Burger Continental - Greek flair, tasty fare

Burger Continental in Pasadena

Behind the cafe store front of this restaurant in Pasadena lies a dining experience you don't want to miss!  Though at first glace it looks like any other mom-and-pop restaurant, a look at the menu will give you the first hint of the treasures within.  Aside from its wide variety of tasty burgers, as proclaimed in its name, Burger Continental  has an amazing variety of Mediterranean dishes.  It is well known locally for its amazing  buffets, served 7 days a week before 3pm, which includes table after table of delicacies from around the world, and champagne on Sundays!  If the menu alone isn't enough draw you in, the atmosphere and entertainment make this a must see location.  Beyond the typical restaurant/cafe front lies an open air dinning hall with gas lamps, canopies and live entertainment!  Wednesday nights feature live Jazz Bands, but its the Mediterranean bands and belly dancers Thursday through Sunday after 7pm that make this spot truly unique.  The family atmosphere and boisterous energy on a weekend night give this location a true old world Greek feeling that any adventurous diner will appreciate.

Go wild at the LA Zoo!

Up close and personal in The Lair.

The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens has some fantastic animal exhibits that have recently been added or updated.  If you haven't gone lately, its time to rediscover LA's wild side!  There are hundreds of animals to view and discover, from all over the world, from land and sea.  The newly renovated Elephants of Asia habitat features live Elephant training displays in the morning, while The Lair allows visitors to get as close as they dare to reptiles from across the globe.  The Aviary allows you to walk through a forest filled with rare birds.  The Animal Care Center houses many young and newly born animals that need special care, and is a great place to see some of the more shy creatures up close.  It's a great learning experience for the kids with hands on exhibits and shows, or a fun date as you go on a world safari in a single day! Defiantly get a souvenir cup, as it only costs slightly more than the standard drink and allows for discount refills throughout the park.  Go for the day, or get an annual pass and make your morning or afternoon jog an adventure!

Porto's Bakery & Cafe:Cuban Culinary Excellance

Some of Porto's delicious desserts!

Porto's Bakery & Cafe is no secret to the citizens of Burbank and Glendale, and with a new location in Downey it is sure to be making new fans all across the Southland.  Crowds of people fight for limited parking in the lots and stand in lines that weave back on themselves three times, and every one of them feels it was worth the wait.  Porto's has a huge selection of cookies, croissants, cheesecakes, mousse cups, cakes and other pastries, as well as breads by the loaf.  There is a full assortment of specialty coffee drinks and sandwiches in the cafe, but what makes this cafe different from all the rest is the traditions of its Cuban roots, still reflected in the menu today.  Sandwiches are served with plantain chips.  Empanadas, meat pies, and  potato balls (one of my personal favorites) are available a la cart or by the dozen.  If you're just stopping in for lunch, try the cafe express line for sandwiches and the most popular bakery items, to avoid the longer lines of the full bakery selection.  Call in your large catering or cake orders for faster pickup as well.  Whether you're looking for catering and bakery items for your next event, lunch with friends, or just a quick snack, Porto's is worth the drive (and the wait!).

The LA Arboretum: More than just trees!

This peacock struts his stuff in the flower garden at the LA Arboretum.

The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden has the unique duality of representing several continents worth of foliage while simultaneously being conveniently located just off of the 210 freeway in Arcadia.  Featuring lush jungles, sprawling lawns, stunning deserts and historical architecture tucked away among the trees, a day at the Arboretum is not only a stroll around the world but a walk through time.  There are classes for the whole family, from yoga, art and flower arranging to story time for the kids.  There is even a class on obedience training for your canine kin! As an added attraction, peacocks roam the grounds, sounding out their eerie cries and basking in picture perfect sunbeams.  Parking is free, and admission is low compared to other local gardens, with a free day once a month on the third Tuesday. Definitely worth a day or two of exploration, and don't forget the sun screen!

Good Eats in LA: An Urban Piknic!

Chardonnay and Pumpkin Ravioli, a delicious dinner at Piknic!

If you're looking for a delicious meal, try Piknic, a chain of restaurants found only in Los Angeles.  The menu includes classics, for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as California favorites for all hours, but also has some exclusive surprises, like the Pumpkin Ravioli (which I highly recommend!).  The omelets and burgers can be customized any way you like, and there is a full bar with happy hour specials.  The atmosphere is laid back, the design is urban and the Playa Vista location in particular was a popular locals' hangout from 4pm-7pm.  This is a great place for a night out with the gang or an intimate meal with that special someone!

Tankland!

Many tanks greet you as you enter the American Military Museum.

Filled with actual military vehicles from across history, the American Military Museum is nestled behind a stand of trees off of Rosemead Blvd in South El Monte that you could have driven past a hundred times and never noticed.  However, this jewel of a museum is worth spending a day exploring!  From tanks to helicopters, jeeps to amphibious vehicles, the museum manages to cram years of history onto a few acres of land.  When you pay your admission, a reasonable $5 for adults, you are given a guide book to use that tells the history of each item in the park.  Prop helmets, belts and jackets are available if you want to take a picture and tell all of your buddys about the day you stormed the beaches of Arcadia.  They even host parties for the young, or young at heart.  There is not a lot of shade, so bring sun screen and wear comfortable shoes, but parking is free! 

