Trip Report: LA...again...shocker.

The City of Angels will be a recurring theme.  We go a lot.  A manigagble 5-6 hour drive (depending on how law abiding I'm feeling). This trip was a little business and, as always, a lot of pleasure. Here are some highlights on this LA quick hitter:

The Andaz:

Andaz

We like WeHo. It's central location affords you access to Beverly Hills, downtown LA and it's not crazy far from the beaches.  Plus, most of our favorite shopping and dinning are close by. It's where we typically base ourselves.  Andaz was a different look for us. Our first stay at the property was driven largely by plummeting prices days before we were to arrive in LA.  The reviews were solid, the location was familiar, figured, "what the hell!?"  

Pool

The property is 4 star to 4 star plus overall. Rooms are a good size with smallish bathrooms. Common areas are modern but inviting.  Roof pool is not huge but with great views. We'd stay here again if we were discount hunting but prefer The Mondrian ( literally just across the street) and The London.  

Nobu Malibu:

Nobu

Here on official business (long story) I didn't truly have a meal (or a drink) this trip. But, Nobu is becoming the Chipotle of high end sushi places with multiple locations.  I'd have to imagine the food and drink are as solid as ever (and anywhere). What I can tell you is the view and physical space are destination worthy (day and night...I was there from 4pm-2am).  I can also tell you Leonardo Dicaprio, Silvester Stalone, and Gwen Stefani are super chill and down to earth.  It was a good night.  

Fourth of July Fireworks at Longbeach:

58' Sea Ray Sedan Bridge

Enjoyed epic views of the fireworks from a friends boat and gleaned some killer intel for return trips.  One of the best places to enjoy these fireworks ( and multiple others in the area) is from the deck of the decommissioned cruise ship The Queen Mary. 

Independence Day at The Queen Mary

By the time we ancored a few hundred yards from the QM the party on board it was already TURNT UP! Now a hotel, one gets the feeling that it is easy to find a party aboard The Queen Mary.  

Le Pain Quotidien WeHo:

Le Pain

Le Pain is a chain of French Breakfast/ Lunch joints known for fantastic breads, pastries and coffee.  Several years back, this particular location was the first one I'd ever been to.  

Raspberry Tart

We started with an excellent raspberry tart and coffees then moved into ham and gruyere sandwiches of one type or another.  The mustard trio and breads at this place really are top notch. This location enjoys a killer patio and it's almost never crazy crowded here since is is about 200 feet down Melrose from another one of our West Hollywood faves, Urth Caffe (almost always a zoo)

Urth Caffé

LA never disappoints.  We'll be back in a couple weeks checking out some new (and a couple old) restaurants which should provide even more to report on. 

Thanks for reading!

Doc Jay