The Getty

We recently went to the Getty Museum. It is an amazing place, but it is very large. So you want to make sure you know how to get around. My advice: Get in the map.

The architecture and landscaping were just as impressive as the art that they contain. Here is a view of the grounds from the gardens:

But there was some amazing art as well. Here is Ginny posing with my favorite sculpture:

And here I am with my least favorite...

We also found a painting of a guy in a Snuggie:

Overall, I recommend the Museum.

Dad Comes to Town (Time to Eat)

I had the great pleasure of a visit from my father this weekend. Time with my dad always means I will be the recipient of two very good things: 1. Great Stories 2. Great Food. As the title of the blog is "chocolate gravy"- I will focus on the food.

1. McCormick and Schmick's happy hour on Via Rodeo (sit outside).

2. Top that off with some cupcakes from Crumbs.

3. Breakfast at The Griddle. Here's what we got:

We liked it:

Everyone around us was taking pictures of their food. And the pancakes were comically large. So we got a picture of someone eating those too. I believe they were oreo pancakes. And yes, I was one of three people taking a picture of them at that moment.

4. We also made homemade pizzas. They were spectacular. Dad showed me how to make them:

But I soon mastered it...

The finished product was delicious

If you do it right you'll have 'em beggin' for more

5. We also had lunch at one of my favorite spots, Urth Caffe.

Thanks Dad!

It's Not That Weird

Ginny thinks I'm weird because I chew my ice cream. Now... I am weird, but that's not the reason. I also hold liquid in my mouth before swallowing. It hurts not too.

Let the Wild Rumpus Begin

I recently saw the new Harry Potter. I have read all the books and seen all the previous movies. I am a fan. Obviously, I like this installment as well and that's all I will say about it.

What I really want to share is how excited I am about Where the Wild Things Are. It was one of my favorite books as a boy and the movie is coming out this year. The trailer played at HP6, and while I had already seen it online, it reminded me how excited I am. It looks really good.

Check it out here: http://wherethewildthingsare.warnerbros.com/

Ezekiel Bread

So I really like the idea of Ezekiel Bread. It's live sprouted grains, flourless, gluten free, and all that stuff. My experience with products this healthy in the past is that they have the same consistency and taste as tree bark. Not good. But this bread is not too bad.

The problem I have is this: I have only been able to briefly enjoy the two loaves that I have bought because it gets moldy in about 2 days. Did I just get 2 bad loaves or has anyone else had this experience? Does anyone know a way to keep it fresh? Does anyone have any other healthy, non-moldy, bread options?

Down on Skid Row...

I had a chance today to go to the United Rescue Mission at Skid Row in Los Angeles. We got to grill some hot dogs and hamburgers for some of the people that live at the center and the volunteers. I was so impressed with URM. They are really making a difference and restoring lives in the homeless capital of the world (and have been for over 100 years). Check out the website at urm.org.

Not What You Want

I love our home. Really I do. I love the location, our neighbors, the whole vibe. But occasionally this happens...

Black water rises up from the depths and spews forth from the bowels of the city with unyielding wrath. It's very dramatic. And no, it does not smell good.

Flour Tortillas

I can make em...

Peeling Out

We recently dogsat for our neighbor. Mister is the name of the dog. he is a one-eyed chihuahua-pincher mix. And he is awesome. One of my favorite things about Mister is that he "peels out" or "scooby-doos" after he does his business.