Krista Simmons is a culinary adventurer who loves sharing stories from around the globe through writing, photography and videos. She is currently a Global Correspondent for Travel + Leisure magazine, and she runs a column about the global food world for Departures. You might also recognize Krista from her videos on YouTube or for her appearances on “Knife Fight” and “Top Chef.” Krista loves traveling off-the-beaten-path, exploring unique food trends in undiscovered culinary regions and tracking the origins of our food.
How did you end up in your neighborhood?
I've always enjoyed the 1920’s Spanish architecture in Mid-City. To me, the real draw is the walkability, the dog-friendliness and the general neighborhood vibe. People actually talk to each other in my neighborhood, which is hard to come by in car-confined LA There are plenty of great cafes, yoga studios, shopping and restaurants here. And because I travel so much for a living, it's nice to be able to come home and not have to leave my 'hood.
Krista moseys past a mural at Craig's by LA street artist, Retna, as she guides us to hotspots on Melrose Ave.
Name some fun outdoor activities in your city that everyone who visits should try.
Pan Pacific Park Recreation Center is totally underrated. There's a nice loop for walking, and you can even use their outdoor mini gym. There’s always someone around selling elotes (fresh Mexican street corn with lime, chile, and cheese) if you get hungry, or if you want to meet with friends after a walk, Stir Market has a super chill patio where you can sip on wine and catch up.
If your city were a television show, what would the title be?
I feel like LA is a hybrid of “Entourage,” “Girls” and “Portlandia.” There are definitely lots of people trying to hustle in the entertainment industry, but it's usually a lot less glam than Adrian Grenier and the gang experience. There are soooo many ridiculous hipsters, health nuts and hippies here (self included) that make Portland look like child's play—and dating is such a comedic nightmare that I think even Lena Dunham would be taken aback.
Gracias Madre seems to be on every LA local's list of favorites with its clean aesthetics and locally grown vegan fare.
Where do you go when you have a craving for something sweet?
Republique. Marge makes the most incredible pastries. The case is always stocked with things I need in my face hole immediately.
Which hotel in town would be the perfect place for a staycation and why?
The Line. I absolutely adore K-Town for nightlife and eating. Or the The Standard Downtown LA. There’s so much happening down there to explore, and the pool parties feel like you get a little slice of Vegas at home.
Which neighborhood, outside of your own, is your favorite to explore?
A big part of the reason why I chose to live in Mid-City is the proximity to Koreatown. You really can step into that stretch of LA and feel like you're in another world. It never sleeps! My nights usually start at Kang Ho-Dong Baekjeong, where they do this awesome tableside rice presentation, shaking it in a golden lunchbox, and then end at karaoke somewhere. I leave the rest in the hands of soju.
Gracias Madre is the ideal spot for meatless Mexican, festive drinks and "LA ambiance"—whatever that means.
Eat, Drink, Be Merry
1. Gracias Madre
2. Nong La Cafe
3. Verve Melrose
4. Grand Central Market
5. Guisados
Try This
1. Cemetery screenings at Cinespia
2. Wine tastings at Barnsdall Art Park
3. Hollywood Bowl picnic
4. Bike riding on The Strand
5. Downtown Flower Market
Stay and Play
1. The Standard Downtown LA
2. The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
3. The Line
4. The Rose
5. Ace Hotel DTLA
In addition to the croon-worthy pastries and croissants, Verve Coffee Roasters serves cold pressed juice flights from Juice Served Here.
Verve Coffee Roasters is known for its nitro cold brew served in a tulip glass.
Follow Krista’s journeys on Twitter and Instagram at @KristaSimmons, on at Snapchat krista_simmons and via her blog www.kristasimmons.com.
