Las Vegas July 2018 and LA August 2018

As this was a work trip, it was quite busy and not so much time to relax.  but i tried to squeeze in a few dinners and spend some time with friends and family.


Vegas July 28-31 2018

I don't know how people live in vegas during the summertime, over 40C degrees, but i guess its better that it is dry heat versus the sticky humidity.  i had not been back to vegas in a very long time and so much has changed on the strip as well as "old vegas."  many new hotels, new casinos, and new attractions but still many of the classics remain.  as this was a work trip i didn't have much or any time to walk along the strip, next time i hope to come back when it isn't so terribly hot and be able to watch some shows.

we had stayed at the mandarin oriental and was told that as of next month september 1st it will change over to the waldorf astoria.   this is quite sad as it was such a beautiful and classy property in the middle of the crazy and loud las vegas strip.


Los angeles August 1-7 2018

a short week in la this time around.  i was mostly working, seeing friends and family and eating, eating, and more eating.

Steak Sandwich at Cafe del Rey

Mixed Mushroom Pizza and Milo Chopped Salad from Milo & Olive

Beverly Hills

Char Quay Teow, Beef Rendang, and Nasi Lemak at PanAsia Sweet and Savory

Sunset Blvd

Smoothies from Beaming Cafe

Chocolate Cream Pie at Apple Pan

Croissant Breakfast Sandwich with Smoked Salmon at the Butcher, the Baker, and the Cappuccino Maker

Croissant Breakfast Sandwich with Smoked Salmon at the Butcher, the Baker, and the Cappuccino Maker

Choripan Sandwich

Japanese dinner at home

Hickory Burger at Apple Pan

Colorburst Latte at the Butcher, the Baker, and the Cappuccino Maker

Sidewalk in Weho (West Hollywood)


Apple Pan 

10801 Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 

(a super classic american diner that serves great burgers, sandwiches, and pies.  absolutely nothing has changed since the first day it opened in 1947, even many of the guys working there.  it is a place where locals go and just found out this is where the founder of johnny rockets got his idea for his restaurants from)


Milo & Olive

2723 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 

http://www.miloandolive.com/

(great gourmet pizzas and pastas.  they are also the people behind my favorite ice cream shop, sweet rose creamery.  the husband and wife team also have several other delicious restaurants in the santa monica area)


Cafe del Rey

4451 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA

http://cafedelreymarina.com/

(a classic american restaurant near the marina, it recently came on the radar again due to their very reasonable business lunch of $19)


Nijiya Market

2130 Sawtelle Blvd # 105, Los Angeles, CA

http://www.nijiya.com/

(a great japanese market that has everything you need even fresh sushi, sashimi, and rice bowls.  it is located on sawtelle blvd which has many japanese restaurants as well as many very now popular restaurants.  this street has now become such a hot spot in the last few years)


The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker

8653 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA

https://www.bbcmcafe.com/

(a new cafe on the sunset strip in west hollywood.  it was good, the latte was beautiful, but i am not sure it was worth the wait or the hype)