Julie and Julia, Huntington Beach Dog Beach; 06.26.11

Ah, Huntington Beach Dog Beach.  It's like Disneyland for dogs.  The address is 100 Goldenwest St., in Huntington Beach, CA.  It's a strip of beach along the PCH between Seapoint and Goldenwest.  The best way to get there is to take the Goldenwest exit off of the 405, and take it all the way to PCH.  I usually take the Beach exit, and make a right on Beach, right on Main, right on Yorktown, and left on Goldenwest.  Having lived in HB for a year, there is a comfort in familiarity.  And it's always nice to drive by the usual places that B and I used to frequent to along Beach Blvd.

The HBDB has a volunteer organization that helps keep the beach clean with ample trash cans, and poop bags.  There is also a stand on either end of the dog beach that volunteers set up every weekends for the dog owners to purchase sweatshirts, toys, etc.  If you need a tennis ball or a lap of water for your doggie, you are more than welcome to help yourself.  I on the other hand, had the need to refill my parking meter today, so I asked for a dollar change in quarters with the nice man on Goldenwest's stand, and he happily obliged.  I also used him before to give a set of Audi keys that I found in the sand on my way in to the dog beach.  And when  I checked with him on my way back, he said that someone did claim for it.  Dogbeach.org is their website.  If you appreciate HBDB's work, you can donate through there. 

Tico had a lot of fun with me throwing out his ball towards the water.  And when B caught up with us an hour later, I got a chance to soak up a little bit of the sun, and get caught up on my latest issue of Sunset magazine.  I love this issue.  It has a great recipe that looked very fresh and filling, called 'Garlic-basil grilled chicken with Caprese salsa'.  There is also a picture of a nice plate of yellowtail drenched with soy sauce, olive oil, and chili's.  It looked so good I wanted to lick the page.  So for lunch, I suggested to B we hang out at Seacliff Village's food court, so he can get some BRC burrito, and I can get a modest plate of yellowtail at the Sango Sushi next door to it.  Along with a plate of yakisoba and the Sunday breeze, it was a great way to enjoy the day, with the dog right under our table.

I love eating.  I wish I could eat Chinese food every day.  But if I do, I'd be twice my size in no time, no doubt.  Case in point, is this week.  I gained between 5 to 10 pounds since I ate out this week more than I have done in one single month because of my birthday.  Bea and I drove to Corona one day, an hour plus from my house to get a little spa day at Glen Ivy, where we picked on a BBQ chicken salad and mixed green salad.  Glen Ivy's admission fee is $46 on weekdays, and about $50 on weekends.  It is free on your birthday, so here we are.  This resort has pools in every corner, like the mineral pool, the lounge pool, and the mud pool, and the roman bath.  There are saunas and steam rooms, and massage rooms for those who are willing to pay extra for the service.  We just hung out between the pools and lounged around in a couple of the chairs, and caught up on life.  No dogs allowed.     

Afterwards, we drove to Temecula  about 20 minutes south of there, to have some wine tasting at local wineries.  From the 15 freeway, you exit Rancho California road, and make a left towards the wineries.  Old Town Temecula on the other hand, is to the left of the freeway.  But we mean business, so our first stop was Stuart Cellars.  We got a 2 for 1 wine tasting coupon, so we got 2 tastings for $10 total, and I scored on a bottle of their White Merlot for under $7.  The wineries are no place for dogs, but there are dining and places in Temecula to take your dogs to.  It gets REALLY HOT IN HERE, so take heed.  Otherwise, with Holiday Inn Express, a dog-friendly hotel just 25-30 minutes north of here, you can have a dog-friendly weekend.  The Temecula Hot-air Baloon and Wine Festival happens during the early summer, so grab your pup, and visit Temecula if you get a chance. 

We were hungry again during this time, and Susan Stuart, the owner; recommended Gourmet Italia which is in a mall close to the freeway.  We were skeevy about 'gourmet' places in a strip mall, and the interior is definitely meh and as Bea puts it, smells of candles; but we were not disappointed with the food.  I had this Fusilli al Fileto, which has this red wine tomato cream sauce that I kept thinking about for days.  So today Sunday, I tried to make my own version of it.  Not so bad, but the cream definitely needs improvement.

