Our Neighborhood Parade

This morning we greeted the new year with front row seats at the Rose Bowl Parade. We were so close, we could smell the flowers (and the horses, unfortunately) as they drove past us just a few feet away. The amazing thing about going to the parade is the feeling of home it provides. No television sets, no ipods, computers, etc. Just you sitting in between thousands of neighbors sharing hot chocolate and shouting "Happy New Year!" It's the perfect way to start any new year and reminds us of the kindness of strangers.

Luau anyone?

Not sure what the food trends are in other cities, but over the last year in Los Angeles all the newest and hottest tables in town were at French brasseries. This year the trend has gone from Paris to Waikiki with Hawaiian restaurants popping up all over town, from the Beverly Hills-based Luau to the famous Roy's Hawaiian cuisine that opened just a month or two ago in Pasadena. Since we don't envision taking a trip to Hawaii anytime soon, and because we are fans of restaurateur Andy Hewitt's Il Sole, my husband and I thought we'd take in an umbrella drink or two. When we first arrived, we knew we were in for exactly what we had anticipated - a thatched roof, requisite tiki torches and lamps and other Hawaiian cosmetic touches. We hoped the food would be more than we expected. The drinks were diverse and tropical as anticipated, more fruit smoothie than rum runner. My husband and I ordered shrimp dishes that were mediocre at best, especially for the price. Some of the meat dishes and fish were presented well and left us wishing we had tried something else.

At the end of the night, we left the restaurant feeling a little bummed because although we weren't expecting that much to begin with - it's not like it was new French brasserie - we were surprised that even our low expectations were not really met. Fortunately, one bad Hawaiian meal will not erase my wonderful memories of the islands!