tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19851566362462037752024-02-21T07:57:53.035-08:00Because I really need another blog.Nicole M Iizukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379238535941477330noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1985156636246203775.post-48205663157699267352014-07-30T12:08:00.002-07:002014-07-30T12:10:47.201-07:00New List - Second Chances<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssJci9o63rWwnzISX0whrYHUbdVUmdRGKNYppzFs_7Tdkm5gq6GtF_Hi7A9F_JrG1Ltiz9NccIvZ9r1LNc4GJ7JZ1PxjUMgsoH78zxwmgtbAVZ2cL6p106THt0UmxnuCAhaHTjxWawcWr/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssJci9o63rWwnzISX0whrYHUbdVUmdRGKNYppzFs_7Tdkm5gq6GtF_Hi7A9F_JrG1Ltiz9NccIvZ9r1LNc4GJ7JZ1PxjUMgsoH78zxwmgtbAVZ2cL6p106THt0UmxnuCAhaHTjxWawcWr/s1600/photo.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://carolineoncrack.com/2014/05/29/100-things-to-try-in-la-before-you-die-update/">Caroline on Crack</a> updated her list of 100 big ones to do in LA and (yes I realize this was still a little while ago) I think I'm ready to take on a few new challenges. Right now I'm 69/100 on the updated list - so here's the remaining items to tick off the list...
Who's in?
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.greatlawalk.blogspot.com/">Great Los Angeles Walk</a></li>
<li>Dessert tasting menu at Providence</li>
<li>Pedal boat at Echo Park Lake</li>
<li>Bike from Santa Monica to Redondo Beach and back</li>
<li>Bike from Santa Monica to Redondo Beach and back</li>
<li>Secret beef feast at Totoraku</li>
<li>Drive Sunset Boulevard from Downtown to PCH in a convertible</li>
<li>Hike from Fern Dell Drive to Mt. Hollywood, stopping at Griffith Observatory</li>
<li>Scorpion cocktail at Hop Louie</li>
<li>Omakase dinner at Urasawa</li>
<li>Goddess spa treatment at Olympic Spa</li>
<li>Vodbox at Nic’s Martini Lounge</li>
<li>Stay in a bungalow at Chateau Marmont</li>
<li>Sunday wine tastings at Silverlake Wine</li>
<li>Courtside at a Lakers game</li>
<li>Ride the Goodyear blimp</li>
<li>Ringside at Lucha VaVoom</li>
<li>History Walk from Mission San Gabriel to Olvera Street</li>
<li>Hike to the top of Sandstone Peak and sign the register</li>
<li>Stay in Marilyn Monroe’s suite at the Hollywood Roosevelt</li>
<li><a href="http://ymcala.convio.net/site/TR/Events/General?pg=entry&fr_id=1040">Stair Climb for Los Angeles</a></li>
<li>Sip scotch on 10 Pound’s balcony</li>
<li>Club 33 in Disneyland</li>
<li>Cigars at Buena Vista Cigar Club</li>
<li>Kayaking in Marina Del Rey</li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TunnelArtWalk%3EExplore%20an%20underground%20tunnel%3C/a%3E%20%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Ca%20href=" http:="" laclimbingthehiddenstairways.blogspot.com="" staircase-1-delta-up-125-staircase-2.html="">100 stairs walk in Echo Park</a></li>
<li>Close the night at Jumbo’s Clown Room</li>
<li>Hike the <a href="https://www.catalinaconservancy.org/index.php?s=visit&p=hike_the_trans_catalina_trail">Trans-Catalina Trail</a></li>
<li>Tour Greenbar Collective</li>
<li>Finish a Route 66 road trip in Santa Monica</li>
<li>Ciclavia</li>
</ul>
<ol>
</ol>
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That said there are a few things missing from this list - so if you want some bonus homework here are my 10 must-do additions!!
