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”.

Recently my travels took me to Seattle and having been there a few times before I wanted to explore a bit, which lead me to the realization that Portland is only 2 hours south!  Note to readers: I have been to Vancouver BC several times and decided Portland would be a good investment of time on this trip.

Photo courtesy of Cactus website

The DoubleTree hotel in SeaTac near the airport would be my hub for a few days because I was very fortunate to get a last minute deal there using the Priceline Negotiator at $65.00 a night (about half off).   After checking in I asked about a local place that is both unique and trendy and the suggestion was West Seattle, Cactus on Alki.  This is a true beach town with a lot of people walking around, enjoying the water and sunset, and just having a good time.  They make fantastic margaritas and I’d suggest the Baja and ask them to add an extra jalapeno to spice it up a bit more.  Try the butternut squash enchiladas, very unique.  The locals can be distant at first to visitors but after a while, they warmed up to me.  One in particular, Jimmy, who is a fellow foodie, was most helpful in recommending several downtown locations for future visits. 

After a good nights sleep and a speaking engagement the next day I headed south to Portland where I arived within 2 hours.  Traffic at the 5:00 PM hour is brutal in downtown but clears up quickly.  If you are driving from Seattle, take the I-5 South, merge to the local I-405 Loop and take the Couch Street Exit, turn left at Couch Street and find parking anywhere along the next several blocks.  This is the hip little area of Portland where you’ll find Blue Plate as well as Voodoo Donuts.  I stopped in at Voodoo and stood in line for about 20 minutes to get a Maple Bacon and Old Dirty Bastard, both would have only be perfected by having a glass of milk.

Photo courtesy of Bob Hoever

This visit to Portland was fun because I got to hang out with a friend from Alexandria VA who happened to be visiting Portland and I finished the evening with a visit to Sandfords Bar and Grill just south of Portland’s downtown to meet up with an old friend who I hadn’t seen in 15 years. 

Make the trip to the pacific northwest and check out Seattle and Portland, two great destinations.

The Skyline View at the Roosevelt Hotel

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.

Warm Olive Plate at The Bridge

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.

View from The Bridge at Hotel Roosevelt

Dark and Stormy

The Dark and Stormy is one of my favorite beverages to make at home because it is so easy.  The drink has a rich history and Goslings Black Seal Rum is the original rum used in this drink.  Goslings also  makes a fantastic Ginger Beer and combining the two makes a perfect “Dark ‘n Stormy®”.  Yes, Goslings has trademarked the term Dark n’ Stormy®. 

Not everyone has access to Goslings rum or ginger beer and in fact, neither do I so I use my favorite dark rum, Barbancourt 8 year and a Trader Joe’s ginger beer to maky my dark and stormy.   Caution, if you don’t like the taste of ginger, you probably won’t like a Dark and Stormy.

To make pour 1 1/2 oz dark rum in a high ball or tumbler glass filled with ice and top off with ginger beer, sip and enjoy.

I don’t really love eating with my hands but if I’m at Majet, then yes, I love it.  Majet is a little Ethiopian restaurant just a few doors down from the popular Dukem, which I’ll pass by any day to get to Majet.  This little owner operated restaurant is a hangout for the locals, typically has a soccer game on the TV and serves some of the best beef tips I’ve ever had.  If you walk in and it is crowded, give it a few minutes as the tables turn pretty quickly.  If you walk in and it is empty, give it a few minutes as it will be at capacity. 

I typically don’t go to Ethiopian restaurants without an expert and for that I turn to my good friend Zewdi.  She speaks the language, knows what is hot and what is really hot on the menu (which is important to some), and she makes the best Doro I’ve had the pleasure of eating.  She is herself an expert of this fantastic cuisine. 

On my most recent trip, I went with 4 other friends.  The 5 of us split some beef tips, the vegetarian platter, and one of my favorites, Kitfo.  Kitfo is sometimes raw and sometimes lightly cooked steak tartar seasoned with spicy chili powder and herbed butter sauce.    We all ate happily (with our hands), shared some great conversation and when the check came fought over who should pay the $45.00 bill.  

