Aquarium of the Pacific's Seahorses and Seadragons

The Aquarium of the Pacific has some new critters: seahorses and seadragons! I was lucky to get an invitation to tonight's preview before the opening to the public later this week. What a treat to visit afterhours when it is not so crowded. I found myself mesmerized by these amazing creatures!

This is a leafy seadragon, camouflaged by leaf-like appendages. It's definitely my favorite of the group! These guys are probably 10-12" long. We also saw miniature seahorses maybe 1" long. Other members of this classification are pipefish and razorfish, with various colors and sizes. Attendees learned that although the males in this group are responsible for incubating eggs and giving birth, not all of species carry the eggs in a pouch. Yes, seahorses do, but seadragons carry the eggs on their tails!

And, if you haven't yet seen the sea jellies, go! I give you official permission to log off this post and head down to Long Beach. If you have been, I think you'll be surprised by the number and variety of jellies now on display.

This is a white-spotted jelly, and there are at least nine other specimens, each as amazing as the next. Jellies also range in size from tiny to dinner-plate size; some are even bioluminescent, meaning they produce light!

Click here for the Aquarium's website.

Good Girl Dinette revisited

Another most-stop on my farewell food tour was Good Girl Dinette. You may remember the 2011 post about the pot pie? (Click here.) YUM!! And today's meal was just as spectacular!!

I ordered the Rice Noodle Salad (rice noodles, spring greens, pickled daikon and carrots, bean sprouts, basil, toasted peanuts and shallots) with beets. I was only momentarily disappointed to hear that there were no beets today (GGD gets their produce from the Farmer's Market, so subject to availability), but there were fresh snap peas, served with lemongrass chili oil. Oh my goodness!! Everything was soooo fresh and tasty! I also had a house-made blood orange soda that was out of this world! And I'll even admit to the side of one amazing buttermilk pancake with ginger maple syrup. It is a farewell food tour, afterall!

Click here for Good Girl Dinette's website.

Merengue Bakery and Cafe revisited

My farewell food tour is underway! Since I've shared with friends about my upcoming departure from Los Angeles at the end of June, I've been treated to several "one more time" and bon voyage meals at some of my favorite places.

This is the Cuban-style Caprese sandwich from Merengue Bakery and Cafe in Monrovia. The pop of yellow is mariquitas - or plantain - chips. Thin, crispy ribbons with just a shake of salt are the perfect accompaniment to the mozzarella, tomato and basil. Yummm!

Click here for Merengue's website.

Click here for my 2009 post.

Clearman's Galley

Remember Clearman's North Woods Inn, with the fake snow on the roof and peanut shells on the floor? They also have a burger joint at the Rosemead Boulevard location - Clearman's Galley - just across the parking lot. My upstairs neighbor turned me on to the deliciousness of "the Boat," nicknamed due to the nautical theme inside and the tugboat outside. She has fond memories of going there with her parents. Back in '60s, the boat WAS the burger stand. She invited me to tag along with her adult son, so their family tradition continues of eating at Clearman's.

This is the same delicious purple cabbage and lettuce with blue cheese dressing from the Inn, sidled up to a chili burger. Deelish!! The Galley has TV screens scattered all around, and they were playing a variety of sports events. The next time I get a craving for that salad, I'll have two tasty options!

Click here for Clearman's Galley's website.

Click here for my Clearman's North Woods Inn's post.

Bon Vivant Market and Cafe

I've catching up with one of my long-time friends (I won't age us, but we've been chums since seventh grade). We're both going to be on the move in June. I'm returning to Indiana to help out my family, and she's signing the papers with her husband on their new home.

We are celebrating our good living, and good taste, at Bon Vivant in Atwater Village. I totally scarfed down a burger and fries (there is no remaining evidence of my Kobe burger with grilled portabella, Vermont cheddar and bacon aioli, not even a licked-clean plate!), but I paused before devouring this sticky toffee brownie to capture the oh-my-goodness.

If you haven't been to the area recently, it is way past the midpoint of gentrification. However, it is worth the effort to find a parking spot and stroll the area. There are lots of fun shops and restaurants. I recommend the Bon Vivant approach to experiencing all that life has to offer!

Click here for Bon Vivant's website.

Monte Carlo Deli and Pinocchio Restaurant

I was shopping with a friend on Magnolia in Burbank. That area just gets cooler and cooler with vintage clothing, furniture shops, and a year-round Halloween store. FUN!! We were famished after some serious shopping. We ended up at Monte Carlo Deli/Pinocchio Restaurant. Nothing like a tasty Italian sandwich! This one was extra flavorful with the marinated tomatoes wow-ing up the meats and cheeses. Delish!

On the way in and out, you have to pass by a refrigerator case of gelato. You may remember my post from the 2013 Valley heatwave. (Click here to go to that post.) We skipped the gelato this time, but I'll happily go back for sweet or savory at any time!

Click her for Monte Carlo Deli/Pinocchio Restaurant's website. 

Pitchoun! Bakery

I'm volunteering again with the Los Angeles Conservancy on their Last Remaining Seats series. A committee meeting brought me to their offices down by Pershing Square, and, per usual drill, I needed some dinner beforehand. I totally scored on Pitchoun! Bakery, on the street level of the Conservancy's building, and I may never be the same!!

This is the Capri, c'est fini! special, with two huge chunks of burrata cheese, yummy tomato wedges, arugula salad, and toast points. WOW!! The cheese was soooo soft and creamy that it spread on those toast points, and the full basket of bread provided.

I got there just before closing time, and they were wrapping up the pastries. I only got a tease, instead of a taste, of the gorgeous baked goods. Next time I will know what I'm in for!

Click here for Pitchoun! Bakery's website.

Click here for Los Angeles Conservancy's Last Remaining Seats' website.