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Visit the <a href="http://www.mjt.org/">Museum of Jurassic Technology</a></li>
<li>Don't be afraid to be "caught" at the <a href="http://losangeles.trapezeschool.com/">Trapeze School on the Pier</a></li>
<li><a href="http://yogaqua.com/">Yogaqua</a></li>
<li>Eat your weight in oysters at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pearlsliquorbar">Pearl's $1 Oyster Night on Tuesday's</a></li>
<li>Wear the Marie Antoinette Cotton Candy Dessert as a Wig at <a href="http://www.bartong.com/">Barton G L.A.</a></li>
<li>Ride the Carousel drunk at <a href="http://lazoo.org/roaringnights/">Roaring Nights L.A. at the LA Zoo</a></li>
<li>Visit the <a href="https://www.alpacasandbeyond.com/">Alpaca & Llama Farm</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.barnsdall.org/events/outdoor-movie-nights/">Outdoor Movie Nights at Barnsdall Art Park</a></li>
<li>Shoot Shotguns at <a href="http://www.raahauges.com/">Mike Raahauge's</a> at Drink Whiskey (in that order please)</li>
<li>Live Octopus at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/chung-hae-jin-los-angeles">Chung Hae Jin</a></li>
</ul>
<ol>
</ol>
Nicole M Iizukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379238535941477330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1985156636246203775.post-14154552632493710912010-11-09T09:26:00.000-08:002010-11-09T09:26:07.161-08:00#104 La Descarga in KTown (Joe M)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ladescargala.com/la-descarga-splash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://www.ladescargala.com/la-descarga-splash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>FINALLY. It's been way too long that this has been sitting on my to-do list. Seriously this is by far my new favorite bar in the city! Reminiscent of old Havana complete with a smoky cigar overture, this bar is stocked with delicious rum and even more delicious bartenders!Nicole M Iizukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379238535941477330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1985156636246203775.post-4202205298713797242010-11-09T09:20:00.000-08:002010-11-09T09:20:09.667-08:00#70 Marty & Elayne at Dresden Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-orfmS3vH5GcV6emSWOv7bupPtJEeN4QnDOSk5ichR_QmVknoyzAyKvu8TDLtMRiNT1xKxyGXxqx240TiP0b3R3-aOFrkJf2usr7NXkP2zG47W4AMMA5cbLIjqxh1tQ4g9rNinan5Iwd/s1600/P23205213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-orfmS3vH5GcV6emSWOv7bupPtJEeN4QnDOSk5ichR_QmVknoyzAyKvu8TDLtMRiNT1xKxyGXxqx240TiP0b3R3-aOFrkJf2usr7NXkP2zG47W4AMMA5cbLIjqxh1tQ4g9rNinan5Iwd/s320/P23205213.jpg" width="239" /></a> </div><br />
Being a rare night in which my drinks were canceled and I had nothing on the docket, I finally decided to hit the Los Feliz scene and visit the Dresden for a night with Marty & Elayne, who are by far the most adorable duo in the world! Plus a tres magnifique dinner avec a waiter who treated us like his lovable daughters & instructed us on the finer points of ordering wine at a restaurant + surprised us, literally made us cover our eyes, by splitting our meal onto two plates.Nicole M Iizukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379238535941477330noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1985156636246203775.post-53248079819553734952010-09-20T15:53:00.000-07:002010-09-20T15:53:03.031-07:00#87 Summer movie at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs635.snc4/59549_998877000329_800097_54206877_3547779_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs635.snc4/59549_998877000329_800097_54206877_3547779_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>** Absolutely amending this. Hollywood Forever Cemetery is so over, Barnsdall Art Park screenings are the new thing! Saw LA Confidential at what was perhaps the BEST outdoor screening series I've ever been to. + they had food trucks there, including the amazing Lake Street Creamery!Nicole M Iizukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379238535941477330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1985156636246203775.post-12087846644313513472010-09-20T15:51:00.000-07:002010-09-20T15:51:11.855-07:00#81 Angel City Derby Girls Tournament<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs679.snc4/61963_995898249769_800097_54124545_3110915_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs679.snc4/61963_995898249769_800097_54124545_3110915_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Derby Dollz are to die for! This was an absolutely amazing event and a great time all around. I'm certain I'll be back at the Doll Factory cheering them on!Nicole M Iizukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379238535941477330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1985156636246203775.post-21912763442873513232010-09-20T15:50:00.000-07:002010-09-20T15:50:00.424-07:00#75 Auntie Em’s Market dinner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs298.snc4/41230_990941732669_800097_53962891_1918146_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs298.snc4/41230_990941732669_800097_53962891_1918146_n.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><br />
