PaleyFest LA Producer Rene Reyes' Guide To Los Angeles

Though he was born in Miami, Rene Reyes has lived in Los Angeles for 22 years, making him somewhat of an expert on the city. The Paley Center's production executive has also spearheaded all of the center's public events, exhibitions and festivals since 2004 — including the annual PaleyFest LA, which celebrates its 35th year starting March 16.

“We’re in our 35th year, but we only look 29,” Reyes joked about the festival, which will showcase star-studded panels from some of today's most buzzed-about television shows, from "Stranger Things" to "The Big Bang Theory."

With such a diverse collection of shows airing on networks and streaming platforms this year, Reyes thinks there's even more creativity in TV than ever before. "The opportunity for different, new and original voices to come to attention on television is incredible, and that’s happened because of all of these additional avenues that are available," he explained.

"We’re so blessed to be celebrating so many extraordinary women as part of the festival this year, both on the producing side and also the on-camera side," Reyes said. "Will and Grace's" Debra Messing and Megan Mullally, "Queen Sugar" executive producer Ava DuVernay and "The Handmaid's Tale" star Elisabeth Moss are just some of the female talent speaking on panels this year.

And then there's Barbra Streisand, who will be honored at the festival with an Icon Tribute for her breadth of work in television.

"Barbra Streisand is obviously an extraordinary talent, and she’s made an incredible contribution to television across all of these decades," Reyes explains. "This is someone who has been at the top of her game through all of these eras, from broadcast to streaming platforms, and I think we’re the first organization to acknowledge her body of work in this medium, so that’s kind of thrilling."

When he's not busy putting on the Paley Center's biggest events or watching the reboot of "Will & Grace" every Thursday, Reyes enjoys visiting the city's gorgeous beaches, picking up vinyl at Amoeba Music or enjoying the occasional Café con Leche from his neighborhood coffee shop. Here are a few of the Studio City resident's favorite destinations around LA.

What neighborhood do you live in? Studio City

What’s your occupation? I produce all the public events, exhibitions and festivals for the Los Angeles Paley Center for Media.

Describe LA in three words: Creative, diverse, beautiful

What’s your favorite overall LA restaurant? Currently, Café Amici in Beverly Hills – especially if Martin Lee is there. All time, the Tap Room at the Hamburger Hamlet on Sunset and Kate Mantilini on Wilshire – both are sorely missed.

Best sushi: Aji Sushi in Studio City

Best Italian food: Pasta al Tonno made by my husband at home (my real favorite restaurant).

Best dessert: McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream in Studio City

Best pizza: The Margherita pizza at Café Amici

Best spot for a quick lunch: Café Gratitude in Beverly Hills

Best restaurant for a romantic date: Ivy At The Shore in Santa Monica

Best Sunday brunch: Nat’s Early Bite in Sherman Oaks (if there isn’t a huge line)

A power business meeting: the Rooftop Grill at The Montage

A great cup of coffee (or tea!): Blvd Cafecito on Magnolia in Burbank. It has the best Café con Leche in LA.

Best steakhouse: Jar on Beverly

Best craft cocktail: Café Amici

What hotel would you recommend for your out of town guests? The Garland

Favorite shopping venue: Amoeba in Hollywood

Best gym or fitness studio: Beeman Park in Studio City (I don’t use a gym).

Best spa: I don’t use a spa but I highly recommend the restorative powers of our beautiful beaches.

Favorite charity event or organization: The Professional Dancer’s Society’s annual spring luncheon at the Beverly Hilton.

What’s the best museum or current exhibit in LA? I love the incredible Margaret Herrick Library at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Best historic or iconic LA landmark to see or explore: The LA Arboretum or Descanso Gardens.

What’s your all-time favorite spot in LA? It’s always changing but there’s that incredible spot when you’re traveling down Malibu Canyon Road and suddenly the Pacific Ocean in all its glorious splendor comes into view. Wow!

The best aspect of Los Angeles is: It is anything you want it to be. It’s a gorgeous sprawling metropolis where anything is possible. Plus the weather, the beach, the mountains, and the people.

Before PaleyFest LA takes the city by storm from March 16-25, the Paley Center for Media will highlight African-American achievements in television across several decades of music, drama comedy, news and sports through exhibits in New York and LA throughout February.

"There are so many untold stories, which you can see when you’re looking across all these decades," says Reyes. "Something that the Paley Center can do better than anyone else, I think, is give you a sense of the scale of something across decades, so I'm excited about having that happen on both coasts."

Get Tickets to PaleyFest LA 2018 Here

First Photo: Courtesy of the Los Angeles Paley Center for Media