Allergies....Schmallergies!!!!

During my days away from writing, I was still hard at work doing things to my body I'm not sure it's all ready for!  And although I took time off, I still documented for future postings so hold on to your seats, it's time to play catch up.

If you have allergies may I lead you down a quicker road to recovery???  I don't mean this crap on going about your day half dazed and confused...high off of medications and looking it!  Yes, I did the whole Benedryl, Claritan and blah, blah, blah junk to make it by and I still sneezed like I was trying to get spirits out of me, eyes so red people actually thought I was high and my nose running like it was trying to water the future...ridiculous.  I hated being awake and I hated trying medications of people in commercials looking oh so happy and oh so free skipping through meadows and sniffing flowers...was I taking the wrong stuff???  Obviously I didn't get their dosage because it just seemed to get worse during the high tides and I was swimming with the sharks with a life vest, someone please get me on a boat at least, sweet baby Jesus!

Then one day, while roaming the Whole Foods aisles (spraying it along the way) I came across alternatives to my misery and although it may have taken 2 seasons (one season too long), I hung in there slowly ingesting crappy, burning alcohol concoctions that were suppose to be all natural and good for me.  I will tell you right now, you don't take it and it magically makes you feel better, if that's what you're looking for stop reading now because I can't do anything for you but tell you to look elsewhere.  However, if you're willing to bear with misery and discomfort to be ultimately in more control without crazy side effects then read on.  I bought BioAllers for allergies and pet dander, alternating 3x's a day squishing and squeezing 15 small drops under my tongue and letting it stew for a minute or so along with a small blue bottle of all natural histamine that tastes like little sugar balls.  Now I will let you know that I did hold it at bay for over 7 years of hardly any symptoms and recently with my bully it all came flooding back along with hives from doggie dander....oh, yeah...the good stuff.  So with the time off, I upped my anty.  I decided to be more aggressive and boy has it payed off, while others around me have been sneezing parts of their bodies out, I've been enjoying the simple act of breathing that so many take for granted.

I still consume BioAllers but have decided to add acupuncture and halotherapy to the mix.  I know, I know!  #1 Acupuncture.....REALLY?!??!!!  Yes, acupuncture and although it can get a bit hairy for most, I was able to stomach the idea and reap the benefits.  I was able to afford this ancient procedure by first trying it through the offerings on Groupon/LivingSocial and then finding the most awesomest spot in Silverlake called Tao of Wellness where this wonderful woman, Magie Song practices this healing art in a communal fashion at sliding scale.  What ever does that mean????  Well, it means that you pay about $35-$50 on your first visit and then anywhere from $15-whatever you can afford, it's all honor system and although it's in an open area with other folks, let me tell you, for this price, get down and get dirty folks.  Everyone's getting the same service so get over yourself and get better!!!!  I still fall asleep in the zero gravity chairs and leave feeling refreshed.

#2 Halotherapy....WHAT????!!!  That's what I said, but I must tell you that it's holding the allergies at bay if not knocking them out.  Halotherapy is where you literally sit in a room full of salt and I'm not talking about Morton's here so please don't make your own room with the salt from your cabinets.  This stuff is flown in special to make a salt room and while you're relaxing in this cool environment, crushed up salt is being blown into the room where you just breathe it all in dispelling much bacteria from your system, helping you fight allergies.  Great deal of other ailments that it works on but this is the one I focused in on so do yourself a favor and try this miracle room, you'll be glad you did.

I do acupuncture 1-2x's a month now since this communal, sliding scale, god send of a business is around and the salt room once a month, since I can only afford this on specials.  So if you see it, grab it and get as many as you can, I keep waiting for the next round so I can purchase them at a discount and go.  Now if you're in the position to do it all, by all means do it and try the salt room at least 2x's a month if not more but I think you'll still get the results needed, just at a slower pace by spreading it out too.  I would try this during the off season to get your system ready because if you're anything like me, you'll be miserable for awhile, but when it's gone...it's really, really gone!  Thank me later, get yourself good first!  

All Things Thai....

We've got some beautiful gifts from Thailand...I love thai fights/action flicks and training/learning their martial arts style, Muay Thai.  However, the best treasures that can be felt and consumed are my favorites...like the food and massages, both equally fulfilling and both won't hurt the wallet especially in these tough economical times.  You can eat well for about $10 and with so many choices, why wouldn't you?  The menus are always ginormous!!!!  Pages with so many choices, I get so overwhelmed and excited just looking...sheesh, tired already. =)

Went to Red Ginger in Woodland Hills on Ventura finally and have to say, it's a must stop for thai in the area.  The service was fantastic, even with my groupon and the food was yummy, yummy for this tummy.  I got greedy and ordered shrimp fried rice and spicy green beans with shrimp....yay, for leftovers is all I've got to say.  Had to even down the Singha lager, just to do it all Thai and for that, this experience was super.  So the meal that I consumed was basically about $25 with the beer, but I left with plenty to have lunch "a la everything pan fried together" for the next day.  Tasted my beast's lobster roll and it was melodic sensation on my taste buds so check out their happy hour if you're a skeptic or just in the mood to try something new...nothing wrong with having 2 favorite thai joints or knowing of several in different areas so you never have to go without.

