Category Archives: L(ocal) A(musement)

January 31, 2012 · 10:33 am

Follow The Golden Road (Brewery and Pub)

I actually didn’t follow the golden road to get to The Golden Road Pub, but instead I followed the yellow lights.

And by that I mean that when I got back from my Christmas break in the Midwest, I was on my way to one of our first softball games when I saw a building that looked a lot like a warehouse and was lit up with lots of lights.

“They must be filming something there,” I thought to myself.

Then the next day, I was driving the same route when I realized that this “warehouse” had the words The Golden Road Pub painted on the side.  Ummmm, A PUB?!  Literally a few blocks from my apartment?! In my neck of the woods?  I must research!

I did and what I found out was that this pub had just opened, it’s linked with Golden Road Brewing (which is right down the road), AND it was owned by Tony.  When I say Tony, I mean the Tony that owns Tony’s Darts Away (Burbank) and Mohawk Bend (Echo Park).  Tony’s restaurants are known for their cool atmosphere, declicious vegan and not-so-vegan treats, and BEER.  Lots and lots of beer.

We had to go…  So… WE DID!

Golden Road Pub
5410 West San Fernando Rd.
Los Angeles, CA
213-373-HOPS (4677)

Maybe Bry and I spent a little over 3 hours at The Golden Road. Feasting on their vegan* deliciousness and having three rounds of beers. We tried the IPA’s.  We tried the dark beers. We sat outside and enjoyed the summer like weather. We cheered with the rest of the staff and patrons when the metro went by. It was the perfect way to spend a Friday night.

The Metro WOOOOOO!

Vegan Meatballs served with Spicy Corn Bread

Vegan Portobello Mushroom Philly

Vegan Cheesy Potato Sandwich

Do I suggest you go to The Golden Road? YES! Has it possibly become my new favorite neighborhood hangout? DUH!  Actually, it may be our only neighborhood hangout.  But still! I’m not being bias.

LUV,
Britt

*We are not vegans or vegetarians. A lot of folks think we are because my posts mostly have to do with vegan or vegetarian restaurants. We just aren’t very big meat fans and are very lucky to live in a city that has amazing choices for those that don’t eat meat!

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January 26, 2012 · 11:18 am

Errands Can Be Fun! (With a Friend)

Errands can be quite tetious.  Especially in LA.  Traffic, parking, puke, barf.  But when you join a friend on her errands, they can be oh-so-fun!  My beautiful lady friend and I spent the whoooooole day together running around town getting her errands done and I thought “Hell!  Why not share this day with the whole world?!”

First, we started with her making me brunch.  HELLO!  Tempeh cooked in siracha, fried eggs, avocado, spinach, and herbs.  DA-LICIOUS.  I suggest trying it out yourself.  There isn’t even a recipe, just be creative and hopefully it will look like this:

Then after about 4 hours of chatting, we headed out for errands!

We went to the post office first. Rather unsuccessfully. Do you know how hard it is to send a package???? And the post office reminded us of the DMV: Long lines and disgruntled employees.  We left there without accomplishing our mission, but never fear! Our day of errands had just begun…

To Sunset Boulevard we went  to get her oil changed!  While they worked on her car we walked around, watched the sun set, and took in the street art.

After the oil change, my lady friend and I headed to WeHo. She was looking for a new set bag and was told she could find one at Koontz Hardware.

Koontz Hardware
8914 Santa Monica Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 652-0123

We could have stayed in this place all day! From all the kitchen supplies, to the extremely helpful and cheerful staff, to the adorable dogs roaming around, this place was the bees knees.

After a few hours of errands, we were hungry again. DUH. My lady friend said we MUST try her favorite organic vegan restaurant in Echo Park called Sage.

Sage Organic Vegan Bistro
1700 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 989-1718

OH.MY.GOODNESS. That’s basically how I describe Sage. And an “OH.MY.GOODNESS.” in a good way. I have eaten at a lot of good vegan restaurants because luckily living in LA, we get that luxury. But never a place that enticed my tastebuds and didn’t hurt my wallet as much as Sage. You would never know the food was meatless and dairyless.

