Posts by Ron

If you’re looking to infuse a little romance into your relationship, head out to Long Beach for an enchanting gondola ride. Located along East Ocean Blvd, Gondola Getaway will take you on a gentle 50-minute cruise through the waterways of Naples Island in Alamitos Bay.

Salami, cheese, and bread are provided for you by Gondola Getaway; you also get your very own gondolier to serenade you. Consider bringing a bottle of champagne along – it makes for a much more intimate experience and they don’t have a problem with it.

Gondola Getaway recommends that you make reservations at least 2-3 weeks in advance.

The cost is $75 for two people (tip not included).

Located in Malibu, El Matador State Beach is a small and secluded strand of beach which offers visitors a fantastic escape from the bustling of city life. This local gem is one of three “pocket beaches” that make up the larger Robert H. Meyer Memorial SB – situated along Pacific Coast Highway between Point Dume and Leo Carrillo. It’s not the easiest beach to find, but you’ll appreciate making the extra effort once you finally get there. Lined with gentle white sand and picturesque views, the El Matador shoreline is home to an exquisite series of rock formations and shallow caves for you to explore.

Unless you arrive on a busy summer weekend, chances are you’ll have a good piece of the beach all to yourself. Take this opportunity to bring along someone special for a romantic picnic or to enjoy a spectacular sunset – or both. Alternatively, the solitude of El Matador offers the perfect getaway after a long and stressful week.

The beach also offers fantastic views of the Pacific coastline and it’s great for swimming and/or sunbathing. If it's not a busy summer day, there will be no lifeguard on duty so try to be careful out there.

Getting Here

Getting to El Matador State Beach can be a tad difficult and it does require a little hiking along a steep dirt trail. Therefore, it’s probably not the best places for children and it’s pretty much inaccessible for the handicapped.

If you can’t find any spots along PCH, there is a paid parking lot at the top of the bluff with a path leading to the beach. Parking is $4 and you can obtain your pass from the meter box.

*Photograph courtesy of California Coastal Records Project

Located along 4th Street in Santa Monica (next door to Benihana), Border Grill is an upbeat and trendy Mexican restaurant with a fantastic vibe. Originally a taco stand along Melrose Ave, Border Grill was relocated to its Santa Monica location in 1990 by owners/chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken. For those of you who used to watch the Food Network in the mid to late 90’s, you may remember them from their show, “Cooking With Too Hot Tamales”. Ok, maybe I was the only one who watched that show; anyhow, let’s start with the ambiance.

The Ambiance

One of the first things you’ll notice as you step inside Border Grill is the vibrant colors; there is definitely no shortage of red, blue, and yellow. A little too bold for some, I think it transitions perfectly into the second thing you’ll notice – the noise. Although it’s bearable, I would suggest going elsewhere if you’re looking for something romantic. But when you combine the vibrant colors and acoustics, what you get is a setting that perfectly complements the food you’re about to enjoy.

The Food

I have frequented Border Grill on quite a few occasions and have always found the food to be full of flavor and consistently good. The cuisine is Contemporary Mexican, which in my interpretation and understanding, is a twist on traditional Mexican fare.

For your appetizer, I would recommend the Green Corn Tamales...they are always flavorful and come out just right. The Tortilla Soup is usually pretty good, but it was a little too salty the last time I had it. For your entrée, the Grilled Skirt Steak is a favorite; it’s infused with garlic, cilantro, and lime and served with a handmade flour tortilla (I’m actually getting a little hungry while writing this).

If you still have room left for desert, go for the Tres Leches cake; it’s served with passion fruit and topped with a sweet pear sauce. The Pastel Ruffians is also a great choice. It’s a fluffy layered pastry with cream cheese and fresh berries.

If you happen to be at Border Grill during Happy Hour, make sure to try the Margaritas or the Sangrias…they’re not always the strongest, but good nonetheless. Happy Hour is from 4pm to 7pm on the weekdays and most drinks can be had for about $3.

Cost & Reservations

Expect to spend about $5-$10 on appetizers and anywhere from $15 to $30 for the main course. It does get busy in the evenings, especially on the weekends, so I suggest that you call ahead to make reservations.

Bay Cities Italian Deli is a gourmet market and deli with a great selection of Italian and Mediterranean specialty foods. Located in Santa Monica along Lincoln Blvd, it has been a local favorite since 1925. Although they have a great selection of imported olive oil, fine coffee, and other Italian goodies, it’s the sandwiches that bring most people into the Deli. Using only the freshest ingredients and the finest Italian products, there are few places in Los Angeles that can match the quality and taste of a Bay Cities sandwich.

If you’ve been to Bay Cities Italian Deli in the past, you’re probably already used to the long lines. On any ordinary day, and depending on how busy it is, you should expect to wait anywhere from 10-20 minutes before you can get your hands on a sandwiches. If you’re in a hurry or want to come by on your lunch break, I would suggest placing your order ahead of time so that you can avoid the wait. You can fax in your order or submit it online, just make sure to do it about 45 minutes before you’re ready to come in.

