#33 Pimp your own burger at the Counter in Santa Monica


At some point, pictures will be added to all of these posts...

I totally pimped out my burger... Grilled Onions, Gruyere, Mixed Greens, Tomatoes, Pickles & Fried Egg w/ Garlic Aoili and a side of Sweet Potato Fries!

The meat was a little on the dry side, and the burger was impossible to eat without a knife/fork duo, but overall a solid burger.

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#7 Sour Kraut Cocktail from Copa d’Oro


So as luck would have it, this drink no longer exists at Copa d'Oro. Instead, whilest on the Santa Monica Pub crawl, we chose to make this a destination spot & had something equally as tasty at this mixologist paradise.

Problem is, I was way too drunk to remember what it was, I only know that my taste buds enjoyed.

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#6 Ajo Garlic Ramen at Ramenya


Delicious is the only word I can use to describe.

Over 10 cloves of garlic in this yummy yummy dish, it was so huge I barely even made a dent! iz also got the Jya Jya, which was equally as delish & totally reminded me of my favorite Korean movie, Castaway on the moon :-)

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updating a few things...

because let's be honest: we're in a tight spot right now (Stolen from P/D/A) Also because I didn't feel like re-writing it, after she did such a good job.

41. totoraku (as much as i love you and am still convinced i will see behind your paper'd facade one day) will be replaced by champagne + oysters at malibu seafood fresh fish market
as put by n, "especially if i have to go to silverlake for this thing you can go to the bu 1 day."

62. urasawa (i am totes still doing this, but for the sake of this list) will be replaced by bacon waffles + bacon ice cream at fig

66. goddess spa treatment @ olympic spa (naked much?) will be replaced by mini-massage + simple soak @ olympic spa

74. the bungalow will be replaced by tbd: either damn good burger @ chateau marmont, or umami burger

80. courtside @ lakers game will be replaced by box seats @ staples center

84. goodyear blimp (i'm still keeping my eyes open for an invite to this, bthedubs) will be replaced by a scavenger hunt around los angeles

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#37 Greyhound Proper at Hungry Cat


Continuing to knock things off our list, we headed over to Hungry Cat (which btw, perhaps the cutest name EVER) to try out their Greyhound Proper. It was delic, although sadly not a bar, Punky must return for her burger quest at some later point.

Candied Grapefruit. Awesome.

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#42 Moonlight Rollerway


A common location for elementary school parties, I once raced a guy backwards around the rink & totally won.

I also remember playing red light, green light, which in actuality is kind of funny on roller skates. (And yes this was ALL pre rollerblades)

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#3 Rattlesnake and rabbit with jalapeno at Wurstkuche


After watching the Lake Show make a stunning comeback with a Kobe 3pt special, we headed down to Wurstkuche to knock another one off the list.

Still unclear as to how to actually pronounce the name of the restaurant, we drove up and down the street knowing we were right at the google maps pin, but still lost as to the actual location. It took a phone call to find out we were right around the corner.

I must say, the sausage collection was rather impressive, but as we had a list to maintain, I stuck to the exotic. Iono, it was interesting, but my mouth feels a little weird. Thinking perhaps they didn't get ALL the venom out of the snake before mushing it up into sausage filling.

The fries were almost Pomme Frites worthy, and the hef german I was drinking was way yum, but also huge. All in all, I'd give it a B+, would probably stick to something a little more tame on my next visit.

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#95 Bingo at Hamburger Mary's


B I N G O and Bingo was his name-o. Until the transvestite starts grinding on you.

As lovely as this Bingo is, it will never compare to Dirty Ship Wrench Whore bingo at King's Head in New York.

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#83 Dodger Dog at Dodger Stadium


Um, that's the ONLY thing I eat at Dodger Stadium. Well that and now the garlic fries.

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#82 Box seats at Hollywood Bowl summer concert


Way back when, before I actually had to buy my own Hollywood Bowl tickets, I used to love picnicking at the Bowl in the lovely little boxes down front.

