66 replies to this topic

[Leandro]

Hi everyone,

I'm going to the US next week (I'm visiting NY and LA, staying 5 days in each) and I would like to know if you guys have some tips or me. Like where should I definitely go or eat, some cool places to be. I've got notes of some of the traditional places, but it would be better to get a native's point of view, right?

Also, I would die if I got to spot Kat in NYC, do you think it's possible?! haha I know I saw someone posting where her NY apartment is, but don't know which topic it was. Can you post it again here? Maybe if I'm passing by I can at least photograph her building.

When I'm there I'll be checking back the forum as soon as I can, so I can see where Smash is filming or where Kat is, something like that. Also, where are the places that Kat commented on her Twitter?...I remember I read some that were in LA, can you help me?

Thanks in advance, guys! And wish me luck finding Kat!

[this is sick]

Geoffrey's is my favorite restaurant here in LA. It's in Malibu and oversees the ocean. You have a fire pit in the middle and a waterfall inside. It's so gorgeous! It's pricey but it's worth it. Go in the afternoon so you can see the view.

Go to The Little Door. It's amazing too. It's a french restaurant and the food is delicioussssss.

STK is another great restaurant, it's a steakhouse with a DJ. The bread is to die for!

Go shopping on Melrose, you'll get great deals and they have cute restaurants with patios. Rodeo Dr is overrated but if you come to LA, you have to experience it. Hollywood Blvd is gross, but you also need to go there so you see the walk of fame and stuff. Go to Disneyland, you could get the park hopper pass and go to California Adventures, but I think you'd like California Adventures better because Disneyland is more for kids and California Adventures has all the cool rides.

Go to Universal Studios! They have Halloween Horror Nights now, which is super scary. I haven't been but I hear it's crazy.

Magic Mountain (Six Flags) is also a great place to go to.

If you wanna snowboard, or go skiing, you could go to Big Bear Mountain. It's only 3 hours away and the experience is great.

Go to Santa Monica and walk around by the promenade and Pier. It's beautiful. I live close by.

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In NYC. Go clubbing at Patcha. It has 4 floors and it's a GREAT club. Go shopping in Soho, ugh it's my favorite place in the whole word khgajsagkassaa I wanna go again this year but I don't think it'll happen. Go chill at Central Park, you'll get great fall weather. Make sure you bring a jacket. Watch a show on broadway (preferably Wicked! The Lion King is also great). I guess you could always go to Times Square, which is a big touristy thing. I'm not from NYC so I don't have many suggestions but this is usually what I do when I visit there.

Let me know if you need more suggestions!

[this is sick]

Oh I forgot! Go to Little Italy when you go to NYC. It's cute and you can walk around. Maybe China Town, though it's pretty gross, I guess you could still go. Stay away from Canal St though lol

[Leandro]

Wow! You gave me lots of great tips! Thank you very much, Cesar!

I guess I'll have more doubts when I get there, so I'll ask for more suggestions later.

A friend of mine told me to go to the Cheesecake Factory, Soup Plantation and Red Lobster. I think they're all in LA. Do you know/recommend those?

Also, in NY I'll definitely go to Broadway, probably see The Lion king. And I heard Soho is pretty awesome too! That's where Kat did a lot of photoshoots from Unbroken, right? Or it was China Town?

[dalki]

A friend of mine told me to go to the Cheesecake Factory, Soup Plantation and Red Lobster. I think they're all in LA. Do you know/recommend those?

If you like Cheesecake, the Cheesecake Factory is good, but it also serves other things. I really like Red Lobster; if you like seafood, it's a good place to eat, though a lot of it is fried.

[Leandro]

If you like Cheesecake, the Cheesecake Factory is good, but it also serves other things. I really like Red Lobster; if you like seafood, it's a good place to eat, though a lot of it is fried.

Oh I see. Actually, she only talked about the "other things" and not the cheesecakes. LOL And I don't know if I'll like it. I've never eat one, but let's try it.

I love seafood, well...some of them! And don't mind if it's fried, I always prefer fried stuff.

Thank you, dalki!

[dalki]

Leandro, here is the menu for the Cheesecake Factory, and here is the menu for Red Lobster. A particular restaurant may differ a bit on what they serve, but the menus should give you a general idea of what they serve.

I personally don't really like Cheesecake.

