What better way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo than to head down to Olvera Street near downtown Los Angeles? Not only can you soak up some local culture, but also stop in at one of the cantinas for some tequila shots or a few margaritas to celebrate. Since I’ll be at my cousin’s wedding on the 5th, here are some pictures of my last trip down the one-block strip of Mexican history. 

OLVERA STREET
845 N. Alameda Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

HOURS:
(Hours may vary from store to store)
Mon - Fri: 10:00 - 6-8:00
Sat & Sun: 10:00 - 8-10:00

Too often, individuals who are married to very successful spouses tend to fade into the background; rarely forging their own path. Married to Ralph Lauren for over forty years, Ricky Lauren is no such lady. Apart from taking on the greatest task ever, motherhood (raising two sons, David & Andrew and daughter, Dylan) she has also found the time to write several books along the way.

Her latest tome, The Hamptons: Food, Family, and History, chronicles  the family's bucolic lifestyle, from the early 1970's to present, at their seaside vacation home. It offers favorite family recipes, as well as, warm anecdotes and photos; a beautiful gift for Mother's Day. There's a great article by by Anamaria Wilson, with photos by Mark Seliger, in this month's issue of Harper's Bazaar. I especially like the first photo, shown below with the chandelier. How sophisticated would it be to have that in your backyard; each outdoor meal more romantic than the last.        

Check out this interview with her son, David, that I found on Polo.com. 

If you're a lover of all things sweet, like I am, then you should definitely stop by Old Towne Pasadena's latest sweet spot: 'lette. I've heard of macarons (also macaroons) over the years but have never tried them. Until today. 

Lately, it seems as though ever magazine's holiday gift/wish list mentions the Paris Patisserie, Laduree, and their airy confections as a perfect gift. Even though I've yet to try their offerings, I'm certain that 'lette easily rivals them. (And they're right here in our own backyard ~ also, Beverly Hills and Larchmont) With more flavors than you can imagine, you're bound to get hooked on at least one of them. So far, mine is chocolate. (So far)

'lette Macarons
14 S. Fair Oaks Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91105
626-793-5551

Since signing up in 2003, I've purchased tickets for over 120 events from the discount website, Goldstar Events. I realize that GROUPON is all the rage now, but GoldStar has been providing equally impressive services, at discounted prices, for quite some time. They offer reduced-priced tickets in adult, children and family entertainment for everything from sporting events and live theatre to movies, comedy shows and concerts, etc. Registration is free, with average savings of 35-60%, and some events are even offered gratis. If you're dating quite a bit (or with  family), this site is definitely a must. Sign up here, today!

For years I've been going to this wonderful Spanish restaurant, La Luna Negra,  in Old Towne Pasadena. While I'm not a true connoisseur of food, nor do I have an overly developed palate (Much to my parents' chagrin growing up.) I  am one of those people who greatly enjoys the ambience of restaurant dining, no matter how simple or grand the food. My favorite dish at  La Luna Negra is the Chicken Paella in either the spicy or mild sauce. I also really like the Almondre con Pollo which is served with carmelized cranberries and the best mashed potatoes in town. (Second, maybe to Houston's Garlic Mashed Potatoes). Not being much of a drinker, the house Sangria usually proves to be a rather nice aperitif. 

This is a perfect place to take a date, especially when you may not want to spend a great deal of money (or have much time), since another treat of this local  haunt, besides the delicious food, of course, is the entertainment. They often have a live Spanish guitarist, but the real treat is Thursday-Sunday, at 7:30pm, when they have a live Flamenco Dance Show. Where else can you get dinner and entertainment under $80.00? (Well, maybe at Medieval Times, I suppose, but...) I like to  make my reservations close to 7:00pm to make certain that we're seated prior to the show. Bon Appetite!