Topanga Canyon is known for it’s laid-back, cowboy/hippy vibe. Even though it’s not far from LA, it’s a world apart. For the first weekend of 2014, we headed to Topanga State Park on a 6.6 mile hike with a visit to the iconic Eagle Rock. After hiking, we were in search of something tasty for […]
Paper or Plastik for Breakfast
It is often said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Personally, I’d add “only if it includes good coffee.” Good coffee and a great place to enjoy it is like a little island of tranquility–a respite from the world. Living in LA there are plenty of options for third-wave coffee, but many […]
Salt’s Cure
Salt’s Cure is a small restaurant in West Hollywood that sources all their food from California. I first heard about it from my mom in San Francisco (thanks, Mom!) who saw a review and suggested it might be right up our alley. As with most things in life, Mom was right. We stopped in for brunch […]
Golden Road Brewing
There are few things as satisfying as a well-earned meal, washed down with a tasty craft beer. And believe me, we earned it. We had just hiked the Beaudry Motorway Loop in the nearby Verdugo Mountains, and were looking forward to visiting Golden Road Brewing again. Our first visit was a year ago, when our […]
The Original Pantry Cafe
Established in 1924, The Original Pantry has spent eight decades providing its customers with bigger-than-one-person-should-eat portions of traditional, artery-clogging American food. The restaurant started with five employees in a building at 9th and Figueroa St. It consisted of one room — a 15-stool counter, a grill and a hot plate. It wasn’t long before patrons […]
Lemonade on Larchmont
Lemonade is a fast-growing chain of restaurants described as “fast casual.” The food is generally very tasty, and served cafeteria style. It’s also very well-suited to grab-and-go for dinner at home, as you can select your sides and mains in portions of 1 through 4. Joan and I have been to the Larchmont location a […]
Hangar 24 Brewery in Redlands
Hangar 24 is a craft brewery in Redlands, California. It’s a bit of a drive, but if you’re coming down the 38 from hiking near San Gorgonio (as we were last Saturday) Hangar 24 is well worth a visit. We hadn’t been there before, so we started out with their tasting flight. For $8, we […]
Randy’s Donuts
Randy’s Donuts is a Los Angeles icon. Even if you’ve never been there, you’ve probably seen the giant donut erected on the roof. It beckons all who pass by, bringing you to a Homer Simpson-esque state of mind. “Doh-nutsss.” Did you say that aloud? It doesn’t matter. You find your car automatically pulling into the […]
Breakfast at S & W Country Diner
Sometimes you need a good old-fashioned diner-style breakfast. You know the kind… Eggs, hash browns, bacon and a side of toast or maybe even pancakes. But without the bad coffee and greasy spoon. This morning was one of those times, and S & W Country Diner in Culver City was the place. We drive past here […]
Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee
I have a love-hate relationship with Starbucks. On the one hand, Starbucks has given me a taste for better coffee. On the other hand, there is often even better coffee to be found. But sometimes, the familiar calls. Such was the case on a Saturday morning after a short hike up the stairs at the […]