Living in Los Angeles, one of the most diverse counties in the United States, there are many, many dining choices.  And although I have barely put a dent in the long list of options, I have a few of my favorite little spots in L.A.

Korean

Dan Sung Sa – 3317 W 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90020.  I was originally taken here by a good friend of mine, and have since become obsessed with this place.  Stepping into this dark, divey, cozy place makes me feel like I am in a pub in the Korean wartime era or an indoor pojangmacha.  The distressed wooden walls are covered in graffiti and old-school posters, and simple dim lights illuminate the small wooden tables and built-in wooden benches. Smoking is allowed in here, so if you are bothered by that, don’t even bother. They bring complimentary soup in a beat-up kettle and matching pitchers of water, and the flowing Soju will get you giggling and reminiscing in no time.

Guess what? Chicken butt. Yes, they have chicken butt here, along with many other meats and seafood including frog legs, octopus, blood sausage, pork intestine, scallops, and gizzards. Come hungry, because the plates come in big portions! Among my favorites here are the chicken gizzard skewers, the seafood pancake, fried chicken wings, tofu with kimchi, and mussels.  You can eat like a king for around $25 per person. Factor in a little more $$ if you drink like me.  Seriously awesome.  

Japanese

Azuma – 16123 S Western Ave, Gardena, CA 90247. This little yummy izakaya-style Japanese restaurant is nestled away on Western and 162^nd.  If you blink, you will pass it. Park behind the restaurant, enter through the back door, proceed through the narrow kitchen, and find yourself a nice little table.  I prefer the tables against the wall beneath the Japanese-written menus. You have your own free will, so please, sit where you want.  It’s tight quarters in here, and the place will get packed during peak hours. So, get there early (or late), otherwise you might be waiting for awhile.

Everything is a decent-size portion, and most of the plates will crowd the table. So, I suggest sharing a few small dishes.  Among my favorites are the Deep-Fried Octopus with Mexican sauce (Tapatio), Negi Gyoza – steamed dumpling with salad, Okonomiyaki – Japanese style pancake with pork and seafood, and Wakami qri Sunomona – simple cucumber and seaweed salad in vinegar sauce.  The service is great, the prices are right, and the food hits the spot. Japanese comfort food at it’s best. Bravo.

Indonesian

Toko Rame – 17155 Bellflower Blvd., Bellflower, CA 90706. If you haven’t yet tried Indonesian food, you are clearly missing out.  The food here is so good and authentic, that it has gotten me dreaming about coconuts, curries, fragrant rice, peanut sauce, frangipani, and Sampoernas once again.  The family that owns and operates this spot, right off the 91 Freeway, is from Sumatra. Some dishes are slightly different than what you might find in Bali, but the same great flavors you remember are definitely there.  And sorry, if you are a pork fan, there is no Babi Guling. Waahh. Nevertheless, there are some awesome dishes that will make you come back for more.

If you have no idea what to order, I have a few suggestions:  Nasi Bungkus – West Sumatran combo platter with rice, rendang, chicken, egg, tofu, and vegetables wrapped in a banana leaf;  Sate Ayam/Sate Sapi – Chicken satay or beef satay that comes with peanut sauce, rice cubes, and rice cakes; Curry Noodles – Mixed with a coconut gravy and chicken and shrimp.  Try one of the drinks too! Yum! The Es Cendol is a hot pink coconut/rose flavored water that is so delicious, or the Es Dawet, which has green jelly in coconut milk. I am getting hungry just thinking about this place…I could eat here every day.  Unfortunately, they are closed on Mondays. But honestly, if I knew where they lived, I would be showing up to their house. I’m not kidding.

Turkish

Spinners Turkish Kebab – 16076 Harbor Blvd, Fountain Valley, CA 92708. Although this restaurant isn’t located in Los Angeles, it is highly worth mentioning and worth the drive. Also, “Spinners” isn’t on the storefront signage…it just reads “Turkish Kebab.” Anyway, a friend-of-a-friend used to own this place, and since has changed ownership. However, the same deliciousness remains.  There isn’t much of an ambiance in here, no alcohol, but there is always a Turkish soccer game on and has consistently great food.