[this is sick]

Ew leandro you don't wanna eat there lol
They're franchise restaurants not actual restaurants. I mean, cheesecake factory is okay but that's like eating at a more expensive mcdonald's or something. If you MUST eat there, ask your friend to take you to the one that's in Marina Del Rey or at The Grove so you can walk around afterwards but I'd suggest you go to better (nicer) restaurants.

Also, do you like to go clubbing? What kinda clubs do you go to? I could suggest some if you want.

[Just Breathe]

How much money you have to spend Leandro? As NYC goes, The Hard Rock Cafe is a little expensive but not too bad, and yea stay away from Canal Street.

Also, this may be a little morbid for you but I hear the Ground Zero memorial is really nice, I didn't get a chance to get myself there yet, but that is something you may want to consider.

[dalki]

Also, this may be a little morbid for you but I hear the Ground Zero memorial is really nice, I didn't get a chance to get myself there yet, but that is something you may want to consider.

Nova (PBS) did an episode called "Rebuilding Ground Zero" that talked about the rebuilding and the memorial. The artificial waterfall looked really nice. It probably would be a good thing to visit.

[Leandro]

Ew leandro you don't wanna eat there lol
They're franchise restaurants not actual restaurants. I mean, cheesecake factory is okay but that's like eating at a more expensive mcdonald's or something. If you MUST eat there, ask your friend to take you to the one that's in Marina Del Rey or at The Grove so you can walk around afterwards but I'd suggest you go to better (nicer) restaurants.

Also, do you like to go clubbing? What kinda clubs do you go to? I could suggest some if you want.

HAHA Actually my friend isn't going with me, she just gave me suggestions. But no problem, I'll trust you and stay away from the C. Factory.

I love going to clubs, but since this is more of a family trip, clubs won't be my priorities now. Maybe I'll go back next year and try to do different programs from this time.

[Leandro]

How much money you have to spend Leandro? As NYC goes, The Hard Rock Cafe is a little expensive but not too bad, and yea stay away from Canal Street.

Also, this may be a little morbid for you but I hear the Ground Zero memorial is really nice, I didn't get a chance to get myself there yet, but that is something you may want to consider.

I guess I have enough money to go the Hard Rock Cafe.
Wait...what happens on Canal st.? I'm starting to get a little worried now. haha

--

And yes, I wanna visit the 9/11 Memorial, I've seen it and it's beautiful there, despite all the tragedy that happened, the place has quite a peaceful mood now. It will be a nice opportunity to just take a moment to reflect and pray for the ones that are gone and their families.

[Chanandler_Bong]

A friend of mine told me to go to the Cheesecake Factory, Soup Plantation and Red Lobster. I think they're all in LA. Do you know/recommend those?

LMAO these are the worst suggestions ever. I love Souplantation, but it is nothing special at all.

If you want real food that is indigenous to Southern California you need only hit up two places. In-n-Out and Tommy's. Tommy's chili will blow your fucking mind, bro. No joke.

Also Kat said her favorite restaurant is Katsuya.

[Leandro]

LMAO these are the worst suggestions ever. I love Souplantation, but it is nothing special at all.

If you want real food that is indigenous to Southern California you need only hit up two places. In-n-Out and Tommy's. Tommy's chili will blow your fucking mind, bro. No joke.

Also Kat said her favorite restaurant is Katsuya.

LOL But hey, it's not like she told me I needed to go these places. Maybe those were the only ones that she visited during her trips to LA, therefore, the only restaurants she could recommend.

And thanks for the help, Mark! I also didn't remember that Kat's favorite was a japanese restaurant. I think I'll pass then.

[Camila Cabello]

Don't let the In-N-Out propaganda machine fool you! Their burgers are just ordinary. Well, in my opinion anyway. I don't know how different Mexican food is from Brazilian food, but LA has a ton of good Mexican restaurants...or at least I'm told. I wish I could give some suggestions. You should look into attending a taping of a sitcom (or another kind of show) or something. Tickets are free, but be sure to arrive early, and I would only advise this if you have like 6 hours to kill. I think this is the website I used for The Pink House ticket, but I'm not sure: http://www.tvtix.com/ You can get tickets for both LA and NY.

When you're in NY, you should probably visit the statue of liberty. People can still do that, right? I've never been to NY, but I know Coney Island is famous...is that place still up and running?

