Los Angeles, the City of Angels, is a city of cultures, flavours, and stories. I embarked on a journey to explore its vibrant corners, and each experience was a discovery of taste, history, and connection. Here’s a glimpse into my unforgettable trip to LA.

Staying at LAX Airport Hyatt on Century Blvd

My adventure began with a stay at the LAX Airport Hyatt on Century Blvd. The hotel’s proximity to the airport made it incredibly convenient, especially for a traveler eager to dive into the city’s offerings. Uber rides from here were a breeze, setting the tone for a hassle-free experience. The continental breakfast might not have been a culinary highlight, but it did the job of kickstarting our days.

Liwanag Book Festival in Long Beach

A standout moment was attending the Liwanag Book Festival in Long Beach. The festival was a celebration of Filipino-American literature and culture. It was heartening to see such representation and to immerse myself in the one day festival that highlighted both the books and authors that shape the Filipino-American narrative. There was dancing, music, food and vendors outside. Inside, the Michelle Obama Library provided two sides of the events: storytime for children in the children’s section of the library, and another room for people to hear the authors talk about their work throughout the festival.

Unexpected Culinary Delights

In the spirit of exploration, we stumbled upon a corner store where tantalizing meats sizzled on the grill. Despite the language barrier preventing us from purchasing the grilled delights, I ventured inside and discovered chicharron, which proved to be a crunchy and satisfying alternative.

Adjacent to the store was Imperial Pollo, a gem of a place serving Peruvian cuisine. I’ve never had it before, so it was great to try!

Historic Filipinotown and its Hidden Treasures

Historic Filipinotown was another highlight. The Tribal Cafe, once a haunt of the celebrated writer Carlos Bulosan, offered a warm and inviting atmosphere. Nearby, “a very good used book” store was a quaint discovery, filled with literary treasures waiting to be uncovered. The Sunday Jump’s poetry slam was an evening of a vibrant community of poets and powerful words. Culinary-wise, Hi-Fi Kitchen was right next to the Sunday Jump event, so I had the pleasure to try their silog.

Late Night Tacos and Little Tokyo Explorations

No trip to LA is complete without indulging in its famous tacos. Tacos Gavilan served up some of the best late-night tacos, a perfect end to a day full of adventures. We had late night tacos with a friend and author who was in the Liwanag Book Festival.

Our exploration continued the next day in Little Tokyo, where the vibrant and quirky designs of Mokuyobi caught my eye. The visit to the National Museum was an educational journey, especially learning about the Japanese internment and the imposition of martial law in Hawaii during that time. History came alive in those halls, narrating tales of resilience and strength.

Savoring German Delights and Ube Pudding

Wurstküche was a delightful spot where we enjoyed smokies paired with beer on their sunny patio. This taste of Germany in the heart of LA was an unexpected yet welcome culinary detour.

Finally, B Sweet dessert bar was the cherry on top of our LA trip. The ube breading pudding here was the first I’ve ever had, and it was delicious!

I’ll be back!

Los Angeles is a city where every street corner tells a story, every meal is a journey, and every experience enriches the soul. From the literary celebrations at the Liwanag Book Festival to the historical insights of Little Tokyo, each moment was a blend of culture, history, and culinary delight. The city’s melting pot of cultures was not just apparent in its diverse neighborhoods but deeply felt in its food, its people, and its spirit.