California Love - Frans Hit Los Angeles

Me and my Fran girl gang, headed to Los Angeles to celebrate the nuptials of an original Fran. We could not wait to soak up some sun and LA vibes. As soon as we hit Cali soil we bolted to the pool. The Ace Hotel Downtown became OUR spot. I'm not going to share the number of times we visited the Ace during our trip but it was close to our hotel and offered outdoor space, quality cocktails and an awesome atmosphere. 

What's a trip to Cali without going to the beach? Who can resist! We ventured to Venice for some sun and surf. So picturesque. 

If you are in Venice you have to check out the Venice Whaler. Located right on the beach before the boardwalk, this bar & grill is so much more than you think. The food is classic bar food kicked up a notch.

Cocktails!!!!

Our meal started with the Tuna Poke Bowl. Definitely not your typical beach bar food. 

The main dishes included the Grilled Cod Tacos, Buffalo Wings (that were free-range and basically a full chicken) and the Venice Burger with Sweet Potato Fries. This burger was covered with blue cheese, arugula and caramelized onions...come on!

Do not miss this spot. Executive Chef Nick Liberato is a genius and a great guy. His menu is creatively crafted and absolutely delicious. 

More to come in this California adventure...

naturally ginger

California - Malibu and Venice

With crystal clear blue skies everyday, how could I resist a trip to the beach during my California adventure?! Jenny suggested we head to Malibu for the day. The best part of Malibu beaches are the canyons you drive through to get to there. Canyon valley views, vineyards on hilltops, cliff side mansions, I was glad Jenny was driving cause I couldn't keep my eyes off the scenery. 

Before heading to the airport my last evening, we stop off in Venice. I learned Venice has many different parts. The colorful quirky beachfront is just a small portion of what this area has to offer. We stuck to the shops and restaurants on Abbot Kinney Blvd with a bit of wandering to the Venice Canal Historical District.

We decided on happy hour at Zinque. 

Located on the corner of Venice Blvd and Abbot Kinney Blvd, this coffee/wine bar has a lovely outdoor patio and inside that is bathed in natural sunlight.

Wanting to soak up all the sun I could, we perched outside and ordered a couple glasses of Rose.

The cheese board is not on the happy hour menu, but how could I resist. We also noshed on olives and mini sausage (both on the happy hour menu for about $3 each).

After we strolled over to the Venice Canals. The canals will originally constructed to help with water flow, but due to poor original construction they were deemed unusable. Over the years, the City of Venice has worked to reinforce the structure and clean up the canal waters. Now, as you stroll along the bridges and pathways, you are transported to another time and place. The area is picturesque and makes you forget you are in the middle of a major metropolitan city.

(Dress: ASOS / Sunglasses & Bag: Kate Spade New York / Necklace: Loft / Shoes: Top Shop)

Bon Voyage for now California. I'll miss your ocean breeze and sunshine. Back to the Concrete Jungle where dreams are made. 

xoxo

LACMA with a bite at Church & State

I decided that a cultural experience was necessary during my visit to LA. Via recommendation, I headed to The Lost Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). The difference between museums in NYC and LA is that the California museums are very spread out with a lot of outdoor spaces between buildings. The LACMA, specifically, has a lot of outdoor art instilations. The entrance of the museum is marked by the exhibition Urban Light. The artist, Chris Burden, used 202 restored cast iron antique street lamps to create this work.  

(Jeans: KUT from the Kloth / Top: ANDB / Necklace: C.Wonder (similar here)

I headed inside and wandered around the permanent exhibitions. I could not take pictures in most. But in this modern art section I could.

This piece is titled Giant Pool Balls (very creative). I decided to try my luck at the break.

I loved the vast variety of art at the LACMA.

This is Metropolis II. Interesting take on art. The structure is meant to represent the busyness of a major metropolitan city, in this case LA. Around 100,000 miniature cars circulate this structure at speeds up to 240 scale mph.

I headed to dinner with Jenny and her wonderful boyfriend Greg at the very popular Church & State in Downtown LA (the quality of pictures are very poor, i'm sorry, but the quality of food is very high). 

Yes Way Rose!

Church & State is a French restaurant (aka my favorite). French food is so lush, romantic, fabulous and delicious.

We started with Le Cachat - herbed goat cheese and lavender honey...

...as well as the Olives Marinees.

I demanded we have the Escargots de Bourgogne en Croute - burgundy snails, garlic butter and a puff pastry. Can't get more french then snails.

We all got the Bar de Ligne - local striped bass, basil puree, leak, potato, scallion, cherry tomato, castelvetrano olives in a fennel broth. I licked it up with bread. There are so many incredible items on the menu, I wish I had the opportunity to go back to try more!

Gosh I love this girl. Such a wonderful friend to have in my life.

xoxo