Out Of Office: Tips For Work Trips In LA
A celebrity publicist shows you how to #TravelLikeABoss on your next Los Angeles business trip
When most of us think of Los Angeles, we think showbiz: movie stars, TV sets and assistants fetching lattes under the sun-kissed glow of that iconic Hollywood sign. But for Rob Greenwald, a vice president at LA-based public relations firm Rogers & Cowan, show business happens to be his for-real business. And by working with big-time clients like actor Tony Hale (of Veep and Arrested Development) and stand-up comedian Jim Gaffigan, he’s become an all-star at navigating this California metropolis from 9 to 5—and beyond.
We tapped Greenwald to share his talents and expertise about working in Hollywood with travelers preparing to visit La La Land on business.
You’re only working a half day this Friday. How do you spend the rest of it?
Checking email on my phone—there is no such thing as a half day. But if you need to get some fresh air and start the weekend off right, I like Sonoma Wine Garden in Santa Monica. It’s a nice roof atmosphere, and you get great cell phone reception to check emails.
- Rob Greenwald
You have three meals—and only three—to get a taste of Los Angeles. Where do you go for breakfast, a quick lunch and dinner?
Breakfast: Blu Jam Cafe in the Valley or Perch LA downtown. Perch has a view of the city that is unmatched. Lunch: If you’re feeling healthy, Real Food Daily. It’s vegan, but their Supreme Burrito keeps me coming back. Dinner: Bestia downtown (it was, like, a month wait for a reservation) or L&E Oyster Bar in Silver Lake (dark ambiance, very low-key, but amazing seafood and a great bar upstairs).
Where can you find peace and quiet—even for a few minutes—within urban LA?
It’s funny, because you literally need to drive to the mountains for real peace and quiet. That said, the Getty Center/Museum is generally very quiet, as it’s on the top of a mountain. It’s also a 15- to 20-minute drive from most of LA.
You’ve been wearing the same cardigan once a week every week, and you know it. Where do you go to revive and reboot your business casual wardrobe?
I usually leave that up to my wife, but the Beverly Center is a one-stop shop.
You want to impress a new client, boss or colleague. Where do you meet him or her?
There are lots of great restaurants. Spago is always a good spot for fine dining. Dan Tana’s is an Italian staple in Hollywood and never a bad choice. If you want to be “scene,” the paparazzi are always posted outside of The Ivy.
You have a free evening and an expense account! Where do you and your team or client go for fun—whether you’re in the mood for sports, music, film or something completely unique to Los Angeles?
A Kings or Lakers-Clippers game is always a go-to. A Steel Panther or Wheeler Walker Jr. concert if the mood is right. The Comedy Store is also an experience that everyone should have at least once. You can usually catch some of the biggest names in comedy there a few times a week.
Business is going great. Where do you and your colleagues meet for happy hour to celebrate, and what do you order?
The Den on Sunset, or Wellesbourne. Bulleit whiskey on the rocks and a glass of still water with lemon.
You have a free hour or two and a camera. Where do you go to capture the best side of Los Angeles?
Griffith Park for the view, Malibu for the beach—also, Geoffrey’s Restaurant in Malibu. Take Mulholland Drive and stop at all the turnoffs for amazing photo ops.
What’s the one attraction in Los Angeles you take all of your out-of-town visitors to see?
Disneyland, right?
What’s the coolest thing you can see or do within an hour of town?
I’m going to cheat and say Santa Barbara (which is about an hour and 45 minutes away from LA). There is an area called the Funk Zone with great wine tastings and food. The Lark is an all-time favorite restaurant, and you should definitely get the roasted bone marrow. If I can’t cheat, Santa Anita Park (horse racing). There is a secret speakeasy under the grandstands with no windows. It’s very tough to find, though, and you need a passcode.
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