For years, I dreamed of working from home, eschewing L.A. traffic and carving out more quality time with family. In 2020, that dream became a reality because of a nightmare: the pandemic. But even when much of the world went back to office work, my publishers made our remote status long-term. While I enjoy the ease of working from home as much as I had once envisioned, there are days I’d rather be anywhere else. Thankfully, coffeehouses aren’t the only option.

When construction chaos recently took over my house, I traded the incessant drilling and drywall dust for ocean breezes by booking a day of “resort working” at Santa Monica Proper Hotel’s rooftop via ResortPass.

My corner cabana — with just the right mix of sun and palm shade — became the perfect spot to edit, eat and enjoy vacation-like vibes. Whenever I looked up from my screen, I saw people lounging in the sparkling turquoise pool. This scene, backed by the Santa Monica mountain range and a wide swath of sky, helped open my creative vision in new ways.

No longer closed in by the walls of my home and the invasive sound of construction, I could breathe a little easier, soak up some vitamin D (after lathering on sunscreen) and hear and see other humans in real life! Before you remind me that the grass is always greener from the other side, I’m not ready to go back into an office full-time. Remote work really is my jam. But knowing that I can easily work from one of L.A. County’s beautiful hotels any time I need a break from home is refreshing.

Why ResortPass is a game-changer for remote workers
ResortPass lets you book luxe hotel amenities — such as cabanas, spas and pools — without an overnight stay, making it easy to turn any workday into a mini getaway. Day passes start at $25 and can increase depending on where you want to go and what kind of amenities you would like to access.

Booking is easy. On the ResortPass website, I entered my preferred location (Santa Monica) and date, clicked “all” for the amenities option, then browsed the list of participating hotels. The list included customer reviews, cost, icons symbolizing which amenities were available (pool, towel service, bar, food, etc.) and links to the hotels’ websites.

The pitch for a day at Santa Monica Proper Hotel let me know it was the choice for me: “Escape to a luxurious alcove at Santa Monica Proper Hotel for a day of pure relaxation. Savor the ocean breeze, enjoy personalized service and unwind by the rooftop pool with breathtaking views. Indulge in gourmet bites, sip refreshing cocktails and recharge in serene, stylish comfort. Treat yourself to an unforgettable day of bliss and tranquility.”

On the day of my poolside workday, I made sure I had chargers for my phone and laptop, a notebook, my reusable water bottle, sunscreen and trail mix. Located at 700 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica Proper Hotel is walking distance from the beach. Designed with coastal flair and natural tones, it is branded as a hotel with a “looser kind of luxury.” I easily found metered parking around the hotel, but since it was a workday, I decided to valet park, which was $40.

After I checked in at the front desk, staff directed me to the elevators leading to the rooftop. I sighed with pleasure when I saw my alcove — a corner with a lush couch that curved around a wooden table. Blessed with a sunny day, I was thankful the cabana was tucked under a squat palm tree with fronds that fanned over my workstation.

From Calabra, the hotel’s rooftop hotel that serves up Mediterranean and California cuisine, I treated myself to an oat milk cappuccino, truffle fries and the fattoush salad crowned with large falafels that burst with aromatic spices and boasted a crips golden-brown shell and a tender, flavorful center.

How to book your own work daycation
Booking through ResortPass is seamless — just select your date, choose your cabana and get ready to work in style. Even though you’re working, you’ll feel like you’re on vacation — especially if you take your break in the pool.

Cassandra Lane is Editor-in-Chief of L.A. Parent.

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For those of you looking for a more traditional experience this Valentine’s Day, like a romantic evening by the beach, or sweet baked treats, we’ve rounded up a few V-Day dinners, brunches and treats offerings in the L.A. area. Book that babysitter and gift yourself a day or night off!

Valentine’s Day at Magnolia Bakery

Feb. 3 – 15 | Magnolia Bakery

Swing by the West Hollywood bakery for Valentine’s Day cupcakes, chocolate covered strawberry banana pudding, heart sugar cookies and more V-day themed twists on the bakery’s famous sweet treats. Order them for pick up or delivery.

