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!).