Curious Palate: The Ginger Scone

So in Australia a scone is more like a biscuit and you eat it with jam and cream. Here a scone is something else and at The Curious Palate it is something else again. They’ve managed to take what can often be a dry uninteresting lump of sugary dough and turn it into something light and delicious and completely more-ish. Oh, and they have great salads, sandwiches and soups. The letdown? Service can be insanely slow. And the coffee pretty much sucks. The last soy latte I had there was truly watery. Such a shame…but the ginger scone. Mmmmm.

Cerentha

Image via Smart Life Ways.

Machu Picchu or Culver City?

I had heard there was a fairly new set of stairs in Culver City where you could work-out.   You know, like the Santa Monica stairs. But nothing could have prepared me for the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook stairs.  They make Santa Monica’s feel like an escalator – and they’re ancient looking – like an Incan Ruin. Is there Machu Picchu at the top or just an incredible view of Culver City stretching out to the ocean?  Let me just say this once, this is one of the hardest work-outs I have ever done.  These stairs kick your butt.  Go early because they get crowded. Take some tips from the locals: climb up the stairs then either come down the fire road or the hiking path, then up again for another torturous set. Rinse and repeat.

Ruth

Casa Sanchez

Had a hilarious night at Casa Sanchez with the kids. I had no idea they had a mariachi band. And it’s not just any old band There are 10 of them, 4 violins and two dancers (lots of sequins). So much fun and such a surprise. And the chicken mole was delicious. Drawbacks? It was very loud, impossible to talk, margaritas were weak and the rest of the food may not be as fab as the mole. Although Brian’s chicken enchiladas were very tasty. The kids ate chicken nuggets and a passable cheese quesadilla.  (Image via Left on Red)
Cerentha

Venice Beach Wines

If ever my husband and I want to stop off somewhere on our way to a movie say, or meet friends for a late dinner – there is one divine little wine bar we inevitably end up at, and that is Venice Beach Wines. Not only do they have a great selection of wines, but they also have delicious appetizers and things to munch on. I’ve very much enjoyed their cheese and charcuterie selections – which are delicious with some interesting choices to be had; however people swear by the Brie Hot Pot so one of these days I will have to give in to temptation. This is the perfect spot for a quick bite and a glass of wine with a friend, but it’s so tiny it’s not really suitable for a large group.  I’m not kidding, it is really small, so it can get pretty crowded – but a weeknight after 10pm or before 7pm should see you sorted.  The atmosphere is cosy and low key, very Venice – you will inevitably get chatting to the folks sitting next to you, and if they aren’t friends when you start, they will be by the time you leave. Next time we hit Spark on Rose, this may be where we end up for a spot of a debriefing. See you there!

Photo courtesy Puma Booma

Farm Fresh Sandwiches

I’m always on the lookout for a new casual lunch spot in Los Angeles. And most of you know how much I love places near my home.  So, recently a Mendocino Farms opened up in the Marina Waterside shopping complex.  They bill themselves as the premier “eco-artisan sandwich concept”. Weird, but definitely new and different.  They do sandwiches almost exclusively with some salads and chips thrown in for variety.  I like the casual “farm-like” vibe and Sebastian loved the chalkboard wall and kids’ communal table. Very fun!  The sandwiches are excellent, fresh and innovative. We tried the Kurobuta Pork Belly Banh Mi and Prosciutto & Roasted Chicken.  But  since I am not going Back East this Summer, my next trip I’ll try their lobster roll.  Care to join me?

