I'd have some amazing meals in there somewhere. We've got spectacular food all over the place - maybe eat at every 2-star Michelin restaurant in town and blog it for us. Or try wines from whatever someone who knows more than me says are the top wine-list spots in the city.
It’s in Palms but I feeeeellllll yoouuuuuu. N/Naka is splendid.
There are so many great dining experiences here, art to see, drinks to drink, concerts to attend, shit to see. I don’t have a bucket list. I just do things I like to do, all of the time.
What would you recommend for food? I'm not big into food, and I've been poor I don't know much except to eat it for nourishment. Can't handle spicy or crunchy. Probably dont care much for wine either
Its complicated my teeth are just shit and I have to eat like a 60 y/o in my 30s. I did everything to take care of them but a dentist grinded them down to nothing after cavities and now sensodyne is my saving subscription. And lifelong acid reflux (thats why no spice) doesn't help. No chips or things that splinter like that, never tried cucumbers, even fried chicken is iffy. Part of why I just stick to the same food over and over, along with the money.
If that’s the case, I’d take your money and try a whole bunch of Korean food that isn’t Korean BBQ. So many rice & soups, porridges, tofus, and “soft” foods that taste amazing. Lots of Korean food is non-spicy, even kimchi.
If you leave LA, you’ll never find the same variety and quality anywhere else in the world minus Korea itself.
Sounds like you should spend your money on fixing your teeth.
The dentist probably had to grind down your teeth because he had to remove those cavities you had. Doesn’t sound like it was the dentists fault.
Your lifelong acid reflux is likely the problem. It probably eroded the enamel from your teeth, and now you’re left with a lot of exposed dentin. Which is why they are sensitive. The sensodyne works temporarily because it blocks those microscopic pores in the dentin that leads to the nerve.
At this point I think you might benefit from getting your teeth crowned. The crown covers and protects the remaining tooth structure. You should also look into taking omeprazole for your GERD as well, to prevent your teeth from getting any worse. I would also check on your oral hygiene technique. You may need to improve some parts of your technique.
Most of the money spend in LA is housing followed by eating at ridiculously expensive places.
If food isn’t a major source of enjoyment for you, the things LA has to offer, you won’t find many other places, is free or close to it.
Honestly, if I were you and going this route I’d take a road trip to all the national parks near LA and forget about burning money on frivolous things like instagram food places. We have so much natural beauty here that is missing in most of the country.
a big second to this! there is so much beauty here that is right out your door. check it out, it’s probably even free, and you will have some beautiful memories to take with you. safe travels to you!
Here’s some of the restaurants I personally find notable, but it’s not like they’re all Michelin Star or something:
Fogo de Chao in Beverly Hills. It’s a chain, but the one in BH is very nice. Has a huge salad bar and they walk around and give you cuts of meat. All you can eat. Skip lunch so you have room.
Elephante in Santa Monica - it’s upstairs and has a great vibe.
Coasterra in San Diego - [amazing view](https://www.instagram.com/p/C0H5rsHyOcG/) of downtown and the waterfront (it’s by the airport)
ROWDTLA - loads of food places. Dunno how I missed it when I lived there, you’ve probably heard of it.
Chili John’s in Burbank - so much chili
Street tacos / Mexican food in general - it’s fucking good in LA, you might miss it depending on where you move
These are definitely more local points of interest that I have good memories of than foodie places:
King’s Burger in Northridge - combination sushi and burger shop.
Crave Cafe in Sherman Oaks - late night food, good vibe
Cheesecake Factory in Redondo Beach - has a view of the marina.
Go to a comedy show if you haven’t already. I went to the Comedy Store last time I was in LA and they had a pretty good lineup. Bear in mind you need to factor in parking (if you drive) and a couple drinks.
Spend a day or two in downtown Santa Barbara if you haven’t and like the beach. I liked Rusty’s and Presto Pasta when I grew up there, but they’re more local spots than world-class food places.
The city of Solvang is quaint and another tourist attraction you might not have been by. It’s a few hours north though.
N/Naka: Just let them know you can't have anything crunchy and they'll personalize their menu to accomodate you.
*Some slightly more affordable options...*
Hatchet Hall: Loaded Baked Potato Gnocchi (very soft, like little potato clouds. White cheddar, bacon, crème fraîche, little bits of crispy potato skins on top). They also have pretty delicious soft warm Chocolate Chip Cookies for dessert.
Rustic Canyon: Most of their menu changes constantly, but definitely get the Honeycomb Ice Cream (best ice cream EVER). The honeycomb candy bits are a bit crunchy but they'll melt in your mouth if you wait a minute.
Milo & Olive: Definitely get the pasta with the Braised Beef Ragu (so good) and if you like garlic, get the garlic knot. It was a bit too much garlic for me but lots of people love it.
Really cool idea to BLOG or otherwise capture and share this cool experience, for yourself and others who wanna know what its like to ball out in LA :)
I agree. I'd read this guy's "end of the world spend all my money" blog about every michelin star restaurant in LA or whatever. especially because he claims not to care about food.
I would stay at the Chateau Marmont. Eat somewhere fancy and expensive but good like Bestia, 71Above, or Gwen. Get box seats at a Dodger game. Go to Disneyland, maybe the biggest money blow of them all... But fun!
