Cool Hunting

On a recent trip to Los Angeles, the locals who head up the multi-media design studio Nanospore tipped Cool Hunting to some of the freshest new spots and a few old standbys. Perfect jumping off points for a day-long layover, here's proof that LA's more than just Grauman's Chinese Theatre, freeways, and the Getty.

The Social Trust
155 West Washington Boulevard
Suite 714
Los Angeles, CA 90015 map
(213)-743-9745

A group project of Chad K. Uyeno, Haakim Walker, Paul Sun, Eric B. Nam, and Evil Monito magazine, The Social Trust is a new 4,500 square-foot, multi-use space in downtown LA. Housing a gallery and retail space that will carry upmarket streetwear brands, books and more, the studio opened earlier this month with their photography exhibit titled " Community One" that celebrates a global network of artists and designers.

Lion's Den
711 New High Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012 map
(213)- 596-0887

Among Chinatown vendors, restaurants, and a growing crop of galleries, Lion's Den has set up shop to offer a selection of apparel, sneakers, and accessories that reflect owner Raymond Tseng's design sensibilities that come from growing up Asian American in LA. Check out a short video about it on Turn Here.

Bay Cities Italian Deli
1517 Lincoln Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90401 map
(310)-395-8279

This unassuming grocery in Santa Monica is a great place pick up gourmet imported treats, but the Bay Cities Italian Deli is more well-known their classic sandwiches made on bread baked fresh every hour. Try the Poorboy or Godmother for a delicious sandwich under $6.

Father's Office
1018 Montana Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90403 map
(310)-393-2337

With over 50 beers and blue cheese burgers piled with crispy shoestring fries, Father's Office in Santa Monica fills up nightly with the after-work crowd for good reason.

Avalon Hotel
9400 West Olympic Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90212 map
(800)-670-6183

Low key and well-designed, the Avalon in Beverly Hills is a welcome alternative the over-hyped scenes at other hotels. Like Nanospore's Paul Hwang puts it, "you can't go wrong with any hotel that has cabanas and a pool view."