Bubbles and Bites featuring Veuve Clicquot

5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Fri., Feb 14 | Terranea Resort

Terranea Resort presents ‘Bubbles and Bites,’ an exclusive Valentine’s Day celebration on Feb. 14 from 5 to 9 p.m. on the Lobby Bar’s west terrace. This limited-capacity event promises an evening of luxury with live music, a glass of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne or Rosé, tantalizing tableside bites, custom chocolate boxes, and a flower bouquet building experience. More info.

catalina kitchen’s “Romantic Garden”

5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Fri., Feb. 14 | Terranea Resort

Inspired by Terranea’s catalina kitchen’s lush garden setting, this creatively invented three-course with amuse bouche Valentine’s dinner incorporates floral and botanical elements into the menu – for an intimate and natural feel. Highlights include Laura Chenel Goat Cheese Tartlette with rainbow pickled carrots and chives, Beef Tartare with toma fondue heart and baguette crostini and Dover Sole with caviar beurre blanc. For the sweet ending, dessert is Devil’s Food Cake with raspberry mouse and raspberry compote. More info.

mar’sel’s Splendid Valentine’s Day Three-Course Dinner

5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Fri., Feb. 14 | Terranea Resort

With oceanfront views and delectable inventive California cuisine, Chef Fabio Ugoletti and his culinary team have created a memorably romantic dinner – to be elegantly served at Terranea’s signature Forbes Four Star mar’sel. 

Guests start with an amuse bouche of oysters and pomegranate. Appetizer choices include uni Caesar salad with Santa Barbara uni, little gem, croutons, sungold tomato and sea urchin dressing. Entrée options are poached half lobster, NY 14-day dry-aged flannery beef steak, monk fish or lamb loin. More info.

Dana Point Harbor Whale Watching Cruise

4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Fri., Feb. 14 – 16 | Dana Point Harbor

Celebrate Valentine’s Day on the water with the all ages Whale Watching Cruise at Dana Point Harbor. Sail into the pink sunset while searching for marine life, and enjoy a complimentary glass of Champagne or a non-alcoholic beverage, along with chocolate wrapped treats. Plus, enter a raffle for a chance to win a Dana Point Harbor inspired gift package.  More info.

Valentine’s Three-Course Dinner at Watertable

5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Fri., Feb. 14 | Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa’s three-course Valentine’s Day dinner at its signature restaurant, Watertable, features a delightful menu of exquisite dishes, including Grilled Baby Lamb Chops, Pan Seared Scallops and Baby Kale Salad for starters, Butternut Squash “Pappardelle” and 6 oz. Chilean Sea Bass for entrees, and finished with Red Velvet Torte and Watertable’s signature Six Degrees of Chocolate dessert. The dinner is $105/person with an optional Welcome Wine & Champagne pairing at $55/person to accompany each course. More info.

Valentine’s Premier Dinner Cruise

7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Fri., Feb. 14 – 15 | Fisherman’s Village

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a parents’ night (or day!) out on the waters with City Cruises in Marina del Rey, Long Beach, Newport Beach and San Diego.

With various cruises available on Friday, Feb. 14 and Saturday, Feb. 15, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a three-hour plated dinner cruise at various locations, live entertainment, and spectacular views of the coastline and local landmarks. To make the night extra special, guests can upgrade their experience aboard with packages including the “Romance Package,” inclusive of a bottle of champagne, half dozen roses, and champagne flutes. For those looking for a romantic outing during the day, the Marina Del Rey, Long Beach, Newport Beach, and San Diego ports are also offering two-hour Valentine’s Day brunch buffet cruises with free-flowing champagne, sparkling cider, and mimosas.

Brunch cruises (Feb. 15) board at 10:30 a.m. for 11 a.m. cruise. Dinner cruises (Feb. 14-15) board at 6:30 p.m. for 7 p.m. cruise. More info.

For more Valentine’s Day ideas, check out our events roundup.

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As the holiday season approaches, the Los Angeles region is set to dazzle with a variety of enchanting performances that capture the spirit of the festivities.