Now for the nitty, gritty....massages.  It's a luxury for most but the sad part is, most of us need these regularly to offset stress, tension and toxins.  But who can afford such pampering at $100 a pop at most places????  Not I says me!!!!  So here to the rescue are thai massages.  For about $40-$45 an hour, you can have your muscles kneaded soft with elbows, feet and even their whole body if you're lucky.  Recently went to Thai Sabai in Thai Town off of Sunset (parking sucks and valet can be crazy so leave with plenty of time) and I know I'll be back for sure.  Only thai massage ever for me to incorporate all body parts (yes, that little wench of a woman, stood on me), use hot oil and hot stones.  Now I've done deep tissue but it's nothing like thai hard....this sweet woman, Apple, made me almost scream uncle....I think she was testing me.  I'm stubborn so I just took it, but goodness gracious did this female have hands of steal and I will admit to loving every minute of it.  Test my pain tolerance level please...now I'll make sure when I go back and get her, I'll ask for medium pressure ha, ha, ha.  Although this power hour is sans massage table to rest your pretty head and closed off room for privacy (you get thin walls or curtains at times), I think for $60 savings, you can chuck your ego at the door and deal with some communal energy.  This massage isn't for the faint of heart but if you want a real massage with light stretching from a country that's been doing and perfecting their techniques for who knows how long, then save some dough and give it a whirl.  Oh, and if you're hungry after, no need to look far, just walk across the way and get you some thai food to go with that massage.

Asian and Black don't crack....

Who said facials need to cost a lot of money or time?  When you're broke or out of time and of need of a quick fix, I've been using these 2 staples for over 20+ years since reading it ages ago in a magazine like Allure.  I still do egg whites on the face from time to time but reach way back into your cabinets and dig out the Noxema.  That's right, I said it correctly, this should bring back some serious memories and after giving pause to those moments, head to the kitchen for some loose oatmeal...I usually always have Quaker oats (not the microwave kind) on hand.

In the lid of the Noxema, take about 3-5 healthy pinches (you'll find your perfect number the more times you play around with this concoction) and add about 2-3 small scoops of Noxema and stir.  Once everything is mixed together, apply all over the face skipping the eyes and mouth please and let sit for about 15-20 minutes.  Tingling will occur and yes, you will look like a wilderbeast but while doing so, I have found this mask to subside cyst like pimples, bring smaller pimples to the surface and give me glowing skin.  Tissue off as much of the product you can then rinse the rest off.  Although I'm able to afford a nice facial once a month now, on other weeks I still do small facials at home to upkeep my skin because taking care of my outsides are just as important as taking care of my insides and this tried and true facial hasn't disappointed me in all these years.  Play around with the mixture, maybe you need more oatmeal, maybe less Noxema...whatever your mix is, play with the times starting with 5-10 minutes first to check for any irritation then move on.  One of my best kept facial secrets with no cooking involved and cost about $8-$10 for both items with multiple uses.  Enjoy!

Prince Deux

Who starts off a packed house concert in their 2nd week with a slow, melodic, gospel sounding number????  Prince!  Once again I attended the concert, this time in the $25 upper, upper with a good view of the stage and clear shot of 2 jumbo trons.  What an amazing experience worth every penny and then some.  For the basic price of a movie ticket plus concessions or a ramped up meal, you can see a super fantastic musical artist perform his heart out, which includes crawling on the floor, lots of sexy walking/dancing, guitar rifts that are effortless and nuts, pure singing bliss and funky funk.  If that isn't enough for you (maybe you're hard to please) then an opening act featuring Sheila E. and the fam will surely let you know you're getting more than the standard.  You can go to the movies next week, get that pair of shoes next time, and skip that extravagant meal this once.  Don't miss the chance to see a truly moving show performed by one of the greats for only 21 days in L.A., 6 days down...you still have some time.

Prince...

My beast is a super fan, as with many people I know and although I never liked Prince until people seemed to be over Prince, I never fully appreciated his musical genius until last night.  Prince is officially performing 21 full days in L.A. at the Forum in Inglewood...smack dab in the hood.  For as little as $25 you can see an amazing artist sing like no body's business, dance sexy in heels and kill the guitar/piano.  Yes you'll be sitting in the upper level but you'll still have a decent enough view and see someone musically gifted in your lifetime and although we had $200 seats in the upper middle, I'll be there next week in the upper, upper for $25 enjoying it just the same.  

Prince went on and on and on....3 full hours on, sounding just as magical as he did when he started.  Encore after encore, while people left not knowing that he was going to play over and over again while the rest of us just waited to see and then surprised once again with him returning to the stage.  8 times, this super fantastic performer returned and I ate it up knowing I'm now a bonafide fan.  First concert seeing Prince and it won't be my last, especially if he keeps having guests like Shiela E. drumming it up and singing her "Love Bazaar and Glamorous Life."  If this man is appearing anywhere near you, make it a point to see this truly entertaining performer and leave realizing you just saw one of the greatest artist of our time. 