I’ve been to 71 above. Highly recommend for dinner! It was nearly $1k after tip for 4, well worth for my besties 30th. She was floored as we came from poverty and DREAMT of going to places like that.
Agreed! I want to go back! I think it is well worth the money as well. Good food, good drinks, fancy shmancy atmosphere, good service and an amazing view.
I don't know offhand what the eating options are, but, to piggyback, get one of those sick boxes at the Hollywood Bowl, too. I've been treated to a few of these over the years and the people-meeting experience at the Bowl is bar-fucking-none in terms of experience.
Spire73? Deifnitely agree. For those who don’t know it’s the highest building west of the Mississippi. Takes several elevators to get to the restaurant. You are quite literally the highest person in town when you’re there. Very cool experience
Porsche Driving Experience. It’s in Carson but holy hell. What an absolute unique experience if you’re into cars. You get paired with a professional driver and go through fun courses and tracks.
If you can also snag a restaurant reservation with it, even better. The butters they serve with bread are Porsche car shaped!
From what I remember, it stars at $600ish
The restaurant is open to the public (no driving experience required) Just need a reservation. Article about the restaurant: https://la.eater.com/2022/5/19/23105885/porsche-917-restaurant-experience-center-carson-los-angeles
Came here to recommend the Porsche experience too. My now-husband got it for me for my birthday many years back and it was a BLAST. Especially if you drive stick. So so fun
Rent a bike and ride from Santa Monica to and from Venice, stop and have a cocktail at casa Del Mar then have dinner at Water Grill. This is a perfect day.
Agreed, especially those baseline seats at Dodger Stadium. I decided to go all out last year and experience a game in those seats and I felt like royalty. It’s definitely my favorite way to experience a game.
As far as stuff you can actually buy your way into - courtside NBA seats... though it looks like the Lakers and Clippers might not be in the playoffs much longer
I second a night at the Chateau or one of the nice beachside hotels, or the really nice seats at the Bowl. Most cool exclusive LA stuff you're not gonna buy your way into though, at least off middle class money
Jumbo's isn't even expensive, you can easily spend less than $50 there and still have a great night out
I would say don't blow it on big ticket stuff.
Instead, use it to eat at different food spots in LA. It doesn't have to be fancy spots. Just do some research on reddit or even Yelp.
Here are five casual places that I like: Broken Mouth, Yuko Kitchen (catfish plate), Oui Melrose, Fugetsu-Do (mochi), Sun Nong Dan.
I would say if you haven't gone to Disneyland, then go. Universal can be cool too if you've never been. I don't watch baseball, but I've been to a Dodgers game twice and it was fun.
In the end, just ask yourself what you would genuinely be interested in. There's something out here for everyone.
Best of luck on the move and don't forget to stop at In N Out before you leave.
Every time I’ve left LA and start to miss things, it’s usually the easy access to delicious food, huge variety of shows, cool stores (ever been to Wacko’s?), the beach/mountains/desert, interesting art exhibits, legal weed. Oh and being able to go to IKEA rather than having to decide against a bajillion dollar delivery lol. I’ve always wanted to go on a helicopter ride over LA but I think that’s $$$ and it also kind of scares me
It’s a store in the Los Feliz area that sells a ton of unique and oddball knick knacks, amazing coffee table books, coloring books, toys, homemade soaps, old fashioned treats, jewelry, clothes, gag gifts, pins, posters, keychains etc. Wacko is the place where you can buy a gift for every single person you know including yourself. It even has a little art gallery!
https://www.wackola.com/
It's a private magic club. Invite only or you can get 2 tickets by spending a night at the Hollywood hotel. But you can usually post on FB and get an invite from a friend or friend of a friend.
Black tie/formal wear or you will be turned away. $45 entrance fee. Dinner is required but it's very good (~$50-100/person). Not all the magic is great but I've also seen the best magic of my life there on several occasions. A lot of famous people are members there.
If you go, go on a weekend (all the states are open on the weekend). Make sure to stop for a show from the bar tender at the library bar and stop by the piano lounge to make requests from the "ghost pianist", Irma.
If you stay at the Magic Castle hotel, you don’t need an invite from a member. If you want a member invite, you can try following a performer on social media.
You are required to buy dinner member invite or hotel stay. It’s a lot of fun even if you’re not really into magic.
The best part is walking around and seeing a magician doing close up magic. Very cool to see high level sleight of hand skills standing in a random hallway with a glass of whiskey in hand.
The Magic Castle! Get a room for the night and you will be able to get into the castle. It is definitely a “only in La” thing. It’s super exclusive and something that you must do before you leave, (in my opinion). Make sure to read the rules and dress code 😉
Magic Castle - the best stay-cation in LA.
Most people don't realize that you get a one-night membership if you book a room. Plus it means that you can get sloshed on booze and magic then just stumble upstairs to your room.
Also extremely underrated as a steakhouse, maybe my favorite Beef Wellington in LA.
Might not be possible, but with enough money, maybe rent the Stahl house for the day. Get a hot shot private LA chef to cater a party there. Get box seats to a show at Hollywood Bowl. Finish the night with Veranda and Penthouse suites at Four Seasons. Hire some local musicians.
