Not exactly the smoothest flight from Vegas to LA but mercifully short. Taxi to the hotel probably took longer thanks to the driver's, "ah, we'll find it" philosophy. In truth, we didn't think we'd particularly enjoy LA, it was more a see the sights as we fly from here anyway stop-off. Initial impressions, of Beverley Hills at least, are very positive. Seems very relaxing, aided and abeted by the hotel (Maison 140)'s perfect location, not to mention it's free early evening wine! It's a boutique hotel (very boutique actually, 40 rooms, almost B&B) in a Colonial
French-Asian theme and actually used to be the home of silent film actress Lilian Gish.
Took a walk down the adjacent Santa Monica Boulevard and found a nice pizza place for lunch. Then a late afternoon visit to the excellent Museum of Television and Radio, making our fourth of fifth favourite pastime seem almost cultural. It's more a library than a museum, you choose what you want to see from the massive archive in a private booth (Alistair Heaven!). Iain enjoyed some political debates and commercials from the 60s and 70s while Andie was
entertained by the Mork & Mindy pilot and Halloween is Grinch night (First he stole Christmas, and now the Grinch is backtracking, trying to make sure he ruins every f****** holiday out there). No time for the Star Wars Holiday Special though (is there ever?).
Luckily we're not here on a weekend so managed to get a reservation at perhaps THE restaurant to be seen at in Beverley Hills - Crustacean. During the customary 30-40 minute wait on our pre-booked table, it dawned on us, perhaps after having failed to spot any celebs, that after all this travelling it would take a lot to impress us. We hadn't reckoned though on Andie's gigantic tiger prawns with garlic sauce from the secret kitchen (only the family owners know the recipe). Food and service were utterly faultless and, compared to UK prices, the bill was more than reasonable making for an excellent night out.
