Blair Witch Star Wes Robinson Shares His Haute Secrets to LA

At this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, the 1999 smash box office hit Blair Witch was resurrected by the producers of The Ring and Paranormal Activity, and Kentucky native Wes Robinson was along for the terrifying ride through the woods. Robinson didn’t set out to be terrified—he began his career on the small screen playing the reclusive Carl Sherwood on NBC’s period drama American Dreams. Over the years, he has garnered an impressive list of appearances on some of television’s most successful shows including: Mad Men, Scandal, Hawaii Five-0, Ghost Whisperer, Scrubs, ER and Malcolm in the Middle, though is perhaps best recognized for his portrayal of an angst-ridden vampire on the Joel Silver-produced CBS drama, Moonlight. Most recently, however, Robinson lead an ensemble cast in the short film, Obituaries, also starring James Franco and Cameron Crowe’s Roadies as Billy Powell the piano player for the Lynyrd Skynyrd band. Here, the 12-year LA resident shares his insider’s guide to the City of Angels. 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Where were you born: Pikeville, Kentucky

How long in LA: 12 years

Neighborhood: San Fernando Valley

Occupation: Actor

Favorite Restaurant: I’m sushi obsessed – Sugarfish or Katsu-ya if you’re feeling like spending some money.  Otherwise, Hikari in Chatsworth or Miyako’s in North Hollywood.

Best Italian: Pinocchio’s in Burbank has great food for a great price.

Best dessert: The Pie Hole or Diddy Riese

Best place for a romantic date: The beach – one of the perks of living in LA is being driving distance away.

Best Sunday brunch: More than Waffles in Encino or Bea Bea’s in Burbank

Favorite shopping venue: The Americana at Brand – Good mixture of affordable and upscale.  The atmosphere is nice as well.

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Anywhere that sells Nixon.

Favorite Charity: Lately, I’ve been working with Dream Loud to keep art and music programs in our schools.  The importance of both in my life cannot be overstated.

Best Steakhouse: Morton’s

Best Pizza: Flame Pizzeria in Reseda

Best Lunch: California Chicken Cafe

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: I prefer to run in any nearby park I can find.

Best Museum/Exhibit: Griffith Observatory – If you’re a space nerd like me, don’t miss the planetarium.

Describe your city in three words: Love the hustle.

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: Petersen Automotive Museum – I’m also car obsessed and they have the Batmobile.  Need I say more?

All-around favorite spot in Los Angeles: Hollywood Bowl (aside from parking) – There’s something so awesome about good music partnered with being outside with your friends.

Best Aspect of Los Angeles: It’s filled with motivated people with big dreams.