Movies

How to have the best Sunday in L.A., according to Topher Grace

BBG News

Although networking connections can be crucial alongside one’s talent, the relationship that catapulted Topher Grace‘s career wasn’t made in LA, but rather in New Hampshire.

During the late ’90s, while Grace was at a boarding school in New Hampshire, he made his debut in a play and formed a friendship with a girl involved in set design. Subsequently, upon relocating to L.A. for USC, he received a call from the parents of this girl, who were prominent figures in Hollywood production.

“They said, ‘Do you want to come try out for this show about the ’70s?’”

Grace started her role portraying Eric Forman on the popular sitcom “That ’70s Show.” Prior to its official greenlight, she lived with one of the producers’ children in a home shared by college-aged roommates – a setting Grace likened to the reality show “The Real World.

For the initial five years of that series, I was as green as they come, completely clueless about what was happening. But it was an incredible way to be introduced to Los Angeles. Just attending college in L.A. was cool enough, but the following year, I found myself driving onto a Studio City lot and starting to act in movies. It was the perfect start to this amazing city.

On the eastern part of the city today, Grace, along with her husband and their trio of children, have found their home. An idyllic Sunday for them involves unwinding on a rooftop bar, enjoying an open-air cinema experience, and cherishing some precious moments as a family.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

7 a.m.: Go big on breakfast

Our household loves a hearty breakfast: pancakes, waffles, eggs, bacon, syrup, and the works. In the mornings, our breakfast nook becomes a bustling social hub for us. Whenever we dine out for breakfast, Joan’s on Third is our go-to spot, and their avocado toast with a poached egg is a must-try – it’s simply divine, and just thinking about it makes my taste buds tingle.

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9 a.m.: Be first in line at the farmers market

We really love the vibe at the Studio City Farmers Market. We’re usually among the earliest arrivals, securing the freshest produce since we’re always up early. However, it soon becomes evident that we share this timing with many other parents and their kids.

One delightful aspect of the farmers market in Studio City that sets it apart is not only do they offer various fresh produce, but they also include fun attractions such as inflatable slides and occasionally feature live animals. This makes it an engaging experience beyond merely purchasing fruits.

11 a.m.: Activity time with the whole fam

Every Sunday, I find myself seeking a balance between novelty and exhaustion for my little ones, and that’s where the Los Angeles Zoo comes in as an ideal destination. It’s there that my son made a special connection with Reggie, their friendly alligator.

On the next-door neighbor of the Getty Center, you’ll find the Skirball Center, reopening this Sunday. It’s a unique spot, featuring Noah’s Ark – an artistic wonderland for kids! Imagine a children’s play area tastefully designed, filled with ropes and obstacle courses that blend seamlessly into works of art.

And

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Climb a towering skyscraper! Dive into gooey jelly! Share stories with a canine friend! The town offers an array of unforgettable experiences catering to all ages, preferences, and levels of concentration.

7 p.m.: Date night begins

Once a week, we hire a babysitter so we can go out. The local food scene in downtown Los Angeles is fantastic, with many exciting new eateries popping up there.

In my younger years, I didn’t often find myself in downtown L.A., but among our preferred eateries was none other than Bavel. This restaurant might just be my favorite on the planet. The Middle Eastern dishes they serve are exceptional, and the ambiance is fantastic, complementing the food perfectly. It’s truly remarkable. One of their standout dishes is a lamb neck shawarma that’s simply divine.

Apart from Badmaash, there’s another place I adore – Dama. The dishes at both restaurants are a fusion of flavors, creatively mashed up. It’s said that the chef has lived in Canada, India, and L.A., which adds an intriguing twist to their cuisine. From my personal experience, I can vouch for the chicken tikka poutine at Badmaash. As for Dama, it’s perfect for Latin American small plates, particularly tapas. The charm of tapas lies in the fact that they encourage sharing, much like a long-lasting marriage. The dining room has a captivating Havana vibe, making it quite the cool spot to dine at.

8 p.m.: Nightcap under the stars

Following this, we’re quite fond of rooftop bars. Our favorite is Cara Cara, perched above the Proper Hotel. It offers breathtaking vistas, music by a DJ, and a laid-back atmosphere. There’s something exhilarating about being on a building’s roof. What makes L.A. unique is that you can reside in a small valley, yet you can find yourself atop a skyscraper all in the same day. You could even theoretically go skiing in the morning and swimming at night, although we haven’t actually done that yet.

Apart from being a lover of sweets, I used to frequent Diddy Riese quite often when I resided in Westwood. Even today, I still pay them a visit. The desserts at Perch LA are exceptional too; we sometimes skip dessert at the restaurant and head over there instead. It’s become an ideal spot for our date nights. Boy, I wish it was Sunday already!

9 p.m.: Late night movie time

We have a soft spot for timeless films in large theaters, and our preferred choices can be found at the New Beverly Cinema. It’s been owned by Tarantino for a couple of years now. On Sundays, the American Cinematheque offers late-night movies, which are quite enjoyable. Lastly, Rooftop Cinema Club boasts more commercial films, but their unique ambiance makes it a blast.

Before having children, I was definitely a night owl, but now we manage to squeeze in about 30 minutes to an hour of TV time. My wife and I are gradually making our way through a series we’re watching together. It’s hardly binging; we’re moving at such a slow pace. I wouldn’t want my wife featured in the L.A. Times, but she has a soft spot for some reality TV that’s rather low-brow. Despite her intelligence, academic background, and political involvement, she seems to have a different level of intellect when it comes to watching TV. We enjoy “The Bachelor” together, which is not something I would have done before marriage, but there are certain paths I choose not to follow with her.

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2025-01-31 14:32

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