“I wear many hats—business founder, content creator, writer, actress—but ultimately I am a storyteller at heart,” says Brentwood resident and mother-of-three Samantha Gutstadt. A native of Toronto, Canada, Gutstadt first moved to LA to pursue an acting career before eventually using her natural comedic talents to create branded and original sketches and series across her popular social media platforms that include Instagram, Tik Tok and even podcasts. But of all her achievements, it is the title of “mom” that means the most—and one that she often incorporates into her work, dishing out practical, and sometimes satirical parenting advice and jokes. And Brentwood is the perfect backdrop. “It feels like I am raising my kids in a small town with all of the sweetness—shop owners knowing our names and the rituals of going to and supporting our local businesses,” Gutstadt says. “We have everything we can ever need or want, all in a small radius.” Here, a few of her favorite places.
“When they know your name and custom salad, you know you’re a regular. Barney’s Gourmet Hamburgers at the Brentwood Country Mart is a fave for us all—my kids love the burgers, steak fries and chicken tenders.” 225 26th St.; 310-899-0133; barneyshamburgers.com
“Whether it’s a family dinner or date night, Ospi Brentwood is a fun and delicious spot bustling with locals. I love their cocktails, spicy cauliflower and branzino. And of course, the pizza!” 11677 San Vicente Blvd., #200; 424-317-0007; ospi.com
“Capsule Shop is like a personal stylist and store all in one. I can always find perfectly curated looks made for preschool pickup, soccer games and PTA meetings. They carry my favorite brands that are made for mom life.” 11640 San Vicente Blvd., #109; 310-984-1234; capsuleshoponline.com
“The Yogurt Shoppe is our favorite soft serve in town. Each of us has our own order, mine being (not so basic) vanilla.” 11726 Barrington Ct.; 310-440-0088; theyogurtshoppe.com
“Bellacures—because moms need a break too. Actually, this spot has become a special place for me and my three-year-old daughter to begin our lifelong tradition of mother-daughter nail days.” 11712 Barrington Ct.; 310-295-0016; bellacures.com
“My 30-minute weekly appointments at Pause Brentwood are my health highlight of the week. They offer infrared saunas, cold plunges, cryo, floats and IV drips.” 11611 San Vicente Blvd., GF3; 424-372-9009; pausestudio.com
Poppy Store has the cutest kids’ clothes and most adorable brands this side of the 405, all tiny sized from newborn through elementary school. I love getting new moms gifts from here.” 225 26th St.; 310-260-4777; poppystores.com