A really good trip report, QuietLion, in my former home town.

Jerry's deli is overrated (but what do SoCal people know about delis?) overpriced and I feel exploited whenever I go there. Actually, for a decent meal, have you eaten at Edies in the Marina? Edies is a diner-style place but it is really good for what it is, with decent pork chops and other low carb stuff.

I agree with you about Lotus, too. Last time I was in LA (earlier this week) I was going to eat at Cafe del Rey in the Marina, and this is very, very good, expensive but worth it, fusion food at its best with an oriental accent.

I ended up eating more informally at a good India restaurant on Washington Blvd. called Akhbar, which I recommend if you like Indian food. It's not your usual Indian restaurant, really a quite good little place.

I tend to avoid Chinese food at most places because it is greasy, loaded with corn starch and bad peanut oil.

The same alarm clock thing happened to me this week, and I too blame myself for forgetting to check the darn thing. I had stayed at the Crowne Plaza LAX which I would avoid if possible although it wasn't terrible. The CP in your neck of the woods is actually pretty good BTW.

Ooops, forgot that this was your trip report :-)