30 Shades of L.A: Just Be in L.A.

The great thing about visiting or living in L.A, or any city for that matter, is the fact that you're just there. Experiencing, watching, tasting, observing, taking it all in. Every city speaks differently to different people, and has it's own vibe. There are lots of reasons why I love L.A., and lots of things that I love to do here, some of which I included in my 30 Shades of L.A..  But I'm still exploring and discovering new things.  That's the beauty of every thing in life. As soon as you think you may have it all figured out, you find that you're just learning more. And there is no end to that discovery.

Note: Discover what makes your town beautiful.

30 Shades of L.A: From One Tavern to the Next

So yesterday I wrote about tavern food and today it's about Tavern restaurant. Tavern in Brentwood is a relaxed restaurant to have lunch, dinner or brunch (which I'm still waiting to try). I love the main dining room with it's tall ceilings, large open windows, and leather seats. It reminds me of a modern French restaurant, and I love that style. Plus the food is delectable. Nice without being overly fancy. My style again.

Note: Their other restaurants are worth checking out too! 

30 Shades of L.A: Tavern Food

When I think of bar food I usually think of french fries, hot wings, and something greasy. But the gastropubs and taverns in L.A. have proven me wrong. These bars serve gourmet meals in smaller portions, so you can save room for more beer. Tonight I met a good friend at City Tavern in Culver City. I got the roasted mahi, served over figs, artichokes, and almonds in a port reduction sauce. This is definitely not your average bar food. For a great bar vibe and good food, hit up a gastropub. Pick up the latest copy of L.A. Magazine, which features the best new bars in L.A.. I can't wait to grab my issue.

No that's not blood

Note:  Come for the drinks stay for the food.

30 Shades of L.A: Fresh Pressed Juice

It's pretty obvious that L.A. is a health conscious city. But now with fresh juice bars opening up all around town it's even more apparent. I've been drinking fresh pressed juices for years, and recently they have become even more popular. Today I stopped by the newly opened Juice Crafters in Brentwood for their Greenest #3. The owner was helpful and very informative, and suggested a drink based on how I was feeling. I also loved the decor. Repping my hometown with a San Marcos lemons label on the wall.

Vintage California Fruit Labels 

Note: Drink your fruits and vegetables. 

30 Shades of L.A: Rose Bowl Flea Market

I've said this before, but one of the places on my L.A. hit list is the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena. I've found the best treasures there. Locket necklaces, an awesome blazer, vintage t-shirts, dresses, 70's YSL sunglasses, and the list goes on. People sell anything and everything, but you have to remember to negotiate. If something seems like a steep buy for a flea market find, try to talk them down a bit. If you can walk away with no regret, then move on to the next booth. The place is so big you might not get to all of it in one visit.

Vintage Boxes and Signs Booth

Note: Go in the morning.  It gets HOT in the afternoon in the summer.

30 Shades of L.A: A Real Euro Caffe

As I sit sipping my latte at Euro Caffe in Beverly Hills, I feel as if I have been transported to a small cafe on an unknown street in Italy. The owner speaks Italian to the group of regular Italian men that are there every day, as they stand at the bar and sip their espressos and take their ciggy breaks on the street. The TV is always playing soccer, and when there's not a game on, it's the Italian MTV. The panini sandwiches are just what you would expect in Italy and go perfectly with the small cookies and pastries.  I love picking out a few European fashion mags from the rack and flipping through the pictures.  It makes me feel like I'm in a real Euro Caffe.

The Italian Flag Waves the Customers In

Note: A cultural experience.

30 Shades of L.A: Hollywood Bowl

The Hollywood Bowl first officially opened in 1922, and through the years has seen the likes of some of the most famous performers, including Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Duke Ellington, Nat "King" Cole, and the list goes on and on. It's such a magical feeling seeing a show at the bowl and knowing that these great artist once graced that very same stage. Since I'm so inclined to bringing my own food and beverages to places, I would like to mention again that the Hollywood Bowl allows you to bring in your own goodies. You can snack while watching the show or bring a picnic and enjoy before. Some picnic areas open up four hours before the show starts. It's a perfect summer outing.

Note: Bring plenty of food to share for your group, and don't forget the blankets and a jacket.

30 Shades of L.A: Hit the Beach

With so many great beaches in the L.A. area it's hard to choose just one. Everyone has their favorite spot, and my personal favorite is Topanga Beach. I like that it never gets too crowded and there's always surfers and body boarders out in the water. But the most popular has to be Santa Monica. It stretches for miles and has a great running and bike path, as well as park that lines the edge. It's also home to the famous Santa Monica Pier. I'm such a beach bum, I say if there's sand and surf then go there.

Santa Monica Beach from Ocean Avenue, 13 Floors Up

Note: Every beach has it's own unique vibe.  Find the one that fits your style.

