On Thursday, March 22, Danielle Savre is officially jumping in feet-first to Shonda Rhimes‘ Shondaland universe by starring in Rhimes’ highly-anticipated Grey’s Anatomy spin-off, Station 19. Set in Seattle, the series focuses on the lives of the men and women at Seattle Fire Station 19 and co-stars Grey Damon and Jason George. In the series, the 29-year-old plays Maya Bishop, a Station 19 firefighter and former Olympic athlete (and the L.A. resident didn’t have to stretch too far for the role, either… her sister, Stephanie, is one of only 93 female LAFD firefighters).
Savre gained attention early on for her stand out roles in NBC’s smash hit Heroes and the lead in MTV’s first scripted series, Kaya. She starred in CW’s Supernatural spin off Bloodlines and in the RJ Cutler directed pilot Four Stars for CBS. Most recently Danielle played the lead of Tyler Perry’s Too Close to Home for two seasons. Next up is the film Deep Blue Sea 2, which is slated for an April 17 release. Here, this SoCal-born beauty shares her insider guide to the City of Angels.
Where were you born: Woodland Hills, CA
How long in LA: 10 years in LA proper. I was born and raised just outside city limits in Simi Valley so LA has always felt like somewhat of a home to me.
Neighborhood: Hollywood
Occupation: Actress
Favorite Restaurant: Café Gratitude! I eat so much when I am here but I never feel guilty since it is all vegan. The Macro bowl is my go to favorite but I honestly have never had something I didn’t like.
Best Sushi: Sushi by H. They have Uni that is so fresh that if you are there at the right time you will get to meet the man who went diving to get it that morning. I crave their Kabocha squash soup!
Best Italian: Osteria Mozza, I was raised by my Italian side of the family and the Italian food here is just as good as my grandma’s home cooking.
Best dessert: Erin Mckenna’s Bakery. I have given up dairy and they make the best vegan desserts. My favorite is the chocolate chip Sammy with vanilla filling.
Best place for a romantic date: Paley. The ambiance and staff there are superb. I always reserve a booth and it makes you feel like I have the whole restaurant to yourself.
Best Sunday brunch: Republique. The croissants and pastries. Oh my gosh are they so good. Their cathedral ceiling is entirely glass allowing the sun to fill the whole place with light. You feel like you are in a French courtyard. However, you have to get there early as the line has been known to wrap around the block.
Best place for a power business meeting: Gracias Madre. I always try to get the table near the fireplace and the mescal drinks here are in a league of their own.
If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? Farmer’s Daughter Hotel. In my opinion it’s in the best location for visitors. They can walk across the street to the grove, the farmers market or LACMA. Also the themed style is so much fun and provides and experience different than your traditional hotel.
Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Shopaholic Sample Sale. I have found some amazing pieces here. They have 3 locations and carry amazing designers that you most likely haven’t heard of yet. I was introduced to C\meo here!
Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Mr. Warburton. He is a long time friend and has sold me some beautiful and classic staples pieces that I love rocking on the red carpet.
Best Spa: Burke Williams Sherman Oaks. They built it to feel as you are in the Hamptons. It’s airy and bright which is unusual for a spa. My favorite part is the silent room. Which is just a Jacuzzi and the ceiling is covered in lights to look like stars. It doesn’t get more peaceful than that room.
Favorite Charity Event: The Tough Mudder Half which has partnered up with Grey Anatomy’s Giacomo Gianniotti to raise money for My Friends Place, a drop in resource center for homeless youth in Los Angeles. I am excited since our whole cast will be taking part in it together!
Favorite Cultural Event: Into Action. I was introduced to the event by my costar Jason George.
Favorite Cultural Institution: Central Library in Downtown LA. I love getting lost in here. It’s just a sea of knowledge, it makes me wish I could read all of them.
Best Steakhouse: I don’t eat steak so I have no idea!!
Best Pizza: Stella Barra Pizzeria. There pizza’s are cooked to perfection, thin crust, crunchy on the edges and soft in the middle.
Best Lunch: M Café Melrose. It is the only fully macrobiotic restaurant I know of. You can pick from the deli selection or order a meal but I always have to take home a pint of the tuna, soba noodles and winter vegetables if they are in season!
Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Orange Theory Fitness, I prefer workouts that are structured and allow me to set goals. You wear a heart rate monitor and strive to stay in the orange zone. It allows me to keep track of my progress while I’m working out and push myself if I am slacking.
Best Massage: Soothe, this is actually an app that one of our directors Dennis Smith introduced me to. I have yet to have an unsatisfactory massage therapist and they work around my schedule and come right to my house!
Best Limousine/Driving Service: Uber. It’s just the easiest way to get around and I never have to worry about parking. Sometimes I like to get fancy and order the black car.
Best Museum/Exhibit: The Broad. I don’t know much about art but the art on display at The Broad makes me feel and view things in a way I never thought I would. I am captivated by the work of
Describe your city in three words: Different is desired.
Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. My friends and I make a point to see every Star War’s film here on opening night. It has so much history of all the films I grew up loving.
All-around favorite spot in Los Angeles: Abbot Kinney. I love just walking up and down the street. It’s just close enough to the ocean were you feel the ocean breeze. I love stopping into Toms for a coffee or window-shopping the beautifully displayed stores that line the street.
Best Aspect of Los Angeles: The weather. You can’t beat it.
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