Best of LA

LA's Cirque Berserk

bestofla@gmail.com (BoLA) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 20:10:00 +0000

Groom's Gift:
Tickets to see Los Angeles' own Cirque Berzerk in Downtown LA.

The day after the wedding, we headed down to the circus. No, not the Barnum and Bailey variety, I reassured MS - more goth and a little twisted.

Seemed like our kind of circus.

We scored free parking on the street, and walked over to the big tent where we were greeted by an ax wielding, blood covered, scary looming clown.

Like others, we brought some food to chow down on before the show started. We noticed that many picnicked on the park grass, and there were food stands selling grilled corn on the cob and other circus foods. We were happy that we stopped at Philippe's for a couple of French dipped sandwiches.

Once under the big tent, we were transported into another world - one of darkness, death, and incredible spectacles. Wonderfully artistic aerialists danced in the air, incredible trampoline acts amazed the eyes, and sexy burlesque dancers who shook and shimmied in their fiery underworld.

Catch the show before it closes!

Cirque Berzerk
Shows Extended - Closing on Sunday, August 9, 2009
Los Angeles State Park
1245 North Spring Street | Los Angeles, CA 90012
www.cirqueberzerk.com

Piccolo Chef Party, Culver City

bestofla@gmail.com (BoLA) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 23:22:00 +0000

In years past, we ventured to Vegas, South Beach, and Cabo San Lucas. All of which were fabulous trips with girlfriends, fun and full of great stories.

But as my circle of friends begins to branch out - with families of their own, a simple meal shared together was just the perfect thing when asked what I'd like to do for my bachelorette.

So the date was set, and my good friends coordinated a dinner cooking class at Piccolo Chef in Culver City.

Our dining table was set up in a conference room, and our instructors for the evening led us into the kitchen.

With recipes in hand, we paired off to make our dinner. MM and I got appetizers - prosciutto red wine fig compote with goat cheese crostini.

We sliced a loaf of bread, brushed each piece with olive oil and broiled them for a couple minutes on each side. The prosciutto got a chiffonade cut while the figs drank the red wine over high heat with some thyme, brown sugar, olive oil, salt and pepper. The fig mixture bubbled and reduced into a rich, chunky compote. The toasted slices got smothered with Trader Joe's goat cheese, and topped with the fruit preserves and prosciutto.

Just divine.

We also had seared sea scallops with freshly made fettucine in a white wine sauce, grilled peach mixed greens salad, and a strawberry panna cotta. The dinner was absolutely delicious... although all of us snacked throughout the evening while we cooked - which was the most fun part of being in the kitchen!

There was no better way to celebrate with my girlfriends than over good food, flowing wine, and great conversations.

Piccolo Chef Culinary Academy
Westside Children's Center
12120 Wagner Street | Culver City, CA 90230
Tel: 1.310.295.4208
www.piccolochef.com

The Reception Where Love Never Fails

bestofla@gmail.com (BoLA) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 03:43:00 +0000

No fancy country club wedding for us, just an intimate garden wedding.

No band or DJ, just our iPod playlists.

No filet mignon or chicken dijon on the menu, just some good local kine grinds.

No Food Network Challenge Wedding Cakes, just one of our favorites from King's Hawaiian Bakery - a Paradise Cake with gum paste plumerias.

Our menu included a platter of spam musubi...

Crispy fried wontons...

Fresh Lomi Lomi Salmon...

As well as macaroni salad, ramen cabbage salad, kalbi short ribs, korean barbecue chicken, lahaina fried chicken, kalua pork, vegetable fried rice, white rice and steamed vegetables on the menu.

For all the kids and kids-at-heart, we set up a self-serve candy bar with some of our favorites to put in take away boxes - sour candy twists, runts, skittles, dark chocolates, and butterscotch candies were a few.

And as our matron of honor and best man gave their speeches, we raised our glasses of pink sparking wine. We kissed and knew that it was the beginning of an incredible lifetime of love, laughter, and good eats.

Back Home in Lahaina
519 East Carson Street | Carson, CA 90745
1.310.835.4014
www.backhomeinlahaina.com

King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant
2808 West Sepulveda Boulevard | Torrance, CA 90505
1.310.530.0050
www.kingshawaiianrestaurants.com

Photos by Jeni Afuso Photography

The Ceremony, Pine Wind Garden

bestofla@gmail.com (BoLA) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 04:02:00 +0000

The bridal bouquet from Lisa's Floral Designs was absolutely stunning and exactly how I dreamed it would be.

Lisa, our florist, taught me about all the different kinds of Gerber daisies, roses, tulips, calla lillies, and other flowers that would be great for our special day.

So while my bouquet was beautiful, the trees and flowers at the Pine Wind Garden completed the scene of our wedding ceremony with vibrant color.

Thirty, white-folding chairs were set up in front of the waterfall where we said our vows, and two stadium benches lined with white cotton placemats served as extra seats.

The koi pond was full of activity, water trickled over the rocks, hummingbirds buzzed by, and we kissed under the garden trellis.

Our friends and family served as ushers, and my good high school friend was our officiant.

It was the perfect ceremony - intimate and personal.

When the ceremony ended, we drove out in my Honda Civic donning our newlywed status.

Next up, the Reception.

