Marina del Ray

The marina at Marina del Ray is a phenomenon that has a story-book quality. Everywhere one looks, there is another beautiful sight to photograph.  We arrived right before the sunset and took a little stroll along the dock.

As we were looking for a place to eat, we ran into a very pleasant surprise... my favorite restaurant from twenty years ago, Shanghai Reds, was right there on our path...

One Lovely Stop Along the Ocean - Santa Monica

Shutters on the Beach @ Santa Monica

What is a there to do in LA on a warm November Sunday after having a very satisfying brunch at the Grove?  Why take a drive down to Malibu, of course... It was my husband's first time in Los Angeles and we just had to show him the drive along the ocean. 

Even though living on the West Coast holds no appeal for me, I still admire the drive to Malibu along the ocean... It is such a scenic route that can always uplift my spirits.  Today was no exception... we just followed the signs for Santa Monica and then when we hit the ocean, continued on North, driving along looking at all the lovely homes and watching the surfers out on the ocean.  One of the greatest things about this drive is that one doesn't need directions, we decided to just drive... We drove North for about one hour then decided to turn around and go to Santa Monica.  When we got to Santa Monica, my husband as well as the baby were both sleeping so Wendy and I left them in the car with Murat and went out on the boardwalk.  We had parked the car in a lot near the Shutters on the Beach Hotel so that we could go over and check it out.  Wendy actually had made reservations at their restaurant One Pico but we still had the lingering effects of our wonderful brunch at the Farm of Beverly Hills, so all I could manage was a walk around the quaint hotel.  It is truly a lovely hotel with a dreamy lobby and two restaurants that both fit my taste perfectly.


Shutters on the Beach   
http://www.shuttersonthebeach.com/
One Pico Blvd
Santa Monica, CA, 90405
310-458-0030

The Santa Monica Pier, was right behind us and it was nice to look at from afar.  I had been there on my previous trip to LA when I had rented a bicycle and ridden along these paths on the beach with Hasan and Murat.  It was a great way to experience Santa Monica like a local.  I hope to repeat it in the future again.

From here we wanted to head to Marina del Ray because I had heard the sunset there, was something that had to be seen... we were not disappointed.

A Perfect Sunday - Breakfast

It was Sunday, a bright and beautiful day, we were in LA, our only concern where to have brunch this morning.  After not much deliberation at all, we decided to go to the Grove for breakfast, only a ten minute walk from where we were staying.
Farm of Beverly Hills is Wendy's favorite restaurant there, with good reason.  Not only does it have excellent food but it is also in the middle of the Grove, right by the fountain.

The first thing that came out, with our coffee, was a wonderful coffee cake muffin that we devoured in five minutes and asked for more.  This is so fantastic that I can go back there everyday just for that muffin... it is also the best accompaniment for coffee.

Corned Beef & Potatoes

Mehmet ordered the Corned Beef & Potatoes that we all wanted in the end.  It was a great sandwich - a perfect combination.

California Omlet

Wendy and I decided to share a California Omlet.  It was good but I am not sure if I would order it again.

Belgian Waffle

I can only assume how good Murat's Belgian Waffle was, since it was finished within an heartbeat.

Farm of Beverly Hills turned out to be the best idea for a weekend breakfast.  I would definitely recommend it for a sweet break to anyone who might be shopping, sightseeing or just hanging out at the Grove where parking is a breeze with lots of shops and attractions to spend a pleasant time relaxing.