30 Shades of L.A: See a Movie Under the Stars

One of my favorite things to do in the summer is to see an outdoor movie. Whether I'm under the stars or the city lights, it brings back childhood memories or going to the drive-in. Tonight I saw Dirty Dancing at Grand Performances, which included a pre-screening dance-a-long and professional dancing throughout the film live on stage. It was SO much fun! There are outdoor screening happening all over town all summer long. My favorite being Cinespia, where you can watch films every weekend at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery and listen to a live DJ set before and after the show. Bring whatever food and beverages you want to make it a real outdoor party. Here's a link to some other outdoor screenings happening this summer:


http://eatseehear.com/movies/schedule/

Note: Bring a jacket or blanket, it will cool down as the night goes on.

30 Shades of L.A: Walt Disney Concert Hall

There's nothing like seeing a symphony orchestra at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The sound is impeccable and the musicians are so beautiful to watch. Every player is perfectly en sync as the conductor waves his baton. The Hall is internationally recognizable no only for its unique organ, amazing acoustics and world class performers and conductors, but also for its unique design. The very modern, and somewhat space-age looking structure was designed by world re noun architect Frank Gehry. If you don't get a chance to see a performance, at least go by to see the building.

Note: Everyone should a symphony performance.

30 Shades of L.A: Be a Tourist

When you travel you walk the line between being a tourist and wanting to fit in like a local. But I always say, it's not bad to be a typical tourist and hit up those hot spots, because if you're visiting a city for the first time, you are a tourist. I even recommend playing the tourist role in your own city. You could surprise yourself by what you may learn about the place you call home. A major tourist destination in L.A. is the Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard and the cement hand and foot prints outside Grauman's Theater (read more about that spot here). This has been a tradition since the 20's, and it's fun to see who's hands and feet match yours.

Note: Go early in the morning to avoid the rush of people and to actually get a chance to place your hands and feet into different ones.  Otherwise, there may be too many people standing around and taking pics.

30 Shades of L.A: Lighting Up the LACMA

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), holds more than 150,000 works of art. And one of the most recognizable is the display right in front of the museum that is free to passersby. Urban Lights by sculptor Chris Burden incorporates more than 200 restored streetlights from L.A. County. Every night the lights turn on, just like ordinary streetlights, and turn off just as the sun comes up. I suggest going to the museum in the late afternoon and staying to watch the lights come on at dusk. It can be quite romantic, and fun for the kids, who like to play hide-and-go-seek through posts.

Note: Even if you're not a kid, still run or walk if you would like, through the posts.  It's what the artist intended.

30 Shades of L.A: Tea at Urth Caffe

Urth Caffe has some of the most amazing teas, and well coffee too. But their teas are so amazing because they are made with fresh loose tea leaves. All of the different teas are on display in canisters at the various locations. Urth Cafe is such an L.A. thing, I can almost feel the eye rolling coming on. It was used in several episodes of Entourage and is a celeb hot spot. But regardless of why you go, try the tea. There's just so many options it's like 31 Flavors.

Note: Who cares if it's trendy, go for the loose leaf tea and organic coffee.

30 Shades of L.A: Catch a Flick at Grauman's

There's nothing like seeing a movie at Grauman's Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard. Another Hollywood icon, this theater has hosted countless film premieres, events and three Academy Award ceremonies. It opened in 1927, and in 1968 it was declared a historical and cultural landmark. The theater holds over a thousand people in it's decorative Chinese inspired main house. It doesn't have stadium seating or reclining chairs, but with admission into the theater you get to see some famous movie relics, like the blue and white checked dress Judy Garland wore in The Wizard of Oz.  It's like being in a movie museum.

Note: If you're star struck, check their website for upcoming premieres. 

30 Shades of L.A: Eat off a Food Truck

Gourmet food trucks in L.A. are all the craze. Eating off of a truck may not sound appealing, but these aren't the roach coaches that park outside Home Depot. They're restaurant style meals, serving every type of food imaginable. Even real eateries have their own food truck, like Border Grill and Sprinkles cupcakes. Today I had some amazing fried chicken from Ludo Truck, operated by chef Ludovic Lefebvre, the only chef in L.A. to receive the prestigious Mobil Travel Guide Five Star Award at two different restaurants.  I don't usually like fried chicken, it's either too greasy, too baked, or doesn't have any flavor, but this was non of the above. It was fresh, crisp, juicy and full of flavor.  Definitely top chef quality.

Note: There's a food truck for everyone.