From timeless classics like “The Nutcracker” to innovative theatrical productions, families can enjoy an array of shows that promise to entertain audiences of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a heartwarming ballet, a captivating musical or a festive concert, this roundup highlights the best holiday performances in L.A., ensuring there’s something magical for everyone to experience.

Theatrical Productions

La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts presents “Fiddler on the Roof” Nov. 8-Dec. 1. Starring Tony Award winner and “Seinfeld” star Jason Alexander, this moving Broadway classic features the musical hits, “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and more. Recommended for ages 6 and up. $21.45-$132. lamiradatheatre.com

The Colony Theatre in Burbank and Imagine Theatre, L.A.’s equity theater for young audiences, present “The Girl Who Made the Milky Way,” Nov. 9-22.The world premiere play inspired by Khoisan folklore follows a young girl through the South African savanna on a magical journey to a time long ago. For ages 5 and up. $20-$30. imaginetheatreca.org

Handspring Puppet Company, the team behind Little Amal, joins Cape Town’s Baxter Theatre to present “Life & Times of Michael K” Nov. 21-24 at The Wallis. Based on J.M. Coetzee’s 1983 Booker Prize-winning novel, this puppet theater adaptation follows a humble man in search of his mother’s ancestral home. Recommended for ages 12 and up. $49-$109. thewallis.org

Lythgoe Family Productions returns to L.A. with “Peter Pan and Tinker Bell: A Pirate’s Christmas” Dec. 13-29 at Scherr Forum Theatre at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks. This all-ages singing, swashbuckling comedy adventure will be performed in the popular theater tradition of a British holiday pantomime. $39.50-$59.50. 5startheatricals.com

If the holidays have you feeling nostalgic, bring the family to “Back to the Future: The Musical” at Segerstrom Center for the Arts Dec. 26-Jan. 5. The beloved movie has been transformed into a Broadway musical featuring original music by Grammy winners Alan Silvestri and Glen Balard and directed by Tony Award winner John Rando. $44.07-$157.07. scfta.org

‘The Nutcracker’

In its 32^nd year, “NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet” travels to Pasadena Civic Auditorium Dec. 13 and to The Wiltern Dec. 20-21 during its national tour. The all-ages holiday spectacular features acrobatics, 10-foot-tall puppets, hand-painted backdrops and local children’s cast from Grace Ballet who will dance alongside the professional ballerinas. $35-$280. nutcracker.com

The Los Angeles Ballet’s annual holiday performance of “The Nutcracker” returns to the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood Dec. 19-28. The very L.A. version of this holiday classic features Spanish-style Hancock Park homes, the moonlit Pacific Ocean and more. $45-$143. dolbytheatre.com

From Dec. 13-14, San Pedro City Ballet performs its version of “The Nutcracker” at the James Armstrong Theatre in Torrance. $45. torrancearts.org

American Ballet Theatre returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts Dec. 12-15 for its critically acclaimed production of “The Nutcracker,” which features a cast of more than 100 performers. VIP “Sweet Seat” tickets include prime seating, a keepsake ornament, poster, chocolates and holiday cookies to make for a special holiday outing. On Dec. 7, little ones ages 5 and up can attend “The Nutcracker for Kids!,” which features an all-ages version of the ballet, plus themed crafts, a photo station and S.T.E.A.M activities before and after the concert. $32.77-$349.17. scfta.org

Holiday Music

TOArts presents the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas on Nov. 27 at the Fred Kavli Theatre. The holiday tradition celebrates 35 years of its multimedia concert, featuring classic Christmas hits and 15 musicians playing more than 20 musical instruments. $56.50-$136.50. bapacthousandoaks.com

The community chorus Pasadena Chorale presents “Twilight of the Year” Dec. 14-15 at the Altadena Community Church. Gather for beautiful choral music of the season. FREE. pasadenachorale.org

LA Phil’s “Deck the Hall” holiday concerts at Walt Disney Concert Hallfeatures a concert for everyone, including the family-favorite annual Holiday Sing-Along. On Dec. 14, EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson sings songs from her new album “The Gift of Love.” On Dec. 18, catch “Home Alone in Concert” Dec. 21-22 and more. $39-$209. laphil.com

On Dec. 24, the 65^th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration returns to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion with a free evening of music, dance and more. The all-ages performance features L.A.-based performers and artists live on stage and streaming on PBS SoCal. FREE. musiccenter.org

Nina Harada is Digital Editor of L.A. Parent.