I had my first döner kebab experience when I went to Germany. Strange, I know, but knowing the history of the migration of Turks to Germany, then this would make perfect sense.  So, of course, I return home from Germany and start craving döner. After months and months, I am finally reunited with the slowly roasted Turkish delight! At Spinners, there are several menu items to choose from, but I recommend getting the lamb döner plate. This comes with rice, hummus and pita, and a simple chopped cucumber-tomato salad.  Pair this with a cold, tart mint yogurt drink and your meal is set to perfection.  Follow up with some hot Turkish tea and a piece of baklava. All for about $12. You can thank me later.

Los Angeles: Restaurants off the Beaten Path is a post from: Travel Spork

Mexico

I went to Mexico about 5 or 6 times last year, and it remains to be one of the best bargain destinations in my opinion.  There still remains some hesitation for travelers due to past Swine Flu outbreaks and ongoing drug wars, but I can attest that I, along with many other travelers have returned happy, healthy, and nicely tanned.

One of my favorite spots in Baja Mexico is Las Gaviotas.  It is about a 45-minute drive from the border just past Rosarito, when coming in from San Diego, California. Note: Get the Mexican Auto Insurance before driving your vehicle into the country.  Las Gaviotas is a gated community, which offers a secure environment with a pool, Jacuzzi, a private beach, and a bitchin’ right surfbreak.  There are many amazing homes for rent, ranging from $100-$200 USD per night for a two-bedroom house, or $225 USD per night for a six-bedroom house accommodating up to 12 people.  

If you are looking for an all-inclusive resort (which means your food and booze…yeah-uh!), Mexico is a great destination for these. I highly recommend any of the RIU resorts in either of Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, or Maya Riviera.  I recently stayed at the newly-constructed RIU Santa Fe in Los Cabos, and drank my worth in free alcohol each and every day at the swim-up pool bar. Oh, I love thee Mexico.  

Thailand

I am planning my exodus to Thailand in about 6 months, and there’s good reason for it.  There is great value in traveling to this beautiful country! If you are traveling on a budget, once you are in Thailand, you can comfortably survive on $15-$30 USD per day including food, housing, a few beers, etc. Of course, you can spend less or more. If you are on limited time, or maybe want to do a tour, a 15-day tour will run you about $950 USD (factor in more $$ for airfare, excursions, and food).

If you are flying into Thailand and staying for less than 30 days, you can obtain a 30-day Thai visa upon entry into the country. If you plan on staying longer, it is best to check with the embassy within your homeland country and obtain one before leaving. Also, make sure you are up-to-date on any vaccinations you may need. Preparation will always make for a smoother journey!

Las Vegas

Gambling, 24-hour drinking, legal prostitution…Viva Las Vegas! I’m always up for a trip across the desert to Sin City.  But, there’s more of a reason to travel there than just utter and complete debauchery (well, not really): You can cut loose in Vegas for a bargain right now. On the low-end, you can stay at the newly 6 million dollar renovated Palace Station minutes from the strip for around $30 per night. On the high-end, you can stay at some great 5-star hotels such as the Red Rock Casino, Trump Hotel, the Ritz-Carlton, or Caesar’s Palace for under $200 per night.  Even the brand-spanking-new-uber-swanky hotel Aria at the MGM’s City Center is running an average of $260 per night. Considering you would normally pay around $400-$500 per night for a 5-star hotel, this is quite the deal.  So yes…Vegas, Baby, Vegas!

Of course there are many, many destinations we could travel to this New Year.  According to Lonely Planet’s: Best in Travel 2010, the top 10 destinations to travel to this year are London, Thailand, Iceland, South Africa, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Bulgaria, Kenya, and Las Vegas.  Nevertheless, where ever you go, keep your travel dates and destinations open…this is always the best way to find a bargain. 

