By Jae-Ha Kim
Los Angeles Times
June 4, 2019
Actor Nathaniel Potvin is just 19 years old, but he’s juggling multiple projects like a pro. Besides the Netflix series “American Vandal” and “Alexa and Katie,” his recent credits include Disney XD’s “Mech-X4” and Facebook Watch’s “Five Points” (executive produced by Kerry Washington), which has been renewed for a second season. An avid traveler, Potvin says he has fallen in love with New York City. “As of right now, New York is my favorite vacation destination,” says the Los Angeles resident. Fans may stay in touch with the actor on Instagram and Facebook.
Q. What do you recommend people check out in New York?
A. Go to Levain Bakery on the Upper West Side. Best cookies I have ever had in my life! Second, I would tell them to go visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), which has a beautiful collection that is unforgettable. New York City is my favorite now, but it is likely bound to change as I travel more.
Q. What was the first trip you took as a child? And did you love it … or not so much?
A. I think my first trip I took as a child was to New Orleans, Louisiana. When I was there, I hated it. As my mom describes it, I was sick with an ear infection. How could you not hate that? But I recently went back and loved it. It is truly an amazing town full of good food and the best jazz.
Q. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A. Walking from destination to destination is better than taking transportation, because while you are walking you can discover more interesting spots you would like to try.
Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A. Mammoth Ski Resort. I love the snow and skiing, even though I’m a novice. I always love the chance to get better and go on harder runs, while my friends and family laugh at my falling.
Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A. I would love to go all over Italy just for the food. I fancy myself an amateur chef, so I would love to go and watch the Italian grandparents cook the food.
Q. If you could only pick one place to eat, which would you choose — a casual meal at a street cart or fine dining at a nice restaurant?
A. (The latter) for sure. I love to eat at fine-dining restaurants, even though some might argue I never properly dress for the event. I just find that when eating at those types of establishments, they have more selections and a variety of aromatic combinations.
Q. What untapped destination should people know about?
A. I think more people should know about Portland. Some of the best cuisine I have eaten is up in Portland.
Q. What is your best and/or worst vacation memory?
A. My best vacation memory is getting to ice skate at the 30 Rock ice skating rink in New York City, right before New Year’s Eve. My worst vacation memory is going to Disneyland on my birthday and then getting sick with the flu as soon as we got there. My older brothers got to go have fun with my pops while I was watching “The Hulk” with Edward Norton.
Q. Where do you think is the most romantic destination?
A. Italy or Paris, France. I have never been, but I am hoping to go one day.
Q. Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?
A. Vancouver. I know it gets cold and snowy up there, but I had to live there for close to a year while I was shooting a show. I found parts of it — and some of the people — reminded me of Los Angeles.
Q. When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A. I must have a backpack, phone charger, my computer, books I’m reading, sunglasses and my hydro flask.
Q. What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
A. I love going to art museums. I feel bad for whoever is with me, because I am always dragging them along for hours!
© 2019 JAE-HA KIM
DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
He has such a francophone name 😉