Traveled To Southern California. Recap: 07/29/10 (First Post)

[DCAllAfrican]

1. Traffic. I am not sure how anyone does it. How is it traffic at 10 PM on a Sunday night? This is the only reason why I wouldn't live in this area. If they had a Subway system like DC then I could deal with it, but you HAVE to have a car to get around.

2. California is Mexico. Well Southern California is Mexico. The area that I stayed in (Pico Rivera), I didn't see ANYONE that looked like me. Not one person. And when I thought about it, most city names in Southern California are in Spanish. Yea this place is Mexico.

3. Temperature. It was usually in the 80s during the day but in the 60's at night. Probably need two different outfits when traveling during the summer months. No where near the humudity levels we see on the East Coast. I was expected it to be much hotter but it never broke 83 degrees while I was there.

4. Vegas. Made the drive to Vegas Saturday for the USA Basketball Exhibition game. Vegas was hot. Dry heat though, not humid, so it was much more bearable than anything DC has been experiencing this summer. 2 miles strip. Food spots, Hotels, Casinos. Everything looks the same after 3 blocks. Unless you are the "Get twisted, love prostitutes, gamble a whole lot of $" type, then you will be bored after a while. I won't call it overrated, but it isn't for me.

The drive was about 4 hours but it was a boring drive. Dry valleys, canyons, dirt everywhere. If anyone says they see UFO's, I will believe them. Everything about that drive screamed, "Invasion" to me.

5. Hollywood. Just a few blocks of famous people commeratives. Nothing special. Just went to say, "I went to Hollywood." No urge to ever go back.

6. Venice Beach. Was very chilly when I was out there. Very interesting people out there. Marijuana booths for those that need "medical" attention. I started to go in there but I said, "No need to break the streak now." I did get hooked up with an Oxygen Booth. That was relaxing.

Saw Brian McKnight out there playing in the Venice Summer League. He was hitting some jumpers. He is aight. His son was out there too, looks like SOulja Boy. Venice has some legit ball players.

7. Santa Monica Pier. Nice area. Typical Pier. See people fishing, riding bikes near the beach side, shops. Nothing special once again.

8. Long Beach Pier. Same as above. Just more people fishing.

9. The Laugh Factory. World Famous COmedy Club. Tony Rock was hosting. Probably the best show I have seen live. Very funny.

10. Everyone in Southern California has a bike. Very active community. But I guess why shouldn't they be since they are always expected to have 9+ months of good weather. Many dogs being walked and/or dragged by bikes. Cool to see.

11. Little Tokyo. Nice little area. A bunch of Japanese shops where you can gather a lot of souveniers (if that is your thing).

---

Taco Del Rico: I don't like this place better than Chipotle or Qdoba. So what if it is "authentic." Authentic doesn't mean tastes better. The GPS was trying to get me killed. Instead of taking me to the restaurant, it took me to this side street and I saw a group of amigos rolling dice on the side in pitch darkness. GPS was trying to get me killed man. But this place was nothing special, not worth my gas. Wasn't nasty but wasn't anything special.

Lee's Philly: Easily the best food I ate while I was on my trip. It is food served off of a traveling truck. Korean Gogi is the type of food it is ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgogi ). It was so damn good. I got two chicken tacos ($2.50 each). Demolished those and turned right around and got a chicken steak. The meat was marinated in a sweet sauce and kimchi (fermented cabbage) was added to it to give it a nice crunch. It was so good man. I wanted more on the day before I left but they took the day off. They usually post where their truck will be on the Twitter or FB page.

(5 cent) Nickle Dinner: Downtown LA. Very good. Nice old time diner feel. Was also on the Food Network. My food was good, got a catfish meal that can with pecans. Very good. Nice staff. I reccomend going here if you are in LA.

Schooner or Later: This place was on the Food Network. I got a burger and fries, it was good. Nothing special. They had muffins that looked good and could replace any meal that comes with garlic bread. But nothing special, I did sit outside near the marina to eat. It was in Marina Del Rey.

Stephanos Pizza: Malibu. GOod pizza. Very good pizza. Ranks up there with some of the best pizza I have ever eaten. I asked the chef to add red pepper flakes to the sauce before he cooked the pizza and he thought that it was an interesting request. Says nobody asked for it before, but I know I like spice. Very good pizza.

