Latest posts from our Los Angeles expert:
Secret Topanga Canyon
Situated within the Los Angeles city limits, amid the Santa Monica Mountains, Topanga State Park provides a recreational wonderland that, as stated in its Web site "...is considered the world's largest within the boundaries of a major city." Whoa, pretty impressive. Bounded by Topanga and Rustic canyons and the communities of Brentwood and Pacific Palisades, the park's 36 miles of hiking trails circumvent oak forests and open meadows, geological formations such as earthquake faults and fossils, and boasts superb ocean views. A number of trails--open to cyclists, hikers, and horse riders--are accessible from the Trippet Ranch gateway. Popular trails include Santa Inez Canyon (6 miles round trip) with small cliff gardens built into the sandstone and a peaceful waterfall; boulder-laced Eagle Rock Loop (6.5 miles round trip) with excellent park views; Musch (2 miles), an enchanting sun-and-shade route; and Backbone (5.3 miles one way), a wind between Point Mugu and Will Rogers state parks. Find out the blooming status of wildflowers within the park by calling the hotline at (818) 768-3533. Free docent-guided walks are available, January 1-June 30, on Sundays at 1 PM, and are a wonderful way to become acquainted with the natural history and beauty of the park.
Topanga State Park
20825 Entrada Road, Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, CA, 90272, United States
Web Site
The Mother's Day Rush
Did you forget that Mother's Day begins in just a few short hours? Consider yourself saved. One of the most luscious patisseries this side of Paris resides in Venice (California), and it is OPEN on Sunday. Dash on over to Jin Patisserie and pick up an assortment of delectable and visually stunning pastries that will make the lucky mother love you even more--if such a thing were possible, of course. Owner and baker extraordinaire Kristy Choo may have Singapore in her roots, but her touch with patisserie comes from out of this world (and a stint at San Francisco's California Culinary Academy polished her class act). Among Ms. Choo's celebratory creations that you can bestow upon mom are decadent cakes with names like Belgium Marquise, Chocolate Heaven, Passion, Inspiration, and Refresh. Abbot--ostensibly named for the street the shop sits on--is a honey-walnut sponge cake filled with dark chocolate mousse and topped with caramel banana. Yum! No less enticing, the cookie collection contains flavorful Peanut Butter Sesame, Mixed Peel and Nuts, and melt-in-your-mouth Ye Yek (Ms. Choo's aunt's recipe). And, of course, there are tantalizing chocolates in sets ranging from four pieces to 32 pieces, packaged in wood or silk boxes. Whatever you buy, just make sure the treats make it back to the mother who awaits.
Jin Patisserie
1202 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
(310) 399-8801
Web Site
Welcome, the Fifth Dimension to Six Flags
No, not that Fifth Dimension (although that wouldn't be a bad thing). Ever-cool Six Flags Magic Mountain rises to a plethora of new levels--literally--with the re-opening of X, billed as the world's first fourth-dimension thrill ride and soon to embark on what is supposedly a fifth dimension. Opening May 24th, the totally redesigned "X²" roller coaster provides an extreme and slick journey with changing light and audio effects that travels along 3,600-feet of steel track with a top speed of 76 mph. Shrieks await around every curve on 360-degree rotating seats that spin you head over heels and every which way. Other extreme rides at the park include Viper, another upside down thrill machine; the tall, long, and faster-than-fast Tatsu coaster; the floorless (and also fast) Scream train; and the 26-story-high with an 85 mph downward race, Goliath. Extreme isn't for everyone though, and Six Flags Magic Mountain offers plenty of less jolting fun for families, small children, and more timid types. At Bugs Bunny World, Thomas Town, The Movie District, and other park areas you'll find Merrie Melodies Carousel, Foghorn Leghorn's Barn and Railway, Thomas The Tank Engine, Thomas Town Construction, Sylvester's Pounce and Bounce, Pepe Le Pew's Tea Party, and Tweety's Escape. Feel better, now?
Six Flags Magic Mountain
26101 Magic Mountain Parkway
Web Site
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo (Fifth of May) is celebrated throughout the city at restaurants, bars, and with special events. Sometimes mistaken for Mexican "independence day," this holiday actually commemorates Mexico's 1862 victory over French troops who had invaded the town of Puebla. All cultures come together on this day to enjoy tangy margaritas, tasty ethnic cuisine, traditional folkloric dance and music, and other entertainment. Many restaurants and bars promote specialty drinks and food items, and it's one more excuse for a raucous time in the City of Angels.
