LA -Third Time A Charm
LA – The third time is a charm.
1. Well, we are back in LA. A number of circumstances came into play, so we took the route of least resistance, and decided on Los Angeles once again.
2. We are trying an experiment. Can one live in LA without a car. Uber and public transport will be the 1st choice. We will keep track and see if our decision was right or was a false economy.
Day 01
Up at 5:00 AM, two uneventful flights, a strange limo drive (funny about drivers who cannot deviate from a GPS, I knew this was a terrible route to take and I have been in the city a total of 40 days!!) and we are back in our second home (at least it seems that way). A little shopping, where we had to be strategic (had to carry the stuff home). Uber to dinner at Taste on Melrose, where we had gone the 1st night, 3 years ago. The dinner was good (Papaya BBQ Meatballs to start, Chicken Paillard for Monique and Risotto for Bill), the service was excellent, and we walked home. No need to tell, regular readers of this blog, where we stopped for dessert, yes, the Yogurt Stop!!! Had now been up for 20 hours, so were soon in bed!!!!
Day 02
A leisurely morning and off to Kitchen 24 for breakfast (the usual Skillets). Outdoors so ½ the people have dogs with them. Then an investigation of gyms along Santa Monica Boulevard for Monique. She decides on Fitness 24 which is about 8 minutes away and does offer group sessions. Head home but then Monique heads back for her 1st stretching session. Bill works on the Minutes from his curling AGM. A little shopping to get dinner, steak and salad – discovered the new meaning of salad in a bag, plus fron snack food. ! A new BBQ, hotter than expected… so we ate well done steaks.
Day 03
Sunday, so it is Brunch Day! Off to one of our favourites – Pearls. Actually like you guys back in Canada, we encountered some white stuff walking up to Sunset Blv…. The usual menu. Bloody Mary and a Bubbly, followed by Avocado Toasts to share (to die for), and then the mains, French Toast for Monique and Eggs Benny (with fried chicken, spinach and grilled mushrooms) for Bill. Then Uber to the Beverley Centre for a little shopping (Macey’s is the only place Bill can find jeans he likes), and then back home for a little rest. With no Senators in the playoffs, we have become Jets fans, so off the Barney’s Beannery to watch the game accompanied by Margaritas and Mojitos. Not a good game for the Jets so had some nachos and headed home, after the 2rd period, picking up more snacks along the way. Too chilly for frozen yogurt. Jet lag has disappeared as we both slept through the night and didn’t wake up at 5:00 AM
Day 04
We might as well be in Ottawa! Spend the later part of the morning, at the gym, Monique and going for an hour walk, Bill. After that, started to work on the schedule for next two weeks. One decision, no Las Vegas. Then we decided to have our large meal for lunch and made a reservation at “The Ivy†a seafood restaurant. The first time we were in LA, we went to the sister restaurant in Santa Monica. A trendy restaurant, in West Hollywood, that is packed for lunch. A glass of free champagne while we waited for our table. We shared the scallops to start and then baked sea bass and grilled vegetable salad with lobster.  A special ice cream sundae, for dessert. Food was delicious, service was superb and then!!!  Boom!! A big wind!! Down came a sun umbrella, one of the arms hitting Monique on the shoulder. She was OK, more embarrassed then hurt. Three Australians girls got a kick of all the waiters rushing to put ice on her shoulder. The result was a free lunch. The rest of the afternoon was spent by the pool and snoozing. Light dinner at home.
Day 05
We had been notified, a couple of days ago, that we had tickets for Jimmy Kimmel Live so had to prepare. As with Conan, it is not a simple process, you go stand in line, check in, stand in line, go into the theatre, stand in line, get seated and get entertained by a guy whose job it is to have you make lots of noise, at the appropriate time. The show was good, lots of anti-Trump in the monologue. The guests were LL Cool J and the soccer player, Zlatan Ibrahimović. The musical guest was Portugal.The Man. The soccer player certainly had a very high opinion of himself. Monique was disappointed that Jimmy never said good-bye/thank-you at the end. Had talked with my brother earlier in the day and he asked why we would go back to the same restaurant (The Ivy) when there are 1,000 to try!!! So, we looked for a new restaurant, in Los Felix, and found L&E oyster Bar. Was a great place, run/owned by a woman from Toronto. Oysters were great as well as the Lobster Roll and the onion rings. Oh and, what to say about the Bourbon pecan pie… It’s to die for! A great place.
