Los Angeles, CA – Koreatown lies in the western backyard of downtown Los Angeles and from this vaguely defined "town", on most days you can easily see downtown Los Angeles (unless its too smoggy of course). This is one of the more densely populated regions of Los Angeles as a result driving can be a real challenge here. Parking lots at the small 2-story malls are very limited, with narrow space, narrow lanes and exits. Trying to turn left is … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA – Little Saigon
Little Saigon is located in the town of Westminster in Southern Orange County between the 405 and the 22 freeways (with good traffic about 45 minutes south of downtown LA). This is NOT a small town. It is predominately a Vietnamese community and is one of the largest Asian communities located anywhere in the USA. If you are not of Vietnamese heritage and you are in some of the stores and shopping districts in Little Saigon, chances are you will … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA – Venice Beach
Venice Beach is located just south of Santa Monica along the edge of the Pacific Ocean. This is a town of eclectic dichotomy of street side artists and backpackers along with a mix of trendy upscale establishments. Venice is home to numerous actors and actresses and the city has been featured in a number of films and TV shows including Baywatch. Very popular with surfers and you will often see surfers riding bicycles with their surf boards … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA – Restaurants
There are literally thousands of restaurants in Los Angeles and compared to some large cities, overall the food here is generally quite good. Unlike in some cities, excellent restaurants are not always the most expensive or 'polished' - rather often some of LA's best food is found in unassuming strip malls. Pick any type of food you can think of. Los Angeles will have it. Any type of food. Chances are you will find a number of restaurants serving … [Read more...]
Afghanistan: More bakeries here than anywhere else in the world
I have always been asked about the safety situation in Afghanistan and, by now, might have a word or two to offer. During our stay there, we were limited mainly to Kabul and its immediate surroundings, such as valleys or canyons that could be reached within a couple hours of driving. Keep in mind that right now is also the height of winter and many roads become impassable for extended periods of time. While I can't personally speak for the rest … [Read more...]
Liguria Bakery, San Francisco – November 2004
Liguria Bakery San Francisco - This San Francisco based Italian Bakery has been in business since the early 1900's and they are located at 1700 Stockton Street on the corner of Filbert Street. They serve excellent Italian bread called Foccacia; its not dry or crumbling rather its slightly oily and served fresh. They usually close between 12pm and 2pm depending on when they have sold their last fresh focaccia for the day. Note that if they are … [Read more...]
Angkor Wat, Cambodia – Restaurants
Overall I found the Cambodian food in Siem Reap to be a little greasy and not very flavorful, and certainly not spicy like some Thai food. There are many many cheap places to eat in Siem Reap - a good number of them serving both Khmer food and western style food - you will find the Khmer food is usually cheaper than the Western food. Prices often range from $1/meal to several dollars. Many of the tourist restaurants are located around the old … [Read more...]
Fruit Yard Restaurant, Modesto CA – April 2002
Fruit Yard Restaurant Modesto - When driving between Waterford and Modesto in California be sure to stop in and grab a bite to eat at The Fruit Yard Restaurant located at: 7948 Yosemite Blvd. Phone Number (209) 577-3093. Our favorite meals are their Sunday brunches which is an all you can eat fare. Dave recommends their late Spring & Summer Sunday brunches because much of the fruit & vegetables is locally grown and freshly picked. They open … [Read more...]
Bangkok, Thailand – Museums
Bangkok is many things to many people, but it is not necessarily a museum town. A number of the museums are fairly dated and fail to provide a fun, educational, modern and engaging atmosphere. However with that said, there are still plenty of good museums to keep one occupied for at least a week if not longer including some rather intriguing, esoteric and hidden away ones. We have visited and reviewed the following 50+ museums in Bangkok. And … [Read more...]
Janet’s Montana Cafe & Bakery, Alpine CA – April 2001
Janet's Montana Cafe & Bakery Alpine - If you are ever in Alpine California (25 miles north of San Diego right off of the 8 freeway) & are in the mood for some excellent food be sure to stop by Janet's Montana Cafe & Bakery located at 2506 Alpine Blvd. (619) 659-3874. This restaurant is very conveniently located just off of the 8 freeway and is one of the best breakfast places in town! We've stopped here for a hearty meal after a day of … [Read more...]