This is my fifth time visiting LA since most of the mother’s side of the family lives here. The last time I was here was in 2008 and I had discovered some amazing food and sights that left me wanting more at the end of the trip. But this time, I had a few new adventures as well.

Day 1 – Tuesday June 30, 2010

We began by exploring Little tokyo and eating at the famous ramen place called Daikokuya. It was as delicious as I remember but I was too focus on eating it I forgot to take a photo. After lunch, we stopped by a Ross store, which I love because everything there is such a great deal. Bought a bunch of clothing and shoes. Next, we then went to The Grove, which is a beautiful outdoor shopping area. It must be even more gorgeous at night. Each store was a building and the large coobstone walkways where closed off to cars except there was a old fashion trolley that runs along the main street.

I also had my first Pinkberry Frozen yogurt experience here. So good, creamy and refreshing. I liked the special watermelon flavour a lot. We ended the night eating at my aunt’s Pho restaurant. It was great! I never had so much variety of viet food at a pho place before, I had spring rolls, pho, com (rice), viet crepe/pancake, That iced tea and che bau ma (three colour bean drink).

Day 2 – Wednesday July 1, 2010

The next day, we went to Santa Monica. We walked around Third Street Promenade, which is another great lively shopping area closed off to cars on the main street. I enjoyed another round of Pink Berry yogurt and we moved to the beach. This was my first LA beach despite my previous trips. I was expecting sunny skies and HOT weather but once I got there, the water was freezing. Colder than Wasaga! However, it was still nice to walk around and lay on the sand. For Dinner, we went to eat one of my favourite viet meals, “Seven kinds of Beef” It’s like a combination of korean bbq, hot pot and rice rolls. Amazing meal. They need this restaurant concept here in Toronto. Also, this restaurant had this grilled catfish which was delicious. It was $60 but totally worth it and it was the largest fish I’ve eaten.

 Day 3 – Thursday July 2, 2010

Today, we spend the morning enjoying dim sum with my dad’s friends but I was anticipating for my favourite Thai Iced Tea drink in Hollywood. We ordered it but then it was over ice… not blended like the last time I had it and it was nothing special… still good but not as good as I remember. So, we got refills for $2 and got another round of it blended. What a difference! Its got the texture of the Tim Horton’s Iced Capps but with a taste of Thai tea leaves and vanilla ice cream!. Amazing! This is definitely on one of my favourite things to drink.

We ended the night with Thai cuisine and it was a great compliment to the Thai Iced tea. We had Tom Yum soup, Pad thai, pineapple fried rice, papaya salad and meat skewers. One of the best Thai meals I’ve ever had!