Thar She Blows


Several blue and fin whales were spotted off the coast of Palos Verdes this weekend. Residents who have lived in the area for years claim they've never seen anything like it. Photos below were shot by friends who live in San Pedro. Check out the video, shot by another observer, as well.

Photo credit: D. Bruno

Bison. It's What's For Dinner 


The line was 10 people deep at noon on a Saturday.  


"Have you got any more kidneys?" one customer asked.


"Nope, all gone," the vendor replied.


"What about liver?" 


"No, sorry. Sold out." 


Held at Charles H. Wilson Park (map)  2200 Crenshaw Blvd. (between Sepulveda Blvd. and Carson St.) on Tuesdays and Saturdays, Torrance Farmer's Market plays host to dozens of vendors selling everything from fruits and vegetables, cheese, salsa, nuts and just-baked cobblers. 


While there are booths aplenty, the focal point of the fair is none other than a small white stand near the far southwest corner of the parking lot. On this particular Saturday, the booth is staffed by Ken Lindner, the mild-mannered, passionate owner of Lindner Bison. 


Week after week, he consistently sells out of his grass-fed, sustainably farmed buffalo meat. 


According to the Lindner web site, "studies show grassfed and grass-finished meat contains more betacarotine, a natural cancer fighter; more omega 3s, more CLA’s, more natural Vitamin E (rather than vitamin injections or artificial feed supplements). In addition, grassfed bison has less fat and cholesterol than it’s feedlot counterpart." The result is a taste similar to beef, but a little sweeter and a lot leaner. 


He's apparently on to something. Every week, customers come from miles around to get the choice selections. 


If you can't find the Lindner Bison booth - just look for the line. 
            

Laguna Me This


For a great day trip from L.A., head down to Laguna Beach. Explore the downtown area along South Coast Highway - home to art galleries, clothing boutiques, chocolate and cheese shops and some amazing restaurants with cliffside patios overlooking the Pacific. 
  
Shop at 11th Moon. This "casual elegance" boutique features lines that boast the "finest of natural materials." Two speciality lines can only be found here. 


Stop into K'ya Bistro to see and be seen and enjoy a sunset that will knock your socks off. If you're lucky, grab a table on the first-come-first-served patio upstairs. Order the Ahi Poke appetizer and the house speciality: a mojito. End your day with a short stroll to the beach and watch the sun disappear behind the cliffs into the ocean.
  
If you go:
K'ya Bistro

1287 South Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

11th Moon

1259 South Coast Highway

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

L.A. On the Cheap
  
Check out Big. City. Small. Wallet. Written by an L.A. Native who "loves a good deal," you'll find tips on where to catch a break on everything from music, to clothing to pet supplies.