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.

summer nights at the arboretum

If an evening at the Hollywood Bowl is part of your summertime ritual, then you'll love the Festival on the Green at the LA Arboretum in Arcadia.

During the summer months, the Cal Phil puts on a series of three to five themed performances here which start early evening and continue under the stars. You have the option of getting a table (and even a pre-catered meal), reserving lawn chairs, or purchasing the very inexpensive lawn seats where you can bring your own blanket and picnic and find a shady place under one of the beautiful old trees to lounge and enjoy. (Unlike the Bowl, you can have a lawn spot in the back and not feel like you're a million miles away from the action). The events are very well organized and staffed, and many also feature food vendor booths under white tents to tempt you with local treats.

This is one of the few places you can truly feel like you've escaped the city and can enjoy the outdoors. If you're lucky, the resident peacocks - amongst hundreds of other native birds - will join the chorus too :)

Tip: Check out Goldstar Events. They usually have some discounted tix for the series online.

301 N Baldwin Ave
Arcadia, CA 91007

(626) 821-4623

bodega de cordova

After running, walking and driving by this small, dim local wine bar sandwiched between long standing retailers on Fairfax, and often wondering what lurked behind the mysterious exterior, we finally had opportunity to give it a try last night (thanks Stephy!).

Having just come from dinner, we didn't go crazy ordering food from the tapas menu, but did enjoy a few glasses of well chosen Espana vino with some friends and the very affable owner, Kenny. The olives he brought out were delicious (enough to rival my favorites from Lucques - the French city, not the restaurant) and the Spanish charcuterie platter was generous - overflowing with cured meats, manchego cheese and toasted bread.

The interior is dark and dimly awash in red light with just a small street facing window giving a glimpse of the world outside. Small wooden benches and tables dot the areas around the bar and give the space a rustic feel.

Parking on this block of Fairfax is marginally better than the surround, but should your parking karma run out, there's a few spaces to sneak into off the alley in the rear.

And don't forget your green. I didn't pick up the tab, but got the impression that cash reigned supreme from the little atm tucked away in the back.


361 S Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 951-1169

attention target shoppers

As thrilled as I was to see the new Tarzhay (can you hear me dragging that one out?), open up on La Brea, the parking nightmare and lack of stock has driven me back to the og location on La Cienega time, and time again.

Of course I prefer having a shiny, clean, safe, more luxury experience at the newer store, but if they don't have what I'm looking for and I still have to pay for parking - talk about adding insult to injury - what's the point?

This location feels a lot like Target's red-headed step sister, but let me tell ya, she delivers. Time and time again, I've been able to find exactly what I was in the store for (including advertised specials and sales items) when they've been sold out all over town at the other locations. Another plus is the ample garden shop area - something you won't find at the "other" location either. And of course, there's parking. Easy, free, ample parking. Just as it was meant to be.

A point off to the ghetto factor that seems to pervade virtually every element of your experience here. Once you're prepared for it and over it (which, you generally will be after getting screwed some way or another at that "other" location), it's smooth sailin'.

Oh, and there's a Micky D's at the far corner of the parking lot. What better way to wrap up a g-h-e-t-t-o afternoon than with a Big Mac, fries and a shake?

3535 S La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90016

(310) 895-1131

chalet

Deja vu sets in for me here since this used to be the location of the old Tophat - a serious dive bar where I was able to get away with a little underage drinking way back in the day.

The exterior hasn't changed much - dark and nondescript - but the interior has been beautifully reinterpreted. It's a well sized (not too big, not too small) space with a long bar and couple of tables on one side, and comfy dark leather booths and banquettes along the other. The walls are stacked masonry (reminiscent of the redo at The Lodge), decked with some vintage flea shop-esque paintings of woodland scenery. Arts and crafts style light fixtures dotting the surround dimly light everything to that perfect, 'don't we all look lovely', hue. In short, it's modern cabin cozy.

Another plus is the alt-eclectic jukebox. Def worth the price of admission. While the bartender was easy on the eyes, and the drinks are easy on the wallet, they weren't so easy on the palette. She could use a few more lessons in mixology, so one star off to that.

All in all, great bar - and in such a random locale, Eagle Rock - I'll be back.

Somehow, The Chalet has yet to be overrun by west side wankers or insufferable east side hipsters, so hurry up and get there before they do!

1630 Colorado Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90041
(323) 258-8800

Photo courtesy of Kevin K.

nike women at the grove

Update 10/07 - Sadly, this is no longer exclusively a women's shop. They've redesigned the location to be a mini Nike carrying all of their wares. From the look on the sales associate's face, I was only one of many disappointed customers.
...