We ordered the Succotash Fritters as an appetizer. Then I had the Soul Bowl (a bowl filled with roasted sweet potato, black beans, quinoa, okra, baby corn, sauteed kale, garlic polenta, horseradish and deep fried mac and cheese with pickled jalapeño cabbage) for my entree. HOLY MOLY. So many different tastes all in one! I forgot to snap a picture right when it came out, but hopefully this will do it a little justice.

Soul Bowl (half-eaten Soul Bowl, that is)

My lady friend got the Raw Tacos (walnut cranberry “meat”, harissa and sundried tomato cashew cheese, guacamole, pico de gallo, pineapple with chili rubbed jicama and micro greens) and I have to say, mine was delicious, but I wished I had orderd the tacos instead! The flavors… Sage is all about the flavors!

Raw Tacos (again, half-eaten...)

I can’t say enough good things about Sage. I understand now why my lady friend had been there 7 times in two weeks…

Well, all good days full of errands eventually have to come to an end. Why don’t you spice up your next day of errands and bring a friend? And maybe eat Sage for lunch or dinner? Or both!

LUV,
Britt

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January 24, 2012 · 10:01 am

Brunch, Magic, Softball: WEEKENDS

This weekend was full of a lot of new “things” and “experiences”.

I made a New Years Resolution to try and have girls brunch once a month.  As far as I can tell, it was a hit!  Scrumptious foods made with our own two hands, mimosas, coffee, catching up with ladies about their Christmas’ and their own New Years Resolutions. I tried making french toast for the first time. Then spiced it up by making it into french toast kabobs (with the help of my lovely new roommate). I found the idea on Pinterest, of course.

A Twist on an Old Favorite: French Toast Kabobs!

Saturday night now holds a top spot in “Brittany’s Five Greatest Moments of Her Life.” We finally got to go to The Magic Castle! It was a night full of MIND BLOWING magicians, painted pictures with eyes that moved, delicious food and drinks, and a piano played by a ghost named Irma. I requested Bad Romance by Lady Gaga. Irma did not disappoint.

If you don’t know much about The Magic Castle, here’s an easy way to explain it: A super secret club for magicians. Easy, right? It was such an awesome night and I have to say I saw one of the most FASCINATING magicians ever: Nathan Gibson. CHECK. HIM. OUT. We got to sit in the front row for his performance, so we got to be part of a lot of his magic tricks. I’m STILL scratching my head trying to figure out how he changed a 6 of Hearts I was holding in my hand to an Ace of Clubs… The world should never know!

Now, I’m guessing you want to go to The Magic Castle, right?! Here’s the kicker: As I mentioned before it’s a super secret club for magicians. So you must be a magician or be invited by a magician to get in. But don’t worry! It took me over three years, but I finally got the chance. Be patient and I’m sure your chance will come along as well.

Sunday night was my first official softball game with my Great Bambino’s! Jess and I are on a softball rec league in Burbank. We may not have won, but it’s still a good time and I’m very proud of my teamates! Even though I still don’t know half of their names… I also hit a ball… I COULDN’T BELIEVE IT.

The name on my jersey. PROUD.

PROOF THAT I HIT A BALL

Hope you all had a magical weekend as well! See what I did there?!

LUV,
Britt

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January 23, 2012 · 8:51 am

I did it!! Juicing-0 Mel-3!

So I finished! I completed my juicing cleanse!!!

(please excuse towel on my head, I just got out of the shower)

xo,

(didn’t starve once!) mel

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January 12, 2012 · 1:01 pm

A Day at the Beach: Venice Beach

People think that when you live in LA you spend most of your time at the beach.  Au contraire, mon cheri.  I have lived here for over 3 years now and I think I can count on all my fingers and toes how many times I’ve been to the beach.  Yes, it is lovely, but you learn qucikly that a weekend trip to the coast may take your money and sanity.  Parking can be costly and traffic can be atrocious.  So my secret to beach voyages?  Go to the beach on a weekday!  (Ah, the joys of freelance and having days off).

