Alfred’s Coffee
We started our day on Melrose Ave at a cute coffee shop. The
line was out the door and it was super hard to find a spot to sit, but it was
really good. We’ve heard stars love to go here, but we didn’t see any. Then we
walked around Melrose, but everything was closed because it was still so early.
The Grove
We walked to the Grove, an outdoor shopping mall and went in
and out of more shops. It had most of the basic mall finds, what looked like
some nice restaurants and a HUGE Barns and Noble store. We were told that it
was best not to try and eat at The Grove since everything is so expensive,
instead you can head next door and get great food for a better price at the
Farmers Market.
Farmers Market at The Grove
The Farmers Market was a little strange, very low ceiling
and it stretched out much further than we originally expected. There were way
too many choices and we were way too hungry. We ended up just grabbing burgers
and fries, but they were delicious. We took another lap and saw that it had
stands for foods and produce too. They also had random little toy shops
throughout. It was a very strange place, but definitely worth seeing.
LACMA
I was so upset we didn’t get to go to the Broad Museum, but
I finally got my museum fix at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. We didn’t have a ton of time
there since we had to go back and get ready for the James Cordon show. The set
up was a little strange, there were so many buildings for the exhibits. I did
find some Monets though to my delight. One thing we weren’t able to do that
would have been awesome was the Rain Room. You had to buy separate tickets and
they sell out pretty fast, but it would have been so awesome. You get to walk
around a room that’s pouring down rain, but it never touches you. Wherever you
go, it doesn’t. I would for sure have needed a full day at the museum to see
everything they had to offer, but I liked what small part I did see.
The Late Late Show with James Cordon
This was probably one of the things I was most excited for
when we decided to visit Los Angeles. I love The Late Late Show and James
Cordon and I’ve always wanted to go to a taping of a show. We registered for
the free tickets online, but had to get there super early to get in line. After
waiting for hours and being hoarded like cattle Jessica and I were seated
toward the very front. The stage is so much smaller than I thought it would be.
There was a hype guy who told us what we needed to do and
instructed us on how and when to cheer. It was slightly exhausting, not going to
lie. My hands were red from clapping, but it was seriously so much fun. I got
to high five the two guests as they came down the stairs to the couch. It was Nathan
Fillion from the TV show Castle and Randall Park from the TV show Fresh Off the
Boat. They were both very funny and great guests.
James Cordon is hilarious; I really enjoyed watching him
work. It’s also so weird to see him do promos between takes, but it was cool to
see how everything comes together. It takes so many people behind the scenes to
make the show look so good and natural on TV.
The performers were Cirque du Soleil Curious. At the end of
the show they did a short performance and it was insane. They are so talented
and I can’t even imagine how their bodies contort like that.
The other star of the show is definitely Reggie Watts. He’s
so talented and hilarious; he works really well with James and rounds out the
show with humor and energy. I would recommend attending a taping of the Late
Late Show to anyone; it was such a cool experience.
The Fat Dog
After the show taping we were dead tired, we did not want to
get ready or travel very far for food. We ended up finding the Fat Dog super
close to our apartment; we just walked there and had a quick but delicious
meal. The best part was the first date conversation we overheard. We were
eating at the bar and the couple next to us was telling each other all about
their lives. It was amazing, the woman was a production assistant and the guy
was in casting. I guess everyone in Hollywood really does work in show business?
The Surly Goat
We finally rallied after a nap and took an Uber to The Nice
Guy. We heard that celebrities hang out there and that it was a cool, chill
lounge. Sadly, we had no idea that you needed reservations. We showed up and
couldn’t get in so we went to The Surly Goat, a bar I had found on Thrillest or
something. It was a Monday night so it was super empty, but it ended up being
kind of nice just hanging out and talking about the trip all night. It was a
little bit of a hole in the wall, but I really liked it and the bartenders were
awesome.
In conclusion, we saw no celebrities in their natural
habitat, it rained when we went to the beach and we were too tired to go out most
nights, but it was one of the most amazing trips I’ve ever been on. I can’t
wait to go back, hopefully when it’s a little warmer and I can stay a little
longer.
Until next time west coast.
xx Kristen