Lisa Morones, Lisa's Floral Designs
Web: www.lisas-floral-designs.com
Tel: 1.310.200.9760

Torrance Cultural Arts Center
Web: www.torrnet.com/9032.htm
Street: 3330 Civic Center Dr N | Torrance, CA | 90503
Tel: 1.310.781.7150

The Perfect Wedding Dress

bestofla@gmail.com (BoLA) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:36:00 +0000

The day was absolutely perfect.

But just a couple months ago, I was a complete mess. You see, I thought I found the dress but when I tried it on again in April, I had doubts.

Doubts that I would be a beautiful bride; that instead of feeling absolutely special, I'd feel more like a boob in a fancy nightgown.

So when I found Britta Barts and her Dream Bridal LA website, I was looking for a miracle.

And I found one - a Vera Wang blush bridal gown with sparkling silver appliques and a matching veil. It was everything I had hoped for: dreamy, romantic, beautiful and best of all, at a reasonable price.

Dream Bridal LA
www.dreambridalla.com
Tel: 1.310.927.4601

Where have I been?

bestofla@gmail.com (BoLA) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 03:54:00 +0000

This photo was taken by our photographer, Jeni Afuso-Ho.

More to come...

In the Alibi Room

bestofla@gmail.com (BoLA) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 07:10:00 +0000

We parked on a side street and walked into the guard protected Alibi Room. With IDs in hand, we strolled right in. It was 8pm and the few tables at this lounge were already occupied. After a few moments had passed, some seats at the bar opened up and we were on them like peanut butter is to jelly in a PB&J.

MS ordered a scotch on the rocks and I had a lychee cooler - ketel one vodka with lychee puree and soda water on the rocks. He just turned 31 and started drinking more grown up drinks.

We then ordered the food - the reason why we chose the Alibi Room for the birthday celebrations.

Now, I'm pretty sure that almost everyone in LA has heard of, tried, and already waited in line for one of the most talked about kogi korean bbq tacos.

But we're late bloomers, and didn't try them until that night.

They came out (along with the kogi sliders which were wolfed down before I could take a photo), and we were excited to try this fascinating fusion of foods.

The tacos were good and tasty, according to MS, but they were no West LA $1.25 el pastor and lengua tacos from the trucks down the street.

I enjoyed the spicy, full of vinegar, sweet tacos. My favorites were the short rib and bbq chicken. Now if only I could get it on top of some kimchi fried rice, I'd be in heaven.

The Alibi room was definitely worth trying out and we'll go back for more with friends.

Was it worth the hype?

Sure, I guess. But if we had to wait for the 30+ minutes to an hour that has been recorded at the Kogi trucks, I'd bypass the line and head straight to the next taco truck down the street.

Here are Dylan and Jeni's taco tour posts with owner/chef, Roy Choi of Kogi BBQ:
http://eatdrinknbmerry.blogspot.com/2009/03/taco-tour-with-roy-choi-of-kogi-bbq.html
http://oishiieats.blogspot.com/2009/03/appreciating-taco-warriors-with-kogi.html

Alibi Room
street: 12236 Washington Blvd | Culver City, CA | 90066
m-sat 6p-midnight
web: http://kogibbq.com

Sunday Supper at Dominick's, West Hollywood

bestofla@gmail.com (BoLA) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 05:04:00 +0000

Photo taken from Dominick's website.

It's easy to do the same things and go to the same places, especially when it comes to eating out. There's something comforting about the rotation of restaurants on our eat list. We always order the same thing and know exactly what we're going to get.

But every once in a while, it's exciting to shake things up with the usual suspects and try something new.

Since moving to West LA, we usually stay on the west side of the 405 and it always seems like an adventure when we head east. So a few Sundays ago, we were in for a great three-course meal and a bottle of wine for $20/person when MS surprised me with Sunday Supper at Dominick's in West Hollywood.

With a reservation for two, we had a table out back in their patio area where most 20 to 40 somethings sat. Most regulars (like the photo from their website above) sat inside in the dimly lit restaurant.

Fresh Fennel Citrus Salad

Homemade Pasta with Mushrooms in Cream Sauce

Olive Oil Cake with Vanilla Bean Gelato

The atmosphere was casual yet sophisticated, very LA. The servers were beautiful, as were the people, and there was lively chatter all around us. The food was simple, delicious and so reasonably priced for a nice dinner out. We had such a great time that I'm sure we'll be back for another Sunday Supper this summer.

For this upcoming weekend's menu, they have another great line up:

Sunday Supper for $15/person
Heirloom Tomato Brushetta
Tortiglioni with Sausage and Peppers
Vanilla Bean Rice Balls

$10 Bottles of Red or White

Dominick's Restaurant
street: 8715 Beverly Blvd | West Hollywood, CA 90048
tel: 1.310.652.2335
url: www.dominicksrestaurant.com

Date Night: Love and Providence

bestofla@gmail.com (BoLA) — Sat, 23 May 2009 22:45:00 +0000

The best kinds of gifts are the ones that keep giving, are thoughtful, and can be experienced with those you love.

Last year, I bought season tickets to the Pantages for MS and me. It's been a great opportunity to get dressed up and have a nice dinner with a show. We have seen Phantom of the Opera, Grease, Mamma Mia, and most recently, Dirty Dancing.