If you are in Washington DC, in the U Street Corridor and don’t want to eat another half smoked from Ben’s Chili Bowl, walk down another block a few doors past Dukem and have a great, inexpensive meal at Majet. 

Majet Beef Tips - Photo courtesy of Julia Brault

Brunch Platter - Click image to enlarge

When  traveling I often do brunch on weekends so I can sample both lunch and breakfast in one shot.  But when I’m at home, I often go for the quick yogurt and fruit then hit the street.  However, about once a month, my wife and I put together a nice brunch platter and spend a few hours together sharing stories we’ve read in our magazines.  

The platter on the right consists of smoked salmon, sliced tomatoes, chopped red onions, fresh basil leaves, fresh dill, cucumber slices, strawberries, blueberries, toasted bagles, juice, champagne, and not shown organic cream cheese with chives.  Enjoy!

A close friend who I’ve known for over 8 years had only heard other friends talk of the cake.  So a few weeks ago when she was having a dinner party featuring Ethiopian food, she invited me only on condition I bring the carrot cake.  One of the guest’s comment:  “thought you should know that the awesomeness will never be forgotten:)”.   I’ve also had requests from Canada and as far away as Argentina. 

So the moral here is, learn to do something you love, do it well, give it to others and if you are like me, keep the secret to yourself, i.e., no recipe provided because this is my special something!

Vancouver, BC is one of my favorite destinations in the world.  I’ve never been to a place where the people are more friendly and speak my native language, English.  The city is a walking city and getting to Granville Island is fun in the little Tommy The Tug Boat ferries.  But downtown Vancouver is more than shopping on Robson, Granville Island, and the Steam Clock.  There are several islands just a ferry ride away that are well worth the visit if your stay is longer than 3 days.  Victoria is probably one of the more popular options but on my most recent trip, I was headed to Pender Island to a little resort called Poet’s Cove.

To catch a ferry from Vancouver, you have about a 45 minute drive outside of the city so plan accordingly.  If you go by car, you need to arrive a few hours early to get in line.  Don’t be late because even with a reservation, if the ferry fills up, your car won’t get on as found out by one of the parties in our group.  I fortunately was a walk-on with several other people.  For the walk-on, you can get there about 15 minutes early and be OK.  The trip is just over 2 hours and you make a few stops at other islands before arriving at  Pender.  If you are walking, make sure to call ahead for a pick up as there are very few taxis on the islands.  Several of us were picked up by the resort for a small fee.  It was about a 20 minute ride from the ferry landing to the resort.  On the drive we saw several deer, other wild life, and roadside flowers for sale on the “honor system”.

The Poet’s Cove  resort is a self contained wonderland.  The architecture is arts and craft bungalow, which I love.  There is a full service Spa, sports pub, and restaurant.  There are 2 pools, one for adults and one for families.  You have options to stay in a room in the main building, rent a 2 bedroom bungalow (which is more a like a town home), or go full out and get a three bedroom cottage.  Both the bungalow and cottage come with full service kitchens, multiple bathrooms, living and dinning areas, patios with BBQ’s and the cottages come with their own hot tubs.  We stayed in a bungalow and hosted a few BBQ’s during our stay.  The restaurant and pub serve some really tasty food and if you don’t plan to cook yourself will definitely meet your expectations.  Avid boaters know that Poet’s Cove is also the US Customs check-in point for entering the U.S. from Canada.

On Saturdays there is a farmers market that is worth a visit, about a 10 minute drive from the resort.  There is also a small cluster of stores where you can pick up supplies, groceries, and most importantly a liquor store that has a great selection of west coast reds.

Vancouver is a great city that I highly recommend.  If you are a snow skier, there is Whistler, if you are a fisherman, there are ample options, and if you are a foodie, you won’t be disappointed in the options from sushi, Greek, Italian, and French.  Let me know your favorite places in Vancouver even if it is a JapaDog truck.