The truth is, I have mixed feelings about Los Angeles.

I suppose I’ve got baggage.

See, L.A. was the dream that started in adolescence. L.A. was where my career would flourish and thrive, where I would come into my own as a triple-threat performer. I even spent summers there during high school, and I chose my university largely based on its proximity to L.A…

Initially, I loved L.A., and the promise it held.

But in the end, for me, Los Angeles turned out to be a mirage. After spending nearly a decade in the city of angels, pounding the pavement, hustling, doing everything I could to succeed (whilst maintaining my standards, morals, and values, obvs,) I ended up just falling flat on my face time and time again. It just didn’t work. Much like an abusive relationship where 90% sucks, but once in a while something promising happens and you talk yourself into staying because you’ve invested so so much… L.A. was the “bad boy” boyfriend. And, in my case, determined, ambitious, non-quitter type that I am, it took me a long time to finally throw in the towel on L.A. But thank God I finally did.

Leaving L.A. to move to Paris was hands down the best decision I’ve ever made. (Remember the “pivotal moments” post a couple weeks ago?) Not to say that it wasn’t an eventful decade, or that I didn’t accomplish things – the Angeleno adventures and misadventures abound. (Oh man, I’ve got stories for days. Fodder for a future book, perhaps?) But all that is water under the bridge. What’s important now is all the delicious vegan food available at every turn. Let’s focus on that shall we?

Today’s video is a lil’ vlog about the food and fun that was had in Los Angeles earlier this month, with a couple other surprise locations sandwiched in. Hope you enjoy this little snippet as much as we enjoyed our L.A. séjour. (How lovely just to visit. Ha!)

(Oh, and we also went to Little Pine – Moby’s restaurant – but we were with friends and so I didn’t film. I know, I’m sorry. It was a-ma-zing. I’ll try to get some footage next time.)

So, friends, have any of you visited these places? What are some of your favorite L.A. go-tos? Would love to know! Leave me a comment below and make my day.

Wishing you all chewy, creamy vegan pasta,