On our last date night, I thought that we might try Mozza. But... we didn't have a reservation. And... when we drove by, there was already a queue of people outside. Not to mention, we were put on hold when we tried to call at half past five.

So, we kept driving down Melrose.

And there was Providence.

I prayed for a little divine intervention while MS called to see if there was room for two.

"Why yes, dinner at the bar is open."

We immediately parked and headed in for a night of fine dining at Providence.

The sophisticated, very high end restaurant, was still pretty empty - waiting for the dinner crowd to arrive - when we walked in and were seated at the bar.

The bartender was friendly and handsome, like they are in most sophisticated, very high end restaurants in the city. MS asked for a glass of water while I glanced at the cocktail menu and ordered an Asian Pear Martini.

I figured, "We're here. Enjoy!"

That was our mantra for the night as we took in all that Providence had to offer. We ordered seafood entrees for dinner, but it was the appetizer that made the night.

The Foie Gras Ravioli was absolutely perfect. It was light and rich, sweet and savory at the same time. I was a little sad that TWO dishes of this incredibly delicious appetizer were not ordered. We could have each had a plate of foie gras ravioli! Even MS loved it!

I asked if he knew what we were eating.

"Yes, it's a type of earthy mushroom, right?"

Bless his heart! I almost laughed the martini out of my nose, and the bartender chuckled under his breath as he overheard our conversation.

"No... not quite. Just don't ask. Enjoy it, and I'll tell you later," was all I could say. The bartender looked up and nodded in agreement.

It was definitely a night to remember.

Providence Los Angeles
5955 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 460-4170

www.providencela.com

I was a Japanese Strawberry Shortcake

bestofla@gmail.com (BoLA) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 04:26:00 +0000

When I was a little girl, I remember going to Little Tokyo with my grandmother and begging her to buy me one of the strawberry shortcakes in the Japanese bakery. We used to go to the one in the old Yaohan (turned Mitsuwa) plaza.

I loved the buttery cake, light cream and fresh strawberries... and always felt so much better after a couple of bites. There's just something about them that makes you feel like a little princess.

So during our Japan trip, I drooled over the many pastry and dessert counters... and begged MS to indulge me as I purchased not one, but multiple strawberry shortcakes that were in season for the Christmas holiday.

At every large train station, food and merchandise stands could be found (along with shopping centers and department stores at the very large stations like Tokyo and Kyoto).

As we hopped on to the bullet trains with our JR Passes, MS gladly shared these sweets with me during our rides. They were wonderful treats that kept me smiling through the cold, the rain, and the entire trip.

And yes, I even dressed up as Strawberry Shortcake when I was a girl... or maybe that was Rainbow Brite? Either way, these pastries take me back to those days of my youth and I am once again, a little princess.

Magic Comes to Life at the Ghibli Museum

bestofla@gmail.com (BoLA) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 02:20:00 +0000

If you have some time in Tokyo and can manage a day trip, my recommendation would be to go to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka. That is... if you want to experience youthful magic through the eyes of Hayao Miyazaki, the man behind such greats as Totoro, Castle in the Sky, and Spirited Away.

You'll need to buy tickets in advance and may need to enlist the help of some friendly workers at the local Lawson Store. Tickets are reserved through an ATM-looking machine that's in Japanese and purchased from the store. With vouchers in hand for a specific time, you're set!

(I think you can always purchase tickets ahead of time too. Check out the website below to look for more details through JTB.)

We settled for a late afternoon visit to the Ghibli Museum, and hopped on the JR train out of the city and into this suburb just outside of Tokyo. The walk from the Mitaka station was a nice scenic stroll, lined with trees and beautiful homes.

We even spied the cute Japanese signs above!

When we arrived along Kichijori Avenue, next to Inokashira Park, we were greeted by a very large Totoro and some soot-black dust bunnies too. Signs pointed to the main entrance, where a line had already started to form.

Unlucky for us, it started to drizzle.

Luckily, though, the museum had tents to shield us from the cold rain.

As we entered the bright and colorful entry, we were explicitly told not to take photographs inside the museum.

Here's a little sneak peak inside:

"Every window and lamp is lovingly hand-crafted with beautiful and colorful stained glass using Ghibli characters, pretty plants and flowers, and forest animals..."

There's magic on the Ground level, as you see characters brought to life through animation. A working studio with sketches, paintings, and lots of inspiration can be found on the first floor while a large cat bus waits on the second level for kids under 12 years old to jump in and enjoy. And a metal, spiral stairway up the roof leads you to a rooftop terrace and a five-meter tall Robot Soldier (from “Laputa Castle in the Sky”) - see the above picture!

In the Central Hall is "a towering open space extending up through the entire height of the Museum. In the glass dome at its center, a yellow whale swims in the ocean and the blades of a giant fan rotate overhead. Taking in the whole room from bottom to top, you will discover a maze of spiral stairways, bridged passages, and overhanging terraces. This marvelous space transports you into the world of Hayao Miyazaki and the strange buildings which often appear in his films."

For more information, check out the website below.

Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Japan
www.ghibli-museum.jp/en

Win Album & Tickets to see Joshua Radin LIVE at the Henry Fonda in LA

bestofla@gmail.com (BoLA) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 07:27:00 +0000

"I'd Rather Be With You" Official Video

For a chance to win a pair of tickets to Joshua Radin’s upcoming show this Saturday evening at the Henry Fonda Theatre in LA (w/openers Meiko and Jesse Harris) AND a copy of his latest album, leave me a comment or email me with your full name and email address. Winner will be emailed with details of the show, and winner's name will be listed on the Guest List at Will Call.

NOTE: Thank you for those of you who have already emailed me. Just to let you know, I will randomly select the winner on Friday afternoon and will email you with more details. If you're interested in these Tickets and CD, you have until Friday at Noon to comment or email me. Good luck!

I forget how I was introduced to the music of Joshua Radin, but I love listening to his songs on my iPod rotation.

As you listen to his voice, it's easy to fall in love with his music. He draws you in with his lyrics and melodies as he sings about what is most important - life, love and friendship.

For his second album entitled Simple Times, Radin spent some time in LA's legendary Sunset Sound studio. He is now on tour and will be at the Henry Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles this upcoming Saturday night.

If you’re not familiar with Radin, watch and listen to the video of his lead single, "I'd Rather Be With You," directed by Zach Braff ("Scrubs," "Garden State"), a college friend of Radin's. His album hit No. 1 on both iTunes’ Album and Alternative charts within 48 hours of its release and earned him a spot in iTunes’ “Indie Spotlight: Singer Songwriter - Best of 2008” feature, selling over 70,000 copies since its September 2008 release.

His tracks can be heard on a number of television shows, and he has performed for a variety of talk shows, including “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” He was featured in footage from DeGeneres’ wedding to Portia de Rossi, where he sang at the ceremony.

And as much as I would love for Radin to sing at my own modest ceremony, I'll have to settle for listening to him on my iPod and for the opportunity to see him perform live while he’s in LA.

Check out this rising star:
www.myspace.com/joshuaradin
http://www.joshuaradin.com/

Christmas Lights & Sushi in Tokyo

bestofla@gmail.com (BoLA) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 04:53:00 +0000

Throughout the holiday season, Tokyo lit up with fantastic displays including this sculptured Christmas tree.

By the Imperial Gardens in Tokyo, the bridge was draped with glistening lights that added to the city's brilliance.

In the shopping district of Roppongi, the streets were lined with beautiful branches that looked like twinkling jewels.

And the children of Tokyo got involved by decorating these paper lanterns with Christmas wishes for the New Year. Images of peace, love and a greener world came to life as the evening unfolded.

But without all of the holiday lights, Tokyo still shines bright. In Shibuya, cars zoomed and buildings blinked with flashing movement and huge billboards.

On a friend's recommendation, we trekked to Shibuya for sushi at Sushizanmai... TWICE!

Both times, we sat at the sushi bar in the non-smoking section. And both times, we beat the crowds with an early dinner.

I knew that sushi in Japan was good, but it was really, REALLY GOOD!

At Sushizanmai, our sushi was fresh and reasonably priced - the best combination ever! Now if only I can find a place like that here in LA...

On the hunt!

Best Ramen in Tokyo, Nippon TV

bestofla@gmail.com (BoLA) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 06:47:00 +0000

We watched the end of the year special on the best ramenyas in Tokyo, salivating over the bowls of beautiful broth and perfectly cooked noodles.

I knew we had to try one while we were in Japan for the holidays.

After MS searched the website, we found one that was open on New Year's Eve.

Enter the Ramen Wrestler.

After a couple of train rides and a brisk walk on a cold afternoon, we found the bright orange ramen shop with a line of people waiting outside.

This had to be it.

There were about 20+ people already in line, enough to turn the casual bystander away.

But not me.

I cajoled MS to stay with me, convincing him that it would be worth the wait and effort in getting there. It took 40 minutes just to get to that point. What was another half hour?

There were only two women in the line ahead of us, and a long line of 17 hungry men formed behind us.

We didn't just wait the half hour. It took an entire hour to have one of the coveted seven seats at the counter. But the warmth from the broth and noodles filled the small ramen shop as we waited patiently for our turn.

Each bowl of ramen was made to order, and when we were finally motioned to two seats next to the meat slicer, I could hardly contain my excitement.

The Ramen Wrestler definitely put on a show, as he wrestled with the cooked noodles and drained them of all excess water before placing them in the large ceramic bowls.

You could order extra pork, an extra amount of noodles, and a boiled egg with your ramen.

I had MS order my ramen with an egg in it, as shown above. But was asked from the master himself when the bowl was served, "Who ordered the ramen with egg?"

With a huge smile and without any shame or qualms, I raised my hand.

"Why is she eating more than you?"

At which point, I opted not to ask for a second helping of noodles. I did, however, finish the entire bowl and thought that it was most definitely worth the wait! It was the right amount of saltiness with a nice cut of savory meat. The fried onions had great flavor and was a nice contrast of textures when slurping the noodles.

I don't remember the name or location of this ramen-ya, but know that the Ramen Wrestler won accolades as being one of Tokyo's best. Without a doubt, it was one of my favorites and I'm left to wonder... will I be able to find a ramen-ya in Los Angeles that could compare?

I'm on the quest.