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There aren't any more dinners scheduled, but I did get a chance to try Auntie Em's at the Taste of Beverly Hills. And while their food was yummy home cooked goodness, I think I've had better on that front. Maybe their Market Dinner's are a whole new experience, but it doesn't seem like that's going to be an option for quite a while.Nicole M Iizukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379238535941477330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1985156636246203775.post-91935868633189515372010-09-02T11:34:00.000-07:002010-09-02T11:34:10.768-07:00#102 Hollywood Farmers Market (Julie D)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://theseesawonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/Hollywood_farmers_market.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://theseesawonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/Hollywood_farmers_market.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Totally obsessed!! The foodie in me is hooked, and the fresh produce to die for. Thanks Jules for adding it to my list :-)Nicole M Iizukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379238535941477330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1985156636246203775.post-50618673266769832622010-09-02T11:33:00.000-07:002010-09-02T11:33:03.664-07:00#96 Karaoke at Brass Monkey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://culturemob.com/images/cache/up_934fe17b979a0554710fe92fbbcf4db1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://culturemob.com/images/cache/up_934fe17b979a0554710fe92fbbcf4db1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Brass Monkey is terrible. Totally un-enjoyable experience with people I'd rather not ever mingle with. Should absolutely be replaced with Karaoke at Palms!!Nicole M Iizukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379238535941477330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1985156636246203775.post-75777423409736972272010-09-02T11:31:00.000-07:002010-09-02T11:31:31.261-07:00#92 Angel City Drive-In<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://laist.com/upload/2010/05/cars_screen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://laist.com/upload/2010/05/cars_screen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This was fantastic! Went to go see Rushmore, and thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience! I'm absolutely going again, but there's something magical about a drive-in, especially when it's on the roof of a parking lot in the middle of DTLA.Nicole M Iizukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379238535941477330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1985156636246203775.post-89022817398149522222010-09-02T11:29:00.000-07:002010-09-02T11:29:48.511-07:00#39 L.A. Conservancy’s Historic Core walking tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://daricemichelle.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Downtown-Los-Angeles-California.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://daricemichelle.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Downtown-Los-Angeles-California.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Kristin has clearly pointed out that we've done these many times, but in particular, I'd count our 500 Days of Summer walking tour downtown as it hit pretty much every spot on the Conservancy's tour. And as much as I love the Conservancy after <a href="http://becauseireallyneedanotherblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/58-la-conservancys-last-remaining-seats.html">Last Remaining Seats</a>, I don't think I need to do this walk yet again.Nicole M Iizukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379238535941477330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1985156636246203775.post-48471533164473553302010-09-02T11:25:00.000-07:002010-09-02T11:25:14.636-07:00#17 Kobe-style beef at Park’s BBQ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdXo_90gLdNjm1ifOe5pEDAzznXLuhVeCdyzFEzL193c9BtBWrAwXvpINqAZ4rEmChAHDAvj1otbDuC3n-BNzxtnAfUFfuQImpaVjcJRhOJWNi7A0DfANIMUYHWsTvbbDVKChDx808xtk/s1600/korean_bbq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdXo_90gLdNjm1ifOe5pEDAzznXLuhVeCdyzFEzL193c9BtBWrAwXvpINqAZ4rEmChAHDAvj1otbDuC3n-BNzxtnAfUFfuQImpaVjcJRhOJWNi7A0DfANIMUYHWsTvbbDVKChDx808xtk/s320/korean_bbq.