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This summer, take your family out to enjoy some live music at these outdoor concerts in L.A.! Each of these events is a fun and free way to keep the fun going this summer.

Off the 405 at The Getty Center

July 20, 27 and Aug. 24, 6 p.m.
1200 Getty Center Dr., Los Angeles

Getty’s free annual outdoor concert series returns to the museum courtyard select Saturday evenings this summer. The evening begins with a DJ set at 6 p.m., followed by the featured performer at 7:30 p.m. Arrive early to explore the Getty Center’s Central Garden and bring a picnic to enjoy before the show. On-site food and beverages will also be available for purchase. FREE. getty.edu

California Jammin’ at Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center

July 26 & Aug. 30, 6 p.m.
241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim

Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center’s free all-ages summer concert series returns to the Carnegie Courtyard. July 26 features American traditional, Celtic and bluegrass band Lilies of the West. Aug. 30 features country musician Sean Oliu. The family-friendly event will also have an arts and crafts booth that kids can enjoy during the performance. FREE. muzeo.org

Pearson Park Summer Nights Under the Stars

Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 7 p.m.
401 North Lemon St., Anaheim

You know it’s going to be a good time if Disneyland is behind the event! Pearson Park Amphitheatre, sponsored by Disneyland Resort, presents free, family-friendly concerts Saturdays in August. Each night features a different tribute band, honoring musicians like Selena, the Beatles and more. FREE. anaheim.net

Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles Summer Concert Series

July 13, 20, 27, Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 7 p.m.
2230 W. 6th St., Los Angeles

Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles at MacArthur Park brings back its free, family-friendly concerts Saturday evenings through Aug. 31. Genres include soul, funk, hip-hop and more, so there’s something for everyone. You’re welcome to bring your own picnics, blankets and lawn chairs. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available from local vendors. FREE. levittlosangeles.org

KCRW Summer Nights

July 13, 20, 27, Aug. 10 and 30, 7 p.m.
Various locations throughout L.A.

KCRW Summer Nights, the free all-ages outdoor summer concert series, returns to various cultural institutions across L.A. We’ve got our eyes on July 13, which features an evening of cumbia at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes in Downtown LA. We’ll also bring our dancing shoes to California African American Museum on Aug. 30 for live sets from KCRW DJs Novena Carmel and Francesca Harding. Bonus: After-hours access to all CAAM exhibitions. FREE. kcrw.com

To find more activities and entertainment for summer nights in L.A., visit our full roundup.

Nina Harada is Digital Editor of L.A. Parent.

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At six months postpartum, I spent my first night away from my daughter Naomi to attend a wedding in Santa Barbara. If the bride hadn’t been one of my dear friends from childhood, I probably would’ve skipped out, unwilling to leave my firstborn. With my second baby, Juna, I was ready for a getaway much sooner. On Mother’s Day weekend, for a glorious 24 hours, I had a beautiful suite at Hotel Erwin in Venice completely to myself.

As a resident of East L.A. for the past 15 years, I don’t make it out to the old stomping grounds of my teens and early 20s as often as I’d like, so when I first checked into the SoCal beach hotel, I was delighted to see how close it was to both the vendors of the famous Venice Boardwalk and the stylish boutiques and cute cafes along Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Despite the hotel’s laid-back SoCal vibes, my brain was buzzing with all the things I wanted to do with my precious 24 hours before my husband and daughters joined me the next day.

A trip up to the High Rooftop Lounge, Hotel Erwin’s open-air restaurant and bar, for a bite, a glass of wine and ocean breezes was just what I needed to calm my racing mind — and to remind myself of a recent meditation: Just be here, now.