DineLA Restaurant Week, extended!

bestofla@gmail.com (BoLA) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 04:51:00 +0000

During DineLA Restaurant Week, some of LA's best restaurants offer a prix fixe three-course menu, sharing some of their most popular dishes during lunch and/or dinner. And although the restaurant week was slated to end, Grace Restaurant (along with other participating restaurants) have extended their offerings another week.

So when MM messaged me to get together for dinner last week, I vaguely remembered that it was DineLA week and checked the list for something good to eat.

Only one stood out to me.

It was the one restaurant that I've been wanting to try for the last few years.

Grace.

It wasn't difficult to convince MM, and soon - we were on our way.

We called but no tables were open at that time. The bar area, though, had a few seats and we were lucky to snag two when we walked in to the restaurant. The bartender greeted us with eyes that smiled and made us feel quite at ease.

"You two would like to order dinner from me here at the bar? Not at a table?"

We ordered the Grace Gimlets as we looked over the DineLA menu and replied with a flirty, "Of course!"

But really, we lied.

A table opened up, and we were quickly seated in the dimly lit, sophisticated dining area. Through the beautiful mirrors on the wall, I spied handsome couples, after work crowds, and girlfriends like us who occupied the space.

Our cocktail drinks were made of gin, blood orange juice, and a rosemary simple syrup ($10). MM was reminded of a drink she had elsewhere, but since I rarely order cocktails, I was pleasantly surprised with its refreshing mix of flavors. It was a rush of wintry comfort, sweet spring, and summer citrus all in one.

For our three-courses, we opted to upgrade a couple of items from Grace's DineLA posted menu. MM and I split our dishes family-style, which really...is the best way to dine out. We started with the Dungeness Crab Salad in a Meyer lemon vinaigrette and the Shrimp Cavatelli with peas and mushrooms.

When the crab salad was presented in front of me, I couldn't help but laugh out loud. I didn't mean to, but what came out of the kitchen was definitely NOT expected. On a rather large plate was the smallest bit of crab meat - the size and shape of a school cafeteria tater tot. It was devoured in two bites. One for me. One for MM. And although I was a little disappointed with the amount plated, I have to admit - it was delicious.

The shrimp pasta was much heartier with earthy tones from the mushrooms, and came in a much more decent sized amount. We were able to taste all the wonderful flavors in a few more bites, satisfying our palates and getting us ready for our next course.

For our main entrees, we ordered the Lamb chops with artichokes and mushrooms - cooked medium pink, and the John Dory white fish with gnocchi and mushrooms. Both dishes seemed to disappear like the evening ahead of us. The chatter and crowds all faded into the background as we laughed and reminisced the ups and downs that our friendship has seen throughout the years.

By the time our two desserts came out, we were squirming in our seats - full of good eats and a belly full of laughter. Somehow, though, we managed to clean our plates of Sticky Toffee Pudding with hazelnut gelato and bruleed bananas, along with the Salted Caramel Mascarpone Panna Cotta with rum soaked cake, passion fruit, and pomegranate. Both were absolutely divine!

The young man on his date sitting at the next table over was absolutely hilarious - extolling praises to all who would listen about the sticky toffee pudding. You'd think that his date would have been the one in love with this chocolate dessert, but it was HE who was making all kinds of grunts and moans with each bite he took. Absolutely hilarious.

So, for three courses and two cocktails, our bill came out to about $70/person with tax and tip included. Not your every day meal, it was still a good deal for a dinner for two at one of LA's best.

Grace Restaurant
street: 7360 Beverly Boulevard | Los Angeles, CA | 90036
tel: 1.323.934.4400
url: www.gracerestaurant.com

It's Good Pizza in Westchester

bestofla@gmail.com (BoLA) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:20:00 +0000

One of my students recommended this Westchester find, claiming that "The Good Pizza is the Best Pizza in LA."

Well, once I heard that, I knew I had to take a trip to find out for myself.

On a cold midweek evening, I convinced MS to drive in the horrendous rush hour traffic from Santa Monica to Westchester to eat some Good Pizza.

Lucky for me, he loves pizza and more importantly, he loves me.

After almost an hour on the road, we turned in to the little plaza that housed The Good Pizza - just across from the supermarket in a residential area of Westchester.

There were two police cars parked in the small lot. And whenever there are police officers at an eatery, you know it's got to be good.

We ordered a couple of slices of their specialty pizzas and a plate of homemade lasagna [not pictured]. Once we sat down at one of their two tables inside, a swarm of patrons lined up out the door to order their dinners to go.

I have to admit that the pizza slices were good - so good, in fact, that after licking the plate of pasta clean and gobbling up the pizza, I went back to the counter and ordered another slice.

What I loved most about this place was the feeling of home and family from the guy behind the counter who seemed to know everyone who walked through the door.

"Hey! How was your trip?"

"Good to see you! Work treating you okay? How's the golf game?"

"Wow! Look how big you're getting! The usual?
Would you like me to cut the pizza special for you?
After all, a princess deserves a princess cut pizza!"

I'm not sure if I'd call it the Best in LA, but if you find me picking my niece and nephew up from Open Charter School in Westchester, you just might find me here for some Good Pizza to go too.

