Netflix Star David Sullivan Shares His LA Secrets

Photo Credit: Dustin Walker
Meet Netflix’s newest star, David Sullivan.  Sullivan stars opposite Will Arnett on the network’s recently premiered series Flaked, about a self-help guru (Arnett) who needs a decent amount of self-help himself. Texas native Sullivan also recently shot Girlfriend’s Day for Netflix as well, starring opposite Bob Odenkirk and Amber Tamblyn. Additionally, he appeared in the ABC comedy pilot The King of 7B and Fox’s New Girl; he also wrapped a supporting role in the James Franco-directed feature In Dubious Battle. As if he doesn’t have enough projects going on, Sullivan also played a supporting role in the independent film Mad, which won rave reviews at Slamdance this year, as well as opposite the ensemble cast of Thomas Jane, Lily Rabe and Shannon Woodward in the Blumhouse feature The Veil. He has also appeared in the Academy Award Winning feature Argo, as well as TV shows such as Justified, The Glades, NCIS, CSI: NY, Gigantic and Criminal Minds.  Here, this new Netflix star shares his haute secrets to the City of Angels.

Where were you born: Tyler, TX

How long in LA: 11 years

Neighborhood: The Valley!

Occupation: Actor, Mentor, Provocateur

Favorite Restaurant: Rice Wok.  So fast and fresh. 

Best Sushi: Sugar Fish. Get the “Trust Me.”  Just trust me.

Best Italian: I only know one personally, and he’s Swiss Italian.  His name is GianFranco Tordi and he’s such a sweet dude.  Wait, is this food?  Ah, I see the theme here! Dan Tana’s on Santa Monica Blvd has such a great vibe and even better pastas. 

Best dessert: Strawberry shortcake at the Cheesecake Factory 

Best place for a romantic date:  Inn at the Seventh Ray 

Best Sunday brunch:  I can’t believe I’m just realizing this, but I’ve never had Sunday brunch here. 

Best place for a power business meeting:  Soho House, excellent 360 views and great service.

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? Friends are always welcome at my place first, but if they want a cooler experience, I like the Biltmore downtown and the Sunset Tower.  Both are classic, rich with history and have very cool things within walking distance. 

Favorite shopping venue/boutique:  Walking around Beverly Hills 

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches:  There’s a great vintage watch store on S. Beverly called Second Time Around Watch Co.  They’ve been around 40 years and seem to know everything about every Brand. 

Best Spa: Jonathan Club Downtown and also Burke Williams

Favorite Charity Event:  I’m a sucker for golf tournaments.  I’m terrible, but any time I can get out there, support an organization AND play a sport, I’m game (pun certainly intended)

Favorite Cultural Event:  Cinespia Hollywood Forever Movie Screenings.  The Best!  

Favorite Cultural Institution:  LACMA has such great exhibits.  I’m always checking their calendar

Best Steakhouse:  Mastro’s

Best Pizza:  Medici right down the street; Double Pepperoni with jalapenos 

Best Lunch:  Greenleaf ChopShop is killing it with their salads. 

Best Gym/Athletic Facility:  LA Fitness has great facilities all over and always an afternoon pickup basketball game.  I dunk.  No, I don’t.

Best Massage:  Crazy.  I haven’t gotten a bad massage at any hole-in-the-wall place on Ventura Blvd.  I’ve gone to at least six.  Right now, I like Massage Time near Woodman Ave. 

Best Limousine/Driving Service: Empire CLS  

Best Museum/Exhibit:  Anything at LACMA 

Describe your city in three words:  Expansive, Exploratory, Elusive

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore:  Hollywood Bowl.  Such a legendary place. 

All-around favorite spot in Los Angeles: Other than my son’s bed as he falls asleep with his hand on my chest, I guess it would be my dressing room, just before I’m called to set.  I’m always filled with so many emotions, both mine and my characters.  It’s so f***ing awesome.

Best Aspect of Los Angeles:  Possibilities