WHAT TO DO IN L.A.
Photo by Brian Alcazar
Chances are, if you've ever wandered through a sneaker store, you have seen work from Jeff Staple. Jeff has been pioneering trends in street fashion and footwear design since he founded his visual communications agency, Staple Design, right out of college in 1997. There, he created the pigeon logo that is proudly donned on so much of his work, including on the Nike SB Dunk "Pigeon," (not his first nor his last collab with the company). Staple Design eventually transitioned into Reed Art Department. There, Jeff and his team work with both startup companies and longtime industry leaders like Adidas, Sprite and Puma to help brands connect with their consumers through compelling stories, collaborations and products.
As a distinguished Skillshare instructor, podcast host, lecturer and keynote speaker, Jeff is not shy to share his secrets. Though he has deep roots in NYC, Jeff is fond of the West Coast. "Los Angeles has always been my second home. Typically I spend 50% of my time in NYC, 25% of my time in LA and 25% traveling. I still consider New York my home and professional base, but since COVID hit in March 2020, I've been spending the majority of my time in L.A. It's been nice laying down deeper roots here."
Today on The Escape Artist, we are sharing Jeff's top dining spots in the City of Angels, along with his favorite place to buy sneakers (and where to clean them too!)
"Alvin Cailan, the chef who can do no wrong (see Eggslut) has created the perfect menu and set of burgers one could ever ask for at Amboy Quality Meats. I haven’t tried all the burgers (doctor’s orders), but you can’t go wrong with the Classic Double. And PS: On the low-low, this is the best fry in Cali. Maybe America."
"You won’t get stuck in traffic heading here from Amboy. It’s literally 10 feet away. Just turn around. The chicken at Howlin' Ray's is to die for. Literally. If you order anything above level “hot”, have your affairs in order. Or a glass of milk. Fries are crinkle cut tossed in a red pepper for the right amount of heat."
"Boston Boys Head Out West.
Bodega is one of the OG retailers of street culture and hype kicks hauling from Boston. Their first store was hidden in the back of a ummm…Bodega. Continuing that theme, they take residence at The Row in DTLA hidden behind fruit and vegetable distributors. They have a great selection of hard to find product you will NOT find at Foot Locker or Urban Outfitters. And the staff is friendly which is a rarity in this subculture of high snobs."
"The LA chapter of the love it or hate it Soho House empire. Be a member or befriend a member. The gym and spa are incredible, the food is solid, and the rooftop pool and views are heavenly. Plus, it's a great hotel for a staycation, if you ever need."
"Did you stay at Soho Warehouse like I told you to? Well after you’ve overdosed on their breakfast, walk the few minutes over to Bread Lounge. The best bagel and lox this side of Delancey Street. Grab a fresh salad to go on the way out for a healthy lunch."
"While you’re walking around the neighborhood, stop by Bestia and make a reservation—probably for 4 weeks later. For the last few years, it’s been one of the best representations of LA dining. The only problem is getting that dang reservation. The last 3 times I’ve eaten there, it’s either been at 5pm or 10:30pm."
"When I’m in LA, I do often get a pang of FOMO for Prince Street Pizza. And when I do, I head to Prime in DTLA. It’s a damn close replica minus the lines all the way to Mott Street and the racial discrimination."
"I sometimes also greatly miss the bakeries of Tokyo. Yamazaki is not hip. Not cool. Not trending. It’s old, dusty and crusty. But it’s the OG. The bakeds good are fresh. The prices are extremely fair. And the old school ambiance can’t be beat."
"Now that I’ve sent you to all these spots, you’re probably gonna need your sneakers cleaned. The Jason Markk flagship store is the mecca for sneaker care. Just hand the technicians your dogs and they’ll be returned good as new. While you’re waiting, you can pick up some of their great lifestyle products like incense, candles, magazines and team gear."
“Truth be told, I’m not a massive fan of Mexican food. I know, I’m sorry! It just messes up my internals. But for some reason, Dalia’s does me right. It's a modern, refined take on Mexican. For instance, they have Keto Fish Tacos with taco shells made of thin baked cheese. Mhmm…”
“Alvin Cailan earns two slots on my list. Before perfecting the burger and the fry, this man perfected the egg and cheese sandwich. Yes, Eggslut is famously hyped, but it is absolutely well deserved. The lines can be crazy, but it is well worth the breakfast wait.”
“Also inside Grand Central Market is PBJ.LA. Now I don’t know about you, but I hadn't really eaten a PBJ sandwich since I was a kid—until I discovered this spot. It brings back all the right memories, and none of the wrong ones. Refined, modern, nostalgic and sans crust. What more could a kid ask for?”