Basecamp Dinette

For brunch, we decided to go where the locals go...

Turns out, Basecamp is referred to the main production area of a movie or tv set.  Since alot of them have craft service that serve food.  But for us, just wanted coffee. 

I got a Horchata latte, it's nice and have a kick to it. 

I saw on the menu that they have Lavender Waffles, and curiosity made me get it. 

So beside sprigs of lavender to accompany our waffles, there's a hint of it in the butter and the syrup.  The good thing about the syrup is that it's not too lavender-y.  I do like it in the butter tho.  The sausage was good mixed in there. 

For book lovers: The Last Bookstore downtown LA is wonderfully quirky.  I really feel like a kid in a candy store.  Lots of books and the shelves are like a maze.  It's like a book wonderland, definitely worth stopping in for.

Parking are limited in the shop, so street parking is ok, but watch for the signs. 

Basecamp Dinette

1221 W. Riverside Dr

Burbank, CA

https://basecampdinette.com/

 

Yamadaya Ramen

One of the musts in LA is to go to Little Tokyo.

Since my traveling companion was starving, we walked into the first Ramen shop we saw. 

Luckily nothing a bowl of ramen can't fix.  I got a bowl of the Kakuni Ramen, it has Tokotsu soup base, nori seaweed, egg, noodles, braised pork belly slices, fried onion, shallot.

The soup is pretty thick is hearty.  The meat you can tell been braised for a while because it falls apart as you grab it.  The entire thing come together very nicely.  

From what I understand basically all the ramen places here are liked by the locals, just really a matter of preference.  But I will say, the service here is quick and fast.  All of them are super kind and turn a starving situation smooth out quickly.

Yamadaya Ramen

137 Japanese Village Plaza Mall

Los Angeles, CA 90012

213-265-7288

https://www.ramen-yamadaya.com/dlta-location

 

Grill & Brew at City Walk

Growing up Universal City Walks was where the kids get to pretend to be grown ups and hang out there. 

Now, it's more quality shops and big kids dining. 

One of the places we picked was the Grill & Brew. 

I got Ginger Berry Lemonade.  It has ginger beer, Sprite, berry puree, and lemonade.  I appreciate that, it's not super syrupy, and the ginger beer taper that off. 

Just took it easy and got a Pepperoni Flatbread.  Nothing fancy, after all the walking, I just need to refuel.  

Meal time in CityWalk is super busy because besides folks going to the park or exiting the park, there are just people coming here to hang out, since you don't need an entry fee to come in.  

In terns if Parking, if you're here for City Walk, you can get a discount.  But for the park, if you come early, you can get pretty decent parking.  If not, the various parking structures are easy enough to accommodate. 

Grill & Brew

inside Universal City Walk

https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/dining/citywalk/nbc-sports-grill 

 

Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Counter

We happened to be there during one of the hottest day.

So when we saw people walking around with ice cream in Hogsmeade, we want one too. 

I got the Mint flavor.  I was tempted to get the Butterbeer flavor, but was also very curious about Mint, so there it is.  

The trick about getting here, you have to go thru Honeydukes and it is at the back of the shop, and it's a one-way traffic.  Just bring patience. 

Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Counter

inside Honeydukes

in Universal Studios Hollywood

https://blog.discoveruniversal.com/dining/best-treats-universal-studios-hollywood/

 

Toadstool Cafe

The whole point for going to LA was to Universal Studios.

Of course, we rode the Mario Kate ride in Marioland.  

And of course we get hungry and have to get a seat at the Toadstool Cafe. 

For kids meal, you can choose either a burger or pasta.  The meal comes with burger, fries, veggie, and a cookie inside the box.  For a kid, that's pretty impossibly hard to finish all that food.  So yes we split the dish.

I got the Mushroom Soup, and to commemorate they give you a bowl that you can take home. 

You take the top off, and you have mushroom soup and mushroom crackers floating on top.   It's actually pretty good, not super creamy, as I was expecting like a Campbell soup, but instead, you do taste the fresh mushroom.  And yes, it's super cute.  

Thank goodness they put the soup in a throw-away cup, so you don't have to 'wash' the bowl before you put it in your backpack and haul it around all day before heading home. 

It's very neat, once you place your order, a staff will seat you.  And look at the windows, you get to see the  Toads working on your lunch, walking around the park on their ways to the castle and going about their lives. 

