tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43558687395580661612024-02-21T21:53:32.051-08:00Off The Couch LAGo on, get out there.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger143125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355868739558066161.post-13511090819505915742016-09-12T18:46:00.001-07:002016-09-12T18:46:13.378-07:00Catalina Island<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Where:</b> Catalina Island<br />
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<b>Get there:</b> Ferry or helicopter</div>
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<b>Destination: </b>Avalon (coastal town)</div>
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<b>Goal: </b>Do everything in 12 hours</div>
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<b>Tips</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.catalinaexpress.com/schedule-fares.html"><b>The ferry to Catalina Island</b></a></div>
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There are two tiers of tickets you can buy, and it's best to reserve online. Commodore is the "premier" tier and you get to board the boat first plus enjoy a complimentary drink. General means you board after Commodore and don't get a free drink. Also, the boat blasts air so bring a hoodie. Tickets for adults run from $36/way (general) to $51/way (commodore). Going on your birthday? <i>Your ticket is free.</i></div>
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You can also opt to travel by <a href="http://www.islandexpress.com/flights.php?fromprogram=index.php&sequence=1&fromlink=headerlink">helicopter</a>, which is about $250/round-trip per person.</div>
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<b>Rent your room</b></div>
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Think you might want to stay over (or have a home base throughout the day?) rent your room before you go; on major holidays and weekends rooms get completely booked out in advance.</div>
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<b>Rent bikes</b></div>
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Most people get around Avalon by foot, bike or golf cart—and rentals run out quick. Before your trip, go online to <a href="https://catalinabiking.com/">Brown's Bikes </a>and reserve your ride. Bikes are $20 each for the day.</div>
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<b>Rent your lounge chair or cabana</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/activities-adventures/descanso-beach-club">Descanso Beach Club</a> is the place to be if you want to swim, drink and relax. There's public beach access for a few bucks or your can snag a lounge chair or cabana for the next level of luxury. Like hotel rooms, these go fast so book in advance of your visit.</div>
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<b>The 12-hour Catalina Day Trip</b></div>
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<b>Start: 6:00am </b></div>
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Hop on the earliest ferry. It's brutal, and for the 6:00am boat ride you have to arrive at the harbor at 5:15am to check in. This means you'll get up in the 4:00 hour. Grab coffee.<br />
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<b>Arrive/Breakfast: 7:00am</b></div>
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Your ferry will arrive promptly at an hour you're usually just waking up to, which is <i>fantastic</i> but also means you'll be able to get breakfast before anyone else. This is crucial. Go to <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/original-jacks-country-kitchen-avalon?osq=Breakfast+Restaurants">Original Jack's Country Kitchen</a>, a quick and cozy diner where you can get the much needed second cup of joe, eggs, waffles, breakfast burritos and more. </div>
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<b>Golf cart around Avalon: 8:45am</b></div>
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Next, you'll want to get a lay of the land and the best method is via golf cart. Avalon has some windy hilly roads, and while you think you want to bike them...don't. <a href="http://www.catalinagolfcartrentals.com/">Rent a golf cart</a> for an hour ($40) and follow the map they provide that will take you around, up and down all of Avalon.<br />
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<b>Bike to Descanso Beach Club: 10:00am</b></div>
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After dropping off your golf cart, saunter over to pick up your reserved ride from <a href="https://catalinabiking.com/">Brown's Bikes.</a> Head to <a href="http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/activities-adventures/descanso-beach-club">Descanso Beach Club</a> (opposite end of Avalon from where the ferry drops you). </div>
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<b>Descanso Beach Club: 10:30am</b></div>
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Tucked into the corner of a cove, <a href="http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/activities-adventures/descanso-beach-club/cabana-rentals">the beach club</a> offers public beach access, a fully stocked bar with a food menu, lounge chairs and cabanas. As noted earlier you will want to reserve chairs or a cabana before your trip, but when it comes down to it you got up before before dawn and desperately need a nap so this is your place to do it. When you're refreshed, take a dip in the ocean then grab a drink and snack.</div>
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<b>Lunch: 2:00pm</b></div>
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There are tons of places in the center of Avalon for lunch, all likely busy. Opting for bar seating will expedite your wait, plus a beer at lunch is practically mandatory. <a href="http://www.bluewatergrill.com/locations/catalina-island">Bluewater Grill</a> sits right on the pier; get the tuna poke and chopped salad.</div>
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<b>Jet skis: 3:15pm</b></div>
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If you do nothing else, <a href="http://toursoncatalinaisland.com/html/catalina_jet_ski.html">rent a jet ski</a>. Most run $130/hour for 2 people. Do it, it's the best hour I've ever had. Especially in the afternoon when the light hits the water just-so (and don't forget to check out all the boats with fantastic names as you taxi to-and-from the jet ski barge).<br />
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<b>Return: 5:30pm</b><br />
The ferry ride back will be exhausting, but since you'll be a bit more awake than your outbound trip make sure to watch as the ferry approaches the LA harbor.<br />
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By 6:30 you'll be back on the mainland, totally wiped and absolutely thrilled. Naturally, some people stay in Catalina overnight—but now you know you could totally do it in just one.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355868739558066161.post-91804966663452680362016-09-07T22:40:00.001-07:002016-09-08T22:51:46.359-07:00How to do EVERYTHING in ICELAND<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
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<span style="color: #141414; font-family: inherit;"><b>Where:</b> </span><span style="color: #141414; font-family: inherit;">Iceland</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;"><b>Date:</b></span><span style="color: #141414;"> 1st week in May</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;"><b>Trip:</b></span><span style="color: #141414;"> LAX <---> JFK <---> KEF</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;"><b>Actual days in Iceland:</b></span><span style="color: #141414;"> 7:00 a.m. May 4 - 8:00 a.m. May 10 (7 full days)</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;"><b>Season:</b> </span><span style="color: #141414;">Just before the high season</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #141414; font-family: inherit;"><b>Temperature:</b></span><span style="color: #141414; font-family: inherit;"> Roughly 41-5<span style="font-family: inherit;">1<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 18px; white-space: nowrap;">℉</span> (+ winds)</span></span><br />
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<b style="color: #141414; font-family: inherit;">Goal:</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;">If you're thinking about going to
Iceland, you're 100% looking for adventure and it's likely you're eyeballing
the island (it's about 1/5 the size of California) thinking "let's drive
around it and do everything" which was our exact mindset for this trip.
Luckily, it's 100% doable, depending on your budget, the time of year and your
patience for long drives.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;"><b>The itinerary:</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;">Upon research, we quickly realized
the key to doing everything in Iceland which can be summed up in two words:</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;">Just don't.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;">That is, if you want to get the most
out of the everything there is to do, see and eat in Iceland without being
in the car 24/7—then you simply must focus on the best. And only the
best. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141414;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> This is that list.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;"><b> Things you should know </b>(that we wish we did):</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;"><b>TripAdvisor</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;"><span style="color: #141414;">All of Iceland is rated on </span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g189952-Iceland-Vacations.html">TripAdvisor, Iceland</a>. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;"><b>Rental cars</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;">Plan to pick one up at the airport and make sure to book it
before your trip. That way you are guaranteed a vehicle in
your price point and while you'll be driving yourself everywhere,
you'll have flexibility, freedom and less time in transit
from one place to the next. Iceland is not a dense country,
and traveling by bus will make it seem even less so. I recommend <a href="http://www.carsiceland.com/"><span style="color: #320065;">Cars Iceland</span></a> ($506
for 6 days, 7 nights not including gas).</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;"><i>Regarding the insurance you'll
be asked if you want:</i> get everything. We got a deal on the daily rate that
included all the dent, gravel, theft, ash, sand (SAAP) insurance you'd
ever need regardless of what kind of road you stick to. Oh, and make sure not
to leave your door open and have it blown backward by the
Icelandic winds that can fiercely pick up out of nowhere; that's <i>not</i> covered. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;"><b>Gas Stations</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;">You'll find them periodically
throughout Iceland's main throughways; <a href="https://www.n1.is/en">N1</a> is everywhere, and you should buy a
pre-paid gas card on Day 1 so you don't ever find yourself in need of gas when
the register is closed (or in the case you don't have a PIN for your credit
card, which most people in the U.S. do not).</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;"><b>Grocery Stores</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;">There are several, but <a href="http://www.bonus.is/">Bónus</a>
and <a href="https://kronan.is/">Krónan</a> are everywhere. Buy all your snacks, picnics and candy here for significantly cheaper than buying anywhere else. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;"><b><a href="http://www.bluelagoon.com/">Blue Lagoon</a></b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;">Located between the airport and
Reykjavik, most people go on their first or last day in Iceland. I recommend
your last day since it's a great place to relax and reflect. More on this later.</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;"><b>Alcohol</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;">In Iceland, you can't get any liquor over 2.25% alcohol in local grocery stores so you'll need to find the local <a href="http://www.vinbudin.is/english/Heim.aspx">Vínbúðin</a> (liquor store) for the real stuff.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Places of Interest: </span><span style="color: #333333;">⌘</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;">Throughout Iceland and along the main
roads you'll come across signs with the symbol: </span><span style="color: #333333;">⌘</span><span style="color: #333333;"> and you'll wonder what they mean. Basically
markers for "places of interest" with varying ranges of actual
interest, the historically or culturally important ones will have interpretive
signs (the name for those flat panel signs that read something like a
history book) and the rest (like a lovely spot to picnic or
a wondrous view) might just have arrow indicators. While you won't
miss a lot by not stopping at the ones left out of your guidebook, if you're in
the mood simply pull over and investigate. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189970-d1852122-Reviews-Baejarins_Beztu_Pylsur-Reykjavik_Capital_Region.html"><span style="color: #320065;">Baejarins Beztu </span></a><span style="color: #320065;"><u><o:p></o:p></u></span></span><span style="color: #320065;"><u>Pylorus</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;">That hotdog stand everyone talks
about; if there's no line then get one. If there's a line then come back
another time. While it won't be the best hot dog you've ever had, it's a cheap bite.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;"><b>Day 1</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;">Most flights arrive at 7am at
Keflavik International Airport. With your rental car, you'll want to head
straight to Reykjavik so you can top off on gas, get snacks and set out on your
first day. </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189970-d2236791-Reviews-Bakari_Sandholt_Reykjavik-Reykjavik_Capital_Region.html"><span style="color: #320065;">Sandholt Bakery</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;">One of the only places in Rekyavik
that's open early, and it's absolutely delicious. Think fresh sandwiches,
intoxicating baguettes, crackly croissants and COFFEE. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Circle_(Iceland)">The Golden Circle</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;">Since you're up early and
running on adrenaline, take advantage and tackle the
Golden Circle. Must-see stops along the Golden Circle are:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;"><br /></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDXp2i6VpSl7QjjrazENYj53NWfvdMrwubeDPmaoUJ9B5iFs_UZ68kCh7dNkM31cZCUYunF2r08hRu5JKGA5mnk20nCARR0H4chwD2qkJuAzckQtfu1EY90B9_7SPL21uXiOL-vvuQaE/s1600/pinglvier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDXp2i6VpSl7QjjrazENYj53NWfvdMrwubeDPmaoUJ9B5iFs_UZ68kCh7dNkM31cZCUYunF2r08hRu5JKGA5mnk20nCARR0H4chwD2qkJuAzckQtfu1EY90B9_7SPL21uXiOL-vvuQaE/s640/pinglvier.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%9Eingvellir" style="font-family: inherit;">Thingvellir
(Þingvellir) National Park </a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The epitome of Icelandic
history, Þingvellir is a popular tourist stop and no trip to
Iceland is </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">complete without a hearty stroll around the ruins. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">When </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">you're super jet lagged you'll wander this
place in a daze, but hourly doses of caffeine will get you </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">through.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://gullfoss.is/" style="font-family: inherit;">Gullfoss Waterfall</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Gigantic, stunning waterfall
with a magnificent roar. Go on, get real close and feel the
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">mist on your face</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">. Have lunch at
the </span><a href="http://gullfoss.is/cafe/" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #320065;">cafe
& restaurant;</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> opt for the</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> soup of the day
(choose between lamb soup and veggie soup) and relish in
the accompanying </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">bread and butter and </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">free refills. </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">In general,
hearty soup is one of the most economic (and tasty) </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">ways to dine in
Iceland.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strokkur">Strokkur</a></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> (aka
Geysir)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Get ready for a gush of water to
shoot out of the ground over 50 feet high at unpredictable </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">intervals! If
you're starting to slump from fatigue, grab a coffee or soda and hold your
camera </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">steady. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keri%C3%B0">Kerið </a></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> (aka
crater)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Quite literally; you can walk around
the rim or venture down to circumvent the lake at the basin </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">of this
volcanic crater. You'll be quite impressed by the striking emerald hue
of the water.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;">After the completing the Golden
Circle, you can head back to stay in Reykjavik OR take the
opportunity to continue your way toward <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selfoss_(town)">Selfoss</a>, a quaint town with plenty
of stops for dinner and affordable lodging options. Highly recommend
this because you'll be that much closer to Day 2's main
activities. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Since you'll have some time before dinner and
sunset, <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g2052448-d2284905-Reviews-The_Ghost_Centre-Stokkseyri_South_Region.html"><span style="color: #420178;">The Ghost Centre</span></a> in Stokkseyri
is a delightful coastal destination. Stokkseyri itself is tiny; a few
neighborhood streets flank a lovely coastline and if you're hungry there is one
restaurant and one bar. The Ghost Centre is located in the bar, the
restaurant is right next door. <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g2052448-d1107743-Reviews-Fjorubordid-Stokkseyri_South_Region.html"><span style="color: #420178;">Fjorubordid</span></a> is famous for its seafood
(lobster) and it's relatively pricey. The Ghost Centre is a little walk-through
haunted house that comes with headsets and Icelandic folklore, ghost
stories and the occasional frights. After, enjoy a free espresso.<span style="color: #141414;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;">Dinner was at <span style="color: #320065;"><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g315852-d1883558-r117472035-Menam-Selfoss_South_Region.html">Menam</a> in Selfoss,</span> a Thai restaurant serving decent
curries, noodles and various appetizers. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;">We stayed at an
adorable guesthouse called <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g315852-d3411014-Reviews-Guesthouse_Bitra_B_B-Selfoss_South_Region.html"><span style="color: #320065;">Bitra</span></a>, which was basically a huge
farm house that's been renovated to be a quaint hostel. Breakfast was
included, a lovely home-cooked spread of handmade yogurt (the best I've ever
had), toast, meats, fruit, granola and more by the owners. Because it
was the off-season we got an entire 4-bed shared room to ourselves,
an unlikely occurrence during peak season. About $72 for two.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141414;"><b>Day 2</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our designated adventure day, which meant we needed
to get to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatnaj%C3%B6kull"><span style="color: #3f0074;">Vatnajökull</span></a>, Iceland's gigantic icecap and the
destination for our 5.5-hour glacier trek. From our hostel
to the glacier was a 3 hr and 15 min drive, and with our trek starting at 1
we should have bought lunch when we could (a gas station, perhaps a sandwich or
something) instead of arriving at the glacier with just trail mix. Take note!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #420178;"><a href="http://www.glacierguides.is/">Glacier Guides</a></span> is one of the handful of
companies at the base of the glacier that offers daily tours. You can meet them
there or opt for the bus that scoops you up and drops you off
in Reykjavik; I recommend driving yourself for optimal independence.
We chose the 1/2 day glacier hike and Glacier Guides provided us with all the
gear (crampons), interesting historical and geographical tidbits, ice trekking
lessons and small-group tour that we could fit in 5.5 hours. Fascinating and a
relatively decent workout, I highly recommend it. About $121 each.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Dinner was in <a href="http://www.south.is/en/inspiration/towns/hofn"><span style="color: #420178;">Hofn</span></a>, a small fishing town with stunning views, at <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/iceland/hofn/restaurants/fast-food/hafnarbudin"><span style="color: #420178;">Hafnarbúðin</span></a>, a quick place to stop for burgers, fish and chips and more. Right near the dock, <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/iceland/hofn/restaurants/fast-food/hafnarbudin"><span style="color: #420178;">Hafnarbúðin</span></a> offers an serene ocean view and fair prices. Starting our journey back south, we stayed at <a href="http://www.skalafell.net/"><span style="color: #420178;">Guesthouse Skalafell</span></a> where our accommodation was a room with two single beds and a private bath in a stand-alone cabin. Breakfast included. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day 3</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This day included many of the stops we skipped
during our mad dash from Selfoss to </span><span style="color: #0000e9;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatnaj%C3%B6kull" style="color: #0000e9; font-family: inherit;">Vatnajökull</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #3f0074;"> </span><span style="color: #3f0074;">as </span>we made our way </span>back<span style="font-family: inherit;"> to Rekyavik.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C3%B6kuls%C3%A1rl%C3%B3n">Glacier Beach</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cascades of icebergs drifting through the ocean and
beaching themselves on black sand was marvelous. Boat tours and such are
offered but the highlight is definitely walking on the black beach and taking
in all the dichotomy of black sand and ice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Lunch was at </span><span style="color: #420178;"><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189978-d1866968-Reviews-Halldorskaffi-Vik_South_Region.html">Halldorskaffi</a> </span><span style="color: #420178;">in another seaside town in Vik</span><span style="color: #420178;">. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Reasonably priced with good pizza and unlimited soup. However, had I known about </span><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g608875-d3339767-Reviews-Sveitagrill_Miu_Mia_s_Country_Grill-Hella_South_Region.html" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #420178;">Sveitagrill Miu-Mia's Country Grill</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> at
Skogafoss waterfall, I would have waited. About a minute from the base of the
waterfall is the little red and white dotted truck that serves the best fish
and chips I've ever had. The best. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #420178;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sk%C3%B3gafoss">Skogafoss</a></span> is
magnificent; it's towering heights makes for mist that travels several feet
beyond where it falls, and I hear during the warmer months the surrounding
area is great for camping. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Continuing on our way, we made our second waterfall
stop at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seljalandsfoss"><span style="color: #420178;">Seljalandsfoss</span></a>, the waterfall you can really
get up into. And by that, I mean you can walk the stony path that goes up
and behind the waterfall for a tremendous moment unlike any other. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Including
several stops for candy, the bathroom and a mighty number
of <span style="color: #333333;">⌘</span><span style="color: #333333;">, we arrived in Reykjavik in the
early evening and checked into the <a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/is/cityhoteliceland.html"><span style="color: #420178;">Metropolitan Hotel</span></a>, our digs for Friday and
Saturday night. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;">Positioned at the west end of Reykjavik center, our
private room included two single beds that we pushed together and a
private bath for only $80 per night. The location was perfect; the only
downside was the sulfuric (sorry, stench) that permeated from all
water sources. Not difficult to "stomach" under
usual circumstances, but absolutely unbearable when hungover. </span> After
settling in, we did what you do on Friday night in Reykjavik: go for
a drink. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our first (few) were at <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189970-d2191582-Reviews-The_Laundromat_Cafe-Reykjavik_Capital_Region.html"><span style="color: #420178;">The Laundromat Cafe</span></a>, an adorable
restaurant/bar that's serves beer for a decent price at happy hour.