As for food...According to the travel channel, Nathan's Hot Dogs in NY is supposed to be ~the best hot dog in the country~, but then they say the same for Pink's Famous in LA (which I've had), where the hot dogs are named after celebrities, and they randomly assign you a celebrity when you order(I was Megan Fox ). I only mention this since hot dogs are an iconic American food, but I'm sure there are much better dining options available. The pizza in NY is also supposed to be really good. Perhaps Sal or someone else could point you to someplace specific. I wouldn't necessarily avoid franchise restaurants; they're certainly a step up from fast food, and they're affordable, but you won't be missing anything if you don't go to one.

I always run into this website when I'm traveling. It has the top suggested things to do in certain locations based on user reviews.

http://www.tripadvis...California.html

http://www.tripadvis...y_New_York.html

(Note that these link to the top "attractions." You can click through the tabs at the top for suggestions on nightlife, shopping, dining, and tours.)

[Corey]

What's...... Canal street?

[this is sick]

In N Out is overrated. And Tommy's is gross.

Katsuya is also overrated but they have happy hour on fridays, so if you go, you'll get drinks half off in the afternoon. Get the spicy tuna roll. It's quite good.

[ADailyCupOfJoe]

Yea Leandro Canal St. sucks! Haha. Obviously visit Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, 5th Ave...yada, yada.

Try Katz's deli (I think I spelt it right)...I've never been (not a deli food person), but it's pretty famous & is supposedly one of the best delis around.

If you have extra time, maybe go to South Street Seaport. There's not much to do there, so only go there if you really have nothing...otherwise it isn't really worth it. I go once in a while, but only to sit and hang out. & it's kind of near Little Italy so it won't be too far out
of the way.

There's also a cool little Shake place (I think it's called Shake Shack) that all my friends go to (not a milkshake person), but I hear they're amazing!

I would suggest going to Grand Central if it isn't on your list (though I'm assuming you'll probably end up there by chance with transportation anyway). It's pretty iconic & it's in a bunch of movies & it's really a nice place to just see, even if for a few minutes.

If you're interested in museums the upper side has a nice variety!

& Colombus Circle is pretty cool as well (just to see...there's not much to do).

[ADailyCupOfJoe]

What's...... Canal street?

Theres a tmobile commercial that goes "you can stream your DVDs faster then you can get them on Canal St."....I think that's a good one-line summary.

[this is sick]

OMG GO TO SERENDIPITY IN NYC!!

best restaurant ever.

and what kinda clubs do you go to? as in, gay clubs, straight clubs..? what kinda music do you like?

[Leandro]

Don't let the In-N-Out propaganda machine fool you! Their burgers are just ordinary. Well, in my opinion anyway. I don't know how different Mexican food is from Brazilian food, but LA has a ton of good Mexican restaurants...or at least I'm told. I wish I could give some suggestions. You should look into attending a taping of a sitcom (or another kind of show) or something. Tickets are free, but be sure to arrive early, and I would only advise this if you have like 6 hours to kill. I think this is the website I used for The Pink House ticket, but I'm not sure: http://www.tvtix.com/ You can get tickets for both LA and NY.

When you're in NY, you should probably visit the statue of liberty. People can still do that, right? I've never been to NY, but I know Coney Island is famous...is that place still up and running?

As for food...According to the travel channel, Nathan's Hot Dogs in NY is supposed to be ~the best hot dog in the country~, but then they say the same for Pink's Famous in LA (which I've had), where the hot dogs are named after celebrities, and they randomly assign you a celebrity when you order(I was Megan Fox ). I only mention this since hot dogs are an iconic American food, but I'm sure there are much better dining options available. The pizza in NY is also supposed to be really good. Perhaps Sal or someone else could point you to someplace specific. I wouldn't necessarily avoid franchise restaurants; they're certainly a step up from fast food, and they're affordable, but you won't be missing anything if you don't go to one.

I always run into this website when I'm traveling. It has the top suggested things to do in certain locations based on user reviews.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g32655-Activities-Los_Angeles_California.html

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g60763-Activities-New_York_City_New_York.html

(Note that these link to the top "attractions." You can click through the tabs at the top for suggestions on nightlife, shopping, dining, and tours.)

