Hotels:
Marina Del Rey International Hotel
4200 Admiralty Way
Marina Del Rey, CA
90292
(310) 301-2000
She said:
Okay, you guys, for the price we paid, this place was awesome! I lucked out on Priceline and, almost as a JOKE, put in $50 max bid on a hotel in the Santa Monica area... and this place accepted my offer! Blown away, both Brett and i were extremely anxious to see just what it was we were getting stuck with.
Located directly on the marina, this place is in a prime location!
Walking distance to Venice Beach, a 5 minute drive to Santa Monica, free underground parking, a pool, your own private patio... We were looking for the hook, but there was none! We spent the first two nights here and were so pleased! Now, it's by no means the nicest place on earth, but for $50 bucks a night, for the location and the amenities we DID receive, we were pleased as punch! Great hotel for the money!
[Double room]
[Outdoor Pool]
Okay, you guys, for the price we paid, this place was awesome! I lucked out on Priceline and, almost as a JOKE, put in $50 max bid on a hotel in the Santa Monica area... and this place accepted my offer! Blown away, both Brett and i were extremely anxious to see just what it was we were getting stuck with.
Located directly on the marina, this place is in a prime location!
Walking distance to Venice Beach, a 5 minute drive to Santa Monica, free underground parking, a pool, your own private patio... We were looking for the hook, but there was none! We spent the first two nights here and were so pleased! Now, it's by no means the nicest place on earth, but for $50 bucks a night, for the location and the amenities we DID receive, we were pleased as punch! Great hotel for the money!
[Double room]
[Outdoor Pool]
The Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood
7000 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA
90028
(323) 466-7000
She said:
We didn't actually stay here, just had some drinks with friends in one of the rooms, and later down at the uber-exclusive pool, but we thought it'd be fun to review regardless. This super-famous hotel was the birthplace of the Academy Awards back in 1929, and was the playground for luminaries such as Montgomery Clift, Marilyn Monroe, and countless other glamorous names (both of whom have been rumored to still haunt the hallways! It's named THE most haunted hotel in the world!). It's located literally in the heart of Hollywood--across the street from Grauman's Chinese Theater.
Security was high, we weren't even allowed in the front door without a room number of the guest we were meeting. Once in the room, we were in awe of how charming the place was -- small quaint old-fashioned rooms, just large enough for a queen bed and a desk... but the view was priceless -- you could look down and spot the celebrity stars on the Walk of Fame... you could watch the restless crowd gathered at Michael Jackson's star in front of the theater to pay their respects... you could see all the way down Hollywood Boulevard from the bathroom window. This place just oozed glitz and glamour.
The 10 of us headed down to have drinks by the pool, and again, it was very difficult to get in... you had to be a guest, or friends of a guest, or friends with the gal who was manning the clipboard... Luckily, we fell into several of those categories. We headed out to the fluffy chaise lounges surrounding the dazzling, palm-tree lined pool, and looked around at all the glamorous people sharing the venue with us. A young, hip crowd, mostly. Clearly established, if they (like us) were willing to fork out over $13 for a drink... Yes, we highly recommend pre-funking in your room prior to heading pool side... catching a buzz at this bar will cost you!
[Roosevelt Hotel + Pool]
So, if you're looking for a place to stay that has countless amenities, old-Hollywood charm, a possible Marilyn Monroe sighting, and one of the most happening pool parties you'll ever attend, head to the Roosevelt. You'll be whisked away to an era of Hollywood that has long since vanished, but remains thick within the walls of this legendary hotel.
We didn't actually stay here, just had some drinks with friends in one of the rooms, and later down at the uber-exclusive pool, but we thought it'd be fun to review regardless. This super-famous hotel was the birthplace of the Academy Awards back in 1929, and was the playground for luminaries such as Montgomery Clift, Marilyn Monroe, and countless other glamorous names (both of whom have been rumored to still haunt the hallways! It's named THE most haunted hotel in the world!). It's located literally in the heart of Hollywood--across the street from Grauman's Chinese Theater.
