A Street Cafe of Desire

Ate at Street last night. Easily one of the best meals I've had in L.A. in the 10 years I've lived here. Co-founded by chefs Susan Feniger and Kajsa Alger, this restaurant is - first of all ALWAYS packed - but more importantly, it's a breath of fresh air. 

The concept is inspired: base the menu on food from all over the world served by street vendors. Simple, delicious, diverse dishes absolutely bursting with flavor. We loved the Kaya Toast - toasted bread with coconut jam, served with a fried egg and a dark soy drizzle. Oh. My. God.  The Thai Rice Noodles tasted - no joke - like noodles I had in Koh Lanta, Thailand (a little less spicy), but delicious nonetheless - the perfect blend of peppers, thai basil and mint. The drink menu is creative and fresh juices, like cantaloupe and honeydew, add a cool twist to some of the elixirs.

Oh, and Street's committed to being green too - only sustainable fish and organic coffee are served. That goes for much of their wine and beer too. Due to their recycling and composting efforts, the restaurant produces only three percent pure waste. Their handsoap is even recycled from kitchen grease, somehow reformulated so you can lavarse sus manos using an intriguingly pungent, yet clean-smelling gel. 

The piece de resistance? Warm fleece blankets for those chilly nights. We cozied up to the firepit on the patio and felt miles away from the whirring traffic just outside on Highland Ave. 

Street

742 N Highland

Los Angeles, just above Melrose 

323.203.0500

  

Kaya Toast!

Shopping the Black Market

Located in L.A.'s "Little Osaka," between Olympic and Santa Monica, Black Market is a funky boutique with a trendy, eclectic mix of clothing, shoes and accessories for men and women. There's a range of "skater to chic" tongue-in-cheek designs from brands such as Laugh. Cry. Repeat by AZFN, Bobi, Modern Amusement and RVCA. Prices range from $20 on the sale rack to upwards of $200 for bold, bright silk dresses. 

California Girls


Summer's in full swing... Solstice Tournament, Manhattan Beach - complete with bikini-clad go-go dancers... On the beach. Naturally.
  

The Rise of the "Manhattan Village Machines"


For years (and as recently as yesterday), my husband has joked that a Lexus RX 330 comes standard issue with a home purchase in Manhattan Beach. The only requirement: it must be beige.


As Audi devotees, this commercial absolutely spoke to us. Talk about targeted advertising. (I would bet this was filmed during lunchtime in the Metroplex on a Tuesday.)

World Cup Madness


Packed house at The Village Idiot on Melrose. Team U.S.A.!








-- Post From My iPhone

Fast and Furious 
  
What's less-appealing about sand boarding Cerro Negro: the smell of sulfur gases as you careen uncontrollably downhill on dirty, jagged volcanic rock and ash; or the almost-certain road rash you'll achieve after a heinous toe-turn-gone-awry?

I'm all for adventure, but seriously - what's next, bungee jumping into a volcanic crater - molten lava just inches below, as you dangle helplessly by your ankles? I've seen what happens to those who mess with volcanoes, and it ain't purty.