After the best night of sleep in more than a year, I woke up ready for breakfast at the hotel’s Erwin General Café downstairs, followed by a run along the Venice boardwalk. Between the fresh air, people watching and iconic views (and no small children begging for my attention), I ran all the way to the Santa Monica Pier!

My husband and kids weren’t set to arrive until evening, so after freshening up I decided to take myself to lunch at another old haunt, The Rose Venice, which has fed locals and visitors alike since 1979. Passing a bickering couple with their young kids waiting for a table, I was both wistful for the chaos of my family and grateful I got to spend part of my Mother’s Day enjoying a sparkling wine and salad at the bar alone.

After lunch, I took a leisurely stroll down Abbot Kinney, Venice’s mile-long block of boutiques, restaurants and bars. With an entire afternoon at my disposal, I took my time, beginning at Artists & Fleas, Venice’s weekly outdoor makers market featuring vintage clothing, handmade jewelry and original art. I popped into Gjusta Grocer for a well-earned chocolate chip cookie and browsed the fresh farmers market produce, specialty pantry items and curated beer and wine.

The clock was counting down to when my husband and children would arrive, so an afternoon pick-me-up was in order. Around the corner from the hotel, I popped into Menotti’s for its popular vegan Spanish latte, which I savored during my final moments of peace and quiet.

The next 24 hours was a very different scene, but Hotel Erwin’s family-friendly vibe was still the perfect backdrop for our weekend. Within minutes, my hotel room floor was covered in Jenga blocks and dominos. For a moment, I tried to clean up the game pieces and strewn shoes and jackets, but then I remembered: Just be here, now. Back at the High Rooftop Lounge, our family took over one of the large outdoor couches. Naomi was thrilled by an entire bowl of fries and Juna shared my fish tacos. We were messy and loud, but no one seemed to mind.

The following morning, while enjoying her pancakes and scrambled eggs, Naomi blurted, “This is the best vacation ever!” Leave it to our kids to truly know how to live in the moment.

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DTLA Alliance, a coalition of Downtown L.A. property owners committed to the revitalization of DTLA, and Colburn School, a DTLA performing arts school providing music and dance education to students of all ages and levels of development, joined forces to provide the community a free concert series. Every Wednesday at noon from April 10 through May 1, office workers, parents with little ones looking for something to do and anyone else in need of a lunch break are invited to Colburn School Plaza for their free lunchtime concert series.

When I attended Concerts at Colburn last week, I was moved by incredible talent on stage and by the diverse audience united by the sounds of Beethoven and other classics filling the lunch hour with soothing sounds. The older gentleman next to me recorded each performance and I assumed he was a parent of one of the young students or a media professional. When I asked him what brought him here, he said, “I just love music. I don’t care what it is. I love it all.” He stumbled upon the concert series because he works across the street. That is exactly what DTLA Alliance hopes more office workers, residents and visitors do. To make the deal even sweeter, DTLA Alliance is offering the first 50 visitors to arrive each week a coupon for a free treat or coffee from Colburn Café.

Earlier this year, DTLA Alliance hosted a free flower giveaway for Valentine’s Day. Office buildings on and near Flower Street gave away 1,500 roses, which were sourced from the California Flower Mall,  spreading a little love and light to tourists and residents alike. This fall, their annual family-friendly Halloween event returns to DTLA with trick-or-treating and other kid-friendly experiences. Concerts at Colburn is just one of a series of activations DTLA Alliance plans on continuing to produce throughout the year.

Whether you live or work downtown, or you’re looking for a lunchtime activity, there are two more chances to visit Colburn School’s free concert series, April 24 and May 1.

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During our hour-long catchup, an old friend and I unloaded our stresses from the last few months. Kids, navigating tricky friendships, sick babies, solo parenting days, disagreements with the grandparents and the minutiae of day- to-day life that’s left us with back pain, headaches and just burned out. Both of us have two little ones under 5, day jobs and parents who live far away.

“We really need a break,” she said. “I know,” I agreed. “I want to feel like myself again.”