Security was high, we weren't even allowed in the front door without a room number of the guest we were meeting. Once in the room, we were in awe of how charming the place was -- small quaint old-fashioned rooms, just large enough for a queen bed and a desk... but the view was priceless -- you could look down and spot the celebrity stars on the Walk of Fame... you could watch the restless crowd gathered at Michael Jackson's star in front of the theater to pay their respects... you could see all the way down Hollywood Boulevard from the bathroom window. This place just oozed glitz and glamour.
The 10 of us headed down to have drinks by the pool, and again, it was very difficult to get in... you had to be a guest, or friends of a guest, or friends with the gal who was manning the clipboard... Luckily, we fell into several of those categories. We headed out to the fluffy chaise lounges surrounding the dazzling, palm-tree lined pool, and looked around at all the glamorous people sharing the venue with us. A young, hip crowd, mostly. Clearly established, if they (like us) were willing to fork out over $13 for a drink... Yes, we highly recommend pre-funking in your room prior to heading pool side... catching a buzz at this bar will cost you!
[Roosevelt Hotel + Pool]
So, if you're looking for a place to stay that has countless amenities, old-Hollywood charm, a possible Marilyn Monroe sighting, and one of the most happening pool parties you'll ever attend, head to the Roosevelt. You'll be whisked away to an era of Hollywood that has long since vanished, but remains thick within the walls of this legendary hotel.
Anabella Hotel at Disneyland
1030 W Katella Ave
Anaheim, CA
92802
(714) 905-1050
He Said:
coming soon...
coming soon...
Restaurants:
Makai Lounge in Santa Monica
101 Broadway
Santa Monica, CA
90401-2304
(310) 434-1511
He Said:
Freedom of Speech. A given in the land of the free yeah?? Maybe not…
Due to a recent defamation problem the gorgeous Mandy is dealing with, you may notice a slight change in my writing technique. More on this to follow I’m sure!
Makai Lounge Santa Monica
At approximately 11:45am PST on Saturday the 27th of June 2009, Mandy and I entered the restaurant Makai Lounge located at 101 Broadway, Santa Monica CA. Fact
We were greeted by a hostess and asked if we would like to sit inside or outside. We chose outside. Fact
I am of the opinion that the exchange with the hostess was pleasant and enjoyable. Opinion
On our way to our booth we noticed a waiter looking at something intensely in an outside mirror. Fact
I am of the opinion that they were looking at themselves. Opinion
The waiter noted above was actually our waiter. Fact
The waiter above took our orders and proceeded to process them as per usual. Fact
I am of the opinion that the service provided by our waiter was not up to the standard usually presented at the Makai Lounge or what I would consider adequate Opinion
My latest opinion above was formed due to the following facts
- My beer was in fact knocked over by the waiter Fact
- The waiter did not comp the beer Fact
- I was thirsty. Fact
- The waiter did not clean up the spillage while we were on the premises. Fact
- The waiter did not bring us cutlery or napkins when our appetizer was delivered. Fact
- We asked the waitress of another section to provide cutlery and napkins Fact
- The waiter did not bring us water. Fact
- The waiter did not offer me another drink once I had finished the remains of my first, knocked over beer. Fact
- Our coffee was not hot as defined by meinlcoffee.com's What constitutes a Good Coffee? Fact
I personally enjoyed my chicken sandwich. Mandy made note that she did in fact enjoy her ahi tuna salad. Fact
I am personally of the opinion that the ambiance is first-rate. Opinion
Due to the service problems mentioned above, I will not be back to the Makai Lounge, Santa Monica. Fact
I am of the opinion that the other waiters and waitresses in the restaurant at the time were of a higher quality than what we were presented with. Opinion
Please contact me at Brett@brettandmandydatenight.com should you find any of the above review defamatory in nature.