Beginning and ending before the 5th even arrives is the celebration at Olvera Street (El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument), May 2-4. This free event goes from 10 AM until 10 PM and includes all the typical colorful Cinco accoutrements and entertainment that incorporates a mélange of Mexican regional music. Children's activities range from piñata making to storytelling sessions that enlighten about the Battle of Puebla.
Lovely Descanso Gardens in La Canada-Flintridge ( offers a lush albeit unusual setting for Cinco de Mayo festivities on May 3-4. Your paid admission to this botanical land includes a weekend filled with performances Ballet Folklorico Azatlan with dancers ages five and older, as well as children's crafts and other gaieties.
A Tour Through Little Tokyo
Little Tokyo, the historic and culture center of L.A.'s Japanese community since the late 1800's, is situated downtown near City Hall. This revitalized area offers some interesting attractions, as well as year-round events. An easy walking tour reveals intriguing tidbits and scintillating surprises--much like a visit to your favorite sushi bar. Begin your discovery at the Japanese American National Museum, which serves to preserve the Japanese-American heritage through art exhibitions, educational lectures, and a resource center. Although it has nothing to do with the rest of the neighborhood except for the location, contemporary-art enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, a branch of the Museum of Contemporary Art. Pay tribute to the thousands of WWII Japanese-American veterans at the Go For Broke Monument. Do a bit of shopping or take a lunch break at the Japanese Village Plaza before heading into the nearby Koyasan Buddhist Temple. See the sites within the Little Tokyo Historic District, beginning along the north side of First Street. Various sculptures along the walking trail include the "Friendship Knot" by Shinkishi Tajiri and a statue of community leader Sontoko (Kinjiro) Ninomiya by Junichiro Hannyo, and "To the Issei" by renowned artist Isamu Noguchi in the plaza of the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center. Cap off the day with a performance in one of the cultural center's multiple spaces or at a smaller playhouse such as East West Players at the David Henry Hwang Theater. Then grab some sushi or hit a karaoke bar and grab some sushi.
Food, Wine, Sip, Dine in the Merry Month of May
An interesting assortment of food, wine, and beer fests take place in the month of May--some a short drive from L.A., others a day trip or overnight. All promise tasty treats and thirst quenchers.
On May 4, the elegant (and pricey) 20th Vintage Bouquet Charity Wine Auction will be held in Beverly Hills. Held at the illustrious Greystone Mansion, there will be tastings poured by leading California wineries, chef-created hors d'oeuvres, "blind" wine tasting, and both silent and live auctions. http://www.bhba.org/vb/
Oxnard hosts the California Strawberry Festival on May 17-18. In tribute to the juicy red fruit, will be such strawberry-ness as 50 food booths filled with succulent tastes, contests, berry hunts, and live music. http://www.strawberry-fest.org/
Farther north, overlapping with the Strawberry Festival (you can make it to both if you so choose) is Castroville's 49th Artichoke Festival, May 17-18. Purchase fresh-from-the-field artichokes, or eat them prepared many different ways. Accompanying events include a large parade, top-name bands, cooking demonstrations, and bus tours into the heart of an artichoke patch. http://www.artichoke-festival.org/
And, in between the strawberries and the artichokes, do make a stop at the 26th Annual Paso Robles Wine Festival, May 16-18. The weekend celebration, held in a casual city park, provides samplings from approximately 85 local wineries as well as wine-country fare and live music. http://www.pasowine.com/events/winefestival.php
Hollywood Roosevelt Redux
It's been a fixture since 1927, when the first Academy Awards ceremony took place in the Blossom Room (tickets cost five bucks) and the celebrity guests included Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, and other glamorous personae. The corner cabaret, Cinegrill, was one of the coolest watering holes in town. That was the old Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Completely redesigned in 2005, the new version is no less daunting. You won't find Clark and Carole shimmying through the hallowed hallways, but--perhaps--Brad and Angelina, and the other big names that currently make the rounds. Alas, the Cinegrill is gone. Irreplaceable as it was, two hip and hot venues still beckon: dim, seductive, Teddy's lounge that captures the sultry aura of the hotel's early days; and, in the evening, the Tropicana bar that surrounds the centerpiece historic David Hockney swimming pool, offering a see-and-be-seen environment in which to sip a choice of libations. And, yes, they do serve food. Poised right at the hotel's Hollywood Boulevard entryway, 25 Degrees is basically a burger joint that's done up like a bordello. Off the seeping-with-history lobby, Dakota offers classic steakhouse fare in a modern setting. If you're spending the night, each of the rooms and suites are decked out with Dean & DeLuca pantries, Fresh bath amenities, and Sferra luxury bed and bath linens. Just in case you're squeamish, you might ask which of the rooms is haunted before making a reservation.
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
7000 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, 90028, United States
800 950 7667 (toll-free)
Web Site