Vivoli's on Sunset

Why do I seem to post so much about food?? I need to expand my horizons...

Anyway, if you want really good Italian food and even better service, Vivoli's is awesome. I've been there twice and the wait staff is SO nice, you feel like you're in Italy. They are all Italians (accent and all) and they make you feel like you're a guest at their house. I generally don't notice customer service details so it must have been pretty excellent.

Valet parking is only 1.25. We had no cash and when we went back inside to add extra $$ on our bill to get cash to pay the valet, the people at Vivoli's just gave us a buck and sent us on our way.

Try any of the salads. We split a pizza and it was great too. You can't go wrong w/ dessert, but try something w/ Italian chocolate ice cream!

Leela Thai on Silver Lake

Leela Thai has the best Thai food ever! And very reasonably priced. Thai food is perfect when you're out w/ a heterogeneous crew--vegans, vegetarians, and non-veggers--who all want a tasty meal.

i recommend the eggplant (you MUST try it!). the secret sauce fish was good too, but a little too coconutty for me (i don't like green/red curries, don't like coconut). we also got the fresh spring rolls w/ homemade plum sauce which i thought was really light and good.

another fun thing about this place is that the family that operates it lives above the restaurant. it gives the place a home-y feel, like you're dining on a friend's patio.

P-I-N-K-B-E-R-R-Y

So what's this Pinkberry craze all about? You think it's JUST frozen yogurt? Well it's better than crack, and healthier too. For those of you who haven't tried it yet, just check out their website. With a tune like that, you could get your grandma to buy a Harley, and you can even sing along in the back. Mid-tune, you may find yourself driving there with the top down...even if you don't have a convertible. Just one shop shy of a dozen, you're never too far from one when you're painting the town red. And there's nothing more fly than knowing the secret topping. So if your hot date isn't impressed by frozen yogurt adorned with fruit, cereal, and chocolate, ask for the mochi. ;P Consider yourselves warned:

"Sorry ice cream, I'm dreaming of a different dessert
Pinkberry, shaved ice, and frozen yogurt
it doesn't feel like I'm cheatin when I'm eatin it
cause it's healthy
I feel better already
tart and sweet
fresh and airy
blue and black, straw and raspberry
succulent mango, tangy kiwi, or pineapple
toppin up, swirly and fluffy, exquisite dream
sorry ice cream, I'm on my way to pinkberry
sorry ice cream, I'm on my way to
P-I-N-K-B-E-R-R-Y pinkberry
P-I-N-K-B-E-R-R-Y pinkberry
P-I-N-K-B-E-R-R-Y pinkberry
P-I-N-K-B-E-R-R-Y pinkberry
I wonder should i get it plain or green tea, doesn't matter to me
don't care how long i have to wait, i like it in the rain or in the wintertime
like a burst of sunshine, good for my body, good for my mouth
good for my mind, good with the family, good with a friend, with a lover or alone
it's an obsession, pure and delightful, simple and heavenly
and guilt free, yummy...pinkberry
pinkberry for me, pinkberry..."

And if you're not in the spirit of bandwagoning, dozens of competitors are ready to take your money.

Dinner & Jazz

What could be better for the palate than a glass of wine and a few beats to help your chicken piccata go down? So head on over to Catalina Bar & Grill for some fine jazz & cuisine. Check the shows & times here, and flash your student ID (or whatever else works) for a discount on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday (second show).

If you wanna save a seat
and hear a smooth beat,
reservations for the show
are at (323) 466-2210.

The Getty

Ok, so my LA-native counterparts will be unimpressed--the Getty's been around forever and it's definitely not a hidden gem. But for those of you who've just moved here, or have been here awhile but are caught up with work/school/casting calls, go to the Getty! I felt like I was on vacation--I almost never go to museums except when I'm in a foreign country (note to self: go to more museums when low on travel funds). Best of all, it's free to get in (parking is $8 though). The landscaping is gorgeous, and the tram ride up to the museum gives you a fabulous view of the city.

Paintballing

Feeling trigger happy, but can't handle the competition of the big boys in Compton? Then why not go paintballing where the worst thing that can happen is blunt eye trauma or a swollen testicle? The more the merrier, so what better time is there to invite all your enemies too. Run amuck in acres and acres of variegated terrain for only $30:

http://www.paintballpromotions.com/fields/CA