Northstar

14 | www.travelweekly-asia.com DESTINATION Los Angeles Not just home to Hollywood stars From the star-studded Hollywood Walk of Fame to Dolby Theatre (home of the Oscars) and celebrity magnet Sunset Strip, Los Angeles boasts plenty of big-time attractions that are often must-sees for first- time visitors. But beyond the Tinseltown glitz and glamour, the sprawling city holds plenty of lesser-known places that are equal parts buzzy, laidback and cool, as I discovered on a trip, courtesy of United Airlines and Discover Los Angeles. Vibrant food scene Los Angeles boasts an incredible dining scene, thanks to the mosaic of international cuisines, fresh produce and talented chefs. Start your day with a burger at Egg Slut in Grand Central Market, which features caged-free eggs enveloped in warm brioche buns. Meander over to the stylish Craft for lunch, which attracts a hodgepodge clientele of hedge fund managers, attorneys and athleisure diners with its family-style dishes and seasonal ingredients. In the evening, wander over to Angel City Brewery and sip interesting brews such as the Ventura Fresa Strawberry Sour Ale with hints of strawberry yogurt and oak. Tours are offered on the half hour for groups keen to learn more about beer brewing. Just a few doors down is Wurstkuche, which offers 24 booze on tap and varied sausages that run the gamut from classic to exotic (rattlesnake, anyone?). Cap off the evening at hot dining establishment Tasting Kitchen on Abbot Kinney Boulevard helmed by one of LA's top chefs, Casey Lane. Note: Pastas here are to-die-for. A burgeoning hub for the creative Scratch the surface and you will find a thriving scene of museums and artist-run spaces shaping the city's art scene. Spend a leisurely hour or two in the Arts District, which stretches from Third to Seventh There's so much more to discover in Los Angeles beyond the bright lights and celebrity cliché. By Lee Xin Hui Street in downtown LA, and discover cool street murals and studios tucked away in decommissioned factories and warehouses. For fans of contemporary art, The Broad is highly recommended. Opened in September 2015, the building, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, is a work of art with its futuristic exterior. While only about 250 pieces are displayed at any one time, the collection features masterpieces by the likes of Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons and Roy Lichtenstein. The iconic Getty Center ranks as the top cultural tourist attraction in the city for good reason. Not only does it host a vast collection of European and American art from the Middle Ages to the present, it offers breathtaking city views from its vantage point atop a hill. For the free-spirited The gritty Venice Beach may not be love at first sight, but this beachfront boardwalk has plenty of charm, if you just give it time. Watch the pros in action at the skate park, vibe with colourful street performers and scour the shops for funky treasures; or simply soak in the bohemian spirit and Californian summer. Don't miss out on the quirky Venice Canals developed by eccentric millionaire Abbot Kinney in 1905, who modeled the neighbourhood after his favourite Italian city. Here, you'll find canals, quaint cottages and ducks idling in the pond. Later, take a stroll along Abbot Kinney Boulevard, one of LA's trendiest address, where boho-chic boutiques, quaint cafes and cool dining spots line the stretch. Top six Asia markets: #1 China (excludes Hong Kong) #2 Japan #3 South Korea #4 Taiwan #5 India #6 Philippines Quick Tips: WHAT'S NEW After a US$1-billion makeover that took two years, WESTFIELD CENTURY CITY near Beverly Hills is set to become the new premier retail destination. The open-plan mall features more than 200 new shops and restaurants – including Nordstrom and Mario Batali's Eataly – and plenty of stylish lounge furniture designed to encourage visitors to linger. WHERE TO STAY Situated along the iconic Ventura Boulevard shopping belt, SPORTSMEN'S LODGE HOTEL in Studio City exudes an unpretentious vibe best experienced at its Palm Springs-like pool. Fun fact: the landmark property was once a hot spot with classic Hollywood stars like Clark Gable and Bette Davis. HOW TO GET THERE United Airlines offers the newest connection to Los Angeles from Asia Pacific via Singapore, a non-stop direct route which launched on October 30. SOURCE: 2015 OVERSEAS VISITORS TO LOS ANGELES STATISTICS, U.S. DEPT. OF COMMERCE, NTTO. Skater boy at Venice Beach. Idyllic meets quirky at Venice Canals.

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