CALIFORNIA – To some, the train is one of the most enjoyable modes of travel.  To others it’s archaic, a thing of the past.  For me, it seemed an interesting way to spend some of my newfound, Cali-based free time and what I hoped would be a great way to a see a bit of the US. I [...]

    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 [...]

  LOS ANGELES – Given all that we love about Downtown LA, what would we suggest if you only had one day to spend in Downtown?  If you’re into the arts, we would suggest starting the afternoon with an art crawl (Route #1).  Begin at MOCA’s Geffen Contemporary in Little Tokyo and check out their latest show, then walk a [...]

  LOS ANGELES – When it comes to Downtown hotels, there’s no better choice for us than the old Los Angeles Biltmore.  Built overlooking Pershing Square in the 1920’s, when Downtown was the center of the city, the Biltmore is one of LA’s last grand dame hotels – classic, opulent, glamorous, from a bygone era.  It’s primarily known as the [...]

      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, [...]

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, [...]