Villa Blanca

My best friend and I started a new tradition this year. Instead of giving each other birthday gifts, we agreed to treat each other to a day of fun on our respective birthdays. So this year, we kicked off our new tradition by trekking every square inch of LA, getting lost, missing freeway exits, pampering our nails, and feasting on some of my favorite foods. One of our stops was at Villa Blanca, a charming dining room in Beverly Hills that serves the best calamari I've ever tasted. After stuffing ourselves, we headed over to La Provence for, what else, macarons.

Life-like and sparkly Bvlgari advertisement spotted in Beverly Hills on our way back from Villa Blanca.

I Mustache You A Question

Funky wall art at one of my favorite coffee shops - Bourbon Street Cafe. This place is a must-try for serious coffee drinkers.

Street Trash = Street Art

making a statement - a somber perspective of a great city.
medium: spray paint on old mattress canvas.

Din Din A-Go-Go: Lake Street Creamery

If you like food trucks and live anywhere near Los Feliz, start clearing out your Monday night dinner plans. Located on an empty church lot, Din Din A-Go-Go is a food truck mecca that attracts zealous food truck followers every Monday night for some good grub. Check out the weekly truck schedule here and be sure to save room for dessert at Lake Street Creamery.

The 411: Din Din A-Go-Go, Mondays, 5:30-9pm, 2060 Vermont Ave. (see link above for additional locations) 

no boring flavors (or descriptions) here. the special of the day was the "don draper" - bourbon, smoke, and caramel concoction.

the california zephyr. lemon and mint infused vanilla bean ice cream served in a waffle bowl that actually holds up. 

Indulge LA

This weekend, my boyfriend surprised me and took me to Indulge LA, a heaven-on-earth chocolate and pastry show that features the top chocolatiers and pastry chefs in the world. Vendors ranged from Cupcake Wars gal Annette Starbuck to world renowned Parisian pastry chefs whose names are too difficult for me to pronounce. We spent an hour or so sampling everything from macarons to imported chocolates and even caught a first-hand glimpse of a candy-making demonstration. Our sugar highs eventually crashed, but sampling sugary treats for hours was, without a doubt, a perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon. 

japanese lemon macarons with chili flakes. unlike anything i've tasted.

spicy chili chocolate from ecuador.

handmade brittle. the pistachio mole was out of this world (and spicy).

cupcake wars table.

nothing bundt cakes. the fluffiest, lightest, and most moist red velvet i've had in a while. lemon and chocolate cakes in the back.

Lobsta Truck

When I was a child, my favorite restaurant was The Red Lobster. Their cheesy biscuits, popcorn shrimp, and fresh lobster was my idea of a perfect meal. Although my taste buds have developed since my baby days, I'm proud to admit that I still love The Red Lobster. When I heard the Lobsta Truck was close to school today, my boyfriend and I went on a lobster binge (naturally) and tried out their famous Maine rolls. Served with a creamy and rich mayo sauce or simply butta (cue Paula Deen impression), the Lobsta rolls are surprisingly light and satisfying. 

Day at the Getty Villa

As a self-proclaimed art lover, I was surprised that I'd never been to the Getty Villa. Aside from being an artistically inclined avid museum-going nerd, I spent an entire summer interning at LACMA. I'm no stranger to the museum scene. So naturally, the Getty Villa was on my summer activity to-do list. I'm usually not a fan of guided tours, but we went on a docent-guided Villa garden tour that left me inspired and in awe. The attention to detail is unbelievable and completely reminiscent of the Italian era and style the architects sought to replicate. And the herb garden -- not only did it make me hungry, but I think I've found inspiration for my own (future) herb and vegetable garden. Fig trees, tarragon, and all. 

grape vines. perfect
for foot-crushing  á la "I Love Lucy"

my favorite. waterlilies in a pond.

skylight from indoors. that's a glass window,
 not a painting.

I ♥ DTLA: Skyline

Right when mother nature finally brought some serious heat to LA, summer officially ended for me last week when I started my second year of law school. I may be bitter that it hasn't exactly been a hot summer, and that I didn't visit the beach at all, or that I don't have a fabulous tan. But the looming end of summer means relishing the final warm nights of summer with good friends at an amazing view like this.

view from The Standard Rooftop Bar

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Coolhaus

fig and mascarpone ice cream between oatmeal cookies 

nutella with almonds ice cream between s'more cookies

There's nothing like ice cream on a hot LA afternoon. This weekend, I introduced my friend to the Coolhaus ice cream truck and I think I have her hooked. Coolhaus sells "architecturally inspired ice cream sandwiches" that come in a variety of flavors. I'm addicted to the candied maple bacon with snickerdoodle, the red velvet with snickerdoodle, and the fig and mascarpone with oatmeal (see above). The best part is the wrappers are edible, so you don't have to worry about eating paper! Follow the truck here to see if it's in your neighborhood. 

Sunny San Diego

San Diego isn't just about surf and tanning. There's a lot more to the city than Sea World and the beach. In fact, San Diego was my college home for four years, and not once did I visit Sea World! Instead, one of my favorite places to go to in San Diego was and still is Balboa Park. Balboa Park is replete with lush gardens and Spanish architecture and houses multiple art and history museums. I was introduced to the Park by my favorite college professor who lectured my seminar on-site at one of the gardens. I fell in love with Balboa Park and it instantly became my choice location to pass time or have a lazy day with a friend. I snapped these photos during a recent trip to my beloved city and Park.

waterlilies

more waterlilies

I really, really like waterlilies.

view from the botanical garden

view of Balboa Tower from Alcanzar Garden

Smart Coffee

Spotted an Intelligentsia truck during my morning commute

I love coffee. Lattes. Mochas. Coffee flavored ice cream. Chocolate covered espresso beans from Trader Joe's. You name it. I love it. It's an unhealthy habit, but it always makes me feel better. Intelligentsia has easily become my favorite coffee company. They take their coffee seriously. Talk to any barista and they'll give you the rundown of the history of the cup you're drinking. The Pasadena and Silverlake locations are both great, but the best part is you don't have to go to an Intelligentsia to try their coffee. Try an online search and you'll be pleased to know Intelligentsia has made its way to the obscurest of places. Sip and Enjoy.