Los Angeles: A Second Trip, My First GTG
Apr 2nd, 2009 | 01:01 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,804
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Los Angeles: A Second Trip, My First GTG
I've been meaning to get around to finally posting a mini report about my recent trip to L.A. This was the second time I've been out to LA and on this return trip I liked it even more. I was in town to attend the LA GTG. The GTG was fantastic and everyone was extremely nice---it consisted of 3 meals over a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I had a few hours in between to explore.
Seeing LA solo was not difficult at all---though prior to arriving I was definitely a little nervous about driving. There turned out to be no reason to be worried---cars weren't flying by me or anything. Much the opposite---the traffic was horrendous. I really don't understand how locals deal with it; they must have amazing patience or must know all the right shortcuts. Anyway, by the end of the weekend, if I was ever driving at normal speed on the highway it felt exhilarating.
So my trip---I flew Virgin Atlantic to LAX. I really liked Virgin Atlantic--I was able to work on some things for work by taking advantage of their wi-fi on board (I had my laptop). It was a little slow but overall I can't complain. The service cost $13.95.
Flight was on time and I picked up my car from Avis (a Dodge Caliber) with little fanfare. My ride to my hotel in Santa Monica took almost an hour--which I thought was shocking since SM seemed so close on my map.
I stayed at the unexciting but adequate Holiday Inn in Santa Monica. It was right across from the pier and just a block or 2 away from the 3rd st. Promenade. The price was right---though parking was $24, but I guess that is typical for LA hotels. This is a pretty small, basic hotel. There's nothing much to say about the hotel itself but I was very pleased with my room which I felt was plenty big. It also came with free wi-fi in the room, which I appreciated.
Friday night's dinner was in Hollywood at Yamashiro. This restaurant is perched high up in the hills and the drive up was thrilling I have to say. It was so mysterious--you crawl up this very steep spiraling driveway for what seems like eternity. This was the site of the GTG's first event--a dinner for out-of-towners like myself. I was a little shy walking in but organizer filmwill made me feel right at home. There were just over 20 attendees and we mostly stood around and chatted for about an hour before sitting down for dinner at a very long table with an expansive view of LA. The meal was memorable for all of the many conversations though I can't say with certainty that I would return for the food. I would return here for drinks for sure---the view is amazing.
Saturday morning I had breakfast at Anisette Brasserie in Santa Monica. Beautiful dining room with tall ceilings---I sat at the long bar and enjoyed an eggs benedict.
Saturday afternoon was the main event---lunch at Red Corner Asia in Thai Town. Lunch was quite tasty and the company was great as expected. We all went around and introduced ourselves and said where our next trip was. I couldn't believe all of the places everyone was headed in the months ahead!
After lunch I meandered to the Getty Center---I made several poor driving decisions and it took almost 90 minutes to get there. Don't ask. In the process I was able to identify several homes that I'd like to live in should I ever win the lottery.
I loved the Getty Center--it's one of the coolest museums I think I've ever been to. It felt like the building and the grounds trumped the actual art inside the museum. Great views of the city. It was quite chilly, but if it was warmer I would have loved to lounge out on the grass. I didn't feel hurried because the museum stayed open until 9pm; which is just great. I wish more New York museums were open this late on a regular basis.
After the Getty I headed across town to Venice Beach. My boyfriend suggested a restaurant that he used to go to when he lived in LA many years ago. Joe's Restaurant on Abbot Kinney Blvd. I arrived around 7p.m. without a reservation; the hostess kindly offered me a roomy table in the bar (the area's only table). Seems they do not serve food at the bar on the weekends. I was happy to have a seat---especially 30 minutes later when many started coming in and being turned away. I definitely received many looks by everyone that walked in--which made me think of the solo dining thread in the Travel Tips & Trip Ideas forum. I was writing and drawing a little in a small notebook that I had in my lap--I wonder if I managed to look like a restaurant reviewer. I didn't really mind the looks and soon forgot that I was eating alone once my food started arriving. I opted for the pre fixe meal ($45) and was pleased with everything. It was really one of the best meals I've had in a long time. Burrata with mint and basil, bass with a light curry sauce, and a really tasty dessert that I'm forgetting at the moment...which seems incredible since I remember devouring it. Paired it all with a really nice white burgundy.