For Toadstool Cafe, as soon as you walk in, go to the Cafe's door and scan the QR and book a table.  If you don't book, they don't accommodate walk-ins.  It's easy and quick to do, especially when one of you scan, the rest of you go stand in line for the various challenges to earn keys.  

Yes, you go get the Power Up ands and then there are these challenges you line up to do.  Once you collected the keys you can go to another area to do this interactive challenge.  Pretty neat. 

Toadstool Cafe

inside Universal Studios Hollywood

in Super Nintendo World

https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/dining/toadstool-cafe

 

Mel's Diner

When I was growing up, one of the iconic signs I remember seeing is Mel's Diner.

I've been once when I was a kid.

Going back as an adult is kinda strange.  The location is right by the Hollywood Walk of Fame, so the building is a little worn.  But allegedly, Stars used to dined there, which gives that 'fame' factor.  I do know few of their locations were in movies too.

Parking was not friendly, but the breakfast is hardy.  I got a custom omelet, picked my own toppings: cheese, ham, and mushroom.  Came with a giant slap of hashbrown.  It came with toast too, but it was so much food that I declined. 

For the parking, the side lot charge, but the diner validate so you get a discount.  If it's less than an hour, it's $3.50.  Just bring cash for ease. 

We went to the Broad.  Which is an art museum downtown. 

Mainly modern and  contemporary art. 

Parking does cost, but the entry to the museum is free (unless it's a special ticket exhibit).  Something different to see and stay out of the heat.

Mel's Diner - Hollywood

1660 North Highland

Hollywood, CA 90028

323-465-3111

https://melsdrive-in.com/restaurant/mels-hollywood/

 

Bob's Coffee & Doughnuts

One of my MUST GO places in LA is the Original Farmers Market.  While I didn't exactly grow up in LA, I did live there for some time.  And one of the place of wonderment as a kid, is the Famers Market.  This is before the Grove attached next to it.

Since we got there early, not too many options were opened for breakfast.  Even though technically the market is open at 9am, the stalls each have their time.   

I got a good o' fashion Devil's Food donut.  It's my favorite of all time.  The good o' cake doughnuts, moist and fluffy.  Of course, having different shape doughnuts for kids is an added bonus.

The seating area is nice, if it's cool in the morning, there's heat lamp over the area to keep you warm.  Of course, a coffee can do that for you too.

Bob's Coffee & Doughnuts

6333 W. 3rd Street

Los Angeles, CA 90036

323-933-8929

https://farmersmarketla.com/merchants/bobs-coffee-and-doughnuts

 

Bruxie - Santa Monica

It's been a long long time since I've been to the 3rd Street Promenade in LA down by Santa Monica.

When I was younger, we come here for food and shopping.  But this time shops are dwindling, and more empty store fronts than not.

It was a relieve to see a decent shop that's open and available.   Ok, ok, I wanted to come here because of the giant words that said Waffle Fries. 

Wanting some greens, I got the chicken salad.  Now, I said green, not healthy, so I forgo the waffle fries and got the Buttermilk Fried Chicken salad.  It has bacon, avocado, egg, cheddar, chives and of course lots of chicken tenders and Ranch Dressing.  The buttermilk coated breading is definitely made the chicken not dry out, and the crunchy bits doesn't hurt.   As far as the salad goes, this is pretty feeling and not feel like a lazy salad.  I definitely overloaded on the yummy goodness. 

If you're coming here on a weekday for lunch, come early.  There's a high school nearby and kids do congregate here and since they have a short lunch period, it gets busy.   My tip to you. 

Bruxie

1412 3rd Street Promenade

Santa Monica, CA 

https://www.bruxie.com/location/bruxie-santa-monica/

 

Artelice Patisserie

Also in downtown Burbank, there's this sleek cafe that we walked by.  

So after dinner, we have to go back to get some treats!

You walked in and greeted with a very colorful lines of cakes.... so pretty!

Even the take-out box is very pretty.

I got the Chocolate Eclair & Blossom.

The chocolate eclair is rich, and has nuts drizzled on top.  The chocolate mousse inside is so light and fluffy, it's so yummy!

Inside Blossom it has vanilla mousse, red berries insert, pistachio crunch and a pistachio sponge cake at the bottom.  I know I didn't do a good job cutting it.  But all the mousse mix with flavors is very nice.  I really wish I had a cup of coffee (which they do sell) to go with it.

