Favorite Photos ~ Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine ~ Pacific Palisades, CA

One of my favorite places to walk about when I visit the Los Angeles area is the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine near Malibu, on Sunset Blvd. As I was not able to visit LA this year, thought I’d share some favorite photos of this beautiful site that I’ve taken the past several years.

Should you have the opportunity to visit now, please do check their site as due to the corona virus, reservations are now necessary. https://lakeshrine.org/

I am eagerly looking forward to visiting next year. It’s a marvelous place to take the time to stop and smell the roses, meditate and breathe in the beauty. Save time to explore their gift shop where you may find special treasures.

Savor your journeys… real, imagined or virtual, near or far

One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things ~ Henry Miller

Photos ~ Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine ~ Pacific Palisades, CA

One of my favorite places to visit in the LA area is the Lake Shrine. Located on Sunset Blvd, near the Pacific Ocean, it is a world apart. The quiet is a marvelous contrast to most of the LA area. It is a splendid place to walk about, sit and meditate amidst its serene beauty and explore the Visitor Center, gift shop and museum. 

A friend told me several years ago that this was a favorite place of Elvis Presley and he made frequent visits to this beautiful sanctuary. 

Savor your journeys and discover your own oasis.

Afternoon Tea at the Trump National Golf Club, Palos Verdes, CA

It is always marvelous to return to a favorite restaurant and discover that the food, service and ambiance are as terrific as you remember. Last fall, I had Afternoon Tea with three friends at the Trump National Golf Club and loved it. I returned recently and it was even better than I remembered.

The food, service and atmosphere are exquisite.

Menu

A friend joined me for Afternoon Tea while another friend dined from the Luncheon Menu, which she said was very good.

Tea is so marvelously civilized, especially with a glass, or two, of bubbly. There is no rush; the atmosphere is conducive for a leisurely dining experience with friends. We started with delicious mini sandwiches, followed by small tasty scones with a marvelous lemon curd and then decadent mini desserts. And to make it extra special, I was celebrating my birthday.

The view from the Pacific Café is gorgeous. The Founders Park, adjoining the Trump Clubhouse, is the perfect spot for a stroll or a hike down to the beach, either before or after dining.

The Trump National Golf Club will definitely remain on my “must visit” list when I revisit the LA area.

Savor your journeys.

Photos~Founders Park, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA

Tea at Trump National Golf Club, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (Sep 2018)

Photos~Founders Park, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA

The park, adjacent to Trump National Clubhouse, is a gorgeous area to walk about. On a clear day you can see Catalina Island. There are picnic tables and trails leading to the beach. It’s the perfect spot to explore prior to or after dining at the Trump National Golf Club. I had a fabulous Afternoon Tea there on a recent visit — next blog post.

 

Photos: Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, CA

Hermosa Beach — even in fog, off-season, a beautiful beach and pier. Pier Ave is terrific to explore with many good restaurants and shops. You may spot some tv shows being made or a beach volleyball tournament. Breathe in the salt air …

 

Redondo Beach — stroll the Esplanade (above the beach) or the bike/beach path (which stretches from Santa Monica to Palos Verdes Peninsula). Explore the Redondo Beach Pier and Catalina Ave for good restaurants and fun shopping.

 

 

Photos and quotes about one of my loves, the ocean: The Sea ~ Photos

Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, CA ~ Photos

 

South Coast Botanic Garden, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA

When you pay your admission, you receive a welcome map detailing the gardens,  collections and walking paths. There are numerous benches, strategically placed, where you can sit and marvel at the natural beauty.

Use the welcome map to plan your journey. Perhaps you will want to explore the Japanese Garden and Koi Pond, the Children’s Garden, the newly designed Rose Garden, the California native plants, the Garden for the Senses, the Living Wall. Or just wander among the magnificence of nature and find your own path.

South Coast Botanic Garden, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA

Photos ~ South Coast Botanic Garden, Palos Verdes, CA

South Coast Botanic Garden, LA ~ Photos

Favorite Restaurants ~ Los Angeles area

Crème de La Crepe

A terrific restaurant for breakfast, lunch, Happy Hour, Dinner;  French food; marvelous selection of crepes and so much more; very good champagne, wine, cappuccino and deserts (Crepes Suzette is great!). Several locations, highly recommend the restaurants in Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and Palos Verdes. http://www.cremedelacrepe.com/

Cheesecake Factory, Redondo Beach

This location has a terrific outdoor patio, looking over the Redondo Beach Marina. Good place for brunch, meet friends, enjoy sitting outside …http://locations.thecheesecakefactory.com/ca/redondo-beach-3.html

Fritto Misto Italian Café

Very good place for fabulous Italian food; nice wine variety; extensive pasta selection, including a marvelous Sweet Potato Ravioli in a sage cream sauce with wild mushrooms; home-made desserts, cappuccino. https://www.frittomistoitaliancafe.com/

Hennessey’s Tavern, Hermosa Beach

Great place for breakfast or drinks / dinner later in the day. It’s on the beach, sit outside or upstairs and watch beach volley ball and the activity on The Strand as you indulge   … https://www.hennesseystavern.com/hermosa_beach.html

Marmalade Café, Malibu

Nice place for lunch when you want a good salad, sandwich, burger or pasta There are other locations, but this one, in a small shopping center is a favorite.  https://marmaladecafe.com/locations/malibu/

Parker Lighthouse, Long Beach

Nice menu, you will enjoy sitting outside, taking in the splendid view, including the Queen Mary.  http://parkerslighthouse.com/

Paisano’s Pizza, Hermosa Beach

The Best Pizza west of NYC! NY Style pizza and good southern Italian favorites; NY style cheesecake for desert. http://www.paisanospizzahb.com/

Tea at Trump National Golf Club, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Have fun trying new restaurants and foods when you travel. Enjoy discovering new restaurants and coffee shops and returning to your favorites.   Bon Appetit!

Travel well and often.

 

 

Tea at Trump National Golf Club, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Enjoy your magnificent Afternoon Tea in beautiful surroundings at the beautiful, inviting Café Pacific. Sip your complimentary glass of champagne as you gaze out at the spectacular scenery. The staff are very attentive and know what you desire before you ask.

I went with three friends so the photos below show Tea for four. Along with impeccable service, the food is excellent. Your serving tier will have a marvelous variety of mini sandwiches, scones and dessert. A sample menu is below.

Would I recommend this Tea? Most definitely. For me, it will be on my list of “must do” when revisiting the Los Angeles area.

After indulging, walk about the beautiful grounds and adjacent public park with walking trails, some leading to the ocean.  Photos ~ Trump National Golf Club and vicinity, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Afternoon Tea is available Monday thru Saturday and all reservations are to be made 48 hours in advance. www.trumpnationallosangeles.com

Sample Menu

  • Sandwiches: Cucumber, Mint Cream Cheese on Sourdough, Curry Chicken, Celery Mayonnaise on Croissant, Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese, Roasted Red Pepper, Chives on Wheat Prosciutto, Swiss, Lettuce, Tomato, Grain Mustard on Sourdough Egg and Watercress Sandwich
  • Scones: Cranberry and Apricot Scones. Served with Homemade Jam Lemon Curd and Devonshire Cream
  • Dessert: New York Style Cheesecake, Fresh Fruit Tarts, Fresh Lemon Squares, Double Fudge Chocolate Brownies, White Chocolate Mousse Cups
  • Beverages: Featuring a selection of exquisite loose leaf teas and one choice of the following: a glass of champagne, white wine or sherry

 

Another Tea to try in the LA area is at the Getty Villa: Tea by the Sea ~ The Getty Villa, Pacific Palisades, CA