Where to eat in West Hollywood, Los Angeles: Chef Louis Tikaram from EP & LP

Louis Tikaram grew up on a farm in Mullumbimby. As a young chef, he began exploring his Fijian heritage. After working at Longrain, he went on to Bentley Restaurant and Tetsuya, before Longrain's Martin Boetz handpicked him to take over that kitchen on Boetz's departure. He currently runs the kitchen of E.P. & L.P. in West Hollywood and has been acclaimed as a young chef to watch. See eplosangeles.com; visitwesthollywood.com.

FAVOURITE TABLE

At EP, which is located on the corner of Melrose and La Cienega Boulevard in West Hollywood, I feel very privileged to be wedged in between two Nobu restaurants. To the north on La Cienega Boulevard is Nobu Los Angeles (which actually sits just outside West Hollywood) and to the south is his original, Matsuhisa. I can remember reading Nobu the Cookbook when I was an apprentice chef and being mesmerised by his incredible story of coming to LA and the struggle and passion it took to make it in the big city at his original site. Now to be able to sneak out from work early and grab a bite at his Omakase bar every once in a while for a treat is still a bit much to take in. See noburestaurants.com.

LOCAL FOOD DISCOVERY

This cute Thai cafe focuses on great coffee and traditional street Thai dishes and snacks in the heart of West Hollywood. It reminds me so much of Campbell Street in Sydney or the cool cafes in the back alleys of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. I haven't found a better breakfast than the khao man gai or moo ping with a fresh coconut and coffee after a workout or hiking Runyon Canyon in all of West Hollywood. See otuskitchen.com.

BEST-KEPT FOOD SECRET

I first stumbled across Croft Alley during my time as a painter, gardener and removalist during the construction of EP at the end of 2014. Croft Alley had just opened in a tiny alley opposite where the restaurant was being built, a small cafe with tons of sunlight and friendly staff. I immediately knew chef Phuong was my guy for a healthy fresh lunch with his turkey bahn mi and coconut soda. I ate there every day for months, working my way through the menu. I still go back almost once a week to sit in the sun and grab a bite to eat before work. See croftalley.com.

A MUST-TRY DISH

Everyone needs to experience a piece of real Hollywood when they come to LA and for someone fresh off the plane I always take them straight to Jones. It's American Italian at its best and a great place to catch up with friends. Cheap "strong" drinks and late night food so you can hang there all night, pizza, pasta, steak and probably the best apple pie in West Hollywood full stop. See joneshollywood.com.