Since we went towards closing time, the guy offered a macaron for my kiddo, and I am so grateful they're so kind to him.  Of course, the kid gobbled up the Mac like nobody's business. 

Artelice Patisserie - Burbank

117 N. San Fernando Blvd

Burbank, CA 91502

818-588-4943

https://artelicela.com/

 

Granville - Burbank

This week, we'll be doing Los Angeles eats..... We went to Burbank, CA and this is what we ate.

In the cute downtown Burbank, we landed Granville.

I got a mocktail.  This is Elixir - which has Granny Smith apple, thyme and coriander, cucumber and lemon.  It might be a tad more zingy than I'd like, but it's a good relieve for a hot sunny LA day.

I got the Thai Ginger salad with tuna as protein.  That's silly since avocado is decent filling enough. It has soba noodles, mango chunks, tomato, peanuts, ginger bits, and Thai Sesame dressing.  They added seared tuna.  

You don't feel it, but the entire plate actually has alot of food.  The noodles are fillers, but every bite I get the dressing and it's not over powering the flavor of the food.  The entire dish is so 'California', the light flavors that comes together, and yet it's so feeling and crunchy veggies that comes together.  

Coming here is very easy.  You don't need other have a reservation and lots of people go shopping and stop in for lunch.  There's patio seating, as well as bar seating.  The place has so many tables, unless it's a busy day, you should not have trouble getting a seat.

Granville

121 N. San Fernando Blvd

Burbank, CA 91502

818-848-4726

https://www.granvillerestaurants.com/

 

Disneyland - Dole Whip

As we were approaching the Enchanted Tiki Room, I know my chance for Dole Whip is about to come.

Lots of people stood in line not knowing what it was because the side is blank, but lines at the park is the norm nothing out of the ordinary until you come up to the counter.  (Tip: there's an inside line to the building structure.  Typically, it's for the convenience of the Tiki Room attendees while they wait for the show to begin, but lots of time people just didn't know there's a line open as well at the back.)

At the stand they have, pineapple spears, fruit bowls, Dole Whip soft serve, and Dole pineapple juice.

I went for the kill, and got the Dole Whip Float, which is the mix of the soft serve and the juice.  So my tip to you is this: the Dole Whip by itself is good, the pineapple juice by itself is good, but when you combine the 2 together it's a lot of sugar and different kinds of sugar at that.  So, it's very different taste, even when you mix it all together.  So, take it from me, get them separately.  I will say this, it is a Must-Have experience here at Disneyland.

Tiki Juice Bar

Disneyland - Adventureland

1313 S. Disneyland Dr

Anaheim, CA 92802

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disneyland/tiki-juice-bar/

Disneyland - Red Rose Taverne

Alright, finally at the Disneyland proper and caught the parade on our way to Fantasyland.  (psst, the key to catching the parade is know when it's starting and hang out behind Matterhorn before you get to Fantasyland but can see the Small World, the parade has to go pass you and not much traffic and nice seatings on the sides)

Fantasyland is the most popular part of the park, all the classic rides are here.  Tea Cup, Alice in Wonderland, Pinocchio, Dumbo, Snow White, the Carousel, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, and Peter Pan.

So, it's appropriate to see the Red Rose Tavern in the middle of the park.  (Tip: if you sit outside, that's near the characters entrances, we've caught Gaston, Alice & Madhatter, and Merida). 

I got the kids gluten free pizza.  Knowing all good and well that the kid will never finish eating it, which I'll end up having.  I didn't even bother to get an entree, it'll just mean that I'll have to eat mine and his together.  Anyway, I wanted to save room for the Gray Stuff. 

Tip: if you have dietary condition, as you walk up to any of the quick service, let them know, they do have a separate menu that list out items for you.  And no, the Gray Stuff is not gluten free.

So, as the song goes, try the gray stuff they're delicious, don't believe me ask the dishes.  That song just kept running thru my head.  Oy!

Anyway, the gray stuff is really gray colored butter frosting.  The little pearlized balls are like Sixlets, they're crunchy, but that's mixed with the red crunch and some Oreo cookie crumbs.  The inside: it has raspberry, which is held up by red velvet cake and standing on top of a cookie at the bottom.  As pretty as it looks, it's a lot of butter frosting on the cake.  I like red velvet fine, but not sure about that much frosting.  