Next, we got a snack at <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189970-d8397206-Reviews-Reykjavik_Chips-Reykjavik_Capital_Region.html"><span style="color: #420178;">Reykjavik Chips</span></a>, basically a fry and beer
joint that draws local teens, tourists and locals who want to coat their
stomachs before the night really begins. We rounded out our night at <a href="http://www.lebowskibar.is/"><span style="color: #420178;">The Big Lebowski</span></a>,
of which I remember nothing, aside from the place being packed and the
drinks likely not very cheap. Oh, and there's a sandwich place
called <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189970-d3680642-Reviews-Nonnabiti-Reykjavik_Capital_Region.html"><span style="color: #420178;">Nonnabitti </span></a>that sells fries and huge
greasy subs of delicious combinations that's open late. And it's good. Like.
Really good. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day 4</b></span></div>
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Breakfast at <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189970-d2236791-Reviews-Bakari_Sandholt_Reykjavik-Reykjavik_Capital_Region.html"><span style="color: #420178;">Sandholt Bakery</span></a><span style="color: #320065;">; </span><span style="color: #320065;">this time, grab a loaf of bread to go for on-the-go snacking. Chewy center, crisp exterior, there's nothing better.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="color: #320065;"><span style="color: #320065;">Take a quick jaunt up
to </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hallgr%C3%ADmskirkja" style="color: #320065;">Hallgrímskirkja</a><span style="color: #320065;">, </span>the stunning church you've likely seen peeking out
from what feels like the tallest point in town. After taking in the gigantic
pipe organ in the main area pay the $7.50 per person to take the elevator up to
the top. From here, you can take in a 360</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">°
view of Reykjavik through wrought-iron window cages for a very
instagramable moment.</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lunch should be at the must-stop <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189970-d1487023-Reviews-Svarta_Kaffid-Reykjavik_Capital_Region.html"><span style="color: #420178;">Svarta Kaffid</span></a>. Up a pin-narrow wood staircase, this second-story establishment is known for it's bread bowl of "unlimited soup" of which there are two varieties (one meat, one creamy vegetarian) and beer. At 1550 kr ($13.31) per bowl, it's one of the tastiest and cheapest meals in town.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Next up is the pool. Yes, pool, and no matter what time of the year, Icelanders are known for their pools/hot tubs which are a huge component of their social networks. It's where deals are made, couples meet and neighbors mingle. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We chose <a href="http://www.visitreykjavik.is/laugardalslaug"><span style="color: #420178;">Laugardalslaug</span></a>, the city's largest pool (and by pool, I mean pool, waterslide, hot tubs, gym and more) that's just a short drive from the town center. A small fee gets you into the facility, a rubber wristband that doubles as the lock to your personal locker and as long as you want in the pool. You'll be delighted to see that shoes must be taken off before entering the locker room, bodies must be washed (sans suit) before entering the pool and you must be completely dry before going to your locker post swim. This means that the floors are dry, the pools are clean and everything feels extraordinarily sanitary. Bravo!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After a few hours swimming, lounging and going down the waterslide (yes, adults can too), it's time for a quick pre-dinner visit to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harpa_(concert_hall)"><span style="color: #420178;">Harpa</span></a>, the concert house on the water. With class walls, hypnotic stairs and angles you expect from only the latest architecture, entry is free so be sure to check it out and wander around.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once you've racked up significant appetite, check out <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189970-d6696506-Reviews-Frederiksen_Ale_House-Reykjavik_Capital_Region.html"><span style="color: #420178;">Frederiksen Ale House</span></a>, a gastropub with a phenomenal happy hour and even better food and drink. Here, we dove into the fish and chips, the "bucket of bacon" (yes...bucket...) and steamed buns (I suppose it's a sort of fusion-type place). After dinner, make sure to check out another bar and mosey home once you've hit your limit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day 5</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bright and early, we stopped for more breakfast on
the road at <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189970-d2236791-Reviews-Bakari_Sandholt_Reykjavik-Reykjavik_Capital_Region.html"><span style="color: #420178;">Sandholt Bakery</span></a> (you laugh, but it's that
delicio<span style="font-family: inherit;">us) and made our way to the <span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Snæfellsnes</span> peninsula
(north west of Reykjavik). Probably our busiest day, here are some of the highlights:<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="background-color: white; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="http://www.west.is/en/west/place/gerduberg-basalt-columns">Gerðuberg Basalt Columns</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; white-space: nowrap;">Made from lava, the columns are max 45 feet tall. D</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="white-space: nowrap;">rive up </span></span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: nowrap;">as close as you can, park, get out </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; white-space: nowrap;">and </span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: nowrap;">walk up close.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/raudfeldsgja"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Rauofeldsgja Canyon</span></a><br />
A 30-minute mini hike into the crevice of a hillside and you'll find yourself face-first with a waterfall. Make sure to read up about the legend.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnarstapi"><span style="color: blue;">Arnastapi</span></a><br />
A tiny fishing village with coastal walking paths and fantastical rock formations. Get out, stretch your legs and take in the view: you might just catch sight of a whale!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g671732-d2354459-r139108742-Fjoruhusid-Hellnar_West_Region.html"><span style="color: blue;">Fjoruhusid</span></a><br />
For lunch, make your way to Hellnar for the cutest are around. Apparently it's well-know fordelicious and affordable soup. Make sure to drive ALL the way down the road (there is another cafe right before you head downhill). Don't stop till you get to Fjoruhusid!<br />
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<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1185905-d5984229-Reviews-Cave_Vatnshellir-Snaefellsbaer_West_Region.html"><span style="color: blue;">Vatnshellir Cave</span></a><br />
Journey to the center of the earth via winding staircase. Dark, full of curious rock formations and colorful lichen, this 45-minute tour through <a href="http://www.summitguides.is/#!vatnshellir-cave/op1r6">Summit Adventure</a> will take you to a handful of caves in this "8000 year old lava tube created by volcanic eruption from a nearby crater." Look for the little hut on the right side of the road in Snaefellsbaer. About $28 per adult.<br />
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<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g671732-d4737734-Reviews-Dritvik_and_Djupalonssandur-Hellnar_West_Region.html"><span style="color: blue;">Djupalonssandur</span></a><br />
A stunning pebbled beach known for the reminisce of a shipwreck and a series of big stones which people tried to lift and test their strength.<br />
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Fully Strong: 339 lbs<br />
Half-Strong: 220 lbs<br />
Weakling: 119 lbs<br />
Bungler: 50.73 lbs<br />
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Those in the level of "Weakling" and below were considered the frontier of wimphood and unsuitable for the fisherman's calling.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBoKx0DSW7oS8Lj3l3b5bQ-2Ey6_9-ZbGZLeUgZL92T4RxHYInb59QQuaABCK2L9Q9NaS_e8bPyZyb1hOlOhewFDAddiHNoHaqepjfmTzmtRGjeNRP-C5-9hZhLL1ju9XMxYoTsFi7PM/s1600/IMG_20160508_172441325_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBoKx0DSW7oS8Lj3l3b5bQ-2Ey6_9-ZbGZLeUgZL92T4RxHYInb59QQuaABCK2L9Q9NaS_e8bPyZyb1hOlOhewFDAddiHNoHaqepjfmTzmtRGjeNRP-C5-9hZhLL1ju9XMxYoTsFi7PM/s640/IMG_20160508_172441325_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.west.is/en/west/place/kirkjufell-mountain"><span style="color: blue;">Kirkjufell</span></a><br />
Known as the most photographed mountain in Iceland, Kirkjufell is opulent most times of day but most striking at sunset when its outline illuminates against the falling sky. A great stop before entering Grundarfjörður; make sure to park, walk around the waterfall that's across the road.<br />
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Our ultimate destination on the peninsula was <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g189983-d6755946-Reviews-Sugandisey-Stykkisholmur_West_Region.html">Sugandisey in Stykkisholmur</a>, the lighthouse on top a small hill with a view that extends beyond what your eye can comprehend. Folklore tells that you must not speak a word as you make the climb to the top; read more on the sign at the base of the staircase. The drive was 30 min each way, so the perfect jaunt before dinner.<br />
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<a href="http://www.hostel.is/hostels/Grundarfjordur/"><span style="color: blue;">Grundarfjörður HI Hostel</span></a><br />
Right by the water, this hostel offers a variety of accommodation of which we chose the 2-bed room with a private bath. With ample parking and access to the communal kitchen (with a glorious view of the sunset) this was one of my favorite places to stay. Like most remote villages in Iceland, there were two spots for dinner; we chose the local bar.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g666462-d5262938-Reviews-RuBen-Grundarfjorour_West_Region.html"><span style="color: blue;">RuBen</span></a><br />
Get a burger and beer. Don't expect much more than that and you'll be content that you got a hot meal and a cold brew.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day 6 </b></span></div>
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The goals for this day were multifold; get coffee, make our way back to Reykjavik in time to go to the Phallological Museum (aka Penis Museum) and to the Blue Lagoon by our 4pm reservation. We had an early start, which means nothing was open for coffee until we hit a gas station around 10am.<br />
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Our one detour was for <a href="https://guidetoiceland.is/connect-with-locals/jorunnsg/hiking-to-icelands-highest-waterfall---glymur">Glymur</a>, a hike to a waterfall that includes walking through caves, crossing a river and much more. Quite possibly the prettiest hike I've ever done, and one of the activities that is as must-a-do as the Blue Lagoon. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We managed to arrive in Rekyavik around lunchtime, where we had burgers (yes, again and yes, it's one of the cheapest meatcentric meals you can get in Iceland that's not the hotdog) at <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189970-d698770-Reviews-Prikid-Reykjavik_Capital_Region.html">Prikid</a> and visited the <a href="http://phallus.is/en/"><span style="color: #0000e9;">Phallological Museum</span></a> for $12.88 per person. This fascinating spot houses "a collection [of] 282 specimens from 93 different species of animals." Quite the trip, and a must if you have some time to kill and a good sense of humor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And finally, our crescendo: <a href="http://www.bluelagoon.com/blue-lagoon-spa/prices-and-packages/">The Blue Lagoon</a></span><br />
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Embarking upon the infamous BL feels much like Jurassic Park made a baby with a day spa. Not to be missed, BL sits alone in its massiveness but 45 minutes from Reykjavik amidst a flat, dusty landscape.<br />
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As noted, there are a few ticket options for BL, ranging from 50-80 Euros. If you have your own towel, get the basic ticket, otherwise you'll want to pay the 15 extra Euros for the towel and get a robe, drink, extra mask and more. Our ticket for 50 Euros included lagoon entry and a mud mask. Everything else (like drinks) can be purchased a la carte.</div>
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You'll wonder how long you'll want to soak, and the answer is forever. Simply, melt into the blue-white murky abyss and you'll probably emerge 4 hours later, several drinks in and in a state of relaxation I can only equate to...well, nothing. Don't forget your GoPro or underwater camera! </div>
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Our last night in Iceland was in a tiny shore town but 20 minutes from the airport called <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keflav%C3%ADk">Keflavik</a>. An Airbnb of a full 1-bedroom apartment, it was a good deal with a view across the water of Reykjavik; the only downside being that there was nowhere to eat dinner. Well, there were a few places but they were either wildly expensive or fast food. So, we opted for sandwiches and a pile of fries from none other than the trusty <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189970-d3680642-Reviews-Nonnabiti-Reykjavik_Capital_Region.html"><span style="color: #420178;">Nonnabitti</span></a>. After, we indulged in ice cream slurry things and candy from the local teen hangout while pondering what it must be like to live in a town the size of five city blocks back home.<br />
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With our flight at 8am the next day, we called it a night and a trip well done.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355868739558066161.post-35439393512519986282016-04-23T14:12:00.000-07:002016-04-27T22:07:20.108-07:0019 Awesome Secrets & Spots: LA to Monterey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>The central coast</b></i></span> is known for miles of ocean views, fruit festivals, wine tasting hotspots—but if that's all you're going for, you're missing out.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The following list will forever have my heart as some of my favorite places to eat, play and stay from Los Angeles to Monterey. They're accessible, affordable and run the range from infamous to unexpected, breathtaking to delicious. And...you've probably never heard of them before.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Tacos// Mony's. Photo credit: <a href="https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=LZdjNeR15G0ldnrcA4IYuQ">Henry J.</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>1. <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/monys-mexican-food-santa-barbara">Mony's</a></b> (eat)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">You'll want to get the tacos so you can try all 14 of the different fillings, but you really shouldn't say no to the nachos or burritos so go with a crowd (or just over order for yourself). This tiny Mexican eatery often has a line out the door, boasts sauces like peanut, pistachio and sweet mango, and with prices designed for hungry college kids, it's a true gem. Note: closed on Sundays. Under $10/pp (unless you get everything, in which case every dollar over is the best you'll ever spend.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>2. <a href="http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/737/files/current_web_camping.pdf">Carpinteria Campground</a></b> (lodging)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pitch a tent or park your RV, when you stay at any of the campgrounds in Carpinteria you're going to go to sleep and wake up to the rhythmic harmony of crashing waves. With walkable access to town you're never far away from a quick snack, meal or booze run and always just a few steps away from watching the sun rise and set over the ocean. Reserve online OR hedge your bets and arrive in the early afternoon to nab one of the spots set aside for drop-ins. Per night: $35-$60</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">This is glamping// El Capitan</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">3.</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <a href="http://www.elcapitancanyon.com/">El Capitan Canyon</a> </span></b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">(lodging)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">A short walk under the rail road tracks to the beach, El Capitan Canyon is 100% glamping. And it's wonderful; this, coming from a love-to-backpack-and-camp gal, means it's worth </span><i style="font-weight: normal;">every penny.