"You Haven't Updated Your Blob Lately"

I know, dad...and it's a "blog," not a "blob."

I apologize to all for being so out of the blogging loop. Two weeks into work, I am happily wearing more hats than I started with. I'm the third grade co-teacher, the Spanish Enrichment teacher, the new fourth grade math teacher, and the assistant in the nursery school's Science Enrichment program. I'm busy working, working out, socializing, and just living my life and honing in on what's really important and what truly makes me happy. Here are some hot spots that put the happy in my happiness:

El Compadre 7408 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 90046

An abundance of chips and salsa, flaming margaritas (literally served en fuego), and a delicious variety of Mexican food. The environment is lively and the restaurant is jammed, so be sure to make a reservation before you go. A great place to go with friends for a good meal and good times. Street parking only, so check out those street signs; them parking guys are vicious.

Vito's Pizza 846 N. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles 90069

Absolutely the best pizza in L.A. The pizza only comes in one size (large) with a thin crust and huge slices. The baked zitti is out of this world. 27 years of living in this city (well, 22 1/2, if you count college and studying abroad), and I finally find a pizza joint that's worth each and every calorie. The most surprising part? It's cheap! For a massivo pizza and large order of pasta, a mini salad, including delivery and tip, the bill will run you about $30. Mind you, this amount of food could feed a group of four...my brother and I ate it all ourselves. Stomach cramps, ahoy! Oh, and don't forget the Toppings.

Versailles Cuban Restaurants L.A. and the Valley

This place is an L.A. secret. With the motto "Cuban food at its best!" Versailles never disappoints. It's a favorite in my family, and we enjoy the chicken, pork, and fish. Try not to fill up on the garlic bread when you get there, 'cause you'll be upset you didn't have enough room for the main dishes. The ambiance is casual and laid back and reservations are accepted. This is one of those places you never think to go to right off the bat, even though it always hits the spot. Beware of the garlic -- it's potent! So try not to burp or breathe in a public venue. People will notice.

Joan's on Third 8350 1/2 West Third St., Los Angeles 90048

Hands down, the best mac n' cheese I've ever had. Ever. Go during the day to see and be seen; go at night to avoid the crowd.

Jersey Mike's Subs 7100 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood 90046

Well, kids, my uncle did it again. With his first franchise booming in Northridge, he has opened a second location in the Target shopping center (Santa Monica and La Brea) that's already generating a buzz. Lines out the door in both locations, Jersey Mike's is surpassing Subway and Quiznos on the sandwich homefront. My all-time favorite is still the #7, add salami, Mike's way, no tomatoes. Don't forget to add a cookie and/or a brownie to your sandwich, chips, and soda. Nip that post-lunch sweet craving in the bud!

Fryman Canyon Intersection of Fryman and Laurel Canyon, Studio City

A 3-mile hike that's great to do solo or with some friends. Last Friday I hiked it on my own, stopping at a bench mid-way to do 90 tricep dips (which way to the gun show?). I walked uphill and ran downhill, not once regretting that I braved the workout in the blazing heat. The views are beautiful and the trail is empty during the week. I look forward to crossing paths with you there soon.

Even though I mostly blog about food and working out, I'd like to add notable mentions to two L.A. standouts:

Prix Body Adornment 8776 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood

Don't tell anyone but, last Thursday, my piercing count jumped from seven to eight, thanks to my girl E and Roger, the best piercer I've even been to. I read reviews about Roger on Yelp and, coincidentally, he ended up being our piercer. Although the piercing prices are steep (the price includes jewelry), the service is well worth it. Roger clearly explained the entire piercing procedure, alleviating any questions, concerns or fears we may have had. This was also the least painful of any of my piercings, proving that good piercers know how to make the process comfortable (well, as comfortable as it can be) and worth it. I highly recommend Roger for any future piercings you may crave. He's fantastic.

Tina Nails 8371 West Third Street, Los Angeles 90048

My new favorite place to get my nails did. Efficient, clean, cheap, and friendly, each woman who works here does a great job. If you dig acrylics, Tina does the best in L.A.; they're thin, natural-looking, and beautiful. Tina always remembers customers by name and makes you feel welcome as she says, "Pick a cullah." One of my favorite parts about the pedicures is the hot towel they throw on your legs after the massage. Mmm. Walk-ins welcome and appointments accepted no more than a day in advance.

L'shana tovah!