The Ice Cream & Soda Pop Stop



Classic Banana Split at the Fair Oaks Pharmacy.



The Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain has been a local destination in South Pasadena since 1915.  With its delicious ice cream treats and old fashioned sodas its a little slice of the past, filled with tons of collectible items and gag gifts.  Sandwiches and salads are also served, as well as a variety of coffee drinks, if you're not jumping straight to dessert.  There is free parking around the corner, and lots of shops to browse to walk off the calories.  Great for a date, family outing or just to treat yourself, but if you're planning to order a sundae, bring a friend!  Portions are more than one person can handle!

The Old Mill - Art, History, Gardens & Events

The Old Mill in San Marino, CA

The Old Mill, or El Molino Viejo, was created by Spanish settlers to provide food for the nearby San Gabriel Mission.  The mill has changed hands many times over the years, but is currently a beautiful museum and garden.  The museum allows you to walk through the halls of the Mill itself.  Dioramas, photos and displays paint an in-depth picture of the area's past, while the upper floor features local artists.  The gardens are filled with fruit, flowers, wandering paths and hidden alcoves, perfect for a romantic date.  Admission is free, but the museum has very limited hours, 1pm-4pm every day but Monday and Holidays.  Parking is extremely limited, but street parking is plentiful.  Membership to the museum allows you to attend garden dinner parties with live music in the summer.  This is a hidden gem of Southern California history, and I highly recommend it for both locals and tourists alike!

Griffith Observatory - Out of this world

Compare the planets of our solar system - Griffith Observatory.

Griffith Observatory has much to offer both the traveling tourist and the local visitor.  With its amazing views of both the Los Angeles basin and the stars and planets beyond Earth, the Observatory has enough to see and do to fill an entire day!  You can stroll along the outer walkway and spy on the city below with handy telescopes, learn astronomy in the many exhibits, take in a show at the planetarium, or join the dozens of amateur and professional astronomers in viewing the heavens at the monthly star parties held on the Observatory lawn (see my calendar to receive alerts!).  There is a cafe and gift shop, and minor fees for planetarium shows, but entry to the Observatory and Museum is free, meaning you could bring a picnic lunch and spend the whole day without spending a dime!  The trickiest part of visiting is the parking, which can stretch for a mile down the hillside in either direction.  Weekends are especially busy, so be prepared to walk for about 10-20 minutes on you way up, but don't forget to enjoy that view if you do!

Fill Your Cravings at Crave Cafe!

Crave Cafe in Studio City.

This is the perfect spot for you and your friends to stop by when you're wandering around the valley wondering what to do in the wee hours of the morning.  With a combination of salty and sweet treats, as well as sandwiches, salads and pizza, the Crave Cafe is a delicious place to satisfy the tastes of your whole group.  Prices are reasonable, but parking can be a trick durring peak hours.  With two locations in the valley, Sherman Oaks and Studio City, and open 24 hours most days (closed Sunday), I highly recommend stopping by for a crepe, burger, cupcake, pizza, mocha and baklavah!

Rock-in Hollywood - Hiking Vasquez Rock

Vasquez Rocks

 Possibly the most iconic rocks in film and television, Vasquez Rocks have been featured in such movies as Star Trek, Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey, Austin Powers and The Flintstones, and TV shows like The Lone Ranger, 24, and Numbers.  With its slanted slopes, the rocks make an ideal chance for the whole family to feel like expert mountain climbers and hike to the summit.  There are tons of smaller formations to explore as well; the park offers a full day's hike and plenty of adventure, as well as free parking and picnic areas!

Drinking at Disney - Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar

Krakatoa at Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar.

If you're like me, you want to enjoy the Disney experience every now and then, without the Disney prices. Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar is your chance!  With a large selection of alcohol, Trader Sam's offers the Disney atmosphere, fun and entertainment without ever entering the park.  Located at the Disneyland Hotel, with easy access from Downtown Disney, Sam's offers a variety of island themed drinks, snacks, and entertaining surprises with certain orders.  Free 3 hour parking is available at the Downtown Disney lot, making this Disney adventure cost only the gas it takes to drive there and your bar tab. 

Ice Cream Cookies on the Westside

Chocolate Chip with Chocolate Chip. 



One of the hot spots every student at UCLA knows about is Diddy Riese Cookies in Westwood.  Lines can stretch out the door, and around the corner, for a taste of cookie and ice cream heaven.  What makes Diddy Riese so popular?   Prices and selection.  Diddy Riese offers 10 different kinds of cookies and 12 types of ice cream to make your custom ice cream sandwich dreams come true.  There are coffee and cookie, cookie and milk or ice cream sandwich combos, each for $2 or less, making it the #1 destination for a quick study break, and a must visit for tourists.  Parking can be tricky, and its cash only, so take the family or buy in bulk to make your trip worth while.  There are dozens of restaurants and architectural wonders in the area as well, so you can justify your cookie quest to the non-believers.  Just one taste will help them see the light!

