How I Holiday: Melbourne Musician Harvey Sutherland Shares His Go-To Taco Trucks And Diners In LA

Welcome to How I Holiday, a series of travel stories and recommendations shared by friends of Urban List from Aotearoa and Australia.

Producer and DJ Harvey Sutherland has spent lots of time in LA, learning from industry bigwigs and penning pop tunes in the studio. When he's not writing music, Harvey's hunting down taco trucks, spicy noodle soups, and classic American diner feeds on the iconic Sunset Strip. ​To celebrate the release of his new album Debt—a record that explores the “cost of doing business in the meme economy" (no mean feat)—we asked the musician for some live LA recommendations plucked from his current US tour.

Why is LA special to you?

I’ve spent a lot of time in LA over the years. I've made a lot of friends and made a lot of terrible 4-hour-writing-session pop songs. I used to come for months at a time, doing writing camps and production sessions, feeling like a very small fish in a very big pond, but learning a lot from bigger producers and music industry bigwigs. It can be chaotic and isolating, but it’s deeply rewarding when you find your feet.

What's the food scene like in LA?

We’re pretty starved for good Mexican food in Australia, so whenever I’m here, it’s hard not to go full-time taco. I have my go-tos in Echo Park—the TacoZone truck, Guisados, Tacos Delta, but I still think about the pescado at Mexicali downtown, or any random street stand in Highland Park.

K-town [Koreatown] is the other essential stop. I went and tried MDK noodles with a friend the other day. It was an incredibly rejuvenating bowl of spicy noodle soup. My only mistake: wearing a white shirt. Also, if you’re out east in San Gabriel, the Chinese food is top-tier. I’ve got a spot called Chong Qing Special Noodles on my Google map, which I’m pretty sure I went to after a morning at the Rose Bowl market.

Where's the best spot to visit for cheap eats?

The aforementioned taco spots are a good catch-all. I’m also a sucker for the Grand Central Market downtown. I don’t know. I’m pretty used to spending $20 on a smoothie at this point.

Where should travellers visit for breakfast?

We have some band diner essentials. We always hit Millie’s on Sunset in the morning after a long flight. Fred 62 in Los Feliz for a late night session, and of course, the classic Canter’s Deli on Fairfax (although I prefer the pastrami at Langers). Clark Street Diner (ex-101 Diner) is an easy favourite too.

Which boutique hotels do you recommend for travellers? Where do you always stay?

I’m an independent musician on tour. We’re at the Comfort Inn on Sunset. Boutique is not how I’d describe it, but it does what you need it to. If you’re not me, you should stay at the Silver Lake Pool & Inn; it’s very nice, real mid-century glamour. Or, just go all-in and book the Chateau for a few nights.

What's something that will surprise first-time visitors about LA?

The sidewalks are fucked up, so don’t look at your phone while you’re walking. The reliable sunshine does remarkable things for your mental health. Everything is further away than you think.