Aloha! LH F to the US, Montage BH, Andaz Maui, FS Lana'i, LH FCT & a Porsche 911
Sep 23, 2016, 9:27 am
#92
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,596
We love Nobu as well, especially Malibu and not just because one of sons works there and we can get in anytime. 
One of Mrs. SFO777's goals is to dine at every Nobu and Matsuhisa on the planet. We love their mochi so much that she orders it just like Nobu, FedEx overnight from Bubbies in Honolulu.
One of Mrs. SFO777's goals is to dine at every Nobu and Matsuhisa on the planet. We love their mochi so much that she orders it just like Nobu, FedEx overnight from Bubbies in Honolulu.
Sep 24, 2016, 12:06 pm
#93
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,181
You mean the Rolls Convertible is the same color as your "shoes." A perfect match.
Beverly Hills / LA has changed so much since 1998 when I left (18 years ago) and never returned.
I will be in for a shock when I return. I don't think Nebu existed then.
However I hear that the traffic is a lot worse now as I see in your picture.
Beverly Hills / LA has changed so much since 1998 when I left (18 years ago) and never returned.
I will be in for a shock when I return. I don't think Nebu existed then.
However I hear that the traffic is a lot worse now as I see in your picture.
Sep 26, 2016, 12:52 am
#95
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
LOL, DetailsIM, indeed! 
I've been at a few Nobu's myself and Malibu is indeed really special. If you haven't already been you should take Mrs SFO777 to Matsuhisa Paris (at the Royal Monceau) the next time you're in town, SFO777. It's one of my favourite restaurants in the city as the food is outstanding and the atmosphere unique (especially in the summer months when you can sit on the beautiful terrace).
Indeed, Brettee!
I can only imagine how much LA has changed over the past 18 years, Bretteee, as I didn't know it back then but today it's a city full of culinary and cultural surprises.
, offerendum!
We love Nobu as well, especially Malibu and not just because one of sons works there and we can get in anytime.
One of Mrs. SFO777's goals is to dine at every Nobu and Matsuhisa on the planet. We love their mochi so much that she orders it just like Nobu, FedEx overnight from Bubbies in Honolulu.
One of Mrs. SFO777's goals is to dine at every Nobu and Matsuhisa on the planet. We love their mochi so much that she orders it just like Nobu, FedEx overnight from Bubbies in Honolulu.
, offerendum!
Sep 26, 2016, 6:48 am
#96
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: London
Programs: Mucci (Scirocco Sash), BAEC Gold, IHG Diamond Ambassador
Posts: 862
Great TR John Rain, really enjoying it.
I was out visiting a friend in LA earlier this summer, and managed to get a table at Nobu Malibu (think I called them maybe 2 months out though?). We ended up in the same table as you by the looks of it, and indeed also had the tasting menu, which I really enjoyed. I was prepared to be disappointed given all the hype but it was a great and very memorable experience.
We stayed in Silverlake with the hipsters, but that's the joy of LA, the variety of neighbourhoods it contains (not all of which will be for everyone, by definition).
I was out visiting a friend in LA earlier this summer, and managed to get a table at Nobu Malibu (think I called them maybe 2 months out though?). We ended up in the same table as you by the looks of it, and indeed also had the tasting menu, which I really enjoyed. I was prepared to be disappointed given all the hype but it was a great and very memorable experience.
We stayed in Silverlake with the hipsters
, but that's the joy of LA, the variety of neighbourhoods it contains (not all of which will be for everyone, by definition).
Sep 26, 2016, 8:03 am
#97
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
Great TR John Rain, really enjoying it.
I was out visiting a friend in LA earlier this summer, and managed to get a table at Nobu Malibu (think I called them maybe 2 months out though?). We ended up in the same table as you by the looks of it, and indeed also had the tasting menu, which I really enjoyed. I was prepared to be disappointed given all the hype but it was a great and very memorable experience.
We stayed in Silverlake with the hipsters, but that's the joy of LA, the variety of neighbourhoods it contains (not all of which will be for everyone, by definition).
I was out visiting a friend in LA earlier this summer, and managed to get a table at Nobu Malibu (think I called them maybe 2 months out though?). We ended up in the same table as you by the looks of it, and indeed also had the tasting menu, which I really enjoyed. I was prepared to be disappointed given all the hype but it was a great and very memorable experience.
We stayed in Silverlake with the hipsters
, but that's the joy of LA, the variety of neighbourhoods it contains (not all of which will be for everyone, by definition).Haven't been to Silverlake yet but I'm tempted to go. Not really a hipster myself but hey, maybe I'll try something new...
