#3 Zabie's

Date of visit: Oct. 28 last year.

It's a cozy neighborhood cafe. It's not like those cafes full with trendy-dressed people on the 3rd street. It's a charming place where families enjoy their weekend breakfast/lunch.

Since it has been a while, I don't exactly recall what the food taste like. But I do remember one thing, the dishes there are very "simple." Sandwich is only sandwich. Unlike sandwich in other places, it doesn't come with anything else. The plate of sandwich I ordered didn't make me feel I'm having a full meal while I had to pay as much as I did at any other places. (I know I could have just ordered more. Maybe I am just too cheap. )

#2 S & W Country Diner

Date of visit : Sep. 1, 2006

I just copied the following article from my blog in Wretch. Date: Sep. 2, 2006
It's interesting to read the stuff I wrote half an year ago.
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I told myself I should try to play harder this year since I've decided to go back to Asia after b-school. However, the workload of school and GABS stuff is much heavier than I expected. Even today, the 1st day of the long weekend, the only thing I can do is catching up whatever should have been done. But I still think my life should be at least a little bit different than it was in 1st year. Okay! Good food doesn't take too much time. Thus, I decided to try out LA's best food one by one.

The place we went is very close to where we live. It's the top 2 in breakfast category. Is it really good? Not sure about if we ordered the best thing there, but the waffle and pancake were good. I think the most important thing is the food there is not as greasy as what other regular diners serve. So the conclusion is.... I like it!

Griffith Park hiking trip

Since I blew my France trip and paid $350 for nothing, I told myself that I have to do something doesn't cost much but new to me. So I thought hiking might be a good idea. (and I recalled that Lance and I drove by the Griffith Park on our way to The Derby and he said it was a very beautiful park and a "must visit" for me.)

I quickly browsed the information on the web and left for hiking. Going on a unprepared trip is dangerous. I took a wrong trail on my way up. The trail was very steep and "original." I had to hold the rocks and trees to climb up. I wanted to climb down halfway for several time since I wasn't sure if there was another way down. But it was even scarier for me to take the same route back. I finally made it to the top of the hill and realized I was at the Griffith Observatory. The view was spectacular*. The LA city view and the HOLLYWOOD sign!

Well, this was the trail I climbed up! Exciting enough?


Okay, though I know hiking is still not my thing, but this adventure was actually worth it.

* According to "Ugly Betty", using the word "spectacular" is very foreign. I still said it cuz I am actually foreign... hahah....

#1 Uncle Bill's Pancake House

Uncle Bill's is my favorite brunch spot! Except for the 20 mins drive for me and the long wait, it's perfect. It's ranked highly, but it doesn't just attract people who read the review. Locals love it, too. It has been there forever. People just come back again and again. One of the comments on the web says: after I had the taste I could wait whatever it takes. That's kinda how I feel now. Wonderful service, nice waffle, omelette, and of course pancakes.

The line

Me enjoying my waffle

#1 Cafe Flore

It is a French cafe. It is ranked #1 by City Search in both Breakfast and Brunch categories. The place is nice and charming. However, the portions of its food are a little bit too small. (I know... It's a French restaurant). We actually went somewhere else to eat again right after our brunch at Cafe Flore.

It's a nice little place. Unlike other brunch places I've been, it doesn't aim to content its guests' appetite but their spiritual enjoyment. However, due to the space of this place, it gets noisy easily when it's busy. As to the food, the Omelette St. Germain I had was okay, maybe a little too bland.

Omelette St. Germain: Goat cheese, Kalamata olives, tomato, & fresh basil. $8.95

Tartines : Norvegienne (Salmon): Smoked salmon with a sour cream, chive, and dill sauce. $10.95

Best Breakfast 2006

1.
Audience Winner
Cafe Flore214 S Robertson Blvd , Beverly Hills , CA , 90211 Quiet stretch of Robertson turns a dozen tables into the Left Bank with a nod to fresh California cuisine.
Editorial Winner
Uncle Bill's Pancake House1305 Highland Ave , Manhattan Beach , CA , 90266-4719 Manhattan Beach mainstay delivers hour-long waits and many locals favorite breakfast.
2.
S & W Country Diner9748 Washington Blvd , Culver City , CA , 90232-2722 Bustling industry breakfast and lunch spot serves quick and hearty American fare in a hip, retro space.
3.
Zabies3003 Ocean Park Blvd , Santa Monica , CA , 90405-3004
4.
Bread & Porridge2315 Wilshire Blvd , Santa Monica , CA , 90403-5801 Cozy, affordable brunch nook dishes out plentiful portions and a country-kitchen vibe.
5.
Pat & Lorraines Coffee Shop4720 Eagle Rock Blvd , Los Angeles , CA , 90041-2712
6.
Grub911 N Seward St , Hollywood , CA , 90038 A charming breakfast and lunch spot for homey, soul-warming favorites.
7.
Fred 621850 N Vermont Ave , Los Angeles , CA , 90027-4215 Everything you could hope for from a 24-hour diner at the epicenter of cool.
8.
The Original Pantry877 S Figueroa St , Los Angeles , CA , 90017-2507 Old-school diner with steak, chops, all-day-eggs and a side of L.A. history.
9.
The Griddle Cafe7916 Sunset Blvd , West Hollywood , CA , 90046-3304 This cozy cafe fuels the industry by serving Hollywood hopefuls whimsical diner fare.
10.
Foxy's Restaurant206 W Colorado St , Glendale , CA , 91204 Chalet-style diner features generous portions, budget-friendly prices and do-it-yourself toast.

Informational Interview with Fred

Sep. 21 is a special day.
In Taiwan, it's a date of teriffying earthquake we'll never forget.

Here in LA, I had my first informational interview yesterday. It was terrifying as well.
Actually after the experience in Citibank, I've got used to cold calling people, meeting strangers and something like that. I don't really scared about this part; the thing I'm worried is my English. Even I'm here in the States, I can almost understand what professors said, but communicating and expressing myself well is still a challenge for me. I still don't feel comfortable about using this language. It's a very bad thing. I actually rarely speak, either in class or after class. How can I overcome this problem?

He is a very kind gentleman. He was doing VC but now is a Early Stage Investor, so called "Angel Investor." He is actually not hiring people, but he knows a lot about this industry and has a lot of contacts in it. I guess it's exactly the same as the thing sales do. We need to know some people first, cook relationships patiently and carefully, and then ask them open an account or offer a job. If they are not our target, ok it's fine, ask them referral. I know my English currently is very bad, but I can maintain relationship continually. I wish I'll get better and let them notice that.