30 Shades of L.A: Roosevelt Hotel

The Roosevelt Hotel is a Hollywood icon. The hotel opened in 1927, when Hollywood glamour girls and 'It' couples were starting to make press. Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford even financed the construction. The first Academy Awards were held there and it was the home of Marilyn Monroe for two years (read more about that here). The Roosevelt Hotel holds so much Hollywood history, and still continues to do so with the new generation of young hot things. The four main bars are different, but all have that same hip yet mellow vibe. The Spanish style dark carved wood, tile floors and painted ceilings make you feel like you're in another era.

The rooftop suite at the Roosevelt Hotel

Note: It's where old Hollywood meets young.

30 Shades of L.A: Yoga with Ashley Holm

I take yoga about 3 to 4 times a week, and I'm pretty much addicted. Not only does it give me great strength and flexibility, but it also calms my mind and opens up my creativity. I love taking my friend Ashley Holm's yoga class. Not only is she an amazing teacher, but she also has such a beautiful soul and great sense of humor that she brings to each class. I take her YW Cardio Flow level 2 at Yogaworks in Tarzana. I get my sweat on, get adjustments that help me get deeper into the poses, and have tons of fun. I always walk away with something to think about for the day, and usually for my life. Check out Ashley's blog for inspiring quotes and more information about the classes she teaches.
  
ashleyholmyoga.com

Note: Yoga enriches the soul, calms the mind, and strengthens the body.

30 Shades of L.A: Getting Lucky at L.A. Live

L.A. Live has helped bring more people downtown with it's nice clean plaza. It's always going off with some sort of day and night time activity. Today the TV show Storage Wars was hosting a live bidding of a storage locker. Open to anyone passing by, whoever got the closest to the value would win $1,000 cash prize. They also had mini lockers where you could wait in line to open one and win a prize. Tomorrow they will be having the L.A. Kings Stanley Cup victory parade, which starts at 12pm. L.A. Live is going to be swarmed with fans tomorrow, as the championship was claimed right there at Staples Center.

Storage Wars fans waiting in line to open a locker

Note: L.A. Live is a clean safe spot to grab food, a drink or simply hangout if you're in the downtown area.

30 Shades of L.A: Bottega Louie

The best French macarons in L.A. have to be at Bottega Louie. I went yesterday for a mid afternoon sugar rush and had The Grand Macaron. A crisp yet soft macaron ice cream sandwich filled with creamy vanilla bean ice cream and fresh berries. It's not at all heavy, and makes the perfect dessert on a warm summer day. I also took a small box of macarons home, since they're one of my most favorite desserts. While I was waiting for my check a man who works for the owner came over and started chatting with me about the desserts. He informed me that the restaurant sells about 130,000 macarons a week and employs about five bakers that just make the macarons. No wonder they are made to perfection.

The Grand Macaron

The bakery display at Bottega Louie

Note: It's definitely worth the venture downtown.

30 Shades of L.A: Dodger Blue

I would like to apologize for the late post. I was at the Dodger game and it went a lot later than I expected. Although the Dodgers lost to the Angels 3-2, it's always a good night when you're at Dodger Stadium. There were tons of fans out, including one man who got down on his knee and proposed to his girlfriend, which had the whole stadium in applause. The game was tied all the way into the ninth inning, when the Angels made a run and eventually won the game. I'm waiting for Matt Kemp to get off the DL and help the Dodgers get back to the top of the League. Regardless, win or loose, Matt Kemp or not, I'm still a Dodger fan through and through.

Andre Ethier getting ready to bat

Note: When you're a fan, you're a fan for life.

30 Shades of L.A: BYOB to Malibu Seafood

Malibu Seafood not only offers tasty meals but also sells fresh seafood for you buy and cook at home. The large lobster tank, fresh fish case, cookbooks, olive oil and sourdough bread are all on display in this tiny cafe. There's no indoor seating, but there's a vast amount of tables outside, where you can watch the waves crash and the cars zoom past on PCH.  If you do want to come when the weather is cooler, you can sit in the barn-like sitting room, but you won't be able to see the pretty view.  Malibu Seafood allows you to bring your own beer or wine, which can turn the patio into your own private party or romantic dinner watching the sunset.

Note: A local favorite and tasty must try. 

30 Shades of L.A: Marina del Rey Harbor

When you follow the brick road along the Marina del Rey harbor you will come across Fisherman's Village, a small shopping strip with restaurants, art galleries, businesses, and gift shops.  Gaze at the boats and listen to the sea lions as you enjoy the sea breeze.  If you come on a Wednesday evening you can watch the sail boats come in and out of the harbor, a tradition that has been going on for years.   

Note: Just expect a nice relaxing time.

30 Shades of L.A: Dinner at Blue Plate

Last night I stumbled upon a very tasty restaurant on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. After an amazing yoga class my friend and I walked over to Blue Plate, where we ordered a smooth glass of white wine and yummy chicken and fish tacos. There's very limited outdoor seating at this quaint beachy restaurant, but luckily we were able to sit outside and enjoy the surprisingly warm evening. It was a nice night filled with great food and great company. After dinner we indulged in a delicious apple crumble.  The perfect night cap.


