Haute Secrets: Michael Mina’s Guide to Los Angeles

WHERE WERE YOU BORN: Cairo, Egypt

HOW LONG IN LOS ANGELES: One year

NEIGHBORHOOD: West Hollywood

OCCUPATION: Chef/Restaurateur

WHO DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST NOTABLE PERSON IN LOS ANGELES? Sam Nazarian. He grew up in Los Angeles and has been a huge catalyst in building the modern-day restaurant and nightlife scene.

IN LOS ANGELES, YOU MOST ADMIRE: Wolfgang Puck

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Besides XIV, Pizzeria Mozza. Sometimes I go to L.A. just to eat their pizza.

BEST SUSHI: Urasawa. I’m always amazed and wowed with my experiences each time I go there.

BEST PIZZA: Pizzeria Mozza

BEST ETHNIC FOOD: I love the dumplings and noodles at Din Tia Fung in Arcadia.

BEST PLACE FOR LATE NIGHT DINING: Pink’s Hot Dogs

BEST DESSERT: Lamill Coffee Boutique

BEST PLACE FOR A ROMANTIC DATE: Bazaar. It’s fun to experience and try so many different tastes and textures.

BEST SUNDAY BRUNCH: BLD

COOLEST CLUB/LOUNGE: MI-6

BEST PLACE FOR A POWER BUSINESS MEETING: The outside patio of Chateau Marmont

ALL-AROUND FAVORITE SPOT IN LOS ANGELES: Farmers Market at The Grove

IF YOU HAVE OUT OF TOWN GUESTS, WHICH HOTEL WOULD YOU RECOMMEND? SLS Beverly Hills Hotel

FAVORITE SHOPPING VENUE/BOUTIQUE: Fred Siegel

BEST PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY/WATCHES: Wanna Buy a Watch on Melrose

BEST SPA: Ciel Spa at SLS Beverly Hills Hotel

FAVORITE CHARITY EVENT: American Food & Wine Festival

FAVORITE CULTURAL EVENT: Taste of LA

FAVORITE CULTURAL INSTITUTION: Hollywood Bowl. It’s a great place to listen to live music.

BEST ASPECT OF LOS ANGELES: Old architecture, neighborhood diversity, proximity to the beach, and wonderful weather.

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