Day 06
A lazy day. In the morning, Monique went to the gym and I went walking. In the afternoon, Monique went to the pool, while I read. The big event of the day was dinner at Wolf’s. Last year when we were in LA, we had brunch at Wolf’s. We reviewed it as one of the best brunch we had ever had. We had intended to make it back for dinner, but things happen and we never made it. We made it this year! And so glad we did!! The food was incredible!!! We started with the warm olives, the “Let the beet drop†salad, and the lamb bacon followed by the pork belly and the chicken!! We finished with the Eton Mess ! Good thing it was Uber back home.
Day 07
Decided to try Blu Jam for breakfast. Another place that has a great reputation and always has a line-up. The line-up wasn’t bad and we were in within 15 minutes. The food was OK, nothing fantastic and wouldn’t stand in line again. Monique had their signature dish French toast coated on corn flakes, and Bill has the Scramble. Service was excellent.   Finally, during the 3rd visit to LA, we made it to La Brea Tar Pits.  The area sits on a huge asphalt pool that bubbles to the surface and which has become a treasure drove of fossils mostly pre-last Ice Age. Woolly mammoths, Fiona’s ancestors: Saber tooth tigers, giant sloths, etc. An interesting visit, we took the short walking tour with an excellent guide, toured the museum and watched the movie Titans of the Ice Age. Pizza at Prova for dinner followed by you guessed it! Frozen yogurt!
Day 08
The gym and a walk to begin the day. Then another planning day which included Poke a walk to Granville on Beverly for Poke and too much wine. A snooze on the couch was mandatory in the afternoon (for Bill). We have decided that we will need a car for 5 days; places like Venice beach and Malibu are not Uber cost effective.  Nathan’s hot dogs for dinner.
Day 09
Broke down and got the car today. Saturday became brunch day, as we did not want to have one on Sunday. We tried BBCM (The Butcher, the Baker and the Cappuccino Maker), up on Sunset. Obviously very trendy, because when we arrived, a huge crowd was waiting out front. Despite our reservation, we wonder if we would get in. Have to say, the two hostesses handling the crowd did it very well, and we were sitting almost at our time. Both had the eggs Benedict, Monique with pork belly and Bill with avocado. Can understand why people were there, the food was very good. Monique, figured out the trick, don’t order when they ask you, make sure you enjoy your drink…The food comes very fast. Then, as is always the case, a long Brunch kind of kills the day. Had hamburgers at Five Guys for dinner. Certainly beats any fast food hamburgers, we have in Ottawa. Should have more of them.
Day 10
Monique’s birthday!!! The last two times we were here, we went to the farmers Market in Studio City. In the spirit of doing things differently, we decided to try another one! The original choice had been Brentwood, but we had made a mistake in days, it is on Saturday, so headed for the one in Hollywood. It is much bigger then Studio City, with much more choice.  As we are not cooking much, there was not much to buy, did get some special olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Much to Bill’s disappointment the Breakfast Burrito did not look as good, so snacked on avocado toasts and watermelon juice. Had a late breakfast at a restaurant near by, and once again, avocado toast and a breakfast burrito. A leisurely afternoon, getting ready for the big evening. Monique’s birthday was celebrated at Il Pastaio, a very popular Italian restaurant in Beverley Hills. Very crowded, the usual wait to get in. The food was good, but not great. Carpaccio and osso bucco for Monique, and prosciutto with pear and veal scallopini in a mushroom sauce for Bill. We shared a panna cotta with a strawberry sauce for dessert. The service was excellent! As Monique said we had the only real Italian server in the restaurant! A very nice evening, but we have had better Italian food in Ottawa.
