“The Coolest City on the Planet“
“America’s Hippest Hipster Neighborhood”
“The Coolest Block in America“
Los Angeles and its neighborhoods have been racking up praise from major media outlets lately, and the superlative-rich accolades don’t show any sign of stopping. The latest to take notice is The New York Post, which, in an article published Tuesday boldly states “Los Angeles is the future” and tells its hometown to watch its back as “Los Angeles, quite simply, is ready to challenge anyone.”
In making its claim, The Post notes the past decade “that saw the city grow in all sorts of exciting and impressive ways.” It’s a transformation The Agency’s Mauricio Umansky chronicles well in his article Back To the Future: Transforming Downtown Los Angeles.
To get readers “up to speed” on what makes the city great, The Post highlights four distinct neighborhoods of Los Angeles: Downtown, Venice, Mid-City West and Hollywood.
On Downtown, The Post notes the “Times Square-like entertainment district” of L.A. LIVE and its luxury hotels and destination restaurants. “These days, the core is in overdrive trying to find its rightful place as the city center,” says The Post, and making up this core is a “wildly diverse group of neighborhoods,” “pedestrian-friendly streets with their incredible Art Deco architecture” and “ample transit and tons of people-watching.”
Next up, The Post takes a look at Venice, declaring it “one of the most inspiring urban settings in North America.” “Outside of Downtown, LA’s most fascinating area these days is Venice, which has gone from being a funky and fun dead end to being front and center in the city’s complete revamp,” says The Post. And while its the famed beach that typically comes to mind for visitors, The Post notes what us locals have long known, “the real revolution is in the neighborhood’s back streets, which, like the iconic Canals section, can all be explored on foot or by bike.” Abbott Kinney, Rose Avenue and Washington Avenue are the streets highlighted, and deservedly so.
The Post moves on to Mid-City West, “one of the most vibrant parts of town” and a hub to all sorts of culture, food and fun, including the historic Farmers Market, The Grove, LACMA, Third Street corridor, and “some of the country’s best sneaker/street-wear shopping.”
Finally, Hollywood gets its spotlight, which, The Post states, is “where chic hotels and grand nightclubs” sit side by side next to “beautiful historic theaters and new residential buildings.” Receiving special attention is one of our favorite finds on this side of town, the Sunday farmers’ market. It’s “one of the best spots for an impromptu lunch,” declares The Post. “Yes, you can make a picnic with the finest meats, cheeses, bread and vegetables, but you’re on vacation, so let the locals cook for you: Salvadoran pupusas, Thai sticky-rice desserts, artisanal breakfast sausages served over mounds of French fries. The variety is worthy of Portland food-cart pods.”
Okay, now we’re hungry and know exactly where we’ll be this Sunday, but for now we’re off to K-town for lunch to feast on the best Korean food outside of Seoul. While we do, check out the full article and take notes for your next trip to Los Angeles.
Photo Above: The Ritz-Carlton Residences at L.A. LIVE
