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‘The Places That Shaped My Taste’ is TQE’s take on a city guide. Yes, we’re interested in the new restaurant that’s surprisingly worth the hype – but we’re also asking local tastemakers to dish on the decades-old strip mall joint they’ve frequented since high school, the crystal shop that got them through their rough patch, and the barber who defined their style.
When it comes to knowing LA, Ben Shenassafar is kind of that guy. He spent over twenty years shaping Southern California streetwear culture as co-founder of The Hundreds before shifting gears and stepping into hospitality. The Benjamin Hollywood, a contemporary homage to classic American hangouts, and Bar Benjamin, the cocktail bar perched above it, are his take on refined comfort food and a martini done right.
Long before he was influencing the city, though, Ben was a kid stocking up at Santee Alley and digging through Michael Jordan rookie cards at Valley Sports Card Shop on Ventura and Corbin. For the first installment of Places That Shaped My Taste, Ben takes us through the swap meets, delis, skate shops, and dining rooms that formed his palate. From old-school institutions to the now-closed restaurant that “taught him how to eat,” this is LA through Ben Shenassafar’s eyes.
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The Santee Alley in Downtown LA
“This was one of the first places where I would go and shop for myself. I always went before the school year to load up on new outfits. They had everything you wanted, real or fake. For a kid with limited funds, Santee Alley was a dream come true.”
Valley Indoor Swap Meet in Woodland Hills
“This place doesn’t exist anymore, but all swap meets are the same. You go to get white tees, fitted caps, dickies, long belts, and cheap sneakers. That’s real LA style.”
Valley Sports Card Shop on Ventura and Corbin
“I loved going here as a kid. I would waste so much of my parents' money buying junk boxes and cards that are now worthless. We’d spend hours looking at Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson rookie cards, as well as obsess over Beckett Magazine and the pricing on all the cards. Collecting cards is a much different game now, back then it was much simpler.”
Bay Cities Italian Deli in Santa Monica
“I still love walking into Bay Cities, being a little scared of the guy behind the counter when ordering my sandwich or listening to what other people order to see if there’s something different I should try. There’s magic in the building there. The sandwiches are still pretty good, but these days I go there for the market. I buy all kinds of international products you can’t find at your local store. Pro tip: their mac salad is my favorite in LA.”
The Apple Pan on Pico Blvd.
“The vibe of sitting inside at the counter at Apple Pan is unrivaled. The intimidation of not knowing where to sit, the guys behind the counter, the ketchup on a paper plate for your fries, there’s so much greatness to this place. The true meaning of OLD SCHOOL. Whatever you do, don’t leave without a slice of chocolate cream pie!”
ANIMAL on Fairfax
“When Animal closed a few years ago it broke my heart. Animal taught me how to eat and not be scared to try everything. What Jon and Vinny did with Animal, not only changed the way I ate, but changed the way Los Angeles ate as a city. My palate wouldn’t be where it is today without all my dinner at Animal over the years.”
Felix Trattoria in Venice
“Felix has set the standard for what I expect in pasta. The shapes, the bite, the sauce, the consistency, all of it. No one in the city does pasta quite like Felix. I’ve been eating here regularly since they opened 8 years ago and it’s still one of my favorite restaurants in the city. Pro tip: always order at least one pasta per person.”
Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena
“Digging for gems at this flea market is a real sport. I've come up on so many great items from denim to plates for the house to chairs to vintage band tees and more. If you want something, chances are you’ll find it at the Rose Bowl Flea Market. Pro tip: In the summer, the earlier you go the better because of the heat!”
Brooklyn Projects on Melrose
“Dom’s store was one of the first places that sold The Hundreds over 20 years ago. He is always ahead of the curve in finding the coolest, newest street and skate brands. Dom is always willing to take a risk on a young designer. His shop still remains one of the coolest skate shops in LA. It’s a must stop when you’re on Melrose.”
Union on La Brea
“Union has been the best place to find street fashion in the world for 30 years. From the best tees to sneakers to menswear. Union has a better pulse on what brands are great than any other store you’ll find in LA.”
Keep up with Ben at @benhundreds, book a table at @thebenjaminhollywood or @barbenjaminhollywood, and revisit the brand that started it all at @thehundreds.
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