</i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Whether you pick a safari tent decked out with a real bed, electrical outlets and private fire pit or a petite cabin, El Capitan is a must any time of year (even new year's eve, making it a unique and rustic option to traditional festivities). Rate: $145+/night</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Wind Caves// Gaviota</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">4. <a href="http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/GaviotaWindCaves_7480.asp">Wind Caves</a><b> </b>(hike)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Starting from Gaviota campground, this hike is short (2.5 miles round-trip) and in certain spots a bit steep, but when the summit is a series of wind caves (caves carved into rock by strong winds) it's the ideal quickie en route to pick blueberries or eat a pork sandwich (see below). The view is spectacular.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Blueberries galore// Santa Barbara Blueberries</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>5. <a href="https://www.santabarbarablueberries.com/">Santa Barbara Blueberries</a> </b>(activity)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Driving north, this blueberry and raspberry farm is seasonal (June-July, sometimes starting in April or extending through August) so make sure to stop and take advantage of U-Pick, a.k.a. gorge yourself on fresh fruit as you pick some to take home. The fields are uncovered so bring a hat/sunglasses, and if the bushes are looking lean crouch down; the berries underneath the bushes are always the last to be discovered. $18/bucket</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Lunch// Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.bellstreetfarm.com/">Bell Street Farm</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>6. <a href="http://www.bellstreetfarm.com/">Bell Street Farm</a></b> (eat)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Rotisserie Pork Salad. Rotisserie Pork Sandwich. Those were the two reasons I tried Bell Street Farm, and they're the two (main) reasons I'll go back. If you check out yelp, there are a handful of delicious cafes and restaurants in cozy Los Alamos (population: under 19,000 in 2010) primarily doing the whole "seasonal menu" thing with a farmhouse-chic motif. But Bell Street Farm is special, because there's a patio out back where you can enjoy a local wine or beer with delicious shareable or individual plates (or, take the whole lot to go and picnic where you please). Get the soup (any time of year), the market salads and of course...the Rotisserie Pork (ok, or chicken. That looked good too). Sandwiches: $15.75 and under</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9agtZXYBUJamrBz90hWU7RWjswjVcHAhSdRJF68akhNez5t-9rqTmBOAcjkLYh7rffNczA03hd7ok-a8nr8wHk2m7p0yd6owGqQOnXBKCHr6-0mhxQUUzxO5oGvpYUEHDZzpu3VhgGE/s1600/IMG_0860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9agtZXYBUJamrBz90hWU7RWjswjVcHAhSdRJF68akhNez5t-9rqTmBOAcjkLYh7rffNczA03hd7ok-a8nr8wHk2m7p0yd6owGqQOnXBKCHr6-0mhxQUUzxO5oGvpYUEHDZzpu3VhgGE/s320/IMG_0860.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Pecan roll, dollop of cream cheese frosting</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">7. <a href="http://oldwestcinnamonrolls.com/"><b>Old West Cinnamon Roll</b> </a>(indulgence)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Swathed in cinnamon and sugar with the option of pecans, walnuts, almond, crumb or plain plus a great dollop of cream cheese frosting, these cinnamon rolls are the size of your hand and hail from heaven. Doors open at 6:30 a.m. with rolls starting at $2.75, the only limit is how much sugar you can handle at once. Extra frosting: $.75</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>8. <a href="http://www.monarchbutterfly.org/">Monarch Butterflies</a></b> (activity)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Nicknamed "the butterfly trees," this tiny majestic grove of Eucalyptus and Monterey Pines is known to harbor upwards of 25,000 butterflies during peak season (Nov-Feb). For a tour go from 10am to 4pm, otherwise guide yourself around the trees. Free!</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Avila </b></span></i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The market at the Barn//Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.bellstreetfarm.com/">Avila Valley Barn</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>9. <a href="http://www.avilavalleybarn.com/">Avila Valley Barn</a> </b>(activity)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Think fresh pies, hayrides, pumpkin patches, apple picking and petting zoo all-in-one. When there's roasted corn grab a cob and douse it in butter, if apples are in season take a bucket and go pick a pound or two and if you prefer your fruit in pie form they've got 'em all: apple, pumpkin, berry, etc. Whole pie: under $25</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5DNI-aNTfP-o56gwf-u9pEH9l5haIxi520xlqeWqCfRahBdmQykDm8ctmu91Tc7BWVfN5USBlF35WEv2vemy0u0b-kNUEZs1KX00gf5jfV3w5JnLDAu3_Vgs9VQ0tNXkqgZHIc5_pSw/s1600/o-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5DNI-aNTfP-o56gwf-u9pEH9l5haIxi520xlqeWqCfRahBdmQykDm8ctmu91Tc7BWVfN5USBlF35WEv2vemy0u0b-kNUEZs1KX00gf5jfV3w5JnLDAu3_Vgs9VQ0tNXkqgZHIc5_pSw/s320/o-1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Private hot springs//Photo credit: <a href="https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=ezGHxnuyeWFlKTJf54f6lw">Asami L.</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>10. <a href="https://www.sycamoresprings.com/">Sycamore Mineral Springs </a></b>(indulgence)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">One of my favorite places <i>on earth, </i>Sycamore Mineral Springs is where you go to melt in a private mineral hot springs for two (or a group). Upon arrival you get to choose your tub, which will be one of ten or so scattered across the hillside, shrouded by trees. There's a rickety wood staircase that hikes you up to your tub and a wood fence/partition that provides just enough privacy. Oh, and wine/beer is available for purchase at check-in. Sadly, you can't BYO. Weekdays: $14.50pp/hour, weekend: $18.50pp/hour</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Serenity swing</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>11. <a href="http://weekendsherpa.com/issues/san-luis-obispo-tree-swing-hikes/">Serenity Swing</a> </b>(hike)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A swing in a tree on top of a hill with a view of the ocean? Delightful! A somewhat kept secret of the Cal Poly students, the Serenity Swing is infamous throughout local college kids' Instas yet is still absolutely perfect for all ages that like a little treat at the end of a hike. Round-trip is 3.8 miles with a hands-and-knees scramble up to the summit. Don't forget your camera! Only cost is parking at one of the Cal Poly lots.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Tri-tip// Photo credit: <a href="http://www.firestonegrill.com/">Firestone Grill</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>12. <a href="http://www.firestonegrill.com/firestone-grill/">Firestone Bar and Grill </a></b>(eat)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Firestone is where you go in SLO for <i>tri-tip</i>. Juicy, succulent, barked tri-tip; and it's available in many forms, like stacked between garlic-buttered french bread, melted in a quesadilla, piled on a cobb salad or tucked in a taco. BBQ chicken, ribs, burgers, hot dogs and veg-options are also present, and likely delicious—but really, you go here for the tri-tip. Period. Tri-tip sandwich: $9.25</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>13. <a href="http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/bishops-peak-san-luis-obispo-hike/">Bishop Peak</a> </b>(hike)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yet another trek with a stunning reward, Bishop Peak is a volcanic plug and the tallest of the "Nine Sisters," a family of peaks stretching across San Louis Obispo. More a climb than a hike, this 3.5 mile round-trip will take you to the top of the peak and, if you so please, up, between, behind and around bunch of boulders and caves. The views are unforgettable. Free!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Drive-in, kick back// Photo credit: <a href="https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=Yma4zPQuGpd_A5sxbWF8kA">Pat S.</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>14. <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/sunset-drive-in-theater-san-luis-obispo">Sunset Drive-In Theater</a> </b>(activity)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">OMG when's the last time you went to a drive-in theatre? Like me, it's quite possible you've <i>never </i>been, so here's your chance. Boasting a newly released double-feature every night means you get TWO movies for the price of one, and that ONE is just $8/person. Oh, and nobody will know whether your drink is 21+. Tickets: $8/person</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Carnitas plate (+ olives)// Taco Temple</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>15. <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/taco-temple-morro-bay">Taco Temple</a></b> (indulgence)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Fresh chips, salsa (and a drink if you so desire) while you wait make the 20-45 minutes fly. Then, get the carnitas platter, extra Temple dressing, a fried fish taco and a to-go container. With a close proximity to the ocean, there's always a full blackboard list of just-plucked-from-the-sea fish and shellfish available in a variety of preparations. But get the taco. Oh, and a carnitas burrito. With extra Temple dressing. Carnitas platter: $15</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Half way up// Cerro Alto</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>16. <a href="http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/cerro-alto-hike-san-luis-obispo/">Cerro Alto</a> </b>(hike)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">For another view that will help you earn your tacos, when you summit Cerro Alto you're actually at `one of the highest points in SLO. This hike starts at Cerro Alto campground where you need to pay a few bucks to park, but let your wallet rest assured this it's totally worth it. With a gradual to relatively steep incline, Cerro Alto clocks in at around 5.5 miles round-trip and includes shady spots, a few benches, hikers with dogs and a 365 degree view up top. Parking: $8/day</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Quite majestic// Montana de Oro</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>17. <a href="http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/montana-de-oro-bluff-trail/">Bluffs Trail, Montana de Oro</a> </b>(hike)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">For a hike that's more a stroll with a picturesque view of the ocean, this is it. I love this trail; it's one of those that gives you a cliff-side opportunity to walk along the shore without being in the sand. Plus, there's something monumental about being able to see miles upon miles of waves breaking all at once. Depending on how far you go, you can get in roughly a handful of blissful miles round-trip. Bring water, snacks and a jacket because it can get windy.</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Cayucos</span></i></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvshoL7n6spiBVaARzon-yWyRbYvy9nzXwjDAwuqkhCU_wW_PdWJ3YTkDfIsgYys85ueba1HnLLh6nIxjVsvmxl02NBkK0F-S7YPdW5paxBtMtlWJHN8BK9K3AY5BH-dX4bVKDOiGX-E/s1600/cayucos+shop.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvshoL7n6spiBVaARzon-yWyRbYvy9nzXwjDAwuqkhCU_wW_PdWJ3YTkDfIsgYys85ueba1HnLLh6nIxjVsvmxl02NBkK0F-S7YPdW5paxBtMtlWJHN8BK9K3AY5BH-dX4bVKDOiGX-E/s400/cayucos+shop.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">For cookies// Photo credit: <a href="http://www.brownbuttercookies.com/">Brown Butter Cookie Company</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>18. <a href="http://www.brownbuttercookies.com/">Brown Butter Cookie Company</a> </b>(indulgence)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ever heard of a little cookie so good that it made a beachside town famous? Now you have. Known for a variety of cookies the size and shape of half a golf ball, Brown Butter Cookie Company's signature brown-butter/salt-sprinkled cookie (aka the Original) is the stuff people make pilgrimages for (and billboards about). You can taste each favor in-store which is a wonderful foray into this new salty-sweet world of desserts. $12/dozen</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSQ7zxCjqFTw2YvTeALMwASX562su1Wdt9y8iDeAvKhcHDWo-MdKIOFwONHkZ_SUYqbokCZ2kxmF5G0kvLzHgAIUGbioVT8D-CPu-NLLZ2FzUATK4Sl-_pJtKBIhTtBVRMMvXj64HuJ8/s1600/IMG_20160214_174230509_HDR-EFFECTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSQ7zxCjqFTw2YvTeALMwASX562su1Wdt9y8iDeAvKhcHDWo-MdKIOFwONHkZ_SUYqbokCZ2kxmF5G0kvLzHgAIUGbioVT8D-CPu-NLLZ2FzUATK4Sl-_pJtKBIhTtBVRMMvXj64HuJ8/s400/IMG_20160214_174230509_HDR-EFFECTS.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Sunset// Moonstone Beach</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>19. <a href="http://cambriainns.com/" style="text-decoration: underline;">Moonstone Beach </a></b>(lodging)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">S</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">pectacular, really. This stretch of coastline includes cliffside benches, regal Monterey pines and sweeping takes of the Pacific. Moonstone is where you go to enjoy a glass of wine as the sun sets, stroll (or jog) the wooden walking path and lavish in your hotel/cottage/inn/motel/b&b's ocean-facing hot tub. There's one good breakfast spot on the strip, but really, a brown butter cookie plus coffee is great in the early morning air. Castle Inn: $130+/night</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355868739558066161.post-32049727248354447432016-01-08T10:52:00.001-08:002016-01-08T10:52:26.761-08:00Idyllwild, CA<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3fURWBIE4XMNEryQ31ghfl7uMcVdvDY5jhLoajlMJ2WVn5nbZijoW7nZlwAVJ5vqNorkI9EWbG6wlLKdKY3wKTEPhuZj8Wj6C6Z8fsVfjvTjJ7ZhVs__ODMQzbSaQgvS4bfvujUp13Y/s1600/Idyllwild.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3fURWBIE4XMNEryQ31ghfl7uMcVdvDY5jhLoajlMJ2WVn5nbZijoW7nZlwAVJ5vqNorkI9EWbG6wlLKdKY3wKTEPhuZj8Wj6C6Z8fsVfjvTjJ7ZhVs__ODMQzbSaQgvS4bfvujUp13Y/s400/Idyllwild.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from top of S.R.</td></tr>
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Nuzzled in the San Jacinto mountains just 2.5 hours from of Santa Monica, Idyllwild is the perfect mountain-time fix for all hikers, stargazers, relaxers and gotta-get-out-of-towners alike.<br />
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<b>Type:</b> Outdoors, Weekend Trip<br />
<b>Category:</b> Date, Adventure, Trails<br />
<b>Quick-Rec:</b> If you like miles of trails, mountain towns with just one bar, stunning scenery and locally owned shops and restaurants, schedule your trip to Idyllwild. If you're craving 5-star hotels, downhill skiing, lakes, fancy food and urban personalities, this isn't your destination.<br />
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<b>Review:</b><br />
Unlike Big Bear, Mammoth and Mt. Baldy, Idyllwild isn't built around a specific tourist season since it's nowhere near a downhill ski resort or a lake. For some, this may be a deterrent; for others, this makes Idyllwild a delightful destination anytime of year.<br />
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<b>Getting there:</b><br />
The drive to Idyllwild is benign during the summer, and at worst requires chains during the winter. From Los Angeles, taking you through numerous small cities like Beaumont (stop at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/tacos-and-beer-beaumont">Tacos & Beer,</a> a wonderful hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant that makes the tastiest carnitas and buttery tortillas) right before you take the scenic road that climbs, twists and turns directly to (and through, if you wish) Idyllwild town center.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5_hTHU1ADNr0W0LPtV_P4rJjixJzg-BxxKz-XXHD09CA9wEri94KE6G9a3Pvr0TzLv0r6zKzx-HSR5_WC8d1RG3DDP3QgOGaco2Rn44T5jIX69ZKVTCFtwx8GgWz1kzbUIIt9YFIGcg/s1600/catnap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5_hTHU1ADNr0W0LPtV_P4rJjixJzg-BxxKz-XXHD09CA9wEri94KE6G9a3Pvr0TzLv0r6zKzx-HSR5_WC8d1RG3DDP3QgOGaco2Rn44T5jIX69ZKVTCFtwx8GgWz1kzbUIIt9YFIGcg/s320/catnap.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cat Nap, Silver Pines Lodge</td></tr>
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<b>Lodging:</b><br />
If you're not visiting to backpack and camp, there is an abundance of cabins and houses to rent located close to town and on varying degrees of outskirts. I highly recommend <a href="http://silverpineslodge.com/">Silver Pines Lodge</a> for the location to everything in town (a short five-minute walk), price and of course—personality. Silver Pines Lodge offers rooms and small cabins for rent, plus access to their lodge for games, a crackling fire and hot drinks. Our themed (condo-style) studio was called Cat Nap, a perfect little retreat decked out in cat decor. Cat Nap (perfect for two) was under $100 a night.<br />
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<b>Dining:</b><br />
