Samantha Duenas
@sosupersam31, DJ, vocalist and performing artist, Los Angeles - USA
What do you get when you mix great culture with great weather? Los Angeles! A magnet for lovers of excess in just about every department imaginable. From the beaches to the boutiques to the bars. Follow DJ, vocalist, performing artist and L.A. native Sosupersam on a hike through the City of Angels and some of its many sights and delights.
Shop the Los Angeles look: Bum Bag / Luggage / Shoulder Bag
Coffee: Proof Bakery
Proof Bakery is my local coffee spot. I'm really into coffee and one of my good friend's does the coffee program there. They also have the best pastries and fantastic sandwiches that come out everyday at noon. It's within walking distance from my house and a real favorite amongst the locals.
Opening Hours
- Monday-Sunday 8.00am-4.00pm
Park: Griffith Park
Griffith Park is by far my favorite hiking spot. I love to go in the mornings before it gets too hot. And on a clear day, the view from the observatory is unbelievable!
Hotel: Covell
Hotel Covell might be the best-kept secret in L.A. and in any case, the best east-side boutique hotel I know. I recommend this place every time to friends staying in town. It's also great for long-term stays. Dustin Lancaster has such classic taste and what he has done with this space is remarkable.
Breakfast: Sqirl
Looking for a genuine hot spot? Sqirl is one that is near - and dear - to my heart! Jessica Koslow is an alumnus of the Proof Bakery family, so it's all connected. They serve great coffee and perfectly portioned and curated dishes that hit the spot every time. Jessica also does the most amazing jam which we use to make cookies every year.
Opening Hours
- Monday-Friday 6.30am-4.00pm
- Saturday-Sunday 8.00am-4.00pm
Bookshop: Skylight Books
My go-to neighborhood bookstore and one of my favorite places to hang out. I can spend hours just browsing the awesome selection of art books and comics. And because it's an independently owned bookstore, you can be sure you're supporting local business.
Opening Hours
- Monday-Sunday 10.00am-10.00pm
Lunch: Ohana Poké Co.
Fresh eats is trending right now in L.A. and that includes poke - one of my favorite things to eat in the whole world. If you haven't tried it, do it now! And if you want the best, go to Ohana Poke. I love how they top the bowls with Furikake.
Opening Hours
- Monday-Saturday 11.00am-9.00pm
Museum: The Broad
The newest museum on the block just opened up downtown and it's all the rage right now. It houses the Broad family's personal collection, including my personal favorite: the Infinity Mirrored Room by Yayoi Kusama. But the museum is well worth a visit, even just for its breathtaking architecture!
Opening Hours
- Tuesday-Wednesday 11.00am-5.00pm
- Thursday-Friday 11.00am-8.00pm
- Saturday 10.00am-8.00pm
- Sunday 10.00am-6.00pm
Concept store: Poketo
Looking for that perfect gift for any occasion? Poketo is sure to have it. I love their notebooks and calendars in particular, since I'm a bit of a notebook fiend. Poketo also has great phone cases and homeware. I love Poketo!
Opening Hours
- Monday 12.00pm-7.00pm
- Tuesday-Sunday 11.00am-7.00pm
Clothing: Assembly
Fashion friends take note! The New York-based Assembly just opened their L.A. store last year, bringing all my favorite designers to the West Coast. My go-to leather jacket is from Assembly and I'm always wearing it.
Opening Hours
- Monday-Sunday 11.00am-8.00pm
Assembly Playlist
(click track for video)
- Pavement – Cut Your Hair $i++;?>
- Darkside – Gone Too Soon $i++;?>
- Kimbra – Plain Gold Ring $i++;?>
- Cyndi Lauper – She Bop $i++;?>
Restaurant: Baroo
If you're into fine dining using local ingredients, I can't recommend Baroo enough! A really interesting take on Korean food with a bit of a Noma vibe. And their pickled vegetables are to die for! It takes a little finding, hidden in a strip mall. But it's well worth it when you do!
Opening Hours
- Tuesday-Saturday 11.00am-9.00pm
- Sunday 5.00pm-9.00pm
Club: Los Globos
If you're lucky enough to be in L.A. for this monthly R&B party, be sure to come and say Hi! 1-4-3 (90s pager code for "I love you") is a little something I put on together with Partytime and Siik at Los Globos. We started it back in 2013 to create an environment where Los Angelenos could hang out and pay homage to the almighty love song!
Full photo gallery
Photography by Sasha Young