City guides: New York and Los Angeles
Adela Capova is a model, a qualified personal trainer and a nutritionist. She is also a soon-to-be pilot, and a budding photographer! Adela straddles between New York and Los Angeles, so we ask this talented and beautiful multi-hyphenate about her routines and favourite food joints in each city.
Adela also shares travel tips, behind the scenes stories, fitness tricks, recipes and more on her blog, The Model’s Office.
Other than the weather, what's the difference between the two cities? And what do you love about each one?
Well I can’t ignore the weather! That’s what makes Los Angeles so outdoorsy! Again, everyone has to drive in Los Angeles so maybe it’s not quite as social as New York City? Professionally, it certainly is a little more laid back.
When it comes to New York, it is really easy to meet people, socialize and network. Everyone in New York is interested in meeting new people and connecting. Everyone is excited about what they do, and it offers such diverse opportunities. As I mentioned I’m currently building my photography portfolio and I’ve had such an amazing experience with people helping me out and wanting to be part of something new and exciting.
I have so many lovely friends in both cities, but my network is certainly larger in New York City because everyone wants to introduce everyone to everyone else!
What about the style and fashion between Los Angeles and New York? What is different and how do you dress in each place?
I dress the same in New York and in Los Angeles (I’ve never needed my Canada Goose jacket in Los Angeles though). My job is the same in both cities and we usually get guidelines from the casting directors as to what we should wear, of course it’s usually less in Los Angeles.
On an evening, I think people in Los Angeles make much more of an effort. In New York there has always been a, ‘look like you don’t care’ attitude. It seems to be changing which is nice, I like to see people make an effort, especially when they go on a date or to the theatre.
For a fun night out, what places would you suggest in New York and in Los Angeles?
Both cities have so much to offer… I can’t possibly cover all my favorites, but let me try.
New York: We enjoy going to the theatre. There are always so many great shows on Broadway, Off-Broadway and even Off-Off-Broadway! ‘The ‘Irish Repertory Theatre’. is one of the best. It’s such an intimate experience and they put on magical productions. You’ll collect your tickets from a beautiful older lady at a candle lit box office.
The Batting Cages in Chelsea Piers are so much fun to start a date night and actually, a hell of a workout.
Afterward, a stroll on The High Line while you plan your evening is beautiful. For a great restaurant experience, try Buddakan, which serves Asian cuisine. Do visit The Spice Market, Momofuku, Barbuto and Mercer Kitchen as well. If you're interested in French cuisine, head over to Le Gigot. For food made out of organic ingredients, head to the ABC Kitchen instead.
Pictured above: Buddaken (credit: Yelp), Mercer Kitchen (credit: Sohostrut), ABC Kitchen (credit: Luxlyfe)
Just want a drink? Bars with a view are fun! Try the Wythe Hotel bar in Williamsburg for fabulous views of Manhattan or The Boom Boom Room at the Standard hotel for some stellar views of the Hudson. As for live Jazz on Sundays, go to The High Line. Other bars I like are PDT in the East Village, The Rose Bar at the Gramercy Park Hotel, The Back Room, a prohibition bar in the Lower East Side and Weather Up in Tribeca.
A New York night wouldn’t be complete without real jazz! We enjoy going to The Jazz Standard in Gramercy, where you can have dinner while listening to the coolest tunes.
Pictured above: The Ides Bar at Wythe Hotel (credit: Archinect), Weather Up (credit: Matthew Maddy)
Los Angeles: One of my Los Angeles musts is driving along Mulholland Drive at sunset, the views are outstanding, and it can’t get more Hollywood than that. When you get down to the coast, don’t forget to grab cocktails at Moonshadows on Pacific Coast Highway overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Although the theatre is amazing in NYC, one tip is to try and see the more in demand shows in LA. We were on ‘The Book of Mormon’ waiting list for 3 months in NYC, in LA we were able to go on a whim that same night, and at the legendary Pantages Theatre on Hollywood Blvd no less.
Start your night strolling around the Griffith Observatory grounds, then visit the Planetarium, a truly romantic place the views are breathtaking. However, if you need to build up an appetite, a run around Runyon Canyon will do the trick.
Favorite dinner spots in Los Angeles: Katsuya, I prefer the one in Brentwood, Spago in Beverly Hills where the schnitzel is as great as my mum’s (although I’ve never told her)! I still love Mulberry Street Pizza with their low-key attitude and checked-table cloths, the pizzas are great. The Ivy is great for dinner too, not just brunch. Giorgio Baldi is an awesome Italian in Santa Monica. The Little Door in West Hollywood is magical. Go to Cut for a great steak and if you want to meet Arnold Schwarzenegger. Visit Koi for great Japanese cuisine, Fig & Olive and Craig’s are awesome too.
Pictured above: Spago (credit: USA Today), Katsuya (credit: He Said, She Said), Koi (credit: Jeff Hoyt), Fig and Olive (credit: LA Weekly)
Stylish vacation rentals in New York and Los Angeles
This lovely holiday apartment is situated on the Upper East Side of New York. It is conveniently located close to Madison Avenue and Park Avenue as well as numerous other tourist attractions.
Located in West Hollywood, this beautifully styled vacation apartment is decorated in Spanish style architecture.
Going to New York or Los Angeles? Check out more places to stay in New York and Los Angeles on Roomorama.