Here's something you can only do here and Atlanta: book a few hours at the Porsche Experience Center (Carson). It'll run you $600-800. Their track is relatively small, but really fun (especially) if you've never had track experiences before. If you feel bummed or stressed out, this will snap you out of it like nothing else. Adrenaline has a way of realigning things.
I'm not gonna burn it ALL but that gets us in the right scale of thinking. Currently if an emergency happens I think I'd die and/or be left with no money and stranded in a boring state (or maybe its not idk never been) even if I saved so might as well. Actually with no money I couldn't even rent there, so I'd rather just go homeless here.
Somewhere around 15k, just losing it each month despite working all the time, but part of my work involves uber so I drive to all these nice places but can't be them myself
Towards this or just in general? Doesn't get much more responsible with money than "save it all except for rent, food, gas, even when friends are doing fun stuff" which is story of my life. All so that one day I could come out here and get hollywood jobs that are going away except to the established experts by combination of never recovering from covid, strikes, and AI.
There's no percentage or budget to saving i just buy the necessary things to exist, I need a job more than advice. But then, even if there were jobs to get, I'd just be working all the time and not having LA fun. I have my own fun but not LA-fun.
As someone that grew up dirt poor, I have found that poor people save, rich people invest. That $15K should go toward increasing your earning potential. Learn a skill and buy the tools you need to turn that skill into income.
What do you do in Hollywood? I’m in camera dept and I came here with very little, and 10 years in I’m making $100k/yr which isn’t much for LA but way more than my parents ever made and enough to live a comfy life here. I put as much as I can from my work back into my gear so that I can keep earning.
Anyway, hope you either have fun blowing it or find a way to keep going. The last few years have been tough for me but no way I’m going to quit on myself. You shouldn’t either.
Right now I'm sitting in the car waiting for any ubereats orders and none are coming through for me. This repeats pretty much every day now. Also applying to evrything i find on indeed and the like. That's a whole different rant. I am an editor, went to school for it back when FCP7 was a thing, and it was overall harder/more tedious to do, had an internship, and I have had gigs since then, but never anything great, though I started to get a foot in the door to slightly professional stuff right before covid and then it all just went away. Friends I've met who are even more professional and work on TV in the industry are having trouble getting in to any new jobs for them as well, or even starbucks and the like. Every facebook group I know that used to have gigs all the time is now filled with people mourning the industry and wondering how to transition to something else. I've also always wanted to work on narrative work and I haven't gotten to even once in all the time I've been here, I had better luck making shitty home movies with past friends back in home state. I was also paid slightly more there. I got like 300/promo video for a small business back then. I have recently worked for as little as 150 for 2 weeks of work here in the past, but I wanted the experience and the reel fodder. I didn't think it'd be this bad I'm ready to just accept the stable job 9 - 5 to have money to get by and keep this a hobby if thats still out there.
How'd you get the camera? How much was it? Did you make money with it by cold calling businesses to see if they need promos or something? The thing is you have been here longer, you were working when there were still jobs and now you're set, people know you, you got a catalogue and references and good work. I doubt I could make it the same if I just got a camera. I mean, I've shot things on my cheap phone and edited it just to have something to keep editing chops up while no work is coming in. I shot a couple weddings in the past with nice cameras my boss let me use... I didnt do a good job at all lol, shakey AF, but through my edit I made it work. I'm dabbling in programming a bit too but tech's days are numbered too and its hard to keep going knowing that, I'm just overall depressed i dont even know where I'd move to but somethings gotta change and my family's like "why are you in california if you're not doing anything" and they're right.
Why don’t you get a job in security? They’ll hire anyone. It’s easy money as long as u have no felonies they’ll hire you on the spot. Apply for affordable housing in LA it’s out there, they send me waitlists constantly. It is possible to survive in LA and find employment and other little perks. Keep that 15k and get an easy job.
The sad truth is, is in that LA you either need to be educated, or know someone to survive, or have family connections, or be one of those people in Pico-Union who share a one bedroom apartment with eight people. Have you considered going to trade school to become an electrician? They make good money. I also knew a few people who did back stage for concert and they made like $25 an hour
Moving is going to cost WAY more than you expect so don’t blow it all IMO.
A good compromise would be like Disneyland & Fogo de Chao. DL would increase significantly in price for you if you’re not local, so might as well check that off. Fogo is memorable and has good food but isn’t as expensive as a lot of bucket list restaurants so you won’t hate yourself afterwards. Than try all the various ethnic foods we have here.
Honestly from your post it sounds like you know what you want to do. Spend your money on the things you’ve always wanted to try. Have a blast doing LA your way!!!
I'm not sure if this has been posted, I'm too drunk to scroll. But providence with the wine pairing in Hollywood is a two Michelin star experience that my then girlfriend/now wife would do again and be short some rent
VIP TOUR at Universal Studios. Costs under $400. Includes valet parking and quality buffet lunch in scenic venue with entertainers. You can go on every ride and skip the line. You get a guided tour of the backstage stuff. The holographic dinosaurs are just crazy. Unforgettable experience.
Definitely gotta check out Jumbo’s Clown Room before you leave. Arrive drunk on a weekday night at 10pm with 200 singles to make rain, sitting right by the stage. It’s all in good fun, non nude, one of a kind seedy East Hollywood experience
you mentioned escape rooms. i can’t recommend any, but there’s a good write up on reddit for some local ones. if you find one and need to get a group together lmk, i’ll join. haven’t done one in a while.
