The melting pot of Los Angeles is particularly reflected in the city’s food. And that’s provided an avenue for Alex Cottrell to make a name for himself online as the L.A. Try Guy.
His L.A. Try Guy series — which can be found on Instagram (@latryguy) and on YouTube — follows Cottrell as he tries various eateries across South Los Angeles and surrounding communities.
“I grew up eating in Arkansas, eating soul food and fried fish, fried that, whatever,” Cottrell, a native of Little Rock, tells The Hollywood Reporter.
“I love, I love L.A., I love the city. You know, it’s been a wonderful, wonderful journey.” Cottrell says about his new home. Back in 2020, after the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country, lockdowns forced Cottrell to shutter an ice cream shop that he ran back in Arkansas. Fortunately, he found a job in sales which allowed him to move to the West …