a quick turn-around

I usually take about 2 weeks minimum to process and upload my photos, unless I have an inpatient friend or client who simply CANNOT wait to see their pictures, but tonight I felt inspired to just put up this weekend's pics right away.  


Saturday, March 6th:

My lovely niece, Antonella.

The coolest birthday cake ever for my aunt, Rosa.

Sunday, March 7th: 

Two of my favorites, CT & Jessica, are moving up to San Francisco next week, so a bunch of us got together for some afternoon KTV Karaoke in Hacienda Heights and threw them a surprise going-away party.

^ The "Fobby" version of "My Cherie Amour" by Stevie Wonder

Shortly after, around 6 PM, I was treated by a handsome, young fella to dinner at a fabulous little Tapas restaurant called Cobras & Matadors on Beverly Blvd. in Mid-City West LA.

I regrettably left my camera in the car and this is the only picture I could pull up on Google to show the place.  I couldn't find ONE decent photograph of the food or the restaurant, but at least I have a good excuse to go back.  Although, it'd be worth to return regardless:  the food was decadent and reasonably priced; the background music was just right- I heard a good eclectic mix while I was there, including some down-tempo and electro-alternative; and the ambiance was perfectly charming.  You're even allowed to bring your own wine bottle, fancy that!

We ordered the roasted tomato soup, bacon-wrapped dates, and jamon serrano (served with feta cheese, walnuts, apple slices, and honey pesto over a bed of spinach).  HELLA good. 

After tapas, we drove a mile down the road to the Hollywood Improv to catch a live taping of "Last Comic Standing" that I received free tickets for.

Unfortunately, a lot of other free ticket-holders got to the line before we did and the small venue reached maximum capacity before we could make it to the front entrance.  

Our hour-long wait wasn't a total loss; we received VIP admittance tickets for a future taping and had enjoyed our time in line cracking each other up and people-watching through some wooden panels behind us that blocked the front window of a cigar tavern.

 

We took advantage of the rain-less weather and walked down La Brea Avenue for a few blocks in search of a good cup of tea.

 

We ended our evening chatting over some Chai Soy Lattes at Sante La Brea's. A great ending to another good weekend.  San Francisco will always have my heart, but I can't help that LA is growing on me.