The Tamesis
Laura Dave continues her blockbusters the last thing he told me with sequel first time i met him (Scribner), the Santa Monica writer writes, “In the coffee shop, the Pacific Ocean is always in front of you, a constant reminder of where the story is going.” A month later, the second season of the Apple TV adaptation of the thriller, which has sold more than 5 million copies and stars and executive produced by Jennifer Garner, premiered on February 20. Dave’s ability to map the characters’ emotions (portraying love and loss) and the way she explores their intimacy helps explain her popularity. Pushing the tempo doesn’t hurt either.
Dave was born in New York, and for more than a decade she lived at a calmer pace than her characters did in Los Angeles (part of the setting for the new novel). She and Academy Award-winning screenwriter husband Josh Singer brought the novel to the screen and serve as executive producers alongside Garner and Hello Sunshine’s Reese Witherspoon. Here are the places she frequented in Hollywood:
hotel: The Hotel Bel-Air is luxurious and private in a hilly location. You won’t believe you’re still in the heart of Los Angeles, less than a mile from the Sunset Strip.
breakfast: Gustaa in Venice. What I ordered: Their freshly baked sourdough bread, toasted and served with heirloom tomatoes, salt and homemade mayonnaise. It’s perfect.
For your caffeine fix: Luxurious cafe. I prefer the 26th Street location in Santa Monica. In addition to enjoying great coffee, they cultivate the sweetest community. Everyone knows everyone and the barista is the greatest.
dessert: Chocolate Espresso Cake from Proof Bakery. Check out the daily menu before heading out. They don’t always have it, but when they do, you hit the jackpot.
theater: Hollywood Bowl. (Does this count as theater?) There’s nothing better than packing up your picnic basket, heading out there, and listening to live music under incredible skies.
Bookstore or library: Mystic Pier Books is a hidden gem. The owners are amazing and have curated an exceptional collection of first edition pieces. One of their books is one of my favorite gifts to give to someone I love.
Buy flowers: Hudson Grace is great. When I send arrangements, I always contact Hill and Oak.
Anyway, I love tourist traps: Disneyland. There is nothing I can do.
Photo: Getty