Yours sincerely,
Brett
Freedom of Speech. A given in the land of the free yeah?? Maybe not…
Due to a recent defamation problem the gorgeous Mandy is dealing with, you may notice a slight change in my writing technique. More on this to follow I’m sure!
Makai Lounge Santa Monica
At approximately 11:45am PST on Saturday the 27th of June 2009, Mandy and I entered the restaurant Makai Lounge located at 101 Broadway, Santa Monica CA. Fact
We were greeted by a hostess and asked if we would like to sit inside or outside. We chose outside. Fact
I am of the opinion that the exchange with the hostess was pleasant and enjoyable. Opinion
On our way to our booth we noticed a waiter looking at something intensely in an outside mirror. Fact
I am of the opinion that they were looking at themselves. Opinion
The waiter noted above was actually our waiter. Fact
The waiter above took our orders and proceeded to process them as per usual. Fact
I am of the opinion that the service provided by our waiter was not up to the standard usually presented at the Makai Lounge or what I would consider adequate Opinion
My latest opinion above was formed due to the following facts
- My beer was in fact knocked over by the waiter Fact
- The waiter did not comp the beer Fact
- I was thirsty. Fact
- The waiter did not clean up the spillage while we were on the premises. Fact
- The waiter did not bring us cutlery or napkins when our appetizer was delivered. Fact
- We asked the waitress of another section to provide cutlery and napkins Fact
- The waiter did not bring us water. Fact
- The waiter did not offer me another drink once I had finished the remains of my first, knocked over beer. Fact
- Our coffee was not hot as defined by meinlcoffee.com's What constitutes a Good Coffee? Fact
I personally enjoyed my chicken sandwich. Mandy made note that she did in fact enjoy her ahi tuna salad. Fact
I am personally of the opinion that the ambiance is first-rate. Opinion
Due to the service problems mentioned above, I will not be back to the Makai Lounge, Santa Monica. Fact
I am of the opinion that the other waiters and waitresses in the restaurant at the time were of a higher quality than what we were presented with. Opinion
Please contact me at Brett@brettandmandydatenight.com should you find any of the above review defamatory in nature.
Yours sincerely,
Brett
Canali Cafe at Venice Beach
123 Washington Blvd
Venice, CA
(310) 822-5379
She said:
oh. my. goodness. If you live in the Los Angeles area, or ever happen to be in the neighborhood, do yourself a favor, and GO HERE. Brett and i were simply wanting a quick bite to tide us over until dinner, and we happened along this place after a quick stroll along Venice Beach. Located on Washington Blvd, the main street that shoots out from Venice Beach, Canali is located amidst the other cute and quaint restaurants along the strip.
What made us venture in here? I couldn't tell you. But we are both so glad that we did. We were seated immediately, outside on the front patio. It felt like Paris. Little bistro tables crammed in together, people watching (there was a ton of this -- Venice Beach is known for its characters!)
Once seated, the waiter brought us menus and mentioned there was still an hour before Happy Hour was over (5 - 6.30) -- we glanced at the HH menu, and the appetizers that were originally $12-$22 were all discounted to $5! We were blown away, and started ordering immediately, to make the most of this discounted dining! We also ordered a couple of coffees and Brett ordered a glass of red.
Soon after ordering, a basket of the most delicious sourdough bread was brought out to us, along with little jars of both olive tapenade, as well as pesto -- both homemade. They were bloody beautiful, as Brett would say! Our coffees arrived (Americano (me), Latte (B)) and tasted exquisite. Brett even mentioned that it reminded him of coffees he'd had in Sydney. It really was great.
Our food arrived quickly thereafter, and, again, we were BLOWN away with the flavor combinations of our three dishes: Brett had a stuffed ravioli, we shared the bruschetta, and i had a caprese salad. The best part, however, was the bottle of aged balsamic vinegar he brought out to accompany our meal. Sweet and tangy, I've never had a better balsamic (i love me some dark vinegars!).
