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Archive for September, 2009
Beverly Hills: See How the Other Half Lives
Thanks to its close proximity to Los Angeles and the Hollywood film industry, Beverly Hills is the place to find an abundance of big-name celebrities. A movie star can be sure that she has “made it” if she can call the Hills home. The mansions there are among the largest and most expensive in the nation, so it’s no wonder that tourists flock there in droves to try to catch sight of their favorite stars.
Beverly Hills has also been the backdrop for a number of popular television shows, including “Beverly Hills 90210″ and “The Hills.” As one might expect from watching these shows, the lifestyle in upscale Los Angeles County is a cut above most other places on the globe. The region boasts some of the swankiest restaurants and chic boutiques. The best way to enjoy the unique sights and sounds of the area is on one of many Beverly Hills luxury tours.
Just come Home!
One of the coolest things about living in Los Angeles is the pleasantly overwhelming dining choices that span every culture and speak to all five senses, and even your sixth one too! My good friend and helicopter pilot, Evan Jensen introduced me to a place called “Home” on Hillhurst Ave. in LA. Walking it you will immediately “‘get it” because you simply want to stay a while. Throughout there are large comfy booths on a spacious outdoor patio, surrounded by carefully placed trees and eye catching hanging plants. The inside is beyond charming, with an impressive bar, fireplace, and overall ambiance that is very relaxing.
The menu has it all, and of course everything is “home cooked.” I had a salmon salad that exceeded my expectations and Evan enjoyed the egg rolls. There is no doubt in my mind that “Home” is a great hang out for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. In addition, they are extremely “dog friendly.” Let’s face it, one of the best things about being home is your dog(s) if one or more is a part of your home! So whether you are a local or you are here to tour Los Angeles, I say……. Just come Home!
Take a Hike!
Ah yes, a view of the famous Hollywood Sign completely backwards with a 360 panoramic view of LA, Burbank, Hollywood, and beyond! There is simply so much hiking to do in the Los Angeles area, it is overwhelming. Place like Runyon and Temescal Canyons are among some of the most popular, but I like the view at the top of Mt. Lee! “Peaceful” & “LA” do not often fall into the same sentence; but this would be the exception to the rule.
Hiking to this view is the hard part, but there is a paved road accessible within Griffith Park that you can only walk up the back side of Mt. Lee tothe top. Many people locally and on Los Angeles Tours can get great views facing the Hollywood Sign, but should never attempt to hike up the front of Mt. Lee. I see people getting in trouble with the Police monthly; not to mention it is treacherous terrain. So get out there and take a hike!
A Guinness Milkshake Please!
The art of mastering California Adventure Tours is knowing things that would almost never cross a person’s mind. An example would be the Guinness Milkshake that is served at 25 Degrees located inside of the historic Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood. The name refers to the temperature difference between a medium rare and well done burger. Clever! 25 Degrees describes their concept as playful with a “Bordello meets Burger Bar” attitude.
I was intent to eat at 25 Degrees solely to find out what this Guinness Milkshake was all about. Truthfully I was only willing to except that it would be awful. I happen to like Guinness; but Guinness + Milk must equal awful right? Well, I was wrong. It is basically a vanilla malt shake with hints of chocolate and a small amount of Guinness blended into it that creates a unique flavor. What I am trying to say is; OMG it is awesome! In addition to that, everything on the menu was a treat. Building your own gourmet burger from the ground up is the way to go; selecting from sirloin, turkey or veggie burger with scrumptious toppings and gourmet cheeses as your building blocks. You can not walk out the door without trying the sweet potato french fries too. Wow!
So I am here to tell you that 25 Degrees needs to be on your hit list. Do not be intimidated by the Guinness Milkshake. Just order it.
25 Degrees is also located in the City North Center in Phoenix Arizona, and the most recent location in Downtown Huntington Beach California.
As they say, 25 Degrees is not just another spot to grab an ordinary burger.
Get Out and Enjoy California
Los Angeles is best known as the capital of the U.S. film industry, a place where star sightings are an everyday occurrence and streets are routinely cordoned off to allow for movie directors to maintain a closed set. But people often forget the wealth of outdoor activities that are within easy travel distance from Hollywood. From hiking in the wooded hills to strolling along the pristine, sandy beaches, there’s always a way to stay busy – and to have tons of fun in the process.
Out-of-towners sometimes have difficulty prioritizing their time in California. There’s so much to do that the choices might seem overwhelming. California adventure tours take all of the guesswork and thoughts about logistics right out of the equation by offering vacationers a comfortable convenient experience on the West Coast. The tours can be tailored according to personal preferences, and they leave indelible memories in the minds of tourists for years after the fact.