Petrillo's Pizza: San Gabriel. Good pizza, very meaty cheese. It got cold very quickly for some reason, so I couldn't really rate it as I want. Crust wasn't too great and got hard quickly (NH). Not better than Stephanos.

Tacos Mexicano: Pico Rivera. The worst. I took one bite and threw my food away. Wasted my damn money.



Overall it was a good trip. Other than the traffic, I can't see why anyone wouldn't want to live here. I guess Earthquakes, but I can deal with that.

 

[dilated1200]

If you're staying in Reseda, then you'll be staying in "the valley." Reseda is where most of the film Boogie Nights was filmed. It's ok in some parts, but can be pretty bad in certain areas. There aren't many good shoe shops in the Valley. You're best bet would be to go over the hill to LA, mainly Melrose. That's where you'll find all the shoe and clothing boutiques. There's also LA Live by staples, maybe there'll be a home game when you're in town. I live in the Valley, and I'm much happier living over here than LA, but for a tourist you'd want to probably spend most of your time Downtown.

 

[in yo nostril]

reseda is technically in LA for some reason but you are a long ways from downtown and hollywood. you should figure out what you want to do and then pick a location to stay. whats your budget for the hotel? and you dont want to stay in pico rivera.

 

[DCAllAfrican]

Man I already booked my hotel in Pico Rivera. Tell me what is wrong with that place LOL.

We will rent a car so traveling back and forth won't be an issue. Will be there for a week.

What is near Pico Rivera

 

[Los Angeles]

I'd much rather be in Pico than the Valley though, that's forsure.

But, Pico is just a random place to post at. I'd say its 96% Hispanics - borders Santa Fe Springs, Whittier, El Monte, Montebello and East Los.

No matter where you go, you'll be in traffic trying to get to L.A, but you'd only be a good 15-20m away if you plan right.

I'm not sure what your budget is to do things, or what you like to do but there are definitely plenty of things to do in the area.

 

[DCAllAfrican]

What about the Street Car food?
I hear this is Big in LA. What should I be looking out for Food Wise.

I plan on going to 6 FLags since my Season pass allows me to go for free

 

[purplenurple1414]

What days will you be in LA?

Kogi I assume is the first food truck you should try out. www.kogibbq.com for locations for the week. You'll have to check on the week you're going.

Pico is about a half hour's drive from Downtown LA. There really isn't anything in Pico itself, and most of the bordering cities are boring too.
If anything, the Spearmint Rhino in City of Industry is the closest "attraction" you'll have

Be sure to visit Little Tokyo, Beverly Hills, and Melrose/Hollywood.

Six Flags is a bit of a drive also.
Traffic in LA is actually maneuverable, time it right and you won't run into the worst of the worst.

 

[in yo nostril]

Originally Posted by DCAllAmerican

What about the Street Car food?
I hear this is Big in LA. What should I be looking out for Food Wise.

I plan on going to 6 FLags since my Season pass allows me to go for free

search yelp for food trucks in los angeles. sort by number of reviews and you will get all the hypebeast food trucks. kogi and the grilled cheese one are the hotness. probably the pancake one too. if you are just looking for mexican food, there are food trucks everywhere.

expect long lines at those places. i know you can get the kogi tacos at some place in culver city in an actual restaurant but i cant remember the name.

i dont really eat that stuff because im not about waiting in the huge lines. i did eat at a shrimp truck a few weeks ago. shrimp guys is what it was called. it was really good. try that if they are in your area.

 

[mojodmonky1]

Originally Posted by In Yo Nostril

Originally Posted by DCAllAmerican

What about the Street Car food?
I hear this is Big in LA. What should I be looking out for Food Wise.

I plan on going to 6 FLags since my Season pass allows me to go for free

search yelp for food trucks in los angeles. sort by number of reviews and you will get all the hypebeast food trucks. kogi and the grilled cheese one are the hotness. probably the pancake one too. if you are just looking for mexican food, there are food trucks everywhere.

expect long lines at those places. i know you can get the kogi tacos at some place in culver city in an actual restaurant but i cant remember the name.

i dont really eat that stuff because im not about waiting in the huge lines. i did eat at a shrimp truck a few weeks ago. shrimp guys is what it was called. it was really good. try that if they are in your area.

