La Monarca Bakery

I'm running errands, and I need to refuel before dealing with Trader Joe's and my other stops. La Monarca Bakery by the Mission Goldline station is the perfect solution! Here you see my chicken mole cazuela, with smashed pinto bean spread and Cotija cheese, on the crusty roll baked in-house. And the drink? Mango hibiscus tea. Delish!

La Monarca also has self-serve cases of pan dulce with concha rolls and other breads, plus trays of cookies and sweets at the counter. I tried the pumpkin empanada. Yum! While I was waiting in line, one of the crew members brought out warm-from-the-oven croissants and shared samples with everyone. Apparently, this is a regular activity, as one of the other patrons gave a "thanks, but no thanks, I had a slice earlier" reply to the kind offer.

South Pas is the fourth location, with other spots in Huntington Park, Commerce and Santa Monica. I can't yet speak for the other shops, but this one is comfortable and welcoming, with colorful Day of the Dead and calaca-style artwork on the walls. It's a great addition to our little 'hood!

Click here for La Monarca's Web site.

Day of the Dead, 2013

Day of the Dead, 2013. I haven't celebrated since 2010.  (Click here for that post.) Self Help Graphics has now relocated the festivities to Boyle Heights, with easy access from the Pico/Aliso Goldline station. It was great to be back!

This year, instead of just gawking at the other attendees, I got my calaca on and had my face painted. I love the sparkles and the seemingly braces-inspired markings! Also, note my DOD ringer t-shirt. The designer took pictures, as she said she hasn't seen this t-shirt version in years!

I also checked out the altars and artwork, chowed on pupusas and pan de muerto, and heard some great music. I loved it! Who's with me next year?!

Click here for Self Help Graphic's Web site.

Lacy Park

I went to Lacy Park in San Marino hoping to see some fall leaves. But, much to my surprise, I saw these bearded irises, my absolute favorite flower!

In addition to the irises, I also saw tai chi fan routine practice, walkers and runners looping the three-quarter and mile paths, and families enjoying time together at the playground.

Lacy is a 30-acre park off Monterey and St. Alban. I like to run there, make a couple of loops, take advantage of the water fountain, and head back. It is open to the public for free on weekdays, with a entry charge on weekends for non-residents.

I did see one tree on the verge of coloring-up, so I'll have to go back. Can anyone recommend any other fall leaves?!

Click here for Lacy Park's Web site.

Abricott

Remember my Daisy Mint post from December 2011? I noted that a second restaurant was in the works, which today brings me to Abricott and their South Lake location.

This is the delicious Grilled Trout and Green Apple Salad with carrots, crushed peanuts and spicy dressing. YUM!! That sauce reminded me of the dressing on the catfish from Daisy Mint. Dang, it's going to be hard to decide between the two!

Abricott's layout is adorable, too, like you're having a meal in an old bookstore. Mix-and-match art hangs on the wall, and books are stacked and shelved everywhere. I look forward to trying several menu items in comfort at Abricott. Who wants to go?!

Click here for Abricott's Web site.

Little Beast

One of my besties since seventh grade is getting married, and we needed to connect to talk dresses and wedding details. (She's asked me to be maiden of honor.) I've been wanting to try Little Beast - located in the old Larkin's Restaurant space in Eagle Rock - and this seemed like a perfect time and place to do so.

For starters, we shared this phenomenal burrata, persimmon and arugula salad. The flavors intermingled and intermixed from start to finish. We practically licked the plate clean!

The entrees were also off the chart. My friend got the charbroiled flat iron steak with spinach, wild mushrooms and crispy onion strings, and I got the pan-roasted organic chicken with sausage cornbread stuffing, endive and celery salad. Wow, I'm thrilled to vouch for the scrumptiousness of both!!

As if we weren't stuffed to the gills, we went with the special brioche bread pudding dessert with decadent vanilla ice cream.

Little Beast is currently open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner service. I can't wait until they expand to breakfast, too. Hmm, what other details can we discuss at Little Beast?!

Click here for Little Beast's Web site.

Ginger Corner Market

It has been a lovely morning so far. It's one of my rare Sundays off, and I've scored on a batch of Lusterware at the Pasadena City College Flea Market. I also have my favorite ginger cake packed to-go, and I'm good for the day.

But, the day gets even better! On my drive home, I spot Ginger Corner Market, on the corner of Michigan and Blanche, just a few blocks from the campus. This is their beet salad with orange wedges, goat cheese, and sunflower seeds. Delish!! Oh, and lavender lemonade and a warm peanut butter cookie baked onsite to boot.

In addition to the terrific menu - BLT with fried egg, anyone? - Ginger also has cards, toys and gifts, and fun jams, candies, ice cream and other treats. It is a totally cute little place, and I hope to visit on a regular basis. Who's with me?! (And, don't worry. The ginger cake will not be wasted!)

Click here to go the Ginger's Web site.

Proud Bird

Proud Bird is closing in November! Argh, this means one of LA's iconic aviation-themed restaurants will be no more. (See my Encounter post from last February for another example.)

Located off one of the two landing runways at LAX since 1967, the Proud Bird is been home to a dozen or so vintage/historic planes. For instance, the orange plane to the left is a Bell X-1, which was the first to break the sound barrier. How cool is that?! That means you can see classic planes and modern-day planes simultaneously.

Proud Bird also serves up some tasty chow, although you don't have to eat to watch the planes. This is the Ahi Tuna Tower appetizer: fresh ahi with chili, soy, radish, avocado, mango, ginger. tobiko caviar and wasabi creme fraiche. WOW!!

Definitely go before they close! I can't explain it, but I could've watched those planes land for hours. If it wasn't for Randy's Donuts calling me, I'd probably still be there.

Click here for Proud Bird's Web site.