Gourmet Italia's version

My version, and I added spinach and basil leaves to mine

Afterwards, we drove back to the wineries to get to South Coast Winery.  There, we also got a 2 for 1 coupon, so for $15, we got 5 flights, of which I enjoyed this blend called Group Therapy.  And we got to keep the glasses with this one.  Some wineries do, some don't. 



I had a great time with Bea today.  It's been years since we've gone traveling one-on-one.  We traveled with the girls in Vegas last Fall, but this road trip gave us a chance to chat up, and talk about things longer.  Lately, when we get together, it's usually between watching Bravo channel or stuffing our faces, or drinking with other friends.  So it's been great to have this QT with one of my best friends.

B took me that night to Orange Hill Restaurant, which is located in the city of Orange.  The hillside restaurant's view is magnificent.  We had a great view of Orange County from the table.  I ordered their prime rib, because apparently, even with stuffing myself twice today and drinking about 11 flights of wine, I can't say no to food.  B ordered their salmon, a nice helping of caesar salad, and a tiramisu.  At 9:30, we saw the fireworks from the Disneyland resorts.  It is, after all; my birthday.  Leave it to Mickey to let me know he knows.  And our waiter hooked me up with some cheesecake, and I still have the leftover in the fridge.  This is not a dog-friendly place.

One night, Mai and Jason took B and I to Libra Brazilian Steakhouse in Culver City, off of 3833 Main Street, in downtown CC.  O.M.G.  This place is like heaven of meats and salad bars and all you can eat cheeses and fine veggies and rice, stew, hot entrees, and more meats.  We are very happy, and we stayed there from 7pm until closing time.  I feel like in comedian John Pinette's Chinese Buffet storyline.  "You go now, you been here 4 hour".  It was goood.  I believe it's about $35 AYCE at night, but they have lunch specials for $15, but no lamb or chicken hearts during lunch.  There's a patio area for you and your dog, if you so please.  But I doubt you'll pay much attention to your dog with all of the good food.

On another night, B told me we are going out to eat and go out dancing.  So I dressed up to go dancing, and we drove to Colombo's Italian restaurant in Eagle Rock.  B's family, which included brother and sister Michael and Michelle, and her husband Jerry, met up with us.  Michael is in town from College, so it was a perfect time for all of us to get together.  Mai stopped by too.  And I had a plate of Chicken Piccatta as well as Jerry, and Mai had a Ribeye.  I think B and the rest of the table got some lasagna special and Michael had salmon. We then shared a bunch of desserts, my favorite being this cheesecakey raspberry thing.  And the night was a load of fun.  I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.  B's family are funny.  And Mai, of course; kept her share of the ruckus too.  No dogs are allowed, as I can see with the set-up.          

Sunday is not so bad, but not so good either, food consumption-wise. 

It's easy to talk about food, of discovering great places to eat, and experimenting on cooking.  But I'm no Martha Stewart, in comparison to those who passionately blogs about fine dining and gourmet cooking.  Mai alone, being a foodie, and actually travels to places to eat good food, can write a blog.  But she does not.  Bea can write a blog about food as well, and mostly traveling all over the world, but she does not.  And they are both amazing cooks.  So I am in no way in a position to blog about food, but once in a while, it's nice to talk about them, because I appreciate good food.  But with the limited budget and an expanding waist, I leave it to the experts to blog about food. 

My dog and his advetures on the other hand, does not require special skills or money.  And I have a strong passion to keep my dog happy and active. 

And so here we are.

"Dude, where's my car?" Rodeo Drive Car Show, Beverly Hills; 06.19.11



This was parked on the street, and not part of the show.  The driver posted a 'For Sale' sign for $9K, a 1954 car. 



The Rodeo Drive Concourse D'Elegance is a car show held on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.  The show is about Italian cars, and the main show is the 125 vintage Italian cars spread around the blocked Rodeo Drive.  There were other cars, new and old; such as Alfa Romeos, Fiats, Lamborghinis and Ferrari's.  There were also Porsche and some American Classic, B hoped there were Audi's, and alas, there were a couple.  This is apparently an annual Father's Day event, which was held from 10am to 4pm.  There's a public parking on Santa Monica Blvd., but it's full.  We love BH on Sundays, because parking is free all over.  Too bad there's really no reason for us to be around here most of the time.  The dogs are out and about today to enjoy nice leather seats too.

