new establishments opening all the time.