Describe who you are in 3 sentences:Ryan and Kent are persons curious to try new things and learn as much as they can. Kent’s curiosity comes from his constant search for adventure, and Ryan’s thrives wherever friends and family are; whether in new experiences or just having a glass of wine at home. They both enjoy adventures and quality time, as they live their lives chasing adrenaline and a good laugh.
What is your relation to this city?
For Kent and Ryan, Los Angeles is home and an incredible city comprised of diverse neighborhoods that all have their own subculture and things to offer. It is the definition of a melting pot with its endless depth and diversity, and both love this city and are proud to call it home.
Best experience?
It’s difficult to find a 'best' experience. Some of Ryan and Kent’s most memorable moments are getting street tacos with a couple friends at 2AM or exploring new trails that overlooks the entire city.
Weirdest experience?
For Ryan and Kent, best and weirdest sometimes go hand-in-hand in a unique and eclectic city like LA. They have wandered into underground Burning Man style art parties in discreet warehouses, been dragged into a record-breaking sauerkraut contest, eaten cow brains, and explored abandoned haunted lighthouses in the middle of the night. It’s just a part of being in this city!
Your top 3 hangout spots?
The places Ryan and Kent guarantee they take people who have never come to LA are:
1) "Griffith Park Observatory"
2) "Venice Beach"
3) "Grand Central Market"
Favourite restaurants?
Simple. Nothing beats "In-N-Out".
Best date place?
"In Sheep’s Clothing" is not only a great date spot, but one of the best new bars in the city. It’s a Hi-Fi bar located in Little Tokyo where people simply appreciate good music. You can also hear the other person, which is pretty much necessary for a date, right?
Best Sunday spot?
While the beach is a great place to be on Sunday, everyone else has the same idea and the crowds are usually overwhelming. The free museums in downtown such as "the Broad" and "Hauser Wirth" draw a quieter crowd, and it allows for a slightly more relaxing Sunday.
If you were to live in another place, where would that be and why?
Tokyo has always been Ryan’s second home. He lived there from 10-15 years old and his mother's side of the family still lives there. Kent feels a deep connection embedded in his Japan as well, but besides that, he can’t get enough of New York.
Where is your escape place from this city?
The beauty of LA is that in two to three hours, you can easily escape into the desert (Joshua Tree) or the mountains (High Sierras) and disconnect from everything. Ryan’s specific escape is the Pacific Coast Highway, and without a doubt, they both use nature to turn to when overwhelmed by the boisterous city.
Best 5 local advices?
1. Don’t just stay in one city/neighborhood, LA is MASSIVE. Venture out. Catalina Island is a great getaway as well - and it’s free on your birthday.
2. Go explore the hidden bars around the city - there’s the Tiki Bar in "Clifton’s", "Varnish" behind Cole’s, "No Name" in Fairfax and "Blind Barber" in Culver City to name a few. Or, check out "Hinanos"; the best dive bar in Venice with some killer burgers.
3. Go to Koreatown and get some of the best BBQ - "Kang Ho Dong" is one of my favorites. But there are so many more. Then, relieve your food coma by relaxing at "Wi Spa".
4. Drive up pacific coast highway one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Do a hike up Mt. Baldy, camp out in Joshua Tree, or go rock climbing in Red Rocks.
5. Take the bike path from Santa Monica all the way down to manhattan beach and beyond- Then, be fearless and get a street taco from a random cart. They’re always delicious.