Catering to Artistry: JANE's Guide to Local Gems and Must-Try Eats, Los Angeles Edition
Ask anyone in film and TV, and they will tell you that catering is a crucial aspect of any industry project. Food is, and always has been, taken very seriously for those working long days on set or in the studio. A central talking point amongst the cast and crew, good food can improve morale, bolster creativity, and contribute to the overall success of a project.
Operating out of both Los Angeles and New York, hybrid creative studio JANE is immersed in creative opportunities and a bounty of delicious spots to eat, drink, and socialise, all of which play a crucial role in operating a fruitful and successful production and post-production company.
From Korean BBQ to authentic Middle Eastern mezze and world-class taco trucks - Los Angeles truly has it all. And, if you’re a team like JANE, Los Angeles offers no shortage of ideas of where to go for lunch, takeout, or swanky restaurants to hit up for client dinners.
Excited to get the inside scoop on what fuels JANE's team of artists, directors, producers, and collaborators, LBB’s April Summers sits down with four members of the leadership team: founding partner Nancy Nina Hwang; director Cole Schreiber; creative director, West Sarokin; and EP, Rich Rama. Touching on everything from favourite office snacks and coffee rituals to beloved local delis and craft service staples, the team gives the lowdown on staying satiated in LA.
Nancy Nina Hwang, founding partner
When I’m hosting an out-of-towner, I head straight to... Gjusta for... breakfast. Everything is good, but that tahini croissant – you can’t find it anywhere else and that umami hit is spot on. Afterwards, it's all fruit stands outside the 800 kids parks we'll end up at.
My favourite coffee spot in town is... Menotti’s and my go-to is... the Caffe Rico. This was a secret menu item that’s not listed anymore, but you can still ask for it. Orange + cinnamon = coffee bliss. But really, we went to Menotti's when a special man named Nicely helmed the coffee offering. He's now opened up Hooked serving out of Dudley Market, which is another special spot. Ultimately, wherever you find Nicely, you'll find the best coffee.
When I’m ordering food at the JANE studio, I like... a good kebab order and I am always happy to share some Italian. Also, sweets, sweets and more sweets will never be under-appreciated. A special shout out to Archie's ‘Sunday Donuts’!
The best kept secret for... sushi in LA is... in the valley, but it must be found on one’s own… says Yoda.
No-one does a... Monday five alarm fire with kids after pick-up quite like... a McDonald’s McFlurry, fries, and a drive thru lane.
If I’ve got a long day on set/in the studio, my snack of choice is... coffee.
I really like the... charcuterie board from craft services... and a fresh smoothie for the ‘balance’.
The best spot for a wrap party or celebration is... someplace cosy and intimate.
And finally, I can’t stop thinking about... my pillow from... my bed. Does that count??
Rich Rama, executive producer
When I’m hosting an out-of-towner, I head straight to... Japanese, Mexican or Korean… Typically this has been the LA food trinity for me, but things are changing! LA is becoming a real melting pot for food and it’s hard to choose just one cuisine. I mean, we definitely have to add Filipino food to the list - and that’s not even because I’m Filipino! James Beard was just awarded chef Maynard of Kuya Lord ‘Best Chef LA’ and has really put a flag down in LA for the Philippines. Additionally, LA has become a burger and pizza town and it’s great to eat through all the different offerings.
My favourite coffee spot in town is... Be Bright Coffee, and my go-to is... anything made by the owner, Frank La, who was recently crowned ‘US Barista of the Year’.
When I’m ordering takeout to bring to the JANE studio, I like... Prime Pizza and I order... ‘The Sicilian’ because it’s a square pizza and close to what I grew up with in Detroit. This place is also one of my favourite pizzas in the city and expertly owned and operated by my friends Zach and James.
The best kept secret for… in LA is… Well, honestly, there are no secrets in food anymore – social media killed that!
No-one does a... breakfast burrito quite like... the homies at Cofax Coffee!
If I’ve got a long day on set/in the studio, my snacks of choice are... I ‘try’ to grab almonds or cashews, but sometimes I miss and my hand falls into some chocolate.
I really like a... peanut butter protein shake with a shot of espresso from craft services – it’s easily my favourite thing if it’s on the menu!
The best spot for a wrap party/celebration is... Korean BBQ, because it will always be followed by karaoke!!! The Filipino in me cannot turn down a mic…
And finally, I can’t stop thinking about... how much I love to support my friends – they’re all listed above!
West Sarokin, creative director
When I’m hosting an out-of-towner, I head straight to... Fatburger for burgers, or El Taurino for tacos.
When I’m ordering food for the JANE studio, I like... Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery. I order their signature sandwich, ‘The Godmother’, made with prosciutto, ham, capicola, mortadella, salami and provolone cheese!
The best kept secret for Korean BBQ in LA is Soot Bull Jeep.
No-one does Pastrami quite like Johnnie’s.
If I’ve got a long day on set/in the studio, my snacks of choice are... sparkling water and almonds.
I really like the... five-hour energy drinks from craft services... because they literally keep me alive.
The best spot for a wrap party/celebration is... Chez Jay if you’re on the westside, and Seven Grand if you’re shooting downtown.
And finally, I can’t stop thinking about... the spaghetti from Andres on Wilshire Boulevard.
Cole Schrieber, director
When I’m hosting an out-of-towner, I head straight to... Daichan for the chirashi bowl with the salmon roe. It’s a quirky, tchotchke-filled Japanese restaurant, with a low-key cosy vibe.
The best kept secret for... great Lebanese food in LA is... Hayat’s Kitchen. I don’t know how many secrets are left in LA (or the world, for that matter), but this spot in North Hollywood is affordable and totally delicious. The street is typical LA: a random strip mall surrounded by auto body shops and liquor stores. Requisite palm tree in the skyline.
My favourite coffee spot in town is Stereoscope, but if you’re willing to travel down to Garden Grove, the coffee options at Phin Smith and Nep Cafe are insane.
When I’m ordering take-out at the JANE studio, I like... to run down to Pizzeria Sei. It’s just down the street and might just be the best pizza in all of Los Angeles.
No-one does... Korean BBQ and sushi quite like... LA. For Korean BBQ there are endless options and you get to have a communal meal and walk out smelling like charcoal. For sushi, the list just goes on and on, but I think we all have a long standing love for Mori.
If I’ve got a long day on set/in the studio, my snacks of choice are dried mangoes and cashews: not great for the waistline, but gets the energy flowing.
I really like the... fancy protein smoothie with the espresso shot from craft services
The best spot for a wrap party/celebration is... Bavel, particularly if you can sit outside. The food and atmosphere feel celebratory and you get to share everything, which ads to the intimate vibe. Been many times and never fails.
And finally, I can’t stop thinking about... the Thai Taco Tuesday tostadas from Anajack. During the hot summer months, they kill.
