Baby Shower Picnic at the Getty

Hello!

If you have followed me for a while, you have noticed that I often post memories from events that have passed a little while back. I hope that you still find them inspiring and enjoy seeing how my friends and I celebrate various milestones in sunny LA. 

Today I am sharing with you a shower thrown for my dear friend Evie at the Getty Center Museum. It was such an amazing (and free) venue (minus parking per vehicle) to host a lawn picnic and celebrate the arrival of her second gorgeous boy. 

Once Evie and everyone arrived we began our picnic lunch on the lawn just below the Garden Terrace Cafe. 

We caught up on life and snacked on fruits and veggies while sharing some of our favorite memories of Evie. It was so neat to get to know all the different women in Evie's social circles. Evie is amazing and has always been a great people connector. The shady lawn proved to be the perfect setting for some bonding and casual conversation. 

The surroundings were beautiful and it was a perfectly clear LA day. After our picnic lunch we spent some time giving gifts to Evie and writing her some encouraging verse cards. 

After gifts, we decided to stretch our legs and take a walk around the newly renovated Central Gardens. I had not yet been but was so excited to check them out as my previous visits had only seen the gardens closed for construction.

As wonderful as our picnic was, my favorite bit of the day was wondering through the hedges and flowers with these beautiful ladies.

I love the Getty Center for a variety of reasons; the art, the architecture and now the gardens. However, the absolute best part of spending the day there is the view of Los Angeles. From the balconies surrounding the museum you can see the entire county. We were fortunate that day to have really clear weather and perfectly blue skies. I mean come on! How gorgeous is this city?

The ladies and I had the most wonderful day and it has been just as wonderful seeing Evie become a Mom to 2 bouncing boys. I am so happy we got to shower her with gifts and sunshine and baby Colin is already such a gift himself. 

If you are looking for an inexpensive, unique, and sunny spot to host a shower or get together I highly recommend picnicking at the Getty Center Museum. 

xoxo

~ A ~

CONTINUE READING

Food and Games at Picnic LA

A couple weeks ago, my friend Lindsay and I met up in Downtown Culver City to enjoy some lunch and catch up time. As Downtown Culver is one of my favorite areas in all of LA, I was so excited that a new restaurant had opened in what was once an empty shop corner at Culver Blvd. and Duquesne. 

This particular corner boasts a gorgeous street view of Culver City City Hall, it's gardens and the historic Culver Theatre (now known as the Kirk Douglas).  I used to frequent the same spot years ago when it was a french restaurant. Now, Picnic LA has reclaimed the space as farm-to-table eatery boasting an assortment of incredible seasonal dishes and desserts. 

The environment is open and airy with plenty of modern wooden tables and floor to ceiling windows which allow guests to really feel like they are eating outdoors. The decor is contemporary but eclectic and I am seriously envious of the California State wall. 

Within minutes of waiting for Lindsay to arrive, the staff had already greeted me and asked if they could be of any help. They appeared as excited to see me as I was to sample their menu. Once reunited, Lindsay and I made our way over to the lengthy counter display where dishes, pans and bowls displayed the day's bounty. 

As quickly as our eyes met the colorful spread of salads, meats and vegetables, we snatched a menu and perused the descriptions. Picnic LA has adopted the growing trend of a build-your-own plate style meal.  You can choose a grouping of 1 entree with salads or simply select items a la carte. 

Once our selections had been made our friendly Picnic hand had them plated and handed off to us down the line. I chose the Roasted Summer Squash, Creamy Cauliflower Soup (topped with Bacon) and naturally opted for dessert with their famous Key Lime Pie Bar. 

Lindsay chose the Grass-fed Brisket Meatballs with a side of the Creamy Cauliflower Soup and the Garden of Little Gem Salad with green goddess dressing. 

I can honestly report that our food was exceptional. The flavors and textures were perfectly combined and the knowledge that each dish was grown in California made lunch taste even better. 

Not only is the food amazing and any lunch customizable but Picnic LA also provides an added treat for any guest should they choose it - a hidden trove of table games. We grabbed a box of Chinese checkers (a game I used to love but haven't played in years) and gabbed about love and life while nibbling our dessert. 

I think Lindsay and I must have sat at that table for 2 hours eating, talking and playing. Not once did we feel rushed or crowded and we were kindly served by one of the co - owners, Eliot, who checked in from time to time to see if we needed anything. Delicious food, fun and kind service too?! Sign me up for a regular spot at Picnic LA. I cannot wait to take Jeff and our friends back to this unassuming corner restaurant. 

I closed out our trip with a lesson in locally sourced produce. While I was taking my final snaps, Eliot introduced himself and shared their passion for providing fresh, organic, farmers market goods. He also told me about how they often partner with services like the Farmers Market Fairy to ensure they are getting the best of the best each season. 

Thanks to Eliot and team for an amazing lunch date. I can't wait to make a return trip soon!

xoxo

~ A ~

PS {Picnic LA is open Mon-Fri from 11 am to 2 pm}

CONTINUE READING

Red Velvet Pancakes at Larchmont Bungalow

Hi All!

Sorry for the 3 week break. My work schedule got busy and I just have not had the margin to blog. I have missed this space and although I continue to shoot for the blog, I haven't been able to write much for it. I hope you enjoy the next few posts! I am aiming to get my rhythm back very soon.



Today I bring you a discovery shared with me by my good friend Lindsay. We had been planning a girl date for a while, and when we finally set the day she insisted on the one and only Larchmont Bungalow. Located at 107 N Larchmont Blvd in Los Angeles, this Beverly Hills adjacent brunch spot is situated in the heart of Larchmont Village, a picturesque residential area between Hancock Park and Koreatown. 



Larchmont Bungalow poses as a cosy cafe serving a variety of breakfast foods, baked goods and sandwiches. They boast in-house rosted coffee and freshley brewed teas making for the perfect little spot to spend an afternoon. The front end of the cafe feels like an old village trade shop and the restaurant extends back through a series of rooms and patios. When you enter the space the smell of coffee greets you and the glass displays tease with delicious cakes and pies. 









I took a menu to browse the options but Lindsay already knew what she wanted and convinced me to put down the menu and order the same, Larchmont's famous Red and Blue Velvet Pancakes. Yes, those are a thing and they taste amazing.

You can get a half or a full order (trust me get the full) and compliment your brunch with a nice latte or iced chai. I opted for the latter and completely scraped my plate...while still managing to save a small savoring for Jeff of course. 

If you are looking for a brunch spot that offers something unique - I highly suggest this patriotic fare at Larchmont Bungalow. 

Stop back for a fresh new post soon!

xoxo

~ A~

CONTINUE READING