CHINESE NEW YEAR
February 4th, we headed to Chinatown for the 107th Golden Dragon Parade. It was like any other community parade except this one had lots of dragons in it. Here is a photo recap from the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles.
We are now in the Year of the Dog. Tradition says that the Buddha summoned all animals to him before he departed from the earth. Only twelve species came to say good-bye so as a reward, he named a year after each one in the order in which they arrived. Find your Chinese Zodiac sign at http://www.logoi.com/zodiac/zodiac.html and read up on the different animals and traits at http://www.chinatoday.com/culture/zodiac/zodiac.htmAfter the parade, we walked around the shops, had some dinner and watched people repeatedly hit the “Money” and “Luck” gongs outside the Sincere Importing Company.
SANTEE ALLEY
The following weekend, our friend Cynthia took us to Santee Alley, which is a cramped shopping district rife with low-cost Gucci knockoffs, pirated DVDs, and other unlicensed goods. It was a fun morning but not recommended for the claustrophobic. The attached website will tell you everything you need to know if you are interested in the Santee Alley experience. http://www.la.com/shopping/specialty/santeealley/437
PHILLIPE’S ORIGINAL
Did you ever wonder where the “au jus” sandwich came from? Some say it was invented in LA at Phillipe’s Original. You can get the story at their website http://www.philippes.com/
The floor is full of sawdust, the food is served on paper plates, and our wait was 20 minutes at every cashier. I had the Lamb au jus sandwich and boy was it gooooood. Totally worth it. Their coconut cream pie wasn‘t bad either--but it can’t hold a candle to the coconut praline pie made by my sister Susie.
GOLDEN AGE OF TRAVEL
After lunch we went to the LA Public Library to see the exhibit of travel posters. It was a great collection that is all available on line at http://www.lapl.org/virgal/travel/travel-1.html
We also enjoyed the series of author photos by Nancy Crampton [on display through April 2.] The black and white photos were mostly journalistic in tone, but the accompanying quotes--from folks like Isaac Singer, Sam Shepherd, and Alice Walker--ran the gamut from the humorous to the profound.
DUKES OF MALIBU
The next day, our friends Diana and Linda took us over to Duke’s of Malibu. This beachfront restaurant is named for Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing [and Olympic gold medalist.] Walls are filled with vintage surfing pictures and the menu is filled with delicious seafood. I hear the Sunday Brunch is terrific. For more about the restaurant, http://www.dukesmalibu.com/
For more about the man, click here: http://www.hawaiianswimboat.com/duke1.html
SANTA MONICA'S 3rd STREET PROMENADE
After dinner we drove to Santa Monica’s 3rd Street Promenade to wander the stores and soak in some night life. There is a good mix of restaurants, boutiques, movie theaters, and entertainment, but there are lots of panhandlers. Surprisingly, they are not mentioned on the 3rd Street website. http://www.downtownsm.com/
LAS VEGAS
Even though we’re not smokers, drinkers or gamblers, we had a great President’s Day Weekend hanging out with friends in Las Vegas. Mike was busy managing the Official NASCAR Store so we spent the bulk of our time with Paula and Anthony. We went through the Wynn, Rio, Bellagio, Mandaly Bay, Luxor, and Aladdin--which is in the process of becoming the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. We drove by the new Hooters casino and hotel. I suggested they change the name to the “Hootel.“
FASHION SHOW MALL
As the name might suggest, this multi-level Vegas mall hosts daily fashion shows. During our visit, the techno music started, the lights flashed, and a full catwalk and stage rose from the mall floor. The crowd gathered round as models walked the catwalk in skimpy swimwear from Everything But Water. Fifteen minutes later, the stage disappeared and people went back to their shopping. http://www.thefashionshow.com/html/Mallinfo.asp The Official NASCAR Store is here, too.
THE IMPERIAL PALACE
This casino resort is anything but imperial or palatial, but it does have an awesome car museum located on the 5th floor. We didn’t have enough time to do the museum, but we were so impressed with the cars we saw from the ticket desk that we’re planning to see the collection on another visit. Supposedly there is $100 million worth of antique, classic, muscle and special interest automobiles, all available for purchase. Here is the website to find out more www.autocollections.com and this is their 2006 calendar you can print out http://www.imperialpalace.com/auto_calendar_06.html
As we walked through the Imperial Palace, we saw people playing blackjack against “Dealertainers” impersonating celebrities like Bette Midler, Little Richard, or Dolly Parton. Guests seemed to be enjoying themselves, but it looked like sad affair to me.
LIBERACE MUSEUM
There are 5 cars. One is completely covered in rhinestones. There are 10 pianos. Two are covered completely in rhinestones. There are 20 costumes. Most of them are completely covered in rhinestones. Nothing says taste and class like a bunch of rhinestones. http://www.liberace.com/museum.cfm
STAR SIGHTINGS
None in LA this month, but while walking through the food court at Caesar’s Palace, we saw Entertainment Tonight anchor Mark Steines.
ACADEMY AWARDS
Believe it or not, Daryl and I will be on the red carpet outside the Kodak Theater this Sunday. You might see us in the background as the stars make their entrances. Tell you all about it next month.
Until then,
James & Daryl
