Los Angeles Trip Activities and Highway 1
Nov 19th, 2009, 08:13 PM
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Los Angeles Trip Activities and Highway 1
We travel to Los Angeles a few times a year to visit our daughter (27) and her husband (30). Each time they energetically show us their favorite spots/restaurants/events. I thought I'd share some from our trip from early November.
Hotel: We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Century City because it is within walking distance of their apartment. But we have found it to be ideal for its comfort, value, and easy access to wherever we wish to go. This time, we had a rate of $113/night (HI website). We were able to park our car at our daughter's house, but otherwise valet parking is $15/night - and necessary because street parking is restricted to permit only.
Friday Night:
We're still talking about the tasty meal we had at Versailles Cuban Restaurant on La Cienega. The garlic chicken dinner is fabulous, and comes with rice, black beans, and fried plantains. With a half chicken per serving, you will want to share with another very hungry person - $10.50, meaning $5.25 each. The housemade Sangria complemented the meal perfectly ($3.25) and they ofter a wide selection of beers. The menu is huge, so there are plenty of choices to satisfy almost anyone.
Next stop:
Al Gelato (on Robertson in the Fairfax District) for dessert. They make wonderful gelato, but our primary pleasure there is the chocolate sorbet, which is so creamy it is hard to believe it does not contain milk. Perfect for DH who is lactose-intolerant.
(to be continued...)
Hotel: We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Century City because it is within walking distance of their apartment. But we have found it to be ideal for its comfort, value, and easy access to wherever we wish to go. This time, we had a rate of $113/night (HI website). We were able to park our car at our daughter's house, but otherwise valet parking is $15/night - and necessary because street parking is restricted to permit only.
Friday Night:
We're still talking about the tasty meal we had at Versailles Cuban Restaurant on La Cienega. The garlic chicken dinner is fabulous, and comes with rice, black beans, and fried plantains. With a half chicken per serving, you will want to share with another very hungry person - $10.50, meaning $5.25 each. The housemade Sangria complemented the meal perfectly ($3.25) and they ofter a wide selection of beers. The menu is huge, so there are plenty of choices to satisfy almost anyone.
Next stop:
Al Gelato (on Robertson in the Fairfax District) for dessert. They make wonderful gelato, but our primary pleasure there is the chocolate sorbet, which is so creamy it is hard to believe it does not contain milk. Perfect for DH who is lactose-intolerant.
(to be continued...)
Nov 19th, 2009, 09:06 PM
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Here's a link for Versailles Cuban Restaurant:
www.versaillescuban.com
Saturday: the theme of the day was basically Old Hollywood
We began with a driving tour of famous Hollywood homes, including the home where Michael Jackson died. There were tour busses lining the street and there were throngs of people gathered at the front gate. Very sad. This bit of a drive was not that interesting to me, but there are guys on every corner willing to sell you a 'Star Map' if you're interested.
Doheny Mansion/Greystone Park: I loved this place! The movie 'There Will Be Blood' was based on the Doheny's; in fact, the movie filmed its bowling alley scene here at the mansion. After a couple of murders at the mansion, it and the vast acreage was purchased by the City of Beverly Hills, and the gorgeous formal grounds are now open to the public. The mansion is used for private events; the day we were there, the mansion was being used for a play loosely based on the murders there, so we were able to see inside. I highly recommend a stroll through these grounds. The terraced gardens are lovely and the views are terrific. Free. www.cityofbeverlyhills.org (click on City Parks) and www.greystonemansion.org
More later...
www.versaillescuban.com
Saturday: the theme of the day was basically Old Hollywood
We began with a driving tour of famous Hollywood homes, including the home where Michael Jackson died. There were tour busses lining the street and there were throngs of people gathered at the front gate. Very sad. This bit of a drive was not that interesting to me, but there are guys on every corner willing to sell you a 'Star Map' if you're interested.
Doheny Mansion/Greystone Park: I loved this place! The movie 'There Will Be Blood' was based on the Doheny's; in fact, the movie filmed its bowling alley scene here at the mansion. After a couple of murders at the mansion, it and the vast acreage was purchased by the City of Beverly Hills, and the gorgeous formal grounds are now open to the public. The mansion is used for private events; the day we were there, the mansion was being used for a play loosely based on the murders there, so we were able to see inside. I highly recommend a stroll through these grounds. The terraced gardens are lovely and the views are terrific. Free. www.cityofbeverlyhills.org (click on City Parks) and www.greystonemansion.org
More later...
