Larry’s sister Alyssa and her husband Jon came out and visited us for a long weekend – it was a blast! Â They hadn’t been out here since their respective Teen Tours (an explanation on that in another post, I suppose) so it was going to be fun to show them LA from a native’s perspective. Â Also, we now have a very centrally located place and a very comfortable guest room – so let the fun begin!
We started on Thursday night after they flew in – Larry picked them up at LAX and spent the day with them in Santa Monica and Venice while I was at work. Â I imagine it was nice to revisit the old stomping grounds – I was just there today for a doctor’s appt and had small twangs of “awww…this is where I used to live” but honestly, yay new place! Â After fighting ridiculous traffic to get back home along THE 10 and THE 110 and THE 101 (thanks, Dodgers Game!), they got back where I was waiting for them. Â We grabbed a nice dinner at the Lago Italian pizzeria just up the street (yay walking distance) and kept them up just long enough to combat their jet lag.

Jon & Alyssa at Barbarella/Lago
25-Jul-2013 19:18, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 400
On Friday, I worked a half day in the morning and then joined up with Larry, Alyssa and Jon at Universal Studios. Â I missed the Studio Tour and The Simpsons Ride, but I joined up with them right afterwards. Â Oh the humanity – it was effing PACKED at the park. Â It was Friday and it was summer – but geez. Â There were lines for everything. Â I took those blessedly short lines for granted when we went earlier this year I guess. Â Jurassic Park Cafe? Â Line. Â Transformers the Ride? Â 2.5 hour line – NO JOKE. Â It’s an amazing ride, but damn. Â After that, the lines were nothing, relatively. Â The Mummy’s Revenge? Â 45 minute line. Â Jurassic Park the Ride? Â 40 minute line. Â It was all a lot of fun though, despite it all. Â The weather was pretty nice and not blazing sunshine down upon us. Â After the park, it was time for eats, and the recommendation was for Sugarfish in Studio City – best rec ever. Â Sugarfish is a fantastic sushi restaurant – small, and you may have to wait (we did, but again, who cares about 30 minutes when you’ve waited 2.5 hours for a damn ride), but the food was spectacular. Â Go with the “Trust Me” menu – you won’t regret it. Â Did I say the food was fantastic????

Jon, Bart, Larry & Alyssa at Universal
26-Jul-2013 12:47, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 160

At Sugarfish
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26-Jul-2013 19:25, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.005 sec, ISO 200

26-Jul-2013 19:29, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 160

26-Jul-2013 19:29, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 400

26-Jul-2013 19:31, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 4.0, 5.626mm, 0.013 sec, ISO 200

26-Jul-2013 19:31, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 4.5, 8.486mm, 0.01 sec, ISO 200

26-Jul-2013 19:32, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.5, 4.904mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 250

26-Jul-2013 19:33, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 4.0, 5.26mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 320

26-Jul-2013 19:56, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 1600

26-Jul-2013 19:57, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.5, 4.788mm, 0.2 sec, ISO 1600

26-Jul-2013 20:11, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 1600

26-Jul-2013 20:38, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.2 sec, ISO 1600

26-Jul-2013 20:38, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.5 sec, ISO 1600
For Saturday, it was time to be ambitious! Â Alyssa wanted to see Rodeo Drive, so damn it, we were going to see Rodeo Drive. Â The traffic wasn’t so bad getting there as I had dreaded, and the weather was perfect. Â We first walked to the south end of Rodeo Drive which just also happens to lead to the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, the setting and inspiration for the movie “Pretty Woman.” Â Alyssa had to go in so we did do that – and then we decided to grab a drink in the bar, The Blvd. Â As we were walking in, Larry happened to notice that who else but Christopher Plummer (Capt von Trapp!!!!) was seated at a table inside. Â Alyssa had wanted to see celebrities – who knew we were going to actually make that happen? Â The Beverly Wilshire is a Four Seasons hotel and the bar definitely does them proud. Â The bartenders were fantastic and above all, very nice. Â I ended up ordering what the bartender told me was the original Pretty Woman cocktail, a cranberry spin on a mimosa. Â It was delicious. Â Jon got a flight of premium Rieslings while Larry expanded his knowledge of Old Fashioneds. Â After a nice stay at the bar and finishing our drinks, we explored Rodeo. Â It’s so decadent there. Â We didn’t buy anything but before leaving, we grabbed lunch at the restaurant called The Farm just a block away from Rodeo Drive. Â Very good and they had a brownie to die for. Â YUM.
Our next destination was the Getty Museum, which really has one of the best views of Los Angeles around. Â It was a gorgeous day for it and of course that meant it was packed. Â Regardless, it was worth the wait. Â We perused a few of the exhibits but most of our time was spent looking around outside, as the Getty’s grounds are simply begging for you to explore. Â We didn’t stay through till the evening – apparently the hottest underground band, The Geographer, was playing that night. Â As we were leaving the parking lot, there was a mass of people still trying to come in. Â Maybe for the band, but likely just to be there for the sunset, which I’ve heard is a fantastic thing to do. Â We’ll have to go back.
We headed home finally via Sunset Blvd’s twisty path. Â It was originally planned to cook dinner but by the time we got back, everyone wanted food NOW. Â Including me. Â So we shelved the cooking option and instead walked to Hyperion Public, our trusty neighborhood pub. Â Well, on a Saturday night, Hyperion Public gets packed. Â We kind of lucked into a table and took a reserved one by accident…the waitress came over and said it was fine, but we had to be done by 9pm. Â That was okay as it was only like 7:15. Â So we had a nice filling dinner and some great Alagash White beer….and then noticed that the other tables that had been reserved were filling up. Â Uh oh – maybe 9pm wasn’t the deadline after all. Â As more people show up, we realize that one of them is famous! Â It was Jeremy Sisto, Elton from Clueless! Â So Alyssa got TWO celebrities for the day. Â It was awesome. Â When we got home, we had to watch Clueless to finish out the night.