These are a few places I will be going this year, along with Cambodia and Vietnam if time permits.  I’m curious to know…where are you planning to go this year?

2010 Top Picks: Best Bargains in Travel is a post from: Travel Spork

SkyRest Travel Pillow

This person can sleep comfortable in any position! Can you say the same? This miraculous wedge-shaped pillow makes even the most uncomfortable spots downright pleasant.  The miles will fly by as it will take you two hours to inflate it, but by that time, you will be so tired you will pass right out.  It’s much more versatile than a regular pillow, as it can be used as a footstool or even a personal flotation device! Better yet, it’s super bulky and won’t fit into your carry-on! Nevertheless, the SkyRest inflatable pillow is a great way to piss off your flying neighbors and look like a total d-bag at the same time.

Sanicare Travel Bidet

Enjoy the fresh and clean feeling of a cleansing bidet wherever you “go.” With the Sanicare Travel Bidet you can enjoy a refreshing, pulsating spray whenever and wherever you need it most. Throw in an AA battery and just add water to enjoy this device which has an ergonomic shape to provide you with the thorough and pleasurable cleansing that your stank-ass needs, even in an airplane bathroom. “I love to pamper myself all around the world and this travel bidet is my ticket. I was nervous at first, but after a few squirts, I couldn’t stop gushing.” With the Sanicare Travel Bidet, you can keep that swamp-ass away for good!

Cabin Cuddler

Forget those measly airline-distributed blankets, the Cabin Cuddler is here!  This all-in-one travel blanket and inflatable pillow will keep you snuggly when you’re up in the air. “It’s uniquely designed to cocoon you in a soothingly warm environment.” You thought you were all alone on a Friday night with your Snuggie, now you can extend your social awkwardness to public excursions! You can be rest-assured that no one will hit on you now. The Cabin Cuddler includes its patented foot warming pocket and space for all your favorite carry-ons including cosmetics, cards, glasses, paperbacks, pills (Xanex, holler!) and MP3 players.  Now that you will be flying solo, it makes for the perfect travel companion!

Perfect Gifts for the Traveler in Your Family is a post from: Travel Spork

Pet Carriers

If you’re like me, you will want to have your pet with you at all times.  Many vendors sell airline approved pet carriers online, just Google it.  Small cats and dogs (and birds!) are allowed to travel in the cabin on most airlines.  The pet must be small enough to fit in an under-the-seat carrier. Typically a carrier shouldn’t exceed 17″L x 12.5″W x 8″H. Otherwise, if you have a larger pet, you may have to check them in as cargo. Also, make sure your pet has the required vaccination and documentation for each destination of your flight. Most importantly, before you book your flight, check with the regulations of the airline as they may vary.  You can usually find all this information on the airlines website, in the baggage links.

Pricing

The prices for taking your pet are about the average of $100 each way on most major airlines.  Sometimes it varies, so I suggest checking the airline pricing before booking your ticket. I have often found a great deal on airfare for myself, and then got financially raped when booking for my pet.  Can your pet get frequent flier miles? Jet Blue and Continental are the only airlines that I know of that will give you frequent flier miles for your pet. 

Here are a few prices for airlines as of today:

•  NWA $100 each way
• AA $100 each way
• Jet blue $100 each way
• Continental $125 each way
• Southwest $75 each way

Making your Pet Comfortable

As always, make sure to put some food and water in your pet’s dish when they are traveling with you. For water, I usually fill up the dish half-way, and freeze it the night before the flight.  This will prevent the water from sloshing around the carrier when getting to the airport. During the flight, an animal must remain in it’s carrier beneath the seat.  I’m always ‘checking up’ on my pet, to make sure he is comfortable and happy. Just remember, if you are happy, then your pet will be too!