Fiat also signed up people to drive their little cars, it would be cool, but we have Tico with us today.  We love cars, and we love beautiful cars.  Vintage cars, are the best.  We have seen a 1954 Fiat with pedals that are the size of a dollar.  And nothing else on the dashboard but the odometer.  No radio, no CD/tape player, no A/C, no cup holder, nothing.  And it seats 2, and it's the size of a refrigerator. 

What is up with bulldogs and their love for spreading their legs like that?

His and her Lamborghini, anyone?

Reminds me of Mr. Bean's car...

This car reminds me of Mr. Bean's car episodes...imagine driving around the English countryside with this car, bumping off other cars on the hillside, hitting posts, and walking away from the scene of the accident as if nothing happened...

What a handsome photo!

Bugatti

B trying to get Tico to sit down for photo-op

Simply the best

Ok, this is likely the closest we'll ever get near these cars, but man, they are beautiful.  Sleek curves, shiny hood, nice threading on the leather seats, and consoles are clean and classic, and the wheels, rims and tires are an artwork.  And the car emblems, what a beaut.

B and I went to Outdoor Cinema Food Fest last night Saturday, where they featured the movie "Old School" with Will Ferrell and Luke Wilson.  It was a silly movie, but we enjoyed it.  This one was held in Exposition Park, near USC.  The movie started at 8:30 pm, right after a band called Helen Earth Band.  The food trucks on this night was meh.  But I chose Canter's food truck, which is from the same restaurant of the same name in Beverly Hills on Fairfax.  I had a Pastrami sandwich, Ruben style.  B had a couple of sliders that took an hour, so he had a half of my sandwich which was filling.  I never seem to think that long lines meant good food, so the sliders were, in my opinion, not worth it.  I think we got it from some burger food truck.  My sandwich from Canter's, on the other hand, was filling enough that I was full at half a sandwich, and it also came with a cup of coleslaw and a whole pickle.   B, unsatisfied with his two sliders, ate my remaining half sandwich and pickles.  To concentrate on plays/movies, B and I don't take Tico to these places, but dogs are allowed on most outdoor LA events.

The movie cost $10, and if you bring your own food and drinks, that is a great deal.  Unless you're lazy as we are, where we bought our food and drinks on there.  The parking on this place is $10, but we were cheap and decided to drive around and walk for a few hundred feet away at a meter parking (free after 8pm) just outside a new apartment complex.  The movie ended at 10pm.  Make sure to bring thick blankets and low-slung chairs.  It can get cold there, so we brought three pairs of blankets, a handful of sweaters and jackets, and we wore shoes and socks.  We can actually take the train from here, so it is something for us to think about.  We don't like expensive, unnecessary parking fees, so this public transport thing is something to take advantage of.

The OCFF's upcoming movie schedule for the summer are Terminator, The Matrix, Office Space, Reservoir Dogs, Fargo, and The Figt Club to name a few.  The locations for OCFF movies are all over the place.  We've gone to this one last season, as well as the Grand Hope park in downtown LA.  We've also been to the one by Chinatown, where we can see the train on the side.  There are no public restrooms, though.  It's mostly porta-potties, which is not my favorite in the world.   

Cupcakes @ $2 each

"Dude, where's my car?" is a 2000 movie by Ashton Kutcher and Sean William Scott.  It's a movie about two stoners who woke up and can't find their car the next day.  B and I went out Friday night and met Melissa and her friend Sheri, who is in town visiting her from New Mexico.  We met them at the new Baja Sharkeez in Manhattan Beach, on El Porto.  Sheri's birthday is on June 10, Melissa's will be later this month, so they are celebrating it together.  There's a bunch of us June b-day girls, so this month will be very busy getting together with everyone.  It's been hard getting everyone on a sit-down dinner and talk to them and their significant others on a one-to-one basis, so I look forward to these dinners.

