Frosting on the Cake.....

Leaving home for a long time is not easy. After all the work packing and cleaning, we reach the point where we finally say goodbye. I revisited every room in the house for a final check, locked the front door and got into our waiting limo. This is the first time David is taking a travel scoot along. We were both a bit nervous as to how this would work for us but discovered everyone was very helpful as we breezed (sort of) through security. This little gem will be so good for both of us on this trip. Happy we 

found it.

David loves being First on the plane, and we were... :) The flight was just over an hour into Los Angeles. We flew over a huge forest fire that 3 crazy kids started by building a 'fire to keep themselves warm'. In doing so homes were destroyed and forests burned to the ground. The smoke turned the sky an erie grey while the sun became surreal in the sky.

 

Crystal Cruise does a fantastic job meeting and greeting people. Davids scooter was perfect at the airport. We were met at baggage by Crystal Reps with clipboards, our suitcases were claimed, and then we were escorted to another limo. No waiting, we were on the way to the glamorous Beverly Wilshire where we were once again greeted by more Crystal reps. Our room wasn't ready at 10 Am. What's with that????? We waited for a bit in the lobby. I very nicely went back to the front desk after a while and as we chatted I found some magic fairy dust in the air. The receptionist found us another room, an upgrade, and low and behold it was ready for us... :) We lucked out with a two room Suite, king bed, huge living room, facing Rodeo Drive and breakfast included. How did that happen? :)

 

Our room:

 

Well, let me tell you. So far our day was 'so exhausting" :) we had to treat ourselves to a nice lunch. Ever hear of Mr Chows? Only 2 blocks from our hotel. We called ahead for a reservation and found the place relatively quiet, lucky us. We sat at a lovely 4 top. I asked for their signature cocktail. I was served a leeche martini....unusual, a bit sweet, perfect. I think I am going to like it here :).

 

We had a tough time deciding what to order. What do you do when everything sounds wonderful, is your favorite and you know you are doing a great dinner in 5 hours? Oh, the stress of it all ...:)

 

I had read up on this place and had some clues from reviews. We ended up ordering pot stickers, lobster shumai, Mr Chows spare ribs and Gamblers duck. I became an instant fan of this place and wanted to stay an additional week just so I could come back every day for more. I never cared for duck but THIS was outstanding....super ultra crispy skin and a sauce you just eat and say 'wow' for lack of any other descriptive words.  I wanted this moment and all those beautiful taste sensations to last forever.   The ribs were a blend of flavors that melted into one another,  hard to describe, perfection.... lobster..... Oh Man, are their words?   Definitely worth a visit. We will be back.

 Mr Chows Spare Ribs

Pot stickers with a crispy fancy hat...... See them hiding???   Ha!  Not for long! 

 and the outstanding crispy Gamblers Duck with handmade pancakes  

 Service was efficient, personable, and professional. Thumbs up Mr Chow! We walked back to the hotel. David went up to the room to reminisce about all those delights he savored. I went for a healthy after lunch walk.....which happened to be Rodeo Drive. Magnificent shopping. Uber Wealthy...... Every luxury store is here as well as fine restaurants and spas galore. 

 The final topping of the day was having dinner at the Cut, a Wolfgang Puck restaurant. It has a very modern look to it, a steak house.  But, you may ask, is it as good as what you find in Chicago? Quick answer after a 3 1/2 hour dinner is YES, meets and exceeds. 

 We met up with my beautiful niece Lauren. We dined next to Movie Producers and Directors,they even sent a glass of wine over to our table. I am positive it was meant for me.... :) But, I let Lauren think it was for her. People really noticed her when she stood next to me. :) 

 Anyway, we ordered Steak Tartar with a quail egg AND Beef Carpaccio with white truffles because we could not pick just one.  David ordered Dover Sole and Lauren and I ordered bone in Filet Mignon. For the table we ordered their signature mac and cheese and creamed spinach. OMG. Perfection in every bite. We had their signature martini, pear, well maybe more then one, as well as a glass of Hocus Pocus Syrah wine. Oh no, please, we just can't eat any more...... three deserts appeared and then disappeared from our table: Banana Cream pie, Baked Alaska and their famous Beignets with ice cream. How do you spell Heaven?    Stuffed, very very stuffed.

At the end of our dinner, Wolf Gang made an appearance at our table to thank us for coming and to thank us for the new addition to his home..... :) Frosting on the cake and a twenty pound day..... 

What a memorable way to end the evening.