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I'm changing this, because I've eaten a LOT of Korean BBQ in my time. There's good ones, there's bad ones, there's cheap ones & super expensive ones... but nothing even comes close to the experience at <a href="http://cakeandheels.blogspot.com/2010/07/champagne-birthday-bliss-manna.html">Manna</a>. So for that reason alone, I'm going to say I've done it. But better.Nicole M Iizukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379238535941477330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1985156636246203775.post-53969103633690601832010-07-21T19:27:00.000-07:002010-07-21T19:27:55.589-07:00#62 Bacon Waffles & Bacon Ice Cream at Fig Santa Monica *<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs031.ash2/34929_960129365899_800097_52858275_3185090_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs031.ash2/34929_960129365899_800097_52858275_3185090_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Um. Absolutely, absurdly delicious. And Decadent. Yet I fear... just a little <a href="http://cakeandheels.blogspot.com/2010/07/ive-finally-met-my-bacon-loving-match.html">TOO MUCH BACON</a>. Gasp, I know, but I'm totally glad I finally tried it!Nicole M Iizukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379238535941477330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1985156636246203775.post-38324115596107128122010-07-08T11:56:00.000-07:002010-07-08T11:56:07.992-07:00#64 Pool party at Standard Rooftop Bar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs025.ash2/34589_956603606549_800097_52726212_1675173_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs025.ash2/34589_956603606549_800097_52726212_1675173_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Finally made it to the Standard Downtown Rooftop Pool as part of our <a href="http://cakeandheels.blogspot.com/2010/06/hot-bartender-cheap-eats-downtown-pub.html">Hot Bartenders & Cheap Eats</a> pub crawl. Gorgeous views, fun atmosphere, moderately priced drinks. It was fun for what it is, but I could see the crowd turning later in the evening. Overall, extremely glad I've now seen the sights!!Nicole M Iizukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379238535941477330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1985156636246203775.post-14797989050447958582010-06-28T18:05:00.000-07:002010-06-28T18:05:47.499-07:00#61 Remember the Maine at the Varnish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.cocktailia.com/images/2009/08/varnish11-640x480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://static.cocktailia.com/images/2009/08/varnish11-640x480.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I finally went to the Varnish... after many, many failed attempts. I was a little underwhelmed. The acoustics were annoyingly noisy, the clientele pretentiously pretentious, and the drink, strong, but by far the best I've ever had. I'm glad I went, especially because that marked the HALFWAY POINT at being done with the list, but I'm not sure I'm dying to go back.Nicole M Iizukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379238535941477330noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1985156636246203775.post-72296194689760131472010-06-18T11:43:00.001-07:002010-06-18T11:44:34.092-07:00Bonus Round: #80 Courtside at a Lakers game<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs292.snc3/28268_947865343099_800097_52381553_1195161_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 335px; height: 251px;" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs292.snc3/28268_947865343099_800097_52381553_1195161_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />While it's not quite Courtside, I most certainly thing going to Game 7 in the NBA Championships & watching the Lakers WIN should absolutely count.<br /><br />GO LAKERS!Nicole M Iizukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379238535941477330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1985156636246203775.post-71029665412502950712010-06-01T15:29:00.000-07:002010-06-01T15:32:14.365-07:00#52 Double chocolate croissant pudding with Jack Daniels sauce at Milk<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.themilkshop.