Time to train for another marathon means time to start burning money at the Nike Women's store!

Right off the bat, I love this location because I can easily walk (or run) to it, and what better way to justify spending more money on workout gear than a good workout!? Even though I can get many of the same items at the mega NikeTown down the road in BH, the intimate 'all women, for women' vibe at this shop makes it well worth a visit.

Aside from all of the great fitness wear - from running apparel to dance clothes and lifestyle sportswear, and an entire floor of shoes and socks upstairs - they've literally got you covered. Surprisingly most of the clothes are not only fashionable, but flattering (even on a curvy girl like myself) and they perform even better.

Though you may come here for workout wear, you'd be surprised with what you leave with. Aside from their sport watches (which I own and love), they've got some great ones for everyday you could even wear with a suit to work. And don't miss the sportswear. I've found some great everyday skirts and pants here too.

Being that they're a major store, there's ALWAYS something on sale, both on the side racks and in the back near the dressing rooms. Another plus is the 10% discount they'll generally offer to anyone doing Team in Training.

And if that wasn't enough ... they also do Nike Club Run here every Wednesday night. All you have to do is show up ready to run at 6:30 to meet up with a great group. Everyone splits up based on pace and distance (they offer both a 3k and a 5k every week), and then set off to run from The Grove into Pan Pacific Park. Can't really think of a better way to meet your neighbors.

All that AND the staff are great. Super friendly and helpful, which, sadly, isn't all that easy to come by these days.

Tip: Nike Women doesn't validate, but the Barnes & Noble across the way does. No purchase necessary, and no questions asked.

189 The Grove Drive, Ste G-60
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 954-0450

grace

If you don't want to read past this sentence, one word could sum up my culinary experience here ... underwhelming.

We ended up here the other night after a tequila tasting in serious need of nourishment. The first thing that struck me was the crowd. The restaurant had a surprising number of tables available and it seemed as if the last of the hollywoodites had long since departed giving way to a bizarre mix of out of towner's and grandparents. I'll start off with saying, the space is beautiful - clean design in a palette of natural earth tones with beautiful shell light fixtures that dot the space like chandelier earrings. Simple, chic and inviting.

Another positive was the stellar service. It was prompt, attentive, pleasant, and we had nary a complaint about our waitress. Non sequitor side note - there are two restrooms; one for women and one that's unisex. As bizarre as it is to have a waz while staring at a urinal, it was remarkably clean.

The fact that I'm more compelled to write about the loo than the food speaks for itself, so without further ado.. the review.

We started off with oysters and the trio of seafood. The oysters were beautifully presented but on the small side. Out of a dozen, a few were gritty. The accompaniments were creative, but more cloying than complimentary. The trio of seafood consisted of three tiny bowls of minced fish. Literally, about 1/8c of each. I appreciate having a taste of this and that, but with a price tag upwards of $20, come on.

After being torn between the scallops and the rabbit, our server convinced me the rabbit was the better choice. Other dishes at our table included the salmon and the wild boar. Aside from from being beautifully plated, each of our mains had one thing in common - someone seriously heavy handed with the salt. After a few bites it went from 'gee, this tastes awfully salty' to 'the roof of my mouth is stinging and I need more water'. Beyond the salt, the rabbit was well thought out and a solid dish. The salmon was dry, dreadful and nearly inedible. Hands down, the best entree of the bunch was the boar. The roasted Brussels sprouts were perfect, but it would have been better with a simple mash in lieu of the dry spaetzle, which again, was unnecessarily fussy. When our server came by to check on our hardly eaten entrees we were honest about the salt, and she offered immediately to bring something else, but at that point, we were both over it and declined.

Moving on, it seemed something sweet was in order. We went with the butterscotch donuts and the meringue topped lemon granita. The donuts were perfect, not overly sweet, and the lemon was light and refreshing.

Even with the sweet finish, overall it was a disappointment and we all agreed, we likely wouldn't be back. When our (nearly $300) tab arrived, we noticed not even our desserts had been comped (which, at a restaurant like this, I would have expected), after two of our entrees returning to the kitchen hardly touched. C'est la vie. Given the price of admission, I'd probably take my dining dollars elsewhere next time - unless it was donut night!

7360 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 934-4400

tatiana

Specialty sausages, cheeses, salted fishes and dairy products abound. Glass cases are stacked and packed to the brim, and it feels like you’ve found yourself in a Russian Dean & Deluca.