I hadn’t been to the beach in over six months, so Bry and I decided to venture to Venice this week.  I also had a BlackBoard Eats for a sushi place on Abott Kinney, so that may have had a little something to do with us venturing to the West Side…

If you haven’t been to Venice yet, I just have one question for you:  WHY?!?!

It does kind of freak a few people out.  From the homeless underground that wander the boardwalk, to the people in green encouraging you to get your medical marijuana card, to the Botox clinic on the beach (yep, it really exist).  Venice is quite eclectic and I think that’s what’s so wonderful about it!  Leave all your cares in the parking lot, pretty much anything goes at this beach!  And if you’ve seen I Love You, Man that’s a great depiction of the beach.  Don’t leave your dogs poo on the boardwalk!

My favorite part is the skateboard park.  We stood there for a good 30 minutes total watching these kids skate their hearts out.  Ok, another question:  Why aren’t any of them in school?!  Whatever, live your dreams, honies.

Skaters gonna skate

Swinging in Venice

Zoltar told my future

After enjoying the beach, we headed to Abott Kinney.  I would say I’m not hip enough for Abott Kinney, but I do love it!  And Bry fit right in with his thick rimmed glasses.  We went in and out of stores.  Drooled over kitchen appliances we could not afford.  It was wonderful.  Then to dinner!

Wabi-Sabi
1635 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90291
310-314-2229

Wabi-Sabi is a sushi place we had both never been too, but like I mentioned earlier, I had a Blackboard Eats code. You know how I am about my BBE! We also got there at Happy Hour (from 5:30-6:30) so we ordered a couple drinks and rolls from the HH menu. Oh man, their edamame?! WOO! We got the soy sauce edamame and it was so delicious! It put a little kick in the usual salted edamame. I also got ginger honey tea because I’ve been feeling under the weather and it was so flavorful, I could taste it through a stuffy nose! Sorry for the TMI… Back to the bill: Let’s just stay between BBE and Happy Hour, our bill went from $62 to $48! HELLO!

I have to say going to Venice and Abott Kinney on a Wednesday afternoon in January is the way to go. We had no trouble with parking at either location, didn’t have to wait for a table at dinner, and weren’t being pushed off sidewalks by crowds.

But if you work weekdays, try going early! I’ve also realized people in LA don’t like to get up early on the weekends… Yes, this is our lifestyle. And I love it.

LUV,
Britt

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January 11, 2012 · 9:13 am

LA essential restaurants, 4 in one week…90+ left!

Jonathan Gold has been writing for LA Weekly for over a decade.  His niche?  FOOD.  Food, food, and more food.  From best dishes, to restaurant reviews, to my favorite, Jonathan Gold’s 99 Essential LA Restaurants.

Now,  I would never call myself a foodie.  Frankly I think the phrase is a bit silly.  I would rather say gurlwhoenjoysgoodfoodandsometimestriescrazythingsIsaidsometimes.  Yea, that sounds about right.

This past week we had a friend in town who LOVES to eat good food.  But then again, he probably wouldn’t be my friend if he LOVED to eat bad food, am I right!? ha… eghhmm… haha… oook. Anyways.  His vacation meant a few things, a lot of drinking, and a LOT of going out to eat.  And where did Jeffery want to go? A LAUNDRY LIST OF RESTAURANTS ON JONATHAN GOLD’S LIST!!!

Due to a slight cold, and well being some what financially intelligent, I limited my restaurants to only 4, which is still a good amount.  But if I want to try and reach all 99 restaurants, I better step it up.

