Photo Credit: CWYou might recognize Shantel VanSanten from films like Final Destination and series’ like One Tree Hill, or, come April 17th, your current TV screen. On Friday, VanSanten can be seen playing Vera on CW’s The Messengers, a show that revolves around what happens when a mysterious object crashes on Earth and a group of unconnected strangers die from an energy pulse it emits only to re-awaken to find out that they have been deemed responsible for preventing the impending Apocalypse. In celebration of her show’s series premiere, we asked VanSanten, a former model and Dallas native, to share her L.A. hot spots. Here is her insider’s guide to the City of Angels.

SHANTEL VANSANTEN’S HAUTE SECRETS

Where were you born: In a small town in Minnesota called Luverne

How long in LA: Since January 2006

Neighborhood: Studio City aka Heaven!                 

Occupation: Actress/ Food Enthusiast

Favorite Restaurant: Tasting Kitchen

Best Sushi: Asandebo… giving up my sushi secret!

Best Italian: Mozza

Best dessert: unfair question I cant pick but Kettle Glazed Donuts is a frequent indulgence!

Best place for a romantic date: to me is eating and having a nice glass of Rose at The Little Door and then heading down to the Santa Monica Pier for some video games with an ocean view! 

Best Sunday brunch: 26 Beach

Best place for a power business meeting: Sugarfish 

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? L’Ermitage Beverly Hills the roof top garden is quaint!

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Elyse Walker or Malibu Country Mart

Favorite place to buy jewelry: Elodie K. and Switch Boutique

Best Spa: Tikkun Holisitc Spa

Best Facial: Beauty Park Med Spa see Heather she is my skin secret

Favorite Charity Event: Lung Force

Favorite Cultural Event: Concerts… I LOVE ALL TYPES OF MUSIC!

Favorite Cultural Institution: Geffen Playhouse Theatre

Best Steakhouse: If I ate steak I could tell you!

Best Lunch: Gracias Madre

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Orange Theory in Brentwood!

Best Limousine/Driving Service: Uber

Best Museum/Exhibit: For a wonderful museum The Getty Villa and any exhibit with science I gravitate towards! 

Describe your city in three words: Diverse artistic expressions

Favorite legendary place to see or explore: Pasadena Swap Meet or Runyon Canyon

All-around favorite spot in Los Angeles: Griffith Observatory

Best Aspect of Los Angeles: The weather!