Nov 20th, 2009, 08:19 AM
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After lunch at the classic Canter's Deli (mmm-mm...the best ever Matzo Ball Soup), we toured the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Here we saw some over-the-top headstones of celebrities and the not-so-famous. What tickled me most was hearing about the summer outdoor movie screenings here, all very respectful, of course, within view of the Hollywood sign. This article link shows some pics of the cemetery as well as the outdoor see-and-be-seen film series. http://www.examiner.com/x-15334-Movi...vie-Screenings
Amoeba Records - No Hollywood visit is complete without a long browse here, where you can find even the most obscure recording. I even found a few of my favorite old foreign films on DVD with the help of Amoeba's knowledgable and enthusiastic staff. DH and SIL brought home a bag of CDs, including a great collection of songs of the Mexican Revolution.
The Arclight Cinema next door is a great place to see films. I love that you can buy an actual seat - just as in theater. Alas, no movie title was calling to us today, so we went on to our next stop.
Lake Hollywood Reservoir - Wow, what a beautiful find - and I mean find - because we had to use GPS to get there through all those exceedingly narrow, winding roads. A lovely place to stroll, there is a trail all around the reservoir which is right underneath the Hollywood sign. The architecture of the dam is something I have never seen before (only in Hollywood?). The back side of it has architectural arches and doghead figurines at the top of each arch. I'll include the link because you'll never find it otherwise. www.hollywoodknolls.org/hollywood_reservoir.htm
(to be continued)
Amoeba Records - No Hollywood visit is complete without a long browse here, where you can find even the most obscure recording. I even found a few of my favorite old foreign films on DVD with the help of Amoeba's knowledgable and enthusiastic staff. DH and SIL brought home a bag of CDs, including a great collection of songs of the Mexican Revolution.
The Arclight Cinema next door is a great place to see films. I love that you can buy an actual seat - just as in theater. Alas, no movie title was calling to us today, so we went on to our next stop.
Lake Hollywood Reservoir - Wow, what a beautiful find - and I mean find - because we had to use GPS to get there through all those exceedingly narrow, winding roads. A lovely place to stroll, there is a trail all around the reservoir which is right underneath the Hollywood sign. The architecture of the dam is something I have never seen before (only in Hollywood?). The back side of it has architectural arches and doghead figurines at the top of each arch. I'll include the link because you'll never find it otherwise. www.hollywoodknolls.org/hollywood_reservoir.htm
(to be continued)
Nov 22nd, 2009, 10:11 AM
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Thanks for responding. I'm never sure whether this is of interest to anyone.
We decided to have drinks to kill some time at a beer/wine bar DD had heard about, El Prado in the Echo Park area. It is considered a new, trendy, place where the bartenders 'spin records.' (Quaint to us, trendy to the younger crowd). We took seats at the bar and had a great time chatting with the bartender and other patrons as well as selecting some tasty Italian wines to try. For $7, the appetizer plate of Humbolt Fog goat cheese, other tasty cheeses and crackers was an excellent bargain. When we left an hour later, the place was packed. www.elpradobar.com
We had dinner at Dusty's in Silver Lake, really for convenience. It was Saturday night, we had no reservations, and we had a schedule to keep regarding our next stop. Dinner was good - I just had a plate of fresh vegetables -although I probably wouldn't go out of my way to eat there. Just good, fresh food if you happen to be in the neighborhood...
The Dresden!! We had been hearing about Marty and Elayne at The Dresden for several years, and DD and SIL decided it was time to share with us this unique lounge experience. How can I describe this lounge act??!! Marty and Elayne are way past their prime, their matching outfits are sort of Las Vegas style, their performance is almost self-satirizing - BUT their spirit and energy are very infectious. You have to arrive by 8:30 if you don't want to remain standing throughout the night; the bar is packed with people of all ages. Marty and Elayne have been playing at The Dresden for over 20 years; their professionalism is apparent in their connection with the crowd. There is no cover charge, but patrons can submit song requests on cocktail napkins along with a tip. I must disclose that my first instinct was to laugh out loud, but I mean no disrespect. This is truly a lounge experience like no other. You can check YouTube for small hints of what awaits you at The Dresden. Unique. Authentic. And can't be duplicated.
On the way back to the hotel, I was inexplicably craving pastry. So we made another stop at Canter's (still packed at 11PM) and I selected an amazing Russian chocolate coffee cake from their bakery. Yummm!
