July 27th 2023

Victoire Loup is a culinary journalist, consultant and author of modern and inventive cookbooks. Based between Paris and Los Angeles, we asked her to reveal her TOP 10 favorite addresses in her two cities... Gastronomy (of course), art and activities, discover Victoire Loup's must-dos!

MOKONUTS

"Open for lunch only from Monday to Friday, Mokonuts is one of my favorite restaurants in Paris. Anad if you don’t manage to reserve a table, you can always fall back on their second restaurant, Mokoloco. Omar and Moko prepare a must-try labne and other dishes inspired by seasonal produce every day – but whatever the weather, you should never leave without trying their chocolate cookies."

GJUSTA

"Day and night, Gjusta remains one of Venice Beach's most iconic addresses with a charming patio, freshly baked breads and a myriad of options to take out or eat in. My favorites ? The breakfast plate (soft-boiled egg, grain bread, pickles and salmon gravlax), the open-faced bagel (piled high with all the options – otherwise known as “with the works”!), the potato salad and the rustic pies."

COURAGE BAGELS

"This artisanal gem from Montreal has quickly found its place in the hearts of locals thanks to its irresistible homemade bagels. So much so that the place is always full and at weekends you have to queue for half an hour on Virgil Avenue to get in!"

PARIS - MUSÉE RODIN

After spending my early years in the South, I grew up in Paris near the Ecole Militaire. The Musée Rodin garden has always been the place to escape to the heart of the city. Beyond the sculptures, the museum also exhibits a remarkable selection of his drawings, paintings and personal letters, offering insight into the artist's creative process and his life.

LOS ANGELES - SQIRL

The best place in Silverlake on the East Side of Los Angelesfor breakfast, brunch or lunch. Ideal for recharging your batteries after a morning hike to the Griffith Observatory! The sorrel pesto rice bowl is a must, asisthe ricotta tartine, a big crowd-pleaser. Jessica Koslow's jams are an excellent souvenir to bring backhome.

LOS ANGELES - COOKBOOK

Cookbook is the essential store for cooking enthusiasts: when you walk through the door of this charming little shop, you are greeted by a carefully chosen selection of artisanal and seasonal products. Much more than just a grocery store, Cookbook truly embodies the spirit of the Echo Park community by supporting local producers and encouraging a respectful approach to food.

PARIS - WHITEbIRD

Founded by Stéphanie Roger, WHITEbIRD is an essential reference for designer jewelry – I love going there to discover new talents. Alighieri, Ivarene , Sophie Bille Brahe… Their selection of designers is incomparable, and I very often wear my fine pink gold Aly wedding ring, from their eponymous brand We by WHITEbIRD.

LOS ANGELES - MALIBU FARM PIER CAFE

Not to be confused with Malibu Farm (by the PCH), Malibu Farm Pier Cafe is located at the end of the pier, with unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean – and its early morning surfers. Enjoy salads, sandwiches and burgers in this resolutely Californian setting before going for a swim at Matador beach or admiring the view from the Los Leones hike.

SHEFAYOGA VENICE

"I have practiced yoga almost daily for the past 20 years, and there is no better place in Los Angeles to do your updogs and downdogs than Shefa Yoga. Classes are taught all day long by excellent teachers - and, to top it all, take place in the heart of Venice district!"

PARIS - LA BUVETTE

The Bar is Camille Fourmont's ideal dining cellar, with carefully selected wines and small sharing platters– don’t miss his White Beans with Bergamot Zest. It's the perfect place to have a drink before going to dinner in one of the many restaurants in the 11th arrondissement.

LOS ANGELES - FREDERICK R. WEISMAN ART FOUNDATION

The prestigious district of Holmby Hills houses the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation – a private residence and contemporary art foundation. This businessman and philanthropist collected so much art that the walls were no longer enough to display all the paintings: there are even some on the ceiling! Picasso, Warhol, Magritte, Kandinsky, Miró, Rothko, Ruscha… and even a motorcycle painted by Keith Haring.

LOS ANGELES - STAHL HOUSE

Instantly recognizable thanks to its large windows and its unique view of the Hollywood Hills, the Stahl House is the brainchild of architect Pierre Koenig. Although it only takes a few hours to visit the house itself, you’ll need to reserve your ticket weeks in advance! One of the most iconic residences in the world, it has hosted numerous film shoots including Catch Me If You Can by Steven Spielberg.

PARIS - CLAMATO

Bertrand Grébaut and Théophile Pourriat, the two friends at the helm of Septime (which needs no introduction!) run a delicious canteen just next door which shines a spotlight on seafood. It’s here that I indulge in one of my favourite Parisian desserts: the famous Clamatarte, with maple syrup and whipped cream – which can also be found at Tapisserie.

PARIS - SUSHI SHUNEI

When I'm not in LA, what I miss the most are avocados and sushi. At Sushi Shunei, the all-wooden setting is as sumptuous as the omakase menu prepared by Shunei Kimura (ex-Izumi). For dessert, a grilled tea ice cream to die for!

LOS ANGELES - SANTA MONICA PROPER HOTEL

A few blocks from the beach, the Santa Monica Proper is a boutique hotel with 271 suites. Under the inspiration of designer Kelly Wearstler, each room is decorated with huge headboards and a mixture of vintage and modern furniture. The rooftop is open for drinks or lunch and even concerts on long summer evenings.

PARIS - LA TRÉSORERIE

This atypical space near the Canal Saint-Martin is a veritable Ali Baba's cave for lovers of interior design, decoration and craftsmanship. I like to get lost in it and leave with arms full of objects, without necessarily having come with an idea in mind! My other favorite shop for decorative gifts is Astier de Villatte: ceramics, candles, incense…

PARIS - FROMAGERIE QUATREHOMME

Having lived between the United States and France for nearly ten years, I naturally have a weakness for cheese, which I miss during our American months. Each time we return to Paris, we re-fuel at Quatrehomme, a family cheesemonger founded in 1953. I also recommend Lastre Sans Apostrophe, which is a stone’s throw from our house, for their pâtés en croute as well as an incredible mustard.

LOS ANGELES - LA OFF ROAD

Time to see Los Angeles from a new angle: for tourists and regulars alike, Los Angeles Off Road allows you to (re)discover the city of angels in a few hours. Explore the Arts District, get to know the canals better on foot or by bike with French guides.

PARIS - JEANNE CASIMIR

Jeanne Casimir is an extraordinary woman specialising in extraordinary facials. Her approach is highly personalized and inspired by kobido. Treat yourself to a suspended moment in time in settings that are always very aesthetic.

PARIS - OFFICINE UNIVERSELLE BULY

The perfect place to offer (or offer yourself!) a monogrammed gift: soap, comb, toothbrush, lip balm... In my opinion, it's an excellent source for  gifts when you're invited to stay with friends or family.