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/feature/ice_blended_0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 204px; height: 240px;" src="http://www.themilkshop.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/feature/ice_blended_0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I tried. But alas they no longer make this decadent dessert! Sad, right? That said, I was already there, and blood orange sorbet seemed like a good substitute! Yummy yes. Cute shop, yes. Did I wish they had the Jack Daniels sauce? Hell yes. Satisfied by my experience? Eh.Nicole M Iizukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379238535941477330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1985156636246203775.post-70544036597778546552010-05-27T16:02:00.001-07:002010-05-27T16:04:29.356-07:00#58 L.A. Conservancy’s Last Remaining Seats<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs639.snc3/32084_937829205599_800097_51946834_1777632_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 316px;" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs639.snc3/32084_937829205599_800097_51946834_1777632_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>SO MUCH FUN. This was something I never knew existed, but am now so happy I do! Classics, in classic old theaters, why doesn't this happen MORE often?? I know this was the first, but certainly won't be the last time!Nicole M Iizukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379238535941477330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1985156636246203775.post-50729505693682402812010-05-24T12:05:00.000-07:002010-05-24T12:08:53.869-07:00#109 Seasonal Shake @ 8oz Burger Bar (Groupon)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCJ4WPJgKMlv-WKj1ZU7vl0cSvYZ_B17e0hlyhX0oDs9s2bU_a55s2r-RMwv3IyeQ2ulolsyrxBE7e7iaD8OQIGZ4blzykyaJemv4TLoxRlmTUGTfybZZMGvaTQ_ccjoRAul9EXuWlAQF/s1600/IMG_5468.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCJ4WPJgKMlv-WKj1ZU7vl0cSvYZ_B17e0hlyhX0oDs9s2bU_a55s2r-RMwv3IyeQ2ulolsyrxBE7e7iaD8OQIGZ4blzykyaJemv4TLoxRlmTUGTfybZZMGvaTQ_ccjoRAul9EXuWlAQF/s200/IMG_5468.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474915086208818306" border="0" /></a>Thank you groupon, for making me go back to 8oz. Having been disappointed by their burgers, I was not quick for a second sojourn, however a $20 groupon won me over. That said, I had perhaps one of the MOST AMAZING shakes I have ever had in my life. Featured: The Roasted Peach Shake - vanilla ice cream, roasted peach compote, cinnamon crumbles. It appears that they have a seasonal rotating list of shakes, all of which sound amazing. This is now on my must-do again list. <br /><br />Also, their short-rib grilled cheese most certainly made up for their eh burgers.Nicole M Iizukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379238535941477330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1985156636246203775.post-10397912775889509232010-05-24T12:03:00.001-07:002010-05-24T12:05:24.986-07:00#71 Coleslaw and sourdough toast at Original Pantry<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3430/3382824273_75ba8e1863.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 179px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3430/3382824273_75ba8e1863.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>It still counts if I eat the food, but not at the restaurant. My parents went to Original & brought me home some sourdough & coleslaw for my noming. If there is one thing I love, it's a good sourdough, and Original did not disappoint. Chewey and yeasty on the inside, and deliciously crunchy on the outside, I would def go back for seconds...Nicole M Iizukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379238535941477330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1985156636246203775.post-89711117655854311732010-05-10T15:02:00.000-07:002010-05-10T15:42:25.074-07:00#74 Damn good burger at Chateau Marmont OR Umami Burger *<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://aht.seriouseats.com/images/20091119-potd-aht-umami.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 274px; height: 192px;" src="http://aht.seriouseats.com/images/20091119-potd-aht-umami.