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.

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”.

Most people I know who have never been to LA don’t want to go.  That is like saying you hate the taste of Coffee but have never had a cup.  LA has so much to offer I encourage everyone to make the trek to LA LA Land and check it out.  Get a hotel somewhere on a Metro Line and get out and about and see the stars or the palm trees. 

On my most recent trip (Aug 20-25) I revisited places I had great culinary experiences in the past and one new one that I’d avoid in the future.   

My first stop was at Cecil’s California Ribs, which is a BBQ joint on Ventura Blvd in the Sherman Oaks section of LA.  For those of a certain age, Sherman Oaks is where the Brady Bunch lived and you still see houses like theirs.  Cecil’s offers a more healthy version of BBQ without the sloppy fat or saturated fried foods here (fries being the only necessary exception).  For example, I had the Beef Tip Tacos, which were medium slices of beef tenderloin with a smoky flavor paired with a chutney of tomatoes, onions, peppers, spices with lettuce and a few small tortillas.  It is one of those meals that if you are hungry you want more but after you finish, you are satisfied. 

Another stop on my trip took me to LA Live in downtown.  LA Live consists of several restaurants/clubs and is a great place to hang out if you are attending a conference at the LA Convention Center.  I went to the Conga Room one evening and unfortunately could not recommend this place.  Although I had a good time and got taught the Samba by a professional dancer from Miami as my guide, the food was difficult to eat, not much flavor, and just bad.  I love latin cuisine and had high hopes for this place, but Miami it is not so go to the ESPN Zone or Lucky Strike because you will have a consistently good meal that is editable.

My last stop took me to the famed Roosevelt Hotel where I’ve been on a few times and would recommend to anyone visiting Hollywood.  This hotel is a bit of a maze inside but joe public can walk right in, ask for directions to the pool, and head out to the typical Hollywood scene.  You may see models, rock stars, and actors (I saw Adam Goldberg on this visit) and the prices are reasonable.  Have a drink at the Tropicana Bar near the pool.  I recommend the Ginger Smash, 10 Cane Rum, Lime, Ginger, and a splash of Giner Ale.  It’s not a Dark and Stormy but it is good! 

Head up stairs to The Bridge for dinner.  The food and service will always exceed your expectations and is a wonderful place to see and be seen, which can be a lot of fun.  The warm plate of olives is a great value at $4.00 and is enough for 4-6 people, the toast topped with wild mushrooms will be unforgettable (3 pieces), and I enjoyed the prime rib, cooked perfectly with a bone marrow butter sauce. For wine I had a glass of the 1975 2007 Cabernet. This is not an expensive place to eat at just under $100.00 for three people and that included a few drinks however, the view is priceless!  Enjoy.