There are three options for <i><b>breakfast</b></i> that I highly recommend. The first is the spot we went to both mornings of our visit, the <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/red-kettle-idyllwild-2">Red Kettle.</a> Opening as early as 6:30 AM, the Red Kettle has a fantastic array of hearty breakfast options (think omelets, biscuits, pancakes and more) plus plenty on the lighter side (oatmeal, fruit, egg whites). The two are the town bakeries: the <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-town-baker-idyllwild-2">Town Baker</a> and <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/idyllwild-bake-shop-and-brew-idyllwild">Idyllwild Bake Shop & Brew</a>. The latter is fun because you can get cookies, muffins and pie plus a specialty coffee drink (or beer)!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6IP-nnVrvYObKIa9gmuoRi0dtlLu7Np5CPgx3cpjx-DtdaF_dFY4r3w1ZXZJ2Rn5iw3XOCPV0EhGZOLPZVMLrua-Nl_ffJ9JAPOWgkt10JTcA6mZussOdwV00wkng-gG7nUGDn7m07g/s1600/Kettle.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6IP-nnVrvYObKIa9gmuoRi0dtlLu7Np5CPgx3cpjx-DtdaF_dFY4r3w1ZXZJ2Rn5iw3XOCPV0EhGZOLPZVMLrua-Nl_ffJ9JAPOWgkt10JTcA6mZussOdwV00wkng-gG7nUGDn7m07g/s320/Kettle.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homestyle cooking at the Red Kettle</td></tr>
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Since most folks spend their days outdoors sustained by trail mix, jerky and such, the next meal is often <b style="font-style: italic;">dinner. </b>Open the latest, the <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-lumber-mill-bar-and-grill-idyllwild-pine-cove">Lumber Mill Bar & Grill</a> has typical bar fare (burgers, fries, enormous appetizers and a full bar) plus karaoke nightly. For more quiet options, <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/restaurant-gastrognome-idyllwild">Gastronome</a> is traditional Americana (get the roasted whole trout with mashed potatoes), <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/ferro-idyllwild-pine-cove">FERRO</a> has mountain-upscale Italian and <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/la-casita-mexican-restaurant-idyllwild">La Casita Mexican Restaurant</a> is known for its jalapeño dip.<br />
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<b>Note:</b> that you should call your restaurant of choice prior to showing up because "mountain time" means that closing time is at the restaurant's discretion.<br />
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<b>Activity:</b><br />
Aside from board games, pointing out constellations and drinking beer, obviously you should take a hike. Stop by the <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sbnf/about-forest/districts/?cid=fsbdev7_007800">local ranger station</a> (it's in town) to discuss trail options, permits, etc. Some trails you need wilderness permits, others you also need a parking permit. Permits are either $5 or free.<br />
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We particularly enjoyed the trail to <a href="http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/SuicideRock_4472.asp">Suicide Rock</a> (6.5 miles) for it's epic 365-view (photo at the top of the post) of the area and perfect challenge.<br />
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<b>Need gear? </b>Buy or rent at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/nomad-ventures-idyllwild">Nomad Ventures</a><br />
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<b>Want to go to the movies?</b> Rent or watch at <a href="http://www.rustictheatre.com/">Rustic Theatre</a> which screens one movie at a time.<br />
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<b>Final note:</b><br />
Great for a weekend (or longer) getaway, an overnight before or after climbing Mt. Jacinto or even just a pitstop for a day trip.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355868739558066161.post-71634272665415349112014-06-22T23:49:00.001-07:002016-01-11T10:32:16.612-08:00Boulder & Denver, CO<span id="goog_693222066"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaeBpfK_N_t36IVHQJYTXFkEP1rvLXA_ns6X4C3aYMQmpX21pbBIm7WkIpoNpzGASUZo-xuu34lEEFTaLjNxfEp95V7PP12ObwOJkAgbPLVwi8PK-aMMQF3YT7d81pckZWQo2E9iGZOI/s1600/imgres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaeBpfK_N_t36IVHQJYTXFkEP1rvLXA_ns6X4C3aYMQmpX21pbBIm7WkIpoNpzGASUZo-xuu34lEEFTaLjNxfEp95V7PP12ObwOJkAgbPLVwi8PK-aMMQF3YT7d81pckZWQo2E9iGZOI/s1600/imgres.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely Colorado</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've madly fallen in love with the weekend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But I'm not talking about all that thrives in our local Instagram albums. I'm saying I've taken back the weekend and turned it in to something more than just two days we use for eating, drinking and playing within the 3-mile radius of our homes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is a love for the weekend spent <i>out of town.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Of course, a whirlwind weekend where you get home at 9pm on a Sunday night having not done your laundry or the grocery shopping isn't for the weary. But, if you prescribe to the notion that life should be lived to the fullest, then heck. A teeming basket of laundry is a trophy of triumph.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Travel Tip:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's important you don't spend too much of your precious time on travel. I say limit "each way" to 4 hours, which means the longest plane ride you can take is 2 hours, the furthest you can go north, south, or east is 120 miles (if you drive the limit). I recommend leaving Friday night so you can utilize Saturday on-location to the fullest, or, if you must, leave super early Saturday morning (no traffic - you'll be shocked how far you get in a matter of minutes).</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZdkQlVxTNFx5z9qxhPRMbPilpsveJI0YUPGdavTSsb4SxokhEQWF2zpNdw4EjqMpnzi_IOB0uNlf6pjTzpEskUew2soKqSU8VepfFfvfTVL0NlyGczYxZKJvBFFF9taGTxG8liM23cA/s1600/imgres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZdkQlVxTNFx5z9qxhPRMbPilpsveJI0YUPGdavTSsb4SxokhEQWF2zpNdw4EjqMpnzi_IOB0uNlf6pjTzpEskUew2soKqSU8VepfFfvfTVL0NlyGczYxZKJvBFFF9taGTxG8liM23cA/s1600/imgres.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pearl Street</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Here's how to do Boulder & Denver, Colorado!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Depart:</b> LAX at 6pm, arrive in Denver, CO at 9-ish pm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Rent: </b>A car. You'll need it, and from Friday night until Sunday night mine cost roughly $50.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Stay: </b>Find a friend. That's what Facebook is for. Or, opt to stay outside of Denver (cheaper) or using <a href="http://www.hoteltonight.com/">Hotel Tonight </a>which lets you score super-last minute hotel rooms for uber-deep discounts. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Boulder</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Visit:</b> Pearl Street is Boulder's "Main street." Coffee shops to restaurants, hiking apparel to high-end duds an everything in between, <a href="http://www.boulderdowntown.com/visit/history-of-pearl-street">check out the site</a> for more ideas and to plan your promenade stroll.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2oApO1-VvDH_6DTwTVCeUDRPFWSK61o-vtghdTV8bTPJnrTWT2wzHPv3oZUQh2lGNOonzrkMBLkxBxXlwD1bphBdDuv1zRMhtuwwKW1QyEytr9cDkjCMWd5dq7y1gJxOz0VzJdhw8Uys/s1600/imgres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2oApO1-VvDH_6DTwTVCeUDRPFWSK61o-vtghdTV8bTPJnrTWT2wzHPv3oZUQh2lGNOonzrkMBLkxBxXlwD1bphBdDuv1zRMhtuwwKW1QyEytr9cDkjCMWd5dq7y1gJxOz0VzJdhw8Uys/s1600/imgres.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Linger</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Eat: </b><a href="http://oakatfourteenth.com/" style="color: #1155cc;">Oak at Fourteenth </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Drink: </b><a href="https://ozocoffee.com/" style="color: #1155cc;">Ozo Coffee </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Hike:</b> <a href="http://www.bouldercoloradohiking.com/">This site</a> has a cool list of all the local hikes (like a picture menu)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ski: </b><a href="http://www.eldora.com/">Eldora Mountain Resort</a> (35 minutes out) or <a href="http://www.vail.com/">Vail </a>(2 hours out)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Denver</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Run, walk, or picnic: </b>W<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Park,_Denver" style="color: #1155cc;">ashington Park</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Eat and drink:</b> <a href="http://lingerdenver.com/" style="color: #1155cc;">Linger</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Smoke pot (it's legal!) plus related news, laws and locations: </b><a href="https://www.coloradopotguide.com/marijuana-friendly-hotels/">Colorado Pot Guide</a></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355868739558066161.post-22182765331283265132013-12-09T12:50:00.000-08:002013-12-09T12:50:10.024-08:00Truxton's Bistro<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGij_T5paWpSMzdkd0_NFVSVMnAx_a_gL4doJiLXpAphmTVjITZPIPuoLeY0k7iI8Z3Ub2D_1DRj0o4pn7ygPE6uTDjH6g2gcwEvNsa_conFoA1nqoNJPd7q_xLxneiTtUbwmC89Woj9A/s1600/burger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGij_T5paWpSMzdkd0_NFVSVMnAx_a_gL4doJiLXpAphmTVjITZPIPuoLeY0k7iI8Z3Ub2D_1DRj0o4pn7ygPE6uTDjH6g2gcwEvNsa_conFoA1nqoNJPd7q_xLxneiTtUbwmC89Woj9A/s1600/burger.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hits-your-nose-when-you-bite-it-sized Burger (The Gilly) and Garlic Fries</td></tr>
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<b><a href="http://www.truxtonsamericanbistro.com/">Truxton's Bistro</a></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">1329 Santa Monica Blvd</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Santa Monica, California 90404<br />Phone: (310) 393 - 8789</span></div>
<a href="http://www.truxtonsamericanbistro.com/menus/dine-in">Menu</a><br />
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<b>Review:</b><br />
If Truxton's didn't stand for "everything and then some," I'd be amiss. Having opened in July, I've eyed the transformation from vacant corner cinder block to quaint and optimistic second location (the original Truxton's is in Westchester) and have finally matched my vow to stop in.<br />
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As you should. And don't procrastinate - Truxton's is a multi-option menu that offers three meals a day plus a full bar of beer, wine, and seasonal cocktails to satisfy any taste wish on the westside. With such an eye-catching variety of appetizers, sandwiches, entrees, pastas, and pizza, the sooner you go, the faster you'll get through you new "Next time I'll get...- list."<br />
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Aside from the warm brick walls and attentive, intuitive staff (when I asked for extra aioli I was given two additional to sample), I'm super digging Truxton's because the flavors and combinations are over the top of what you'd expect.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEOcu6h3rEzMFb19EvLwR3PimD44710EKnGgmp1oSJBYsi-Xg5Z9ztPiEfp199Th92OZO3D1ZOt19gPqB10qnCzH4m-0lXZzOnfjJRM9TQ-NMmPet7kuFcK_1A9VMXGE4Zx4vcF0qWNI/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEOcu6h3rEzMFb19EvLwR3PimD44710EKnGgmp1oSJBYsi-Xg5Z9ztPiEfp199Th92OZO3D1ZOt19gPqB10qnCzH4m-0lXZzOnfjJRM9TQ-NMmPet7kuFcK_1A9VMXGE4Zx4vcF0qWNI/s1600/photo.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahi Tuna and Avocado Tower</td></tr>
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Starting with the <b>Ahi Tuna and Avocado Tower</b>, Rachel and I savored the house-made Taro chips and totally cleared the plate of the fresh tuna standing heartily on a bed of avocado. Light and gingered with green onion and yuzu, we noted that this could make for a simple dinner for one, all on its own.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As a gluten-free diner, Rachel went for the Apple Chicken Burger on a GF Foccacia Bun (<span style="line-height: 14.390625px;">Grilled Freshly Ground Chicken Mixed with Sautéed Apples & Onions. Topped with Smoked Gouda, Caramelized Onions, Mayonnaise & Onion Sprouts)</span>, and said the bun tasted as good as she can remember "the real deal." I chose the Gilly (<span style="line-height: 14.390625px;">Caramelized Onions, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Tomato, Shredded Lettuce, Tillamook Cheddar Cheese, Topped with Crispy Onions & Spicy 1001 Dressing) and had a hell of a time trying to wrap my mouth around the medium-rare doublefister.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 14.390625px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 14.390625px;">The garlic-parm fries were crisp and resulted in a dragon-mouth-on-fire type of end result in the way all garlic lovers covet. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 14.390625px;">Highly recommended (and the list for "next time"):</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 14.390625px;">- </span><br />
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Truxton's Monkey Bread</h6>
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Pull-Apart Housemade Bread with Cheddar Cheese & Garlic <em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></em>Dipping Sauce (Marinara, Ranch, Garlic Butter)</div>
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11-Spiced Brisket Taco Salad</h6>
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Our Signature Beef Brisket Tossed with Shredded Lettuce, Black Beans, Poblano Corn Salsa, Cheddar & Cotija Cheese, Tortilla Strips, Pico de Gallo & Spicy 1001 Dressing. Served Over a Crispy Wheat Tortilla</div>
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Kicked Up Mac & Cheese</h6>
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Jumbo Elbow Macaroni in Our Creamy Sauce Made with a Blend of Five Cheeses, Applewood Bacon & Roasted Tomatoes. Topped with Crispy Onions</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Portland</span></h6>
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Sautéed Wild Mushrooms, Fontina Cheese, Lettuce, Caramelized & Crispy Onions, Roasted Garlic Mayo. Drizzled with Balsamic Glaze</div>
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Chocolate Soufflé Cake (Gluten-Free)</h6>
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Made Daily with Callebaut Bittersweet Chocolate and Served with Vanilla Ice Cream & Bourbon Caramel Sauce</div>
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Fort Worth Breakfast Pizza</h6>
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Scrambled Eggs, Applewood Bacon, Chicken Sausage, Mozzarella Blend, Cheddar Cheese, Basil, Roasted Tomatoes, Pico de Gallo, Green Onions & Sun Dried Tomato Pesto. Choose From Regular, Wheat or Gluten Free Crust</div>
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As you can see...I could probably go to Truxton's for a week straight and not get bored. Safe to say I'll be back, it's hard to say when the habit will end as Truxton's offers brunch, daily specials, sports broadcast...So take a break from holiday shopping and get your grub on!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355868739558066161.post-83045144896072329852013-08-10T09:24:00.001-07:002013-08-10T09:24:17.797-07:00Brian's Shave Ice<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFvC2hgiOudCe-ManNX7fy8N2EpHJ9vBr2Ytpv3FdnXjpXjHpiK0_m7p81j5ZjOfbFiWU7jurdxrtuXkX6Ms9GsL2PezAHwYeCDalJKeyVoIrj8iXJ9lSZeUxwc48hOSFaF7g1xDJKRs/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFvC2hgiOudCe-ManNX7fy8N2EpHJ9vBr2Ytpv3FdnXjpXjHpiK0_m7p81j5ZjOfbFiWU7jurdxrtuXkX6Ms9GsL2PezAHwYeCDalJKeyVoIrj8iXJ9lSZeUxwc48hOSFaF7g1xDJKRs/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shaved ice is happy to see you</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shaveicela.com&src_bizid=IzehIGZdpgGSQ3MTQqVORQ&cachebuster=1376149090&s=ce0256e88681755ed06ebc11d6fd4f9544b52f56220ecab352b33c04a5e85266"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Brian's Shave Ice</span></b></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span itemprop="streetAddress" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">11301 W Olympic Blvd</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span itemprop="addressLocality" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Los Angeles</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">, </span><span itemprop="addressRegion" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">CA</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span itemprop="postalCode" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">90064</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span itemprop="postalCode" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>Open Monday-Sunday, 12-11pm<br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Review:</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The conversation mid Brian's Shave Ice went something like this:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sallie:</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> I want a snow-cone machine at home so I can eat it every day. All day. For breakfast, lunch, and dinner.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Nick:</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> That's a lot of sugar and not so much health.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sallie:</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> I'll sprinkle it with protein powder and fiber powder.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Nick: </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">We can go back, you know..