Our waiter was attentive and polite, but not overly aggressive, only checking on us when it looked like we needed something. The people watching was top-shelf. The food? Oh, the food... i wish there was a Canali in Seattle, i would be there every day!
oh. my. goodness. If you live in the Los Angeles area, or ever happen to be in the neighborhood, do yourself a favor, and GO HERE. Brett and i were simply wanting a quick bite to tide us over until dinner, and we happened along this place after a quick stroll along Venice Beach. Located on Washington Blvd, the main street that shoots out from Venice Beach, Canali is located amidst the other cute and quaint restaurants along the strip.
What made us venture in here? I couldn't tell you. But we are both so glad that we did. We were seated immediately, outside on the front patio. It felt like Paris. Little bistro tables crammed in together, people watching (there was a ton of this -- Venice Beach is known for its characters!)
Once seated, the waiter brought us menus and mentioned there was still an hour before Happy Hour was over (5 - 6.30) -- we glanced at the HH menu, and the appetizers that were originally $12-$22 were all discounted to $5! We were blown away, and started ordering immediately, to make the most of this discounted dining! We also ordered a couple of coffees and Brett ordered a glass of red.
Soon after ordering, a basket of the most delicious sourdough bread was brought out to us, along with little jars of both olive tapenade, as well as pesto -- both homemade. They were bloody beautiful, as Brett would say! Our coffees arrived (Americano (me), Latte (B)) and tasted exquisite. Brett even mentioned that it reminded him of coffees he'd had in Sydney. It really was great.
Our food arrived quickly thereafter, and, again, we were BLOWN away with the flavor combinations of our three dishes: Brett had a stuffed ravioli, we shared the bruschetta, and i had a caprese salad. The best part, however, was the bottle of aged balsamic vinegar he brought out to accompany our meal. Sweet and tangy, I've never had a better balsamic (i love me some dark vinegars!).
Our waiter was attentive and polite, but not overly aggressive, only checking on us when it looked like we needed something. The people watching was top-shelf. The food? Oh, the food... i wish there was a Canali in Seattle, i would be there every day!
JiRaffe Restaurant in Santa Monica
502 Santa Monica Blvd
Santa Monica, CA
(310) 917-6671
She said:
I had read about JiRaffe online, named as one of the most romantic restaurants in Santa Monica. I had also read that the chef was an ex-pro surfer Raphael Lunetta, and thought how great that was!
So, why not head there to celebrate our birthdays and our 21-month anniversary? Sunday night, we got dressed in our finest, and headed down to Santa Monica for our meal.
Situated just off 3rd Street Promenade and blocks from the beach, the location was great.
When we arrived, i think we were expecting it to be a bit more upscale. They had valet parking ($7) available, which was great, but when we walked in, the restaurant was pretty brightly lit (I hate that!), and folks were wearing jeans and flip flops (i was in a cocktail dress and Brett was wearing a jacket!)... not what we were expecting. HOWEVER, the place was very cute! Eccentric chandeliers hanging from the ceilings... giraffes scattered as decorations throughout the room.
We were seated by the window -- a prime spot for more people watching -- and asked what type of water we wanted. I love this, when they give you the option! The hostess was off to get our water, and in came our waiter (who was fabulous!) with two amuse-bouches (gaspacho--YUM!) as a gift from the chef. I absolutely love when restaurants start you off with an amuse bouche -- especially when it was as delicious as this was!
We ordered some coffees to start, which was some of the best we'd had (there's something about Southern California coffee!), and Brett ordered a glass of red, and myself a white. We then decided on the Purple Peruvian Gnocchi ($16.50) as an appetizer to share, and Brett ordered Pan Roasted New Zealand Rack of Lamb ($38.00) and I had the Pepper Crusted Ahi Tuna ($34.00).
EVERYTHING. WAS. FABULOUS!
The gnocchi was cooked to perfection, in a cream sauce that was sweet with just a hint of sour. Tossed with it were warm diced tomato and shallots, which, when you bit into them, burst with the most enigmatic flavor.
