Been To Venice Beach Lately?

[kaki321]

Hi...I have about a half a day to myself tomorrow when I get to LA and my hotel is a few blocks from Venice Beach in Marina Del Ray. I haven't been since 1989 and barely remember it, but remember it was fun and interesting. Any recommendations for breakfast or lunch?

I am vowing to tear myself away from work, room service and my computer in my hotel room to take a walk down there for a little while before my focus groups at night...would love some advice!

thanks!

[mckinzie]

Don't have any advice but when I was there back in early spring again it seems like all the action was at night(after 6pm weekends) along the walk.

[kalisun]

i wish i would have seen this yesterday! im in santa monica and could have given you many suggestions. i hope you had a great day/lunch anyway....

[kaki321]

Originally Posted by kalisun

i wish i would have seen this yesterday! im in santa monica and could have given you many suggestions. i hope you had a great day/lunch anyway....

hey there...not too late at all...i still have three to four hours thursday to have fun. walked down to the boardwalk yesterday for an hour or so and it was interesting. any suggestions u have would be great

[kalisun]

good! sidewalk cafe is always interesting for the people watching and the food is great (1401 ocean front walk, cross street: horizon avenue). baja cantina has a nice outdoor patio although it's not as good for people watching (311 washington blvd., marina del rey). fathers office in santa monica (1018 montana ave cross street: 10th street) has a great beer selection (30 on tap) and a burger that's consistently voted #1 in LA (their sweet potato fries are darn tasty as well). there are great views to be had from the ferris wheel on the (santa monica) pier. if you had more time i'd send you to the aquarium of the pacific in long beach (never been myself) or catalina (been countless times) for the day. if you have anything more specific that you'd like to know, please feel free to ask - i'm happy to help! whatever you do i hope it leaves you with a smile!

[kaki321]

Originally Posted by kalisun

good! sidewalk cafe is always interesting for the people watching and the food is great (1401 ocean front walk, cross street: horizon avenue). baja cantina has a nice outdoor patio although it's not as good for people watching (311 washington blvd., marina del rey). fathers office in santa monica (1018 montana ave cross street: 10th street) has a great beer selection (30 on tap) and a burger that's consistently voted #1 in LA (their sweet potato fries are darn tasty as well). there are great views to be had from the ferris wheel on the (santa monica) pier. if you had more time i'd send you to the aquarium of the pacific in long beach (never been myself) or catalina (been countless times) for the day. if you have anything more specific that you'd like to know, please feel free to ask - i'm happy to help! whatever you do i hope it leaves you with a smile!

Great! I walked by the sidewalk cafe (red awning, right? near muscle beach? It was PACKED!) and the baja cantina yesterday (on washington, right?). I think I might head down that way again today. I also saw there there were some shops and resaturants on the venice pier. Glad to have some recommendations. I only have one shot to get a good lunch today. Thanks Kalisun!

[kalisun]

yes, red awning! for just food's sake i'd go to father's office - never had even an average meal there. wherever you end up, enjoy!!

[kaki321]

Originally Posted by kalisun

yes, red awning! for just food's sake i'd go to father's office - never had even an average meal there. wherever you end up, enjoy!!

I ended up at Merecedes Grill, and Asian/Cuban place on Whasington, next to the Venice Whaler on the pier. It was AMAZING! I had seared/sugar-coated tofu over coconut rice infused with cuban flavor, asian veggies and some kind of carmelized glaze. OMG it was one of the best meals I have ever had! The beach was beautiful too...sat there for a few hours. Now it's off to listen to focus groups

[kalisun]

good for you! sounds so super yummie. it has been beautiful here in bev hills but not the same since i cant see the beach from here glad you had a enjoyable day. how long are you here?

[TnJ]

You moved on up to the Hills??

[kalisun]

Originally Posted by TnJ

You moved on up to the Hills??

no way! i'm still calling the beach home but i work in the hills of beverly. 90210 is way out of my price range....

[TnJ]

under your forum name, you should forever be 'beachaholic'

[kalisun]

i do spend an inordinate amount of time trying to figure out how to spend more time at the beach and less time at work!

[TnJ]

hows about workin @ the beach??!!?!?

[kalisun]

im thinking on that plan as we speak!