We were dreaming of tropical vacations, but perhaps we don’t need to look too far for a little reset. It’s easy to forget how much our city has to offer when I’ve been immersed in my corner of L.A., consumed by two demanding children. I recently forced my postpartum self to take an afternoon to explore Larchmont Village, a part of town I rarely have reason to visit, though there’s plenty to offer, especially if you’re a mom who just needs a break. Sometimes, a change of scenery, good food and a little spa date is all you need to refill your tank.

I kicked off my solo date at Larchmont Sanctuary Spa, which, as the name suggests, is a true sanctuary in the middle of our bustling city. After I changed into a cozy robe and slippers, staff led me to my pre-treatment soak in the spa’s private copper Jacuzzi tub. I draw a bubble bath for my daughter every day, and yet this was my first bath in over a year! After a 30-minute soak, which was just enough time to forget the stresses from that morning, I experienced my first facial. My aesthetician, Alex, understood postpartum skin changes and customized the treatment to fit my skin, which included scalp, arm and lymphatic drainage massages.

After my treatment with Alex, I thought I was truly relaxed, but Nicole, my full-body massage therapist, made me aware of how much more tension I still needed to surrender. “Take a deep breath in,” she gently guided. As I breathed in, the scent of lavender filled my nostrils. “Fill your lungs to capacity. Now exhale and leave everything on the table.” Her cue caught me by surprise. I choked up a little as I realized I was harboring guilt for leaving my baby for a few hours. As moms, sometimes we need permission to truly let go.

All that relaxing really worked up my appetite, so I headed to Larchmont Village Wine, Spirits & Cheese, a family-owned-and-operated corner market with imported oils and vinegars, artisan cheeses, curated wine and a full-service deli. I ordered a soppressata salami sandwich on a baguette. To have a whole sandwich to myself — and eat it in peace — was its own form of self-care.

As I strolled along Larchmont Boulevard, I noticed quite a few parents with strollers and wondered how many of them have had a day to themselves recently. Not wanting to take my few hours for granted,

I browsed Chevalier’s Books, L.A.’s oldest independent bookstore, and Shorthand, a color-coordinated stationery and print shop that displays office goods like candy … you want everything! After practicing self-control, I strolled over to Jeni’s Ice Creams. I opted for my go-to: salty caramel. Ice cream makes everything better.

Never not in need of a coffee, I grabbed an iced pistachio milk latte from Suá Superette, a new café/ Sichuan grab-and-go market from Fly by Jing founder and CEO Jing Gao and digital creator Stephanie Liu Hjelmeseth. I also tried their mala-fried lotus chips, which are addictive. In addition to pre-packaged meals and snacks, the market’s shelves are lined with carefully curated gifts and cook- ware, including a flower tea ritual set, slotted spoons and cookbooks.

When the big Larchmont Village clock struck 3 p.m., it was time to pull on my mom hat once again. I didn’t get a tropical vacation, but an uninterrupted afternoon of spa treatments and neighborhood discoveries was exactly what I needed to feel a little more like me again.

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Westfield Topanga Mall has your new Saturday date night –with or without the kids– covered. Pinstripes, an experiential dining and entertainment concept from Chicago, opened its newest location in the San Fernando Valley this summer. The restaurant and entertainment venue, which joins a slew of new restaurants and shops as part of Westfield Topanga’s 2023 expansion, features modern Italian/American cuisine, wine, beer and cocktails in addition to bowling and bocce ball.

Pinstripes’ bistro serves made-from-scratch pastas, pizzas, flatbreads, salads, sandwiches and more using locally sourced ingredients. Start the night off with a handcrafted cocktail or craft beer, followed by a wood-fired pizza and end your meal with their house made gelato. Their menu features seasonal chef specialties, a curated wine list and ever-changing craft beer selection.

The 28,000 square foot space also features 12 bowling lanes, four bocce courts and customizable event spaces for up to 1,200 people. Guests can enjoy a drink on the intimate patio out front as well as on the indoor/outdoor terrace on the second level between games.

