(P.S. A full list of everything I did is at the bottom of this post.)
Day One
I got my nails done at Lanicure. I showed the manicurist a video from a Korean Instagram page – and they popped off! Yes, I called in saying I was running late. And yes, I was late because I was picking up a coconut cloud smoothie from Erewhon.
After geeking over the fact my nails match my smoothie, I headed to the Griffith Observatory. This is where Adele did her concert series last year and this gem of an Oprah pic originated. My colleague from work explained the context of this photo and I completely forgot.
Day Two
Warner Bros Studio tour was an unexpected pleasure. It wasn’t on my radar initially. I actually was eyeing the Paramount Pictures Studio tour, but they were sold out on the days I wanted. My uber driver actually put me on to the Warner Bros Studio. I’m glad I decided to actually chat that car ride.
The pictures show a sliver of what is at the Studio tour. I learned a little TV history, saw the church from Pretty Little Liars and realized the size difference between Robert Pattinson and Zoe Kravitz is insane.
I was in my galavanting bag because I somehow whipped up enough energy to make the trek to the Getty Museum. If you ever make it, make sure you have more than 1-hour to walk around. The museum is HUGE with various wings and exhibits. Even if you’re not the art museum-going type, there is still so much to see and take in. Unfortunately, I showed up within an hour of closing time so I had to keep my trip brief.
Also, protip if you Lyft or Uber there and plan to leave the same way – schedule it. I barely had any bars and the wifi was touch and go. It took me a while to leave because of this.
Day Three
The first half of my day low-key because I knew I would be going to Malibu for dinner. After that, I started my day by heading to Chinatown. I came across a cute shop called Chunky Baby on TikTok. Initially, I thought it was a bakery/shop which I was super excited about. Sadly, no bakery, apparently it was a pop-up type thing, but I still enjoyed the cute items from Asian-American makers. I would have bought more if I had more space in my suitcase. After that, I needed some breakfast so I went to Sundays in Downtown LA.
Later in the day, we pre-gamed at a restaurant on a pier called Malibu Farm. It was very cute spot. Tres chic.
The final destination of my birthday night was none other than Nobu in Malibu. As soon as we walked towards the entrance I made eye contact with Chris Pratt for .2 seconds and my friend almost shoulder-checked his wife 😂 She was not pleased.
If you’re a seafood girlie, Nobu is the place for you. If you’re not, you will survive. (I did!) Nobu is a Japanese restaurant so the UMAMI was UMAMI-ING! Umami is often described as savory, but I think its more of a mute flavor. When I think of savory, I think of foods that pack a punch like bacon, burgers, and weirdly lasagna. Umami is more polite, it doesn’t want a reaction from you. At times, its nice and inviting and other times its underwhelming (*personal opinion!!!) If it was a TikTok sound, it would be that Dance Moms soundbite of Abby Lee Miller going “you’re good, but I want you to be great.”
Me and my friend in the restroom at Nobu
Day Four
I went to Bacari Bar in Silverlake to disassociate and eat many small plates. We had 7-8 plates and each one was a hit after hit. Just like a DEAN TRBL album.
Day Five through Seven
Honestly reader, you’re going to have to catch a part two. This post is getting unbearably long, but you can see my experience at Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios in another post!
Things To Do in Los Angeles, California – a full list:
Lanicure Nail Salon
Erewhon
Griffith Observatory
Warner Bros Studio tour
Getty Museum
Chunky Baby store in Chinatown
Sundays frmly Wake & Late
Malibu Farm
Nobu
Bacari Bar in Silverlake
Universal Studios
Soho House