I couldn't decide which picture to use, so here's all three.

Note: Get the apple crumble, if you like those sort of things.

30 Shades of L.A: The New Pink Taco

The newly open Pink Taco in West Hollywood is already poppin'. It opened on Memorial Day weekend to a long waiting list of people and is even pulling in the young Hollywood crowd. The fun Dia de los Muertos vibe and good drinks and food is going to keep them staying long past dusk. This is definitely going to be a hot summer day drinking spot.

The seat cover at Pink Taco West Hollywood

Note: Be prepared to wait a long time for a table to dine.  Otherwise, snag a spot at the bar.  They still serve you free chips and salsa.

30 Shades of L.A: Cruise Along the Venice Canals

There's something about the Venice Beach Canals that is just so romantic. As I walk along the canals I imagine that I am in Venice Italy, minus the thousands of people, water taxis and masses of boats. But this is exactly what founder Abbot Kinney envisioned when he built the canals in 1905. Although many of the original canals are now paved streets, the canals that do exist make the perfect setting for a leisurely walk.

Cruising Along the Venice Canals

Note: Walking the canals at Venice Beach is cheaper than flying to Venice.

30 Shades of L.A: Porto's Bakery

I had to venture to Glendale today, and in doing so I decided to finally check out the local favorite, and extremely popular, Porto's Bakery. This place was packed! The line of people waiting to order never seemed to shorten, and I can see why. Although I wasn't able to have lunch there, I got a few pastries and a coffee to go. So good! I grabbed a few cookies that I haven't tried before and dove right in. I can see why Porto's is all that it's talked up to be. Next time I'll have to stay and try the potato balls, their Cuban specialty.

Yummy new cookies I tried at Porto's Bakery

Note: If a place is packed it means there's something good inside.

30 Shades of L.A: Holmby Park

Today I took a jaunt around Holmby Park for a mid-afternoon breather. As one of my favorite parks, it is clean, cozy and serene. I've gone here more times than I can count to relax on the grass and read a book, to workout, walk, and even play golf. An 18-hole, 3 par course is located in the middle of the park, and is great for practicing your short game. There's also picnic tables, a children's playground, BBQ pits, and the Holmby Park Lawn Bowling Club dubbed, the "Official Lawn Bowling Club of Los Angeles."  Located close to UCLA, in one of the most sought after neighborhoods in Los Angeles, the park attracts people of all ages, and has them (and me) coming back season after season.

Holmby Park from the Walking Path

Note: Enjoy the fresh air.

30 Shades of L.A: Who Doesn't Love Brunch

Brunch is my favorite meal, but it's a treat that I don't get often. Cereal in the late morning doesn't really count as brunch. Not saying it needs to be fancy, just tasty. A nice latte, fresh fruit, and a fluffy baked good or yummy scramble. And a low key spot to get a not too fancy yet super tasty brunch is at Amandine Cafe. Wedged between a Windsor Pilates studio and a bar, this ivy covered cafe can be easy to miss as you zip down Wilshire Boulevard, but it's definitely worth the U-turn. The pastry display is amazing, and if you can nab a table out front, it's a great spot to enjoy the sun and indulge.

Note: Bring change for street parking, but there seems to be plenty of it.

30 Shades of L.A: Retail Therapy

Today was a day for retail therapy. But it was less frivolous shopping, and more I need to buy some concealer before I start looking like a raccoon. Although there are many popular streets to shop along, I had to make my way to a department store. So to the mall I went. As a mall culture popularized by Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Mallrats, growing up it was the cool hangout, and apparently it still is.

Only open for two years, the Santa Monica Place outdoor mall is already on the radar as prime retail shopping for locals and tourists...maybe because it's located directly across from 3rd Street Promenade.

Santa Monica Place Courtyard

Note: Avoid the crowd, don't go on the weekend.

30 Shades of L.A.

30 Shades of L.A: Buy Local


Today is the first day of my 30 Shades of L.A.  And the idea of the day is: Buy Local.


In every pocket of town there is a farmers market to serve your fresh produce needs.  It makes the large vast L.A. landscape seem small, and gives that area a small town feel. Contrary to what most people believe, California is not all sun and surf.  California leads all of the other states in farm income and is the agricultural powerhouse of the nation, with production of over 200 different crops.  Support Cali and head to your nearest farmers market.  And if you don't know the closest one, download the Farmers Market Finder Ap.  It informs you of the location and times of the farmers markets in your area and where ever else you choose.  It's a great resource that I use often.  

Fresh Citrus Display at the El Segundo Farmers Market

Note: Buy Local.  The freshest produce is in your hometown.