Almost two years ago my very dear friend MeShae took an opportunity for relocation to Los Angeles, California with her company. I was sad of course but knew that she would shine out on the west coast. I wanted to visit but had to find the right time with being pregnant and then having an infant. Sean traveled for work almost half of the summer so I had his full support for a long weekend in LA to spend with my friend. It was a fabulous time!I flew out of Atlanta on a 7.30am flight which meant I could sleep a bit more AND arrive in LA at around 9.30 in the morning. Yay for gaining 3 hours and having a full day to spend exploring. After meeting MeShae at her office to drop my suitcase with her, I headed out on my own.
My first stop was lunch at In-N-Out Burger. Such a good burger with quality ingredients. So California.
After lunch, I headed out to The Getty Center, a collection of museums buildings, architecture highlights and gardens perched atop the hills with panoramic views. It was completely FREE and completely stunning. It was the very first recommendation MeShae gave me when I asked and even though it was a bit far from her place, it was worth it. I wandered on my own through the buildings and courtyards, exploring new views at every turn and doing some major people-watching.
The city and ocean views were grand, as were all the natural elements throughout the grounds. I could’ve stayed longer but was aware that traffic would be bad going all the way across town. Definitely check this place out if you’re in LA.
I got to MeShae’s house before her and Jonathan did so I just relaxed for awhile, and Facetimed with Sean and Harrison. We headed to dinner in Manhattan Beach, at a Vietnamese spot called Little Sister that she was excited to share with me.
I had a lovely glass of Bordeaux and while all the dishes we ordered were wonderful, the standout was the lemongrass beef vermicelli bowl. The spicy curry noodles with fresh crab, scallops and shrimp was also delicious.
Walking out of dinner into a delectably cool evening with no humidity and a soft ocean breeze was the best respite from the epic heat of the Georgia summer. SO NICE.
Quality time hanging out back at her house where I stayed up way later than I should have – but I knew I could sleep in. 😉
Friday morning, I researched things to do in Gardena which is home to a large Japanese population and filled with Japanese and other Asian restaurants, shops, cafes, businesses, etc.
I went for a wonderful and long Japanese Shiatsu massage in the morning. It was one of the best massages I have ever had and I was so relaxed. Ahhhh.
Afterward, I walked next door to a Japanese restaurant called Kanpachi and was the only non-Asian person in the place. I sat at the bar, ordered a lunch special and was immediately served the best miso soup of my life. Must’ve used a richer, darker miso because the depth of flavor was incredible. Also filled with different vegetables – a squash, some greens in addition to scallions and tofu.
The woman sitting next to me struck up a conversation and next thing I knew, she was complimenting me on my sense of adventure to travel alone and to explore an ethnic area. She was very kind and I enjoyed getting to chat with a local! The sushi was good, too!
After my leisurely lunch, I walked some more until I arrived at a food mecca – Tokyo Central Market. I’d seen this place in my research and knew I had to go.
Heaven. Foodie heaven. Japanese culture heaven. Specialty items heaven. I was here for WAY too long, wandering around the store and through the aisles, studying ingredients and products, marveling at the variety of produce and seafood, and imaging all the wonderful dishes I could create.
Alas, I couldn’t buy much but it was still time very well spent getting my creative juices flowing. I love grocery shopping!
My last stop of my solo adventure day was at Honeyboba for a Taro boba milk tea. It was pretty good (but not great) but made better by sitting outside and enjoying the amazing weather. I was more than happy with my relaxing day completely by myself, doing exactly what I wanted the whole time. 🙂
Friday dinner was in Long Beach at Playa Amor. We were seated outside on the patio that had the heat warmers on in the summer! Things that NEVER happen in Georgia. And because we were in a corner getting none of that heat, we were given blankets. LOL. It was awesome.
Ok, on to the food. This place had an incredible menu of “elevated” Mexican food. It was really hard to choose, and to also not just order tacos. I ordered the shrimp ceviche/tostada and potato taquitos.
The shrimp ceviche was an enormous portion. Definitely did not need a second dish. And it was only $14! Delicious, fresh, perfectly prepared and a great value.
I don’t think I’ve ever ordered taquitos myself at a restaurant. In fact, I may not have had them since college days of the frozen ones. But these potato taquitos with spinach and mushrooms inside, over guacamole with queso fresco, pickled onions and cilantro sounds too good to pass on. And they were very yummy. I also had a good margarita. Because, California. 
Churros for dessert. Oh yeah.
After dinner and stop at BevMo where I picked up a bottle of 2015 Zaca Mesa Syrah to bring home, we watched the documentary “Abducted in Plain Sight” – totally creepy and huge conversation-starter for us. Stayed up too late again but worth it. 😉
Saturday was my last full day and we all slept in a bit. I cut up the wonderful fresh fruits I’d gotten from the Tokyo market the day before – avocado, papaya, lychee, and golden kiwi – for us to have for breakfast. California has the best food. 
We headed to Redondo Beach for the afternoon. Relaxing walks on the pier, watching a baby shark, stingray and fish swim in the water, seeing sailboats float in and out of view – this is a magical place, this west coast. 
We had lunch at Old Tony’s and sat by the window with excellent sea views.
The boardwalk is very much a throwback, like so many things in this part of California. They don’t just tear down and build everything new here. They preserve and keep the weathered and vintage look of things. The old-fashioned ice cream spots and massive arcade were so fun. A place for and with so many different kinds of people – very accessible with affordable parking and eateries, and free activities like the beach and fishing off the pier. 
After beach time, we swung by Monkish brewery where I picked up a couple of bottles to bring for Sean as a surprise.
Back at home, we all enjoyed some quiet downtime and relaxation before heading back out for the evening and for dinner. They took me to Grand Central Market in downtown LA and it was such a great choice for me. Downtown is so different than the surrounding areas! The market was busy, buzzing and full of unique eateries, vendors and bars. 
I could not resist Sarita’s Pupuseria and waited in a long line for my two pupusas – one with beans and cheese, and the other with jalapeno and cheese and both topped with the crunchy, pickled slaw.
The vibrant mural of lights at the entrance to the market was so cool.
And after that, we watched Fyre Festival documentary back at the house. Another crazy show! LOL.
MeShae and Jonathan took me to the airport in the morning. I was sad to leave my friend and this magical, special place. But I was also excited to see my baby and Sean. It was the perfect solo getaway for me and a reminder that I can still be myself even with a baby.
Thank you to MeShae and Jonathan for having me stay in your beautiful home. West coast is the best coast, by far. Hope to make it back that way again soon.