Restaurant #1:

Guelaguetza: Auténtica comida Oaxaqueña

Authentic, delicious, a great kick off to my week of essential restaurant feasts.  Chicharrones, mole, enchiladas, champurrado….my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Food was too good to stop and take a pic. Picture courtesy of Guelaguetza.

Restaurant #2:

Red Medicine: Modern. Local. Vietnamese.

Brussel Sprouts.  If you go and get one thing.  Have it be the brussel sprouts.  Don’t believe me?  Well how does, a guy at a different table came up to us and TOLD us we MUST try the brussel sprouts sound?  Grant it he knew one of the guys at our table.  Whatever. Brussel Sprouts.  That’s where its at.  Oh, and the BÁNH MI.

Brussel Sprouts. Picture courtesy of Darin Dines.

BÁNH MI. Picture courtesy of Flicker.

Restaurant #3:

The Gorbals: It is simply The Gorbals

This is where much of my experimenting came to play.  Usually I steer away from what I like to call “squishies.”  Animal fat/skin, oysters, etc…. not that night!  What she order?….fish fillet foie gras and squid and TONGUE.  Sooo outside of my comfort zone.  But, I realized, I LOVE squid!  And tongue, cooked in a way to NOT feel the taste buds, is delish! And foie gras… yea… I’m 2 for 3, we’ll give that one another try later on in life.

Bacon wrapped Matzoh Balls. Picture courtesy of Flicker

Beef tongue. Picture courtesy of Flicker

Foie gras. Picture courtesy of Flicker

Restaurant #4:

Lazy Ox Canteen: Philosophy is simple, our execution anything but…

This place was offered on Black Board Eats, and us LA Queen Pins, LOVE BBE.  So Lazy Ox on BBE, and the 99 essential list?! SOLD!  We went for Brunch and can’t wait to go back for dinner.  By far my favorite dish, Green Barley Salad, the perfect mix of cucumbers, barley and feta.

Green Barley Salad. Picture courtesy of Yelp.

There are a small handful of other restaurants I have hit up from this list prior to this past week.  But there are still a LOT more…. anyone need a date? :)

xo,

mel

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January 9, 2012 · 10:21 am

Dear Devon Sawa

Dear Devon (I can call you that right? I feel like we are on that level),

I just found your letter from so long ago.

I just wanted you to know I’m sorry I never wrote back. I NEVER forgot you. EVER. It still hurts me that we lost touch over the years. Just wanted to say “Sup” and hope we can rekindle the flame. I’m in LA now. How about a coffee?

Sweet salty kisses,
Britt

PS, Are gold pens expensive? Been thinking about getting one myself.

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January 5, 2012 · 12:44 pm

Riding in the car with Me(l):Nail Polish Chippings

Ever since I was a little girl I have bit my nails. I’ve tried every trick in the book to stop. I’ve rubbed tabasco sauce on them; only made me love spicy food. I’ve tried wearing mittens; only made my hands sweat. I’ve lost hope. Short nails were just going to be my thing. I needed to move on. Until I came across nail polish. LIFE CHANGER!

With nail polish, I didn’t want to bite my nails, I didn’t want to ruin the masterpiece that had been painted on them. I needed those bad boys to grow and be shown off! I needed and wanted long nails. That idea lasted for about 3 days…

Flash forward to present day as I am pulling into the gas station biting and chipping my red polished nails. I usually find myself nail-biting when I am stressed, have something on my mind, or anxious. Apparently I am in one of those current states. Who knows.

bite. chip. bite.

pump gas.

hand sanitizer.

I walk up and go in to pay for my gas and that’s when I notice Steve (I don’t know his name, nor does he look like a Steve, but Steve the gas attendant sounds cool) giving me a strange look. Not the kind of strange look that he often gives, but one of concern. I take that look as, I am concerned that you may look TOO good today. Oh well…Back to the car, back to the nail chipping.

But as I continued my trek into Hollywood I couldn’t stop thinking about Steve . Steve, what was with that look? Why didn’t you offer me a lotto ticket like you always do? Why was our encounter…uncomfortable!? STEEEEEVVVVVEEE!!!

