MY LOS ANGELES

When VOICES reached out, unaware that I had relocated “across the pond” to a tranquil village in the Mosel region of Germany, and asked for a breakdown of 24 hours in Los Angeles with Skinny Pablo, I was inspired to reflect. As a musical artist, it’s common to experience cities for less than 24 hours – you fly in, play music, then leave. Sleep is minimal, if at all. Writing this while LA endures catastrophic fires, I wish the best for friends, family and beloved citizens of the city.

Leaving the city I called home for 12 years marked a fresh chapter in life, though many experiences remain bookmarked in my memory. Today, I’ll share my favorite LA haunts, curated around food, wine, and music. Since relocating to Paris and Mosel, I’ve savored croissants, schnitzel, döner, Michelin-starred dining and cheeses galore. They’re all wonderful, but few places push culinary boundaries like LA. There, you could find unique, unforgettable dishes in a pop-up, a food truck, or a neighborhood joint. What do I miss most? Street tacos.

This schedule is designed for a Tuesday (Taco Tuesday). As a traveling musical artist, this pace is second nature. Plan to land at 6am. Bring friends – it’s a marathon of food, wine and music.

8:00 AM – Breakfast at Destroyer

After escaping LAX, head to West LA for breakfast at Destroyer by Jordan Kahn. Arrive early – queues form by 8am with industry types. The French toast is fantastic, paired with rotating fresh dishes, warm drinks, and baked goods. Portions are shareable, so don’t over order.

11:00 AM – Explore Echo Park, Frogtown, Elysian Park

Post-breakfast, head east to enjoy LA’s outdoor beauty. Elysian Park offers hiking trails and skyline views. Frogtown, a revitalized stretch of the LA River, features charming paths and graffiti murals. Or, relax by the manmade pond and fountains in Echo Park.

1:30 PM – Lunch at Sqirl

Next, make your way to Sqirl in Silver Lake. A personal favorite introduced by Soilpimp, my Riesling guru. Sqirl excels at fresh, health-conscious dishes. Their signature sorrel pesto rice with lacto-fermented lemons and peppers is the star. Pair it with their veggie sandwich – arguably the best in the world. Boutique oils, spices, and heady wines like Elbling and Sylvaner are available in their shop. Outdoor seating is shaded, and the vibe is chill – perfect for solo or group dining.

3:00 PM – Wine Stop at Domaine LA

Next, stock up on bottles for the evening at Domaine LA. Jill, the owner, curates an incredible selection, from German rarities like Stein and Hofgut Falkenstein to natural wines from all over the world. If Mosel Riesling seems scarce, mention Skinny Pablo – you might get lucky.

4:00 PM – Chill at Tabula Rasa

Stop by Tabula Rasa, a welcoming wine bar in Thai Town, Hollywood. DJs with great taste (including yours truly) often spin here, and their wine list never disappoints. Try a glass of Riesling or Pinot and snack on tapas-style bites. It’s the perfect prelude to the evening.

6:00 PM – Thai Taco Tuesday at Anajak

Head to Anajak Thai in Sherman Oaks for Thai Taco Tuesday – the headliner of the day. Arrive before 6pm (no reservations) and join the line, bringing some wine to share. Owner/chef Justin Pichetrungsi sets the alley on fire with hardcore hip-hop and dishes like fried chicken with caviar, whole branzino, dry-aged fish tacos, and more. It’s a family business; Auntie and Mom might pour you wine as you wait.

9:00 PM – Dinner at Majordomo

While Anajak could be the perfect finale, I have another plan. From the Valley, head to the Arts District for our second headliner: Majordomo. Cleanse your palate with kumquats from the tree outside before diving in. Majordomo transformed my relationship with food, introducing me to dishes I’ve since recreated at home, like their bing bread, mushroom rice, and boiled chicken. The family-style menu is best enjoyed with a group, and the space exudes energy with a high-end playlist (think Beatles to ODB).

12:00 AM – Late Night at El Prado

As the night deepens, make your way to El Prado in Echo Park. This neighborhood wine bar offers boutique wines, craft beers, and a DJ setup for impromptu parties. One night, I even saw a pony join the crowd. Located across from The Echo, it’s a prime spot for late-night revelry.

2:00 AM – Taco Zone Food Truck

No LA night is complete without a visit to Taco Zone, a humble food truck parked outside Vons in Echo Park. Their mulitas are legendary – two tortillas stuffed with your choice of protein and melted cheese. Cabeza, suadero, and veggie are my go-to fillings. Tía (as I call her), the heart of this operation, serves with warmth and a smile, even to the most drunken of patrons.

A City That Lingers

As the meal wraps up, we reflect on the day, head to LAX, and brace ourselves for overpriced bananas and water.

After 12 years in LA, the city remains a part of me. Its vibrant food, wine, and culture shaped my tastes, and my memories. Other worthy mentions include YESS, Saffy’s, Damian, Roberta’s Pizza, Gusto Bread, Sala, Dudley Market, Dino’s, and India Sweets & Spices. Until next time,
Los Angeles.

John Phillips, also known as Skinny Pablo, is a versatile artist from Guam, renowned as a musician, record producer, DJ, filmmaker, and fashion designer. He is best known for “Paris Mosel,” a film and soundtrack that blends his love for food, wine, music, and adventure into a sensory journey for those who appreciate the finer things in life.