Brett about had a heart attack when he bit into his lamb. Being Australian, he is very picky about lamb, but JiRaffe exceeded his expectations. Juicy and moist, it was cooked to perfection, accompanied with yellow fin potato samosas and curried vegetable moussaka and, finally, topped with thyme-scented lamb jus.
My tuna was to die for. It was cooked through more than I was used to, but also had a lot more flavor. The sauce that topped it and the chilled soba noodles was a sweet lemongrass and ginger soy sauce, adorned with baby bok-choy, baby spinach, and shiitake mushrooms to round it all out. The flavors played perfectly together.
We finished our meals and sipped our wines, while watching the surfers, shoppers, and uni-students walk past us on the street. Was a seamless meal to help us celebrate all of our special occasions!
I had read about JiRaffe online, named as one of the most romantic restaurants in Santa Monica. I had also read that the chef was an ex-pro surfer Raphael Lunetta, and thought how great that was!
So, why not head there to celebrate our birthdays and our 21-month anniversary? Sunday night, we got dressed in our finest, and headed down to Santa Monica for our meal.
Situated just off 3rd Street Promenade and blocks from the beach, the location was great.
When we arrived, i think we were expecting it to be a bit more upscale. They had valet parking ($7) available, which was great, but when we walked in, the restaurant was pretty brightly lit (I hate that!), and folks were wearing jeans and flip flops (i was in a cocktail dress and Brett was wearing a jacket!)... not what we were expecting. HOWEVER, the place was very cute! Eccentric chandeliers hanging from the ceilings... giraffes scattered as decorations throughout the room.
We were seated by the window -- a prime spot for more people watching -- and asked what type of water we wanted. I love this, when they give you the option! The hostess was off to get our water, and in came our waiter (who was fabulous!) with two amuse-bouches (gaspacho--YUM!) as a gift from the chef. I absolutely love when restaurants start you off with an amuse bouche -- especially when it was as delicious as this was!
We ordered some coffees to start, which was some of the best we'd had (there's something about Southern California coffee!), and Brett ordered a glass of red, and myself a white. We then decided on the Purple Peruvian Gnocchi ($16.50) as an appetizer to share, and Brett ordered Pan Roasted New Zealand Rack of Lamb ($38.00) and I had the Pepper Crusted Ahi Tuna ($34.00).
EVERYTHING. WAS. FABULOUS!
The gnocchi was cooked to perfection, in a cream sauce that was sweet with just a hint of sour. Tossed with it were warm diced tomato and shallots, which, when you bit into them, burst with the most enigmatic flavor.
Brett about had a heart attack when he bit into his lamb. Being Australian, he is very picky about lamb, but JiRaffe exceeded his expectations. Juicy and moist, it was cooked to perfection, accompanied with yellow fin potato samosas and curried vegetable moussaka and, finally, topped with thyme-scented lamb jus.
My tuna was to die for. It was cooked through more than I was used to, but also had a lot more flavor. The sauce that topped it and the chilled soba noodles was a sweet lemongrass and ginger soy sauce, adorned with baby bok-choy, baby spinach, and shiitake mushrooms to round it all out. The flavors played perfectly together.
We finished our meals and sipped our wines, while watching the surfers, shoppers, and uni-students walk past us on the street. Was a seamless meal to help us celebrate all of our special occasions!
Blue Bayou in Disneyland
(located AT the Pirate's of the Caribbean Ride)
1313 S Harbor Blvd,
Anaheim, CA
(714) 781-4565
He Said:
Magic! Seriously magic. This review takes us into the heart of
First things first, this was my first trip to
Blue Bayou is actually inside the Pirates of the 
Luckily we got one and we returned famished and saturated after
Pirates of the Caribbean is an inside ride brilliantly lit with special effects to look like a late evening on a 
Unfortunately in this case the food didn’t quite match the setting AND they didn’t serve any alcohol, but when you’re eating inside a ride at
Cheers,
Brett
