Cali Fun

Off to LA for a work trip, but squeezed in some early morning and late night fun!

First stop, Manhattan Beach for a long walk on the strand.

 
A power smoothie at SunLife Organics in Manhattan Beach was our post-walk treat.  Delicious!

 

Gjusta is a no miss in Venice – 320 Sunset Avenue.

Amazing fresh, farm-to-table fare.

And I am slightly obsessed with the 4″ thick marble countertop that runs the length of the restaurant!

Off to Abbot Kinney Boulevard to shop and people watch.  I purchased a few trinkets and a new pair of lavender Adidas.

Graffiti in Venice

We met our dear friends for a drink at Shutters and for dinner at Gjelina, the sister restaurant of Gjusta, on Friday night.  I don’t know how Rita got the reservation, but I bow down to her!

Erewhon is a nutty, super high-end natural food store that has curated everything perfectly. Except for the 15oz coconut yogurt we bought for $22.99…. rut row.

We were on New York time, so were able to get up each morning and go for a long walk on the Santa Monica/Venice strand.

So pretty.

I had a really fun work project in the valley.  The only part that was not fun was our drive up the Topanga Canyon road.  Right over the Santa Monica mountains – here is the view.  Don’t do this if you have a fear of heights!

We spent out last night at Michael’s for dinner in Santa Monica.  Opened in 1979, it is an LA institution.  Now with a hot, new chef just 30 years old – Miles Thompson.

Dine on the gorgeous patio or stop in the newly renovated bar for an inspired cocktail. The perfect LA place.

If you like unusual ice cream flavors – Jeni’s on Rose Avenue is the place for you.  Goat Cheese with Red Cherries, Juniper & Lemon Curd, Queen City Cayenne.  I chose Cocoa Curry Coco.  Amazing.

 
LA is ALWAYS fun!

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