The Good Pizza
street: 7929 Emerson Ave | Los Angeles, CA 90045
(Corner of 80th & Emerson)
tel: 1.310.215.1883
hrs: M-F/11a-10p, Sa-Su/1130a-10p
web: www.thegoodpizza.com

Sweet Music with the LA Chamber Orchestra

bestofla@gmail.com (BoLA) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 07:23:00 +0000

It's hard to believe that it's 2009, but I know this year will be full of great change and hope.

It's the eve of President-Elect Barack Obama's Inauguration and my cousin is a witness to this historic event in DC.

MS and I will be sharing our love with our families and friends as we say, "I Do" to spending our lives together.

I'm hopeful that this year will be better than the last, and I'm hoping to post more of my BoLA finds and adventures in this New 2009!

Before the holidays, I was invited to the LA Chamber Orchestra and was able to experience an evening of great music led by Conductor Jeffrey Kahane. During the second half of the night, the audience was treated to a musical master in Makoto Nakura on the marimba.

Nakura wowed us with his skills on the marimba and ended the night with multiple encores, including my favorite of the night - his rendition of "Ave Maria" that left me speechless and close to tears.

It's said that music can help save the world. It has a universal language that speaks directly to the heart and soul. It reminds you that through all the chaos and all the ugliness, life is beautiful and full of unwavering hope.

LA Chamber Orchestra
web: www.laco.org

Alex Theatre
street: 216 N Brand Blvd | Glendale, CA 91203
tel: 1.818.243.7700 x123

A Must Visit in LA: The Original Farmers Market

bestofla@gmail.com (BoLA) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 01:45:00 +0000

Before there was the Grove shopping center, there was only the Original Los Angeles Farmers Market on the corner of Third and Fairfax.

It's been around since 1934 and parts of the market area are designated as an official Los Angeles Cultural & Historical Landmark.

And did you know that...

"On an average day, visitors to the Market toss about $35 into the Wishing Well (near the entrance to Mr. Marcel’s Gourmet Grocery) – over the years, the spare change and bills have generated close to $1,000,000 in donations to charity..."

"Scott Bennett, of Bennett’s Ice Cream is one of a handful of experts in the nation who makes his own ice cream from scratch – he can be seen practicing his trade through the window of his shop’s kitchen at Gate 15. Bennett's Ice Cream once filled an order for 500 vanilla ice cream busts of USC's Tommy Trojan. They were served at a wedding reception..."

"The Farmers Market Lottery Booth, located at Sheltam’s Newsstand, is consistently one of the highest selling lottery outlets in California..." and

"When Walt Disney was preparing his early designs for a place called Disneyland, he did some of his work while dining on one of the Farmers Market patios. Elements of the Market’s unique design - it is said - are incorporated into his original drawings."

I learned about these and many other fun facts of the Farmers Market on its website. But what's most important to me are the family memories that I associate with the Farmers Market.

As a little girl, we would visit the Market to buy our fresh fruits and vegetables almost every weekend. I'd love looking at all the bright red tomatoes, sunshine colored yellow bellpeppers and lush green heads of lettuce. We'd buy freshly squeezed orange juice in the spring and summer, along with hot roasted chestnuts during the cold winters.

These days, I still visit the fruit stands and the vendors who have helped my family for years - including one of my favorite restaurant stalls I can't get enough of!

"Manny & Angie Chang and their family have been serving tasty Chinese dishes at this shop for decades. Regulars come back again and again for wonderful chicken and pork dishes and some swear there’s something special about the rice, too.
Stall #744"

The Pork Fried Rice has a kick of spice and is absolutely addicting. Be sure to have the Changs stirfry the fried rice while you wait. I'd have to agree with the vendor description on the Farmers Market website and swear that there is most definitely something special about the rice. After one bite, you won't stop!

Original Los Angeles Farmers Market
street: 6333 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90036
(corner of Third & Fairfax)
web: www.farmersmarketla.com

Girls' Night Out at Crown Bar, LA

bestofla@gmail.com (BoLA) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 07:57:00 +0000

Over the years, I have grown to appreciate staying at home with loved ones rather than hitting up the clubs, bars and nightlife of Los Angeles.

So when I was asked where to go for a bachelorette party in LA this past summer, I was completely and utterly clueless.

To the rescue were long-time friends who know much more about the scene than I do, and with their network of connections - a group of 12 young ladies were able to sashay into the Crown Bar without a hitch and were led to a couple of reserved tables.

Now I'm not the party expert at all, but there was much merriment that night and the Crown Bar met all our expectations and then some.

A mixed crowd of mostly young adults dressed to the nines could be seen, and the DJ made the small dance floor by the front of the bar come to life. The venue, itself, seemed to be intimate with its dark wood and rich leather seating - adding to the overall experience.

It's not a place I'd frequent, but the Crown Bar was perfect for our girls' night out on the town.

Crown Bar in LA
street: 7321 Santa Monica Blvd | West Hollywood, CA 90046
tel: 1.323.882.6774
web: www.crownbarla.com

The Smokehouse Restaurant, Temecula

bestofla@gmail.com (BoLA) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 02:54:00 +0000

MS surprised me with more than a sky high adventure for my birthday in Temecula. After a restful mid-morning nap, we headed out for an afternoon of wine tasting and an early dinner. He had made two dinner reservations and left the decision to me.

