Neon glow
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WORK • Thursday Routine
Golden days
JING GAO • founder • Fly By Jing
Neighborhood you live: between Las Vegas & LA
It’s Thursday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
I work from home, which means organized chaos, especially with a toddler running around. There are always noodles and new sauce samples covering the kitchen island. Lucky for me, taste-testing noodles is literally part of my job.
What’s on the agenda for today?
We’re prepping for a big weekend roadshow at Costco! Our noodles just launched in the LA region, so I’ll be slinging noods and doing in-store demos. Nothing like connecting with people IRL over a bowl of something delicious.
Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
Absolutely. I’m checking out the newly renovated Anajak Thai in Sherman Oaks. Yess recently launched a weekend lunch that’s already become a favorite. And no trip downtown is complete without grabbing the most perfect chicken tenders from Happies in DTLA.
How about a little leisure or culture?
I’m soaking up the last golden days of summer with as many Hollywood Bowl shows as I can squeeze in. I love architecture tours — Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House is a favorite. And sometimes, it’s just about heading up to The Getty with a picnic and sitting on the grass and enjoying the view.
Any weekend getaways?
San Diego is my go-to. It’s close enough to be easy, but far enough to feel like a reset. The food scene is underrated — Izola Bakery has the best croissant I’ve ever had, and Animae, an Asian-inspired restaurant led by the super-talented chef Tara Monsod, is a recent standout.
What was your last great vacation?
My happy place is my home on the North Shore of O‘ahu. It’s perched right on the ocean, so I fall asleep and wake up to the sound of waves. There are sea turtles everywhere, vibrant coral reefs steps from the door, and the freshest seafood, garlic shrimp, poke, and shaved ice to keep my cravings satisfied.
What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
I gifted myself a birthday trip to Ballymaloe Cookery School in Cork, Ireland, for a week-long homesteading course. It was a dream. Now I’m totally inspired to start my own farm.
What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
Chiyo. It’s a TCM-based meal delivery service originally designed for prenatal and postpartum care, but honestly, I still order from them regularly. It’s deeply nourishing, beautifully prepared food — for anyone, anytime.
Where are you donating your time or money?
WCK and their efforts to feed people wherever there is need. Chef José Andrés is a saint.
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RESTAURANTS • First Word
Welcome walk-in
In New York, restaurant turnover is part of the city’s rhythm. Places shutter, and before the chairs get stacked, something new moves in. LA, on the other hand, generally takes its time with moves like these. But a recent flurry of action in Chinatown has a distinctly New York feel to it.
Firstborn breathed new life into the old Pok Pok digs, Baby Bistro became the latest tenant in the Alpine Courtyard complex, and the former Oriel space has been transformed into Café Tondo, a modern-day panaderia and bar channeling the deliciously relaxed vibes of Mexico City that opened in late July.