Top Spots

2013-01-30

All You Can Eat Pizza

Ok, let’s get one thing out of the way: I’m a glutton for food. There’s really no doubt about it. So finding out there was a Brazilian restaurant that served All You Can Eat pizza had me throwing on my stretchy pants and warp-speeding it over to Bella Vista Brazilian Gourmet Pizza. They specialize in Rodizio, which is essentially an all you can eat tradition, something that is totally up my alley.

On the corner of Venice Blvd and Spad Place, just west of Overland, is a tiny Brazilian strip mall. Bella Vista occupies one of the store fronts and also a sort of atrium-like seating hall. Once you’re seated your waiter will ask you if you’ve been there before. If not, they will explain your options for the evening: either eat pizza a la carte (pass) or rodizio style all you can eat (yes, plz). If you choose Rodizio it will run you about $17, but I cannot stress how well worth it the price is. Everyone I have taken here wholeheartedly agrees. Next, your waiter will give you a set of colored placards: green for “more please,” yellow for “we’re taking a break” and red for “OH GOD PLEASE NO MORE.” After that, the pizzas start coming.

And boy, what awesome pizzas they are. When the pizzas come out the waiter is carrying a pizza pan with a pizza split into quarters. Each quarter is topped with specialty ingredients, ranging from Calabreza smoked sausage and dry beef to grilled eggplant and hearts of palm. One of their incredible pizzas: Beef Strogonoff. Yes, you read that right. Every quarter of the pizza is so appetizing you might end up asking for a slice of pie from each quarter. Don’t worry, you can do it.

And to make your dinner even more special, it doesn’t end with the savory pizzas. You also get DESSERT PIZZA. I know. You didn’t think it could get better, right? Well, how does pizza with nutella and strawberries sound? Or mozzarella, banana and cinnamon? It may sound strange, but I swear it’s delicious.

I’ve out-eaten a male friend here, and you know what? I’m really proud of that.

Bella Vista Brazilian Gourmet Pizza

10827 Venice Blvd Suite 110

Culver City, CA 90232

(310)558-2374

http://www.bellavistabrazilianpizza.net/

[http://thevegetarianfoodie.com/2011/10/10/bella-vista-brazilian-gourmet-pizza-los-angeles/]

[The remnants of a recent trip]

2013-01-29

Chano’s

Well, it’s been a while. Like, 3 years “a while.” Which is completely my fault since I sort of gave up on this blogging thing. But recently my co-worker has taken it up, and since the two of us are bored out of our minds at work I thought I would join her in this pursuit and try once again.

A place I’ve recently re-visited is Chano’s Drive-In. It’s essentially a hut on the corner of Figueroa and 30th St. in the ‘hood near USC. But don’t let the neighborhood deter you - this place serves up some Mexican food that will literally have you tasting the stuff for the next 24 hours. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing for most people, but for me, yeah. It’s pretty awesome. On the two occasions I’ve gone I’ve had their meat nacho plate, both times with carnitas. The nacho plate comes with enough for two people, but I’m pretty sure I could eat most of it myself in one sitting if I really wanted to. Because I’m gross.

Their tacos are also pretty tasty morsels. You get them traditionally wrapped in two tortillas and they’re loaded with onions and cilantro and your preferred meat.

*Warning: If you have a thing against greasy foods I do not suggest eating here. Otherwise, enjoy.

If you live in Culver City or any neighborhood that can easily access the new Metro Line that goes to Downtown, I highly suggest parking your car at one of the stations and riding the line to USC just for the experience. It’s a smooth and easy ride, and depending on the time you go it’ll save you from the frustration of having to sit in traffic and find parking. There are also three stops at USC, but get off at the Jefferson/USC stop for Chano’s, as it’s only 3 blocks away.

http://theoriginalchanos.com/

2010-06-12

The Backstage

Interested in a great dive bar? Check out The Backstage in Culver City. It may look kinda sketchy from the outside, and their Ed Hardy-esque signage doesn’t do it any justice, but it truly is a gem in this little neighborhood of greater Los Angeles. Situated across the street from the Sony Studios, The Backstage has been around for 70 years and back in the day used to be a big hangout for studio folks. Well, now it boasts a very diverse crowd, super cheap drinks (hello $4 well drinks!), karaoke nights, and fun people watching, all of which help to make it a great place to knock back a few beers.

