San Diego, LA, and Orange County Food and To-Do suggestions!

August 29, 2010

Happy weekend to you my dears!

I realized that we are less than a week from flying to Southern California and we really need to plan our to dos (and more importantly to shop and eat!)


To Do

LA
We’ll pay a visit to the Getty obviously.  I love the views and serenity of the space.  $15 for parking seems kinda brutal though.



Also looking for some great places to shop – but seriously have no clue since my experience is limited to the Beverly Center and South Coast Plaza!  Any cool stores with vintage clothing?
Coquette is supposed to have great designer vintage pieces right (like the clutch below)
I’ll take any store with cool pieces (doesn’t have to be designer!)

San Diego
San Diego Museum of Art is a definite to-do because my cousin is getting married there and they graciously paid for the guests to see the exhibits as well.   I’m going to check out the Toulose -Lautrec exhibit.

Will also drop by Noon Stationary (remember Pink Argyle’s post here)- nice to browse this lovely shop in person!

To Eat

San Diego
I just know I’m getting fish tacos.  Place TBD based on my cousin’s recommendations.  Hmm what else is a must eat?  Yay and I get to meet Mo!

Orange County/Irvine
I’m visiting the fabulous bestie and she has good Lebanese and Vietnamese places in mind.  Anywhere else that’s a must visit?

LA
Latin loveliness
We’ll definitely be eating at Mario’s.  The saltado de pollo, picante de marisco’s and aji (green spicy sauce) is out of this world.  Possibly my favorite non-fancy Peruvian place ever.

Picture from Yelp

We’re going to my husband’s favorite Wahaccan place (forgot the name though)
Mmm, mole…

Burgers
Umami Burger has been the hot burger place apparently.  I’d definitely like to visit and try the SoCal burger (mmm oven dried tomato, caramelized onions, and home made American cheese – yes please!)

I remember reading about this Saigon burger at Kalbi Burger on Love and Lemonade and was totally fascinated.  I loved pickled carrots and on a burger – refreshing and delicious!

Then of course the classic In ‘n Out burger – animal style!  Seriously I don’t eat this much beef in a month so can probably do 2 of the 3.  Hmm which two…

Food trucks
Kogi and Nom Nom truck.  Korean/Mexican and banh mi are only among my favorite foods ever!
Any other stalk-worthy trucks?

Picture from Nom Nom

I’d be eternally grateful for your shopping, browsing, and restaurant/food truck recommendations  in these areas!

little luxury list

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  • Helena - A Diary of Lovely August 29, 2010 at 02:01

    what an incredible trip!! a bit jealous I must admit 🙂
    Hope you are having a great weekend xo

  • Gina August 29, 2010 at 03:37

    Glad you’ll be stopping by Noon! It’s one of the best spots in San Diego. I also like the Hillcrest area for shopping. Fun boutiques and places to eat. If you like pizza, the Blind Lady Ale House is a great restaurant with gourmet pizzas from mostly local sources. It is in the San Diego neighborhood called Normal Heights.

    Ocean Beach (where Noon is located) also has several antique stores full of furniture, jewelry, and other odds and ends (they’re all located on Newport Ave).

    Have a fabulous time..San Diego is a great city!

  • LyddieGal August 29, 2010 at 03:51

    That sounds like it’s going to be an amazing trip! Can’t wait to hear about it!
    wish I could help you out with recommendations, but I’ve yet to visit the west coast.

    Chic on the Cheap

  • ruthy ann August 29, 2010 at 05:03

    ohhh SD has the BEST food. Make sure to go to Ocean beach for fish tacos…i can’t remember the name of the place but its at the VERY end of Newport blvd. A great burger place is there too called Hodads. Hillcrest has a ton of great restuarants and shopping…and you have to go downtown to Sushi Deli…super cheap and super yummy sushi!