The Sandwiches

You can create your own sandwich from a great selection of Italian meats and cheeses; alternatively, you can opt for one of their sandwich combos. If it’s your first time, I would suggest going for the latter. Their most popular sandwiches are the Poorboy (with Bologna, Cotto Salami, Swiss Cheese), the Godmother (with Genoa Salami, Mortadella Coppacola, Ham, Prosciutto, Provolone) and the Caprese (with Water Mozzarella, Onion, Tomato, Basil, Oregano, Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Salt & Pepper).

The sandwiches are a little on the pricey side, so expect to pay around $8 (depending the combination and size). Once you have your sandwich, you can either take it with you or enjoy it outside on the patio.

Located in Westwood, Coffee Zinio is a cozy neighborhood Café that’s nestled along Westwood Blvd – about a block north of Santa Monica Blvd.

Since it’s a Persian Café and located in a predominantly Persian neighborhood, you’ll hear lots of people speaking Farsi. Don’t worry though…the staff is always courteous, helpful, and they really do their best to make you feel welcome. There are about a half dozen tables to choose from inside; alternatively, you can opt to sit outside on the patio. Smoking is allowed on the patio, so if cigarettes and/or hookah smoke bother you, I suggest sitting indoors.

If you're hungry, Coffee Zinio serves fantastic Panini sandwiches, an assortment of fresh pastries, and fine Persian Teas. In the evening, the upbeat atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to hang out with some friends or a date; if you're into smoking hookah, they have a variety of flavors for you to choose from. For the Soccer (football) enthusiast, they have a large Plasma TV with satellite coverage from around the world.

If you can’t find any parking along Westwood Blvd, you can park for free in the parking lot right next door to the Café (right below Ross).

Bordering Beverly Hills, Al Gelato is a small Italian eatery nestled along Robertson Blvd. As you may have already guessed, their specialty is homemade Italian Gelato – a thick and creamy spin on American-style Ice Cream. If you come in for the Gelato and are overwhelmed by the options (there are usually about 25 on display), they’ll be more than happy to let you sample the flavors; I would suggest sampling either the Pistachio or Coffee Crunch flavors first. But there is much more to Al Gelato than just the deserts; their food is quite good.

The Food

I love coming to Al Gelato for the pasta, but I’ll admit…the taste isn’t for everyone. The marinara sauce is thick and creamy, but what sets it apart from typical Italian fare you’ll find in Los Angeles is that it’s on the sweet side. If you’re not a fan of marinara sauce, give their pesto a shot…it’s a little extra, but worth it. Their most popular pasta dish is the Rigatoni – served in either a full or half portion. The portions are hearty and will probably fill you up, but the full is only a few dollars more and you can take it home with you.

If you’re a meatball fan, good news for you; their meatballs are huge and are complemented perfectly by the sweet marinara sauce. All of the food is accompanied by freshly baked bread that is delivered warm right to your table; it’s also great for soaking up that left over marinara sauce. If you do decide to take some food home with you, leave the bread behind – it’s not very good after a few hours

For desert, there is the Gelato of course. If you’re not in the mood for Gelato or maybe want something to accompany it, they have a variety of homemade Italian desserts, including crispy cannolis, creamy tiramisu, and a fantastic apple pie.

The Service

This is really a toss-up and it depends on what mood you catch them in. The staff has been there for years and on some days they’re absolutely great. However, on other days – they can come off as a little obnoxious or snotty. Since I’ve been eating here for years, I’ve learned to just let it go; plus, the food and desert make up for it.

NOTE: Al Gelato only accepts cash. If you forget, there’s a gas station a few blocks away and an ATM machine at the 7-Eleven on Olympic and La Cienega.

If you’re a fan of animals and are looking to spend some time outdoors, head on over to the Los Angeles Zoo for a fun filled day. Bordering Griffith Park and hosting over 1.4 million visitors each year, the Los Angeles Zoo is home to more than 1,200 species of animals from around the globe. You can never be too old to have a great time at the Zoo; it’s a perfect activity for the entire family, a group of friends, or on a date.

Parking & Tickets

There is plenty of parking at the Los Angeles Zoo and it is free. As you walk from your car to the ticket booth, you may be a little intimidated by the line…but don’t panic, it moves fairly quickly (expect to wait about 20-30 minutes). Unfortunately, there is no way around the wait since the Zoo doesn’t offer advance online ticket sales. If it’s warm outside, and it usually is in that part of the city, I suggest you wear light colored clothing; only a small portion of the line is covered and you’ll be standing under sun most of the time.

The price of admission at the Los Angeles Zoo is a reasonable $10 per adult, while children are admitted for $5. There are about a half dozen shows held throughout the day and the cost is included in your ticket price.

