Dancing Gyros

A couple of weeks ago, I went to a Greek place by the name of Gyros. This place is right across from school, but sadly I've never had the chance to check it out until now. Here they serve just about everything. From lamb to beef, you'll find that any hunger can be statified. I believe the picture above is of a Beef Falafel. If anything you should try one of those. It'll surely fulfill your appetite.

Address: Sadly I cannot find the address. However, the place is located on the corner of Reseda Blvd and Victory Blvd. The place looks like a firehouse but painted blue.

Departure: Assuming 15 minutes and 10 miles.

Post Script: Vegetarians will not have fun here.

As of Now

As of now, I havent been out of the house lately, therefore the ideas of places to go have been coming in slow. Dont worry, I havent died or quit.

More Meat!

If youre really hungry, and want to go all out, then Manna Korean BBQ is the place to go. There are literally only two words that can be used to describe this place, UNLIMITED MEAT. Thats right, for only 17.99 you can have all the meat the world can offer. However, I want to advise you to go in a large group. It was only last weekend that I went here with 6 of my closest friends. At Manna, we were able to consume two whole massive plates of meat. These plates arent youre average dinner size plates, they're double, maybe triple the size. So bring youre appetite, because it will be needed.

On a side note, the atmosphere was very reminiscent to a geuine Korean BBQ bar. At each table there are grills, which are used for grilling the meat. Thats right you have to grill your own meat. The thought may seem like a turn off, but its actually fun. My friends and I really enjoyed grilling our own food. If anything, it was a benefit because we were able to control when and how we wanted our food to be prepared.

Address:
Manna Korean BBQ, 3377 W Olympic Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90019

Departure:
An hour & 45 miles

Post Script:
Dont wear your best clothes.

Get to the Point

Reseda Point is one of those secret spots that only locals know of. Located south of Ventura Blvd, this view is worthwhile. Once at the top, you can see all of Reseda, Encino, Tarzana, and Van Nuys. When I went, I was able to catch part of the sunset, as well as, the cityscape lit up. The view of the afternoon and the evening were amazing. Like any other lookout point, I felt as if I could stay there for hours, just looking out at part of the valley. If youre a resident of one of the overlooking cities, it would be a good a idea to check out the view.

Address:

The end of Reseda Blvd.

Departure:

Approx 20 minutes and 20 miles.

Post Script:
Make sure to bring a jacket and camera.

More Than Just Produce

If youre craving something new, but indecisive of what to eat, then the Farmer's Market is the place to go. The Farmer's Market, which is adjacent to the Grove, has been around for the forever. Established in 1934, many people have served up the finest of cultural foods.




My personal favorite is the Gumbo Pot. Here, they serve genuine New Orleans style soul food. Soul food is one of my loves. Something about eating it provides a happiness. Whenever I come here, I always order a bowl of either gumbo or jambalaya. This time around i ordered a side of gumbo with a po'boy. A po'boy is essentially a sandwich, but made with a French baguette.

Donuts. Donuts are amazing. After eating at the Gumbo Pot, what better way to end a meal but to go to Bob's Coffee and Donuts. At this stand, one could go crazy. There are so many donuts to choose from, that it makes it impossible to settle on just on particular kind. Dont worry, they're cheap, so stock up!

Address: The Farmer's Market. 6333 West 3rd StreetLos Angeles, CA 90036

Departure: 45 minutes and 35 miles

Post Script: Go to the Grove after enjoying your meal.

BCAM! Pt 2

The wait was over!

Upon arriving at BCAM, I was so stoked. Even before entering the building, I was amazed by the exterior's features. The first thing that can be seen is Transformation. This installation was more than what it appeared to be. Sure it looked like rows of street lamps, but in reality it was it a new outlook for visual perspectives. After exploring Transformation, the next is a piece by Jeff Koones entitled Tulips. Tulips is... well I'll leave you to find out the nature of Tulips. All I will say is that looks are very deceiving. This piece is located in the welcoming plaza, which is essentially an open space that connects BCAM to LACMA.

Sure I was excited about seeing the art and spending time outside, but I was also couldnt wait to see the view from the third floor of the new stucture. Once on the third floor, there is a ledge where you can stand and peer at part of Hollywood. On the left is the 101 freeway, following that to the right is the Hollywood sign. The outlook is similar to what Reseda Point has to offer.

After gazing out, theres nothing left to do but to go inside. Surprisingly, the floors are rather large, so there's no rush to go through the place in one clean sweep. Instead, take your time and soak up each piece of artwork. If you keep this pace up, you will notice the cohesiveness of the art. I felt that each artwork's placement provided an optimum observing experience.

Honestly, I could spend hours writing about BCAM, but I should save some room for you guys.

Address:
LACMA 5905 Wilshire Blvd.Los Angeles CA 90036

Departure:
45 minutes & 30 miles

Post Script:
The museum's exterior is a great place for a photo opt.

