Stepping Out
What's Happening
Where to go?
What to see?
What to do?
Where to go and what to do in your city!
Well we live in Downtown Los Angeles. The heart of Southern California. We are 10-15minutes away from Hollywood and Beverly Hills depending on traffic. Santa Monica is 20minutes away from us. Pasadena and Long Beach are around 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.
So ladies via this site you have got tips on loving yourself. Trying to keep a watchful eye on your health. You’ve learned about fashion and style. How to be your sexiest you. Gotten a little info on dating now it’s time to get out and show your stuff out on the town. Now we don’t necessarily mean dance clubs but there are all sorts of things you can do. So lets get out and enjoy your city. Because we are based in Los Angeles we will let you know about some of our favorite spots and some of the great things that are happening now in our city.
But say we are visiting your city? We love to live like the locals even when visiting other cities. So we would love for you to email us about your favorite eateries, bars, spas, tea houses you name it! Tell us some of your favorite Real Size places to hang and why. You never know when we will be in your town and it’s always nice to hit up a girlfriend and say Hey, meet us for a Real Size girlfriends night out!
We want to start with the How Factor! That is how do I find out about cool, fun, hip and chic places to hang in my city? Well here in "LA" there are many good guides.Talking to friends and family you can come up with all sorts of good information. We will share a couple of our guides with you. Weekly you can check out the "LA Weekly" it is the must have bible of where to go and what to do in Los Angeles...FREE and you can find it everywhere from free standing stands to book stores, magazine stands etc. This is the ultimate free source of where to go, what to see and what to do in LA. Happening Bars, Clubs, Comedy Clubs, Movies, Musicals, Plays, Concerts, Museums and the list goes on and on the best thing about it is it comes out every Thursday and best of all, it is FREE! You can also check it out online at www.laweekly.com There is also the "OC Weekly" www.ocweekly.com for those of us who like to travel behind the Orange curtain. Another great source of information is the "Where" magazine. Mainly found in upscale hotels in and around Los Angeles. If you happen to be at the "Grove" in LA you can find it at the guest services stands. It comes out at the 1st of every month. It is a great source for what is a must see and a must do in Los Angeles for the month. This is geared toward tourist but we believe it is a great source for locals as well. Especially for new restaurants you would like to try. "Where" also lets you know what the new restaurants, clubs and bars that are happening at the moment. For the restaurants it’s great because it gives you an idea of cost. You can also look up "Where" Magazine at www.wherela.com. The Where magazine not only covers Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego but other cities across the states as well. So check them out online to see if you can find them in your city!
RealSize Girl... Back to the top
So what’s up in and around LA today?
Well we will start with a couple of our favorite restaurants. Let’s face it us RealSize girls like to eat. Here are a couple of our favorite restaurants and more...
Some favorite Real Size Girl Resturants
Café Brasil – Brazilian - Just like the roadside shacks of Bahia Brazil! We love it, the prices are reasonable the food is great and you truly get the feeling that you are on the side of the road in another country except you are at the corner of Venice Blvd at a really fun restaurant. You can even bring your own wine Woo Hoo.! Although trying one of their passion fruit drinks for about $3 bucks is great way to go. We are wine drinkers so we always love it when you can BYOB. We would suggest the Chicken Breast with rice, beans, salsa and plantains. It is awesome. They also have great lunch specials. It is a pretty much an outdoor restaurant best time to go is summer if you can get a seat by the trees it is very romantic. It’s also a great casual place to go with a group of friends and bring a bottle of wine. Or take the kids for a great foreign type of dining experience. One of the best things is no fighting over the check. You go up to the counter to order. Sorry no waitresses here. Very casual and laid back real homemade Brazilian food. There is usually Brazilian music playing or maybe soccer or carnival on the television. So if you have not tried Brazilian food this will be a great experience for you and the prices are very reasonable.