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#79 Cadillac Margarita at El Cholo


I can thank Spyglass for this one. Holiday party 08.

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#73 Ninotchka at Bar Lubitsch


This is the drink I recreated for my family at Thanksgiving, consequently getting them all wasted and happy. Vanilla Vodka, muddled strawberries and champagne, what's not to love?

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#69 Los Angeles Marathon


How appropriate numbered. I'm going to assume this is GO to the LA Marathon, not RUN in it. Because that my friends is never happening.

Barney said, you just start running, and you don't stop until you've finished.

I cheered on the sidelines and ate a wondrous amount of food in the executive tents one year in high school.

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#68 Turkey dinner at Clifton's Cafeteria, don't forget the green jello


Downtown day with my pops, because Clifton's was his favorite place to go as a kid with his dad, and we took a fond trip down memory lane together while celebrating Thanksgiving in the summer.

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#65 Quarter chicken with a side of garlic sauce at Zankou Chicken


When you feel like you're sweating only garlic, you know something amazing has just happened. Then you're thankful your boyfriend ate it with you, so you can both smell like Korean's together.

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#63 LA Phil concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall


We went to see Rogers & Hammerstein! It was truly amazing, but I need to go back for an organ concert... I feel like seeing that monster in action will be like hearing god sing.

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#60 Dim sum at Empress Pavilion in Chinatown


Anyone who's actually Asian knows that you go to Monteray Park for real dim sum.

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#59 Philippe's French Dip with hot mustard


A downtown classic, I remember being more entertained by the sawdust on the floor. But the dip was good too.

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#57 Scoe's No. 2 at Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles


I love me some Chicken & Waffles! Especially with a little hot sauce on the side. Disgusting or Delicious? I'd go with the latter.

And we went to the super ghetto Roscoe's which makes it all the better.

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#56 Magic Castle


Now, hide these cards somewhere on your body. Preferably a pocket or something.

Man unzips his pants, and slides the cards snugly in, right next to his package.

Love Magic!

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#50 Tea and a stroll through Huntington Gardens


A favorite past time in high school, I remember doing this with my church youth group. And playing with all the peacocks!

But I'm always down to go again :-)

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#35 Diddy Riese Chocolate Chip Cookies


Who hasn't had a little Diddy love? It's a regular occurrence at work, birthdays, intern's leaving, pretty much about any occasion that calls for a sweet, Diddy comes to the rescue.

Although, I kind of like the candy cookies better.

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#29 Mochi from Mikawaya Little Tokyo


Fluffly little clouds from heaven! I just had a bunch this weekend, yay Little Tokyo!

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#20 Father's Office burger


Aside from the initial confusion of not knowing we had to order from the bar, the burger more than made up for it. Juicy and delicious, the only thing better than the burg were the amazing sweet potats fries that came with!

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#18 Mulholland Drive from 405 to 101


A regular route for me in high school, my favorite part is still the drive between Coldwater & Laurel.

And all of the random hook up spots in between :-)

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#10 Churro from churro cart at Disneyland


When I was little, I used to eat Churro's in the most interesting way... I was that kid who ate the entire inside first, leaving just a thin crunchy crust covered in cinnamon and sugar, which in reality, is the best part of the Churro.

I guess that comes from being an only child, I knew that I could always save the best bites for last, and I had no older brother or sister to steal them from me. This process doesn't work so well when I have a hungry boyfriend who eats all my best bites.

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#8 Red velvet cupcake from Sprinkles


Overrated. In general, Sprinkles, way overrated.

Yummy Cupcake on the other hand?

Alcohol+cupcake always a good combination.

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#4 Korean short rib taco from Kogi BBQ taco truck


A little bite of heaven, I love Kogi and all it's greatness. I know I'm a little burnt out on the whole food truck craze, but Kogi will always have a special place in my heart for being the "first."

I think tho, in honor of the list, I should go get some Kogi RIGHT NOW.

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#2 Chili dog from Pink's


Having grown up here, I've most certainly had many a chili dog from Pink's, and every time I go back, I remember all over again how amazing they really are.