It's Pronounced Kanyay

Woah! So Kanye West's megatour is coming to Los Angeles. Not once, but twice! He's scheduled to perform on the 4/21 and 4/22. If you can, you should go to ticketmaster to buy the tickets. The starting price is 54.00, assuming those are the nose bleeders. Hurry before they run out!

Post Script:
Rhianna, Lupe Fiasco, and N.E.R.D. are performing as well.

Fish Fridays. Mmmm

Fish is good. Period. For all the people out there who disagree with me, you guys needs to eat more diverse foods. Anyways, the purpose behind this post is that on fridays some people are limited to the protein they get to eat. Case being, no meat on friday. As a Catholic, I cannot eat meat on fridays as part of the Lenten season. And so, my alternative for meat is sushi. If I cant eat a nice slab of meat, I might as well eat dozens of nicely rolled sushi.

Here are two sushi places I like to eat at. The first is Kaiten Sushi in Encino. What sets this joint aside from all the other sushi palces along Ventura Blvd is that it serves their sushi on small revolving boats on the bar. The sushi is rather cheap and addicting. As soon as you eat one plate of four pieces, you want to keep grabbing more of them off the small boat infront of you.

Address:

Kaiten Sushi 17302 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91316

Departure:
Assuming 20 minutes & 15 miles.

The second is the Sushi Inn in Canoga Park. It's a hole in the wall type of place surrounded by fast food places. Once inside, the atmosphere is pretty dim and authentic. It reminds me of an okiya's interior. Whats good here is that they have a unique menu. Items differ from the typical sushi bar. My personal favorite is the crispy salmon skin roll. Mmmm.

Address:
Sushi Inn 8242 De Soto Ave, Canoga Park, CA

Departure:
Assuming 20 minutes & 10 miles

Post Script:
Sushi beats Fish Filet at McDee's

BCAM! Pt 1

So from 2/16/08 to 2/18/08, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art , or LACMA, is having a special unveiling of their new building BCAM and Transformation Phase 1. This new structure is all about the atmospheric experience and the new direction that LACMA is moving towards.

The building will house a new collection of pieces from artists such as Andy Warhol, Barbara Kruger, and Jean-Michel Basquet. As a whole, these featured works will bring out the vibe that BCAM embodies. With the opening soon approaching, the event has become something that should not be missed.

I didn't mention that the tickets were free did I? Well believe it! Go on LACMA's site now to reserve your free tickets. Yesterday I reserved three for 2/18/08. Reserve your tickets now!

Address:
LACMA 5905 Wilshire Blvd.Los Angeles CA 90036

Departure:

30 minutes & 30 miles

Post Script:

The tickets are free, why not go?

Do Not Underestimate the Swedish

I Heart the Swedish. Everytime I walk into IKEA, I am amazed by the funky ingenuity that is IKEA furniture. The sensibility and uniqueness is addicting and affordable. Maybe too affordable. I own an IKEA bed, and some of the laminate has chipped off. Oh well.

This visit to IKEA was not about the furniture however, it was about the food. Yes IKEA food. Dont underestimate the quality of IKEA food. Surprisingly its really good. Like their furniture, IKEA food is rather cheap but good in quality. Their menu consists of open faced sandwiches, salads, fruit tarts, pasta, and of course, SWEDISH MEATBALLS. Honestly, its a given.

That is why I ordered the number 1 combo, which consisted of those tubey pasta, swedish meatballs, topped with marinara sauce, and accompanied with a slice of garlic bread. I have to say, it was really good. Although the meal seemed simple, it tasted of something more. It fulfilled the lack of sustanance in my body. Even now I yearn for the combo.

Walking through the store alone builds up an appetite, I'm pretty sure this is why they place the cafeteria right in the middle of the showroom. When you get the chance, hit up the nearest IKEA and endulge at the cafeteria. I'm sure you will be satisfied.

Address:
600 N. San Fernando Blvd.Burbank, CA 91502

Departure:
20 minutes & 26 miles

Nearby:
Barnes & Noble, Macy's, and apparently a newly opened Steve & Barry's.

Post Script:
After the checkout, there are hotdogs, softcones, and cinnamon rolls waiting.

Join the Fight

So as I was reading the new H&M magazine, and I noticed what was probably the highlight of that issue. This of course was none other than the Fashion Against AIDS line.

The Fashion Against AIDS collection is comprised of uniquely designed t-shirts . The cause is apparent. In collaboration with Designers Against AIDS, H&M hopes to spread AIDS awareness and safety. Many artists, ranging from Timberland to good Charlotte, have shown their support by designing the t-shirt designs. The line is very affordable and 25 percent of the proceeds are going to towards AIDS research and awareness.

Shortly after reading the article, I called my local H&M. To my surprise they only carried the womens collection. Aftering hearing this I had a WTF moment. However, I soon realized that this set back only made me even more determined to buy a piece of this collection.

Address:
Nearest H&M

Departure:
Assuming 15-45 minutes & 15-60 miles.

Post Script:
Do your part and join the fight against AIDS. Go out to your nearest H&M!