BoLA's Pick for LA Children's Bookstore

How many times have I driven around the city and made mental notes to stop into little shops that catch my eye or new restaurants that I haven't tried before?

So many times.

Such was the case with the Children's Book World on Pico Boulevard, just a few blocks east of the Westside Pavilion.

But it just so happened that the topic of kids came up in conversation with MS this past weekend.

About prenatal vitamins and friends having babies...
... about how many children we both wanted...
... and about some of our favorite childhood stories.

My personal favorite of all times is The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

It's one that I think all children should have read to them and all adults should re-read. It's one that I read every few years to remind myself of what is most important in life and to weigh matters of consequence through the youthful eyes of a child.

So it was that we talked of kids and we talked of books - the perfect opportunity for us to visit Children's Book World.

A charming three-roomed store, full of books to the ceiling and the floor, I was immediately greeted by one of their welcoming staff members. I asked for two titles - both of which she knew readily. She took me over to the little blue children's novel I so cherish, The Little Prince. The second title was out of print, unfortunately. She did, however, find a book of collected works of the particular author in mind. I politely declined but happily purchased other great finds for my classroom and permanent collection.

Not only were the staff knowledgeable and friendly, but they also provided a nice little educator's discount for me.

With over 80,000 books, posters, t-shirts and other educational aids, this children's bookshop in West LA is a newfound love.

Children's Book World
10580 1/2 W Pico Blvd | Los Angeles, CA 90064
1.310.559.2665
M to F / 10a-5:30p; Sa 10a-5p
Closed on Sundays
www.childrensbookworld.com

Benihana Makes a Comeback

Growing up, it was a real treat to eat at Benihana and watch the teppanyaki chefs slice, dice, and flip your dinner from the grill to your plates. But it's been years since I've eaten at a Benihana. With so many great Japanese restaurants in Los Angeles, our family expanded our dinner outings and Benihana quickly became a thing of the past.

So when JT asked if I wanted to go to Benihana for lunch the other day, I was pleasantly surprised to find a reasonably priced lunch boat with miso soup, salad, sashimi, rolls, tempura and beef teriyaki with rice for a little more than $10... and thoughts of my childhood came to mind.

Instantly, I was back to having teased bangs with a side ponytail and t-shirt tied in a knot with a plastic t-shirt clip, listening to Peter Cetera's Glory of Love and dreaming that I was Tamlyn Tomita in Karate Kid.

Yes, I was that girl.

Here's a tribute to those days!

Benihana in Torrance
21327 Hawthorne Blvd
Torrance, CA 90503
1.310.316.7777

Wedding Dresses and Pizza

There's something about trying on a wedding dress that makes everything in the world feel better.

The slight whooshing sound that ruffled taffeta makes when you twirl...

... the glimmer of embroidered crystal beads in the light as you move this way and that...

... and the delicate patterns of lace that make you feel romantic and dreamy.

After trying on different styles of dresses, combing through websites and bridal magazines, I think I've found the one.

It's not the one above, named Papillon by Jenny Packham which costs as much as a small wedding in itself. I didn't have the heart or the budget for something so extravagant.

But the dress I found is simply beautiful, and I couldn't take it off for what seemed like an eternity. My family loves it and I can't wait for MS to see me walking towards him on our wedding day.

But after a morning of wedding dress shopping, I can't think of a better way to spend my afternoon than with one of my closest friends over a good lunch.



So off to Mozza we went.

We started lunch with some refreshing homemade lemonade that had a hint of tartness and this artistically arranged Mozza Caprese Salad, $12. Ordered with a side of garlic bread, this appetizer popped in the mouth. The warm roasted tomatoes atop the crunchy bread with the creamy mozzarella and basil rich pesto could have been a nice meal in itself.

But we also ordered a couple of pizzas that would have made Mario Battali proud.

Here was the Squash Blossoms, tomato & burrata, $18 - one that I had at my first visit to Mozza and loved.

JT had the Funghi Misti, fontina, taleggio & thyme, $15 - also quite delicious with a surprisingly hearty richness from the mushrooms.

No good meal ends without dessert, though.

After a quick glance of the dessert menu, we knew that there was only one that would do - the Panna Cotta di Vaniglia with fruti di bosco e biscotti, $9. Creamy and full of vanilla, this dish was the right finish for a wonderful and almost magical day of chiffon, silk, and tulle.

For lunch or dinner, reservations are highly recommended. We got lucky when we strolled in on an early Monday afternoon and were seated at the bar. There were no tables without a reservation that day, even for a bride-to-be or her mom-to-be girlfriend.

Call ahead and make the RSVP. It's definitely worth the wait.

Pizzeria Mozza
641 N. Highland Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036
1.323.297.0101