Alyssa & Larry at Rodeo Drive
27-Jul-2013 12:27, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 125

Jon & Alyssa at Rodeo
27-Jul-2013 12:28, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 4.5, 7.815mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100

Jon & Alyssa at Beverly Wilshire
27-Jul-2013 12:37, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.01 sec, ISO 400

Great group shot at Bev Wilshire
27-Jul-2013 12:41, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.02 sec, ISO 800

27-Jul-2013 12:43, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 320

My "Pretty Woman" martini
27-Jul-2013 12:43, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 100

Jon & Alyssa at The Farm
27-Jul-2013 14:44, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 800

27-Jul-2013 14:44, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 800

The remnants of the brownie
27-Jul-2013 14:44, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 800

27-Jul-2013 14:44, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 1000

27-Jul-2013 14:44, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 320

27-Jul-2013 16:10, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 100

Getty time
27-Jul-2013 16:10, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 100

27-Jul-2013 16:10, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 100

27-Jul-2013 16:10, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 100

27-Jul-2013 16:10, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 100

27-Jul-2013 16:13, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 100

27-Jul-2013 16:16, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 4.0, 4.0mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 100

27-Jul-2013 16:16, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 100

27-Jul-2013 16:22, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 100

27-Jul-2013 16:22, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 100

27-Jul-2013 16:55, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 100

27-Jul-2013 16:55, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.5, 4.23mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 100

27-Jul-2013 16:56, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 100

27-Jul-2013 16:56, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 100

27-Jul-2013 16:57, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100

27-Jul-2013 16:58, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100

27-Jul-2013 16:59, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 100

27-Jul-2013 17:01, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 100

27-Jul-2013 17:02, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 100

27-Jul-2013 17:05, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 100

27-Jul-2013 17:06, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100

27-Jul-2013 17:07, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100

27-Jul-2013 17:07, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.005 sec, ISO 100

Group shot at the Getty
27-Jul-2013 17:10, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 100

27-Jul-2013 17:11, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 100
On Jon & Alyssa’s last day with us, Alyssa & Larry started out Sunday with a run around Silver Lake. Â Jon & I drank coffee. Â When everyone was back and cleaned up, we headed to Barbrix to finally partake in their brunch, which quite a few people have raved about, especially since they have $5 bottomless mimosas. Â Well, the raves were well-earned. Â The mimosas are five bucks and the food was delicious. Â Also, our waiter was ridiculously hot. Â Ah, LA waiters. Â After that, we walked down to the Sunset Junction area where there are some cute shops. Â Alyssa loved it. Â It was a great way to spend the afternoon! Â We then finally got to do some cooking while also watching American Ninja Warrior – that show is freakin’ awesome. Â They had a red-eye flight that night so we drove them to LAX to conclude what ended up being a really great weekend. Â I’m sure they enjoyed it but I also know they couldn’t wait to see their daughter again. Â They know they always are welcome to come back though!

Jon & Alyssa on the deck
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28-Jul-2013 11:25, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 1000

Enjoying brunch at Barbrix
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28-Jul-2013 11:26, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 1600

28-Jul-2013 11:26, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.04 sec, ISO 800

28-Jul-2013 11:26, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.5, 5.021mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 1600

28-Jul-2013 12:31, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.04 sec, ISO 800

Walking to Sunset Junction
28-Jul-2013 13:01, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 100

View of the Hollywood Hills from our hood
28-Jul-2013 13:15, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 5.0, 28.475mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100
For Jon & Alyssa’s education, here’s a map of where we ended up during the trip – both were completely oblivious to where they were most of the time and even when I would say where we were, it really didn’t matter. Â But maps are cool, so here you go!