I open up the mirror on the sun visor and there is it. The reason for Steve’s look. The reason things were different between me and that gas attendant that fine morning. A mirror never lies, and there it was. Blood Red nail polish chippings all over my face. Lips, cheeks, nose, jaw; everywhere. I looked like a cannibal. Like a rebellious vegetarian. Like Patrick Bateman but with out the protective rain coat. I looked like a MONSTER.

OMG what

Oh man… yup. That was on my face….

So maybe all I needed to do was brush some of the chippings off. And maybe I didn’t look like a monster. And perhaps Hannibal Lector can keep his title. Ok, so all I DID have to do was brush off some red nail polish chippings.

Whatever. I need to stop going to that gas station and need to check the mirror more often.

xo,

mel

p.s. I guess I could work on not biting my nails too…

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January 4, 2012 · 9:08 am

resolutions shmedolutions…we all do ‘em

Every year I always set out to make some new year resolutions.  And for the most part, they never ALL happen.  This year I am taking my chances on my vision board.  (I always thought of myself as a visual learner) If you build it, they will come succeed in their resolutions.  (egghh I tried)  I gave myself a week to complete it, because well, being on time for things was NOT one of my new years resolutions.

But as I am slowly but surely compiling this board, I start to think, what is it exactly that I want from this next year?  What will I set out to accomplish AND succeed in doing?  I have seen resolutions like, work out everyday for at least an hour.  <– Guarantee this is my friend that gains 4 pounds.  Don’t touch another simple carb.  Adopt a child in Uganda.  Stop watching Jersey Shore.  Start watching Jersey Shore.  Shave my legs at least 2 times a week.  Convince my boyfriend that au-natural is the way to go and get him back.   And the list continues…

So this year, I have created realistic resolutions for myself.  Not for the good of my apartment complex, not for my mom’s friend at work, and def not for my nosey aunt.  (Aunts reading this, I am not referring to you)  Resolutions are made to make yourself feel good; no one feels good come mid Feb when they are chowing down on a baguette while watching Jersey Shore and sending take me back emails to their ex.

Mel’s 2012 New Year Resolutions:

-Show more love to LAQP.  I was a journalism major and I love writing, whats up with the neglect?! Damn you full-time job!

-Take it easy on blaming my full-time job for my lack of LAQP writing. :/

-Cook and bake more.

-Become more religious.  I’ve always said its good to have faith in something.  What ever, who ever, where ever makes you happy.

-Acknowledge the fact that work is not always everything.  But also, don’t slack.

-Invest time in relationships.

-Travel.  Actually enjoy the fruits of my labor.

-Put my phone away during meals.  It makes me look like I have something more important to do, and I guarantee you I don’t.

-Put more forth in meme’s.

-Get to know my city better.

What are YOUR new year resolutions and how will you make sure you accomplish them?

So much to do so little time (a year)

xo,

mel

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January 2, 2012 · 10:03 am

2011 vs. 2012

This past year has been an amazing…adventure.

Adventure:

-n 1. a risky undertaking of unknown outcome

-v 1. to dare to go or enter

We (I) jumped in and out of relationships, projects, jobs; we (I) could have failed or strived.  We (I) dared to push our comfort zones and dove in head first with full hearts; regardless of outcomes.  We (I) left with laughter, with tears, with acceptance and with hope.

There are absolutely no complaints about 2011.  Within this past year I have been able to determine my strengths and weaknesses.  Surround myself by people that strive to excel as I do.  Friendships have grown stronger and life in LA has gotten sweeter and sweeter as the years go by.  No complaints for 2011.  Complaining would be selfish to all the wonderful moments had.

We rang in the new year with good food, good drinks, good company and good times.  Will 2012 be better?  Who knows… I guess we will have to wait til next new years.  But I will say that 2011 left some pretty big shoes to fill…

xo,

mel

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