2010-05-31

Cinespia Screening

Do you like picnics? Hanging out with friends? Watching movies? A great way to combine all 3 is to head over to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery for their summer movie screenings. Sit under the night sky amongst friends (those who are living, thankfully) and enjoy some great classic and cult films. Start your night right by getting there early, as the line to get in will snake around like a Disneyland line. Several weeks ago, some friends and I had the pleasure of catching Hitchcock’s “North By Northwest.” For a $10 donation ticket we got a satisfying night of drinking wine from plastic cups while watching great cinema wrapped in a comfy blanket. Can it get any better on a summer night?

“You’re not REALLY trying to kill my son, are you?”

Pictures borrowed gratefully from M. Guilhem.

Cinespia

2010-05-30

Hillside Steps = Awesome LA Hike

When the weather cooperates and starts to resemble the LA summer we all know and love, it’s a great time to get outside and take a hike! Not everyone enjoys physical activity and outdoorsy stuff, but if you know what’s good for you, you’ll get your heart rate up and check out this awesome hike in Culver City. Yes, you read that right. Culver City, home of the Sony Studios, art galleries and a burgeoning foodie haven also boasts a pretty rad trail you should check out.

Blocks from downtown Culver City is the Culver City Park along Jefferson Blvd. If you’re familiar with it, you know there’s a kiddie park, a dog park and some baseball fields. I believe there’s even a rock climbing wall now, but my fuzzy memory could just be playing tricks on me. However, CCP is not the feature of this little story. No, my friends. Situated right next door is an entrance to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. And if you’re up for it, this hike is an awesome way to spend a half hour, or however long you wish to revel in its awesomeness.

The entrance to the trail is along Jefferson Blvd at Hetzler Rd. You can park your car along Jefferson if there’s a free spot. It seems there are some peak times that people like to enjoy this hike; after work, on the weekends, etc. so hopefully you snag a spot. You’ll see a trail entrance marker and you’ve made it!

The beauty of this hike is that there are 2 ways you can get to the scenic overlook. You can either take the meandering trail that switch-backs along the side of the hill, or, for the more masochistic of you out there, you can try the STEPS. Supposedly consisting of 282 giant steps of varying sizes these steps definitely offer those looking to work off a giant meal or tone those jiggling thighs an opportunity to do so. I have yet to take on the challenge, instead sticking to the trail, but I’m working up the courage. Take a gander at some pictures and decide for yourself whether this is a Top Spot you’d like to take advantage of.

Warning: If you’re thinking of bringing your dog on the hike, head next door to the dog park. No dogs allowed on the trail.

For a map, read more:

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A Hearty Top Spots Welcome!

Hello! Hello!

I’ve been trying to figure out what I could do for a blog for quite awhile. At first I thought of writing a blog about how ridiculous finding a job is right now, but I realized that will (hopefully) be short lived. I’ve recently been reading a lot of blogs that deal with things to do, see, eat and watch in Los Angeles. I really like this idea and want to take this blog in that direction. Yes, it’s not an original idea, I have no claim to that. But it’s something I’ve truly taken an interest in and I’d like to actively pursue greater knowledge of this awesome city. I’ve decided to highlight Top Spots in Los Angeles; mainly spots in LA that I know and have come to love, or places I’ve recently discovered and think others should as well. Los Angeles is a great city, with its share of problems, but as many who live here would testify it offers a wealth of interesting and hidden things to do, so let’s enjoy the city to its fullest!