</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sallie:</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Tomorrow! ...Tonight?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">You know it's that good when you start plotting your return before you've even finished your first. And that is the unwritten step 6 on Brian's menu: how to satisfy your new addiction. But this is all foreshadow.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">On the sidewalk front of Sawtelle right after you turn off Olympic and on to "the street with all the asian fare," as I reference, Brian's is a one-stop shop for everything you can think that relates to shave ice. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">How-To Order at Brian's Shaved Ice:</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Pick your size</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> (kiddie, regular, large). Unless you revel in regret, go for the large ($4.50).</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Choose your fillings</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">: dole whip, azaki bean, mochi, ice cream. I went for half dole-whip, half vanilla ice cream. What is dole whip, you ask? It's pineapple soft-serve, basically. The kind that you can get at disneyland, apparently. Tangy and creamy, it's the stuff people will pay $90 for admission just to get a tuck.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Choose your flavors:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> The list is the length of Santa's, but don't freak. The cashier will guide you to "most popular," and/or if you pick one or two, she will advise as to "what goes with that." I selected green apple, POG (passion fruit, orange, guava), and Tiger's blood (strawberry colada). </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">4. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Choose your topping:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> condensed milk, sour spray, and a few typical sauces (chocolate, caramel) and some other available dousings that don't matter because you're always going to get condensed milk.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">5. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Get a stamp card</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> (after 9, the 10th is free!)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">6. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Fantasize about your next flavor combo as you mercilessly suck down your creation.</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">7. Get parking validated <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">(so it's free).</span></span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">A blessed replacement for all those "self-serve" yogurt shops, Brian's is a welcome summer (and hopefully year-long to forever) addition to the daytime (nighttime, and every-time) list of dessert options. Slurp up!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, 'Lucida Grande', 'Bitstream Vera Sans', verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355868739558066161.post-3202546024714203062013-06-15T22:39:00.000-07:002013-06-15T22:39:18.136-07:00Oscar's Cerveteca<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGclXEByG2uv1OFLFvjBAqzdpyi2OhRILpgF8JcC2naCBRmyfEGQ6EPdDFtELtz618iR5oQ9WY9bWsY3OPlnrv6bjtx0nzGDU4A-ON9XgX6jxi_O-c3p9d_42nQi1YvS_xdRVPU-mHpNU/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGclXEByG2uv1OFLFvjBAqzdpyi2OhRILpgF8JcC2naCBRmyfEGQ6EPdDFtELtz618iR5oQ9WY9bWsY3OPlnrv6bjtx0nzGDU4A-ON9XgX6jxi_O-c3p9d_42nQi1YvS_xdRVPU-mHpNU/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drink up!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://cervetecala.com/"><b>Oscar's Cerveteca</b></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, 'Lucida Grande', 'Bitstream Vera Sans', verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><span itemprop="streetAddress" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">523 Rose Ave</span><br /><span itemprop="addressLocality" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Venice</span>, <span itemprop="addressRegion" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">CA</span> <span itemprop="postalCode" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">90291</span></span><br />
<a href="http://cervetecala.com/dinner">Menu</a><br />
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<b>Review: </b>If I had a dollar for every time I declared my promised return to Oscar's Cerveteca, I'd buy you dinner. Here's the thing - Oscar's is hip. Actually, a bit too hip. Everyone here is dressed like you'd imagine LA beach-dwellers who like to eat well and live well might: really, very cool. Fresh-faced, toned, and effortlessly efforted, don't go here if you're having a bad day. In other news, Oscar's sits on Rose and neighbors <a href="http://offthecouchla.blogspot.com/2012/10/superba.html">Superba</a>, Cafe Gratitude, and several other bars and eateries that all pose the same. But oh, who cares. Oscar's is so good that I'll turn a blind eye, fork over my wallet, and wait out on the sidewalk in order to sit and eat and drink from that Cerveteca menu.<br />
<br />
<b>Must-eat:</b> The La Puente Backyard Burger. The Chicano Cheese Pots. The Mac 'n Cheese with Bacon. Patatas Bravas. Key Lime Pie.<br />
<br />
<b>Must-drink:</b> Fresh coconut. Everything else beer and wine related.<br />
<br />
<b>Fun:</b> Brunch on Sunday's offers an entourage of Beer-Batter Waffles. Chorizo Breakfast Burger.<br />
<br />
Simply? I'll see you there.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355868739558066161.post-30444204648757309272013-06-11T08:20:00.004-07:002013-06-11T08:21:03.018-07:00Sunny Spot<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupyhZxSXfX3W1-Nl2peEJ1Rp_yGqQJdMgBHzgVPKNoHZFBjNcTEX312Mbyd7FN3J0MHVzpU_m4zmlwXou9VwvhEk8bta5b4aOsBB_K_Zs33EnHa8lzsdmv9weIynTCt1sFZ1-x5L7Yc0/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupyhZxSXfX3W1-Nl2peEJ1Rp_yGqQJdMgBHzgVPKNoHZFBjNcTEX312Mbyd7FN3J0MHVzpU_m4zmlwXou9VwvhEk8bta5b4aOsBB_K_Zs33EnHa8lzsdmv9weIynTCt1sFZ1-x5L7Yc0/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MoFongo!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><a href="http://sunnyspotvenice.com/">Sunny Spot</a></b><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">822 Washington Blvd</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Venice, CA 90292</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"></span><a href="http://sunnyspotvenice.com/index.php/brunch">Brunch Menu</a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Review:</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Also saucily known as </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Hot Spot</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> amongst my friends (for reasons you will have to </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">see</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> for yourself) - this Venice-thriving Brunch, Happy Hour, Dinner, and Bar spot is my newest favorite of the infamous Kogi clan. Bred, born, and raised behind its older siblings Chego, A-Frame, and Alibi Room, Sunny Spot has hints of A-Frame and sauces like Chego, but serves earlier than all three via plentiful brunch starting at 10 am every weekend.</span><br />
<br />
While I'm a huge fan of recommendations 50% of the time, I've realized that if you go to brunch early (like, 11am) or if you simply walk in to a restaurant a bit off hours and days (like Monday at 8pm) you'll have naught a full-house in sight. So, while Sunny Spot can get really <i>hot</i> at brunch, if you go early you'll get in, get full, and get out before a line forms.<br />
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<b>Vibe:</b> Indoor-outdoor seating that looks like the touches of interior decorating by Alice in Wonderland all grown up. Flowers, spring colors, funky mis-matched plates and silverware, the sexy thing about it is that this slightly frilly beach-side space gets down at night. Racks of alcohol, a menu that boasts "Open Late 7 Days," and a brunchy clientele that will make you wonder if you should have kept on your going-out clothes from last night, this petite eatery is no slouch to the Venice party life we know and love.<br />
<br />
<b>Food:</b> Do you like saucy, spicy, meaty, and lip-smacking delicious? If you heart eating out of a bowl or mashing everything together, definitely pull up a chair to this menu. Brunch is a typical fare of options that range from eggs any way to omelets, french toast to salad, and grits to - ohdeargod, one of the best words and overall bowls of who-really-knows-what called Muh-F'K'N-MoFongo with eggs - and your usual coffee, juice, soda, and boozy AM cocktails. You can tell what I recommend, whatever else you get: do the MoFongo. Claiming to be composed of plantain, garlic, bacon, herbs, ginger oil, and eggs - just eat it. It will be excellent, and that is all your taste buds and stomach need to know.<br />
<br />
Personally, I can't wait to return, which says a lot considering there's practically a bar, restaurant, or cafe every 200 feet in Venice. But this MoFongo-munching, beach-kissed crowd is priceless, and absolutely worth several meals and late-nights of seconds.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355868739558066161.post-11983208381414097472013-02-13T16:44:00.000-08:002013-02-13T16:44:15.985-08:00Chaya Venice<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgny877wFy_xuRyD64__LMr0baek6x0HOQe0BEldI9MkMDsQ3jJIdrD2nb0-YfaHSTUiRbn-BvFzdp0VomaAyHQFPkFaueJ-iUwTpNI1QPX6WBHoNsXGmFb8Pq1MkVefVjhadpMLdysapg/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgny877wFy_xuRyD64__LMr0baek6x0HOQe0BEldI9MkMDsQ3jJIdrD2nb0-YfaHSTUiRbn-BvFzdp0VomaAyHQFPkFaueJ-iUwTpNI1QPX6WBHoNsXGmFb8Pq1MkVefVjhadpMLdysapg/s320/photo+(8).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fontina Macaroni with Truffle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><a href="http://www.thechaya.com/venice/">Chaya Venice</a></b><br />
110 Navy St<br />
Venice, CA 90291<br />
<a href="http://www.thechaya.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/venice-dinner-menu-1.20.pdf">Dinner Menu</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thechaya.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/CV_menu_sushi.pdf">Sushi Menu</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thechaya.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/CV-Bar-Menu.pdf">Bar Menu</a><br />
<br />
<b>Type:</b> Restaurant<br />
<b>Category: </b>Lunch, Dinner, Bar, Happy Hour<br />
<b>Company:</b> Entire patron pool probably lives within 1 mile of the beach<br />
<b><i>Tip:</i></b> Amazing <a href="http://www.thechaya.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/CV-Bar-Menu.pdf">Happy Hour</a>.<br />
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<b>Review:</b><br />
What a mix - Think an american steakhouse in Japan and you've just about understood what Chaya really is. Simply, two of my top kinds of restaurants fused in to one - and with a full bar to boot, it's unlikely that you'll leave hungry. Perhaps your wallet a tiny bit empty, but eh, semantics.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9B5sraDOMiqMnYezlcp1_KSrtFxI5TbRve_BNX9fSjATgHmn3Sv_R4upiYVQQoPpw8P55-yYpVgQ3FNttbEVZgPdZwwWhxw03hWPM-yr4GsXTy_mQW9zxhwi00889rMVa0psMUxaO2E/s1600/photo+(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9B5sraDOMiqMnYezlcp1_KSrtFxI5TbRve_BNX9fSjATgHmn3Sv_R4upiYVQQoPpw8P55-yYpVgQ3FNttbEVZgPdZwwWhxw03hWPM-yr4GsXTy_mQW9zxhwi00889rMVa0psMUxaO2E/s320/photo+(9).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sushi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Per the usual, we started with the veggie tempura which was at par with the best, but more importantly is that the miso dip was the best tempura sauce I've ever had. More like a dressing, I almost asked for more just for the bread. Following, I went for the Miso Marinated Sea Bass and the Fontina Macaroni with Truffle. The last side was the Spider Roll, and dessert was shared Apple Tarte Tatin.<br />
<br />
Pretty tasty for a place that spreads itself wide in terms of menu items, genres, and palates. I'd definitely go again for the tempura, seabass, and sushi, and recommend you try it out on your next hip date.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355868739558066161.post-46997674434814517922013-01-28T11:52:00.003-08:002013-01-28T11:52:30.338-08:00Blue Daisy Cafe<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGes9YSzyPE6jtOVUNvpy_ezJU9GAX8NSYc_YSH7HvxCnsK2eYI5cmv96iWBcxTqlEKVEp6M_ZSR_GowXzifIQocmx57DoaQFQzd-t0eqrHNoWUHakjX3hpnTy3xHh7LDhNtsGrfGRgDo/s1600/photo+(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGes9YSzyPE6jtOVUNvpy_ezJU9GAX8NSYc_YSH7HvxCnsK2eYI5cmv96iWBcxTqlEKVEp6M_ZSR_GowXzifIQocmx57DoaQFQzd-t0eqrHNoWUHakjX3hpnTy3xHh7LDhNtsGrfGRgDo/s1600/photo+(9).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French Toast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><a href="http://www.bluedaisycafe.com/Home.html">Blue Daisy Cafe</a></b><br />
2303 Wilshire Blvd<br />
Santa Monica, 90403<br />
<a href="http://www.bluedaisycafe.com/Menu.html">Menu</a><br />
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<b>Type:</b> Restaurant<br />
<b>Category:</b> Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch (8am-5pm)<br />
<b>Company:</b> Serious brunchers, lunchers, and any-time munchers<br />
<b><i>Tip:</i></b> Get the zucchini fritters no matter what<br />
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<b>Review: </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">I love weekend brunch. It's uncertain which came first - my dear swoon for the weekend, or my obsession with long midmorning meals over piping coffee and delicious spreads - but no matter how you take it, I'm always on the lookout for a good brunch spot. Impressively rated on yelp, and right next to Bread & Porridge and Snug Harbor on the 23rd block of Wilshire, this petite cafe holds its own against the local bigwigs. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajDpcsJAiEO3km-bRTAsfB4IQ4L1qiaB2K07xippTLouFEcRgIjnfhigIQeGtnEbFKQvoeLrxRScbY8L_sweHEj6xDTl-w3MQ_KVcepOlbwQmeBjVWBSd2jTJ-McMjxjEKSXQYu1Y1gA/s1600/photo+(11).JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajDpcsJAiEO3km-bRTAsfB4IQ4L1qiaB2K07xippTLouFEcRgIjnfhigIQeGtnEbFKQvoeLrxRScbY8L_sweHEj6xDTl-w3MQ_KVcepOlbwQmeBjVWBSd2jTJ-McMjxjEKSXQYu1Y1gA/s1600/photo+(11).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">BDC i</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">s known for the crepes, french toast, lox, and benedict. Also, something I've never seen anywhere else - the zucchini fritters, which are basically like potato pancakes but with shreds of zucchini instead of potato. Delish. Per the usual, there is the typical fare of coffee, tea, and espresso. On order you'll find sandwiches and salad, so whatever your breakfast-lunch craving is, it will, undoubtedly, be met.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHPYUxgUh6YKNrqjf2_hKUe-GWVJYHj_2ye-3K6ycLKLnojYlA_n-su5d3irw2xN8e2Qoq_PReHtPjeRTQ3LVNTvPGavM-MvS_tc1oTEc_cgPzkEqADrPHLstEwElhtfBJiv0sTqUc9k/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHPYUxgUh6YKNrqjf2_hKUe-GWVJYHj_2ye-3K6ycLKLnojYlA_n-su5d3irw2xN8e2Qoq_PReHtPjeRTQ3LVNTvPGavM-MvS_tc1oTEc_cgPzkEqADrPHLstEwElhtfBJiv0sTqUc9k/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><br /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXoe8uW8z6ZYd4qAMraSxg5A89eKKPhVe348DR_GnjZ6uriiCeC8_Mq4UxE6WDo3Ytp_mCVNFpVE4L3f2idngwIg4sbk6P2WkmAmeRwJFtW90DetXkAI4URiEB83ATtdWX7P_Xg6wOUY/s1600/photo+(11).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXoe8uW8z6ZYd4qAMraSxg5A89eKKPhVe348DR_GnjZ6uriiCeC8_Mq4UxE6WDo3Ytp_mCVNFpVE4L3f2idngwIg4sbk6P2WkmAmeRwJFtW90DetXkAI4URiEB83ATtdWX7P_Xg6wOUY/s1600/photo+(11).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beef Burger, Regular Fries</td></tr>
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<b><a href="http://www.holeinthewallburgerjoint.com/">Hole In The Wall Burger Joint</a> </b><br />
2200 Colorado Blvd<br />
Santa Monica<br />
(310) 449-0147<br />
<b><a href="http://www.holeinthewallburgerjoint.com/">Menu</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Type:</b> Restaurant, To-Go<br />
<b>Category: </b>Lunch, Dinner<br />
<b>Company: </b>The best of Father's Office with the welcome of special requests, customizations, and vegetarianism of the Counter<br />
<b>Cost:</b> Somewhere between In-N-Out and Rustic Canyon<br />
<b><i>Tip:</i></b> CASH ONLY - There's an ATM inside.<br />
<br />
<b>Review:</b><br />
What don't I love about HITW? When everyone (including the burgers) genuinely smile, the ranch is house-made (and the best I've ever had), the chocolate chip cookies could quite possibly steal the show, and the owners (Bill and Susan) are there because they love it (Bill: "I just want her to be happy," which is heart-rakingly sweet considering they're actually divorced) - there is no other burger joint to which I'd rather shell out a few bucks.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUln59TocZZa5F9BdWwNta0H_Lb9Is5qLl0hcwcGv6eO0yPMbO82F5MKFNse0hr9Cv4czamWrBbDkzSX27lcjMUU9pegERshwPjLlD5edM1HmhHeOs6QxY85VAP_ueaMFMb_8jewFAbw/s1600/photo+(12).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUln59TocZZa5F9BdWwNta0H_Lb9Is5qLl0hcwcGv6eO0yPMbO82F5MKFNse0hr9Cv4czamWrBbDkzSX27lcjMUU9pegERshwPjLlD5edM1HmhHeOs6QxY85VAP_ueaMFMb_8jewFAbw/s1600/photo+(12).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veggie Burger, Sweet Potato Fries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The thing is, you've seen HITW before. Prior to re-opening on Colorado Blvd, HITW used to be a well-known secret as literally a hole-in-the-wall on Santa Monica Blvd in a tiny strip mall. So rest well that the food, passion, and following is tried and true. Here's how it works:<br />
