Los Angeles is just a big ol’ sprawl of magical nooks and crannies—if you know where to look. It helps to have a knowledgeable, and generous, friend willing to share the wisdom, and Grace Lee, a lifelong Angeleno and a killer jewelry designer, is down to give us the inside scoop on one of her favorite ‘hoods: Koreatown. —dana covit Kang Hodong Baekjeong: “This is the hottest Korean BBQ restaurant in Koreatown right now and also my personal go-to. It’s the quality of the meat and the variety of banchan—side dishes—that make the inevitably long wait completely worth it. We usually go right at 4 P.M. when they open to avoid the crowd.” (3465 W. 6th St., Suite 20) Caffé Concerto: “I discovered Caffe Concerto before the infamous PSY visited last September. Caffe Concerto is a two-story cafe that kind of feels and looks like a friend’s awesome home. I like to visit in the evenings with friends and share a bottle of wine, some tapas, and then finish off with tea and macarons. Not bad in my book.” (610 S. Serrano Ave.) Beer Belly: “There’s nothing really traditionally Korean about Beer Belly except that its owner is Korean-American, but their wide range of on-tap craft beers plus a daily menu of ‘crafty’ food offerings is so amazing. My go-to is their chipotle-and-beer-braised short rib, which is to die for—seriously.” (532 S. Western Ave.) Wi Spa: “Wi Spa is the ultimate Korean spa experience. It is open 24 hours a day and is four stories. They have five signature sauna rooms, and I like to frequent late at night with a girlfriend and catch up while sitting in one of them.” (2700 Wilshire Blvd.) Now’s you’re chance to get Grace’s super-delicate diamond ring! Don’t worry: It’s little and won’t get in the way of any Korean BBQ eating.

Grace Lee loves her some Los Angeles, and with (many a) good reason. The very thoughtful jewelry designer’s long-term love affair with the city has been fueled, at least in part, by the friends she’s made there: hugely inspirational creatives producing seriously cool work. Just get a load of this local goodness. —dana covit Clare Vivier: “I met Clare when I was just starting my jewelry line and was very nine-months-pregnant with our second daughter Camilla. I immediately fell in love—there is such a timeless nature to Clare’s collection. My current favorite is the leather fanny pack that Clare debuted for spring. It takes me to another level of chic mom. I wear it everyday—around my waist, cross-body, and without the belt, as a clutch, at night.” Compartes Chocolatier: “Compartes Chocolatier treats are made in-house from scratch with all-natural ingredients at their chocolate factory in Brentwood. Buyer beware: One taste, and you will be a regular (I am living proof).” Black Crane: “I first ‘met’ Momo Suzuki, the designer behind Black Crane, when her home and closet were featured on Jeana Sohn’s Closet Visit. I was impressed with her pared-down home and philosophy—she proves that you don’t have to own a lot of stuff to be chic. The first time I put on a long Black Crane dress, I did not want to take it off. My current favorite is the Sage Green Jumpsuit.” Handsome Coffee Roasters: “HCR is a must-try. I’m not a coffee drinker myself, but my husband loves it—and I am a sucker for great packaging, something HCR has down. It makes gifting the stuff that much better.” Nico Nico: “My friend Sue Tsai is the designer behind Nico Nico, a children’s clothing collection. Her impeccable sense of style is obvious in her creations, which are all about sophisticated details and high-quality, often organic, fabrics. Her spring 2013 collection is titled ‘Good Times,’ and appropriately so: The first time my girls put on their Nico Nico striped jumpsuits they asked, ‘Mom are these for jumping!?’” Speaking of made-in-L.A., score Grace’s Of a Kind edition: three colors of gold and one diamond on a slim little ring.