If you really wanna get at that kogi tacos, I would recommend skipping the truck and going to Alibi Room in Culver City.

There is a kogi knockoff called Calbi which is actually pretty good.  The only other truck I've tried (and really liked) is the cheesesteak truck called the South Philly Experience.

OP, I have to say that I am a bit partial and biased since I've lived out here for the past 5 years, but I would recommend staying somewhere on the westside (West LA, Culver City, Santa Monica, Abbot Kinney, Venice, Marina Del Rey, etc...).  It's not THAT far from Hollywood (relatively speaking) and IMHO there aint really much you want to be doing out east, whether its downtown or even further east.

Being born, raised, living in socal for the last 30 years, I've always been stumped when people that have never been to LA before ask what the MUST SEE/MUST DO things are.  To be honest there isnt a whole lot I can pinpoint as must see/do in this city.  Even for touristy stuff, there isnt much to see.  A lot of Hollywood isn't that great.  There's Disneyland if you've never been (even though that is south of LA in Orange County).  There are plenty of outdoor shopping/hangout places like LA Live, Citywalk @ Universal, The Grove, 3rd Street Promenade, etc... which is good for people watching.  Really though the best thing about LA that should be experienced and enjoyed is the weather.  Stay out on the westside, hit up the beach, go barhopping, experience more of what the locals do.  That is what I would recommend.
  

 

[purplenurple1414]

I'm personally not a fan of Calbi, it's a lot different.
Mojo's right. LA is all basically taking in the city for your first time. There isn't a "running with the bulls" or "kiss the blarney stone" side of LA, just eat the food, enjoy the scenes, come live here

Don't spend too much time in Pico

 

[finn]

Visit Compton, that's my city

But you may look out of place if you ain't Black or Mexican/Hispanic.

 

[krispacinla]

DC:

If you coming down here next week around the 12th your welcome to our NT/US SUMMIT @ ESPN SPORTZONE in DOWNTOWN LA.

Here is the address.

ESPNZONE
1011 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles - (213) 765-7070

Let me know if you can make it.

Make sure you visit OC on your trip. Disneyland, Knotts, HB beach/bars, ect.

 

[DCAllAfrican]

Nah I won't be there until Mid-July.

In terms of authentic Mexican food, where should I go?

Pizza?

I can ask Google, but I want your opinions.

 

[mojodmonky1]

Mexican food - youre going to find a wide variety of recommendations. Everyone has their favorite local spot. Although it is a bit hype, I still like El Taurino. That hot sauce they got is fire (literally and figuratively). It is definitely not for the weak.

Pizza - If you are comparing it to top notch NY style pies, you are probably going to be disappointed. That being said there are some decent to good pizza spots. My favorite gourmet pizza in the city also happens to be my favorite restaurant called Pizzeria Mozza. Unless you plan on eating at odd hours (between the rush hours) you are going to have to make a reservation soon. Prime dinner hour reservations can usually run from 2-4 weeks out easy. This isn't super fine dining, but by no means is it a hole in the wall kinda joint. Expect to spend about $100-150 for 2 people if you get a bottle of wine, 1 pizza per person and an appetizer. If you like fresh mozz or burrata they have some top notch A+ quality burrata that is shipped in from Italy. Best burrata I've had outside of actually being in Italy. Hell, I'll go as far as to say that it stacks up with some of the burrata I came across while in Italy. For more hole in the wall, NY style pie, my go to place is Joe's Pizza (on Bleecker). Its originally a NY shop that opened up a couple of locations out here in LA (thus, not actually on Bleecker). The one I go to is in Santa Monica right near the 3rd St. Promenade. Good eats after a night of hittin the bars.

 

[ptown909]

IF YOU WANT ASIAN FOOD...JUST GO ANY WHERE IN SGV AND YOU CAN'T GO WRONG

 

[Los Angeles]

So are you staying in Pico?

Trust me when I say this, the bombest taco stand is in La Puente.

Taco Del Rio, NOT Boca Del Rio, Taco Del Rio.

Get special carne asada tacos con todo rojo or a special all meat burrito.

 

[Los Angeles]

So are you staying in Pico?

Trust me when I say this, the bombest taco stand is in La Puente.