<br />
1. Enter and pick up an ordering form.<br />
2. Choose a <b>protein</b> (Beef, Turkey, Veggie, Chicken, Special of the week)<br />
3. Choose a <b>bread</b> (Pretzel, Whole Wheat, Old Fashioned, Brioche, Bowl)<br />
4. <b>Customize</b> with spreads, cheese, toppings, extras<br />
5. <b>Sides:</b> Sweet Potato and Regular, Side of the week<br />
6.<b> Drink:</b> Bottled soda, Lemonade, Ice Tea, Milkshake<br />
<br />
Drop it off at the counter. Pick up a chocolate chip cookie for dessert (get two, you'll want more later), pay, and wait for your order to be handed to you wrapped in paper, in a paper bag. Pick up a few containers of the best ranch dressing I've ever had and the homemade ketchup, and you're good to go. To test it all out, we sampled the following:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnT1Jr7FrZOq75hKoev63tGo4Sznwyw6teAYopJOnv2-nLA7R-HwaFwV7CwjDnp0oZo_itclUHMTlzvfU7G6b5BOQ8ZQanly3wO_DNX1IyJtcyoS0EMXSZy2yzsSxHVosfAwtFJL1xAE/s1600/photo+(13).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnT1Jr7FrZOq75hKoev63tGo4Sznwyw6teAYopJOnv2-nLA7R-HwaFwV7CwjDnp0oZo_itclUHMTlzvfU7G6b5BOQ8ZQanly3wO_DNX1IyJtcyoS0EMXSZy2yzsSxHVosfAwtFJL1xAE/s1600/photo+(13).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pick a bun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
1. <b>Beef Burger</b>, pretzel bun, onion mayo, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, bacon, fried egg & regular fries<br />
2. <b>Veggie Burger</b>, brioche bun, chipotle mayo, pepper jack, avocado, mushrooms & sweet potato fries<br />
3. <b>DANG soda</b> (butterscotch root beer!)<br />
4. <b>Chocolate chip cookies</b>, fresh chocolate pudding, rice pudding, brownie, chocolate ganache, caramel sauce<br />
<br />
Some items you won't find on the menu, and that's how you know you're eating from a chef who simply loves food, loves cooking, and really enjoys trying things out. The specials this week were a chorizo burger and potato chips, up soon will be a mac-and-cheese, various milkshakes with house-made ice cream, and gluten free buns.<br />
<br />
So, how was everything?<br />
<br />
1. <b>Beef Burger: </b>No anti-biotics, no added hormones, all fresh ingredients plus that heavenly ranch sauce? Delicious, and just as Bill said: somewhere between In-n-Out and Father's office (as in, the price trends toward In-n-Out and the taste/quality is much more like Father's office).<br />
<br />
2. <b>Veggie Burger:</b> As someone who has never ever ordered a veggie burger, I've finally found one that I would. Black beans, brown rice, peppers, corn, onion, panko, spices - you can actually discern the patty-made-of-veggies, and it's hearty, tasty, and a perfect meatless meal.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbOTyG_6IUqbJEciVv09iowgTdExqXs7FP1JS-9P9-BSc2PVSYvmnvEWfWS1SVvmeNlZO9G93HJ8p50Pg_qbsvSB66QIxXNHdYtHnuRXrg2PblZKHF9M7ABrlvuEDOXtZgDTM69lZ4Jc/s1600/photo+(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbOTyG_6IUqbJEciVv09iowgTdExqXs7FP1JS-9P9-BSc2PVSYvmnvEWfWS1SVvmeNlZO9G93HJ8p50Pg_qbsvSB66QIxXNHdYtHnuRXrg2PblZKHF9M7ABrlvuEDOXtZgDTM69lZ4Jc/s1600/photo+(14).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Save room for dessert!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
3. <b>Desserts:</b> Dive in to the chocolate pudding, forget about tomorrow, and try to restrain yourself from having another. The chocolate chip cookies were perfectly crispy and butter on the initial bite, then caramely, and chewy on the inside. Dare I say the best chocolate chip cookie I've ever had?<br />
<br />
Just as I was finishing off the last of the cookies and joking how my next step would be much more of a roll, Susan introduced herself (I had been talking to Bill for the entire visit). Beaming, busy, and with eyes as bright as summer she shared some renovations plans with Bill, who then asked for my sake if she remembered the first meal he ever made for her - laughing, she rubbed her stomach and rested her hand on her heart.<br />
<br />
"Of course I do -" and as she went on for a minute about some salmon-noodle asian fusion dish with butter and miso, I looked over at Bill whose expression was as content as ever. And just as something like a burger joint between a Starbucks, a dry cleaner, a smoothie shop, and a Japanese restaurant just fits, so does this version of their relationship.<br />
<br />
A welcomed addition to the block, I'm happy to claim that it's in my neighborhood, and that I'll be there often (as will everyone else).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355868739558066161.post-34664041454262170042013-01-16T11:34:00.000-08:002013-01-16T11:51:14.258-08:00Dan Tana's<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ra7Y62Edv6rEp3Xz9pkB4kb2rNUkp_caUsE_Yq4w7sch98aurqiyKx-Nb-o8ifSRrILb-wJ3yGan5rxdPQdNLB5oP7cJe5kw7gq_y4DwTqKbfJpsZyEwFlPuuIcqRI_sITDuuXSwGLg/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ra7Y62Edv6rEp3Xz9pkB4kb2rNUkp_caUsE_Yq4w7sch98aurqiyKx-Nb-o8ifSRrILb-wJ3yGan5rxdPQdNLB5oP7cJe5kw7gq_y4DwTqKbfJpsZyEwFlPuuIcqRI_sITDuuXSwGLg/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your table will be the size of the napkin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><a href="http://www.dantanasrestaurant.com/">Dan Tana's</a> </b><br />
9071 Santa Monica Blvd<br />
West Hollywood, CA<br />
<a href="http://www.dantanasrestaurant.com/apetizers.htm">Menu</a><br />
<br />
<b>Type: </b>Restaurant, Bar<br />
<b>Category: </b>Lunch, Dinner, Bar, Late-Night<br />
<b>Company:</b> Leave the claustrophobes and diets at home<br />
<b><i>Tip:</i></b> Make a res or make out with the maitre di Christian - otherwise, it's Taste of India next door for you!<br />
<br />
<b>Review: </b><br />
The last of its class, Dan Tana's is old school Italian, which means that it's pricey, hefty, and absolutely delicious. Unlike you'd anticipate, while you go here to be seen, you also go here to eat. That's because every main dish comes with a side of pasta (angel hair, spaghetti, penne) with sauce (marinara, meat, garlic and olive oil) and complimentary bread and butter. The most popular dishes are the Chicken Parm, the Veal Piccata, and any cut of steak.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCk1xXrxWMmgbjSITjUPCuYMYQUjxjzn0QJa4rN8moG0p2r862wswTVdiq8jnnlNHTXTQtULbyz45obLXwuC-Bq6y6b0LIOJCXZjRIZ9iXiy8O6OBWMWCjbeJS9aFKr-ABLja4Oh711FA/s1600/photo+(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCk1xXrxWMmgbjSITjUPCuYMYQUjxjzn0QJa4rN8moG0p2r862wswTVdiq8jnnlNHTXTQtULbyz45obLXwuC-Bq6y6b0LIOJCXZjRIZ9iXiy8O6OBWMWCjbeJS9aFKr-ABLja4Oh711FA/s1600/photo+(9).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caesar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There's also a table-side Caesar, but considering there's barely enough space between tables to say you're dining without everyone else in the room, it's usually made in the kitchen. Salty, tangy, and with the perfect hello from anchovy, the Caesar is worth every forkful and the slight detour from the inevitable carb-coma.<br />
<br />
I'd also recommend the "potatoes and onions strings" which is something like "home-made potato chips and french-fried onion strings" also known as "you'll eat the entire lot of them and not be able to finish your main course" (not that you would otherwise - unless you are eating for two). If you fancy boozy desserts then get the Zabaglione because here it's also handmade and if warm and custardy in a wine glass is your thing, then this will be a closer. If you like things a little more PG, then do the Chocolate Mousse which is a baseball-sized chocolate bonbon encasing vanilla ice cream.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZvEXqxK8tmEeKLazsGxChVEZk8lVWS17TRUUw020PpNZU2UkK4tYw1QQOBzYHGRiDPV1-55tfhBB5Q0KV1MUjxGHGy6MD3wXxtU7DZyo1svtzNF3ifNZfz6DaqeD_nCzLKOaDWb23S0/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZvEXqxK8tmEeKLazsGxChVEZk8lVWS17TRUUw020PpNZU2UkK4tYw1QQOBzYHGRiDPV1-55tfhBB5Q0KV1MUjxGHGy6MD3wXxtU7DZyo1svtzNF3ifNZfz6DaqeD_nCzLKOaDWb23S0/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potatoes. Strings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Luckily, there is valet parking for a reason, and it will be the best $8 you ever handed over since the idea of walking to your car after tucking in to a full-on italian spread is worth three times that just to avoid. Cheers!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355868739558066161.post-69208763963230549552013-01-12T10:17:00.000-08:002013-01-12T10:17:18.027-08:00LA's 8 Most Off The Couch DishesHere at Off The Couch LA we firmly believe in menu motto: <i>Try Everything Once</i>. And in the past year or so, we've had great opportunities to do just that. If you are looking for some ideas, here are our picks LA's 8 Most <i>Off The Couch</i> Dishes:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKfd-WMyVT9DF5Fd8T2zskTcVMLR6aLJF2MW8w8qnGP7SXf2oBvPbgmyzeTYbkubeoU8jvFHhn6GLSNeHP1EA5N-NT04wT86Yudj27mo5pWrGL3Xlve9fqKJX3hn4m_YfC0YmG76kILQ/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKfd-WMyVT9DF5Fd8T2zskTcVMLR6aLJF2MW8w8qnGP7SXf2oBvPbgmyzeTYbkubeoU8jvFHhn6GLSNeHP1EA5N-NT04wT86Yudj27mo5pWrGL3Xlve9fqKJX3hn4m_YfC0YmG76kILQ/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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1. <b><a href="http://www.typhoon.biz/menus/dinnermenu.html">Typhoon: </a></b>Scorpion on Shrimp Toast<br />
2. <b><a href="http://offthecouchla.blogspot.com/2012/12/tar-roses.html">Tar & Roses:</a></b> Whole Fish<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmEuyUXoAMOee3Qxyi5TnJs08eEaFJqNoGn0CEC5xFuZ63f8hhPNbbrLj410XzHA7dUilUC5YYUSs8vUV2pwZkRjgAEdkB49J86lEmVKWWZ_OJ1RofpNBe4xouU5cf08_2htO5xQLbWE/s1600/photo+(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmEuyUXoAMOee3Qxyi5TnJs08eEaFJqNoGn0CEC5xFuZ63f8hhPNbbrLj410XzHA7dUilUC5YYUSs8vUV2pwZkRjgAEdkB49J86lEmVKWWZ_OJ1RofpNBe4xouU5cf08_2htO5xQLbWE/s1600/photo+(9).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
3. <b><a href="http://offthecouchla.blogspot.com/2012/10/superba.html">Superba Snack Bar:</a></b> Cauliflower Steak<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3CQ2Hen9yVjmOVkr2_J__bxoYgUU1fTkSoE72gHZq8sIcA7QFdp_W4prt6XPUVFyzLtZ5dytlbHrEJ5W0FULhcHijpJt37bCRs_0e-R9pBes10PltTxpGbKrRI7GqICAcqdO5rEMfpA/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3CQ2Hen9yVjmOVkr2_J__bxoYgUU1fTkSoE72gHZq8sIcA7QFdp_W4prt6XPUVFyzLtZ5dytlbHrEJ5W0FULhcHijpJt37bCRs_0e-R9pBes10PltTxpGbKrRI7GqICAcqdO5rEMfpA/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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4. <b><a href="http://www.figsantamonica.com/">FIG:</a></b> Bacon Wrapped Bacon</div>
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5. <b><a href="http://offthecouchla.blogspot.com/2012/11/banana-pancakes-shoops-2400-main-street.html">Shoop's:</a></b> Salmon Belly Bacon (special order)</div>
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6. <a href="http://offthecouchla.blogspot.com/2012/12/robata-bar.html"><b>Robata Bar:</b></a><b> </b>(from Sushi Roku) Kurobuta Pork "Kakuni"</div>
<div>
7. <a href="http://offthecouchla.blogspot.com/2011/04/chego.html"><b>Chego:</b></a><b> </b>Sriracha Bar</div>
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8. <b><a href="http://offthecouchla.blogspot.com/2012/06/ushuaia-steak-house.html">Ushuaia:</a></b> Crispy Sweetbreads</div>
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Go on - dig in, get weird, and remember the moments!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355868739558066161.post-84595269091258220432013-01-04T12:44:00.001-08:002013-01-04T12:44:44.038-08:00BOA Steakhouse<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8oy05Hg5ffznOZhSgk4ISbopTipQQfegmEuKtxM_NWYTY-Ro8p2JPNZPO8jzfkYry258vTT35fuA6hNrPtUnuvDFjKWeToCIoqStYKmwQ2bU5gsvYPIvcO3H-eOSjZode8pqrpaZNcI/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8oy05Hg5ffznOZhSgk4ISbopTipQQfegmEuKtxM_NWYTY-Ro8p2JPNZPO8jzfkYry258vTT35fuA6hNrPtUnuvDFjKWeToCIoqStYKmwQ2bU5gsvYPIvcO3H-eOSjZode8pqrpaZNcI/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swanky lighting wants you to eat, not snap pics</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><a href="http://www.innovativedining.com/restaurants/boa">BOA Steakhouse</a> </b><br />
101 Santa Monica Blvd<br />
Santa Monica, CA<br />
<a href="http://www.innovativedining.com/restaurants/boa/menu">Menu</a><br />
<br />
<b>Type:</b> Restaurant<br />
<b>Category:</b> Lunch, Dinner<br />
<b>Company:</b> If you like Sushi Roku and Robata Bar, this is by the same folk<br />
<b><i>Tip:</i></b> This is the only time you'll ever hear me recommend to sit inside instead of outside. Why? The seats are super narrow long the window, so unless you like to slide while you eat opt for indoors!<br />
<br />
<b>Review:</b><br />
I got called a carnivore last night, which is fine by me, especially since my steak of choice was the Bone-In Ribeye cooked medium-rare. I've been rather curious about BOA after learning that it's owned by the same group that runs Sushi Roku and Robata Bar (literally, across the street). Could I order from the Sushi menu? The answer is no, but don't fret - there are so many combinations and permutations at BOA you'll find yourself practically pleading for suggestions.<br />
<br />
Here's some direction:<br />
<br />
Our table ordered the Tuna Tartar, the special Mushroom Cappuccino, the Truffle and Crab Gnocchi, and our respective Steaks. Each steak comes with your choice of rub, crust, and sauce, so naturally I uber-ordered and got a sauce "tasting" (aka every single of one them) and my steak delivered medium-rare with herbed butter. Next time, I'd go for blackened and skip the herb butter since the butter was rather fragrant and over-stepping.<br />
<br />
<b><i>OTC Tip:</i></b> Re - the Sauces - I loved the Peppercorn. All the others - Creamy Horseradish, Chimichurri, Bernaise, Cabernet, and Signature - I'd skip.<br />
<br />
Tasting the Mushroom Cappuccino (think a mushroom soup with a white foam on top) I'd definitely order that again/or opt for the french onion soup (oh how I love). The Gnocchi was delectable, with huge pieces of crab in a lush truffle cream bath. The steaks were huge, and if you're wondering how big, I'll admit I took 1/4 of mine home.<br />
<br />
The dessert menu is as teasing as the regular menu. We got the S'mores, but next time I'd get what our neighbors got which was the Banana Pudding. The S'more were sort of random (imagine a chocolate gooey cake, ice cream, marshmallow fluff, graham crackers) and definitely needed a douse of creme anglaise to wet through the cake.<br />
<br />
Definitely a great steak, but for the price I'd vote for an ambiance less "vegas-meets-beach" (think blue-lit stones) and opt for either more traditional (Maestro's) or less focused (The Wilshire).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355868739558066161.post-88797083557474255252012-12-29T16:10:00.000-08:002012-12-29T16:10:33.365-08:00Wilshire Restaurant<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqfpOYjLeqmdj_YP1Sdino6mqYdM58mx7wznont8xBLiFy33W5XHnBiGZWyWjzm0L3Aw74Z_VfjP1muM_-J4Y4n4lon-YAlW9yrzZjOrIhje6f3wZAn68H0k0oYgGCRYZ4Tb9JOyZM0g/s1600/photo+(27).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqfpOYjLeqmdj_YP1Sdino6mqYdM58mx7wznont8xBLiFy33W5XHnBiGZWyWjzm0L3Aw74Z_VfjP1muM_-J4Y4n4lon-YAlW9yrzZjOrIhje6f3wZAn68H0k0oYgGCRYZ4Tb9JOyZM0g/s1600/photo+(27).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kale Salad with Burrata</td></tr>
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<a href="http://wilshirerestaurant.com/">Wilshire Restaurant</a><br />
2454 Wilshire Blvd<br />
Santa Monica<br />
<a href="http://wilshirerestaurant.com/menus/">Menu</a><br />
<br />
<b>Type:</b> Restaurant<br />
<b>Category:</b> Lunch, Dinner, Bar, Happy Hour<br />
<b>Company:</b> Pretty people. Hungry people. Party people. Families. The whole caboodle!<br />
<b><i>Tip:</i></b> You must get the Sticky Toffee Pudding. In fact, get more - one won't ever be enough...<br />
<br />
<b>Review:</b><br />
You've probably seen Wilshire Restaurant for some time now, as it's next to <a href="http://offthecouchla.blogspot.com/2012/05/charleston.html">The Charleston</a> (where I have the <a href="http://blogs.kcrw.com/goodfood/2012/12/how-to-make-a-bacon-cocktail/">Sallie Unswined</a> cocktail) - but you probably didn't know that it's owned by the<a href="http://offthecouchla.blogspot.com/2012/12/la-vecchia.html"> La Vecchia</a> restauranteur and is run by executive chef Nyesha Arrington (Season 9, Top Chef). Nyesha's mother is Korean, so you'll find a few asian twists to Wilshire's predominately seasonal and American menu.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFg7x8ITbzNJ8AHWEVqHuYKNbInVbAnh4IZ8hO_4F9zJNxyfY7RiJi6XOS80AUPInIZU3AGNQmx5ykKaAxv1pU6zNbrrm712ptr6IZgGDry_F1TfTy6AK3VdAnVB1sMiAMolEm7m4uUo/s1600/photo+(28).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFg7x8ITbzNJ8AHWEVqHuYKNbInVbAnh4IZ8hO_4F9zJNxyfY7RiJi6XOS80AUPInIZU3AGNQmx5ykKaAxv1pU6zNbrrm712ptr6IZgGDry_F1TfTy6AK3VdAnVB1sMiAMolEm7m4uUo/s1600/photo+(28).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steak Tartar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><i>Tip:</i></b> Best outdoor atmosphere in Santa Monica. Reminds me of <a href="http://offthecouchla.blogspot.com/2011/04/primitivo-wine-bistro.html">Primitivo</a> - fairy lights wrapped around trees, a roaring propane fire, gigantic heat lamps, and a multi-dimensional layout that promises a different experience from every angle.<br />