There are a number of Russian delis and markets in this West Hollywood neighborhood, but Tatiana remains one of my favorites, both for it's size (it's one of the larger markets in the area) and quality selection.

The deli counter features some of their homemade specialties - marinated mushrooms, garlic mushroom salad, pickled tomatoes, eggplant salad, borscht, beet salad, olivieh (Russian style potato salad with minced meat), cutlets (ground, seasoned, pan fried chicken patties), fresh blini and sala (thin crepes and butter fat) for caviar, even good gefilte fish made fresh in a tomato based broth.

Aside from what’s homemade, you'll find a variety of imported Russian products from newspapers and magazines, black bread and Russian rye, to honey and preserves, crackers and spreads, caviar, sweets, savories and sok (juice). There's also a small area with some fresh produce including Russian style cucumbers and tomatoes which are often eaten with meals. Don't be put off by their unpolished exteriors. They're fresh, flavorful and a bargain.

Whatever you do, don't leave without checking out the sweets! There's a counter area near the corner of the deli covered with small bowls, each overflowing with imported, colorful, individual wrapped Russian chocolates. Favorites include the "squirrel" and "bear" which contain nuts and honeycomb, but there are dozens to choose from. Another good pick is the mak, (pronounced mock), which means poppy seed - pastry with sweet poppy filling that will make a mess of your teeth, but is worth every black toothed bite. If you don't like poppy, try the "alligator" pastry with a maple-like filling and nuts.

The trick to enjoying a trip to Tatiana is to leave your inhibitions at the door. Even though everyone will be speaking Russian, most of them speak English as well and are more than happy to answer questions and help you navigate the selections.

8205 Santa Monica Blvd
W Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 656-7500

Photo courtesy of Joan S.

tart

Between the updated exterior of the restaurant and the old Farmer's Daughter, and hearing good things, I really, really wanted to like this place, but the sad truth us, it just didn't live up to the hype.

We went for dinner with Beer's parents when they were visiting. Started off with wine and cocktails, which ended up all over his mom's white skirt. Strike one. We ordered our meals, and when Beer asked if he could have fries with his (an easy request), he was told no. Strike two. I ordered the steak which was thin and came out overcooked (well done when I ordered it med rare), bland and chewy. There was supposed to be some garlic butter with it, but that was missing too. I couldn't believe what they were charging for something of that quality. I felt like I was eating at Sizzler. Strike Three.

We opted to order dessert thinking that HAD to be better. It wasn't. His mom's strawberry shortcake, which, according to the menu is served with fresh berries, came out with nothing more than a drizzle of strawberry sauce. After two (less than subtle) complaints, they took it back and returned it with the sliced berries. Is asking to have something served as it's described really asking too much? Strike four. My dessert was covered in a sickly sweet caramel syrup you could tell just came out of a Smart & Final bulk jar. When I asked point blank, they even copped to it. They can't make their own caramel on a $10 dessert? Come on.

When it came time to settle up they'd overcharged us. Once that was resolved, we asked to have them honor the guest discount we were supposed to receive (as his parents had been staying there a week), and after two requests, it still wasn't, so we just gave up and left. That was the final strike for me, so I won't be back.

The place is small but cute, the server was pleasant, the patio dining looked great for a warm summer evening, and I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt that they were having an off night (though we heard from the parents it wasn't much better the other two times they went back during their stay).

115 S Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 937-3930

tokyo table

After reading some tepid reviews, we went to Tokyo Table with another couple and low expectations. That said, we were very pleasantly surprised.

On La Cienega's Restaurant Row, the space is modern, clean and well decorated. The giant take on mid-cent modern white chandeliers that hang over the large booths and black and white paper barrel shaped lanterns throwing soft light through the room coupled with sexy white leather chairs and booths and natural stone surfaces make for a very appealing interior space. In the short hall that joins the bar, entry and main dining room, are some very nicely done, subtle water features and we also noticed a number of private dining areas for parties and groups.

The bar area was dim lit and inviting, with b/w photos of Japan flanking the walls. The long list of asian inspired vodka cocktails was a refreshing change from the pseudo martini culture that seems to have taken hold elsewhere around town. I found they were more than happy to replace the vodka with shochu to make the sour highballs I fell in love with in Japan. They were so good, the (very down to earth and friendly) bartender actually gave us a couple on the house before we headed off to our table.

The menu reads like asian fusion tapas, so we were expecting small plates of this and that, but by the time the food rolled out we were thankful to be seated at one of the huge round, booth tables. The plates bordered from substantial to large and we ended up with an obscene amount of food. I think we ordered close to half the menu (it certainly looked that way!) and the only thing we weren't thrilled with was their version of shabu shabu and sukiyaki (but to be fair, spending a month in Tokyo will skew your perspective). Everything else was yum and pleased even the pickier palates at the table.