Anyhoo, after a couple of Coronas, and a little dancing on the cramped dance floor, B and I were exhausted.  When we got out, I asked B where's his silver car was, since I don't see it from a distance to where we parked it.  He reminded me that I drove with my black car, so at least we know he'd be driving back home.    

Panchos across from the bar.  Decent food, great dining floor

Streets of El Porto, MB

Speaking of transportations, food trucks are cool.  I like the fact that you can just get in line and order food, and off you go to a bench somewhere and eat.  No need for a table service, no tip necessary, etc.  Food quality wise, for the most part, are so-so.  But today, we lucked out with Vesuvio Food Truck since we got a Penne Pasta with Sausage and Peppers with sides of 2 bread, and two sliders of meat balls and sausage, and a drink, all for under $15.  And they were filling, and very tasty.  And the people behind the truck are nice.  I asked for a dish of water for Tico, and not only the guy gave us one dish full of water once, he actually came out of the truck, walked over to where we were sitting (behind his truck), and asked if we needed more.  He gave us a gallon-full.  We said thanks, and he said "customers with dogs are the best".  Now, that's customer service.  Here's a blip about them on Yelp where they talked about their rice balls.  We ordered more than enough food, so we missed out on that one.  They are, however; possibly going to be on the OCFF's food truck line-ups, so we look forward to going to OCFF again when Vesuvio's one of the food truck choices.  Hopefully next time, we'll be confident enough to bring Tico with us.  We're just not sure about his endurance to sit in one spot quietly for two hours straight.  Because you get to enjoy your food al fresco, food trucks are dog-friendly.

We love cars.  I love cars.  My all-time favorite car was a 13 year old red 1987 Toyota MR2.  That car can go.  I bought it for about $1,300 cash with over 100K miles already in it.  I had fun with that car, for the short time that I had owned it.   Of all the cars I've owned, old and new; the MR2 was by far, the most fun car I've ever had.  I wish I kept it, and tried to restore it.

What a fun car.       

Santa Monica Stairs, 6.12.11

B and I had a long day yesterday.  So it was expected that we sleep in late on Sunday.  We did manage to move from the bedroom to the living room, and partly watch Netflix while B dozes off and on at the longer sofa, and Tico and I in the loveseat.  After eating leftover mish mash of leftover steak and pasta, mixed in with tofu, and spiced up ala Pad Thai, we bolted to Santa Monica for some much-needed workout.

I stand corrected - the yelpers noted that this has 186 steps.  It's mostly wood, and it really kicked our butts in gear.  My third and last try made my knees shaky and wobbly, so stretching is a must.  Tico kept wanting to drink water between breaks.  But he slept goooood in the night.  There was a girl with her little dog that was going to go down while we were resting after our third climb.  The dog was not too happy to get down, I have to say.  

Some of these guys are straight up hard core.  There was a guy that was puting his benches and weights back to his car when a cop pulled over to tell him he can not bring those things in the area.  That's how fanatic these people can get.  I was fascinated with one of the guys who had a jacket filled with weights, and then he took it off to do some jump ropes, and then he switched to one of those circular things you put on each of your hand to help you do push-ups.  And this, mind you; is in between his climbs.  But you can defintiely tell the people that come here often - they have zero body fat.  Nada.  Zip.  Zilch.  Of course, you're bound to see men and women of different ages, but for the most part, they are obviously fit, and drive ridiculously nice cars.  This is, Santa Monica after all.  

The houses along 4th and Adelaide, and on Adelaide specifically; are marvelous.  They are multi-million dollar homes with amazing city and ocean views.      

There is another set of stairs before the wooden one.  This one is made of steel, and is narrower.  I've never been on this one, so I can't vouch for it; but it is less crowded and less busy than the former. 

I completely forgot about Tico's new toy.  We found it in the car on our way home.  This donkey has the same color scheme as he does; so I really liked it.  It also made a funny noise like a duck's quack, instead of the usual squeaks.  His 'hooves', however; makes the usualy squeaks.  Tico got frustrated with me because he can't make the noises as often as he'd like all at the same time.  Talk about multi-tasking.