The trick is to go at the magic hour when there's no line. Much like when it rains at the Shake Shack.

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Analyzing the list.

So upon further review, I realize now that I should have read the list more carefully before agreeing to undertake this endeavor.

Now don't get me wrong, 90% of the list sounds absolutely amazing, and most of the things I've wanted to try for a while. But there are a few... that stick out... as things I am distinctly not looking forward to tick off my list.

15) Pedal boat at Echo Park Lake
Echo Park scares the shit out of me. At least this will be done in daylight.

36) Ride the mechanical bull at Saddle Ranch
REALLY? Dammit. And I guess the British Bull doesn't quite count on this one.

51) Drive Sunset Boulevard from Echo Park to PCH in a convertible.
Again with the Echo Park. Although I do enjoy a good convertible ride.

86) Ringside at Lucha VaVoom
Lucha VaVoom is why I didn't want to work for (insert ICM agent's name) because the thought of midgets wrestling frightens me.

And on to the, would be amazing, but I have no idea how I can afford this...

62) Omakase dinner at Urasawa
$250, bankroll.

66) Goddess spa treatment at Olympic Spa
$130... not super unrealistic, but still a lot.

74) Stay in a bungalow at Chateau Marmont.
No idea how much this costs, but I can't imagine it's cheap.

80) Courtside at a Laker's Game
...nuf said.

84) Ride the Good Year blimp
I have no idea how one does this? Do you take a tour? Or is it invite only?

Anyway... those are my thoughts. On to the actual doing of the list.

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Caroline on Crack posed a challenge: 100 Things To Try in L.A. Before You Die

And this is our attempt to finish them all. Addendum - A few small changes.

Listed in no particular order. And if you’re so inclined, you can either print the list here or see a map here.

TOTAL COUNT: Completed (of the Original 100) 61


BOLDED ONES ARE COMPLETED
1) Cocktail punch at the Radio Room in the Edison

2) Chili dog from Pink’s

3) Rattlesnake and rabbit with jalapeno at Wurstkuche

4) Korean short ribs taco from Kogi BBQ taco truck

5) Great Los Angeles Walk

6) Ajo Garlic Ramen at Ramenya

7) Sour Kraut Cocktail from Copa d’Oro

8) Red velvet cupcake from Sprinkles

9) Singing Elvis at Palms Thai

10) Churro from churro cart at Disneyland

11) Junk food dessert platter at Simon LA

12) Dessert tasting menu at Providence

13) Classic martini at Musso & Frank Grill

14) Roasted bone marrow at Church & State

15) Pedal boat at Echo Park Lake

16) Bowling and $4 cocktails at Shatto 39 Lanes

17) Kobe-style beef at Park’s BBQ

18) Mulholland Drive from 405 to 101

19) Medicina Latina at Malo

20) Father’s Office burger

21) Maple bacon doughnut at Nickel Diner

22) Mashti Malone’s lavender ice cream

23) Red Line Metro barhop

24) Live music at Spaceland

25) Magic Mojito at Bar Centro at the Bazaar by Jose Andres

26) Wine tour through San Antonio Winery

27) Sample everything at Scoops ice cream

28) Bike from Santa Monica to Hermosa Beach and back

29) Mochi from Mikawaya Little Tokyo

30) Broiled San Francisco stuffed French toast at Starling Diner

31) Mojito sampler jelly shots at Bar Nineteen12

32) High Tea at Royal/T

33) Pimp your own burger at the Counter in Santa Monica

34) Carne asada burrito from Tacos Tumbras A Tomas at Grand Central Market

35) Diddy Riese Chocolate Chip Cookies

36) Ride the mechanical bull at Saddle Ranch and have a premium SR AMF

37) Greyhound Proper at Hungry Cat

38) Blue cheese fries at Pete’s Cafe and Bar

39) L.A. Conservancy’s Historic Core walking tour

40) 21+ screenings at the ArcLight

41) Champagne & Oysters at Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish market *