I chose the Smokehouse Restaurant at Ponte Winery.

As we sat down to our table for two, we spied a happy couple exchanging vows just beyond the white trellis of roses. With such a romantic setting, we enjoyed our meal with love and laughter.

Our server noticed my ring and asked about our future plans, and also brought us a complimentary appetizer from the kitchen - a curried chicken bite-sized tea sandwiches.

We ordered a lightly battered, Fried Calamari with tomato remoulade, fresh lemon and parsley as an appetizer, and laughed as we finished the entire plate.

The Wine Country Salad was a nice balance to the fried starter with mixed baby greens, candied walnuts, dried cranberries, feta cheese and a vanilla balsamic vinaigrette.

For my entree, I was impressed with one of the daily specials - a tender, well-seasoned steak over a bed of creamy vegetable risotto [pictured above], while MS ordered the Duck Confit Pizza with cilantro pesto, mozzarella and goat cheeses [not pictured]. The pizza came in such large proportions that MS had leftovers for lunch the next day.

My birthday celebrations started well before dawn with wonderful surprises and continued with a day of crisp and sweet whites, full-bodied and warm reds, and a lovely dinner that left me satiated and completely satisfied.

We took time to be with each other, enjoy the simplicities of life, and make memories to always cherish and remember.

I could not think of a better way of celebrating my 30th birthday.

All my thanks and love to MS.

The Smokehouse Restaurant
at the Ponte Family Estate Winery
www.pontewinery.com
street: 35053 Rancho California Road Temecula, CA 92951
tel: 1.951.252.1770

Smokehouse Hours
M-Sat lunch 11a-5p
Sun brunch 10a-2p & lunch 2p-5p

Flying High and Flirty while Turning 30

bestofla@gmail.com (BoLA) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 01:39:00 +0000

They say that turning 30 is the new 20, and that life gets better when you hit this milestone in your life.

I'm not sure whom the "they" are in this scenario, but I'd have to agree.

My early 20s were full of angst and uncertainty - a time in which I was trying to find my way through life, figure out the big picture, and wonder where I belonged amidst it all.

The big questions always seemed to loom...

... Who am I?
... What am I doing with my life?
... Where is it all going?
... Why am I here?
... How do I move forward?
... So what?

So as I celebrated my 30th birthday with a surprise hot air balloon from MS, I reflected on life and love from high above ground.

As we floated in the sky, I felt free and happy to be alive.

Whimsical hot air balloons bopped up and down the valley. Bright colors filled the blue sky. And by my side was the love of my life.

One of the best birthdays ever!

California Dreamin'
Hot Air Balloon Rides with Champagne Brunch
www.californiadreamin.com

Evening Out at Angelini Osteria, los angeles

bestofla@gmail.com (BoLA) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:05:00 +0000

During my busy season in school, it's a rare treat when I get to catch up with one of my BFFL over a nice dinner out on the town (trans.: Best Friend For Life - a term I just learned from one of my students). It's an even more special rarity when I can squeeze some time to write about it.

A little while back, MM and I celebrated life and friendship with a toast of sparkling white wine, compliments from the sommelier at Angelini Osteria.

For years, this Italian restaurant on Beverly Boulevard has been on my "Must Try List" and I was so thrilled when MM surprised me with a dinner reservation for the two of us.

With a clink of our glasses and smiles to our hosts for the evening, we relished in a night of indulgence, incredibly delicious food and engaging conversations.

We started with a basket of bread and a few complimentary appetizers from Chef Gino Angelini, including the above photographed sardine cooked with fresh herbs, tomatoes, and croutons. The fish reminded me of something that would have come out of my grandmother's kitchen, and I was able to relive some memories of my youth with each bite. Both MM and I loved the play of textures and flavors, from the charred skin of the sardine to the refreshing sweetness of the vinaigrette and tomatoes.

The excitement carried throughout the night, as each dish was artfully presented between us. With fork and knife in hand, we devoured plate after plate until we were happy and satiated.

There was something rustic, organic and comforting about our experience at Angelini - from the brick lined wall directly west of us, the deep mahogany colored wooden table at which we sat, to the savory dishes that warmed our souls. We consumed large grilled scallops with mushrooms, homemade pasta cooked with sausage and black truffles, and slow roasted pork belly with a creamy polenta.

We finished the night over silky smooth panna cotta, and gave thanks to a wonderful dinner to the Chef. His words rolled off his tongue like a sweet melody as he said "Ciao Bella" and kissed our cheeks hello and good-bye. Angelini easily became a new Italian favorite for me, and I knew that I'd be back again to say hello.

Angelini Osteria
street: 7313 Beverly Blvd | Los Angeles, CA | 90036
tel: 1.323.297.0070
lunch / tu-fri 12p - 2:30p
dinner / tu-sun 5:30p - 10:30p
call ahead for reservations
web: www.angeliniosteria.com

Royal /T Cafe, Culver City

bestofla@gmail.com (BoLA) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 03:20:00 +0000

MS and I love wandering into small galleries of art, chatting with local community artists, and visiting museums to feed our creative spirits. So when his sister recommended a great place to grab lunch in a uniquely eclectic space amidst works of modern art, we had to go.