Pinstripes is located at Westfield Topanga, 600 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Canoga Park. For more information visit pinstripes.com.

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As an accountant, James Choi figured he’d spend his life immersed in a world of numbers — not flour and coffee. But that all changed when, in 2011, his mother set about opening her dream bakery in Little Tokyo’s Japanese Village Plaza. Weeks before opening day, both her business partner and her baker left, so Choi stepped in to help his mom move forward with the opening.

His help was supposed to be a temporary fix. It ended up transforming into a career change.

“I didn’t think it was going to work,” he recalls of that first year. They were selling cookies and pastries from store-bought frozen dough and didn’t know much about coffee. He jokes that in those early days, when Yelp still had a lot of influence on small businesses, all the reviews for Café Dulce were about how nice the staff was, but there was no mention of the food or drinks.

“Being at the store every day and getting involved with the community, he’s just really good with people,” Cindy Choi says of her husband. “So that hospitality aspect…people came to Dulce just to get coffee. I think it just built organically.”

More than 10 years later, people line up for their signature fruity pebble donut holes, apple tuna sandwiches made with Fuji apples, signature dulce latte and the good vibes that the Chois have continued to cultivate since day one. Now, their brand has grown to five Café Dulce locations in L.A. and their latest venture, Yoboseyo! Superette, a specialty market and café they opened last summer in the former storefront of Bicycle Coffee. When the multi-level space, which was already set up to roast coffee, became available during the pandemic, James saw an opportunity to have their own roastery. There was also a huge retail space below, and Cindy saw it as an opportunity to create a specialty marketplace highlighting local makers. “We wanted to become a little launching pad for them,” she says. “Our little small business helping other small businesses.” In the store, you can find candles, cards, artisanal foods and more.

The Choi family has grown, too. Five years ago, Cindy and James became parents with the birth of their daughter Autumn (who is the inspiration for Yoboseyo’s logo). And just a few months ago, they welcomed Autumn’s baby brother. As small business owners who are also parents raising their kids in Downtown L.A., it was important to James and Cindy that Yoboseyo become a community space for the neighborhood and for families. One step in that direction was creating a jiu-jitsu studio in the back of the restaurant. Eventually, they will offer classes for all ages, so parents can drop their kids off and hang out while enjoying a coffee or snack — or take a class themselves.

“Even the little popsicle fridge we have — that’s like my childhood from Korea,” Cindy says. “You go and dig for your favorite popsicle when your grandfather gives you a dollar to go to the neighborhood store.” James and Cindy saw that scene come to life when one day their daughter and her friends visited the shop. The kids burst through the doors and went straight to the ice cream chest to pick out their favorite treats.

Running six shops and parenting two littles is no easy task, but the Chois say they wouldn’t trade it for the world. Also, coffee helps. James shares Café Dulce’s fan-favorite dulce latte, which makes for a great mid-day pick-me-up for parents.

Dulce Latte

1 part condensed milk

2 parts espresso and milk of choice (steamed or cold and over ice)

Mix 1 part condensed milk (20-25 grams or to taste) into espresso and incorporate with milk of your choice. 

If steaming milk, steam milk separately, then incorporate it into the espresso and condensed milk. If serving cold, pour the espresso and condensed milk into the cold milk, then serve over ice. 

Note from James: “If you don’t have access to espresso at home, try condensed milk in your coffee, anyhow. It’s a great way to incorporate sweetness, cream and a heavier mouthfeel into your morning jolt or afternoon pickup. It’s especially good in cold brew and cold brew concentrates. We love condensed milk. Asians love condensed milk. It’s a way we can incorporate some Eastern influences into our Western coffee beverages.”

Find Yoboseyo! Superette in Little Tokyo at 358 E. 2^nd St. Find Café Dulce in Japanese Village Plaza at 134 Japanese Village Plaza Mall, in ROW DTLA at 777 S. Alameda St. #150, in USC Village at 3096 McClintock Ave. Ste. 1420, in Vernon at 2520 S. Alameda St. and in the Fashion District at 210 E Olympic Blvd.

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