What’s your favorite cheat meal?
Be sure to visit this fun & interactive museum that is here until February 1st.
Every so often, I enjoy playing "Tourist" in my own city. By that, I mean I take the day "off" of work to pretend I am a tourist in Los Angeles.
I am always stunned to find that despite living in Los Angeles for almost 30 years, there are places, restaurants, and attractions I have yet to experience!
Yesterday, I visited the Grand Central Market in Los Angeles. This is a hidden gem tucked in the middle of the jewelry district.
I would highly recommend all the foodies out there to make it a priority to visit. Visiting this attraction just reminds me in fact, how culturally diverse Los Angeles is! You have the option to try Thai, Mexican, Middle Eastern, and Italian to name the few in one place!
There's delicious coffee, a beer garden, spices, and even candy to purchase! You can learn more about the Grand Central Market here.
We ended our day visiting the beautiful Vista Hermosa National Park that I shared on my website a few months ago. You can learn all about the hidden park in L.A. here.
We're so privledged to live in L.A. that it is easy to take it for granted. I enjoy pretending I am a tourist every now and then so I can remember how lucky we truly are.
This small park honors Army soldiers Cpl. Joseph Anzack, Jr., 20, Cpl. Micah S. Gifford, 27, and Capt. Matthew C. Ferrara, 24.
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes provides goats in specific, enclosed areas to provide natural brush clearance for wildfire safety.
Residents of the area can find them throughout different areas and are welcome to feed them through the fence.
Have you visited the goats yet?
It's been some time that I've been able to play Tourist in my own city. Today, that changed.
My cousin, Kaynaz and I were guests at LA's HOTTEST museum which is currently sold out. The Museum of Icecream is the latest trend, where hipsters, kids, and everyday folks can be a kid again.
As read on the website, the goal of the museum is to allow one to be a kid again. A place where "Ideas are transformed into real life experiences. A place where flavors are mysteries, toppings are toys and sprinkles make the world a better place."
There is no denying the positive energy flowing throughout the museum. I told my cousin that I have never seen a place where people willingly help one another take photos, express happiness, and laughter.
Everyone, from staff to the visitors are on the same page: take the greatest photo imaginable to share.
There are several rooms in the museum that are separated by hallways. Of the many rooms, my favorite was a green, mint room. In this room, a friendly man was offering mochi ice cream with mint chocolate chip ice cream. Delish!
Another fun room is the SPRINKLE pool. One cannot help but jump in and play!
Of the many museums I have been fortunate to visit, this was truly on the top of the list. I rated this museum a 10 out of 10 for bringing out the child in us, a friendly staff and exquisite pieces.
They say Disneyland is the happiest place on earth, but I beg to differ.
The Museum of Icecream is the HAPPIEST place on earth!
According to History.com, Cinco de Mayo—or the fifth of May—is a holiday commemorating the date of the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867). A relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations.
In honor of this holiday, I am sharing my TOP 5 favorite Mexican restaurants in the South Bay.
CASA PLAYA
Relaxed, counter-serve eatery dishing up Mexican classics, including burritos, tacos & tortas.
1903 S Catalina Ave, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 791-2272
ORTEGA 120
Creative, contemporary Mexican dishes are served in a down-to-earth, art-filled dining room.
1814 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 792-4120
EL TORITO
Mexican chain featuring burritos, fajitas & a tequila bar in an informal setting.
100 Fishermans Wharf, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 376-0547
THE ORIGINAL RED ONION
Since-1967 Mexican eatery dealing in tacos, enchiladas & drinks plus breakfast in rustic house digs.
736 Bart Earle Way, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
(310) 377-5660
CORAZON
767 Deep Valley Dr, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
(310) 377-0580
If you're anything like me and love your dogs as much as I do, then you can agree that you want to take them everywhere with you!
To ease your troubles, I have shared below a few local restaurants in the South Bay that allow dogs to enjoy a meal with their families at their outdoor tables.
Hooray!
Greenbelt
36 Pier Ave.
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Rock and Brews
6300 Pacific Coast Hwy
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Islands
2647 Pacific Coast Hwy
Torrance, CA 90505
Lazy Dog Café
3525 W. Carson Street
Torrance, CA, US 90503
Scardino's Italian Restaurant
4803 Torrance Blvd
Torrance, CA, US
In-N-Out
20150 Hawthorne Blvd
Torrance, CA 90503
&
24445 Crenshaw Blvd
Torrance, CA 90505
Ra Sushi
3525 Carson St
Torrance, CA 90503
Five Guys Burgers and Fries
23240 Hawthorne Blvd
Torrance, CA 90505
California Pizza Kitchen
1815 Hawthorne Blvd
Redondo Beach, CA, US 90278
Nelson's
100 Terranea Way
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, US 90275=
Gum Tree
238 Pier Ave
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Please be sure to verify in advance by calling your restaurant of choice!
The Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department's annual Family Halloween Carnival is held every October at Manhattan Heights Community Center located at 1600 Manhattan Beach Boulevard. The event is designed for children ages 2 to 13. Children under the age of 5 years old must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Past carnivals have included face painting, haunted house, food and game booths, and much, much more! All game booths are constructed by children in the After School REC Program and the haunted house is constructed and staffed by Teen Center staff and their teens. Download a copy of the Halloween Carnival flyer (PDF). Events, attractions, and costs are subject to change without notice.
Costume Contest and Parade 12:00 PM
Costume Categories
Individual
5 and under
6 to 7
8 to 9
10 to 12
Siblings
Parent and Child
Prize Categories
Most Original
Scariest
Judges Choice
Carnival Booths $0.50 to $2.00
The carnival booth are games are made by the participants of the After School REC and Teen Center. Booths will be closed during the costume parade. Tickets are required.
Haunted House $1.00
Haunted house is $1 sponsored by the Teen Center. Haunted house will be closed during the costume parade. Tickets are required.
3,000 Push Up Challenge Free
One of the mission statements of the Parks and Recreation Department is to "Promote Health and Wellness." To help instill that in our participants and promote that philosophy, we would like you to take the challenge and help us reach a NEW push up goal on the day of the carnival!
Inflatable Jumpers $0.50
Tickets are required.
Food Stand $1.00 to $2.00
Pizza (pepperoni/cheese), water, juice, chips, granola bars, cotton candy, and popcorn. Tickets are required.
Face Painting Price TBA
Information
Tickets will be sold at the Information Booth. Each ticket costs $0.50. Bills over $20.00 will not be accepted.
For more information or to volunteer for this event, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (310) 802-5448.
Below are some Los Angeles and South Bay local dog-friendly breweries.
If you know of any that I missed, feel free to share in the comment section below.
Monkish Brewing Co.
20311 S. Western Ave.
Torrance, CA 90501
Beachwood Brewing & BBQ
210 E. 3rd St.
Long Beach, CA 90802
Beer Belly
532 S. Western Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90020
Smog City Brewing Co
1901 Del Amo Blvd
Ste B
Torrance, CA 90501
The Dudes’ Brewing
1840 W 208th St
Torrance, CA 90501
Strand Brewing
2201 Dominguez St
Torrance, CA 90501
Absolution Brewing
2878 Columbia St
Torrance, CA 90503
Brouwerij West
110 E 22nd St
Warehouse No. 9
Los Angeles, CA 90731