Sunday morning we gathered again for dim sum at Empress Pavilion. Femi and I were the first ones there and we marveled at how large and empty the giant banquet room was. Our final GTG meal was great and I enjoyed my first dim sum experience. Everything was really tasty though I didn't know half the time what I was eating. By the time we left just after 12 the place was packed to the gills with throngs of people waiting outside for a table as well.
After saying my goodbyes, I slowly started making my way to the airport. I stopped by Union Station just to see it because I happened to be nearby. I decided that I wanted to see the ocean one more time. I ended up at the beach in El Segundo. After parking in a public lot I headed towards the water. The beach was completely empty and for good reason--the wind was whipping sand all over the place. It literally felt like a sandstorm. I walked to the water anyway and while it was pretty from a distance there was all sort of strange foam on the water's edge that looked really unsavory. That said, I really liked my drive through El Segundo; the town seemed really cute.
I headed to the airport and back to New York. A quick weekend trip but a good one. I loved meeting members at all 3 events--and will certainly attend another if I can. It was a lot of fun.
I took a few pictures of our group...photos are here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/3688407...7616097679414/
Seeing LA solo was not difficult at all---though prior to arriving I was definitely a little nervous about driving. There turned out to be no reason to be worried---cars weren't flying by me or anything. Much the opposite---the traffic was horrendous. I really don't understand how locals deal with it; they must have amazing patience or must know all the right shortcuts. Anyway, by the end of the weekend, if I was ever driving at normal speed on the highway it felt exhilarating.
So my trip---I flew Virgin Atlantic to LAX. I really liked Virgin Atlantic--I was able to work on some things for work by taking advantage of their wi-fi on board (I had my laptop). It was a little slow but overall I can't complain. The service cost $13.95.
Flight was on time and I picked up my car from Avis (a Dodge Caliber) with little fanfare. My ride to my hotel in Santa Monica took almost an hour--which I thought was shocking since SM seemed so close on my map.
I stayed at the unexciting but adequate Holiday Inn in Santa Monica. It was right across from the pier and just a block or 2 away from the 3rd st. Promenade. The price was right---though parking was $24, but I guess that is typical for LA hotels. This is a pretty small, basic hotel. There's nothing much to say about the hotel itself but I was very pleased with my room which I felt was plenty big. It also came with free wi-fi in the room, which I appreciated.
Friday night's dinner was in Hollywood at Yamashiro. This restaurant is perched high up in the hills and the drive up was thrilling I have to say. It was so mysterious--you crawl up this very steep spiraling driveway for what seems like eternity. This was the site of the GTG's first event--a dinner for out-of-towners like myself. I was a little shy walking in but organizer filmwill made me feel right at home. There were just over 20 attendees and we mostly stood around and chatted for about an hour before sitting down for dinner at a very long table with an expansive view of LA. The meal was memorable for all of the many conversations though I can't say with certainty that I would return for the food. I would return here for drinks for sure---the view is amazing.
Saturday morning I had breakfast at Anisette Brasserie in Santa Monica. Beautiful dining room with tall ceilings---I sat at the long bar and enjoyed an eggs benedict.
Saturday afternoon was the main event---lunch at Red Corner Asia in Thai Town. Lunch was quite tasty and the company was great as expected. We all went around and introduced ourselves and said where our next trip was. I couldn't believe all of the places everyone was headed in the months ahead!
After lunch I meandered to the Getty Center---I made several poor driving decisions and it took almost 90 minutes to get there. Don't ask. In the process I was able to identify several homes that I'd like to live in should I ever win the lottery.
I loved the Getty Center--it's one of the coolest museums I think I've ever been to. It felt like the building and the grounds trumped the actual art inside the museum. Great views of the city. It was quite chilly, but if it was warmer I would have loved to lounge out on the grass. I didn't feel hurried because the museum stayed open until 9pm; which is just great. I wish more New York museums were open this late on a regular basis.
