I have always wanted to do something like this...an insiders city guide from artists/designers/musicians/etc. of people I like and admire. This is more of an "off the beaten path" city guide. Whenever I travel, I always think about where ______ would go if he was in this city. Hopefully, for those that plan on traveling to Los Angeles, maybe they will use this little guide to make their trip better.
I am optimistic that this will be a monthly thing so stay tuned for the next one. And, any recommendations are much appreciated.
Without further delay, the first person in this series, is none other then Ryan Conder aka South Willard. Ryan has always been someone I looked up to for many reasons. First, he has always been in ahead of the pack with labels, he was literally the first to carry Common Projects, Band of Outsiders, Crescent Down Works, Quoddy, and others. Aside from that, he is just as knowledgeable with interior design as well (books, furniture, architecture, etc.). Most importantly, in a business filled with a lot of shitty people, Ryan is definitely one of the good guys. I can't tell you how many times I have gone in to his store to talk/ask/inquire/ about numerous stuff and he has always had the perfect response. He is literally the encyclopedia of "cool," without trying to be cool.
So, here are some pretty basic questions I asked regarding the city that Ryan has called home for a long time - Los Angeles.
What's your favorite place to eat in L.A. ?
R.C. : I really like to eat. It's where I spend all my money. My favorite places for breakfast are Campinele, Julienne, Bob's Donuts, and Lil Doms.
Lunch, I like a lot of things in the San Gabriel Valley because you can avoid traffic that way. Din Tai Fung and Luscious Dumpling for dumplings, Vietnam House or Saigon Flavor (same owner) for Vietnamese, and 888 for Dim Sum because I like watching the carts go around and so does my wife and son. The beef roll at 101 Noodle Express is something special too.
For dinner, I like Osteria Mozza, AOC, Angelini Osteria, Church and State, Taylors, Musso & Franks, Houstons, Cho Sun Galbi, El Huarache Azteca, Asanebo, Shibucho, Shin Sen Gumi, Cho Sun Galbi, and also, there is a lady that makes bllue corn quesadillas on the corner of sunset and echo park I eat for a quick dinner often.
What's your favorite place to drink in L.A.?
R.C. : I like to get drinks with a bowl of soup at Pacific Dining Car, I also like to drink the beer on draft with the sausage and fries at Wurstkuche. Also, the beer on draft at Koraku with the meatballs. I don't really go to bars, but Footsie's is nice and so is El Prado. I used to love going to Tony's on the Redondo Pier but it's closed. Also, the bar at Yamashiro is pretty cool.
What's your favorite place to shop in L.A.?
R.C. : For shopping I frequent the same places all the time. (I go to ) Hollywood Farmers Market is every Sunday. For clothes, I buy my wife stuff at Mameg. I think as far as fashion goes, it's my favorite place in the world. I like Sam Kauffman, JF Chen, Rewire, Reform, and Peter Vanstone for furniture and lighting. I always looks at the shows Marc Foxx, Overduin & Kite, China Art Objects, Richard Telles and David Kordansky. I like the PCC and Long Beach Flea Market.
What do you like to do in your free time?
R.C. : Just whatever I feel like that day really. It's nice in LA because there are some many things to do. Weather isn't much of a dictator here. I like to work in the garden with my son the most.
If you weren't in the fashion world, what do you think you would be doing?
R.C. : I always wanted to have a bookshop.
What brand(s) would you most like to collaborate with?
R.C. : Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation. I would try to return all the parks in Los Angeles to California Native Plants.
special thanks to Ryan for taking the time to do the interview!!!!
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