<br />
<b>Check:</b><br />
1. Steak Tartar with arugula, quail egg<br />
2. Kale salad<br />
3. Braised Short Rib<br />
4. Filet Mignon<br />
5. Truffle Fries<br />
6. Sweet Potato Gratin<br />
7. Sticky Toffee Pudding<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1OgUg-DPVGAs55gc2E50O9Qyr24a7XrArDRRYKUnIbPLsJAryNmZMPOvCk-YczGFsQXs0V8Yq03tKdeKEUOEgHJQDPGVvGBoyMNgOL35TIt6aTPI641nNJKxVrh3mN_CTR5bpXN0mlw/s1600/photo+(29).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1OgUg-DPVGAs55gc2E50O9Qyr24a7XrArDRRYKUnIbPLsJAryNmZMPOvCk-YczGFsQXs0V8Yq03tKdeKEUOEgHJQDPGVvGBoyMNgOL35TIt6aTPI641nNJKxVrh3mN_CTR5bpXN0mlw/s1600/photo+(29).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Truffle Fries & Gratin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As mentioned, you must get the Toffee Pudding - it's light, eye-rollingly delicious, and the product of a few years in the making (says Chef Arrington). Also perfected was the Filet Mignon and the Truffle fries. Spectacular presentation went to the Kale salad, and of course - the entire backyard decor.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-u6Ea2dgXdVlP1xixIUbCJ0DcU_0Tq1Gba1M03ixQqiLJcbUGUFOdcDHJAZ85i8BxplAmAhZSbgBpfYBBCCQjo93db9iYQx0rMSp0dudYMLmYILUt24Y2JCokveO21PHMJ3quIfbGnSs/s1600/photo+(30).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-u6Ea2dgXdVlP1xixIUbCJ0DcU_0Tq1Gba1M03ixQqiLJcbUGUFOdcDHJAZ85i8BxplAmAhZSbgBpfYBBCCQjo93db9iYQx0rMSp0dudYMLmYILUt24Y2JCokveO21PHMJ3quIfbGnSs/s1600/photo+(30).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sticky Toffee Pudding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355868739558066161.post-14052561102402970742012-12-28T14:06:00.000-08:002012-12-28T14:06:03.916-08:00Cafe Del Rey<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWwAhhTBSEHkVp6DBw3wR7s-9kYtiEC5FpE_JI7kzyA0dHhZJ_kr1gOH9m8Ce97P5TyfMBN6Lo0SAP0Hi5sO0hSat2sxXubHSOcUTi-OAbETGYB8fnamwztFCFRQAP8k62pUQEnRzJCc/s1600/photo+(24).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWwAhhTBSEHkVp6DBw3wR7s-9kYtiEC5FpE_JI7kzyA0dHhZJ_kr1gOH9m8Ce97P5TyfMBN6Lo0SAP0Hi5sO0hSat2sxXubHSOcUTi-OAbETGYB8fnamwztFCFRQAP8k62pUQEnRzJCc/s1600/photo+(24).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wagyu Beef Tartar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><a href="http://cafedelreymarina.com/">Cafe Del Rey</a> </b><br />
4451 Admiralty Way<br />
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292<br />
<a href="http://cafedelreymarina.com/menus/">Menu</a><br />
<br />
<b>Type:</b> Restaurant<br />
<b>Category:</b> Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Bar, Happy Hour<br />
<b>Company:</b> Locals, business dealers<br />
<b><i>Tip:</i></b> Request a table by the window!<br />
<br />
<b>Review:</b> Aside from the 50's orange and blue color scheme, Cafe Del Rey makes a mean meal at which you'll have to fight to eat any fewer than three courses. Spanning a dock's length of view at the Marina Del Rey yacht club, Cafe Del Rey promises a view that makes up for the otherwise clashing decor (sorry).<br />
<br />
<b><i>Tip:</i></b> Whatever other full plates you get, order the truffle pizza. It's a perfect ratio of caramelized onion, truffle cream, and reggiano.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebdHJd2siooTaTYtZyAe1LuxOsYr4IcHy9I4boUZehyphenhyphen4vR59Y0Cd9CY0Tw98FXrAFTVu03K9mXIXn5qdbsrEv7wVlybvVYuwPk-M9ibHZvFc2AAaK2nP7gAqECHlbdPTrfRFRet4yl2A/s1600/photo+(25).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebdHJd2siooTaTYtZyAe1LuxOsYr4IcHy9I4boUZehyphenhyphen4vR59Y0Cd9CY0Tw98FXrAFTVu03K9mXIXn5qdbsrEv7wVlybvVYuwPk-M9ibHZvFc2AAaK2nP7gAqECHlbdPTrfRFRet4yl2A/s1600/photo+(25).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duck in a bowl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Fun to note is the Raw Bar menu that gets prepared in full-view. If you can, linger and stare at executive chef Daniel Roberts as he tenderly slices Wagyu beef for his tartar. Then, get it. It's a delicious combination of Wagyu, black currants, almonds, olives, shallot, and harissa. Served with chips, in some small eater's world it could be enough for a meal.<br />
<br />
<b>Check:</b><br />
<br />
1. Truffle Pizza<br />
2. Wagyu Beef Tartar<br />
3. Sea Bass (brussel sprouts, green apple, cippolini, pancetta, potato)<br />
4. Pan Roasted Duck Breast (duck confit, cassoulet, baby carrot, pom gastrique)<br />
5. **Rosemary Brown Sugar Bacon** (not a side or appetizer...definitely a snack embedded in the entree section)<br />
6. Chocolate Truffle Cake (off menu)<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLK1F8cqnC02LF5BLlP-t88HoHqSAK76GqEqIrhlWkrzAHLB1_EXRmgSGAGfWrVH8tC_yZqEuLJOa8RdGKLzTf0DJmhCe79QMzp12Qr3suQFj5iItmDScS9BgTnOsiJD3Bx3uGfMGLT8U/s1600/photo+(26).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLK1F8cqnC02LF5BLlP-t88HoHqSAK76GqEqIrhlWkrzAHLB1_EXRmgSGAGfWrVH8tC_yZqEuLJOa8RdGKLzTf0DJmhCe79QMzp12Qr3suQFj5iItmDScS9BgTnOsiJD3Bx3uGfMGLT8U/s1600/photo+(26).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Truffle Pizza</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As noted, definitely get the Truffle Pizza (appetizer or main), the Beef Tartar, and the Roasted Duck. Our mains came in deep and large bowls, which I took particular delight in since the bowl is my plating of choice for everything (minus coffee). I also hear Cafe Del Rey is delightful for lunch, which adds the highlight of daylight on the fabulous Marina view.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355868739558066161.post-5261867381374519912012-12-23T12:24:00.000-08:002012-12-23T12:31:29.031-08:00Tar & Roses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulILS3WbUVPwz8odshZcnnki-V4fQjpNZgKg9fGcAGYV39Ooicbr-AbvhwDq3YiY3MRPT8L4i-blqj3TAqhq8GCn2EhjFndyVh72kIjIDEnMAel2E9IMIFqH5bEIa5qE6XLTCRRqJpDo/s1600/photo+(23).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulILS3WbUVPwz8odshZcnnki-V4fQjpNZgKg9fGcAGYV39Ooicbr-AbvhwDq3YiY3MRPT8L4i-blqj3TAqhq8GCn2EhjFndyVh72kIjIDEnMAel2E9IMIFqH5bEIa5qE6XLTCRRqJpDo/s1600/photo+(23).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><a href="http://tarandroses.com/">Tar & Roses</a></b><br />
602 Santa Monica Blvd<br />
Santa Monica, CA<br />
<a href="http://tarandroses.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/TR_MENU_web10.pdf">Menu</a><br />
<br />
<b>Type:</b> Restaurant<br />
<b>Category: </b>Bar, Dinner<br />
<b>Company: </b>Traditional with an around-the-world twist<br />
<b><i>Tip:</i></b> You won't be able to get res, but if you walk in an wait you'll get a seat<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: auto;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></span></i></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>Dear</i> <b>Tar & Roses</b>,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>It is at the same time that I deeply apologize for trying to lift one of your branded charcuterie boards, as well as thank you for gifting it instead. Please chalk it up to flattery? I promise next time I won't try to steal anything.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Sincerely</i>,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Sallie</b></div>
<br />
<b>Review:</b><br />
Indeed. On Thursday night at 8pm I was that girl - yes, I had polished off the first of three glasses of wine while waiting to be seated, and yes, I did take notes all over the paper menu. Really, who do I think I am? I'm starting to think that my eyes are bigger than my perception - I truly thought that I could wrap the cheeseboard in the white and red napkin and oh-so-casually nudge it under my seat. Yes, I know we were seated at the front of the house...and again, yes, I PROMISE this won't ever happen again.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9XOAwWdgqkcoq_QDpYXyTR984aIKJkQi5yrEFLtLJ_m2r1wYdpXbFf4ceGRRZ-txie7Y7Sv16qeDVtjGv12e4fF7G-PmaNxWpN-YOEGyvuMT6bVTl9DwvoStkajou8DXjLfv2WEAxM4/s1600/photo+(20).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9XOAwWdgqkcoq_QDpYXyTR984aIKJkQi5yrEFLtLJ_m2r1wYdpXbFf4ceGRRZ-txie7Y7Sv16qeDVtjGv12e4fF7G-PmaNxWpN-YOEGyvuMT6bVTl9DwvoStkajou8DXjLfv2WEAxM4/s1600/photo+(20).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duck Rillette on the infamous branded charcuterie boards</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But, not the point. Tar & Roses is good. Fantastically delicious. You'll want several stomachs just because you won't be able to decide what to get on the menu, and narrowing down selections is like entering a f*cking gastronomic Sophie's choice. Here's how we did:<br />
<br />
1. Charcuterie board, choice of 3 (duck rillette, torta de trujillo & idiazabal)<br />
2. Braised Lamb Belly<br />
3. Steak Tartar<br />
4. Ricotta Gnocchi<br />
5. Crispy Pig Tail<br />
6. Dry Aged Ribeye for 2<br />
7. Jerusalem Artichoke<br />
8. Sticky Toffee Pudding<br />
<br />
<b><i>PS - Must-do's:</i></b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfnfips9bGckFcR9Cz2M8ZrdoV8HDbWC_RTqNjTeEjebg1llJM5MFQG9IdGkqWbVsNQna8gdsJ3_r6XH3dZ5iC2GwadJ4WBzLoJPZW60wu1vg44O5JHdp2OVWgNwhROMYZam7g3iLe64/s1600/photo+(19).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfnfips9bGckFcR9Cz2M8ZrdoV8HDbWC_RTqNjTeEjebg1llJM5MFQG9IdGkqWbVsNQna8gdsJ3_r6XH3dZ5iC2GwadJ4WBzLoJPZW60wu1vg44O5JHdp2OVWgNwhROMYZam7g3iLe64/s1600/photo+(19).JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Braised Lamb Belly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceE39f3oLEVCShluje1-TmDn5r15HB12XKmpaiiqDDFk89RRzHiSNzixn_NQchjfDGQhA65xEQIjeC9lefXyaeU2WMwsG4eRXHq52_7m3Y0Q-ORZ_8ihxl2h7k55EyXFwMxgUcbmR1Ro/s1600/photo+(21).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceE39f3oLEVCShluje1-TmDn5r15HB12XKmpaiiqDDFk89RRzHiSNzixn_NQchjfDGQhA65xEQIjeC9lefXyaeU2WMwsG4eRXHq52_7m3Y0Q-ORZ_8ihxl2h7k55EyXFwMxgUcbmR1Ro/s1600/photo+(21).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crispy Pig Tail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MqNBy2Ypm_OxoleaafUXzOan142jCquT5MK1GhNTSBB8lpi-VLNu7e5-RXFlbyxe1H8kJzWJEfpCk5Xe5lRkypop3fmZC9jAGWZfpwj90DLFcwW8ycWoh10fFsQ7phIlgxmdJYDJnH4/s1600/photo+(22).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MqNBy2Ypm_OxoleaafUXzOan142jCquT5MK1GhNTSBB8lpi-VLNu7e5-RXFlbyxe1H8kJzWJEfpCk5Xe5lRkypop3fmZC9jAGWZfpwj90DLFcwW8ycWoh10fFsQ7phIlgxmdJYDJnH4/s1600/photo+(22).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Put ice cream on top of the sticky toffee pudding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
That is all. Cheers, and thank you.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355868739558066161.post-62322217260847032932012-12-22T11:39:00.000-08:002016-01-11T10:38:59.497-08:00Lost Palms Oasis<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5PpB77e4rsiMcd1CtCVLXfS0ZwVR7QsEaUlcZ_4MOHxGwO_PRy_tov8MgKoiSuc3b4zdcoRUHodteoTQXefK3mVCdzB9adPilOFMLKFDAUUZnjs68UA1mXePqk3oVXucDGFMuOz_L1I/s1600/IMG_0634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5PpB77e4rsiMcd1CtCVLXfS0ZwVR7QsEaUlcZ_4MOHxGwO_PRy_tov8MgKoiSuc3b4zdcoRUHodteoTQXefK3mVCdzB9adPilOFMLKFDAUUZnjs68UA1mXePqk3oVXucDGFMuOz_L1I/s320/IMG_0634.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your destination: Lost Palms Oasis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/lost-palms-oasis-in-joshua-tree/">Lost Palms Oasis</a> </span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Trailhead:</span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Unnamed road off </span><span itemprop="streetAddress" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Pinto Basin Road</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">, </span><span itemprop="addressLocality" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Joshua Tree National Park</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">, </span><span itemprop="addressRegion" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">CA</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span itemprop="postalCode" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">92277</span></span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Type:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Outdoors</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Category:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Hike, Recreation, Fitness</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Company:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Hikers and Climbers</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Cost:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> $15/vehicle (park permit)</span><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Tip:</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Make sure to stop at the visitor center to get a park </span><a href="http://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/feesandreservations.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">permit</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> for your car (for $15 you get 7 days)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Review: </span></b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLMTTS6vFfjRS1sKoQyKvkPY2GYzu4iqfOCI7hDeYs7isLYP-OJS_kEfhsooIAZsO2IxHbZ_2QZWXtKNWXkIzNjt06cyCRV0A_M1WVaNCtm3TgdgxS2GWQ92FfM6PW6mPsmUVni_Aqqk/s1600/IMG_0629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLMTTS6vFfjRS1sKoQyKvkPY2GYzu4iqfOCI7hDeYs7isLYP-OJS_kEfhsooIAZsO2IxHbZ_2QZWXtKNWXkIzNjt06cyCRV0A_M1WVaNCtm3TgdgxS2GWQ92FfM6PW6mPsmUVni_Aqqk/s320/IMG_0629.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mastodon Peak</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Why walk when you can hike, boulder, climb, scramble, run, and view? If you're ever in the area, seek out Lost Palms Oasis. Roughly 7.2 mile round trip, this hike is fantastically rewarding. Make sure to take the slight detour up </span><a href="http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/mastodon-peak-joshua-tree/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Mastodon Peak</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> for a 360 view for the miles of surrounding desert.</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Tip:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Follow the trail and keep going until you get to the Oasis - we found a few of the trail markers to be prematurely misleading, so the best rule of walk is to keep going until you spot the Oasis (it's truly hard to miss a bouquet of gigantic prehistoric palm trees) - which is where the trail literally and officially ends.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span>
Make sure to wear sunscreen, bring water, and most absolutely - a camera of some kind. All cell reception is obsolete once you enter Joshua Tree park, so be careful when you climb and be mindful of the daylight.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7tqlehOdvBhiWgOD_BT1Bu1OrBQx0THTLgj3HQaDttk6Le2Gk-sauY_Ioo24HYTS3ouL2WdOBVNrcULTxka5r36FAQXZARl0rb2Z8kJ5zMp8jwEjFoCYAxg3L1lqIGT0GQsBp7jijlE/s1600/photo+(18).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7tqlehOdvBhiWgOD_BT1Bu1OrBQx0THTLgj3HQaDttk6Le2Gk-sauY_Ioo24HYTS3ouL2WdOBVNrcULTxka5r36FAQXZARl0rb2Z8kJ5zMp8jwEjFoCYAxg3L1lqIGT0GQsBp7jijlE/s320/photo+(18).JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">En route to the Oasis<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span>This is a great trail. Well-paved with satisfying variation, there's been enough use to mitigate any factor that might get you lost (we did a bit, but don't I always). Desert hiking is a great twist to my usual opt for vertical ascent, as you can go further in a shorter period of time (and get to check out the cacti, snake holes, and the sun setting behind the mountain line). </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMG3TSvXtF5LMuYvj93XxDBvan5Ll_iisSnx1U00UM2WTbo6B0wc97beMorsBCWaFAUQQo0fhMWHH277D0D_FLrXTU-82CDUPb53vc_sHTvBW_Cc3JBRZlDvsgqPzXWsXBT5HNkD1aQvU/s1600/IMG_0633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMG3TSvXtF5LMuYvj93XxDBvan5Ll_iisSnx1U00UM2WTbo6B0wc97beMorsBCWaFAUQQo0fhMWHH277D0D_FLrXTU-82CDUPb53vc_sHTvBW_Cc3JBRZlDvsgqPzXWsXBT5HNkD1aQvU/s320/IMG_0633.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Oasis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355868739558066161.post-26094911644164157022012-12-20T13:46:00.003-08:002012-12-22T16:39:56.069-08:0010 Best Of 2012<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimgt6NdJUd1MHEaVkHeWDEsSJNFz-CEqoHETauHYeSjndryC89RHojM3TmDXi6WgQzdJMdfoD3pvPpiqB6AYBN4gzghkr93vBAPqj6BSGqyFyEFENvRO-FPq4mJ7OPfoBkgBIhVNsif4/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimgt6NdJUd1MHEaVkHeWDEsSJNFz-CEqoHETauHYeSjndryC89RHojM3TmDXi6WgQzdJMdfoD3pvPpiqB6AYBN4gzghkr93vBAPqj6BSGqyFyEFENvRO-FPq4mJ7OPfoBkgBIhVNsif4/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012 Best</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>10 Best Of 2012</b><br />
<br />
We ate, we drank, we moved. Here are the <b>10 Best</b> of <b>2012</b>.<br />
<br />
1.<b> Eat:</b> The <b>PB&J</b> at <a href="http://offthecouchla.blogspot.com/2012/10/superba.html"><b>Superba Snack Bar</b></a><br />
2. <b>Drink:</b> The <b>Sallie Unswined</b> at <b><a href="http://offthecouchla.blogspot.com/2012/05/charleston.html">The Charleston</a></b><br />
3. <b>Hike:</b> <b><a href="http://offthecouchla.blogspot.com/2012/06/mt-whitneyaffordable-hiking-gear.html">Mt Whitney</a></b><br />
4.<b> Eat:</b> The <b>Beef 'N Latkas</b> at <a href="http://offthecouchla.blogspot.com/2012/12/shermans-deli.html"><b>Sherman's Deli</b></a><br />
