These two restaurants that I always forget how to properly pronounce, Gjusta and Gjelina, have elevated the restaurant game in the Venice, California, area. The only interior picture I took during my first time having brunch at Gjelina was of my lemon ricotta blueberry pancakes because that was all that truly mattered. The inside of … More Gjusta and Gjelina
Ysabel is a trendy restaurant and bar in West Hollywood, tucked away on Fairfax Ave. I specify that it is tucked away because the actual entrance is off the street and to the side of the building, and I almost completely drove past it. This was the first time I actually experienced not feeling cool … More Ysabel
State Street in downtown Santa Barbara is an unexpected shopping hub. Santa Barbara definitely does not need a full indoor mall when it has beautiful weather, and all the best shops along State Street. This is also where you will find one of the main move theaters in town and a lot of the … More State Street in Santa Barbara
This year on Christmas, we decided to do something that I have never done before, which was have a non-relative cook for Christmas. Instead of hosting the holiday at our place, or traveling back to Chicago to spend the day at a relative’s home, we drove up to Santa Barbara for a few days. Since … More Christmas at the Four Seasons Resort Biltmore, Santa Barbara
Yes there are an endless amount of options for places to get brunch in Los Angeles, but even after trying many of LA’s popular brunch spots, I was still highly impressed with the breakfast served at Republique. Republique is located in Los Angeles on La Brea Avenue, only a few blocks over from popular tourist … More Republique
With my current obsession for Highway 1 and Malibu, and too small of a budget to currently afford a home in Malibu, I’m always looking for other ways to spend my days near the Pacific Ocean. Notes On Geoffrey’s Malibu: So on my ocean-side restaurant list was Geoffrey’s Malibu. Located right off Highway 1, Geoffrey’s … More Geoffrey’s Malibu
My favorite meal has always been breakfast, so when I first moved to LA and heard about a place with the best breakfast sandwiches it was immediately on my radar. The closest Eggslut to where I was living downtown was located at the Grand Central Market, which meant there was always a very long line, … More Eggslut
When traveling on a budget, my family likes to play the “stay in a cheaper hotel and then pretend to stay in a fancier hotel” game. Just because you are not staying at a resort, does not mean you cannot enjoy the property for an afternoon. The best way to do this is eating at … More Lucia Restaurant (Bernardus Lodge)
I never actually tried the food at Big Sur Bakery, but it is the thought that counts. Mostly I wanted to share photos from this little stop along Highway 1 because I found it adorable, I encourage you to stop by this restaurant to actually try the food, and I think these photos perfectly encapsulate … More Big Sur Bakery
A trip to Big Sur would not be complete without a stop for lunch at Nepenthe, the restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean off the Pacific Coast Highway. After driving along the coast, it is nice to stop for lunch at Nepenthe where you can enjoy looking out over the side of the cliff without worrying … More Nepenthe
