In early 2024, I traveled to Southern California to spend four days in San Diego to escape the chill of a northeastern winter and soak up some sun. While I’ve spent time in most of California’s other major cities, I'd never visited San Diego before, and was unsure what to expect. … [Read more...] about Four Days in San Diego: The Highlights
food
The Best of Bremerton, Washington
When I’d just moved to the Seattle area, I lived like an itinerant preacher--welp, minus the preachin’. I spent six weeks just north of the city in Edmonds and another week south of the city in the Georgetown neighborhood but I have to say my favorite stint was the five days I spent in Bremerton, west of Seattle and accessible by a 55-minute ferry. After five days walking and … [Read more...] about The Best of Bremerton, Washington
Hooked on Ricky’s Fish Tacos in Hollywood
I drove past it three times before I decided I must be in the right place. After all, when Yelp directs you to great Mexican food in Hollywood, there are a few things you expect, the least of which is that the establishment in question is housed in a building. But there I was, standing on the edges of what looked like a private backyard party under a white pop-up tent just off … [Read more...] about Hooked on Ricky’s Fish Tacos in Hollywood
Livin’ La Vida Local at the Hollywood Farmers’ Market
It’s a sunny Sunday morning in Los Angeles and I can’t help smiling. I’m strolling along Ivar Avenue in Hollywood, browsing the stalls of the Hollywood Farmers' Market. The canopy-covered farmstands are overflowing with color: robust pepper reds, golden Valencia oranges, deep green bunches of kale, and potent eggplant purple. There are many other colors too among the market’s … [Read more...] about Livin’ La Vida Local at the Hollywood Farmers’ Market
Sprinkles Cupcake ATM: Beverly Hills’ Sweetest Gimmick
Who doesn't love cupcakes? They're the ultimate guilty pleasure. What if there were a machine that dispensed fresh-baked cupcakes 24 hours a day, seven days a week? That would be a whole 'nother level of awesome, right? Well, this wonderful machine actually exists. It's the Sprinkles Cupcake ATM in Beverly Hills. … [Read more...] about Sprinkles Cupcake ATM: Beverly Hills’ Sweetest Gimmick