Later on, we discovered the desserts were just as deceptively huge. From the menu photos we expected them to be smallish and good for sharing, so we ordered a few. Wow, we had no idea. Their signature dessert toasts were the size of my head and the four of us barely put a dent in one. The flambe bananas they light at the table were also tasty and huge. The green tea shaved ice was a bit lack luster given the other options, but it was gigantic. They sloshed it into a giant to-go container for me and out of the freezer the next afternoon it was fantastic.

Entertainment was also in abundance - between the barely legal self-proclaimed "OC girls" toddling around in long tops they were trying to pass off as dresses (no shit, they were walking around in barely hip length, slit dresses with panties in full view that even had the hot, hollywood hostess laughing out loud) and our server in-training trying to contend with our deliberate drink induced obnox, and our table being lit along with the bananas due to some libation spillage - there was no shortage in laughs.

Bottom line, no, this isn't traditional Japanese or sushi, but it's a beautiful space, with very good fusion fare at reasonable prices, great service and a welcome addition to our restaurant row. We had a great evening here and will definitely be back.

50 N La Cienega Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(310) 657-9500

swingers

This is the neighborhood place we tend to go when Beer is in the mood for what he calls "real" brek. In other words bacon, runny eggs and toast.

Everything about this Swingers is ... ok. I hate to say it's a great bastion of mediocrity, but in many respects, it is. Typical diner vibe with striped vinyl booths and an LA'fied menu. Read: virtually everything is made with organic produce, they offer many reduced fat/carb options, and have numerous options for the vegan/veg crowd.

The servers are a mix of too cool for school over-dyed rockabilly girls in their fishnet, combat boot, pleated mini uniforms and out of work actor/model types who seem to run a room temp iq. Case in point - this morning I had to ask for water three times, and when I finally got it, it was tap sloshing out of the glass like it was poured for one of the dogs on the patio, as opposed to the large tumblers of water, ice and lemon every other table seemed to have.

The food is good. Not great, not bad, just ... ok. For some reason they can never seem to keep hot foods, hot, and cold foods, cold, but it's all reasonably good and definitely edible. For what you get, the prices are relatively fair. (As an aside, the food at the SaMo Swingers in fantastic).

Only thing I've ever found remarkable about this place is their music selection ... it's eclectic and never fails to hit the spot. This morning, a mix of Joy Division, Led Zeppelin, The Cure and Frank Sinatra.

Something about the place always feels kinda dirty to me, but I will say the counter service is good. And, of course, there's the signature moo cow wallpaper you can't help but love.

There are numerous other (better) options in the area imho, but if you're looking for a late night meal when everything else is closed or just feel like a little local diner love, Swingers will do the trick.

Tip: If you're someone who actually likes the food here, they do local delivery for a few hours in the am and pm.

8020 Beverly Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 653-5858

Photo courtesy of Andre H.

doughboys

Oddly enough, I've never been here for dinner in all these years, but good luck getting me off my soapbox when it comes to singing the praises of brek, brunch and lunch here. Despite some irritatingly long waits for a table, a couple of asshole servers, the impossible parking on 3rd, and even a friend's (legit) report of a rat running under her table, I can't seem to stay away!

The food is truly magnificent and the portions are rigoddamndiculous. No joke, you could feed a nuclear family with a couple of their dishes. Word to the wise - be prepared to waddle out and don't schedule any strenuous activity until you have a few hours to digest.

Some a.m. favorites you won't find at those "other" places on 3rd - SOS (shit on a shingle.. ask your granddads to explain this one), Red Flannel Hash made with sweet potato, Banana Caramel Pancakes (like banoffee pie for brek), the Blueberry Flax Seed Pancakes (good for you never tasted so gooood), and the Cinnamon French Toast (fuck ya!).

For lunch, you can't go wrong with any soup and sandwich combo including the Afterschool Special, but my fave is the piping hot Stracciatelli Soup with mounds of fresh spinach and asiago cheese cooked before your eyes. And, let's not forget, this is after all a bakery - the bread - amazing.

If you have room after all that, or happen to be a glutton for punishment like me, the desserts are divine. Their specialty, the Red Velvet Cake is melt in your mouth moist, and a must even for someone like me who doesn't usually like cake. Grab a piece to go if you want to ride the tide of food coma the rest of the day...

8136 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 651-4202