After the Getty I headed across town to Venice Beach. My boyfriend suggested a restaurant that he used to go to when he lived in LA many years ago. Joe's Restaurant on Abbot Kinney Blvd. I arrived around 7p.m. without a reservation; the hostess kindly offered me a roomy table in the bar (the area's only table). Seems they do not serve food at the bar on the weekends. I was happy to have a seat---especially 30 minutes later when many started coming in and being turned away. I definitely received many looks by everyone that walked in--which made me think of the solo dining thread in the Travel Tips & Trip Ideas forum. I was writing and drawing a little in a small notebook that I had in my lap--I wonder if I managed to look like a restaurant reviewer. I didn't really mind the looks and soon forgot that I was eating alone once my food started arriving. I opted for the pre fixe meal ($45) and was pleased with everything. It was really one of the best meals I've had in a long time. Burrata with mint and basil, bass with a light curry sauce, and a really tasty dessert that I'm forgetting at the moment...which seems incredible since I remember devouring it. Paired it all with a really nice white burgundy.
Sunday morning we gathered again for dim sum at Empress Pavilion. Femi and I were the first ones there and we marveled at how large and empty the giant banquet room was. Our final GTG meal was great and I enjoyed my first dim sum experience. Everything was really tasty though I didn't know half the time what I was eating. By the time we left just after 12 the place was packed to the gills with throngs of people waiting outside for a table as well.
After saying my goodbyes, I slowly started making my way to the airport. I stopped by Union Station just to see it because I happened to be nearby. I decided that I wanted to see the ocean one more time. I ended up at the beach in El Segundo. After parking in a public lot I headed towards the water. The beach was completely empty and for good reason--the wind was whipping sand all over the place. It literally felt like a sandstorm. I walked to the water anyway and while it was pretty from a distance there was all sort of strange foam on the water's edge that looked really unsavory. That said, I really liked my drive through El Segundo; the town seemed really cute.
I headed to the airport and back to New York. A quick weekend trip but a good one. I loved meeting members at all 3 events--and will certainly attend another if I can. It was a lot of fun.
I took a few pictures of our group...photos are here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/3688407...7616097679414/
Apr 2nd, 2009 | 06:46 PM
#5
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,408
Likes: 0
Katie, we all loved meeting you at the GTG! Thanks for writing your report. I live here and I've never been to the Getty (don't ask...)
Hope you all get a chance to meet Katie someday, she's a sweetheart. Make sure you invite her to your GTGs. You never know, she might show up!
For those of you who may want to see more photos of the GTG, you can look at my page, http://www.wired2theworld.com/fodorsLAGTG2009.html
and
Fodorite rkkwan posted his pix here:
http://rkkwan.zenfolio.com/fodorslagtg309
Hope you all get a chance to meet Katie someday, she's a sweetheart. Make sure you invite her to your GTGs. You never know, she might show up!
For those of you who may want to see more photos of the GTG, you can look at my page, http://www.wired2theworld.com/fodorsLAGTG2009.html
and
Fodorite rkkwan posted his pix here:
http://rkkwan.zenfolio.com/fodorslagtg309
Apr 2nd, 2009 | 07:02 PM
#6
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,489
Likes: 0
Great shots!
Kutie Katie....BOYFRIEND!!!
I thought I recognized my good buddies rooooocy and EasyT.
Were you drinking straight grain alcohol EasyT????
Kwanyyyyyy...Kwannnyyyyy...how we love yah how we luv yah our good ol' Kwaaaaany....
Kutie Katie....BOYFRIEND!!!
I thought I recognized my good buddies rooooocy and EasyT.
Were you drinking straight grain alcohol EasyT????
Kwanyyyyyy...Kwannnyyyyy...how we love yah how we luv yah our good ol' Kwaaaaany....
Apr 2nd, 2009 | 07:10 PM
#7
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 29,053
Likes: 0
katie....it was our pleasure to meet you finally....AND WE EXPECT YOU IN BOSTON ON OCT 10???? hopefully... tell the boss you have to go...
the gtg was fantastic....filmwill did a wonderful job and made everyone feel welcome...
we are a diverse bunch but love to see each other at these GTG's..
the gtg was fantastic....filmwill did a wonderful job and made everyone feel welcome...
we are a diverse bunch but love to see each other at these GTG's..