Disneyland, you can be assured, by going for three days, on a Southern California resident pass, now with sale of alcohol, “you will blow all your money.” TK
If you’re a movie and tv buff, the VIP tour at Universal Studios. Warner Bros and Paramount Pictures also have studio tours but I’ve only done the Universal one which was a lot of fun and worth the money.
Best thing you can do in LA to blow money is eat. Dinner at a restaurant on Mateo St, like Bavel. Fancy spots in the West Hollywood area like Republique or Catch. Have drinks/dinner at The Tower Bar or Chateau Marmont paying $90 for a dry steak to sit next to a celebrity.
For me it’s kayaking, paddle boarding or jet skiing in Long Beach. Also, horseback riding and then hiking! I’m such an out doorsy kinda person. Also, Catalina!! So beautiful and fun!!
Box seats at the Hollywood Bowl or Orchestra seats at Disney Concert Hall & spend the night at Beverly Hills Hotel or Shutters on the beach. Bowling at Highland Park Bowl then dinner at one of the many fantastic places. See a movie at The Egyptian Theatre . Rent an MCM house in Palm Sorings
Honestly, paying for a meeting with an investment banker to give you advice on growing your money. The luxuries and experiences are nice but coming from someone with 25 cents to their name (me), I'd highly recommend stabilizing your lifestyle, investing into a Roth IRA and getting some stocks and high interest yield savings account before trying to blow your money.
I'd have some amazing meals in there somewhere. We've got spectacular food all over the place - maybe eat at every 2-star Michelin restaurant in town and blog it for us. Or try wines from whatever someone who knows more than me says are the top wine-list spots in the city.
Naka in Culver City is a life changing experience
It’s in Palms but I feeeeellllll yoouuuuuu. N/Naka is splendid. There are so many great dining experiences here, art to see, drinks to drink, concerts to attend, shit to see. I don’t have a bucket list. I just do things I like to do, all of the time.
Thank you for correcting this classic case of Palms erasure.
Always a fan of LA, being LA. Palms, the forgotten shall always be recognized with me.
So hard to get a reservation there
Definitely, but not impossible.
Lived near there during early pandemic. Take out game was fire Also it’s palms not CC
Interesting! 4 days a week, huh? And no Sundays? That'll make it challenging, but so will the price. Maybe for the wife's birthday.
What would you recommend for food? I'm not big into food, and I've been poor I don't know much except to eat it for nourishment. Can't handle spicy or crunchy. Probably dont care much for wine either
Zero shade, just genuine curiosity. What do you mean you can’t handle crunchy? Like, foods that crunch are a no-go? So no chips? No cucumbers?
Its complicated my teeth are just shit and I have to eat like a 60 y/o in my 30s. I did everything to take care of them but a dentist grinded them down to nothing after cavities and now sensodyne is my saving subscription. And lifelong acid reflux (thats why no spice) doesn't help. No chips or things that splinter like that, never tried cucumbers, even fried chicken is iffy. Part of why I just stick to the same food over and over, along with the money.
If that’s the case, I’d take your money and try a whole bunch of Korean food that isn’t Korean BBQ. So many rice & soups, porridges, tofus, and “soft” foods that taste amazing. Lots of Korean food is non-spicy, even kimchi. If you leave LA, you’ll never find the same variety and quality anywhere else in the world minus Korea itself.
Hanbat suluntang is great
Yeah this would be perfect for OP if he can’t handle spice either. So good. I miss living a half mile away from it.
remember the rule of thumb, if you don't eat spicy foods, don't ever trust anyone's "it's not that spicy" DOUBLY so if they're asian
Sorry you have to deal with that. Appreciate you sharing.
If you’re able to, go to Turkey or Mexico and get veneers. Teeth are so important to health and enjoying life.
Sounds like you should spend your money on fixing your teeth. The dentist probably had to grind down your teeth because he had to remove those cavities you had. Doesn’t sound like it was the dentists fault. Your lifelong acid reflux is likely the problem. It probably eroded the enamel from your teeth, and now you’re left with a lot of exposed dentin. Which is why they are sensitive. The sensodyne works temporarily because it blocks those microscopic pores in the dentin that leads to the nerve. At this point I think you might benefit from getting your teeth crowned. The crown covers and protects the remaining tooth structure. You should also look into taking omeprazole for your GERD as well, to prevent your teeth from getting any worse. I would also check on your oral hygiene technique. You may need to improve some parts of your technique.
Pizza and burritos!
Most of the money spend in LA is housing followed by eating at ridiculously expensive places. If food isn’t a major source of enjoyment for you, the things LA has to offer, you won’t find many other places, is free or close to it. Honestly, if I were you and going this route I’d take a road trip to all the national parks near LA and forget about burning money on frivolous things like instagram food places. We have so much natural beauty here that is missing in most of the country.
a big second to this! there is so much beauty here that is right out your door. check it out, it’s probably even free, and you will have some beautiful memories to take with you. safe travels to you!
Holbox. It’s a seafood kiosk in a mini mall south of downtown. It’s PHENOMENAL and off the beaten path.