The Food

I can’t comment on the food since I didn’t have any…but you should expect to pay around $7-$10 for a meal. It’s probably just me, but I always felt a little uncomfortable eating a hamburger with a family of Zebra’s frolicking only a few yards away. They have plenty of stands around the zoo serving the usual over-priced goodies: Churros, Shaved Italian Ice, Frozen Lemonade, and Dipping Dots.

The Animals

If you’ve ever been to the San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, or any other major Zoo around the Country, you probably won’t be that impressed with the Los Angeles Zoo. But since it’s the only Zoo in Los Angeles, we can't really complain.

If you arrive around Noon and the animals haven’t been fed yet, be prepared to play “Where’s Waldo” at the exhibits. During my visit to the Los Angeles Zoo, some of the more interesting animals like the Snow Leopard, Tigers, Bears, and Wolves were nowhere to be found. I did get a spectacular close-up of the Tortoise…but the experience wasn’t that exhilarating.

If you decide to visit the Los Angeles Zoo, I would suggest that you arrive in the morning when the Zoo opens (at 10am). Alternatively, if you decide visit during the afternoon, swing by after 2pm. If you’re just casually strolling through and taking pictures, you should plan to spend anywhere from 2-3 hours at the Zoo; plan a little more time if you decide to take in a show.

Located on the second floor of the Pinz Sports Complex in Studio City, Guy's North is a 10,000 square foot nightclub / lounge that caters to the Valley crowd. The Guy’s North location if pretty new…it celebrated its grand opening on January of 2006 and was only the second Guy’s location in Los Angeles (the original Guy’s Bar is located on Beverly Blvd across from the Beverly Center).

Dancing & More

The dance floor is about average…not too big, but not too small either. There is plenty of room to move and it doesn’t feel too crowded. There is also ample seating to lounge at around the dance floor; the couches are comfy and offer the perfect opportunity to cool down after some spirited dancing.

If you’re a smoker, there is a pretty large outdoor patio facing Ventura Blvd; the only downside is that you can’t bring your drinks out there.

Cost

Cover charge for Guy’s North is $10/person and on most nights, you shouldn’t have a problem getting in. On certain evenings, ladies can get in at no charge as long as you arrive before 10:30pm.

Drink prices are pretty much what you would expect from most Los Angeles Bars and Clubs – expect to shell out about $6 for a beer and $8 for a mixed drink.

Dress Code

Guy’s North isn’t too strict on the dress code, or at least it wasn’t on the night I was there. The ladies were dressed up (which is usually the case), but quite a few of the men were wearing plain t-shirts and one guy was even wearing a velour Puma track suit.

When: Saturday, May 19, 2007 from 10pm to 2am

Where: The Arsenal, 12012 Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Music: DJ Triumph

Cost: Free

Additional Info: The Arsenal is a fun neighborhood lounge/bar in West Los Angeles. There is no dress code and you must be 21 to enter. They offer valet parking but you can probably find a spot along Pico Blvd or a side street.

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Located along Swarthmore Ave, A La Tarte Bistro is a cozy French cafe in the Pacific Palisades. There are about a half dozen tables that spill onto the sidewalk and another half dozen inside. It gets somewhat stuffy inside the restaurant, especially on a warm day, so you’ll probably be more comfortable sitting outside. Great people watching, a little sun, and the cool ocean breeze…what more could you ask for?

The best time to visit A La Tarte Bistro is on the weekends…especially on Sunday during the Farmers’ Market from 8am to 1:30pm. It does get busy on Sunday because of the Farmers’ Market – so you may have to wait a little for a table outside (the tables inside are usually free). The service is always friendly and accommodating, but if they’re shorthanded or if it’s especially busy, they make take a little while.

The Food

Since I only visit A La Tarte Bistro for Breakfast, I can’t really comment on their Lunch menu; although I can probably speculate that it’s of similar quality. If you’re a fan of French Toast, you are in for a real treat. Their Pain Perdu is not what you’d normally expect from French Toast, since it’s baked rather than fried/grilled – but it’s as good as it gets. If you’re there on a Sunday, your order will also come with fresh fruit, homemade jam, and a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice. The Brunch portion is huge and can probably accommodate two people (depending on how hungry you are).

If you’re not in the mood for French Toast, the Eggs Benedict is also fantastic; it’s served on their rustic French bread as opposed to the traditional English muffin.

The cost is reasonable and you’ll probably end up leaving around $40 with tax and tip for two people.

Note

You should note that they automatically add a 15% gratuity to your check…regardless of how many people are in your party. They do have sign posted inside which mentions that they will be adding gratuity in spirit of the customary European tradition. I always find this funny because in Europe, gratuity and taxes are included into the price of an individual menu item and not added in the end. Regardless, the service is great so you would’ve likely given it to them anyways.