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Los Angeles, CA (on-line resource)
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Elmer Dills is a highly respected former CIA career officer who has turned his attention to his second career as a restaurant critic and travel writer, For 30 years, Elmer was heard on talkradio where he hosted a restaurant and travel show. He focuses on small, unusual and bargain restaurants in the LA, South Bay, Orange County, Tri-County, Palm Springs and the Palm Desert areas.
Farmers Market
3rd & Fairfax
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Phone: 866-993-92
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This spot in LA’s Fairfax district is the perfect lunch spot after hitting the nearby LA County Museum of Art or the La Brea Tar Pits. A tradition since 1934, the Farmer’s Market is packed with tourists, hipsters and old-timers almost every day of the week. Food stalls and gift shops are crammed into this one-of-a-kind atmosphere that is pure LA. Plus, it's right next to the Grove, one of LA's hottest shopping destinations.
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
7662 Beach Boulevard
Buena Park, CA 90621
Phone: 714-521-4740
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This place gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “The Good Old Days.” Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament takes patrons back to the time of chivalrous knights, black-hearted villains, and damsels in distress. The arena comes alive as a feast worthy of kings is laid out for all to enjoy. Sit back and take in pounding of hooves, the pageantry of the court, the thrill of the joust, and the crash of blade on metal.
Orochon Ramen
123 Onizuka Street #303
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: 213-617-1766
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This little out-of-the-way noodle shop prides itself on serving up the spiciest ramens in town. There are seven levels of spicy here, ranging from #7 (the non-spicy") to #1 (the "Extreme Orochon"). A photo gallery is on one wall, filled with photos of those brave enough to tackle the spiciest one within a given time period. Great fun and good food.
Santa Barbara County, CA (north of the city)
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Santa Barbara County is home to some of the best vineyards in California. Whether you go north, south, or sideways, you are sure to run into one of these unique wineries. The closest of these are located around the cities of Santa Ynez, Buellton, Solvang, & Los Olivos, north of Santa Barbara itself. Stop in for a taste, or if you’re lucky, you might stumble upon one of the area’s many annual festivals. Either way, it’s the perfect complement to your trip to Santa Barbara.
Sir Winston's
Aboard the Queen Mary
Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: 562-435-3511
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The Queen Mary's most elegant restaurant features award-winning Continental and California cuisine. You will also discover superb service, an extensive wine list and panoramic views of the coastline. Semi-Formal attire is requested and reservations are required.
Spago Beverly Hills
176 North Canon Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Phone: 310-385-0880
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Perhaps first among Beverly Hills' elegant eateries is Wolfgang Puck’s Spago, which still continues to be one of the country’s finest restaurants. Originally opened in 1982 on the Sunset Strip, Spago was THE place to see and be seen, as back in the kitchen, the chefs were busy starting a culinary revolution. Blending fresh locally grown vegetables with his classical French training, Wolfgang Puck popularized what has come to be known as California Cuisine. Though the original Spago has since closed, Spago Beverly Hills still carries the banner for Puck’s worldwide empire, and the people watching here is almost as good as the menu.
Sunset Strip
West of Crescent Heights
West Hollywood, CA 90069
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The mile-and-a half-stretch of Sunset Boulevard known as the Sunset Strip is home to some of the most famous and infamous clubs in the history of rock and roll. The Doors, Elton John and Bruce Springsteen all gave now legendary performances in clubs like the Whiskey, the Troubador, and the Roxy. These days, young Hollywood is in love with hip joints like the Skybar, the Standard and the Viper Room, the club once owned by Johnny Depp, and the site of River Phoenix’s tragic death in 1993.