Haute Insider: Dancing with the Stars’ Jenna Johnson’s Guide to L.A.

Jenna Johnson has spent years giving America a reason to tune in—and vote. The two-time Mirrorball champion and Emmy-nominated choreographer is one of Dancing with the Stars’ most recognizable pros—currently chasing a third Mirrorball with Harry Shum Jr.—and her Los Angeles turns out to be as precise and personal as her choreography: pizza at Jon & Vinny’s, Sunday brunch at Great White, downtime at Voda Spa and, above everything else, Traktir on Santa Monica Boulevard. Rodeo Drive gets a look-in. It just doesn’t get the top spot.

Photo Credit: daydream.films

Her choreography tells a story, her performances command attention, and her competitive streak has turned her into one of the show’s defining talents. Before the sequins and Mirrorballs, Johnson made her national breakthrough as a quarterfinalist on So You Think You Can Dance. She joined the Dancing with the Stars troupe in 2014 and went pro in 2016, building a career that has made dance the foundation for an increasingly multifaceted life. Fashion is part of that picture, too: in May, she opened the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show at Miami Swim Week, trading one very public stage for another, and ballroom costumes for swimwear. Now she’s back in the ballroom for Season 35, where she and Shum earned a 36 out of 40 on Dedication Night for a foxtrot he dedicated to his wife, Shelby, who joined them on the floor.

Off camera, Los Angeles is home to Johnson, her husband and fellow professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy, and their son, Rome. And her taste in the city is refreshingly personal. Yes, there’s room for Cartier and Harry Winston on Rodeo Drive, a visit to Soho House, and a romantic evening at Petit Ermitage. But ask for her all-around favorite, and she’ll send you straight back to Traktir. Consider that your cue to keep reading.

Photo Credit: dueyphoto

Her LA has room for a serious workout and a very good lunch: Hot Pilates on Sunset or Equinox, followed, perhaps, by Il Tramezzino. Dinner might mean Bacari, her favorite restaurant, or a table at Craig’s, her Italian pick. Away from the table, her selections take in the Getty, Griffith Park, and the energy of West Hollywood’s Pride Week. And when friends fly in, she points them to 1 Hotel West Hollywood.

For this edition of Haute Secrets, Johnson shares her Los Angeles, from her go-to Italian to the hotel she recommends to visiting friends. The Mirrorball may be hard to come by. Her little black book? We’ve got you covered.

Photo Credit: daydream.films

JENNA JOHNSON’S INSIDER’S GUIDE TO LOS ANGELES  

Photo Credit: dueyphoto

Favorite Restaurant: Bacari

Best Sushi: [TK — Sushiya on Sunset closed September 29. New pick from Jenna, or cut.]

Best Italian: Craig’s

Best Steakhouse: [TK — Catch Steak LA is permanently closed. New pick from Jenna, or cut.]

Best Pizza: Jon & Vinny’s

Best Lunch: Il Tramezzino

Best Dessert: Go Greek

Best Sunday Brunch: Great White

Best Place for a Romantic Date: Petit Ermitage

Best Members Club: Soho House

All-Around Favorite Spot in the City: Traktir on Santa Monica Boulevard

Best Spa: Voda Spa

Best Gym / Athletic Facility: Hot Pilates on Sunset or Equinox

Favorite Cultural Institution: Griffith Park

Best Museum / Exhibit: The Getty

Favorite Cultural Event: Pride Week in West Hollywood!

Favorite Charity Event: Race to Erase MS

Favorite Historic / Legendary Place to See or Explore: The Runyon Canyon hike

Favorite Shopping Venue / Boutique: Westfield Century City

Favorite Place to Buy Jewelry / Watches: Rolex, Cartier, or Harry Winston on Rodeo Drive

Best Place for a Power Business Meeting: Pacific Design Center

If You Have Out-of-Town Guests, Which Hotel Would You Recommend?: 1 Hotel West Hollywood

Best Limousine / Driving Service: Empire CLS

Photo Credit: daydream.films

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