Samantha Shorter

Along with Rose McIvor, Samantha has recently relocated to Los Angeles and has been exploring all of the amazing sights in her new home. We spoke to her about her favourite places Los Angeles and what she loves most about the City Of Angels!

I only moved to Los Angeles seven weeks ago but I am already in love with this city. It’s taken a bit of getting used to because it’s so spread out and there’s a lot to take in – everything is still very new and I have a lot of exploring to do! My favourite thing about LA is that there’s always something fun to do so it’s impossible to be bored. That and it’s ALWAYS sunny.

Runyon Canyon

The perfect morning for me in L.A is getting up early and doing the Runyon Canyon hike (you can see across the whole city from the top – everything from Downtown to Beverly Hills, with the iconic Hollywood sign behind you) and then doing a free yoga class in the park at the bottom. I’m pretty lucky that this is just at the top of my street.

Laurel Hardware 7984

This is my favourite bar in L.A, that I've been to. It has a great vibe plus 90 percent of the people are good looking. Win! I also discovered my all-time favourite cocktail there; my roommate and I are obsessed. It’s called a Skinneas Fog and is made with red beet infused plum vodka, lillet rose, plum bitters and lemon. It’s so ridiculously delicious and it has beetroot in it so it’s got to be healthy right?

The Laugh Factory

The Laugh Factory is a famous stand-up comedy club on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. Pretty much every comedian has cut their teeth on this stage and they often have special guests perform. I went on a Friday night and was lucky enough to see Dane Cook. Be prepared to laugh so hard your stomach will hurt.

Chateau Marmont & Bar Marmont

There’s something so wonderful about Chateau Marmont and all of its old world charm that you kind of have to experience it for your self. Lunching on the terrace with a cocktail in hand, you feel worlds away from the busy Sunset Strip in a setting that oozes old Hollywood glamour. Make sure to also check out Bar Marmont just down the road. It’s perfectly hidden away, but once you go through the door it’s all about low key European elegance, and you might see a celebrity or two.

Coffee + Food

As a self confessed coffee snob from down under I was pretty anxious about coming to the land of Starbucks and filter coffee. So you can imagine my excitement when I discovered this little gem on Melrose Ave called Coffee + Food. Surprise, surprise it’s owned and run by Aussies and their coffee is good, so damn good it tastes just like home. Not to mention they also a. serve flat whites and b. serve them in normal sized takeaway cups (not the so called American ‘small’ which is the equivalent to our NZ/Aus large). Oh and I even spotted a tin of Milo on the counter. Hallelujah!

Opening Ceremony

They had me at Alexander Wang shop-in-shop … All of my favourite designers under one roof. Enough said.

Joan's on Third

This West Hollywood café and deli is one of my favourite spots. Open for breakfast and lunch, the savoury fare is delicious and the sweet treats even better. Get a table outside and enjoy the people watching.

Altitude Rooftop pool at the SLS Hotel

The pool at the boutique SLS hotel is the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon in the sun. Picture cocktails, cabanas and a dip in the water. Yes it’s a hard life.

Yamashiro Farmers Markets

Every Thursday night in summer from 6pm-8pm Yamashiro (a Japanese restaurant) holds a Farmers market. With a view across the city it’s the perfect place to watch the sun set while enjoying some good cheap food (I’m talking $6 for a taco and pita chips with hummus) and live music.

Melrose Avenue

I love wandering down Melrose Ave in West Hollywood. There’s something for everyone starting with the vintage shops before Fairfax Ave and moving into the higher end designers as you get closer to La Cienega. I’m pretty much obsessed with Bookmarc (the Marc Jacobs book store) and the Rag & Bone store. And if you’re not in the mood for shopping, get your nails done or your palm read or simply stop for a bite to eat in one of the cafés.