It’s been a long drought, but weekend exploration has returned! With mask mandates and restrictions being relaxed, that itch to get out on the weekends and explore our favorite places around the city has returned. This past Saturday we ventured downtown, and started our day at Raw Material Art Supply. Kudos to my lovely and patient husband for finding the perfect place for me to get lost in. It’s not as comprehensive as Art Supply Warehouse or Dick Blick, but it served it’s purpose! I really needed paper!

Just the day before, I had found a craft brewery online that’s near The Row called Flying Embers - what I really loved is that they also offered hard kombucha and hard seltzer. I’m not a beer drinker, but love going to breweries, so if they have alternative offerings, it’s a big win for me. Flying Embers was actually in the space that used to house Iron Triangle Brewery, which is a great space and I’m so glad to see being utilized.

Of course, after a hard drink, we needed food so we headed over to Little Tokyo and stopped by an old udon noodle favorite, Monzo, which did disappoint! I had the Sea Urchin Udon and it’s a creamy mess that is completely delicious, almost like an alfredo.

Some friends texted that they were in nearby Hollywood and we decided to meet up for a drink. We’ve been wanting to try Tiki Ti for years and I did not expect it to be as tiny as it actually is! I decided to be responsible and the designated driver so I did not get to sample the libations! Maybe next time!

Again, we must eat. It was time to get out of the heart of the city and we made our way to Culver City and another one of our favorite places, Father’s Office. I had the Octopus Salad - so good!

It was a busy day, filled with a lot of driving and a lot of drinking (I was designated, remember!) but so fun to get back out and explore. It’s one of our favorite weekend activities. I only wish we weren’t so rushed, I really wanted to try my hand at on-site sketching - I guess that means we just have to get back out there again! 🖤