The Hungry Traveler

The second part of my west coast adventure started at SEA-TAC where I was upgraded to 1st class on my flight to LAX.  Let me give a huge shout-out to Alaska Airlines.   Alaska Airlines must put their employees through the Trader Joe’s training program because they are so pleasant and enthusiastic.  I travel a lot and when possible, I like to fly on Alaska Airlines because of 2 things.  (1) If you check in early and it’s available, you can normally upgrade to 1st class for a small fee; and (2) even if you are not in 1st class you are treated very well by polite and helpful employees.   Alaska Airlines did not pay for this endorsement, but hey, if they want to sponsor some of my trips, contact me!

The flight down from Seattle was perfect, it started with a Vodka Tonic (one of my favorites) and I had a grilled portabella mushroom, tomato, basil sandwich on a perfect bun that was warm and chewy inside with just a bit of crunch on the outside.  A side of rice with mixed vegetables and the little extra dark chocolate dessert was sweet and delicate.  A perfect meal for a 2 hour flight.

Landing at LAX was quick and getting to the curb for a pickup by my normal PershMan transport was seamless.  I immediately headed out to the 405 where I was met with a parking lot full of cars and it took about 2 hours to make a trip that would normally be 30 minutes.  If you drive in LA, you just get used to the traffic.  For dinner that evening I settled on a trendy little place called Townhouse, which is located at the Sherman Oaks Galleria.  Decent food but bad service.  Go for a drink and some appetizers and leave it at that.

Hungry Traveler Grilled Chicken

The next day we opted to have a BBQ and several friends came over to enjoy the pool and some Jimmy Stewart BBQ!  I love to cook and I’ve been working the grill since I was about 10.  Sides of fresh vegetables and several margaritas made the evening fun, however, Rick Kunkler was there most of the evening and he made the conversations just flat out funny.  A big shout out to Rick for laughing at my almost funny jokes!

The Biker Breakfast

Before heading to the airport one last stop was in order, Rock Store, for a healthy breakfast.  This is a way, way, out of the way biker hang out that is probably one of the world’s most famous.   Granted it was a bit cheesy showing up in a black car, but hey, the Hungry Traveler needs to eat!  There is nothing more authentic than Rock Store for home style cooking like your grandmother makes.  Located on Mulholland highway between Malibu and Calabasas, go there and grab a bite to eat and watch out for bike riding celebs all day long.  Take it from me, it is better to show up on a bike otherwise drive down a bit and walk up.  For breakfast, order the “biker special”.