The inside was once Gaston's Pub, so it's still very pub-ish feel.  However, there are murals of Beauty & the Beast, and stain glass from the story, quite nice.  Plenty of seatings inside and outside, and as mentioned before, the outside seating is right near the entrance for characters, so we have seen a lot of them coming and going.  The Tavern is set to be temporary, tentative till February 2018, but no confirmation as of yet.

Red Rose Tavern

Disneyland

Fantasyland

1313 S. Disneyland Dr

Anaheim, CA 92802

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disneyland/red-rose-taverne/

Disneyland - Lucky Fortune Cookery

Dining at any Disney Parks, for something sit down, you really do need to have reservations.

Since we don't have a reservation, we ended up at Lucky Fortune Cookery at the Pacific Wharf.

How it works is you pick your protein, which are beef, chicken or tofu.  Then, you pick your sauce or style.  They have Mandarin Orange (in picture), Spicy Korean, Thai Coconut Curry, or Teriyaki.

The Mandarin Orange, was more dried than I liked.  There are some veggies hidden under there and then a big bed of rice.  I may have wanted the Spicy Korean if they have more sauce.  

Anyway, key to eating at Disney is either plan ahead or if you're going to wing it, bring some patience, because those lines are just as busy as the ones at the rides.

Lucky Fortune Cookery

Disney California Adventure

Pacific Wharf

1313 S. Disneyland Dr

Anaheim, CA 92802

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disney-california-adventure/lucky-fortune-cookery/

Disneyland - Flo's V8 Cafe

We were right by Cars Land in Disney California Adventure

Decided to fuel up at Flo's V8 Cafe.

Even their tables have the V8 logo, great details.

The entire interior is decorated like a 50s diner, checker floor board, car-like seatings. 

This is the Roast Beef & Cheddar sandwich.  It was supposed to come in a garlic bun, but I think that's a regular burger bun.  The roast beef wasn't bad but the melted cheddar is too watery, and the taste is very uneven.  I ended up taking the meat out of the buns and ate it with the cole slaw, which was pretty good.  My mom had the spare rib and it was pretty good.

How it works: you enter, and they hand you a menu, you look at it, when you're ready, they direct you to the cashier that's available.  Then go to the counter and they will hand you your food.  The system is pretty well organized.  They do have staff helping you if you have multiple trays but not multiple hands.  They also do a pretty good job in cleaning up after as well.  Of course, take lots of pictures and enjoy the Cars decor.

Flo's V8 Cafe
Disney California Adventure - Cars Land
1313 S. Disneyland Dr
Anaheim, CA 92802
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disney-california-adventure/flos-v8-cafe/

La Brea

First day at Anaheim, and decided to walk around for a bit.

Right as it gets dark, there's an Italian/Bakery with a small line.  Figured everything else has a line, might as well give it a shot.  Majority of the seating is on the outside patio area, but they do have heaters, no fear.

I got the Penne Pomadoro, penne pasta with sausage.  You can request for gluten free pasta, and that bowl of pasta is plenty.  Nice and warm under the heater with some pasta.  They also offer pizza, assorted salads and huge bowls of soup.

I will say, when it's dark is when people exit the parks.  Since the restaurant is situated across from the tram that people take to go back to the garage, they do get a longer line in the evening.  So, either beat the crowd or be prepare to wait.  That goes for all the restaurants in Downtown Disney, besides the crowd that comes to hang out, you also have to consider the folks that exit the parks too.  Bring patience or entertainment for the little ones.  They also have sandwiches to go, if you want something quick and not sit down.

La Brea Bakery

Downtown Disney

1556 Disneyland Dr

Anaheim, CA 92802

714-490-0233

https://www.labreabakery.com/cafes/downtown-disney

Honey & Butter X Tokidoki

Yet another post about macarons, because they are awesome.

Happens that when I was there, they were doing a collaboration with Tokidoki.

How cool that they have a super wall with Tokidoki characters?

They're known for characters macarons.  The right ones are their normal characters, the far left ones are Tokidoki.  They charge more for special or bigger characters.  They do have a rule that there's a limit on how many you get and they release them around noon.  Don't be surprise that if they have a line out the door.  You can see what they're rolling out on their Instagram.

So, what did I get: of course macs, panda mac, and tokidoki mac, a Tokidoki pin, and other Tokidoki swag.

It's a super fun place to be and wish they have one Texas, but that's good enough for me.

Honey & Butter

633 Spectrum Center

Irvine, CA 92618

949-536-5556

http://www.honeynbutter.com/