Credit: Sebastian Reuter, Savion Washington via Getty Images.
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Staff Writer
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April 23, 2026
Los Angeles dining isn’t just about reservations at high-profile restaurants: it’s also about where celebrities actually eat when they’re off duty. During an exclusive interview as part of the press tour for Michael, Jaafar Jackson and Juliano Valdi opened up about their go-to spots across the city, giving a glimpse into where famous names really go when they’re not on set or in the spotlight.
Jaafar Jackson knows exactly what he wants when a savory craving hits. His destination is The Honor Bar, a relaxed but refined eatery located in Beverly Hills. Jackson points to one specific menu item that won him over: Ding’s crispy chicken sandwich. Cutting through the noise of the competitive local food scene, he simply declares it “probably the best I’ve tried in town.”
Moving across the city, Juliano Valdi shifts the culinary focus to deep comfort dining. His go-to spot is Fixins Soul Kitchen, situated at L.A. LIVE in Downtown Los Angeles. Valdi praises the establishment as a true soul food destination, highlighting their waffles and chicken as a classic sweet and savory pairing.
The choices extend well past that signature dish. Valdi calls out traditional sides, noting he specifically loves their grits and hushpuppies. He also makes a point to mention the fantastic fish. Upon hearing this rundown of hearty plates, Jackson admitted he had not tried the restaurant yet but quickly agreed, “that sounds like a good spot.”
About Michael, the movie
Michael is an upcoming biographical bringing the story of Michael Jackson to the big screen in a major studio production. The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King under GK Films, aiming to portray both the rise and global impact of one of the most influential entertainers in music history.
It stars Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson, alongside Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson and Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, with a supporting cast that traces key figures throughout his life and career. The movie is scheduled to hit cinemas worldwide on April 24, marking its official theatrical release, including IMAX screenings in select markets.