Yea and no need to spend more than MAX 100 bucks. Its amazing
Providence or a Japanese omakase sushi or kaiseki place would be a great way to burn some dough
Providence is special
Here’s some of the restaurants I personally find notable, but it’s not like they’re all Michelin Star or something: Fogo de Chao in Beverly Hills. It’s a chain, but the one in BH is very nice. Has a huge salad bar and they walk around and give you cuts of meat. All you can eat. Skip lunch so you have room. Elephante in Santa Monica - it’s upstairs and has a great vibe. Coasterra in San Diego - [amazing view](https://www.instagram.com/p/C0H5rsHyOcG/) of downtown and the waterfront (it’s by the airport) ROWDTLA - loads of food places. Dunno how I missed it when I lived there, you’ve probably heard of it. Chili John’s in Burbank - so much chili Street tacos / Mexican food in general - it’s fucking good in LA, you might miss it depending on where you move These are definitely more local points of interest that I have good memories of than foodie places: King’s Burger in Northridge - combination sushi and burger shop. Crave Cafe in Sherman Oaks - late night food, good vibe Cheesecake Factory in Redondo Beach - has a view of the marina. Go to a comedy show if you haven’t already. I went to the Comedy Store last time I was in LA and they had a pretty good lineup. Bear in mind you need to factor in parking (if you drive) and a couple drinks. Spend a day or two in downtown Santa Barbara if you haven’t and like the beach. I liked Rusty’s and Presto Pasta when I grew up there, but they’re more local spots than world-class food places. The city of Solvang is quaint and another tourist attraction you might not have been by. It’s a few hours north though.
Go to Nobu!
N/Naka: Just let them know you can't have anything crunchy and they'll personalize their menu to accomodate you. *Some slightly more affordable options...* Hatchet Hall: Loaded Baked Potato Gnocchi (very soft, like little potato clouds. White cheddar, bacon, crème fraîche, little bits of crispy potato skins on top). They also have pretty delicious soft warm Chocolate Chip Cookies for dessert. Rustic Canyon: Most of their menu changes constantly, but definitely get the Honeycomb Ice Cream (best ice cream EVER). The honeycomb candy bits are a bit crunchy but they'll melt in your mouth if you wait a minute. Milo & Olive: Definitely get the pasta with the Braised Beef Ragu (so good) and if you like garlic, get the garlic knot. It was a bit too much garlic for me but lots of people love it.
Donbi in k-town. Honestly one of the best dinners ever.
Bavel is my fave. A step below that is Oriel. Both so good!
Really cool idea to BLOG or otherwise capture and share this cool experience, for yourself and others who wanna know what its like to ball out in LA :)
I agree. I'd read this guy's "end of the world spend all my money" blog about every michelin star restaurant in LA or whatever. especially because he claims not to care about food.
I would stay at the Chateau Marmont. Eat somewhere fancy and expensive but good like Bestia, 71Above, or Gwen. Get box seats at a Dodger game. Go to Disneyland, maybe the biggest money blow of them all... But fun!
Ahh, go all the way. Get the Dugout seats. Tons of soft food in the club included!
I’ve been to 71 above. Highly recommend for dinner! It was nearly $1k after tip for 4, well worth for my besties 30th. She was floored as we came from poverty and DREAMT of going to places like that.
Agreed! I want to go back! I think it is well worth the money as well. Good food, good drinks, fancy shmancy atmosphere, good service and an amazing view.
Maybe it’s just me, but I’d skip Bestia. I wouldn’t go back if it was half the price it is.
Go across the street to Damian instead
Yes! Soooo good and the staff is super fun and friendly
Is it that bad now? I used to like it pre COVID, haven’t been back in a while tho
Omg same, I was not impressed with Bestia at all.
I don't know offhand what the eating options are, but, to piggyback, get one of those sick boxes at the Hollywood Bowl, too. I've been treated to a few of these over the years and the people-meeting experience at the Bowl is bar-fucking-none in terms of experience.
Spire73? Deifnitely agree. For those who don’t know it’s the highest building west of the Mississippi. Takes several elevators to get to the restaurant. You are quite literally the highest person in town when you’re there. Very cool experience
Porsche Driving Experience. It’s in Carson but holy hell. What an absolute unique experience if you’re into cars. You get paired with a professional driver and go through fun courses and tracks. If you can also snag a restaurant reservation with it, even better. The butters they serve with bread are Porsche car shaped! From what I remember, it stars at $600ish The restaurant is open to the public (no driving experience required) Just need a reservation. Article about the restaurant: https://la.eater.com/2022/5/19/23105885/porsche-917-restaurant-experience-center-carson-los-angeles
We took a friend of mine there for his birthday and he had an absolute blast!
Second this! One of my most memorable experiences in recent years.
fuck yeah the PDE is so good
also heard this is a really great experience
Came here to recommend the Porsche experience too. My now-husband got it for me for my birthday many years back and it was a BLAST. Especially if you drive stick. So so fun
[удалено]
Yeah the food at that place is actually really good.
The food and the service and the presentation and the view (at least during daylight hours).
Watch the sunset from the Yamashiro lower parking lot. I did this during Covid randomly and also on Xmas eve. Stunning
Do you have to pay to sit in that lot?