Day 11
Now that we have a car we decided to explore a little farther a field. So headed off to have lunch in Calabasas (Burbs for the very rich). Along the way explored Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills and Tarzana. Arrived at The Commons Shopping Centre, explored a little and then headed to the King’s Fish House for lunch! We shared the seafood platter to start. Monique had the Halibut in an orange sauce and Bill had the Chilean Sea Bass cooked Asian style.  Lots of food… as like all good LAers, we had the leftovers packed up to take home. Got home late afternoon and Monique headed to the gym. Leftovers for dinner!!!!!!
Day 12
Up early, because after being in LA for approximately 10 weeks in total, we are finally going to Universal Studios. We bought the VIP package, which was quite expensive but once you calculate what is included and if you had to buy it separately, it gets a little more reasonable -  and part of Monique’s birthday celebration!).  Arrived early, and as VIPers, were given a very nice breakfast. Then off into the park with Tony the Guide. We had a small group, 7 in total. The morning is spent going through the park and trying the different rides. We did the Harry Potter rides and then the Simpsons. However as they were both motion rides, both of us were getting woozy stomachs, so passed on the Transformers and the Mummy. Bill did the Jurassic Park ride because it was in a boat and the Walking Dead because it was a walk through. After this it was lunch time at the buffet which was included. Much to our surprise it was fabulous. Chicken breast in a mushroom sauce, seafood risotto, filet mignon, etc, etc… Desserts just as excellent!  The afternoon, VIP tour pays dividends. Rather than in a group of 50 people in a chain of trams (See pic), we were about 12, in a comfortable open bus, and stopped in a number of places, inside studios, disaster sites, prop storage, etc. Included is a visit to Jurassic Park and being caught in the middle of a car chase and gun fight. Also saw many of the sets used in TV and for movies. As part of our day, also went to the Animals in Movies and Special Effects shows. Stayed for dinner along Universal Walk, at Il Cantina, wonderful margaritas and fajitas!!!
Day 13
A rest day, after Universal Studios, however Monique did a little shopping and had her hair done. She discovered a new restaurant, on Sunset, called Pono. It started off as a hamburger place in Santa Monica but expanded its choices. We went for Happy Hour margaritas, wine and avocado dip. Monique had the hanger steak while Bill had one of the speciality hamburgers and for dessert we had the grilled pear with maple whipped cream and a caramel drizzle. Was a wonderful meal and only 5 minutes away (uphill).
Day 14
We had discussed which beach we would re-visit this year, Santa Monica, Venice or Malibu and decided on Malibu but drove through Santa Monica. As usual, every time we visit an LA beach it turns out to be a chilly day so not many people on the beach but saw a few movie shooting locations. Did some shopping at the Malibu equivalent of Rodeo Drive and then headed to Moon Shadows for lunch. A nice table along the ocean, we split the crab legs for an appetizer, Monique had the lobster roll and Bill, the Mahi-Mahi. We split the banana/butterscotch mousse for dessert. Made our way home through traffic but at least, along the ocean. Monique decided to go work out and we had dinner here.
Day 15
Big shopping day!! First off to UCLA to get a sweat shirt for Bill. It was Open House Day. Lots of perspective students with their parents. Then off to a huge shopping in Century City, to return some items and get some more at Macy’s. Monique also got some walking shoes and we had lunch at Eataly. (Where we have had lunch, in NYC, Rome and now LA). Finally off to Hollywood Blvd and the final purchases. Bill got his wish… a quick dinner at El Pollo Loco, Mexican fast food chicken. Much to Monique’s surprise, the chicken is quite good. They don’t deep fry anything, so you get mashed potatoes instead of fries.
Day 16 and 17
Brunch Weekend. Our last weekend in LA so booked a double brunch, one on Saturday and one on Sunday. On Saturday, we went back to Wolf’s which had been our best brunch last year. As usual it was excellent. Avocado toast to start, of course, and waffle and chicken for Bill while Monique has French Toast. Of course, also the mandatory Bloody Mary and Sparkling wine. Bad news for Fiona, the pet store, down the street has closed. If the afternoon, Monique went to read beside the pool while Bill recovered from Brunch on the coach.  In the evening, it was off to The Laugh Factory for an evening of comedy. Three or four of them were really good, but is our latest night out! Home at 1:00 AM.