Totally agree on the variety of neighbourhoods, this is what makes LA so unique.
Last edited by JohnRain; Sep 27, 2016 at 8:21 am
Sep 26, 2016, 8:05 am
#98
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
I could get used to this Beverly Hills morning routine: Sun salutation on the rooftop of the Montage, a few laps in the pool and a healthy and tasty breakfast at Georgie.
One of the reasons why I spend my summer holidays in California rather than on the Med: you don't have to rise at 6AM, Teutonic style, to put towels and magazines on your lounger.
Tile detail.
Today I went for the Protein Power smoothie: Banana, Almond Milk, Flax Seed, Peanut Butter, Honey. Mmmhhhh.
The Avocado Tartine was delicious...
... as was the caramelized French Toast.
How to work on your tan, Beverly Hills style.
On the way to Geoffrey's Malibu we stopped at Mrs JohnRain's favourite shop outside Rodeo Drive, Vitamin Shoppe. Thank God our 96 kgs per person baggage allowance was already maxed out with her bags and shoes, otherwise she would have bought a few of those industrial-size jars, as she had looked at my biceps and concluded I could use them.
My other go-to place in Malibu: Geoffrey's
Lobster salad and crab cakes to start...
...followed by some scallops and a burger.
Warm apple pie to finish.
Another enjoyable meal, with everything except the fries being delicious.
It's always difficult to part with such a view.
We drove from Malibu to Downtown LA where I was keen on visiting The Broad, a museum I hadn't seen yet as it opened in September of 2015.
This is as close as Mrs JohnRain will ever come to dishes.
The architects of the museum, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, did a good job in creating an interesting building with a quirky twist, but IMO they didn't even come close to the level of the master himself, Frank Gehry, who designed neighbouring Disney Concert Hall.
No contemporary American art collection is complete without Jeff Koons...
...and Jasper Johns.
Considering a career as an artist? Read this first.
View from the Broad of Disney Concert Hall...
... one of the most stunning buildings in LA.
On our way back home we stopped at Griffith Observatory to take in the views...
...then via Mulholland Drive back to the Montage...
...and finally to the last destination of the day, the mandatory pit stop at this (in)famous joint.
Conclusion: The Montage is a great hotel and all, but it would be so much better if its fitness center closed at 6PM instead of being open 24hrs.
Up Next: Santa Monica & Ivy at the Shore
One of the reasons why I spend my summer holidays in California rather than on the Med: you don't have to rise at 6AM, Teutonic style, to put towels and magazines on your lounger.
Tile detail.
Today I went for the Protein Power smoothie: Banana, Almond Milk, Flax Seed, Peanut Butter, Honey. Mmmhhhh.
The Avocado Tartine was delicious...
... as was the caramelized French Toast.
How to work on your tan, Beverly Hills style.
On the way to Geoffrey's Malibu we stopped at Mrs JohnRain's favourite shop outside Rodeo Drive, Vitamin Shoppe. Thank God our 96 kgs per person baggage allowance was already maxed out with her bags and shoes, otherwise she would have bought a few of those industrial-size jars, as she had looked at my biceps and concluded I could use them.
My other go-to place in Malibu: Geoffrey's
Lobster salad and crab cakes to start...
...followed by some scallops and a burger.
Warm apple pie to finish.
Another enjoyable meal, with everything except the fries being delicious.
It's always difficult to part with such a view.
We drove from Malibu to Downtown LA where I was keen on visiting The Broad, a museum I hadn't seen yet as it opened in September of 2015.
This is as close as Mrs JohnRain will ever come to dishes.
The architects of the museum, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, did a good job in creating an interesting building with a quirky twist, but IMO they didn't even come close to the level of the master himself, Frank Gehry, who designed neighbouring Disney Concert Hall.
No contemporary American art collection is complete without Jeff Koons...
...and Jasper Johns.
Considering a career as an artist? Read this first.
View from the Broad of Disney Concert Hall...
... one of the most stunning buildings in LA.
On our way back home we stopped at Griffith Observatory to take in the views...
...then via Mulholland Drive back to the Montage...
...and finally to the last destination of the day, the mandatory pit stop at this (in)famous joint.
Conclusion: The Montage is a great hotel and all, but it would be so much better if its fitness center closed at 6PM instead of being open 24hrs.
Up Next: Santa Monica & Ivy at the Shore
Last edited by JohnRain; Sep 27, 2016 at 7:44 am
Sep 26, 2016, 9:13 am
#99
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Germany
Programs: Some
Posts: 11,515
Sep 28, 2016, 9:27 am
#102
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
Well, I've found out that the best spots tend to be taken early, even at high(er) end properties, offerendum.
