Los Angeles

Beverly Hills, what a thrill!

I really love visiting LA, where everything somehow feels like a movie set. There's just something fun about seeing so many people outside enjoying the weather, beaches, and sites no matter what day of the week it is. There's an adventurous energy in the air, which I personally channeled into my first time behind the wheel on the freeway (made it out alive, not eager to try my luck again). Besides the dear family and friends we had the chance to visit on this particular trip, there were many highlights that made our time in la la land special.

Living my best boardwalk life.

What would the Santa Monica Pier be without the irresistible Hot Dog on a Stick? I indulged in a classic beef corn dog with a fresh homemade lemonade—delectable! I don't know if this combo would taste as delicious in any other setting, but with the crowds milling about and the sea salt breeze blowing through the air there is no better mid-day snack.

Cha Cha Chicken is a down n' dirty simple Caribbean chicken shack a block in from the beach. The enthusiastic and patient line of people waiting out the door to grab a bite from this colorful joint gave me the motivation to somehow make room for a cha cha chicken platter with spicy jerk sauce mere moments after chowing down on the aforementioned corn dog.

Cha Cha Chicken

Wilshire Restaurant on, you guessed it, Wilshire Blvd has a stunning and large back courtyard perfect for a special dinner. All of the food is perfectly prepared, but the 12 Hour Braised Short Rib was the clear winning entrée of the table.

Canter's Deli is as authentic as a deli can be, with matzo ball soup and a pastrami sandwich that delighted and satisfied us deli-spoiled Jewish New Yorkers.

Manchego in Santa Monica serves up particularly tasty tapas. Personal favorites were the spinach croquetas and beef empanadas, both of which I could easily eat an entire plate of on my own. 

Erewohn Market at first glance seems like just a typical, albeit lovely, natural foods grocery store. But wait, there's more! The huge selection of tonics and freshly pressed juices as well as healthy hot and cold prepared foods make this market worth a visit. I tried a golden turmeric latte made with coconut milk, which was spicy and warm and honestly tasted a little bit like Thai food (I guess it was the coconut?).

Sky so blue in Malibu

Beautiful Malibu, just a short drive up the Pacific Coast Highway (way less scary than the freeway) from Santa Monica. I spent substantial time gawking at the mansions perched high on the hills, wondering how long it would take the owners to run out for a gallon of milk. Conclusion? With homes like these, there's probably a staff responsible for the grocery shopping. I'm not jealous, you're jealous! 

Taking it easy on Zuma Beach in Malibu

On the way back down from Malibu, stops at Malibu Country Mart for shopping and the sprawling Getty Villa for a cultural fix round out a pretty great day exploring the area. 

Getty Villa: the result of a very wealthy man's obsession with Italy

Strolling the admittedly hit or miss streets of downtown lead us to the haven of The Last Bookstore where I happily purchased a $5 copy of Delia Ephron essays and wandered the shelves for quite some time. A must-visit for book lovers.

Alas, just as we are starting to blend in (see below), it was time to bid farewell to the west coast. Keep a green juice on ice for me 'til next time!

Peace out, California! ✌️