Café Brasil
Alejo’s (Presto Trattoria)- Italian -Not a real big surprise that we love Italian food. One of our favorite Italian resturants is Alejo’s which is in Marina Del Rey. Okay if you blink you will miss it. The décor is very basic, no frills just great food. It is in a very small strip mall. This hidden jewel is between a donut shop and a 7-Eleven, go figure. It is very small and very casual. If all 14 or so tables are full, which they usually are then you walk up and put your name on the list. The wait can be anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour so be prepared to stand because this is often the case. Is it worth it? "Hell Yes." The food is awesome. Great portions of homemade Italian food the prices are very reasonable. The best is the free sour dough bread with the fresh garlic/olive oil dip they give you. Just make sure that all of the parties involved will be having that because the garlic breath last for several days…but it is sooooo worth it! And best of all again You can bring your own wine and there is no corkage fee. Everything is excellent no matter what you get you won’t be sorry. This place will soon become a favorite of yours too!
Alejo’s (Presto Trattoria)
Cobras & Matadors- Spanish Style Tapas – First what are Tapas you ask? Well as customs do, eating tapas evolved, becoming a social ritual in small restaurants all around Spain. Tapas may be eaten as a snack or a full meal. They are small plated items and they may be thought of as a sort of Spanish version of dim sum. You can order dishes individually, or as a group of related dishes and then share them. Each Tapas restaurant has their own special flair. Our favorite Tapas restaurant happens to be "Cobra’s and Matadors." Very tiny and very dark inside. And again you will miss it if you blink. Hope you don’t mind not having much personal space because you are seated so close to others that you can literally join their conversation. Dress code is a nice casual, we’ve never really seen people in shorts and tee shirts. Most people are dressed for a night out on the town. It is known to be hard to get into and you usually must have reservations. It is loud very hip and Cali sexy. Maybe not a great place to take a date if you need or want to have serious conversation but it is wonderful if you are a group of friends hanging out and having a good time. The menu is long but it offers something for everyone. Each person should order something different from the menu and then share them. The items usually come out at different times and amazingly enough you actually get full. The food is amazing we really love too many items to name but you do have to try the steak. This type of dining out is great for hanging and conversation. The prices are moderately expensive and will add up very quickly. While you wait for the next plated item enjoy your glass of wine. Again you can bring your own bottle of wine or purchase some from next door and they will just add it to your tab. Also you are not charged a corkage fee. You can stop here for dinner or make it your first stop before you head to a night on the town. It is walking distance from the "Grove" and "Farmers Market". If you have never tried Tapas before trust us, you are in for a great new experience and a real treat!
Cobras & Matadors
Tito’s Tacos- Need we say more. They’ve been serving no fan fair great Mexican tacos and burritos since 1959. No matter the time of day there is always a line. Kinda like dealing with the soup natzi from Seinfield. There menu is very simple you place your order then step aside. Once your order is ready the person that took your order will return to the window and that is when you pay. Always crowded parking is horrible and it’s good to go in a set of two so 1 person can stand in line and order and the other can scout a seat. You share outside seating with other Tito’s lovers inside it’s hard but you can sometimes find a table. Sometimes the line inside goes a lot faster than the line outside. Tito’s is great no frills Mexican food. No alcohol but the menu is cheap. It is worth the wait in line. We can't explain why the food is so good, it just is. Our favorite 3 Tacos with cheese and a soda, also comes with chips and salsa. Hey it’s almost cheaper than 1 galloon of gas!
Tito’s Taco
Some Real Size Girls Favorite Hotel/Bars
The Penthouse - Resturant and Bar atop of the Huntley Hotel – Talk about cool and chic. This place has had a major makeover and it is beautiful. The views from the bar/restaurant are awesome if you can make it to see the sunset you are in for a real treat. The hotel is upscale but the crowd is not snobbish you still have that Santa Monica laid back feel. The views alone are worth it. Thursday –Sunday they are pretty packed however we have gone on a Tuesday night and it was still packed go figure. The restaurant offers a breakfast and lunch menu call for reservations. And for those of us there for drinks and hanging out there is a playful lounge menu too boot! So go ahead and impress your date. Santa Monica style. Be sure to check the restaurant out online take the virtual tour for great views of the restaurant under dining click on Penthouse.