5. <b>Drink:</b> The <b>DTC Sweet N Salty</b> at <b><a href="http://offthecouchla.blogspot.com/2012/08/dogtown-coffee.html">Dogtown Coffee</a></b><br />
6. <b>Box:</b> at <b><a href="http://offthecouchla.blogspot.com/2012/11/220-fitness.html">220 Fitness</a></b><br />
7. <b>Eat:</b> at<b><a href="http://offthecouchla.blogspot.com/2012/12/robata-bar.html"> Robata Bar</a></b><br />
8. <b>Drink: </b>The<b> Lady In Red </b>at<b> <a href="http://www.smmirror.com/articles/Dining/Brus-Wiffle-Now-Open-For-Weekday-Dinner/34740">Bru's Wiffle</a></b><br />
9. <b>Hike:</b> Everything in Joshua Tree<br />
10. <b>Eat:</b> The <b>Ice Cream Sandwich</b> at <b><a href="http://offthecouchla.blogspot.com/2012/10/magnolia.html">Magnolia</a></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355868739558066161.post-30833689354043144212012-12-19T13:13:00.000-08:002012-12-19T13:20:34.194-08:00Robata Bar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPuHOV-8kqA7JgIZLWsPU5Y_4yYWkoKyLi4mL2Y01qMCjnZAjrVXRhjdvFMA84UoyQGdDk07Rq41t8Ez-ST__Zm1ltezu0C6BnPm41eIlNPbW1i0sxi4-wRhhkv_yOZa7GZ9n4RK0K3g/s1600/photo+(15).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPuHOV-8kqA7JgIZLWsPU5Y_4yYWkoKyLi4mL2Y01qMCjnZAjrVXRhjdvFMA84UoyQGdDk07Rq41t8Ez-ST__Zm1ltezu0C6BnPm41eIlNPbW1i0sxi4-wRhhkv_yOZa7GZ9n4RK0K3g/s1600/photo+(15).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://robatabar.com/">Robata Bar</a><br />
1401 Ocean Ave<br />
Santa Monica, 90401<br />
<br />
<b>Type:</b> Restaurant<br />
<b>Category:</b> Happy Hour, Dinner, Bar<br />
<b>Company:</b> Special people<br />
<b>Tip: </b>You can order from the full Sushi Roku menu from next door! Brace yourself for option paralysis - I recommend writing straight on the menu so you can give a rattle list to your server<br />
<br />
<b>Review:</b><br />
<i>Robata</i> will forever mean Japanese tapas and the best atmosphered restaurant I've ever had. Striking the intersection of the coveted trifecta that most establishments only tag one or two of, Robata takes the stake in the middle of perfection by offering a much-welcomed contrast of warmth and friendliness, strings of white lights underneath an amazing yellow-tasseled ceiling, wrought-iron and re-claimed dark wood walls, and of course, food that is 100% to infinity delicious.<br />
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Pause and take note -<i>This is a foodie in love</i>.<br />
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Starting with a glass of Sav Blanc, we considered the menus (I had them side-by-side and began to mark one up with notes and underlines) while sipping on miso soup and munching on veggie tempura. Our list went as follows:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc033afqlGrGBHvl4saHxDVGIZ_3OcwoErEHza3O7S3gTxm-M_za9LqNbe32NhZtu8FkSmvz3faidTMMew1ZjiX4UwIR6lP_SQY0flMUnuRbAv2igFKUlla0sRAtZYJwAjEOChWOENTQo/s1600/photo+(16).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc033afqlGrGBHvl4saHxDVGIZ_3OcwoErEHza3O7S3gTxm-M_za9LqNbe32NhZtu8FkSmvz3faidTMMew1ZjiX4UwIR6lP_SQY0flMUnuRbAv2igFKUlla0sRAtZYJwAjEOChWOENTQo/s1600/photo+(16).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to right: lamb chop, pork jowl, eggplant, seabass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
1. Lamb Chops marinated in Soy Garlic<br />
2. Short Ribs in Asian Marinade<br />
3 Filet Mignon, Faux Gras, Asparagus<br />
4. Japanese Eggplant in Sweet Miso<br />
5. Chilean Seabass<br />
6. Pork Jowl (off the menu special)<br />
7. Hanabi (Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice)<br />
8. Baked Lobster Roll<br />
9. Chocolate Volcano Cake<br />
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It's an eye popping list, but if you note that each item is the size of a two-three inch skewer, you'll see that it's not entirely a feast for five.<br />
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Accompanied by a trio of dipping sauces, each skewer is succulent and tender, and each I'd absolutely order again. The most curious was the Filet Mignon, Faux Gras, Asparagus: simply a skewer with bite-sized wraps of steak around "faux gras" - which is chicken liver instead of foie gras thanks to the recent foie ban across CA. But it works. It's melty and sweet and salty and sexy and on a stick. So definitely get it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifibD7OdtUnV2bCej58C7KX2eaoC0mC0QNFeWCiBEoapvo5kJZ9THomTtqLrBOCJYc34K4usuXXuph3P8J26wEHUUHfjoM9a5tZHGK52l6i4YQz_maDD6xo6-nryJqER-iT_bD49nqs_4/s1600/photo+(17).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifibD7OdtUnV2bCej58C7KX2eaoC0mC0QNFeWCiBEoapvo5kJZ9THomTtqLrBOCJYc34K4usuXXuph3P8J26wEHUUHfjoM9a5tZHGK52l6i4YQz_maDD6xo6-nryJqER-iT_bD49nqs_4/s1600/photo+(17).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filet Mignon, Faux Gras</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Also, make a point to get to know everyone there. Young, passionate, professional, and as my dining buddy mentioned: incredibly intuitive. What else could you ask for over a drinking and munching, wining and dining moment? Aside from another stomach, nothing. Lacking nothing, Robata Bar is absolute perfection.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355868739558066161.post-23154209601444312922012-12-18T16:32:00.000-08:002016-01-11T10:39:22.656-08:00Sherman's Deli<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoz5wcgcfPQTY7YG4T1aaDRcVeBCpK86yUYj3hXP0jSbU0p4o2oo90IJLh9QBn-4Gcg44848w99ihShr9BALLsloSYxkdorISslXyQTfoo27qzK-E0M1i252ApPlm12apJMwFASiEy5Y/s1600/photo+(13).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoz5wcgcfPQTY7YG4T1aaDRcVeBCpK86yUYj3hXP0jSbU0p4o2oo90IJLh9QBn-4Gcg44848w99ihShr9BALLsloSYxkdorISslXyQTfoo27qzK-E0M1i252ApPlm12apJMwFASiEy5Y/s1600/photo+(13).JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastrami between LATKAS!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.shermansdeli.com/index.html">Sherman's Deli</a><br />
73161 Country Club Drive<br />
Palm Desert<br />
<a href="http://www.shermansdeli.com/dinner.html#">Menu</a><br />
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<b>Type:</b> Restaurant<br />
<b>Category: </b>Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner<br />
<b>Company:</b> Big eaters only<br />
<b><i>Tip:</i></b> Come hungry. Bring your hollow leg. Dinner specials start at 4pm.<br />
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<b>Review:</b><br />
Sherman's is not in LA, but if you are in LA then you can get there in a few hours, so it *most certainly* falls within the allotted OTC territory. Plus, with the number of weekly specials, early-bird steals and combo plates, this isn't just an LA-must. It's a CA-must. True, I had just gotten down from a hunger-inducing rock climb/hike (which I also recommend) but everything at Sherman's is so delicious that even once I was full it still tasted good - therefore, it must be.<br />
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As you intuit, Sherman's is a Kosher-style family restaurant by claim, and a place for big stomachs by proof. The red-boothed, old brown-lacquered walls accompanied by plates of complimentary pickles are expected but <i>so much better than you can fathom</i>. So go for breakfast, and/or lunch, and/or dinner (you'll want to) and let your taste buds tour your guide.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitu7U14AnpNDDCMSoeJ5yAQVmtjedYic881F7vMEeG4EjMVcgbHCQaxW4_fGO-rvX7FTPMlYlj6U2GI_WGtxRKyMfmvjZzdbQlIRQ2nNtwRyTGT7EYgbynJaYVKBPM6hpEq-bHzrIk0fo/s1600/photo+(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitu7U14AnpNDDCMSoeJ5yAQVmtjedYic881F7vMEeG4EjMVcgbHCQaxW4_fGO-rvX7FTPMlYlj6U2GI_WGtxRKyMfmvjZzdbQlIRQ2nNtwRyTGT7EYgbynJaYVKBPM6hpEq-bHzrIk0fo/s1600/photo+(14).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken Matzo Ball Soup. Love in a broth, basically</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I went on Monday around 3pm, just one hour short of the early-bird specials. Immediately I went for a bowl of matzo ball soup, followed by what is best described as a Jewish take on KFC's double-down: a potato latka sandwich made of two latkas and a pile of your choice: pastrami or corned beef. I chose pastrami, and added onion and tomato. The dining partners got something similar but the same (typical boys)- pastrami sandwiches.<br />
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Oh the ribbons of red and fatty, super-perfectly salty and cured beef squashed in to thick and crisp potato pancakes. Juicy tomato and rude onion cut the fat, and the mayo slaw on the side gave it all enough green and cream to fill in any holes. Called the Beef 'N Latkas, for future reference.<br />
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The only caveat is the forewarned food coma that awaits every diner as he/she steps through the exit. Like it was ordered, it will descend upon you like the wooziest of all sheep-sized fogs. A bank, perhaps - a cloud bank, to be sure. So, there you have it. The best Jewish deli I've ever been to and the longest-lasting food coma/hangover I've ever happily succumbed.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355868739558066161.post-30708567917203815632012-12-09T10:14:00.001-08:002012-12-09T10:14:38.970-08:00La Vecchia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4lndv19ZO3A-qXrZ2ydLIq-5sN8iAB-KUhoaRejTljMcT6TDWTahP1MhtKgptZ8XB9P0kJj-MsXidT5yKqY0P4CpzeshkFaF_bje8mUsbj-mPDZw_v7uGbrYQ0gZ7C48j5A9a-jnMbs/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4lndv19ZO3A-qXrZ2ydLIq-5sN8iAB-KUhoaRejTljMcT6TDWTahP1MhtKgptZ8XB9P0kJj-MsXidT5yKqY0P4CpzeshkFaF_bje8mUsbj-mPDZw_v7uGbrYQ0gZ7C48j5A9a-jnMbs/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.lavecchia.com/">La Vecchia</a><br />
2654 Main Street<br />
Santa Monica, 90405<br />
<a href="http://www.lavecchia.com/">Menu</a><br />
<br />
<b>Type:</b> Restaurant<br />
<b>Category:</b> Lunch, Dinner<br />
<b>Company:</b> Traditional eaters<br />
<b><i>Tip:</i></b> Don't skip the bread, and angle for the table next to the window<br />
<br />
<b>Review:</b><br />
La Vecchia is old italian, meaning that it has been on Main street for over ten years and is just as busy or busier than any of the younger and neighboring bars, tapa houses, and pizza joints. Aside from delving in to a robust and tasty menu, La Vecchia has what most italian restaurants do not - a full bar. And a bar menu. Which means that you can get your vodka soda, gin and tonic, or apres-meal night cap straight up or with a twist. Now isn't that grand.<br />
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I have yet to go wrong at La Vecchia, but if you want spot-on here are a few gold-glowing winners:<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLkOWUcrOAESUz89E93aYrm45a_ddOeB72qmLfSxiVMYERRM_JkMhwKneihFEPw3ZSTfmAox7VEtVQw1Cqhn4diuujnulNyNVrCHXkb_GlXmDsTHRu4O8eQjStIn7phiZCxp5F_KEjCs/s1600/photo+(11).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLkOWUcrOAESUz89E93aYrm45a_ddOeB72qmLfSxiVMYERRM_JkMhwKneihFEPw3ZSTfmAox7VEtVQw1Cqhn4diuujnulNyNVrCHXkb_GlXmDsTHRu4O8eQjStIn7phiZCxp5F_KEjCs/s1600/photo+(11).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lamb shank and mashed potato: tender, gigantic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
1. <b>Caprese:</b> Layered multi-colored tomatoes nestled next to a scoop of burrata, leaves of basil, and a tangle of prosciutto, a final touch of drizzled balsamic and olive oil makes this a winning appetizer to share<br />
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2. The complimentary <b>bread basket</b> and dish of basil, garlic, and olive oil. Best make sure your friends eat it too; it's a pungent and seconds-worthy<br />
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3. <b>Rigatoni Bolognese</b><br />
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4. <b>Rotolo Alla Brace: </b>Chicken wrapped around eggplant, zucchini, and mozzarella (I think this is my favorite!)<br />
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5. <b>Ossobuco Alla Romana: </b>Braised and messy, it's melty enough to eat with a spoon<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2P9GGqG-Abf5rcWQOkCHOInbVN_apVP1e0NxKQH_2Ia-YDP3sMfNXiOWo53w0Al2XWqjst5PRK6sNOUDsA8x5NExr2-sIpoy_MQpvoC9yFl063u-lCjJF9XboDdZIi69qLv2Flwh8TQ/s1600/photo+(12).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2P9GGqG-Abf5rcWQOkCHOInbVN_apVP1e0NxKQH_2Ia-YDP3sMfNXiOWo53w0Al2XWqjst5PRK6sNOUDsA8x5NExr2-sIpoy_MQpvoC9yFl063u-lCjJF9XboDdZIi69qLv2Flwh8TQ/s1600/photo+(12).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
6. <b>Molten chocolate cake</b> with ice cream: Can't go wrong here<br />
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I've also been told the pizza is divine and the steak is one of the best in the city. Mangia!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355868739558066161.post-10524791204279637242012-12-07T11:42:00.003-08:002012-12-07T11:42:59.859-08:00SugarFish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffgKJMELEr-LgmTuyZ9rGPv8_k30wLt7l64l9xCm4L2hEpPfZoCIhse0gOvctQctyoCy29Ug280zIiFBsOGP4gfJ0Su11YT69gRD3RhZom8m8DdY52yw2bYXY75kGDiKjwcHxdSbX0W0/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffgKJMELEr-LgmTuyZ9rGPv8_k30wLt7l64l9xCm4L2hEpPfZoCIhse0gOvctQctyoCy29Ug280zIiFBsOGP4gfJ0Su11YT69gRD3RhZom8m8DdY52yw2bYXY75kGDiKjwcHxdSbX0W0/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><a href="http://sugarfishsushi.com/">SugarFish</a> </b><br />
1345 2nd Street<br />
Santa Monica, CA<br />
<br />
<b>Type:</b> Restaurant<br />
<b>Category:</b> Snack, Lunch, Dinner<br />
<b>Company: </b>Must love fish<br />
<b><i>Tip:</i></b> Always opt for the Trust Me - and don't share it<br />
<b><a href="http://sugarfishsushi.com/our-menu/sample-dinner-menu">Menu</a></b><br />
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<b>Review:</b><br />
For a place that doesn't take reservations and insists that you <i>trust </i>the chef, SugarFish is super popular. If you want a measure of how good this fish is, I'll note that the service sucks and the ambiance is tiny. This is what happens when nobody cares about anything but the fish. Which is fine. Go for the fish. Go back because the fish doesn't taste like sushi or really any other kind of fish you've ever had before. Expect silken. Anticipate butter. Enjoy everything.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZWuueswIqYBmUIwXKks72dsIwmBug_ITOSnhqcKtE4UPh1tPfWymQ3tijhvFHn3jNjh8ikFQWu2TWPdNevAM8Zp7q2iQwA9YofYFdQ6F0XH3Hu3hIX9WZUfk5MsXpE0bnkwz1sL25SA/s1600/photo+(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZWuueswIqYBmUIwXKks72dsIwmBug_ITOSnhqcKtE4UPh1tPfWymQ3tijhvFHn3jNjh8ikFQWu2TWPdNevAM8Zp7q2iQwA9YofYFdQ6F0XH3Hu3hIX9WZUfk5MsXpE0bnkwz1sL25SA/s1600/photo+(9).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Crab Hand Roll</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355868739558066161.post-10478609671124516662012-12-04T09:43:00.000-08:002012-12-04T14:17:39.432-08:00La Botte<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ABn25BR_cTskl7IhIyCHOjSUvXybR_-L3o0gDNAJZx-RkjuyXMChbOFDbEf-udpORcLOzsfsDWT9YSJL-IBRSrNk3sqxzznpGpwQUur8SBf2nQrHpgVkjwXWl650hsvoSuz4_VizOkY/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ABn25BR_cTskl7IhIyCHOjSUvXybR_-L3o0gDNAJZx-RkjuyXMChbOFDbEf-udpORcLOzsfsDWT9YSJL-IBRSrNk3sqxzznpGpwQUur8SBf2nQrHpgVkjwXWl650hsvoSuz4_VizOkY/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The coveted Lamb Ragout</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><a href="http://www.labottesantamonica.com/">La Botte</a></b><br />
620 Santa Monica Blvd<br />
Santa Monica, CA 90401<br />
<a href="http://www.labottesantamonica.com/La_Botte_Menu.pdf">Menu</a><br />
<br />
<b>Type:</b> Restaurant<br />
<b>Category:</b> Lunch, Dinner, Tasting Menu<br />
<b>Company:</b> Must like to wine and dine<br />
<b>Tip:</b> Get the tasting menu OR three plates of the pistachio tagliatelle with braised lamb ragout<br />
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<b>Review:</b> La Botte is one of those restaurants where you just go for it. Open your napkin, ready yourself for wine, and tuck on in. The table foccacia is worth every basket, and in my recommendation I vote you choose the tasting menu OR get three plates of the pistachio tagliatelle with braised lamb ragout (or simply, the entire pot of ragout).<br />
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I know, it sounds like a lot. But a 6-course tasting menu (seven plus dessert) doesn't have to be gluttonous - in fact, expect each plate to sum about a quarter or less of what a regular dish would hold and you'll see there is plenty of room left for that bottle and a half of wine plus likely a loaf of bread you will undoubtedly devour.<br />
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While La Botte looks, feels, and smells like traditional italian, upon taste you'll see that it's nothing ordinary. With items such as beet stuffed pasta in brown butter with poppy seeds and branzino-rolled sea urchin - the treat of a tasting menu that showcases chef's favorites is the perfect way to eat your meal through the true La Botte experience.<br />
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Our tasting menu went as follows:<br />
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1. Wagyu beef with Truffle<br />
2. Asparagus soup with paramasan foam<br />
3. Briney shrimp pasta<br />
4. Pasta with shaved ricotta<br />
5. PISTACHIO TAGLIATELLE WITH BRAISED LAMB RAGOUT<br />
6. Pork cheek<br />
7. Chocolate "candy bar" with some sort of tart berry mousse<br />
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Now, the above is not quite the most accurate nomenclature but you get the drift - which is go to La Botte.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0