It is officially December, which means the holiday giving countdown has officially begun. It is the seasons for giving, but most of us have a lot less funds to help contribute to the giving this year. However, as we all know, the best gifts are often the ones that cost the least and show the most creativity and knowledge of other person.
If you know someone who loves and/or is fascinated by California, the exploration of L.A., who wants to start going out more, finding new places to explore, and ideas for inspiration, then a book or guide can be the perfect gift. A good guide is great for so many reasons, it is something that people can use over and over again, it is an inexpensive gift, and it is a great way to say you want to spend more time with the other person (by going out and having fun!)
All of these books should be available at any bookstore or online, but a great way to save money and be environmentally resourceful is to use a website like http://www.half.com/, where you can buy used books in great condition for as little as 75 cents plus shipping!
Here is a list of a few of my favorite books and guides on L.A.
"Counter Intelligence
Where to Eat in the Real Los Angeles"
By Jonathan Gold
On of my top picks, this book is the food novel of Los Angeles.
Jonathan Gold is one of the most prominent and influential food writers in the country. He grew up in the Los Angeles area and lived and worked as a food columnist and writer until recently when he moved to work for Gourmet as the New York restaurant critic.
This book is unlike any other food book or guide I have ever read. For someone as educated and renowned as Gold this book is incredibly unpretentious, just as the title says this book is all about real food. The book reads like a novel with narratives for each restaurant, which are separated both alphabetically and by type of food. Gold finds the best of every food including 8 types of Chinese food, the best Uzbecki restaurant, and of course American favorites like the best hot dog and breakfast joints. Even better is that most of the restaurants in the book are inexpensive and often family owned places. The food is authentic and Gold tells you exactly why you are going where you are going, what to order (and sometimes what not to), and keeps the reader entertained the entire time.
"eat.shop.la."
By Kaie Wellman
This is a creative and aesthetically pleasing guide tied for my top pick. The eat.shop series takes a simple and enticing approach to the travel guide. Only 90 shops and restaurants make the cut, and each location gets a full two-page spread, filled with telling and intriguing photos and short descriptions full of personality. My other favorite part is that Wellman gives personal recommendations on what to order and drink and what are the best finds in stores.
The copy below is the first edition, but a second edition came out last year. The eat.shop guides are available in other cities, so check the website to see if another city of intrigue is in the collection.
Sample Page for Jin Patisserie in Venice Beach
"My California
Journeys by Great Writers"
Edited by Donna Wares
This is a great compilation of Californian travel writing on everywhere from Seal Beach to Berkeley to the Badlands. The narrative stories are short and delightful and give insight into areas you never would have considered a desirable destination.
"Off the Beaten Path Los Angeles
A Guide to Unique Places"
By Lark Ellen Gould
In terms of a more general guide book, this is probably my favorite to Los Angeles. The book is separated into sections by areas of Los Angeles. Gould takes a more narrative approach to describing each area and some interesting sites, restaurants and shops in each. At the end of each narrative she highlights and gives short descriptions of popular hotels and restaurants in each area, incorporating a section on the author's favorites. Although she does cover a lot of standard and well known places, she is sure to include some that are definitely off the beaten path.
"Sunset Boulevard
Cruising the Heart of Los Angeles"
By Amy Dawes
If you haven't ever drove the whole 23 miles of Sunset Boulevard from downtown to the Pacific Palisades then you should, and this book will give you all the incentive you need. Although packed with fascinating information on the history of Los Angeles and the creation of Sunset Boulevard, this book is not just for history buffs. It includes information on the creation and cultures of Hollywood, photos of Los Angels through the years, and a site and restaurant guide for places that are still open for business today.
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