Santa Moncia by Day, Santa Monica by Night

Alright...back to the restaurant stuff! Yesterday, I celebrated my birthday with a nice lunch at the Pacific Dining Car off of Wilshire and Arizona (I think). I did not know what to really expect, but I must say that I was pleasantly surprised. The interior is quite nice, a little rustic looking. Beautiful wall papers and leather booths. The pricing is a bit on the high side. The ice tea, which you should know by now is my drug of choice, was sooooooooooooo good! I started off my meal by splitting the lobster cakes appetizer with my mother, and I have to say, they were filled with plenty of REAL lobster. After the delicious lobster cakes, came my Chinese chicken salad which contained grilled chicken, crispy noodles, and sesame seeds. The dressing was nice and light and definitely not over powering.

Since dinner reservations at The Lobster were set for 5:30, we decided to walk around the 3rd Street Promenade and kill some time. To be totally honest, I am not a big fan of the promenade. It's nice and all and great for people watching, but I don't know, once or twice is enough. As we were returning to our parking structure, we saw (here's a name drop) Val Kilmer get out of his red Chevy Malibu. He looks so different now with the long hair, and older exterior. But I guess we all have to grow up and age at some point, right?

With an hour left before our dinner reservations, we made our way over to the Georgian Hotel off of Ocean Ave. The hotel was first opened in 1933, and has the charm of an old Miami hotel, but more unique. We ordered a few drinks at the bar that is located in the lobby (they have dinner downstairs) and then sat out on the porch/patio, which has views of the ocean. There is not much to see inside, however, if you are fascinated by architecture, then you will love this building.

Finally, we made it over to The Lobster, which has stunning views of the pier and Malibu. I ordered the Mahi Mahi which came on a bed of brown rice with almonds, teriyaki sauce, green beans, and shitake mushrooms. Hands down, this was one of the best meals of my life!

We split the Blackberry Cobbler for dessert and then left for home.

Another great day and night in L.A.,

LA Girl

Tomorrow...

Is the big day.. The itinerary is as follows: lunch at the Pacific Dining Car, 3rd St. Promenade, Tea at the Georgian Hotel, and dinner at the Lobster. Can't wait for this adventure!

Brentwood

Just got back from the Brentwood Country Mart off of 26th St. in Santa Monica. It's a neat little mall if you want to call it that. It looks like a big red barn! Inside are a number of really cool little shops. The general store has beautiful soaps, scarfs, jewelry, and other enticing trinkets. There is a candy store that has every single type of candy from your childhood, remember airheads!?
I ate at Frida's, which has a few other locations in L.A. You just walk up to the man behind the window (he's in a red barn building too) and order. The enchilada suizas were great, the pigeons that fly around and walk by your feet--not so much. Diesel books is an eclectic store filled with the unusual as well as the usual.
It's definitely a place that's worth stopping by, whether your hungry (next time I am going to try Barney's burgers--they look outrageous!) or in the mood to spend a little cash on some unique items.

Off to another adventure,

LA Girl :)

A Taste of the Tropics...

Tommy Bahamas is not only a luxurious store filled with clothes, jewelry, trinkets, and coconut scented candles, but also a great restaurant and bar. The goat cheese with mango salsa and crackers is absolutely divine. Another appetizer that I love is their coconut shrimp. You can choose to have 4 or 6 shrimps that come with a tangy but sweet chutney-like sauce, and some type of sour yet slightly sweet Asian coleslaw. If you want something a little more substantial, then try the lobster grilled cheese with a tomato bisque. There are only four words to describe this decadent meal: "Yummy in the tummy!" So next time you are in Newport Beach and want a little island-like mini getaway, then head over to Tommy Bahamas!

Off to another adventure,

LA Girl :)

It's been a while...

Sorry it has been a while since I have posted anything...but it's for a good reason. I've been inundated with school, and it's almost finals time!

I thought I'd write about a restaurant that is located a few blocks away from USC, that most people love, including myself. The 2-9 Cafe is located on 29th Street and has great sandwiches, fries, wraps, salads, and occasionally Mexican food. If you are ever in the neighborhood, stop on by. The service isn't great, however the food is and totally worth it! It's a great meeting place, and located in a beautiful old Craftsman home. Don't forget to try the hibiscus lemonade. It's quite refreshing!

Galco's

If you are a fan of soda, pop, or whatever you want to call it, you should definitely venture over to Galco's Soda Pop Shop off of York Blvd. The owner is full of knowledge and will help point you in the right direction whether that be the original Doctor Pepper aisle or the Rose Petal Soda aisle. Yes, I did say Rose Soda, and yes it taste exactly like a rose but carbonated! Not bad actually, a little strange, but not bad. You can find sodas here that you cannot find anywhere else, sodas that your grandparents and great grandparents drank! It's truly an experience. If you're hungry walk towards the back of the store and there is a small deli with great sandwiches. Order a sandwich and grab a glass bottle of soda--you can eat at one of the tables in the front of the store. If you want dessert just walk on over to the old fashion candy aisle. This place is guaranteed to put a smile on your face, it did mine.

Langer's Deli

Langer's Deli off of Alvarado and 7th is a blast from the past, and a true LA gem. I've been going for the last year and have never once been disappointed. Everyone is so friendly, Greg the host welcomes you back every time with a big smile on his face, and seats you right away. Within seconds, Sal or another waiter will be over to take your order. You sit in brown leather booths, with faux wood tables and small partitions that separate you from the other diners.

The most popular sandwich on the menu is the #19 which is the pastrami on rye with Russian dressing. Both my dad and uncle swear by it. I love the #7, your classic ham and Swiss on rye, with Russian dressing. The rye bread is so crunchy and fresh, it's AMAZING! The Russian dressing is the best I have ever had, and makes me proud to be 1/16th Russian. haha.

Within 5 minutes your sandwich will be in front of you and you will not be disappointed. If you have any room left, have some apple pie.

If you want a 50s dining experience, then try Langer's. It is located in a colorful neighborhood, but don't worry, it's NOT that bad. It's all a part of the experience. There is a parking lot just for Langer's off of Westlake, make sure you get a ticket from the booth and get it stamped before you leave. Oh, and don't forget to get there early, if you want lunch, get there by 11 or 11:30, it get's packed and you'll know why once you sample the food!

Off to another adventure,

LA Girl