Traveling with Pets is a post from: Travel Spork

In addition to flying, the next most important source of building up frequent flier miles is the credit card. Why not earn points for things you are already purchasing? There are many categories that these cards fall into, but one of the easiest changes you can make that will significantly increase your frequent flier miles is UPGRADING YOUR DEBIT CARD.

Check with your bank and see what options you have to upgrade your debit card from your checking account to one of their travel rewards cards. I will use Chase as an example.  Chase has several options, such as Continental Airlines, Disney Rewards, and United Mileage Plus, as of now. Choose which is best for you and your travel. 

I prefer the Continental Airlines card, because I like Continental and their affiliate airlines (Star Alliance).  The annual fee is $25 ($65 for Preferred), and it earns you one mile for every $2 in qualifying purchases (or one mile for every $1 if Preferred).  When they mean “qualifying”, it means run EVERYTHING as credit verses your debit…sign for it, instead of pushing in a pin number. This is one big mistake I made at first, and sadly learned all the miles I missed out on from using debit!

There are a lot of other perks to this debit card, but my favorite perk is you get to check your FIRST BAG FREE each time you fly on Continental!! Just get your OnePass account from Continental (it’s free), and they will waive your first checked luggage, which will save you around $40 per person on a roundtrip flight. Not bad, eh?

Debit Card: Earning Frequent Flier Miles is a post from: Travel Spork

Cheer Up

It’s the holidays, cheer up! You get some time away from your dysfunctional co-workers, to spend some time with your dysfunctional family. Is there any way around these overly-dramatic-energy-stealing-people-you-call-families? Yes, there is. I call it therapy booze. Lot’s and lot’s of it. Put a little more nog in your egg-nog, and cheer up!

Pack Light

One of the easiest ways to reduce your stress at the airport during the holidays is to avoid checking any luggage. Regardless of the time of year, I usually pack everything into a carry-on. Why? If you just have your carry-on, you can print out your boarding pass from home before you leave to the airport, and head straight to the gate. You still may have to wait in the security line, but you will save significant time by not having to check in at the airline counter, and you will also save money on those pesky luggage fees (about $40-$60 per bag, round-trip).

If it doesn’t all fit into a carry-on, then you have packed too much stuff. Here’s a tip: Buy all your toiletries at your destination, and leave them behind when you return. If you are bringing gifts with you, I suggest shipping them ahead of time. If that seems like a lot of work, trust me, it’s worth the time and frustration you may spend at the airport. Not to mention, the rate of theft at the airport is always increased during the holiday season.

Get a Free Ticket

This is the only reason I look forward to traveling during the holiday season: Free airline vouchers. How is this possible?? Well, the majority of flights will be packed and most likely over-sold, so you can capitalize on it if you are willing to do some waiting. It doesn’t always happen, but you have great chances during the holidays. You see, most people are frantic and trying to rush to be somewhere. I’m not, and neither should you.

After you have surpassed security and you have arrived at your gate of departure, you can approach the counter (with a happy attitude and a big smile) and say, “Wow, looks like we have a full flight. Is this flight over-sold?” Then proceed to ask, “Well, it seems like there are a lot of people who need to get on this flight. Since I am traveling alone, I’d be willing to offer my seat if the need arises. Would you write my name down?” If they call your name and offer you a flight voucher for taking a later flight, take it! You will be the hero! While you’re waiting for your next flight, hit up the airport bar and start daydreaming about your next trip that you don’t have to pay airfare for.

Smile and Laugh

Here’s my challenge to you: smile! You will feel better yourself, and so will everyone else around you. Go ahead, try it.  It’s contagious.

Laugh. Laugh at some of the ridiculous things that get us so worked up. This is fun too…laugh at the ridiculous things that other people get worked up about. I wouldn’t suggest pointing and laughing, but a good “inside” laugh to yourself, is magical.

So, you can follow some of my tips or not. My main message is to make it easy on yourself, and relax during this holiday season! When everyone else is stressed out at the airport, you are the calm, the collected, the savvy traveler. That is something to smile about.

Traveling During the Holidays is a post from: Travel Spork