Ruth

California Science Center’s Ecosystems

We have been to the California Science Center many, many times and I’d really got to the point of dreading going. Not that it was a bad experience, just that it was always the same and the exhibits, to my mind, were starting to look a little sad. So it was with heavy heart that I went this weekend, bracing myself for the all too familiar activities such as pulling on the truck (again) seeing the chicks (again) and keeping Lola off the treehouse (an overstated name if ever there was one) in the Discovery Room (again). Imagine my surprise then to discover a whole new world had opened up! Ecosystems is a new exhibit gallery with seven different “zones” to explore. Our favorites were the Extreme Zone which looks at some of the harshest environments in our world, from the desert to the poles – you can see in the picture here Lola getting to grips with the ice wall. The Island Zone had a great game that the kids could play using ping pong balls to show how species moved from island to island – lots of fun. And in the Forest Zone – well there actually is a tree house deserving of the name, that kids of all ages can scamper about in. I feel we only scratched the surface in the couple of hours we were there and look forward to going back!

Herb Alpert’s Vibrato

Last night the three Loving LA gals and their husbands drove and drove and drove to a cool jazz club way up high in the hills. It’s called Vibrato and it’s just off Mulholland on Beverly Glen Circle. Brian did the research and found it – as it was an early surprise birthday celebration for me. It’s Herb Alpert’s club and was specially designed for perfect acoustics. We could sit, enjoy our basil and lime martinis, hear each other talk and magically hear the music as well. As I get older I really do like to hear the people at my table during dinner. Last night we heard the Don Menza quartet. The food is good – excellent tuna tartare and good steaks and a delicious rhubarb and apple tart for desert. It felt very grown up – perfect for a soon to be 41 year old! (Pic via the Laughing Squid)

Cerentha

El Dorado

Many a time we are stuck with wondering what to do as a family on the weekends. Often it’s nice to stay close to home, but I spend way to much of my life on the Westside of LA as it is, so on weekends we do try and get out and about for an adventure. Go City Kids is a great resource for finding out what’s happening on the weekends, be it fairs, festivals, or exhibitions – all good for families with wee ones in tow.  It was through Go City Kids that I found out about the El Dorado Nature Center, which is close to Long Beach, about 40 mins drive away from Venice. The center features easily accessible walks and trails through some beautiful scenery with plenty to see on the way. On our walk we saw turtles, lizards, ducks and even a snake slithered across our path! It really is a gem, the walks are a mile or two long, but very easy going. The center itself is small, with some snakes and spiders to look at and books to check out – but the trails are what make this a worthwhile trip. One thing to note, you can’t take your dog on the trails.

Baseball Diamond for Hire

OK – so I don’t know an awful lot about baseball but my son loves it. A baseball game to celebrate Jack’s birthday seemed like a great idea. But where do you find a diamond? Turns out the sports park at Playa Vista rents their diamond. It was $150 for 2 hours and we stayed longer than that – there certainly wasn’t anyone breathing down out neck at the end of the second hour. It’s hard to get a good shot of it but the ground is lovely. There is a shady spot behind for a picnic complete with tables, a stretch of grass and bleachers for the fans. You need to get a permit from the main office to reserve the field – call them on 310.745.1600 and they should fax it to you. It’s a great spot. I’d love to get some families together over the summer to rent it for a grown-up game.

Cerentha

Figalicious

We just had the opportunity to have a “Staycation” at the beautiful Fairmont Miramar in Santa Monica and we were lucky enough to eat at their restaurant Fig several times. This is not your typical hotel restaurant.  While many chefs these days are claiming to be “sustainable”, “seasonal” and “local”, Chef Ray Garcia at Fig is really doing it.  My favorite part of the menu is the segment at the bottom: “Just Arrived”, “In Peak Season” and “Coming Soon” where they list all the fresh produce.  One of our best meals consisted of peel n’ eat garbanzo beans (fresh from the market that morning), carrot pappardelle with rabbit, peas and mint and grilled artichokes with meyer lemon aioli. The charcuterie and cheese plates are also fabulous.

The room is pretty and open and they have a communal table and fun little touches like individual cast iron skillets.  Fig is trying out some new things too like a Sunday Kegs and Eggs brunch – all you can eat tacos and beer.  And they just introduced a gourmet hot dog cart.  Just in time for Summer! Yum!

Ruth