I recently became interested in a show called Vendrtv, where the host goes all over to try the best street food. His love for food and the variety that I haven't been exposed to inspired me to have a food tour to check out what I'm missing.

Of course, there are several restrictions. I mostly (or want to mostly) eat alone because my friends probably don't want to travel that much just for food and because I want to enjoy trying new foods without any additional bias or judgment. And they like expensive food (my friends always go to expensive places simply because they let one of my friends decide where to go for them). Also, since it is just me and I'm a college student and therefore financially limited, I can't spend a lot on the food itself and hotels and transportation is hard enough. so here is what I've decided so far.

I will take a food tour of my hometown, Los Angeles, CA during summer break and with some exceptions, will be taking bus/subway transportation. Along with actual restaurants, I will be touring culinary schools as well (lucky me there is a Culinary Institute of America in Cali). In terms of cash, I won't be having "fine dining ", but for the most part I will try eating some appetizers or a combination of sides, unless the entree is cheap enough. It's the taste that satisfies me, not the quantity, but I'm not against more bang for your buck of course ;). No chain restaurants because I'm tired of that.

Here are some questions I have:
What are some great places to eat solo in Los Angeles?
What are some great places to eat solo anywhere? (if I decide to do a food tour elsewhere. I go to college in the Middle of Nowhere, NY, so transportation is a big deal)
What are some good culinary schools to consider/visit?
What are some general tips for a "trip" like this?
Any recommended 'themes' I could follow (I might do an "ethnic" themed tour or "Anything but traditional" which is contemporary twists on traditional cuisine)

Anything would help. Thanks!