(to be cont'd)
We decided to have drinks to kill some time at a beer/wine bar DD had heard about, El Prado in the Echo Park area. It is considered a new, trendy, place where the bartenders 'spin records.' (Quaint to us, trendy to the younger crowd). We took seats at the bar and had a great time chatting with the bartender and other patrons as well as selecting some tasty Italian wines to try. For $7, the appetizer plate of Humbolt Fog goat cheese, other tasty cheeses and crackers was an excellent bargain. When we left an hour later, the place was packed. www.elpradobar.com
We had dinner at Dusty's in Silver Lake, really for convenience. It was Saturday night, we had no reservations, and we had a schedule to keep regarding our next stop. Dinner was good - I just had a plate of fresh vegetables -although I probably wouldn't go out of my way to eat there. Just good, fresh food if you happen to be in the neighborhood...
The Dresden!! We had been hearing about Marty and Elayne at The Dresden for several years, and DD and SIL decided it was time to share with us this unique lounge experience. How can I describe this lounge act??!! Marty and Elayne are way past their prime, their matching outfits are sort of Las Vegas style, their performance is almost self-satirizing - BUT their spirit and energy are very infectious. You have to arrive by 8:30 if you don't want to remain standing throughout the night; the bar is packed with people of all ages. Marty and Elayne have been playing at The Dresden for over 20 years; their professionalism is apparent in their connection with the crowd. There is no cover charge, but patrons can submit song requests on cocktail napkins along with a tip. I must disclose that my first instinct was to laugh out loud, but I mean no disrespect. This is truly a lounge experience like no other. You can check YouTube for small hints of what awaits you at The Dresden. Unique. Authentic. And can't be duplicated.
On the way back to the hotel, I was inexplicably craving pastry. So we made another stop at Canter's (still packed at 11PM) and I selected an amazing Russian chocolate coffee cake from their bakery. Yummm!
(to be cont'd)
Nov 24th, 2009, 08:01 AM
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Sunday involved a hike from Zuma Beach, southward, toward Paradise Cove. It was my first time seeing dolphins in the wild as they swam in pairs in the ocean beside us. Great views. But I won't elaborate on the rest of the trip unless there is any particular interest.
Nov 24th, 2009, 09:04 AM
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elnap, unrelated to your current topic, I loved the photo you took in Bodie that's in the new California Guide (p 776).
I have never been to the Greystone mansion, I think I'll put it on the list for touring with holiday visitors.
I have never been to the Greystone mansion, I think I'll put it on the list for touring with holiday visitors.
Nov 24th, 2009, 08:24 PM
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mlgb - Thanks, but that was not my photo. It was my quote that was used. But I agree with you - that is an awesome photo.
Re. Greystone Mansion: keep in mind that you cannot go inside unless part of a special event, but the terraced grounds are open to the public (no fee) and worth a walking tour. I'm told they offer high tea on occasion.
Re. Greystone Mansion: keep in mind that you cannot go inside unless part of a special event, but the terraced grounds are open to the public (no fee) and worth a walking tour. I'm told they offer high tea on occasion.
Nov 24th, 2009, 11:04 PM
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I'm enjoying your trip report too. Being from L.A., I have a soft spot for the old favorites, and like to find some new places to explore too. I wasn't aware of Greystone Mansion either.
I also like Canter's Deli. It's open 24 hours, and you will often see minor movie stars there at the odd hours.
Hollywood Forever & the Hollywood reservoir sound like places I'd like to check out, too.
Thanks for sharing your fun adventures!
I also like Canter's Deli. It's open 24 hours, and you will often see minor movie stars there at the odd hours.
Hollywood Forever & the Hollywood reservoir sound like places I'd like to check out, too.
Thanks for sharing your fun adventures!
Nov 26th, 2009, 10:54 AM
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Thank you, Kailani. I should also mention that there is a somewhat obscure entrance to a parking lot on the uphill side of the grounds, I think from Doheny St. You can begin your tour there with a magnificent view as you wind down through each terrace. Not many people in the LA area are aware of this treasure, so I recommend you "discover" it soon!
Will continue my report later.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Will continue my report later.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Dec 11th, 2009, 12:18 PM
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Please ready my travel tips
http://kamoor.wordpress.com/category...l/los-angeles/
http://kamoor.wordpress.com/category...l/los-angeles/