I believe brazilian food is lot different from mexican food...but I'll try to go to a mexican restaurant there.
I would love to watch a sitcom taping!! LA has lots of studios, right? And I guess in NY it would be more likely to go to a interview show, like...Jay Leno?

Yeah, I will go to Ellis Island and step where Kat already did one time.


Thanks for the tips, TripAdvisor is great, I'm getting lots of ideas.

And I'll definitely try the famous hot dogs! haha

[Leandro]

Yea Leandro Canal St. sucks! Haha. Obviously visit Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, 5th Ave...yada, yada.

Try Katz's deli (I think I spelt it right)...I've never been (not a deli food person), but it's pretty famous & is supposedly one of the best delis around.

If you have extra time, maybe go to South Street Seaport. There's not much to do there, so only go there if you really have nothing...otherwise it isn't really worth it. I go once in a while, but only to sit and hang out. & it's kind of near Little Italy so it won't be too far out of the way.

There's also a cool little Shake place (I think it's called Shake Shack) that all my friends go to (not a milkshake person), but I hear they're amazing!

I would suggest going to Grand Central if it isn't on your list (though I'm assuming you'll probably end up there by chance with transportation anyway). It's pretty iconic & it's in a bunch of movies & it's really a nice place to just see, even if for a few minutes.

If you're interested in museums the upper side has a nice variety!

& Colombus Circle is pretty cool as well (just to see...there's not much to do).

Yeah! All of those are in my tour guide! And the Seaport St., Columbus Circle and the Grand Central also look very interesting!

http://katzsdelicatessen.com/ It looks good!

http://shakeshack.com/ Man, I love Shake Shack already! Looks such a cool place, can't wait to check it out!

I think I'll go to Madame Tussaud's and the Grammy Museum in La, and check out MoMA in NY!

[Leandro]

Theres a tmobile commercial that goes "you can stream your DVDs faster then you can get them on Canal St."....I think that's a good one-line summary.

Poor Canal St.

[Leandro]

OMG GO TO SERENDIPITY IN NYC!!

best restaurant ever.

and what kinda clubs do you go to? as in, gay clubs, straight clubs..? what kinda music do you like?

http://www.serendipity3.com Is this the Serendipity restaurant? It has kind of a vintage vibe, doesn't it? It's nice!

I go to straight clubs, preferably the ones that play electronic/black/pop music. But I usually prefer hanging with my friends at bars. We have lots of cool places in my region, with singers playing MPB music, which is very popular here.

If someday any of you come to Brazil I can give you guys some tips too!

[this is sick]

you should go to Fogo De Chao. it's a brazilian restaurant on la cienega close to beverly hills. flawless place.

[Leandro]

you should go to Fogo De Chao. it's a brazilian restaurant on la cienega close to beverly hills. flawless place.

It's a great steakhouse!! We have it here too, but it's very expensive $$$!!! I think I only went there once.

[this is sick]

yeah you have to pay $70 to get in but you can have as much food as you want.

all the restaurants i named are pricey but they're really worth it. if you go by yourself, you'll probably end up spending about $60-80 which isn't bad i guess. you're on vacation, you should do it.

[Camila Cabello]

I believe brazilian food is lot different from mexican food...but I'll try to go to a mexican restaurant there.
I would love to watch a sitcom taping!! LA has lots of studios, right? And I guess in NY it would be more likely to go to a interview show, like...Jay Leno?

Jay Leno and a lot of the late night shows are in LA, but a lot of the daytime shows are in NY. I'm not sure which shows are where exactly.

[Leandro]

Jay Leno and a lot of the late night shows are in LA, but a lot of the daytime shows are in NY. I'm not sure which shows are where exactly.

Uhum, I just checked that. In NY they have Good Morning America, Regis & Kelly, SNL, Letterman. I know most them because I've seen Kat and other Idol contestants performing/being interviewed by them.

And I've always wanted to go to those GMA Concert Specials with big singers/bands that are held in NY. Going to a SNL taping must be awesome too!

[McPhilty]

Occupy Wall Street! By all means do the touristy things, but if you join the protest even for a few hours, you'll come back a story that 99% of tourists or even New Yorkers won't be able to share. This doesn't happen every day! You're bound to meet and talk to interesting people and you'll gain some insight on political and economic issues in the USA. You could be a part of history too. (I wish I could go.)