Huntley Hotel Santa Monica Beach
The Penthouse
www.thehuntelyhotel.com (click dining then Penthouse)
The Veranda – inside Casa Del Mar Hotel – located just past the lobby of Casa Del Mar to the back of the beautiful historic hotel on the 1st floor. Checking out the sea just steps from the water via 20foot windows you can grab a meal but more importantly they have a very inventive martini menu. Try the pink martini with grapefruit is awesome. You can usually catch a live band playing jazz every Wednesday. You can also hang out on the plush sofas near the fire place. Have a drink by yourself and people watch. Hang out with friends or smooch with a date. Also a great place to take in the Sunset. A beautiful Historic hotel with that great Santa Monica laid back feel. Casa Del Mar Hotel is right on the board walk and walking distance to Santa Monica Pier.
Casa Del Mar Hotel by the Sea
The Veranda
www.hotelcasadelmar.com (click Dining Entertainment then The Veranda)
Real Size Girls favorite Tea House
Jin Patisserie- A cute and quaint Tea House located on the hip and locally chick Abbott Kinney Blvd in Venice is a great place for girlfriends to gather for tea and the fabulous cakes, chocolates and cookie of Miss Kristy Choo. Have tea and lunch in the tranquil garden. Small and busy especially Saturday and Sunday afternoons, it is still a fun place to hang with the girls have tea, lunch and exquisite chocolates. Then stroll down Abbot Kinney to check out the one of a kind dress shops, art galleries and vintage stores that a-line this hip not so hidden boulevard. If you go on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon be prepared for a wait. Dating someone who likes tea? Guys tend to really enjoy this place as well!
Jin Patisserie
Real Size girls do the Museum
Getty Center – We love the J.P. Getty museum and never get enough of it. Always something new to see. The Gardens are beautiful in the spring and summer. There is something for everyone, young, old and in between. Art, sculptures, paintings, photographs, hundreds of priceless treasures and the list goes on. Check out the Getty online for upcoming events. Note not only is this a great family and friend place to hang for the day and get your culture on but it is a great first date place. It can get pretty busy on the weekend. Best of all it is Free to get in there is however a $7parking fee per car. Check out the event calendar for upcoming events. The Getty is a great way to hang with the kids. Check out Family Activities on the website to find out what the happenings are for kids.
Getty Center
Los Angeles County Museum of Art - Not only a great place to take in the art but it directly connected to the La Brea Tar Pits. You can also picnic on the park grounds of the museum. Our favorite would be the live music that the Musuem presents. Every Friday from 6pm-8pm through September the Museum offers live Jazz from renound jazz artist, as well as local and up and coming artist. In the court yard of the museum tons of people gather for some great music maybe a glass of wine or dinner to boot. Saturday’s from 5pm-7pm feature Latin Jazz artist along with Brazilian artist thrown in the mix. In the rear of the museum in the park you can bring a blanket, lounge chair and picnic basket. You can also check out the museum for free everyday after 5pm. Great place to hang by yourself or with friends and family. You can also take that special date. Go ahead girls, get your culture on! Be sure to check the museum out online because there are too many things happening to mention.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
The Huntington Library
(Library, Art Collections, Botanical Gardens) - There is so much to see and do here. It's a great place to go for any occasion. Great date place, take the kids, take mom, hang with friends or have some me time. It is beautiful when the gardens are in full bloom. A Japanese garden to die for and the Rose Tea Garden room fit for a queen. The Huntington houses a permanent art exhibit as well as consistent new exhibits stopping by. Again there is so much going on there that you have to experience it for yourself. We would suggest spring and summer time when the gardens are at their best.