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Apr 2nd, 2009 | 10:05 PM
#8
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,433
Likes: 0
Katie, many, many thanks again for gracing us with your presence.
Yeah, Yamashiro isn't really known for their cuisine--but the views almost negate the lack of any really memorable food. It's passable, but far from phenomenal. I hope/think the food on Saturday and Sunday made up for that in spades.
And kudos to you (and all the other out-of-towners) for braving our horrific traffic. I was shocked (and impressed) that no one seemed to get too lost either.
Seems like you got a great taste of our city--from the beaches to the city and from the hip to the homemade.
We loved having you...hope to see you at more in the future!
Yeah, Yamashiro isn't really known for their cuisine--but the views almost negate the lack of any really memorable food. It's passable, but far from phenomenal. I hope/think the food on Saturday and Sunday made up for that in spades.
And kudos to you (and all the other out-of-towners) for braving our horrific traffic. I was shocked (and impressed) that no one seemed to get too lost either.
Seems like you got a great taste of our city--from the beaches to the city and from the hip to the homemade.
We loved having you...hope to see you at more in the future!
Apr 3rd, 2009 | 02:12 AM
#9
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 0
Katie was a delight to have at all the GTG events. She represented Fodors very well. Her presence provided a human element to the all powerful Oz that is the forums' administrators. A sparkling sense of humor combined with what appeared to be infinite patience. Thanks for sending her, oh great and powerful Fodors.
Apr 3rd, 2009 | 06:21 AM
#10
Original Poster
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,804
Likes: 0
Thanks for the well wishes!
Filmwill--I'm definitely not knocking Yamashiro--it was a perfect pick for our event!
Yes the traffic was crazy---the upside though was that many times I took "alternative" routes off the highways. I felt like I saw a lot of the city that I would have otherwise missed. I called my boyfriend a few times and he incredulously asked every time "where are you now?".
When I travel, I usually feel like I have to really walk a city to "get the lay of the land" and really figure it out. In L.A., you really need to drive it; being a passenger mostly on my last trip there I paid so little attention. Being on my own forced me to really map out the city in my head and I enjoyed the challenge.
I'll pass your thanks on to the powerful "Oz" you speak of...that's kind of funny.
Filmwill--I'm definitely not knocking Yamashiro--it was a perfect pick for our event!
Yes the traffic was crazy---the upside though was that many times I took "alternative" routes off the highways. I felt like I saw a lot of the city that I would have otherwise missed. I called my boyfriend a few times and he incredulously asked every time "where are you now?".
When I travel, I usually feel like I have to really walk a city to "get the lay of the land" and really figure it out. In L.A., you really need to drive it; being a passenger mostly on my last trip there I paid so little attention. Being on my own forced me to really map out the city in my head and I enjoyed the challenge.
I'll pass your thanks on to the powerful "Oz" you speak of...that's kind of funny.
Apr 5th, 2009 | 03:05 PM
#14
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Katie, I was delighted to meet you at the gtg.
By the way, I agree with you about the Getty. We flew to LA soon after it opened just to see it. My postcard to a friend said that the building was the most impressive piece of art there.
By the way, I agree with you about the Getty. We flew to LA soon after it opened just to see it. My postcard to a friend said that the building was the most impressive piece of art there.
Apr 5th, 2009 | 10:01 PM
#15
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 17,106
Likes: 0
Hi, Katie! Terrific trip report!
Same here, as with the other Fodorites, VERY happy to have met you and find out you really are as great in person as you are online!
I share yours and Kathie's feelings about the Getty. The buildings and grounds make one feel like one is walking through a piece of art - which it is!
Same here, as with the other Fodorites, VERY happy to have met you and find out you really are as great in person as you are online!
I share yours and Kathie's feelings about the Getty. The buildings and grounds make one feel like one is walking through a piece of art - which it is!