  • ching August 29, 2010 at 05:13

    that is going to be so cool.

    http://thyaudaciousness.blogspot.com/

  • Heather Taylor August 29, 2010 at 06:04

    You said In ‘n Out already which I will always recommend! Be sure to go to Fashion Valley in San Diego. It’s an outdoor mall with the BEST stores.

  • Mo August 29, 2010 at 06:37

    Yay!!! I’m excited. 🙂
    If you’re in Ocean Beach to see Noon, you should stop by Azucar, a Cuban bakery/deli that has an amazing guava pastry and other yummy desserts.
    You should grab a pastry and then walk to the beach!

  • DiamondsandTulle August 29, 2010 at 06:38

    Oh there sooo much to cover I can’t even begin!
    Umami Burger is one I’ve heard a gazillion great things about (but can’t do onour no-beef diet). If you get into the Silverlak area, you must try The Alcove for brunch or lunch. It’s one of my faves. As for the O.C. – well that’s my hometown so I suggest checking out my Yelp reviews for anything particular (it’s on the right side bar on my blog). If you’re in the laguna Beach area – try K’ya for Tapas or Nick’s for some classic good food! Check out Diamond Jamboree in Irvine for a delicious Chinese bakery 85c. There’s also a plethora of great Asian foods there. Fashion Island in Newport Beach is nice for outdoor shopping by the water, as is Santa Monica Place – a new center they just opened. If you’re hanging out in S.M. – check out Urth Caffe for some delicious tea and The Viceroy for a fun night out with beautiful decor. Oh my so much to do, so many places to go – you’ll have a blast regardless. I can’t believe I wrote a book!

    xx Vivian @ http://diamondsandtulle.blogspot.com

  • Audrey Allure August 29, 2010 at 14:01

    Sounds like some great places to eat!

  • Tanvi August 29, 2010 at 16:43

    Wow! That Getty looks like the place to go … I can’t believe I went all the way and didn’t see it… Have a nice time!

  • Jenn @ Living Luxe for Less August 29, 2010 at 17:31

    What a fun trip…I have always wanted to try One Pico, the restaurant at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica. I have the Shutters cookbook and I love it! Enjoy the rest of your vacation!

  • lovedfromthestart August 29, 2010 at 21:03

    That looks like fun! The food pictures are making me hungry. Not much help here because I’ve never been in the area, but I think you’ll have a lot of fun.

  • The Zhush August 30, 2010 at 01:37

    Sounds like you are off to the best start! Have a great trip!

  • very married August 30, 2010 at 03:16

    oh fun! I’ve been traveling and even though I love it, I’m looking forward to being back in NYC!

  • Mrs T August 30, 2010 at 05:53

    Vintage clothing shopping – count me in. So want to shop with you one day!

  • honey my heart August 30, 2010 at 07:25

    the getty is one of my favorite places in la! the observatory and huntington library are also great places to see. you must try kogi, you’ll love it 🙂 and vanilla bake shop in santa monica is a favorite! hope you have a great trip!

  • Café Bellini August 30, 2010 at 18:39

    I’m afraid I can’t give you any recommendations but I saw the Toulouse Lautrec exhibition in (I think) Rome, it was good. Stationery, definitely! And eat good food, yes yes yes! That umami burger sounds really yummy. You’ll have a fab time, I’m sure!

  • Shop N' Chomp August 31, 2010 at 01:11

    Wow, where to begin? First off, where in L.A will you be?

  • The Professional Bridesmaid August 31, 2010 at 03:34

    Love the Getty! And I second honey’s Vanilla Bake Shop in SM. Wish I was there when you’re visiting! Have a great time.

  • Couture Carrie September 1, 2010 at 12:50

    Gorgeous and delicious post, darling!
    What a fab travel guide!

    xoxox,
    CC

  • Chic 'n Cheap Living September 1, 2010 at 14:45

    So grateful for the suggestions!
    @Ruthy Ann @Mo @Gina – thanks, Ocean Beach is a must and will try fish tacos and the Cuban place there!

    @Honey my Heart – definitely trying out Kogi, your pictures looked so good!

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