Los Angeles Hidden Hot Spots: West Los Angeles

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Hidden hot spots in Playa Del Rey

Another power spot for me is in Playa Del Rey. A long time ago the Spanish must have chosen this place for the king with the very same reason.

Playa Del Rey is just north of LAX (about 5 minutes driving) and there is the "Ballona Wetlands" which is one of the last significant wetlands in Los Angeles.

Bellona Wetland used to owned by Howard Hughes. Now the states owns it and you can only enter with permission or on open house days. Please check to see the days with this site→http://www.ballonafriends.org/docs/CalendarSpSm11_v1.pdf

March and April are the best months to see the beautiful wild flowers here.

Pickle Weed

Sage Flower

Wild Radish

Also you can meet gorgeous spring birds.

"Ballona Wetlands"

303 Culver Blvd

Playa Del Rey, CA 90293

(310)306-5994

http://www.ballonafriends.org

If you want to enjoy this beauty during lunch or dinner, then this is the spot.

Destini Cafe is an Asian Fusion restaurant. They have a cute garden patio and you can enjoy the view of wetlands.

You can bring your own alchol without corkage fee!

Their significant dishes are General Tso Chicken (Chinese) and Bimbim Bop (Korean).

"Destini Cafe"

423 Culver Blvd

Playa Del Rey, CA 90293

(424)228-2140

http://www.destinicafe.com

From the restaurants's backdoor you can see this view in spring.

Now is the time that all the wild flowers are in bloom. This is where you can find the original true nature in Los Angeles.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Hidden hot spots in Culver City

Culver City Downtown is my little Rome.

There is a historical hotel "Culver Hotel" in the center of town. Behind the hotel is a plaza that has many open-cafes which remind me of a view in Rome.

In front of the hotel, there is an Italian Cafe "Ugo Cafe". They sell yummy GELATO you must try it.

"Ugo Cafe"

3865Cardiff Ave, Culver City, CA 90232

(310)204-1222

http://www.cafeugo.com

My biggest reason to go to Culver City so often is this chocolatier "Essential Chocolate Deserts".

This is a small chocolatier that sells many kinds of chocolate desert. My most favorite is their imported TRUFFLES from Belgium.

"Essential Chocolate Deserts"

10868 Washington Blvd

Culver City, CA 90232

(310)287-0699

http://essentialchocolate.com

My favorite candle store is in Culver City. They make their candles onsite and sell a wide variety of their products. They also sell defective merchandise with outlet prices. This warehouse is a very eccentric place and it is worth it just to see it.