Friday, March 18, 2011

The Bazaar

The Bazaar

Tres

Okay...so I know this is blog overload with all of the postings but I have to write about The SLS hotel's Bazaar. Spanish chef/TV host Jose Andres has hit the mark with this Beverly Hills hotspot.
The restaurant is filled with beautiful employees as well as attractive patrons who want to be seen. The decor is eclectic yet ultra chic and the food comes from another planet--yes it IS that good. Try the pan con tomate--bread with tomato, garlic, and olive oil. So simple yet so good. Also, try the caprese salad. It literally melts in your mouth! The mozzarella is impregnated with balsamic vinegar, how cool is that? The pastrami mini sandwiches were also awesome. I am not a fan of cow navel (sorry if you didn't know what pastrami was before reading this post), but in this case it was quite appetizing. The last dish we tried was the artichokes with shrimp. Hands down the best of the night, and that is saying something since all of the dishes were divine. If you want a one of a kind experience then head on over to the Bazaar, it will be one night you won't forget. The pictures are a little blurry--sorry.

Karaoke


Last month, I went to a friend's birthday party at the Brass Monkey in Korea Town. Let's put it this way, that monkey wasn't that funky. The highlight of the night was not the amazingly bad singing but the giant door knob that you have to pull to get in! The venue is quite compact and has an odd aroma. If you go there, you will have fun, however, I have to be honest-- the two drink minimum or your out rule that they live by does not sit well with me. $5 for a Coke is absurd!

Cafe Montana--Santa Monica

Cafe Montana is a modern/chic hotspot on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. I went recently for breakfast and I have to say the blueberry pancakes are out of this world--they were so light and fluffy. The blueberries added a perfect burst of flavor.

I know it's a bit strange but I did have iced tea with my breakfast. I give their iced tea an A!!!

If you want to get a table, arrive early. Also, parking's a bit tough so make sure you check the residential streets for additional parking options.

Moonshadows


After touring the Adamson House, I went to lunch at Moonshadows--a stone's throw away. First off, the view is INCREDIBLE. Second off, the food is so-so. I had the panko-crusted free range chicken sandwich. The wait for the food was long. I started to think they might have had to go catch my free range chicken.... Once it finally did arrive, I was hoping to be pleasantly surprised since the presentation was nice, however, it wasn't anything special. As far as the iced tea is concerned, it was strong, but not bad. Drink refills were aplenty, which I appreciated.

Lastly, our waiter was a little preoccupied with another table (chatting), so we had to wait until he was done to get the check and then he went back to chatting and we had to wait for him to come back so we could get change.

Overall, I think one visit is enough. Next time in Malibu, I'll try something different...

The Adamson House


The Adamson House is located on a quiet stretch of land in the heart of Malibu. This Spanish revival beach-front property is absolutely breathtaking. I highly recommend taking a day and visiting the Adamson House. Go on a Friday and take the 10am Garden Tour and then the 11am House Tour ($5). Unfortunately, no photography is allowed inside, so you'll have to take mental pictures ;) or buy the $18 book at the visitor center. If you love architectural details--then this is a place for you!

http://www.adamsonhouse.org/

Off to another adventure,

LA Girl

Monday, September 20, 2010

Santa Monica

Last Monday, I had a lunch meeting in Santa Monica. We ended up going to a place called Enterprise Fish Co. It's located off of Neilson Way in an old brick building that used to be some type of factory or business. I love old buildings and architecture. The interior of the Enterprise Fish Co. is modern and comfortable unlike the ancient brick exterior. The prices are reasonable and the food is delicious. The menu is large with lots of tasty items. I was torn between the coconut shrimp and the chicken sandwich. I ended up ordering the chicken sandwich since it had bacon, and I love bacon...(I know what you are thinking, I got chicken at a seafood restaurant!) My sandwich was exceptional--avocado, toasted bun, crisp bacon, and a spicy aioli sauce= one happy girl!
I am already hankering another chicken sandwich, however, next time I think I will be adventurous and get some seafood, since it is after all a seafood restaurant.

Off to another adventure,

LA Girl

Sunday, August 22, 2010

The Huntington Library


If you are in need of a day to just meander and let your mind wander, I suggest you head on over to the enchanting Huntington Library. Recently, a friend and I wandered throughout the gardens and observed a few exhibits. If you decide to venture out to San Marino and explore the vast gardens, take in the beautiful exhibits, and bask in the opulence of the family's mansion, I highly suggest you wear comfortable walking shoes. This will be an all day adventure (get there when they open) and one that you will want to relive over and over again.

Off to another adventure,

LA Girl