[dropcap size=big]T[/dropcap]rix are for kings. LeBron James, arguably the best player in the NBA, has chosen to play for the Los Angeles Lakers for the foreseeable future. Obviously, L.A. Taco had to get to the bottom of the one question that’s on everybody’s mind: Where’s King James going to eat once he moves here full time?
Bron’s love for Trix and Fruity Pebbles cereal are well documented. He even created a shoe inspired by his favorite breakfast cereal. James is also an original investor in Pasadena-based Blaze Pizza and loved the peanut butter smoothies at his wife Savannah’s now-closed Juice Spot in Miami.
But while the King will stray from time to time, James sticks to a pretty lean diet that consists mainly of shrimp, turkey, chicken, the occasional pasta, fruits, vegetables, and Chunky Monkey ice cream. It’s like a Paleo Diet if Ben & Jerry were our Paleolithic ancestors.
And then there’s the wine — but we’ll get to that. Here’s the L.A. Taco guide to eating like King James.
Breakfast
Game Day
Break your fast like the king with a healthy protein packed Peanut Butter Banana smoothie from Movita Juice Bar in Downey or at one of there other seven locations. The family-owned, health bar also has a very popular Meal Replacement smoothie, that’s packed with protein, oatmeal and almonds. For something with a little more heft, there are a variety of pretty acai bowls to choose from.
Cheat Day
James has been known to indulge in a sweet and savory breakfast from time to time. He’s even been spotted on his Instagram eating bacon by the beach.
Have a royal feast of French toast covered in fruit to go with the Alpine St. Omelette at Nick’s Cafe in Chinatown. The no frills, breakfast shack, known for its delicious ham, has been an L.A. gem since 1948. While there’s no fancy view of the ocean, there’s something to be said about the gritty sight of the old Los Angeles rails yard with the downtown skyline towering above while you tear into your turkey, bacon, avocado, tomato, jalapeño, and jack omelette.
Lunch
Game Day
The fresh and flavor packed Fillet Veracruz as Casita Mexicana will leave you light and airy (depending on how many hand-made tortillas you pack away), perfect for when you need to run and bust a championship-saving block or two. The colorful restaurant owned by James Beard finalists Jaime and Ramiro serves the filet braised with tomatoes, capers, green olives, herbs, chiles “gueros” and olive oil.
Cheat Day
The Triple Threat Quesadilla (shrimp, steak, chicken) at All Flavor No Grease is really worthy of the AFNG name and worthy of the long waits at the South LA food spot. You can even Postmate it now, so you and LeBron can eat from the comfort of your respective Brentwood estates.
Dinner
Game Day
Battling Golden State in the playoffs is going to take its toll. Lucky for you, you live in Los Angeles where Dal Rae’s lived for 64 years. The coolest steak house in town can help you rebuild that lost energy with a pretty damn good surf and turf of Australian Lobster and filet mignon.
Or really treat yourself and find Wes Avila’s taco truck. Guerrilla Tacos is fine, modern Mexican-American cuisine on a tortilla with a menu inspired each week by Avila and our local farmers’ markets and food purveyors.
Cheat Day
You’ve recently won your 4th NBA title and the city’s 17th, you might be able to get a table at n/naka and thoroughly enjoy a 13-course meal of impeccable dishes including the signature dish that combines an Italian pasta with abalone and the occasional shaves of truffle.
Or if you don’t have the time for all that, the lobster nachos at El Coraloense in BGs got you covered.
Dessert
Game Day
If you need a healthy-ish alternative to satisfy your notorious sweet tooth, we recommend a bionico with crema and all the fruit toppings at Ana’s Bionicos in Norwalk.
Cheat Day
Since you are King James or one of his disciples, Chunky Monkey isn’t even an option on your cheat day. It’s a must. Ben & Jerry’s has a bunch of locations in Los Angeles. But if you want to have a nice walk along the beach with your Chunky Monkey, the Santa Monica and Venice locations are your best bet.
Digestif
[dropcap size=big]L[/dropcap]eBron’s other indulgence is wine. James has been known to brag on Instagram of his #VinoChronicles, posting a pic from a $1,200 wine night with his former teammate Kevin Love with the caption: “Don't talk to me about wine like u know it if you really don't know what you're talking about.” We’ll try anyway, King James.
The wine list at Santa Monica’s Rustic Canyon is one of the more interesting in L.A. County, full of choices from up and down California, as well as places like Corsica, Greece, and Portugal. Providence in Hollywood also has a pretty extensive wine list which you can check out while you wait for your caviar. Or if your prefer to shop while you drink away the subtweets from former retired Lakers greats, Garçons de Café is a cool little shop that doubles as an even cooler French wine bar.
[dropcap size=big]T[/dropcap]hankfully, there are a lot of options for LeBron and the rest of Los Angeles. The city known for winning championships, is also known for its deep roster of eclectic eats. If you really want to eat like a king, make your way through the Rogue 99, L.A. Taco’s 2018 Essential Restaurant Guide for starters.
Or if you’re LeBron James himself, and want a guided tour, drop us a line! Welcome to El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de Los Angeles, Rey James.
RELATED: The Rogue 99: L.A. Taco's Essential Restaurant Guide
