Tours

Why do the LA: Food + History + Design Tour?

Food: we have an amazing food scene here. From French newcomers in the nineteenth century, to Italian immigrants of the early twentieth century, to successive waves of migration from China, Vietnam and Thailand in the last fifty years, each culture has left its mark on the Los Angeles culinary landscape. And we haven’t even mentioned Latin America or Japan yet! On this tour you’ll eat some of the best food that L.A. has to offer.

History: Los Angeles has a fascinating story too. Many of its oldest buildings, from when the tiny pueblo was infamous for being the most lawless and violent town in the Wild West, are still standing and you’ll even go inside them on this tour. Thought L.A. was just movie stars, beaches and Beverly Hills? Think again, we have a rich history going back to 1781.

Design: DTLA has some of the most iconic buildings in the world – City Hall, the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Eastern Columbia Building to name just three. On this tour you’ll also experience many beautiful interior spaces, from the Bradbury Building, to Union Station to the Art Nouveau lobby of a 1913 hotel. For over a hundred years Los Angeles has been a design capital and you’ll see exactly why.

Join us on the LA: Food + History + Design Tour and TRULY experience the best of Los Angeles.

What is the French Dip Sandwich? It was created in L.A. over a hundred years ago, but where and why? You’ll learn the history of this authentic local dish on this tour (btw it’s not French!)

Japanese immigrants began moving here at the end of the nineteenth century, over time creating a Japanese/Californian fusion cuisine. The California sushi roll is one of the most well-known examples, but there are many others.

Not many people know that the French have had a significant impact on Los Angeles, dating back to when immigrants first moved to the area in the 1850’s to make wine. We’ll take a look at their continuing influence.

Our Mexican heritage is well-known. California was part of Mexico for several decades after all and, since it joined the U.S. in 1848, many Mexicans have come here. Consequently we have some of the best Central American food in the world.

Who doesn’t like ice-cream? When it’s unique flavors, that are hand-made on the premises, it’s even better.

The coffee scene in L.A. is now very varied and full of smaller operators with an emphasis on unique, organic lattes, espressos and cappuccinos. Sample some on this tour.

We do not accept incentives from any restaurant in order to take you there. All places we visit on the tour are designed to fit the experience, not get us a commission.

*Cost: $70 pp (5% of what you pay goes to Climate Cents, a local climate change organization).

*Walking Distance: 2 miles.

*Tour starts 12 midday Sunday, side entrance to Union Station at Alameda Street entrance (photo of meeting point).

*Tour finishes 3pm, Pershing Square.

*Children under 12 y.o. do not have to buy a ticket (not inclusive of food).

*There are 4 food tastings included, each for about 20 minutes, for the equivalent of a normal 3 course meal.

*There’s a big range of food options and all types of diet can be accommodated (Vegetarian, Vegan etc). Please email us if you have any dietary restrictions.