Dia de los Muertos

This Saturday I had a very different experience: I went to Dia de Los Muertos celebration at the most famous cemetery in LA, the Hollywood Forever.

Before you think I'm a depressive person, for those who don't know, the "Day of the Dead" is a day celebrated with joy and celebration for many cultures, especially the Mexican one. And this event is basically for the Latino audiences.
It was a huge party with food, souvenirs, music concerts, folk dances and many altars honoring those who have passed away. But I have to tell you that the cemetery is an attraction in itself!

Many people dressed up. And my dear friend Tania and I got on the bandwagon and got our faces painted!

We also ate tacos, bought souvenirs and had fun!

The "Day of the Dead" (Nov. 2 in Brazil) can be a day of celebration. For sure we miss the people we lost, but instead of focusing on loss and longing, why don't we use that date (and many others) to remember the good and happy times lived with them, right?

Mashti Malone Ice Cream

To celebrate the first day of summer and longest day of the year, nothing better than a post about ice cream! We don't find many "traditional" ice cream shop, but I heard of Mashti Malone through a great couple of friends that always gives me good tips and this was one of them.

Do not expect anything fancy or expensive. The shop is located in one of those typical small center malls in Hollywood. They have eccentric flavors and they're known for the rosewater ice cream.

So I knew that this was one of the flavors I'd try, and the other, I was in doubt between saffron, ginger, cardamom and pistachio. Since I had already chose a different one (rose water), I decided for pistachio.

The pistachio is delicious! With pieces of it. The rose water is a little strange at first - it's very floral - but after a few spoons, you begin to get used to and enjoy it!

I will definitely come back during the summer to try out other flavors!

The Griddle Cafe, Hollywood

Hubby and I finally got to go to The Griddle Cafe in Hollywood.

I had heard so much about this place, but all the (several) times we had passed in front there were long lines and we had no patience to wait.
One day, we decided to "take the challenge" and we have no regrets! (and the line took us 20 minutes - not too bad for a 10:30am Saturday).
The place is small and alive. Waiters are running around and the food is very good!
We ordered coffee, poached eggs with fresh fruit and their "flagship" dish: pancakes filled with bananas (but you can find many other great suggestions for your pancakes!)

I had no idea, but the pancakes (3 or 4 units) are larger than the plate! Delicious, but impossible to eat them all. The good thing was that we took almost half home, ate for breakfast the next day and was still good!
So, if you want to order pancakes, I recommend you to either go hungry, share with one or more friends, or don't forget to ask for a container so you can eat it later!

Movie Suggestions

As you know, hubby and I love to watch movies. And as we just had a longer weekend, we were able to catch up and watched three excellent documentaries:

The Last Mogul: The True Story of Lew Wasserman - tells the story of life, filled with scandals, of one of the most powerful men in Hollywood.

L'amour Fou - a beautiful and delicate story about the professional and personal relationship of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé.

Dominick Dunne: After The Party - interesting story about life's ups and downs of one of the most important writers of Vanity Fair.

These three docs are biographical and perfect for those who like Hollywood, fame, fashion, scandal and success; or for those just interested in good stories with real actors.

Pink's Hot-Dogs, LA

It took me over three years to try Pink's Hot Dogs, but now I'm part of that huge army that made Pink's such a famous place in LA.

A few weeks ago, after having some cultural time, hubby and I decided to face the line (yes, there is always a line, always!) and finally get this famous hot-dog.

You can order your dog with pretty much everything: chili, guacamole, tomato, onions, sauerkraut and  more! I ordered a chili-dog (chili, cheese and onions) and hubby ordered a "special" one with bacon, guacamole and two dogs! (but I must say he did not eat the bacon).

We ate at one of the tables available in the back. They also have a parking lot, which is a good idea, since it's located on one of the busiest avenues of Hollywood.
But even before enjoying your dog, you will have fun checking out the attendants making dogs and frying tons of food, non-stop, right in front of you.

A great option when you're hungry and want some nice fast-food.

Lala's Argentine Grill

If there is a place my hubby and I love is Lala's Argentine Grill.
Located in a part of Melrose Ave with alternative shops, the restaurant is really nice, with friendly waiters, super affordable price and very tasty Argentinean food.

We go there very often, and we've tried the meat, sausage, provoleta (pic below), empanadas, salad, anyway, it's all good! The chimichurri is also delicious! And all this accompanied by a good Argentinean wine!

It's worth taking a walk in the neighborhood and visit the stores. If you are going on Sunday, there is a nice flea market on Melrose and Fairfax. You can go there before or after lunch.

Picnic two thumbs up!

Yesterday was my last show at the Hollywood Bowl and this season will be missed: the shows were great, the weather was super nice and the task of bringing food and drink was delicious!
This time, my hubby and and I went to concerts along with another couple, so we took the opportunity to bring something different, tasty and easysuch as: sandwiches (wraps type), hummus, baby carrots, chips, melon with prosciutto, brie with jam, grapes, cherry tomatoes salad, sliced ​​breads (different styles like focaccia, baguettes), water and wine.
This menu is perfect not only for concerts but also for the park, museums or on the road. But remember to take everything chopped and ready, and do not forget cutlery, disposable plates and cups (good tip here), napkins and bottle openers.
To carry all this, you can take a normal bag (the one below was used by me in my first trips to the Hollywood Bowl!)...

Or if you are - or will be - a fan of picnics, you can invest a little more in thermal bags with compartments and dividers like these (some of them cutlery is already included):

Or the most traditional, English style, charming like these:

All products above are from Picnic at Ascot. An amazing store with everything to make your picnic even more enjoyable (and they also have blankets, chairs, coolers, etc.). But the important thing is to do everything with love and affection, have fun, and enjoy these delicious moments with your loved ones.

Hollywood Bowl: we'll be back next year!!

Details...

Hollywood, CA

Summer concerts

Summer has officially began and with him comes the concerts! Paid or for free, excellent options are available to all. A venue that I go every summer is Hollywood Bowl. With amazing shows, pleasant ambience and a beautiful view, you can bring drinks and food. As the vast majority, you should arrive early, spread your towel and have a picnic with your friends and even strangers. The summer calendar varies and you can have a little bit of jazz, pop, sing a long, orchestra etc. It ends in September!