We stopped in for an early lunch and were greeted with tons of eye candy - and I'm not writing about the Japanese maid costumed servers. Recognizable art pieces by Takashi Murakami and Yoshitomo Nara lined the walls and occupied the open gallery.

The small shop that greets you off of Washington housed odds and ends that mirrored the space and collection. A vaulted ceiling and white chandelier above the breakfast bar created a dramatic juxtaposition with the exposed, industrial look of the cafe. And a VIP room, walls lined with photographs depicting the animated cosplay culture in Japan, and additional sculptural pieces could be found towards the back entrance of Royal /T.

The shop's faux greenery that climbs the exterior of the building is hard to miss and an interesting sight in the middle of a busy city street.

Here's a photo of the back entrance, just south of Washington.

We found non-metered street parking that was just opposite the entry way, but saw later that there was a small parking lot for customers too. Otherwise, we would have had to pay for a meter off of Washington Boulevard.

Since Royal /T is a "tea" shop, MS and I decided to order a small pot of Yuzu Sencha green tea. Each glass cup was accompanied with a small bite of chocolate that was a nice little surprise. The hot tea was light and fruity, just what I needed to soothe a sore throat.

I ordered the Flank Steak Sandwich that came on a toasted baguette with roasted tomato and a slice of melted gruyere cheese. The meat was cooked perfectly and I thoroughly enjoyed this simple lunch served with a side of mixed greens.

MS, on the other hand, ordered the open-faced Spicy Tuna Tar Tar Sandwich on toasted sourdough with avocado and cucumber. The tuna didn't taste fresh, and I didn't care much for this dish. He ate the whole thing, but eagerly took a few bites of my steak sandwich. I think he didn't care much for the tuna sandwich either.

But we went to Royal /T Cafe for more than just lunch. We went for artistic inspiration. We went to try something different, and happily found a new place to add to our rotation of good eats and good things to do that are quite uniquely Los Angeles.

Royal /T Cafe
8910 Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
T 310 559 6300

hours: 10am-6pm
Closed Mondays

Bar Hayama - Sushi on Sawtelle

bestofla@gmail.com (BoLA) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 03:13:00 +0000

The small little unassuming house on Sawtelle that used to be the old Sasabune is now the sophisticated and modern site of Bar Hayama.

With its sleek design and clean lines, this trendy eatery almost gets lost in the Sawtelle shuffle of restaurants. MS and I will usually frequent the strip for some good quick eats, and finally had the opportunity to stop into the higher end restaurant, Bar Hayama, for a friend's birthday dinner.

It easily can be missed, being just north of all the main shops and restaurants on Sawtelle. Behind a muted concrete wall, you may find young professionals sipping drinks while eating sushi around an outdoor fire pit.

We sat outside on a nice warm evening, and started with the Garlic Edamame - sauteed soy beans with garlic soy sauce. We also ordered some other starters, including the Crispy Rice and Spicy Tuna with Balsamic Vinegar - spicy tuna on fried sushi rice. Both were creative culinary twists to classic Japanese appetizers and ones that I'm going to try to make on my own.

MS and I ordered the Hayama Sushi dinner, pictured above, which turned out to be quite a deal at $24. The plates came with a bowl of miso soup, sunomono, and a sampling of tuna, yellowtail, salmon, red snapper, shrimp, king crab, albacore, ikura, unagi, spicy tuna and california rolls.

Not sure if we would go back for a dinner date out on the town, but it seems like a cool place to meet friends after work to drink some sake or beer with a few bites to eat.

Bar Hayama
1803 Sawtelle Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90025
1.310.235.2000
www.bar-hayama.com

BoLA's Pick for LA Children's Bookstore

bestofla@gmail.com (BoLA) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 02:40:00 +0000

How many times have I driven around the city and made mental notes to stop into little shops that catch my eye or new restaurants that I haven't tried before?

So many times.

Such was the case with the Children's Book World on Pico Boulevard, just a few blocks east of the Westside Pavilion.

But it just so happened that the topic of kids came up in conversation with MS this past weekend.

About prenatal vitamins and friends having babies...
... about how many children we both wanted...
... and about some of our favorite childhood stories.

My personal favorite of all times is The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

It's one that I think all children should have read to them and all adults should re-read. It's one that I read every few years to remind myself of what is most important in life and to weigh matters of consequence through the youthful eyes of a child.

So it was that we talked of kids and we talked of books - the perfect opportunity for us to visit Children's Book World.

A charming three-roomed store, full of books to the ceiling and the floor, I was immediately greeted by one of their welcoming staff members. I asked for two titles - both of which she knew readily. She took me over to the little blue children's novel I so cherish, The Little Prince. The second title was out of print, unfortunately. She did, however, find a book of collected works of the particular author in mind. I politely declined but happily purchased other great finds for my classroom and permanent collection.

Not only were the staff knowledgeable and friendly, but they also provided a nice little educator's discount for me.

With over 80,000 books, posters, t-shirts and other educational aids, this children's bookshop in West LA is a newfound love.

Children's Book World
10580 1/2 W Pico Blvd | Los Angeles, CA 90064
1.310.559.2665
M to F / 10a-5:30p; Sa 10a-5p
Closed on Sundays
www.childrensbookworld.com