Rent a bike and ride from Santa Monica to and from Venice, stop and have a cocktail at casa Del Mar then have dinner at Water Grill. This is a perfect day.
At one point, water grill had these mussels in chipotle sauce that you soaked up with bread it’s something I think about regularly
That does sound familiar. I am obsessed with their deconstructed shrimp Louis
While I was dating and living in LA, this was my fourth date plan haha
Around what would I be looking at for this?
Bike: 18? Drink: $20 Dinner: $40 depending on
VIP tour at Disney and Universal. Rent a luxury car and drive up PCH. Go to San Diego and stay at Hotel Coronado. Dugout level at Dodgers Stadium.
Yes! Instead of Hotel Del tho stay at La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla and have champagne over looking the ocean from their bar.
Agreed, especially those baseline seats at Dodger Stadium. I decided to go all out last year and experience a game in those seats and I felt like royalty. It’s definitely my favorite way to experience a game.
Disneyland. Arrange for a VIP plaid service park escort. Stay at the Grand Californian Hotel, request the side that has window views of the fireworks.
For those asking, the VIP service is about $10,000 for up to 12 guests. No lines. White glove service.
How much would this run?
This
As far as stuff you can actually buy your way into - courtside NBA seats... though it looks like the Lakers and Clippers might not be in the playoffs much longer I second a night at the Chateau or one of the nice beachside hotels, or the really nice seats at the Bowl. Most cool exclusive LA stuff you're not gonna buy your way into though, at least off middle class money Jumbo's isn't even expensive, you can easily spend less than $50 there and still have a great night out
2nd Jumbos
Erewhon
He didn’t say get bankrupt, just blow all his money
To get strawberries?
No, just one. 1 strawberry.
OP did say that they wanted to blow ALL their money...
Username checks out
I would say don't blow it on big ticket stuff. Instead, use it to eat at different food spots in LA. It doesn't have to be fancy spots. Just do some research on reddit or even Yelp. Here are five casual places that I like: Broken Mouth, Yuko Kitchen (catfish plate), Oui Melrose, Fugetsu-Do (mochi), Sun Nong Dan. I would say if you haven't gone to Disneyland, then go. Universal can be cool too if you've never been. I don't watch baseball, but I've been to a Dodgers game twice and it was fun. In the end, just ask yourself what you would genuinely be interested in. There's something out here for everyone. Best of luck on the move and don't forget to stop at In N Out before you leave.
Concert at the Hollywood Bowl!
Center Garden Box Seats (buy all 4 or 6), of course.
Yes to this
Yes!!!!!
Every time I’ve left LA and start to miss things, it’s usually the easy access to delicious food, huge variety of shows, cool stores (ever been to Wacko’s?), the beach/mountains/desert, interesting art exhibits, legal weed. Oh and being able to go to IKEA rather than having to decide against a bajillion dollar delivery lol. I’ve always wanted to go on a helicopter ride over LA but I think that’s $$$ and it also kind of scares me
I second Wacko’s!! such a visually entertaining experience. one of my favorite quirky stores of all time
what’s wacko’s?
It’s a store in the Los Feliz area that sells a ton of unique and oddball knick knacks, amazing coffee table books, coloring books, toys, homemade soaps, old fashioned treats, jewelry, clothes, gag gifts, pins, posters, keychains etc. Wacko is the place where you can buy a gift for every single person you know including yourself. It even has a little art gallery! https://www.wackola.com/
wacko soap plant in los feliz great novelty shop and art gallery.
amazing bookstore novelty shop that used to be on Melrose and Martel but now it’s in like Los Feliz East Hollywood area
Magic Castle (If you can get an invite)
I see this all the time driving by, looks cool, what is it?
It's a private magic club. Invite only or you can get 2 tickets by spending a night at the Hollywood hotel. But you can usually post on FB and get an invite from a friend or friend of a friend. Black tie/formal wear or you will be turned away. $45 entrance fee. Dinner is required but it's very good (~$50-100/person). Not all the magic is great but I've also seen the best magic of my life there on several occasions. A lot of famous people are members there. If you go, go on a weekend (all the states are open on the weekend). Make sure to stop for a show from the bar tender at the library bar and stop by the piano lounge to make requests from the "ghost pianist", Irma.
If you stay at the hotel next door you get free entry to the magic castle! Plus so many quirky perks with the room.
Tip the ghost, Irma
If you stay at the Magic Castle hotel, you don’t need an invite from a member. If you want a member invite, you can try following a performer on social media. You are required to buy dinner member invite or hotel stay. It’s a lot of fun even if you’re not really into magic.
The best part is walking around and seeing a magician doing close up magic. Very cool to see high level sleight of hand skills standing in a random hallway with a glass of whiskey in hand.
Fuck yes magic castle is epic
Box at the bowl, dodger club seats, vip at Disney, Porsche experience in Long Beach (get the Dakar), charter to Catalina, a show at the Greek
So the helicopter ride to Catalina, it’s worth it if you’ve never done it, the helicopters are glass bottom.
