Smorgasburg, The Underground Museum, and More of Chris Crary’s Favorite Spots in LA

Where is your favorite spot in the city to find inspiration?
Inspiration comes to me when I reconnect with nature—and not just with conceptualizing dishes, but also with life. Taking a stroll through Runyon Canyon or Griffith Park, I draw inspiration from the tranquility of nature inside the bustling city, much like what visitors experience at 1 Hotel West Hollywood.

What is your favorite off-the-beaten path place to see art?
There are so many great hidden gems in Los Angeles, from some of the best graffiti and street art in the world to small exhibitions like The Underground Museum in Mid City. The Underground Museum is part of MOCA and is small, easy to visit, and has a quaint outdoor area in the back.

What is the best kept secret in Los Angeles?
Downtown Los Angeles has made great strides in the past few years as a culinary and art destination; many people still refuse to go downtown, but it is well worth the trip. One of my favorite places to visit is Smorgasburg in downtown L.A. on Sundays. It’s one of America’s largest open-air food markets, with at least a hundred local vendors where you can eat savory and sweet food spanning the globe. You can also stroll around eating parathas, and buying socks and artwork, all at the same time. What could be better than that!?