Matt & Vida
Things To Do
Gjelina
A classic Venice institution on the infamous Abbot Kinney Blvd! Enjoy delicious seasonal California fare and make sure to make reservations in advance.
Mazal
This is our favorite and most frequented restaurant! If you've visited, we've taken you here. All vegetarian menu but even staunch carnivores like it. Don't miss out on Matt's "last meal before he dies" - vegan labneh with air fried olives and crispy onions. It is to die for (heh heh). This is a family owned spot - we've gotten to know them over the years and they are genuinely great people to support.
Momed
Great off the beaten path east side mediterranean spot that was a big part of Matt's life for close to a decade!
Botanica Restaurant and Market
Another of our favorite restaurants. Mediterranean food with a CA flare. Seasonal, fresh, fun.
Damian
Classy Oaxacan inspired restaurant from one of the premier chefs in Mexico City. This restaurant is in the heart of the Downtown LA food scene in the Arts District! Lush outdoor (and heated) patio seating available too!
Lasita Rotisserie & Natural Wine
Delicious and unique Filipino food in Chinatown! Causal cool spot. Definitely check it out!
Philz Coffee
Matt's favorite coffee shop! A location where we spent many mornings early in our relationship drinking Philz coffee and eating breakfast while reading and discussing spiritual literature. Also across from the lovely Americana outdoor mall in Glendale. Nice place to visit if you are on the east side of LA. Philz hails from SF and also has LA locations in Hollywood, Downtown, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Culver City.
Intelligentsia Coffee Venice
Intelligentsia is one of our favorite coffee shops. They also have locations we go to in Hollywood and Silverlake on top of this iconic Abbot Kinney coffee shop in Venice.
Maru Coffee
A favorite for Los Feliz and east side locals! Great matcha as well as specialty coffee drinks. The line goes faster than you'd think :) they also have a location in Downtown LA.
Cha Cha Matcha (VENICE)
Our favorite matcha shop! Inventive matcha and wellness drinks, plus seasonal specials (they will probably have a pumpkin spice matcha during the time of the wedding, it is delish)! They also have locations in Century City and West Hollywood.
Fern Dell Nature Trail
Beautiful jungle like, short trail close to our apartment (with an option to hike up the Griffith Observatory!) in the famous Griffith Park.
Venice Canals
Don't miss out on this sometimes hidden gem (where Vida grew up!) close to Venice beach. Quaint, peaceful, and unique. And you can stop by and annoy Anne and Joel while you're at it!
The Last Bookstore
Incredible new and used funky book store in the heart of Downtown LA. Places like these are truly the last of their kind. A special reprieve in our digitally centered lives.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Lucky for you guys our wedding takes places right after Halloween! One of our favorite seasonal adventures is Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios. This is a must for all horror fans and thrill seekers. I was NEITHER of these when I first went with Matt and I had a blast. Who knew screaming could be so fun and full of laughter? You definitely need to book this one in advance and if you can it's worth it to get the front of the line passes too. This is an adults(ish) only kind of event though, so if you're with kiddos (under 13) check out Universal during the day instead.