the bean

I'm not generally one to write reviews for chains, but after a string of positive experiences at one of my local CBTL's, this one's in order.

We all know the menu at The Bean inside out, so I won't belabor the options here except to say this year's "seasonal" addition, the Pecan Praline - latte or ice blended - is definitely worth the price of admission... And by price, I mean, the calories it will cost you since they don't have a no-sugar-added option for this one.

This corner Bean location at Beverly & Alta Vista is a bit smaller than average, but still manages to offer a full menu, wi-fi access, and some nice street side patio seating complete with fire pit for chilly evening yid-watching. That said, the crux of this review lies with the service. I've been in here plenty of times and have always been pleased, which, of itself, speaks volumes. Yesterday, I popped in for a quickie caffeine fix. The front gate seemed to be shut, so I walked around to the back to sneak in. (This is one of the few CBTL's that actually has its own private parking lot for customers.) Once inside, I was informed they'd closed early for Yom Kippur almost twenty minutes prior, but the kippa-clad gent at the counter let me know he could still manage an ice blended if that would do. I accepted the kind offer, still a bit surprised they'd offered to serve me at all. In a flash, I had my ice blended and before I could even reach for my wallet he said it was his Rosh Hashanah gift to me. Now that's the kind of thing that'll keep you coming back to a mom and pop, but you don't expect to find at a chain.

If you need your CB fix, I'd suggest supporting this local franchise. Remember, it's a mitzvah to give good people your business!


7235 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 934-1449

paintball usa

How does an Angelino spend a sweltering hot summer day? Hiding out and cranking the a/c? Donning a barely there pair of sample sale Juicy short-shorts? Headed towards the coast with the masses in search of relief? Or gathering up their pals to drive an hour inland to Simi Valley where it's at least a dozen degrees steamier to gear up in layers of heavy combat gear, trekking up and down hills to hunt each other down with stinging, stinky paintballs?

Well, if you're a glutton for punishment and happen to have a friend with an August birthday who's always wanted to try paintball, that's exactly what you do.

Once you find this place - it's, quite literally, off the beaten path on a dirt road - be ready to throw on some old kicks or boots, slip into a pair of military issue oversized overalls, toss a bandanna and smelly helmet on your head, rip the fingers off some old gloves, (unlike most outings in LA, this is one that doesn't call for any exposed skin), and get a quick lesson in how to use and reload a paintball air rifle. After that, they take you out for a little shooting test, (you don't want to find out on the field your rifle is jammed), then, you're on your own.

Once you get your bearings wearing the crazy get up and get past the smell (part of the base used in the paintballs is fish oil), you're ready for action. If you've never played before, you're probably thinking, that looks like it hurts. Well, the truth is, it does. I took my first hit in the upper thigh, and after screaming out "shiiiiit!! that huuuurt!" the adrenaline took over and the killer instinct was unleashed. Yes, you're going to get hit - most likely multiple times, and yes, it's going to sting a lot like getting whipped with a wet towel - but as soon as you get into it, you're having so much fun, you won't really care, or even notice. Just imagine having free reign to chase down and shoot the ones you love! And then there's the end of the day when you get home and strip down. You'll have earned bragging rights for weeks to come! (It took about three for the photo worthy welts and multi-colored bruises on my upper arm and thighs to disappear).

This is a great place for newbs to the sport - they have packages for about $50 that include all of your gear, rental equipment, plenty of paintballs, instruction, lots of time on multiple playing fields with varying degrees of difficulty, and a spinning, stinking, splattering mess that is the paint grenade.

Between the adrenaline pumping, running up and down dirt hills, slithering across the ground on your belly, and sweatin' like a pig, an afternoon here will kill a good thousand calories. You can bring a picnic to enjoy at one of their picnic tables, grab a hot dog and soda at the roach coach on site, even order some local bbq to be delivered. Or, you could easily pile them all back on at one of the many area chain restaurants like Chilis and Applebees on your way home ;)

This is a great outing with a group. Grab your pals, leave your inhibitions in the car, and be prepared to get down and dirty for some clean, old fashioned commando style fun.

Random Trivia - If you watch the making of the movie "The Kingdom" on HBO, you'll recognize this paintball field. This is where they brought the cast to train before filming.


26413 Kalb Ct
Newhall, CA 91321
(661) 255-5332

larchmont hardware

I love this place! I suppose I should add that I love Larchmont - it reminds me that there's a city within the city, and without the trek up to Montrose for my other favorite "small town" vibe main street.

Anytime I'm in the area, I stop by to see what's new. This place carries the basics we all need - cleaning supplies, pest control, basic tools, housewares (including random brik-a-brack like tea cups and sink strainers), batteries, glues and the like. My personal favorite - the huge selection of Mrs. Meyer's cleaning products displayed right next to the door in all three scents - Lavender, Geranium and Lemon Verbena. Pick up some of the dish soap or the scrubbing powder, which gives Comet a run for the money without the harsh chemicals. You'll be glad you did.

If you're in the market for some lumber or a new toilet, you'll still need to make your way over to the Home Despot to line up with the rest of the plumber crack crowd, but for everything else, give this little mom and pop shop a try.

Tip - If there's no street parking, don't waste your time driving around the block. You can park for free in the structure located off the Rite Aid lot just a couple of doors down.


152 N. Larchmont Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90004
(323) 463-5783


Photo courtesy of Joan S.

citizen smith

The majority of the reviews I've seen have focused on Citizen Smith as a dinner destination, but what a great place to grab lunch in Hollywood. They open at 11am Mon-Thurs, there's virtually no crowd giving you the choice of any booth (inside or out) you fancy, and they have a very nice, seasonal lunch menu ranging from $10 (Jalapeno Mac & Cheese) to $21 (NY Strip Steak). The seared Ahi Tuna Nicoise ($16) was perfect in every way.. and the bartender makes a mean Arnold Palmer too.

As for the dinner crowds, if you don't want to be treated like second class cattle by the doormen, make a reservation - even if it means calling in your name last minute from the valet line. The difference is vast and absolutely worthwhile.

1600 N. Cahuenga Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028
(323) 461-5001


Photo courtesy of Kate D.