The Huntington Library
http://www.huntington.org/
Real Size Girl Hang Out
The Grove- Los Angeles The Grove which is also connected to the Historic Fairfax Farmers Market is a great place to hang out year round. It is quite the tourist spot so in the summer and on weekends it can be very busy and the parking can be absurd! It is like the out door Piazzas of Italy. A huge fountain that dances to music just like the one in front of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. Plenty of shopping everything from Nordstrom, Coach, Michael Kors and Create & Barrel to Bath and Body Works and Barney’s CoOp. There is a Spa and a sexy bar/restaurant called the Whisper Lounge. Plenty of restaurants such as the Cheesecake Factory, The Farm Beverly Hills our personal fave...La Pizza and the list goes on. If you have children especially little girls there is the American Girl store. The Pacific movie theatre is beautiful. The Barnes and Nobles is a great place to hang out and pick up your free "LA Weekly". Not to mention the "Grove" is a great people watching place and a great place to spot your hottest celebrities. Some of our sightings include Tyra Banks, Nicole Richie, Jeff Goldblum and Kenya West just to name a few. The "Grove" Guest Services Desk is a great place to find the "Where" magazine. Usually during the weekend there is live music on the grass on Saturday’s and Sunday’s families are hanging out on the grass relaxing and dancing to the music. The "Grove" is a can’t miss during Christmas time. Located directly behind CBS studios and connected to the famous Historic Fairfax Farmers Market you can spend an entire day at this outside venue. It’s kinda our home away from home. Also a great place to bring a date...hint-hint!
The Grove
Coming Soon!
Let’s Face it there are tons of things to do and places to go in and around Los Angeles. We have only shared a couple, I mean this is'nt even the tip of the iceberg. And there is much more to come. Keep a look out because we will be bringing more of our favorites to you. We would love for you to share some of your favorite spots in and around you city. Even if you live right here in LA.
***Hey Ladies, we want to hear from you. Let us know your favorite places to hang out in and around your city! Email us at info@realsizeinthecity in the subject line put Stepping Out. Be sure to include the full address information and website about your favorite place. You never know when we will be in your town and will want to check out your favorite place!
RealSize Girl...
So you’re trying to find cool
Restaurants, Clubs, Tea House,
Bar, well anything fun right?
We have listed several of our
go to resources to find out
what to do and where to go
in your city. Well here are some our favorite go to guides!
Citysearch
Here you can truly find it all and local in your city. Not to mention real reviews from everyday people.
Metromix
Want the real deal on where
the Real folks hang out. Well
the Metromix is your guide.
Everything from Dive Bars to the coolest Restaurants from LA to the OC. The paper is Free around town and comes out every Thursday or check them out online everyday at:
LA Weekly & OC Weekly
Movies, Dining, Music, Theatre, Books, Events
You can pick this gem of a paper up every thursday or check them out online. Get out of your comfort zone and explore something new.
Where
Your go to guide Looking for the best in high style entertainment not only in your local city but all over the world.
The Thrillist
Straight to your email. Sign
up for this sexy cutting edge entertainment guide.
My Open Bar
Got friends coming into town? Looking for a happening bar to celebrate your friends B-Day? Sign up for my open bar and discover great happy hours and more in cities across the US.
Ahmanson Theatre
at the Music Center
downtown Los Angeles
135 N. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
The Ahmanson is one of my favorite musical theaters I have been going for years and A beautiful venue with top notch Broadway musicals. I’ve seen a ton of musicals at the Ahmanson and if you’ve always wanted to go to the theatre but never thought you could afford it well think again. The Ahmanson is very aware of the need to escape from the everyday madness of life and offers some affordable entertainment. It’s called Hot Tix:
Hot Tix offers a $20 ticket to the general public and can be purchased in advance. For most productions, Hot Tix can be obtained in two ways. Beginning approximately three weeks before the first performance of a production, purchases can be made by phone or in person at CTG's box office. Cash or credit card will be accepted. Subject to availability, Hot Tix may also be purchased on the day of performance at the box office (cash only). Tickets are limited to two per household. To learn more about Hot Tix, please call Audience Services at (213) 628-2772.
