Plugs — Julia Barna

L.A. food, drink, and leisure recs from a skin therapist + LINKS

Plugs is The Angel’s recs column. Every week, you’ll get six picks—a restaurant, a bar, a shop, an ingredient, a person, and a treat—from someone in Los Angeles who knows what they’re talking about, plus a selection of Angel-curated links. (Plugs are for paid subscribers of The Angel only. However, if you’re in the restaurant industry and want a free subscription, hit me up. :))

#47 is Julia Barna, a licensed esthetician and sought-after lymphatic specialist whose facials are wholly soothing and transformative. (I’m speaking from experience, of course.) I first met Julia at Ricari Studio, where she’s long been a lead specialist in lymphatic drainage treatment. Earlier this year, she opened her eponymous Julia Barna Studio in Beverly Grove, where she practices her proprietary, holistic approach to skin therapy tailored to clients’ needs and wants. Julia’s work is anchored in nervous system support, and trust me when I say she has a magic touch when it comes to massage. Spending a morning with her at the oasis that is her studio is one of my favorite Los Angeles treats—particularly on a Saturday morning. Here are Julia’s L.A. Plugs!

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Restaurant — Laki Ramen

Laki Ramen has been an obsession since my first taste of chef Niki’s dan dan ramen. I crave it. The owner, Niki, is a young female soup savant from Kyoto who trained at a revered Japanese restaurant specializing in rich chicken baitang ramen. As far as I know, I don’t think anyone else in L.A. makes this style of broth. Her flavor combos and attention to detail are next level — and if the dish isn’t up to her standards, it won’t touch your table. Also not to be missed is her chicken cutlet with homemade curry. 

Chef Niki and her dan dan ramen. Photos by Julia Barna.