Globemaster's Travel Blog

Homeless population in Santa Monica is unexpected for tourists and visitors

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:15:33 -0700

Many tourists visiting Santa Monica are surprised that there are so many homeless people on the streets of this city. It is quite unexpected to see these unfortunate individuals amidst the wealth that surrounds them. I am not the one to offer solutions or comments, just making an observation that I have heard from many tourists and visitors. I visit Santa Monica almost on a weekly basis and have never had any problems or issues or whatever … just don’t be surprised.

Java & Joe Coffee in Ojai on Matilija Street -> Excellent

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:47:54 -0700

We would not have noticed Java & Joe if our accommodations were not in the vicinity. To get into town, we would pass by this small coffee shop and it was only natural to try it out too. The space is large and has a small shop in one corner. There are several tables strewn about. There is a great coffee aroma in the entire place. We had a vanilla late and a regular coffee. Both were excellent. A great find. Not too pricey either. Check it out when in Ojai. It is on Matilija Street just a few steps from the main Ojai Arcade area …

Java & Joe
323 E Matilija St Ste 105
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-3138

There used to be Michi, now there is Mucho in Manhattan Beach

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 23:57:08 -0700

I am sure that the restaurant owner purposely named it Mucho which resembles Michi, a most popular Manhattan Beach restaurant destination for years. Kind of clever, I would say. Now to more important matters at hand : I have gotten word that this restaurant is excellent, like really really good top notch. Must try it out soon. Perhaps as soon as in the next few days. In the meantime you can find them at the address below.

MUCHO ULTIMA MEXICANA
903 MANHATTAN AVE
MANHATTAN BEACH, CA 90266

T 310.374.4422
F 310.374.4402
http://www.muchomb.com/

The Pear and Almond Tart at Le Pain Du Jour is to die for !

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:13:23 -0700

A friend of ours brought us a full Pear and Almond Tart from Le Pain Du Jour French Bakery yesterday. It was soooo delicious. Perfectly sweet, moist, crunchy, buttery, pear-y, almond-y, you name it. I could not stop eating it. I must visit this bakery ASAP. They are located near the Pico/Lincoln intersection in Santa Monica.

Le Pain Du Jour Inc
828 Pico Blvd Ste 2
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 399-4870

Healthy Coffee at The Healthy Bean Coffee … What ?!

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 23:08:03 -0700

I recently tried the coffee served at the The Healthy Bean Coffee shop. The name did intrigue me and that’s why I stopped. I thought that the name was just an advertising ploy, but actually they do try to serve healthier coffee apart from it also being an advertising ploy. The Torrance store is the second store, after the original West Hollywood location. Here is a blurb from their web site www.thehealthybean.com which describes it a bit.

The Healthy Bean coffee enhances the antioxidants already found in coffee, many of which are lost during roasting. In a patented process, this organic and Fair-Trade certified coffee is infused with low-lactose whey protein and antioxidant compounds from pomegranate, blueberry, grape seed and green tea to create a truly revolutionary beverage. The Healthy Bean�s antioxidants are sourced from the highest quality laboratories in the nutraceutical industry.

The coffee itself was good, though nothing out of the ordinary. I am curious to see how this concept will pan out. For some reason I think that there is a market out there for healthy coffee. Here is their Torrance address:

The Healthy Bean Coffee
23211 Hawthorne Boulevard, #100,
Torrance, CA 90505

They have a coupon for 20% off One Drink, any size on their site so check it out.

UEFA EURO 2008 TV Schedule for the USA from ESPN

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:46:09 -0700

Since SeeTheGlobe.com has posted some cool articles provided by the Vienna and Zurich Tourism offices dealing with the 2008 UEFA Euro Championship it is only natural to post the TV schedule for this competition. Here it is from ESPN.

UEFA EURO 2008 Championship TV Schedule for the US from ESPN

Cool!

Unhappy with last two visits to the Landmark Theater on Pico. Blurry picture. No one wants to do anything about it.

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:29:38 -0700

I like going to the Landmark Theater on Pico (10850 West Pico at Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA). It has unique movies, not always the mainstream ones which is great. Last two times I went though, the picture was blurry during projection. I complained both times to the staff but nothing was done about it. One can tell if they tried to adjust the sharpness if they really did try anything. I wonder if others have noticed this. It basically ruins the movie. When I have mentioned this to friends they agreed. I wonder if someone will do anything to fix this.

Do you know of a great gelato place? I do! Crema Dolce in South Redondo (Beach).

Thu, 29 May 2008 15:30:05 -0700

A while back I stumbled upon Crema Dolce in South Redondo. I used to stop by the Coffee Cartel to hang out at times. Then, a gelato place opened next door. Naturally I had to try it. It was good. Actually really good. I love home made ice cream places (and gelato) and this is one of the rare establishments in the South Bay that has home made (tasting) gelato. They also serve ice cream but it is not home made (go figure). They have many flavors. My favorite ones are always the chocolate batches like “death by chocolate” or “double belgian”. I like Nutella too, as the Coconut and Pineapple. The gelatos are tasty, creamy, with rich flavors. Prices start around three dollars for a single up to “whatever you want”. Service is always friendly. We have been coming here for a few years and will continue to do so in the future …. The only issue I have with Cream Dolce is the lack of a nice seating area. The one on the premises is very narrow. You can always sit outside though at one of the Coffee Cartel tables. What we often do is take our gelato and walk down to the water’s edge and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Pacific … Sweet stuff !!!

Their web site is homemadegelato.com and it is unique to say the least. Get ready for an explosion of size an color.

Crema Dolce
1820 S Catalina Ave
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 944-3773

Check out Fiesta Hermosa this Memorial Day Weekend - The Largest Arts & Crafts Fair in Southern California

Sun, 25 May 2008 01:28:55 -0700

Fiesta Hermosa is a happy event. The main downtown area streets are closed off and booths set up. Many artists are present with their crafts, many organizations, there are plenty of food stalls and live musical entertainment does not stop. All of this is also right by the beach. Many people visit this festival making parking challenging at times. One option is to park at Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach.

We walked around today and looked around. A very positive vibe was present everywhere. Our favorite booth was from a company that makes metal sculptures of dessert plants. Most impressive with its size, look and the sheer idea. We got a coffee and a treat while walking around.

Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce puts on Fiesta Hermosa and they call it the �largest arts & crafts fair in Southern California�. OK. I like this event. It is put on every Memorial and Labor Day. Check it outl.
More info at the official site: Fiesta Hermosa

Interesting Poolside Proposition from the Sheraton Gateway Hotel Near LAX

Fri, 23 May 2008 16:13:32 -0700

I was grabbing a coffee at the Sheraton Gateway LAX Hotel and saw a bunch of, what looked like, business cards laid next to the cashier counter. Here is what they say:

Jetset Sundays
Pool party
2-7pm every Sunday through Labor Day
Starting May 25

Live DJs and dancing. Poolside or swimwear attire. Unlimited grilled and vegetarian selections and ice cream treats. $15 per person

I do find it interesting , that’s why I am mentioning it. For a relaxing Sunday, if you are staying at the hotel or in the vicinity or if you do not have a pool and want to chill a bit poolside - why not?