Emma Roberts vividly remembers being welcomed into the Los Angeles life 30 years ago: “I was 3 years old. My first memory of Los Angeles is of that big [Northridge] “I know a lot about the 1994 earthquake,” the actor told The Times recently over Zoom from New York City.
She recently appeared on “CBS Mornings” to promote her latest film, “Space Cadet,” which premieres Thursday on Prime Video. In addition to serving as an executive producer on the movie, Roberts also stars as a Florida party girl turned unlikely astronaut.
But now she’s ready to embark on her ideal Sunday itinerary. Before she even answered my questions, the co-founder of the online book club Belletrist and mother of a 3-year-old son had her own itinerary.
On Sunday Funday, LA residents share their perfect Sunday in the city. Find ideas and inspiration for where to go, what to eat, and how to enjoy life on the weekend.
“Is the baby with me or not,” she said. “Because my perfect Sunday would be with him, but if I were to do all of this, I’d probably be doing it alone.” And so the “Nancy Drew” and “American Horror Story: Delicate” stars blasted off from the launch pad and zipped through a meticulously planned day that began with coffee in Laurel Canyon and ended with the “Scream Queens” star donning what appeared to be a crown.
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for length and clarity.
10am: Coffee in the valley
On a perfect Sunday, I can sleep in and then head to Lily’s Coffee at the Laurel Canyon Country Store at 10am. [the store] It’s the best coffee ever. I always ask for an iced latte with an extra shot of espresso and a dash of vanilla.
11:30am: Reading magazines
From there I usually go to Larchmont [Boulevard]I used to go there with my mother when I was a child. [Above the Fold] I’ll stop by the newsstand there and buy all the magazines I need because they always have everything there: I’ll have Paris Review, I’ll have Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Architectural Digest, British Vogue, The Atlantic, Flaunt, Newsweek and Time depending on who’s on the cover. I literally buy like 40 magazines a month because I love collage.
I’ll do brunch on Sundays if I’m feeling up to it, or go straight for lunch – I’m obsessed with the wines, spirits and cheeses at Larchmont Village. [which isn’t open on Sundays] It’s right across the street. Their sandwiches are amazing. I love the tuna. If you’re a local you know they only make it when they feel like it. That’s what makes them so great.
Noon: Pack the books
From there I went to Skylight Books and bought a ton of books for Belle Et List. [for June was] I devoured The Friday Afternoon Club by Griffin Dunne in five days. I already had a copy for myself, but am gifting it to everyone as summer reading. To all my friends who have summer birthdays, sorry, but I’m giving away books. Sorry for the spoilers. Skylight also has some great book recommendations and sells the cutest postcards and such.
1 p.m.: Satisfy your inner decor lover
From there I went to Spitfire Girl in Hillhurst, which is a really cute shop with amazing gifts and little things. At Christmas time they have the best selection of Christmas ornaments. I love ornaments. The last thing I bought was [fish] The design has caviar coming out of the front. My mother loves gin and tonic, so I bought her a gin ornament with glitter all over it. She was thrilled. They also sell John Derian trays, which I often use as gifts. It’s located directly opposite Pierce & Ward. [which is closed on Sundays], [interior designers who] I renovated my own house and I go there from time to time to get inspiration.
4pm: One Year Gin Game with a glass of wine
My boyfriend and I love going to La Pharmacie du Vin in Sunset Junction. It’s a wine store, but they also sell snacks and food. We buy a white or orange wine and play gin for a couple of hours, especially if the weather’s nice. We’re both crazy about playing gin. I always have a deck of cards with me. We’ve been keeping score for about a year, and now he’s got a lead. I wasn’t that strong at first, but I’m getting better, so maybe I should start over.
I love Sunset Junction, I’ve been going there since I was 21 so it’s a place I have a lot of nostalgia for.
7pm: Flannel cake at Musso & Frank
I probably should have mentioned working out, but on a perfect Sunday I wouldn’t be working out, so next up is dinner. I love Musso & Frank. It’s the quintessential LA place, and my mom has been bringing me there since I was 5. It always reminds me of my mom. In fact, I just hosted her birthday party last month. [party] I went there and had a lot of fun.
It doesn’t matter where you sit — at the counter, at the bar, or in a booth — because it’s all amazing. For dinner, I order the flannel cake, which is a treat for me. It’s like a cross between a crepe and a pancake, and it’s indescribable. It’s heaven on earth. And of course, their martinis are a 10 out of 10. Not only do they taste amazing, but they look amazing, too. Just beautiful. I ordered a gin martini, which the bartender makes for me. I don’t like twists, though. I also like olives stuffed with blue cheese, but my dinner companions really cringe. I always say, “Just try it!”
9:30pm: Watch a late-night movie (maybe)
If I’m in the mood, I’ll sometimes go see a late-night movie with my mom or my boyfriend. I really enjoy going to the cinema. My mom and I are going to see “The Bikers.” I love Jodie Comer and I think she’s one of the greatest actresses of all time.
Midnight (or so): Put on the sleep crown
I’m not an early sleeper, but I try to get in bed early, around 11 or 12 o’clock, because I have a special pillow that helps me prepare for bed. I wear a Drowsy sleep mask and I have a weird pillow called a Sleep Crown that you put on your head. I travel a lot, so I’m always in different places and I have to sleep the same way everywhere, so I’m very particular about when I go to bed.