Los Angeles
Palm @ The Grove
Trippin.'
Los Angeles is one global metropolis, packed with a thousand cultures and a clash of customs. Truly the epicenter of mayhems and extremes. But, if you want full access to the world all within walking distance, LA is the place for you.
The perfect antidote for unemployment's inevitable mind numbing bores is to get out of town! We're scheduled to be in San Diego for the weekend, but not before a quick trip to LA for G's work. Naturally, I tagged along with him. Partly so that we can go to San Diego together right after LA, but mostly to see Michelle Branch perform at The Grove.
LA is a frustrating city to be in, what with all the traffic and non protected left turns enough to drive one nuts. But what it lacks in congested insanity, it more than makes up in food. From the infamous Pink's Hot Dogs to Diddy Riese's ice cream sandwiches, but th
Pink's Hot Dogs-- the Ozzy, Chili Cheese and Onion Rings!
In search of the world's best tacos
Only in LA would we chase down a taco truck in an attempt to satisfy our curiosity, and our taste buds. We never made it to one in time but you know G-- he didn't give up. Tip-- 3pm is when they wrap up and go, however, food runs out far in advance so aim for no later than 2pm. On our last night we met up with some friends at the Alibi Room where they serve Korean tacos, quesadilla and sliders and let me tell you, it was worth all the trouble chasing a truck around town during our 3 days stay. If you've never had one, you're in for a surprise; not your typical Mexican tacos, though maybe only in appearance, the taste is worldly another. When I tell you it's the best taco you'll ever have-- not just Korean style, but ever-- I'm as serious as LA traffic.
Alibi Room, 12236 Washington Blvd, tel: 310 390 9300
Ranting note-- I hate LA and their waiting in line for food! No matter where you go, or what time of the day it is, there is a ridiculous waiting line. Stupid lines cost me my chance at having what my friend claims to be the best Ramen noodles ever! Just shy of 1000 Yelp reviews, leave extra time, about an hour, at any time on any day, for Daikokuya. And let me know how it turns out.
Sleeping: Renaissance in Hollywood- When a tourist? Just behind the Chinese Theatre and Hollywood Walk of Fame. A short drive to Rodeo Dr and Robertson Blvd and other major attractions. Right off the 101.
Eating: Griddle Cafe, 7916 Sunset Blvd, tel: 323 874 0377, order the "single" portioned control, over sized Banana Nana and Mom's French Toast. And ask for a side of Nutella. More than enough for two.
A Must: Seek out a Kogi Korean BBQ taco truck and see for yourself what all the fuss is about. If you happen to miss one, all is not lost-- Alibi room.
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Las Vegas
9 - 10 May : The Gratitude Cafe
Jason Mraz Concert
Trippin'.
The word "gratitude" is defined as "the notion or feeling of being grateful or thankful." Secondarily, as "a quality of life". This is the part of our lives we're making the most improvement on and hope to continue to do so. It's trips like this, spontaneous and out of the blue, that we're grateful to have free rein and the the opportunity to carpe diem. Life's too short to be work consumed and tied down by financial constraints. Financial excuses such as "I can't afford it" only prevents us from great experiences. So we forgo that excuse, out the window, a long time ago. After all, what are credit cards for? Charge it to life!
Since we missed Jason Mraz at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, we weren't sure when, if at all, he would return to the Bay Area (He was scheduled to tour Europe for the next 3 months). Until, last minute, he announced he'll be playing in Vegas! So we booked it, simple as that. An opportunity out of town? Way ahead of you-- Yelp! What can I say, we like to eat. This was also a great time for us to play around with G's new Nikon D90. It's too bad I forgot the manual but we're learning as we go. I'm determine this summer to read up on it before we take a big trip so as to not miss out on capturing the moment.
Food. Ichiza is a quirky little joint off the Strip in Chinatown. Yelp this! Since my brother's a regular, he ordered for us which was great because we would have never thought to order yellowtail collar or cow liver or any other sort of "bizarre foods". All I have to say is,
"Andrew Zimmern, eat your heart out!" Best buffet on the Strip by far-- Spice Market. It's got everything and it's cheaper than your Bellagio's of the Strip. Another highlight of the trip for me in particular was getting a personal tour of Bouchon restaurant, where my brother is a Chef. You can say it's a proud moment for the older sister to see how much her younger brother has progressed and grown. To sum it up. Total gratification.
Sleeping: Mirage Hotel & Casino. Great budget hotel on the Strip for those spur of the moment trips to Vegas.
Eating: You haven't had Japanese until you've dined at Ichiza, 4355 Spring Mountain Rd, tel: 702 367 3151.
Ultimate Experience: Ever seen what it takes behind the scenes to put out a 5 star dining experience? You can if you ask for a tour of Bouchon restaurant inside the Venetian.
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Pismo Beach
28 - 29 March : ATV & Anniversary
Weekend in SLO and ATVing in Pismo
Trippin'.
Flash back 5 years and let's take a walk down memory lane. It was 5 years ago to the day when G took me to a Chinese restaurant in Berkeley and requested the waiter to bring out his custom made fortune cookies at the end of our meal instead of dessert. After a nibble of the cookie, G reminded me to read my fortune. The fortune inside the cookie says, "Q, you are the greatest fortune anybody could have. Will you be my girlfriend?"
Flash forward 5 years later? I get wood (haha). Apparently the traditional gift to get for a 5 year anniversary is something made out of wood. Wooden carved out letters of a "G" and "Q" rolling on wheels like a choo choo train which he bought a year after we got together but somehow got 
"misplaced" in his mess of a closet and miraculously reappeared just in time for our 5 year.. coincidence?!
Food. Lunch was at the Firestone Grill, courtesy of Yelp, and it was finger- licking good. Of course when in SLO we couldn't pass up the opportunity to see the famous Madonna Inn. True to its reputation, this place is a cross between Alice in Wonderland and the color pink. Dinner at Marisol was less than mediocre. The Honeymoon Cafe is perfect for a light pick- me- upper breakfast and the Chai tea was mouth- watering good. We saved room for some cinnamon rolls drenched in cream cheese frostings at Old West Cinnamon Rolls.
We celebrated with a weekend getaway to SLO and Pismo Beach for some good ole' ATVing. 
ATV was a bit intimidating at first. And rightfully so because halfway through the dunes, I got stuck midway up a hill and on the verge of flipping over. G spent a good amount of time trying to get it unstuck. Distaster avoided and we had a blast! On our way back, we stopped in Morro Bay where G spent countless times taking pictures of, can you believe it, squirrels. Before heading home, we had some fish n' chips at Giovanni's. Avoid the oysters. Another memorable anniversary to put in the books.
Sleeping: Sandcastle Inn. Right on the beachfront and central downtown Pismo.
Eat This: The Splash Cafe
Not That: Madonna Inn's pink champagne cake.
Activity: BJ's ATV rental and accessories center. Make sure to bring either goggles or sunglasses as well as a scarf/ bandana to cover face.
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