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Today in Southern California it's 70 degrees and sunny.  Hellooooo, Spring!  On days like these, I love taking advantage of being outdoors and soaking in the delicious climate that makes SoCal such a hot spot.  Sure, you could go to the beach, although it's still not warm enough and it's not quite time to start that sand collection in places where the sun doesn't shine.  So what's a great way to play outside, explore SoCal's flora and fauna (dogs, in layman's terms), and get your sweat on?  Take a hike!  Both in the valley and over the hill, one can take in some amazing views of Los Angeles, get a tan, and feel the burn on some of our amazing trails, the two most popular being Runyon Canyon and Fryman Canyon.       

Runyon Canyon

I've been to Runyon Canyon numerous times.  I actually went here on a date a few years ago thinking that, miraculously, G-d might shine down upon me and close up my sweat glands for a couple of hours, making me look carefree and sexy on this daytime excursion (note to self: not gonna happen).  I roll up in workout gear while home skillet rocks some everyday wear.  Whaddya know, I'm sweating balls at the end of the trail while my date looks like he never stepped foot on the path.  Awesome.  From that point on, I learned to only workout with people who are aware of my pulling the small stick in the sweat gene pool (if you know my cousin Eric, he got screwed too...lucky us).  

Nestled in the Hollywood Hills (Fuller and Franklin), Runyon is the place to see and be seen.  When you first enter this path, free yoga classes take place on the lawn to the left.  You'll see a bit of a fork in the road straight ahead: the right side leads you up numerous stairs to the viewpoint, where the left leads you up the main path and branches off to more difficult trails.  I often take the path most traveled, which is a nice balance of uphill and flat territory, followed by a steep incline to the finish.  I start at the foot of Fuller, although I believe there is a parking lot at the top of the main path (close to Mulholland) where many people park.  I'm just more fond of starting from the bottom (street parking only), working my way to the top, then turning around and saving the downhill for last.  If you so choose, you can try one of the alternate paths.  One of these paths, which I call the "Death Trail," is more than intense.  Don't brave this if you're not in good shape.  It's narrow, steep, and dusty, although well worth it if you can handle the challenge.  The first time I tried this Death Trail - which can be found a few steps into the main trail - I was about to rip my friend's head off (love you, Mara); although when I tried it about two years later, after many months of intense workouts, I ended up enjoying a hike I never thought I'd brave again.  I also wore my Keen Israeli hiking shoes the second time around, reducing my fear of slipping and falling on my ass.  Runyon has unbelievable views of Los Angeles and you trek alongside the Hollywood sign.  It's a great hike to try if you're new to town or simply want to test your legs on some pretty cool territory.  Wear sunscreen because there's little shade and your white ass will get burnt.  Oh, and bring your bitches.  All I ask is that you pick up their dookie because it stinks out there!

Pros: Amazing views; multiple paths; great rest stop w/views mid-hike; celebrity sightings

Cons: Crowded; difficult to park; smells like dog crap (ew)

Fryman Canyon

I have numerous friends who hike Fryman Canyon, although I had yet to try it myself.  Today was my day.  After an intense workout class, I dragged my ass to meet one of my good friends for a mid-day hike at Fryman.  Fryman is just off of Laurel Canyon at Fryman (go figure), with options to park either in the lot ($3) or on the street (free).  This path is waaay less crowded than Runyon and there is actually shade.  It's much more challenging at first, where Runyon whoops your ass at the end.  Be prepared for many steep twists and turns, followed by a plateau and then the downhill portion.  My girl and I decided to run from the plateau on, upping the cardio and proving how bad ass we truly are (we teachers know how to motivate!).  When you exit the path and hit the streets, you happen upon some gorgeous houses, one of which is occupied by the smokin' hot George Clooney.  

"Dear Economy, 

Can you please pick yourself the hell up off the ground so I can get a steady job and move next to Fryman Canyon?  Oh, and while you're at it, please send me a nice, mature, smart, attractive man who can share the bills [and bed] with me, because there's only so much an elementary school teacher can afford.

Hugs,

Pauli"

These homes are so beautiful, surrounded by lush greenery, with driveways that go on for days.  There wasn't anything to turn me off about Fryman.  Definitely a great first experience.   

Pros: Not crowded; shade; challenging main path; great views; beautiful houses; ample parking

Cons: A bit tricky to find your way back to Laurel on the latter half of the trail (if Rosanne wasn't with me, I would have Google Mapped myself on my IPhone...no joke)

These are both great hikes to explore, especially if you're looking for something new to do in LA and a fun way to change up your cardio routine.  Both are in great locations, convenient to the city and the valley, surrounded by tons of scrumptious eateries to replace those calories you just burned.  As the weather gets warmer and bathing suit season rears its ugly head, I will definitely be taking advantage of these two LA faves.  Oh, and I always love company, so if you are planning to take a long walk off a short cliff...I mean a hike, hit a sista up!