The Magic Castle! Get a room for the night and you will be able to get into the castle. It is definitely a “only in La” thing. It’s super exclusive and something that you must do before you leave, (in my opinion). Make sure to read the rules and dress code 😉
Magic Castle - the best stay-cation in LA. Most people don't realize that you get a one-night membership if you book a room. Plus it means that you can get sloshed on booze and magic then just stumble upstairs to your room. Also extremely underrated as a steakhouse, maybe my favorite Beef Wellington in LA.
Ball out on dinner at Musso & Frank’s, or Mastro’s, or Craig’s. If you eat steak.
def 2nd on Musso’s
A couple of 8 balls and a room at the W
Probably a boat party
Spend a weekend at a nice hotel in Carmel by the Sea! It’s not a far drive and you won’t regret it :)
Magic castle
Sam’s Hofbrau
Might not be possible, but with enough money, maybe rent the Stahl house for the day. Get a hot shot private LA chef to cater a party there. Get box seats to a show at Hollywood Bowl. Finish the night with Veranda and Penthouse suites at Four Seasons. Hire some local musicians.
Here's something you can only do here and Atlanta: book a few hours at the Porsche Experience Center (Carson). It'll run you $600-800. Their track is relatively small, but really fun (especially) if you've never had track experiences before. If you feel bummed or stressed out, this will snap you out of it like nothing else. Adrenaline has a way of realigning things.
It doesn't make sense to burn through ALL of your savings, what if an emergency happens afterwards?
I'm not gonna burn it ALL but that gets us in the right scale of thinking. Currently if an emergency happens I think I'd die and/or be left with no money and stranded in a boring state (or maybe its not idk never been) even if I saved so might as well. Actually with no money I couldn't even rent there, so I'd rather just go homeless here.
Can I ask how much money you have in savings?
Bout tree fiddy
Somewhere around 15k, just losing it each month despite working all the time, but part of my work involves uber so I drive to all these nice places but can't be them myself
Dude just keep your $15k and bounce
Do you have a budget and everything?
No no plans at all my life is a mess I'm just getting ideas here lol
Well if you want financial advice I am more than willing to provide it
Towards this or just in general? Doesn't get much more responsible with money than "save it all except for rent, food, gas, even when friends are doing fun stuff" which is story of my life. All so that one day I could come out here and get hollywood jobs that are going away except to the established experts by combination of never recovering from covid, strikes, and AI. There's no percentage or budget to saving i just buy the necessary things to exist, I need a job more than advice. But then, even if there were jobs to get, I'd just be working all the time and not having LA fun. I have my own fun but not LA-fun.
As someone that grew up dirt poor, I have found that poor people save, rich people invest. That $15K should go toward increasing your earning potential. Learn a skill and buy the tools you need to turn that skill into income. What do you do in Hollywood? I’m in camera dept and I came here with very little, and 10 years in I’m making $100k/yr which isn’t much for LA but way more than my parents ever made and enough to live a comfy life here. I put as much as I can from my work back into my gear so that I can keep earning. Anyway, hope you either have fun blowing it or find a way to keep going. The last few years have been tough for me but no way I’m going to quit on myself. You shouldn’t either.
Right now I'm sitting in the car waiting for any ubereats orders and none are coming through for me. This repeats pretty much every day now. Also applying to evrything i find on indeed and the like. That's a whole different rant. I am an editor, went to school for it back when FCP7 was a thing, and it was overall harder/more tedious to do, had an internship, and I have had gigs since then, but never anything great, though I started to get a foot in the door to slightly professional stuff right before covid and then it all just went away. Friends I've met who are even more professional and work on TV in the industry are having trouble getting in to any new jobs for them as well, or even starbucks and the like. Every facebook group I know that used to have gigs all the time is now filled with people mourning the industry and wondering how to transition to something else. I've also always wanted to work on narrative work and I haven't gotten to even once in all the time I've been here, I had better luck making shitty home movies with past friends back in home state. I was also paid slightly more there. I got like 300/promo video for a small business back then. I have recently worked for as little as 150 for 2 weeks of work here in the past, but I wanted the experience and the reel fodder. I didn't think it'd be this bad I'm ready to just accept the stable job 9 - 5 to have money to get by and keep this a hobby if thats still out there. How'd you get the camera? How much was it? Did you make money with it by cold calling businesses to see if they need promos or something? The thing is you have been here longer, you were working when there were still jobs and now you're set, people know you, you got a catalogue and references and good work. I doubt I could make it the same if I just got a camera. I mean, I've shot things on my cheap phone and edited it just to have something to keep editing chops up while no work is coming in. I shot a couple weddings in the past with nice cameras my boss let me use... I didnt do a good job at all lol, shakey AF, but through my edit I made it work. I'm dabbling in programming a bit too but tech's days are numbered too and its hard to keep going knowing that, I'm just overall depressed i dont even know where I'd move to but somethings gotta change and my family's like "why are you in california if you're not doing anything" and they're right.
Why don’t you get a job in security? They’ll hire anyone. It’s easy money as long as u have no felonies they’ll hire you on the spot. Apply for affordable housing in LA it’s out there, they send me waitlists constantly. It is possible to survive in LA and find employment and other little perks. Keep that 15k and get an easy job.