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I'm still going to try the Damn good burger, but as for Umami, now that I've had it twice, I feel comfortable in posting that yes. It's checked off. Tho I feel like it's not my favorite of burgers... surprisingly the Fig burger at Stout is holding strong in my mind. I need to go back for a second evaluation.Nicole M Iizukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379238535941477330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1985156636246203775.post-11360762484985715512010-05-10T15:00:00.000-07:002010-05-10T15:02:01.292-07:00#99 American Food & Wine Festival<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.bizbash.com/content/editorial/StoryPhoto/big/e16792image4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 153px;" src="http://www.bizbash.com/content/editorial/StoryPhoto/big/e16792image4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Having recently just googled this to find out dets on it's happening, I now realize that yes, I've in fact done this many many times. As a wee girl-scout I spent several summer nights volunteering at selling raffle tickets & noming on wolfgangs incredible food.Nicole M Iizukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379238535941477330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1985156636246203775.post-87735557030262401242010-04-28T14:42:00.000-07:002010-04-28T14:50:08.022-07:00#11 Junk food dessert platter at Simon LA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyu3Nx44rkk0Crn5ktTrjDTf_CHULX-yBcIgloANYoEUoMpz3hs0NrUnt1aEOhKf1Azx8CXpQHRgFxCXxS6EnN8KROzOvf9L8v1cTLcO9aKDliX89xeCQ4rGlqBi2wjSYZskzvCeFmin4K/s1600/IMG_5263.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 307px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyu3Nx44rkk0Crn5ktTrjDTf_CHULX-yBcIgloANYoEUoMpz3hs0NrUnt1aEOhKf1Azx8CXpQHRgFxCXxS6EnN8KROzOvf9L8v1cTLcO9aKDliX89xeCQ4rGlqBi2wjSYZskzvCeFmin4K/s400/IMG_5263.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465307253655333234" border="0" /></a><br />This definitely made me feel a little bit woozy. I have to say, SimonLA did more than impress. Everything we had was absolutely delicious, and I wonder why it seems to constantly get overlooked. But beyond the point, and on to the Junk Food Platter! We started with delicious cotton candy, submerged in a bowl of chewy caramel corn, next to a bag of amazingly soft cookies, behind a super sweet vanilla milkshake. On the cold side, we had blood orange sorbet and blueberry gelatto, on the square side, both chocolate and regular (not vanilla) rice crispy treats, and in the middle, homemade chocolate hostess cupcakes, snowballs and donut holes. <br /><br />Did someone say sugar overload? This was good for a girls night out, but I don't know if I could ever handle it more than once.Nicole M Iizukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379238535941477330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1985156636246203775.post-89621952549165851262010-04-23T09:53:00.000-07:002010-04-23T09:59:20.976-07:00LA Weekly's Top Ten L.A. Inspired Cocktails...Because... really, I need more things to add to my list. Since starting this journey, tons of people have forwarded me their own versions of "the list," and I've incorporated a few ideas, but none have really been quite as spectacular as <a href="http://becauseireallyneedanotherblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/caroline-on-crack-posed-challenge-100.html">Caroline's original list</a>.<br /><br />That being said, this one came along, and while it doesn't have the all encompassing span of the great "list," I think this is a good addendum list. And with that I introduce you to the <a href="http://blogs.laweekly.com/squidink/cocktails/top-10-la-inspired-cocktails/">LA Weekly's Top Ten L.A. Inspired Cocktails</a>... Because We Love LA!<br /><br />1. <strong>Alvarado Street</strong> at <a href="http://www.laweekly.com/2009-04-02/eat-drink/dom-39-s-and-subs-po-39-boys-and-meatballs-little-dom-39-s-big-easy-secret" target="_blank">Little Dom's</a> in Los Feliz: El Jimador Silver Tequila, cinnamon-infused agave syrup, lemon juice, lime, cinnamon and tangelo. This cinnamony drink is a tribute to the major north-south thoroughfare the restaurant is located near. <p>2. <strong>Brown Derby</strong> at the <a href="http://www.laweekly.com/locations/the-edison-116882/" target="_blank">Edison</a> Downtown: Woodford Reserve Bourbon, clover honey and grapefruit. The chain of Los Angeles restaurants of the same name was made famous by the stars who regularly dined there and is commemorated in cocktail by mixologist Marcos Tello.</p> <p>3. <strong>Off Vine</strong> at <a href="http://www.laweekly.com/2010-04-08/eat-drink/delphine-bouillabaisse-and-vine" target="_blank">Delphine</a> in Hollywood: Ciroc Vodka, agave nectar, fresh basil and green grapes. Simply put, the cocktail is the namesake of this new Hollywood restaurant's location, which is just off the historical Hollywood/Vine intersection.