Joy Bryant’s Insider’s Guide to Los Angeles

Last night in LA, Joy Bryant showcased the latest pieces from her Basic Terrain apparel collection at Curve at the Malibu Country Mart for a celebratory in-store launch. Basic Terrain is the line she created with husband David Pope that is inspired by the couple’s love of  fashion, travel, adventure and the laid-back lifestyle they personify. Designed and manufactured in Los Angeles, Basic Terrain debuted in 2014 with its signature Eden pant, inspired by the traditional Thai fisherman pants Joy discovered on her travels abroad and has since expanded to a complete collection of tops, bottoms, dresses and more for casual, yet sophisticated comfort and style. We caught up with this world wanderer as she paused from her travels to find out about her favorite places to go, play and stay in L.A.

Where were you born:
Bronx, NY

How long in LA:
13 years.wow.

Neighborhood:
Glendale

Occupation:
Actor, designer

Favorite Restaurant:
Skaf’s Lebanese Cuisine is our neighborhood spot and is my favorite place to eat in LA. Everything on the menu is right and always good. And it’s BYOB.

Best Sushi:
I’m not a big sushi eater, but the shrimp tempura rolls at Silverlake Ramen are the best I’ve ever had. Plus I love ramen.

Best Italian:
Jon & Vinny’s on Fairfax. On the east side, I roll with Speranza.

Best dessert:
Donut Friend in Highland Park

Best place for a romantic date:
Dog Haus in Burbank or Pasadena because what’s sexier than eating hot dogs on Hawaiian Sweetrolls???

Best Sunday brunch:
The mariachi brunch at Frida’s at the Americana. They put out an impressive spread over there and MANGO MARGARITAS!!!

Best place for a power business meeting:
Chateau Marmont

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend?
Our guest bedroom

Favorite shopping venue/boutique:
Curve in Malibu; Satine and Ron Robinson in WeHo; Rose Bowl flea market in Pasadena

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches:
Satine and Ron Robinson

Best Spa:
Spa Pura in Montrose

Favorite Charity Event:
The Stoked Awards. Stoked is a great mentoring organization for at-risk youth in LA and NY. At the end of the year is a big fundraiser that also celebrates individual mentees/mentors. 

Favorite Cultural Institution:
The Greek Theater is my favorite place to see music. Right under the stars. 

Best Pizza:
The Luggage Room in Pasadena

Best Lunch:
Leftovers

Best Massage:
Thai 

Describe your city in three words:
Everybody loves (the) sunshine.

All-around favorite spot in Los Angeles:
My living room

Best Aspect of Los Angeles:
The best aspect of LA is having the access to so much outside beauty. The beach, hiking trails, the mountains, desert- all are nearby or within a couple hours drive. It makes the worst aspect of LA, the driving, worth it.