Upcoming Shows at the Ahamanson not to be missed:
“MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT”
invades Los SPAMgeles!
July 7 - Sept 6, 2009
Check out the video:www.centertheatregroup.org
“Monty Python’s Spamalot,” the popular musical lovingly ripped-off from the internationally famous comedy team’s most popular motion picture, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” comes to the Ahmanson Theatre July 7 through September 6, 2009. The Ahmanson production marks the first time the international hit comedy will be presented in Los Angeles after popular runs in New York, London and across America.
"Mary Poppins"
Nov 13, 2009 –Jan 10, 2010
Check out the video:www.centertheatregroup.org
Based on P.L. Travers’ cherished stories and the classic 1964 Walt Disney film, Mary Poppins features the Academy Award®-winning music and lyrics of Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman. The stage production has been created, in collaboration with Cameron Mackintosh, by Academy Award®-winning screenwriter Julian Fellowes, who has written the book, and the Olivier Award-winning team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, who have composed new songs and additional music and lyrics. Olivier Award-winning Richard Eyre directs with co-direction and choreography by Tony® and Olivier Award winner Matthew Bourne
"Dreamgirls"
February 24 to April 4, 2010
Catch The Dream!
And I Am Telling You…
Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, Dreamgirls tells the rags-to-riches story of a 1960s motown girl group, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune.
This new production of Dreamgirls will open at the legendary Apollo Theater in New York prior to its engagement at the Ahmanson.
With music by Academy Award®-nominee Henry Krieger and lyrics and book by Tony® and Grammy®-winning Tom Eyen, Dreamgirls features the unforgettable hits “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” “One Night Only” and “Listen.”
Broadway director and choreographer Robert Longbottom (Flower Drum Song at the Mark Taper Forum) and co-choreographer Shane Sparks (TV’s “So You Think You Can Dance”), along with some of Broadway’s top designers, re-envision this Tony® and Academy Award®-winning musical so it sparkles like never before!
Listen-Live-Laugh
HOLLYWOOD BOWL
Pack your picnic basket and a great bottle of wine
Dolce hosted a wonderful Picnic at LACMA! Check out the pictures below with a Delicious time had by all!!!
OKTOBERFEST SAT, OCT 17TH
Join us in our 9th Year
at Oktoberfest
Get there early the line & the wait will be over an hour.
We're celebrating
David Pock's Birthday Too
WOO HOO...
If you're attending and celebrating a B-Day ...let us know
Don't want to wait in line for 45mins-1hr min & risk the chance of not getting in?
Be a "RealSize VIP" no waiting in line purchase tix in advanced.
VIP Tix purchase your tix thru us via pay pal by Mon Oct 12th
"VIP Tix canno be purchased at the gate"
You will receive your paid confirmation with directions & details
Uou'll be able to walk up to the special VIP enntrance give your name, show your ID
& your in...
Friends want to go last minute? They'll have to wait in line
If you choose to purchase tix at the door you will have to wait in line
give us your cell # and we will text you when we arrive to let you know where we will be seated....seating on a 1st come !st serve basis
Coming EARLY?
**please get directions ahead of time**
alpinevillage.com
Oktoberfest Alpine Village
310-327-4384
need more info?
email Shelitha @
Sat - 6 pm to 1 am 21years and older only
(MUST HAVE ID)
You can purchase food, BEER & wine there
EVENTS AND CONTESTS
OMM PA PA BRASS BANDS
Woodsawing - Steinholding -Cow Milking - Food - Beer - Chicken Dance and MUCH more
