LOS ANGELES – Downtown is one of the few parts of LA where you can find classical architecture – from beaux-arts and art deco to revival – mixed in with a range of starchitectual wows.  As far as LA goes, Downtown truly represents a treasure trove of architectural gems, reflecting not only the area’s rich history but [...]

  LOS ANGELES – Back in the day, the only art venue in Downtown was the Museum of Contemporary Art (or MOCA) on Grand Ave.  This is no longer the case.  The art offerings in the area have become numerous and varied, creating an art scene that is not only vibrant but, in a city that tends to focus only [...]

  LOS ANGELES – Don’t get us wrong.  We love Los Angeles.  However these days, whenever we visit that traffic-clogged, vanity-fueled, sprawling flatness and have a night out it turns out – more often than not – to be a bit more than we expect….and not in good way.  Hollywood seems to be even more touristy (which didn’t seem possible), [...]

    LOS ANGELES – While I’m not a fan of all those must-see tourist sights in Los Angeles, there is one place  (okay, make that two, if you include Disneyland) that I’ve always been fond of and have continued to go to regularly over the years:  the Original Farmers Market (aka Farmers) at 3rd and Fairfax. Like most people, [...]

  CARMEL, CA – Miles removed from Highway 1, Carmel Valley Ranch is like a hideout amidst the trees.  As we drove into the Carmel Valley – seemingly miles off the beaten track – I said to my husband, “Man, this sure is far from everything.  I hope it’s worth the trek.”  It is. Carmel Valley Ranch sits atop a [...]

  SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – Everyone should stay at the Madonna Inn at least once in their lifetime – especially those souls who have a sense of humor and an appreciation of retro irony.  Why?  Because it is a truly singular experience. Located just off the 101 Freeway in San Luis Obispo, Madonna Inn is essentially a motel (the [...]

By MONICA BYERS LOS ANGELES – I was first introduced to Tommy’s by my ex-husband on the weekend we became engaged (don’t ask).  I must admit that, on that first visit, I didn’t get the appeal.   The restaurant was populated with all sorts of miscreants, and I wasn’t sure the food was worth the weirdness.  The whole thing was a [...]

    LOS ANGELES – According to the dictionary, a foodie is “a person who has an ardent or refined interest in food; a gourmet.” Let me state upfront that this is not me.  I am not a foodie.  Yes, I do enjoy eating out, have done countless boring (and quickly forgotten) business dinners at this or that fancy restaurant, [...]