Taco Del Rio, NOT Boca Del Rio, Taco Del Rio.

Get special carne asada tacos con todo rojo or a special all meat burrito.

 

[carsoncalifornia]

come down to Inglewood.


just dont wear too much blue or red



and dont make eye contact with too many people

we can hit up a bonfire late night at ghetto dockweiler state beach

there are plenty of females though

 

[unbornseed]

Originally Posted by carsoncalifornia

we can hit up a bonfire late night at ghetto dockweiler state beach

Me and boys were just talking bout how ghetto Dockweiler has become since the highschool/college kids started going.  You get to hear 757s fly over you all the time as well DC.

 

[malibusfinest310]

Originally Posted by UnbornSeed

Originally Posted by carsoncalifornia

we can hit up a bonfire late night at ghetto dockweiler state beach

Me and boys were just talking bout how ghetto Dockweiler has become since the highschool/college kids started going.  You get to hear 757s fly over you all the time as well DC.

im not even tripping, that issh is popping

the cops are hot, though, especially at this time

FEMALES, FEMALES, and guess what, MORE FEMALES

and good looking ones in bikinis too

watch out with the hood rats and gangters though

i live in inglewood so im used to the jets flying overhead and making so much damn noise

 

[unbornseed]

Originally Posted by malibusfinest310

Originally Posted by UnbornSeed

Originally Posted by carsoncalifornia

we can hit up a bonfire late night at ghetto dockweiler state beach

Me and boys were just talking bout how ghetto Dockweiler has become since the highschool/college kids started going.  You get to hear 757s fly over you all the time as well DC.

im not even tripping, that issh is popping

the cops are hot, though, especially at this time

FEMALES, FEMALES, and guess what, MORE FEMALES

and good looking ones in bikinis too

watch out with the hood rats and gangters though

i live in inglewood so im used to the jets flying overhead and making so much damn noise

Im 29, I'm tired of them hood rat %@# females and every skinny jean gang banger. It use to be a cool spot but I'm coo now...I go to manhattan beach nowadays

 

[malibusfinest310]

forreals

my girl works at the restaurant on the corner of highland and rosecrans in north manhattan, so im out there a lot when i pick her up or drop her off

that area is reallly nice, and the further south u go, the better


especially the palos verdes area

 

[DCAllAfrican]

Trip is next week. I am putting together my activities checklist. What are the MUST DO things?

Is Magic Mountain 6 Flags worth going to? It is an hour drive from my HOtel.

I plan on going to a game show. Price as Right or Family Feud. That will be fun.

I want to visit Pepperdine. I went to Pepperdine before when I was in LA. Best campus I have ever seen. Right on the Pacific.

 

[greezee]

DC, yes Magic Mountain is worth going to. It will be very warm though, dress accordingly. About some things you must do, I will try to help
you out a bit. Since you have never been, go to Hollywood Blvd, especially on a Saturday night. It will be A LOT of people out there. There
are many clubs and bars you can go to. You can find any club you want, black clubs, white clubs, latin, all in a general area. You can go to
LA Live, that area is right next to the Staples Center in Downtown, there are a few things to do down there. Also, you can check out the Grove
on 3rd and Fairfax (shops, restaurants, movies). I take it you're black, I am (doesn't really matter) though, go to the Venice Beach boardwalk
on a Sunday afternoon. Get there around 2 p.m. There are some NICE women there. You don't even have to do anything really, just walk
up and down the boardwalk a few times and bounce. There are women of all flavors there too.

You also have the Santa Monica Pier. In that area there are places where you can eat and sight see. Near that area is the 3rd Street Promenade, bars etc.
are down there. There are a lot of things to do in LA, I was just naming some things off the top that have a mixture of people there and are not catered to
one particular crowd. If you need anymore help just ask.

 

[finn]

If you plan on going clubbing just be aware that basically everything shuts down at 2. If you club in Hollywood "The Highland" is alright but then again its nothing spectacular and I went to some other club on Hollywood blvd (forgot the name) and there were tons of young cats, it was 18+ so that wasn't that great. I'm in Compton and I rarely ever hit up Hollywood.

But yeah as mentioned above Santa Monica Pier would be a cool spot for you to go, you can't go wrong with that.