Shannon "Downtown Shan" V.'s Profile

Visited Grandma today and this was her pick for lunch. An old favorite, I could only guess as the owner and wait staff knew her well.  We met my aunt who they also knew and were very friendly to all 3 of us.  But it wasn't a weird friendly, it was nice. The place is decorated old country like, and the acoustics are bad, they play music (a little loud), it just needs a little update.

The food is GREAT! I had the Harvest Sampler (all my favorites on one plate!) and shared the salad Nicoise with my aunt. Gma had the Mediteranian Sausage Quesadilla and we were all happy.  Besides the homemade, to die for, chips, the babaghanouj was the stand out! really flavorful and fresh.  The salad, which is normally a composed salad, came in a bowl gently tossed with a creamy vinegrette.  It was good, with an awesome "crouton", but the tuna was kind of dry. I'm into tuna packed in oil lately and this white, dry tuna was hard to swallow, but still good.  The veggies, olives, cheese, hummus and dolmas were super fresh and flavorful. The cucumber sauce was really good too!  I'd definetly go back to the Harvest Cafe.  My kind of food! Thanks for the treat G-ma!!  Oh, they also have really good peachy iced tea!

After walking by for months, I was so happy to finally be able to go inside this morning! Offical opening day!  I was greeted warmly by the staff and the space felt really comfortable. They were building some sandwiches behind the counter that looked like they were calling me back for lunch! I ordered my cap and got an apple muffin creation which was delicious! As was the cap, really good and the perfect temperature! It was under $4 for a medium cap and a gorgeous muffin. (I think I got a deal!?!!)

Around 9 there was a small crowd in the front, getting boxes of pastries and coffees. The kitchen was busily prepping away for lunch! The restaurant is really nice but not stuffy. I can't wait to enjoy this creative and warm neighborhood spot more. We're so glad you have arrived. YEAH!!

I'm sorry, but this place is dirty.  I don't think I'd order food here.  And I would NOT walk Bridget down that dirty alley! I am far from a prima dona. They do have Kombucha which is why we rode over yesterday.  I thought I would like the place and make it a regular ride spot, but there was NO ONE in there on Sunday morning. I do understand it's more of a night time, music/art place, but I also thought they were known for a good breakfast....  anyway, I was glad they had my kombucha and I got 3! G got a O.J. which we assumed would be fresh squeezed. NOPE, it wasn't from concentrate, but it tasted like tropicana.

I went to opening day of the Farmer's Market last week and was so glad I did!  I can walk from the loft, the market is jammed with offerings, what ever you may want or need to make a yummy farm fresh meal at home.  This day though, I was not in the market for veggies, but I wanted lunch!  I went for the Free tote bag and 3 "gourmet" tamales. I ordered one sweet corn, one chicken with chili and cilantro and one spicanch artichoke all with green sauce. When I got  home, I was wondering how I was going to tell them apart. the corn was easy.... the other 2 both ended up being chicken so I didn't get to try the spinach one. I'm going this week too, so I'll mention it to the guy.  The tamales were $3.50 each, quite large and the chicken was really good!! The corn was too sweet for me, not what I wanted, but good flavor.  These tamales were CLEAN! The tomatillo sauce was sweet and delicious with the chicken.  This week I'll go for veggies and try to get the spinach tamale!

It is a little cramped if it gets crowded. I've been twice now. They have Kombucha! This new location is closest to us, so I'll be able to get my kombucha fix!!  I also got a spicy tuna rice ball thingy that was yummy.  Everyone is very friendly, greeting you when you walk in the door.  I got my FREE "slush" which turned out to be an ICEE, the original. It was fun to drink, but I was hoping for something more fruity.  They have a bike rack out front so I can bike up there in a jiffy. All the cigarettes kind of trip me out, but I love Famima! Famima!

I love the red bean paste "buns", not too sure of their proper name, but they are so good! Like a donut.  The bun is really soft and the filling is smooth and super tasty! I have no idea how they make these!  I tried this bakery today since the one next door was closed on Mondays, I can't remember the name, but they make the little like popovers in the front window.  The girls working in the bakery were super sweet.  I'll be back to try some bread! It looked and smelled very good! They also had these cutest tiny sandwiches, that would be a perfect snack. Give this great little shop a try if you're at the plaza. Take something home for the family!