I've cut a pretty good deal with Mrs JohnRain, offerendum:
She's an excellent cook and I take care of the dishes (which means I bought a family-sized dishwasher).
Thank you very much, T7ER!
Glad that you had a laugh or two...
Update: the next installment will be online on Friday
I've cut a pretty good deal with Mrs JohnRain, offerendum:
She's an excellent cook and I take care of the dishes (which means I bought a family-sized dishwasher).
Glad that you had a laugh or two...
Update: the next installment will be online on Friday
Last edited by JohnRain; Sep 29, 2016 at 9:29 am
Sep 28, 2016, 12:20 pm
#103
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Germany
Programs: Some
Posts: 11,515
Sep 30, 2016, 7:52 am
#105
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
Although I'm usually not that much impacted by jet lag, the next morning I woke up very early and decided to snap a few pics of the hotel's most crowded areas.
But not without a first pit stop at the coffee station.
The Garden Bar.
The (fortified) Coffee Bar.
Georgie from the inside.
Georgie seen from the Canon Gardens.
Time for breakfast!
First an egg white frittata...
...followed by a waffle.
For the drive to Santa Monica I opted for the turquoise Lambo...
... as it would be a perfect match for my beach house.
Santa Monica pedestrian zone.
Santa Monica palm tree.
The famous Pier.
We had lunch at Ivy at the Shore. The food was good and the company quite interesting, as we sat next to a party of eight that included Candice Bergen.
Crab cakes.
Shrimp tacos.
Lobster pasta.
Apple crumble.
Nice floral display.
After lunch we rented a bike and rode along the beach.
Santa Monica's finest: Shutters on the beach...
...and its little brother, Casa del Mar.
Captain America on his day off.
Traffic, SoCal style.
American icon.
Random act with no meaning, also known as modern art.
Lucky charm.
We also rode through colorful Venice Beach.
I'd like a pepperoni pizza and a nipple piercing to go please.
Nothing but promises.
Fortunately I was able to confess my sinful thoughts at this place.
But wait, Jews do not really confess, I'm not even a Jew and it's Shabbat anyway. Nevermind, it's the intention that counts.
Prime beachfront real estate.
I was looking for Pamela but I found David instead...
In the evening we had dinner at Mozza, a place that had been recommended to me by a friend. It was unbelievably busy and the noise level accordingly, but the food was good.
Some mozza crostini to start.
A bit of pasta.
And a duck as main.
Conclusion: So long La La Land. It was fun to see you again as always, but now I'm ready for the big Hawaiian adventure.
Up Next: Hawaiian new F to Maui
But not without a first pit stop at the coffee station.
The Garden Bar.
The (fortified) Coffee Bar.
Georgie from the inside.
Georgie seen from the Canon Gardens.
Time for breakfast!
First an egg white frittata...
...followed by a waffle.
For the drive to Santa Monica I opted for the turquoise Lambo...
... as it would be a perfect match for my beach house.
Santa Monica pedestrian zone.
Santa Monica palm tree.
The famous Pier.
We had lunch at Ivy at the Shore. The food was good and the company quite interesting, as we sat next to a party of eight that included Candice Bergen.
Crab cakes.
Shrimp tacos.
Lobster pasta.
Apple crumble.
Nice floral display.
After lunch we rented a bike and rode along the beach.
Santa Monica's finest: Shutters on the beach...
...and its little brother, Casa del Mar.
Captain America on his day off.
Traffic, SoCal style.
American icon.
Random act with no meaning, also known as modern art.
Lucky charm.
We also rode through colorful Venice Beach.
I'd like a pepperoni pizza and a nipple piercing to go please.
Nothing but promises.
Fortunately I was able to confess my sinful thoughts at this place.
But wait, Jews do not really confess, I'm not even a Jew and it's Shabbat anyway. Nevermind, it's the intention that counts.
Prime beachfront real estate.
I was looking for Pamela but I found David instead...
In the evening we had dinner at Mozza, a place that had been recommended to me by a friend. It was unbelievably busy and the noise level accordingly, but the food was good.
Some mozza crostini to start.
A bit of pasta.
And a duck as main.
Conclusion: So long La La Land. It was fun to see you again as always, but now I'm ready for the big Hawaiian adventure.
Up Next: Hawaiian new F to Maui
Last edited by JohnRain; Sep 30, 2016 at 11:37 am