Sunday morning, rest a little, then off to an upscale brunch at the Polo Lounge of the Beverley Hills Hotel. A great brunch, a 3 course offering and one included cocktail. Needless to say, our extra drinks added 50% to the bill.   Monique was so pleased when the server suggested ordering one course at a time to relax. Sparkling wine and Moscow Mules to drink, snow crab claws and ceviche to start, steak and frites for Monique and lobster on avocado toast for Bill. Macaron ice cream cookie and banana split semifredo for dessert. A wonderful relaxed 3 hours. Could not resist the take away box… Beside the pool and on the couch for the afternoon. Dinner at home.
Pictures from Day 16Â Â Â Â Pictures from Day 17
Day 18
We are running out of steam!!! One of the things we had not done was explore Koreatown. So went off in the afternoon to have a look and have Korean BBQ for dinner. We found a restaurant we liked but it was pretty early, was went and found a bar (Mexican in Koreatown) that had a great Happy Hour. $20 for 4 glasses of wine. Then back to the Baekjeong SSAM. Each table has a mini grill, and plates of food are brought to the table. You can grill yourself, or in most places, the server stops by once in a while to do it. You can eat it in various ways. A meat lovers’ dream and incredibly good.
Day 19
Time is running out and are spending a lot of time discussing options mostly which revolve around food. An easy cold rainy day with an eventful evening. Started with oysters and snacks at Pearls and on our way out stopped into the timeless Whiskey A Go Go, which is next door. Today it is the home of heavy rock. Want to experience it, click the Whiskey A GoGo link below. After a drink and one heavy rock set we then decided to also go to The Abby, with a stop at Hamburger Haven. The Abby is very close to us, and is a very popular night spot, (celebs and otherwise). Because it was Tuesday, we actually managed to get it. On the weekend, there is always a huge line. Best described as a multisexual nightclub, it was fun. Stopped for caramel and salt ice cream on the way home.
Day 20
Starting to get ready to go. Did some shopping and then off the WeHo Bistro for dinner. Escargots to start followed by magret de canard and spaghetti carbonara; bread pudding for dessert.
Day 21
Pack-up day!!! We had a late breakfast/lunch at La Conversation close by and then prepared for our anniversary dinner. Early this year. We chose Wolfgang’s Steak House on the advice of a couple we had met at Il Pastaio, rather than BOA. You can tell it was imported from NYC, it had the feel of a busy, upscale American steak house rather than the more intimate LA style. Champagne for Monique, margarita for Bill, then a shared Ceasar Salad, followed by the signature steak, the Porterhouse steak for two. Accompanied by frites,  mushrooms and a bottle of wine. Way too much food!!!! A chocolate sundae to finish. A great dinner, lower on the scale of birthday/anniversary dinners we have had over the past 6 years, but different and great. Our last Uber ride home, the driver plays in a David Bowie like band and had just been in Quebec City and Gatineau.
Day 22
Heading home. Up early and get ready. The car service is on time and we are off to LAX. Take 30 min to get within a mile and another 30 minutes to get to the terminal. Security was wonderful. No computers of out the bag etc, just everything on the belt and go through. An uneventful flight,  and then another surprise, no more having to pick up bag after customs and back through the security screen. Through customs and to the new gate. The suitcase will be in Ottawa (maybe). Then the bad news, the wind storms have delayed or cancelled flights everywhere. We are lucky, that our flight, the last of the day is only delayed. There are lines of disgruntled passengers everywhere. The line at Tim’s is ½ hour long. Although we have access to the Air Canada Lounge, we are kicked out at midnight.  We do manage to get a hamburger and fries at an A&W and boarded at 1:15 AM. Left ½ hour later, mechanical problem in bathroom. In Ottawa at 2:15, but more delays, a lost suitcase (got returned Sunday) and are finally in bed at 3:30 AM. However we are lucky! It is only midnight, LA time.