I took our 67 Schwinn Collegiate in for a tune up. He did a nice professional job, went above and beyond what was asked for a really good price!  We live downtown and this is our new Schwinn shop! Thank you! p.s. always call before you go pick something up, it's so easy to do!

I can't believe this hasn't been yelped?!? Did I miss it?  Thanks to Justin Rudd for this event!

What a great experience. If you love bulldogs, this is the place to be! The 5th annual and packed!  Wall to wall, or grass to grass, people and dogs!  The park was great!  Large and grassy on the waterfront.  The amenities were wonderful.  Clean restrooms, plenty of space if you wanted to take a break from the crowd and free parking! We should have brought a picnic. Bridget was a star! There were so many bulldogs it was a crack up!  They were so cute!!! All shapes, sizes and colors!  Some of the males were HUGE!  And we saw a few cute tiny babies too.

The Bulldog Beauty Pageant was a little un-organized at the "staging area", but I think it's just because it's getting to be such a big event.  I spoke to a lot of people who were there for the first time. It was confusing because we all had numbers but we weren't going in numerical order, you just had to make your way up to the front and "bully" your way to the runway.  There were a few scuffles along the way.  A tight area for so many bulldogs, but 98% were very friendly and sociable, as were the "owners"!

The event included vendor booths for pet adoptions, food samples, free toys from the city of Long Beach, free water spray bottles to keep the bullys cool and other freebies and info.  A very worthwhile cause too.

There is also a Pug Pageant, Frenchie Pageant, and a Sr. Dog Pageant for all breads/mixes.  Check it out!  Valentine's Day weekend next year!

I love Trimana because they always have a vegan soup and my glorious man has a developed a habit of bringing me home soup for lunch! Yes, I even eat hot soup in the middle of summer! I love soup!  The picture is of the Tomato Rice, which is thick and flavorful.  Packed with herbs, carrots, celery, potatoes, tomatoes and the perfect amount of rice, it is really satisfying.  Also great vegan options; Black Bean and Lentil.  This location is in the AT&T, formerly SBC & Transamerica building at Hill and Pico.  A great South Park stop for lunch. Closed on weekends.

I also like their breakfasts since they have not problem doing egg whites.  good potatoes and nice portions.  We've been going to the TRIMANA at the Mart for years, but this one is new, in my H's building and close to the loft.  Check them out.... Got Soup!

I'm saving a star for when we go back!  But what a great NEW park!! Check out my pictures!  We went to the opening ceremony yesterday.  We saw Gloria Molina, other local officials, news crews and lots of families!  The mayor was supposed to be there, but we only stayed for about an hour (I think he was double booked with the Day of
Service).  We heard Mariachis, witnessed the Tongva Tribal Council's sage blessing and saw the Belmont High ROTC and bagpiper.  Quite the event.  Bridget did well with all the attention and hollars after her! "Does he bite?" Number one question from the little kids.  So funny, "No, it's a girl and she just looks funny!"  She was the first dog in the park!  there was another annoying little Chihuahua and we say another dog on his way in as we were leaving but those were the only 3.  We can't wait to take Bridget back when there are less distractions.  The park is huge, so it shouldn't be hard to find a nice quiet piece of grass.

The landscaping is lush and once it grows and fills in more lushly it will be even more pretty.  The park was built with a GREEN/Conservation theme: saving/recycling water, green roofs, permeable paving, rain detention and localized drip irrigation.  There is a waterfall and gorgeous grotto area!

The park will offer FREE programs all year round for children, high schoolers and families.  It is a joint project between the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, The LA unified school district and the city. "The Conservancy has helped to preserve over 65.000 acres of parkland in both wilderness an urban settings throughout Southern California."

We had a great day, felt privileged to be able to attend and can't wait to go back.  It's 2 miles from the loft, so we'll drive, but it will be nice. Stay tuned for updates and check out my website! Thanks Yelpers!!  I can't believe I was first!! big grin!