This Monthly Round Up brings five more recommendations on where to eat, drink and be merry. Feel free to share any other amazing places you've been to recently, in the comments section below.
See you at one of these destinations soon!
Where to Eat: Grand Central Market
Grand Central Market in DTLA is the city's oldest and largest open-air market, in business since 1917. In total, there are more than 35 unique dining options housed here, ranging from coffee and ice cream shops to BBQ, Thai, Mexican and more. And, there’s the District Market, featuring “organic, sustainable and locally-sourced fruit and vegetables” at reasonable prices. Stop by for lunch if you're in the area!
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Where to Drink: Bricks & Scones @ Larchmont Village
A stone’s throw north of the bustling Larchmont Village, Bricks & Scones is the cutest cafĂ© ever, with a vibrant outdoor patio and a cozy indoor lounge. Tons of chairs and tables nestled in nooks and crannies throughout offer optimal spaces to hide out in, and people literally spend hours on hours on hours here, engrossed in their studies or clattering away on their laptops. A respectable menu of paninis, coffees and teas are also available.
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Where to Be Merry: The Museum of African-American Art @ Macy’s, Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza
In honor of Black History Month, I wanted to highlight one place in particular that’s showcasing black accomplishments year round, and that’s the Museum of African-American Art (MAAA). Probably in one of the least expected places you’d find a museum — on the third floor of Macy’s in the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza mall — MAAA frequently rotates art exhibits that feature paintings, vintage movie posters, sculptures and other types of art created by black artists. The current exhibit, "And Still We Rise," shows off paintings and sculptures from local artists Eric Hall and Patrick Jewett, respectively.
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Where to Travel: Avalon @ Catalina Island

Starting to think about quick weekend getaway trips for this upcoming spring/summer? Consider the tiny town of Avalon on Catalina Island. Only about an hour’s ferry trip away from the mainland, the laidback island literally is such a stark contrast to the hectic L.A. city life — in a good, relaxing way. While there may not be any cars, there are still tons of outdoor and low-key activities to get into — whether it’s biking, hiking, walking around the quaint downtown section or eating at one of the dozen bars, eateries and restaurants. Also, as an incentive to go, the Catalina Express ferry service is currently offering a promotion where two passengers can ride for the price of one, on either passengers' actual birthday.
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And Where Do You Where To?: Phillip Rix

Last year during GRAMMY weekend, I interviewed Phillip Rix, a trailblazing chocolatier doing amazing things with this decadent little dessert. Ever had 23k-gold or pineapple ginger wasabi chocolates? Well, Rix is here to ensure that you can try these flavors and 200 more, at his Memphis-based store, Phillip Ashley Chocolates (which also makes worldwide deliveries). During my talk with Rix, he shared how he threw the deuces to Corporate America to follow his dreams of making unforgettable chocolates. An inspiring story indeed!
Read the interview here