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