Ronald Reagan Presidential Library @ Simi Valley, CA

Went to this museum today.  I have no doubt mid week is the time to go.  My mother-in-law and I spent about 3 hours and still only read a third of what is there.  It is an impressive library, likely the largest one.  However, it is a bit too much of a love fest for Reagan in my mind.  I don't mean to offend those who loved him but he wasn't a saint.  And, while again, I didn't see and read every exhibit, I did not notice any Jane Wyman (first wife) or Bedtime for Bonzo (monkey movie) references.  I guess Nancy had that edited out...

It is worth a visit if you are local or if you are a devotee.

First Draft!

I actually finished my first draft of my book on Valentines Day, but forgot to post.  Went off to Mammoth for a long Ski weekend and now am about to pick up the draft and begin editing.  My goal is to turn over my edited first draft to a friend by end of March.

Madeo @ Beverly Blvd in LA

Went for dinner here last night, sorry no pics.  This is my third time and the place never disappoints, although on the pricey side.  I had a great Carpaccio and Linguine Al Pesto which was awesome, as was the dessert, which I believe was named Neapolitan.  It was baked puffed pastry with pastry cream, delicious.  My husband had Ravioli Branzino which was fantastic.  Mother in Law had Swordfish which looked good but big. 

All in all, I'll go back when I save up again.

Goal!!

I just passed 225 pages or 61k words!  I've passed the midway point of my story and now in the final stretch.  Yeah!

Writing -- first time novelist!

I realized when I just posted the latest new place I've been to, that I haven't posted much lately.  My posting has fallen off a cliff since October. 

Well, maybe that's because, my posting has been replaced by writing.  I took a writing course at LMU and developed a few ideas for books.  After passing around two ideas to a few friends, I committed to one.  My current goal is to complete the first draft of my book by mid February.  I'm at 43,000 words or 165 pages right now and have a daily goal of 3,500 words per day.  It is harder and easier than I thought it would be.  Some days are tough, but most I'm able to whip through scenes.  No clue what the finished result will be.  I think I am naive about how long it will take to edit a 300+ page story!

Will keep you posted on my progress.

Laxy Ox Canteen @ Downtown Los Angeles

Went to this great place last night.  Food was spicy, in a good way.  Dishes are small and meant to be shared for the table.  We had a good mix of vegie and salad dishes followed by an amazing Sea Bream white fish.  Besides what is shown below, we also had the Roasted Beet Salad, Squash Blossoms with ricotta, and Ricotta Fritters.  Wine list was good and atmosphere was lively. 

All in all, I would definitely go back. 

Caramelized Cauliflower with chile, mint, & pine nuts

soft poached egg with cured lemon, quinoa, & crispy pork belly

Whole roasted Sea Bream with pickle salad & yuzu kosho

cheese plate

MB Post @ Manhattan Beach, CA

Went to this relatively new place last night.  It was packed and ran into lots of people I knew, which is always fun.  We had the Bacon Cheddar Biscuits (good, but sweet butter was not great with them), Brussel Sprouts (a bit charred and unnecessary cheese on top, Scallops with Shrimp dumpling (very good), and Chicken Pot Pie (excellent).  we also say the Hamachi and that looked good. 

All in all, i will go back often.  Food was good, I'll just steer clear of brussel sprouts.  Great Atmosphere

Bacon Cheddar Biscuits

Brussel Sprouts

Scallops, sorry no pic of pot pie