</p><p>4. <strong>Roh-Dee-Oh </strong>at <a href="http://blogs.laweekly.com/squidink/new-restaurants/bar210-marcel-plush-beverly-hi/" target="_blank">Bar210</a> in Beverly Hills: Hendricks Gin, mint, lime juice, simple syrup and ginger ale. To keep in theme with spelling phonetically, Bar-Two-One-Oh christened its drink, named after the touristy shopping destination, the same way.</p> <p>5. <strong>Santa Monica Gimlet</strong> at <a href="http://www.copadoro.com/" target="_blank">Copa d'Oro</a> in Santa Monica: Tanqueray Gin, celery, cucumber and lime juice. Mixologist Vincenzo Marianella created what is essentially Santa Monica Farmers Market in a cocktail glass. </p> 6. <strong>South of No North</strong> at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-roger-room-los-angeles">Roger Room</a> in West Hollywood: Bombay Dry Gin, Hennessy V.S., all spice dram and fresh lemon juice. Recently added to the Roger Room's menu, this nod to L.A. culture and history is named after L.A. author Charles Bukowski's short stories collection.<br /><br />7. <strong>Surfrider Cocktail</strong> at <a href="http://thebeachcombercafe.com/" target="_blank">The Beachcomber</a> in Malibu: Light rum, blue curacao, sweet & sour and pineapple juice. It wouldn't be an L.A. cocktail list without a drink to be enjoyed beachside. Popular surfing spot Surfrider Beach in Malibu inspired this tropical concoction. <p>8. <strong>Tequila Sunrise</strong> at <a href="http://blogs.laweekly.com/squidink/new-restaurants/first-hope-supper-club/" target="_blank">First & Hope Supper Club</a> Downtown: Tequila, cassis, grenadine, lime juice and soda water. This classic drink was the favorite of Old Hollywood actors vacationing in Tijuana. And after Prohibition was repealed it was served at a bar on La Cienega called Tail of the Cock, now the site of a rental car agency.</p> <p>9. <strong>Wilshire Sazerac</strong> at <a href="http://www.blvd16.com/" target="_blank">Blvd 16</a> in Westwood: Jack Daniels, Green Chartreuse, Peychaud Bitters. The Jack and Green Chartreuse make this a Westside-friendly version of the classic New Orleans cocktail.</p> <p>10. <strong>Mulholland Drive</strong> at <a href="http://blogs.laweekly.com/squidink/bars/station-hollywood-at-the-w-hot/" target="_blank">Station Hollywood</a>: Vanilla bean-infused Cazadores Resposado, ginger syrup, lime and soda. Every Angeleno's favorite way to sight-see the Valley gets a cocktail named after it too.</p>Nicole M Iizukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379238535941477330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1985156636246203775.post-28741708489001310682010-04-19T16:39:00.000-07:002010-04-19T16:41:31.148-07:00#84 Scavenger Hunt around Los Angeles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/TpGwjvVYvDA/0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 220px;" src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/TpGwjvVYvDA/0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Accomplice LA. This certainly counts as a Scavenger Hunt... and it was AWESOME. I knew I had the foresight to add Scavenger Hunt to the list for a reason!!<br /><br />Really... I did it for the Orphs.Nicole M Iizukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379238535941477330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1985156636246203775.post-56659244430885787882010-04-12T14:54:00.000-07:002010-04-12T14:59:12.178-07:00#106 Lavender Duck Confit at SweetSalt Food Store (Tasting Table)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4jrfN_cfvx_qJvGU7v3lsL9qaFLZ8qac4TYLlqXbX0Z91gCWdGjXx1D3dHBmGTtq0N-4oFbNbZEW7Rurc4dboFMCuA-3Iz3T4eC_OO8VD_WrPTX8_aFpmfgUzSc4xyBh6IjEqNGhqTEE/s1600/IMG_5146.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 165px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4jrfN_cfvx_qJvGU7v3lsL9qaFLZ8qac4TYLlqXbX0Z91gCWdGjXx1D3dHBmGTtq0N-4oFbNbZEW7Rurc4dboFMCuA-3Iz3T4eC_OO8VD_WrPTX8_aFpmfgUzSc4xyBh6IjEqNGhqTEE/s320/IMG_5146.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459373816876581794" border="0" /></a>Finally made it to the Toluca area this weekend to nom on some delicious <a href="http://www.sweetsaltfood.com/">sweet & salt</a> foods from Top Chef Alex Eusebio, and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. Having read the LA times article on this little restero, I knew I couldn't pass up a locale that combined my favorite flavors, and after reading the super delicious menu, I knew the Duck Confit was dying for a try. It was just as every bit amazing as I'd hoped.Nicole M Iizukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379238535941477330noreply@blogger.com0