Travel Town - Trains, Trains, Trains!

Trains at Travel Town Museum.

Trains played a large role in the creation and foundation of our country, and Travel Town Museum in Griffith Park gives visitors a chance to walk through and interact with that history.  In addition to picnic areas and displays of historical engines and train cars, visitors can climb up and pretend they are driving the engines, walk across the tracks, and even have parties in the dining cars.  There is a miniature train giving rides around the park, a gift shop and vendors with snacks.  Best of all, admission is FREE, and the park is open most days 10-4, with an extra hour on weekends and special children’s events throughout the month.  A great place to play, explore, and learn!

Trade Rush Hour for Happy Hour!




Credit: Reuters/Lucy Nicholson.



Cheesecake Factory Specials.

One of the biggest complaints about Los Angeles is the traffic.  From 4-7pm each weekday, LA freeways are packed with commuters trying to get home.  It can take 2 hours (or longer) to go 13 miles, and commuters find themselves tired, frustrated, angry, and wasting precious gas and time sitting on the roads.  But I have a different suggestion for the weary traveler!  Happy Hour!  Is it coincidence, or fortune, that makes Happy Hour and Rush Hour both occur from 4-7pm?  I'm not saying you should pull over and get blitzed before you drive home.  On the contrary, I regularly enjoy Happy Hour, instead of traffic, with no alcohol at all!  Many local restaurants off great food specials in addition to drinks for the hours between 4pm and 7pm, and since many commuters are trying to race home to eat, it seems to be a perfect fit!  With the rising costs of gas, it may actually be more cost effective to pull over and spend $8 for an appetizer and drink than to sit in traffic burning fuel for 2-3 hours.  And after 7pm, the roads clear and you can get home at a reasonable pace, relaxed and refreshed.  If at least half of the commuters in Los Angeles would take this advice, we may find ourselves with less traffic in the first place!  In the panic of Carmageddon, so many people stayed off of the freeways to avoid the expected chaos, that drive times were the lowest that they had ever been!  I understand that many people are racing home to spend time with family, or get to a meeting or event, and there are times when you can't spare an extra few minutes to stay clear of the madness, but there are plenty of people, like myself, who are just trying to get home to eat dinner, or relax.  So I say, why wait?  Don't worry, beat traffic, try Happy Hour instead!

Hiking the Hummingbird Trail

Sandstone formations along Hummingbird Trail. 

Just over the hill from the San Fernando Valley, you can find some rugged terrain filled with geographic wonders and adventure.  Hummingbird Trail starts at Kuehner Drive, just 0.2 miles north at the Kuehner exit off of the 118 fwy, and leads you through canyons, boulders and massive formations of sandstone from the Cretaceous Period.  The elevations of over 1,000ft at the top of the trail present beautiful views of the valleys and, on a clear day, the ocean.  Not for the faint of heart, Hummingbird Trail is a moderately challenging hike, though a path is marked out with painted arrows to guide you along the easiest route.  The brave can explore rock formations, caves and crevasses along the way.  The trail is 5 miles long, round trip, with no restrooms other than those nature provides, but there is free parking at the trail head on Kuehner Drive.  Hikers should be alert for rattlesnakes and mountain lions, though the number of people on the trails suggests these are rarely sighted.  Personally, I was enchanted by the wild bunnies and ground squirrels, and awed by the incredible rock formations.  Definately a sight to see.

It's A Wrap - Hollywood's Thrift Stop



Shoes from the big and small screens, for sale at Its A Wrap!

 Ever wanted to walk in your favorite celebrity's shoes?  Well, you can, literally.  It's A Wrap is a "thrift" store that sells clothing that has been previously used in movies and television.  Want to get an outfit from All My Children?  A prom dress you saw on Glee?  A suit from CSI?  All this and more is available at two locations in the Los Angeles area.  Items are marked by codes to let you know which production they came from with helpful charts on the walls to identify the show or movie.  Prices can be a little steap, but most items are one of a kind and have all been used in a film or television production!  In addition to the items for sale, Its a Wrap displays many famous movie and TV posters and costumes making it a fun spot for the serious collector or the Sunday window shopper.

Secret Garden of San Marino - Huntington Gardens

Chinese Gardens at the Huntington Gardens in San Marino.

The Huntington Gardens are perhaps my favorite hideaway in Los Angeles, and a must see for tourists and locals alike.  The grounds include several themed gardens, including the newest Chinese garden (pictured above), a Japanese garden, Greek statues and fountains, rose and herb gardens, large sprawling lawns, and even an extensive desert garden which I highly recommend on a rainy day!  There is an interactive children's garden for the younger guests, or the young at heart, with interactive exhibits, fountains, tunnels, mist sprays, musical rocks and magnetic dust!  Annual passes are available, as well as one day admission, and the first Thursday of every month is free admission with reservation (call on the first day of the month before as tickets go fast!).  There are cafes on the grounds and picture taking is encouraged.  There are also several museums, a library with exhibit, and a tea room, all of which I will address in future blogs!