LOS ANGELES – While most visitors to LA flock to the renowned Getty Museum, they often forget about the city’s first major museum dedicated solely to art:  the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). Granted, LACMA may not be housed in a beautiful, mountain-perched Richard Meier-designed building (like the Getty) and can’t boast an unrivaled collection of [...]

By MONICA BYERS NEW YORK – Woodwork is one of my favorite football bars in NYC, discovered thanks to my Brooklyn-dwelling football pal, Scott.  It’s got a fun bar staff (who actually do know their football), reasonably priced beer (with a pretty broad selection) and good eats (click here for more on that).   It’s also a more physically comfortable place [...]

By MONICA BYERS NEW YORK, NY – My first visit to the Swift Hibermian Lounge in Manhattan’s East Village (or is it NoHo?) was on a chilly October night when the bar had a special beer drink called the Jack O’Lantern i.e. Guiness with pumpkin ale, if memory serves – an important caveat, as this was a while ago and [...]

  SAN FRANCISCO – Head over to the Van Ness/Upper Tenderloin area these days and there – amongst a cultural melting pot (Vietnamese, Indians, Pakistanis have all taken stakes in the area) and the backdrop of San Francisco’s skid row – you’ll find the very impressive gallery, 941 Geary.  This relatively new exhibition space specializes in what is one of [...]

SAN FRANCISCO – When it comes to San Francisco, I have very mixed feelings.  Growing up, I loved spending time there and felt it was one of the best places ever.  But now, after having seen a bit of what else is out there in the world and having looked at what SF has become, I find it less in [...]

  By GARY FONG SAN FRANCISCO – Cafeteria-style service, glass-enclosed serving stations, hand-carved mouthwatering meats, fun side dishes just waiting to be scooped up, and loads of beer and cocktails…what’s not to love?  Known as the hofbrau, this American take on the German pub peaked in popularity back in the 70’s but nowadays you’d be hard pressed to find one [...]

LAS VEGAS, NV – Man, do I love Vegas.  I love the cheesiness, the non-stop party and the promise of naughtiness around every corner.  I used to get there 3 times a year back when I was a Californian but, sadly, now only make it there about once every two years or so (including one trip to have my wedding [...]

By MONICA BYERS NEW YORK – Nevada Smiths is, hands down, my favorite football bar in New York City.  It’s not fancy – it’s actually a bit of a dive. There’s no food.  They serve drinks from plastic cups (at the moment, anyway).  On the day of a big fixture (e.g. Champions League final), you may not get a seat. [...]

SAN FRANCISCO – Looking for a wicked triple cream or a super crusty sour batard? How about a special brew made from freshly roasted (within the last 48 hours), pesticide-free, shade-grown coffee beans?  If this is the sort of stuff that makes your mouth water or if you just enjoy good food, then check out San Francisco’s Ferry Building Marketplace [...]

    By MONICA BYERS NEW YORK – The first thing to say is that the title of this series of posts is probably the last time you will here me refer to this sport as “soccer.”   Having lived in Europe for five years, I just can’t refer to the “beautiful game” by that name – it hurts my ears [...]