Photo Credit: Brian Rigney Hubbard
You may recognize Amber Tamblyn from a plethora of films including Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, 127 Hours, Django Unchained and Stephanie Daley. Or perhaps you know this Emmy, Golden Globe and Independent Spirit Award-nominated actress from her TV show, Joan of Arcadia or House, M.D. Tamblyn is also, as it happens, the author of three books of poetry and prose including: “Free Stallion” (Simon & Schuster), “Bang Ditto” (Manic D. Press) and most recent the acclaimed best seller “Dark Sparkler” (Harper Perennial), which explores the lives and deaths of child star actresses and features artwork from such luminaries as Marilyn Manson and David Lynch, among others. She is currently writing her 4th collection of poetry and a debut novel, due out on Harper Perennial in 2018. Yes, the list goes on. Tamblyn is a stage thespian as well, starring in Neil LaBute’s “Reasons to be Pretty” at the Geffen Theater and played Daisy Domergue in Quentin Tarantino’s live reading of “The Hateful Eight” at The Ace Theater, which he also directed. Tamblyn writes for The Poetry Foundation and has a poetry book review column in Bust magazine. In 2014, she co-wrote and directed her first feature film, an adaptation of the Janet Fitch novel by the same name, Paint It Black, starring two time Oscar nominee Janet McTeer, Alia Shawkat and Alfred Molina, which comes out in theaters May 19. Paint It Black tells the story of two women from different worlds who, after losing the man they both loved, are joined in shock and grief when they are drawn into a twisted relationship that reflects equal parts distrust and blind need. Here, this Venice Beach-born Jill-of-all-trades shares her haute secrets to the City of Angels.
Where were you born: Venice Beach, CA
How long in LA: 4life, G!
Neighborhood: Venice.
Occupation: actress/writer/director
Favorite Restaurant: Apple Pan. Best burger in the state.
Best Sushi: I feel conflicted about sharing this as it’s so good, and so well priced, I want no one to know about it… but alas… Sushi Spot on Ventura.
Best Italian: Fritto Misto in Santa Monica.
Best dessert: I don’t eat dessert. Never cared for chocolate. But cheese! I love good cheese. I would recommend my kitchen for the best cheese in town. I keep the fridge stocked and we’re open all night!
Best place for a romantic date: I’m an old fashioned sucker, so I’d say the Ferris Wheel on the Santa Monica pier. Being a flask of bourbon, a good poetry book and some cheeses!! Did I mention how I feel about cheese?
Best Sunday brunch: Flaked on Rose Ave in Venice. A long time staple of the area. Try the crojo. A croissant with hand and egg and…cheese.
Best place for a power business meeting: I feel like SoulCycle would be the appropriate answer here. Yes. SoulCycle.
If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend?
Ace downtown LA
Best Spa: Wi Korean spa
Favorite Cultural Institution: LACMA
Best Massage: Wi Spa again! Incredible
Best Limousine/Driving Service:
My husband.
Best Museum/Exhibit:
Describe your city in three words:
Lost. Reborn. Wild.
Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore:
The Hollywood sign, where actress Peg Entwistle threw herself from in the 1930s
All-around favorite spot in Los Angeles:
The beach. Lifeguard tower #26 in Santa Monica. Where I grew up. Where I had my first kiss, got stung by a jelly fish in 7th grade, spread my cat’s ashes a couple summers ago, and will be taking my daughter for her first swim someday soon.
Best Aspect of Los Angeles:
Everyone thinks it’s one thing, but it isn’t. People assume a lot about the city, but it’s filled with secrets– from the midnight eyes of super models at the Chateau Marmot, to the dawn mouths of coyotes in the Hollywood hills.
Photo Credit: Film stills courtesy of Brian Rigney Hubbard