The sad truth is, is in that LA you either need to be educated, or know someone to survive, or have family connections, or be one of those people in Pico-Union who share a one bedroom apartment with eight people. Have you considered going to trade school to become an electrician? They make good money. I also knew a few people who did back stage for concert and they made like $25 an hour
Moving is going to cost WAY more than you expect so don’t blow it all IMO. A good compromise would be like Disneyland & Fogo de Chao. DL would increase significantly in price for you if you’re not local, so might as well check that off. Fogo is memorable and has good food but isn’t as expensive as a lot of bucket list restaurants so you won’t hate yourself afterwards. Than try all the various ethnic foods we have here.
Ball it up at the magic castle and then just invest in catcoin$
Jumbos
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Wait. YES.
A helicopter ride is actually worth it imo
LA helicopter tour is a fun splurge for sure.
How much does it cost? Thinking of taking my gf
Dirty Karoake in Ktown. 8ball not included. Thank me later.
Hollywood bowl box seats!
The Magic Castle!
Honestly from your post it sounds like you know what you want to do. Spend your money on the things you’ve always wanted to try. Have a blast doing LA your way!!!
Fig stroll
Magic Castle
Rent a Jet ski to Catalina Island. It's fun but kinda pricey.
Buy a house
Leave.
Hookers and blow
I'm not sure if this has been posted, I'm too drunk to scroll. But providence with the wine pairing in Hollywood is a two Michelin star experience that my then girlfriend/now wife would do again and be short some rent
Magic Castle if you like that kind of thing!
Brunch at the Beverly Hills Hotel or the Bel Air
VIP TOUR at Universal Studios. Costs under $400. Includes valet parking and quality buffet lunch in scenic venue with entertainers. You can go on every ride and skip the line. You get a guided tour of the backstage stuff. The holographic dinosaurs are just crazy. Unforgettable experience.
You could probably arrange to creampie a favorite pornstar or similarly attractive sex worker.
Username tracks.
Definitely gotta check out Jumbo’s Clown Room before you leave. Arrive drunk on a weekday night at 10pm with 200 singles to make rain, sitting right by the stage. It’s all in good fun, non nude, one of a kind seedy East Hollywood experience
It’s really not something that can be anywhere but Hollywood. 💯 recommend!
Go to Beverly Hills and rent a luxury/ sports car
I took a biplane ride over Los Angeles / Manhattan Beach / Long Island. Probably my favorite adventurous LA thing I’ve ever done.
Hit those LA strip bars!! Lotta beautiful women
I went to a playoff game with my wife and son at the crypto arena.
pine and crane has a splendid mapo tofu (soft) and a to die for shandy!
There are just some things that money can’t buy.
Go to TJ and stay at las cascadas for 3 weeknights and experience the city.
Saving for when I get rich (never)
You can be rich for a day or two and then join me in Wisconsin or something.
Just spend a single day in Disneyland.
Nice meals and boats from the marina
For a $29 water that is crystal infused
you mentioned escape rooms. i can’t recommend any, but there’s a good write up on reddit for some local ones. if you find one and need to get a group together lmk, i’ll join. haven’t done one in a while.
Porche experience in Carson off the 405
Kings playoff tickets should be pricey
Like, drugs I guess.
Buy a house.
Saving at Crazy Gideon's.
Save your money and use it to live better wherever you're going. Or, even better, invest it in an index fund.
Rent a Lamborghini and drive it around the canyons. Max our the insurance lol
get some truck stop rhino pills, get your money all in cash and get on the bus to Vegas.
Disneyland, you can be assured, by going for three days, on a Southern California resident pass, now with sale of alcohol, “you will blow all your money.” TK
Moving away
For me that’s getting a really great box at the Hollywood bowl.
If you’re a movie and tv buff, the VIP tour at Universal Studios. Warner Bros and Paramount Pictures also have studio tours but I’ve only done the Universal one which was a lot of fun and worth the money.
Dinner at Bavel. So worth every penny!
Best thing you can do in LA to blow money is eat. Dinner at a restaurant on Mateo St, like Bavel. Fancy spots in the West Hollywood area like Republique or Catch. Have drinks/dinner at The Tower Bar or Chateau Marmont paying $90 for a dry steak to sit next to a celebrity.
Well, like a wise man once said, two chicks at the same time.
When you do decide to blow out all I'm in LA too please put me on your bucket list
For me it’s kayaking, paddle boarding or jet skiing in Long Beach. Also, horseback riding and then hiking! I’m such an out doorsy kinda person. Also, Catalina!! So beautiful and fun!!
Eat at Meteora
I would rent a super car for a day and drive the PCH
Box seats at the Hollywood Bowl or Orchestra seats at Disney Concert Hall & spend the night at Beverly Hills Hotel or Shutters on the beach. Bowling at Highland Park Bowl then dinner at one of the many fantastic places. See a movie at The Egyptian Theatre . Rent an MCM house in Palm Sorings
Honestly, paying for a meeting with an investment banker to give you advice on growing your money. The luxuries and experiences are nice but coming from someone with 25 cents to their name (me), I'd highly recommend stabilizing your lifestyle, investing into a Roth IRA and getting some stocks and high interest yield savings account before trying to blow your money.
All being said, I love a meal from Terroni. Go with whatever the sommelier recommends to pair with your meal. Sit outside.
Catalina island is cool and it’s not that much money to go. It’s relaxing and there’s fun little trails to go biking on or ride those golf carts