42) Moonlight Rollerway

43) Bartender’s Choice at Comme Ca

44) Tomato, mozzarella, sausage, salami, bacon & guanciale pizza at Pizzeria Mozza

45) Ride the Pacific Ferris Wheel at Santa Monica Pier

46) Late-night Danger dogs

47) Bet on a horse at Santa Anita racetrack

48) Loco Moco (foie gras loco moco, quail egg, spam, hamburger) at Animal

49) Blood & Sand cocktail at Tiki Ti

50) Tea and a stroll through Huntington Gardens

51) Drive Sunset Boulevard from Echo Park to PCH in a convertible

52) Double chocolate croissant pudding with Jack Daniels sauce at Milk

53) Hike from Fern Dell Drive to Mt. Hollywood, stopping at Griffith Observatory

54) Meatball sandwich from Bay Cities Deli

55) Scorpion cocktail at Hop Louie

56) Magic Castle

57) Scoe’s No. 2 at Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles

58) L.A. Conservancy’s Last Remaining Seats

59) Philippe’s French Dip with hot mustard

60) Dim sum at Empress Pavilion in Chinatown

61) Remember the Maine at the Varnish

62) Bacon Waffles & Bacon Ice Cream at Fig Santa Monica *

63) LA Phil concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall

64) Pool party at Standard Rooftop Bar

65) Quarter chicken with side of garlic sauce at Zankou Chicken

66) Mini Massage & Soak at Olympic Spa *

67) Vodbox at Nic’s Martini Lounge

68) Turkey dinner at Clifton’s Cafeteria, don’t forget the green jello

69) Los Angeles Marathon

70) Marty & Elayne at Dresden Room

71) Coleslaw and sourdough toast at Original Pantry

72) Real Black Dahlia Tour by Esotouric

73) Ninotchka at Bar Lubitsch

74) Damn good burger at Chateau Marmont OR Umami Burger *

75) Auntie Em’s Market dinner

76) Sunday wine tastings at Silverlake Wine

77) Grilled cheese night at Campanile

78) Power lunch at the Polo Lounge

79) Cadillac Margarita at El Cholo

80) Box Seats at the Staples Center *

81) Angel City Derby Girls Tournament

82) Box seats at Hollywood Bowl summer concert

83) Dodger Dog at Dodger Stadium

84) Scavenger Hunt around Los Angeles *

85) Sip mojitos poolside at the Hotel Roosevelt’s Tropicana Bar

86) Ringside at Lucha VaVoom

87) Summer movie at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery

88) History Walk from Mission San Gabriel to Olvera Street

89) Taro ice cream at Fosselman’s

90) Galco’s Soda Pop Shop

91) Apricot & Honey 75 at the Penthouse during sunset

92) Angel City Drive-In

93) Downtown Art Walk

94) Bonfire at Dockweiler Beach

95) Bingo at Hamburger Mary’s

96) Karaoke at Brass Monkey

97) Yee-Mee-Lu “blue drink” at Good Luck Bar

98) Sunset dinner and horseback riding with Sunset Ranch

99) American Food & Wine Festival

100) Hike to the top of Sandstone Peak and sign the register
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
101) Pineapple Sake from Tengu (Myra C)
102) Hollywood Farmers Market (Julie D)
103) California Science Center (Nicole)
104) La Descarga in KTown (Joe M)
105) Tom Yum Kai @ Torung Thai on Hollywood (Jon P)
106) Lavender Duck Confit at SweetSalt Food Store (Tasting Table)
107) Bacon Monkey Bread @ Botegga Louie's (Tasting Table)
108) Street Cart Fries @ Spitz Downtown (Keith)
109) Seasonal Shake @ 8oz Burger Bar (Groupon)
BONUS ROUND

41) Secret beef feast at Totoraku

62) Omakase dinner at Urasawa

66) Goddess spa treatment at Olympic Spa

74) Stay in a Bungalow at Chateau Marmont

80) Courtside at a Lakers game

84) Ride the Good Year blimp

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