Sushi Ran/Shin

Sushi Ran is located on Riverside in North Hollywoodish, cusp of Burbankish.  Strip mall dining isn't usually my thing unless it's been raved about by friends...someone....well, anyone.  After a freak electrical incident, my usual strip mall sushi stop (Sushi Mac on Ventura in Sherman Oaks) has been closed and I needed something quick and easy.  Now I've passed up this joint several times coming from my infrared wraps because of not knowing but you never know when one day you'll be forced out of hunger just to try something new and I'm so glad one day, my hunger wouldn't take a back seat.  I decided to drop by before my service upstairs and look at the menu, then asked one of the girls working if she ever stopped by and she stated she had and loved it.  That was enough for my senses to say just take a chance and so glad I did and have been stopping there regularly whenever in the area.  Decided to try the salmon lunch special which basically came with everything.  It's a japanese joint with korean undertones and they do work well together I must say.  Salad was super green with a thick, creamy dressing that had snap to it along with a good size miso soup with slivers of seaweed and small chunks of tofu.  Then came the tray of trays!  Feast for one please!!!!  Salmon, cooked to perfection...flaky with a crispy bottom drizzled with the lightest hint of teriyaki sauce.  I do believe most places hide the true flavor of their food by masking it with teriyaki or other sauces because in essence the food isn't prepared well, not here thank goodness.  Salmon came with a scoop of rice, 6 big pieces of spicy tuna roll, pickled cucumber dish and some cold, creamy style noodles.  Spicy tuna wasn't fishy which is always appreciated since I am not one that likes fishy. It was plain with great texture but when ponzu, wasabi, red chili paste and ginger are added I had to do a happy food dance.  Cold, creamy noodles were bland the first time, but when I came back they had added a little bit of a pop which reminded me of a lighter, creamier take on Bi Bim Book Su which I am beginning to enjoy more and more.  Could only eat the sushi and 1/2 of the salmon, so for $12 plus tax and tip, I walked away with 2 meals total.  I love big portions but only when the food is delicious and for this price, I'm a fan!

Korean BBQ has always been my favorite and the hardest to please me on.  Being half Korean and having an amazing cook of a korean mom doesn't fare well in this dept. because my mom will win every time, so I go hoping its good enough if anything and Shin in Hollywood on Wilcox didn't disappoint.  A bit pricey with the "grill your own" menu but presentation is key here along with good taste.  The portions were small when they arrived but I assure you as you eat, your belly will be thankful with all the goodness to it's breaking point which of course I had to take it there.  Not as many side dishes as most k-bbq houses but enough to tickle your palate with kimichi, spicy fish cake, sesame bean sprouts and broccoli.  The salad was super with it's drizzled ponzu concoction dressing and each dish of bulgogi, spicy pork and shrimp was tasty.

Now most korean stops don't do desserts but after being stuffed to the nines, I had to pull out my emergency dessert pouch to try their green tea pancake which had to come with ice cream.  Chocked full of cinnamony goodness I am so glad I decided to man up and end this meal with this delicious surprise.  Price to portions compared to my favorite korean meal in the valley isn't worth it, however if you're in the area and hungry, it's a place to stop in and check out...even if it's only for the dessert!  











 

Horse Ride and Miramonte Spa in Palm Springs

This 2 day, girl's vacay in the desert was all done through Living Social, showing you can plan a small trip and still save lots of money so you can spend it on other necessities while out....like spa treatments!  Ha!  Booked a horse back riding session through Palm Springs Sightseeing Tours for 2p Sunday, April 3rd after realizing that we would only be about 20 minutes away after and in perfect timing to check into the spa.  For $89, me and my bf got a 1 hour ride at Lake Cahuilla relearning how to feel comfortable on a horse and then was served a bbq chicken sandwich with salad and a cold beer for lunch.  I haven't been on a horse in over a decade so thank goodness I had a slightly stubborn, short cut taking stud named Diamond who made me think that I really need to do this more often!  The picnic lunch that was served with the ride was okay, dry but after the horse experience and perfect weather, I'm not one to complain...I was nourished and off on time with a cold beer to check in to the resort.  Total cost after tip: $105 and well worth it!

Miramonte Spa and Resort is located in Indian Wells and the spa was rated #1 in America by Conde Nast Traveler, so of course that was a must during our stay.  Started with a very chilled strawberry drop infused with their very own, grown lemons for my soul sista Stephanie, had a sip and deliciousness trickled down my throat.  Oh my, what a way to start.  Walked the grounds were we saw 2 pools, a sauna and a fitness room nestled in between lemon trees and small gardens where they grew their own sage, oregano, chives and such, gotta love home grown ingredients!

The room contained 2 queen size comfy beds, a very nice size plasma and plenty of space for us.  2 sinks allowed primping quickly to get ready for our 3 course dinner which was located with a skip, hop and a jump.  I started with the lobster bisque, which had depth and rich flavor without it being too overpowering and a full bodied, baby smooth Malbec...then the seafood paella came.  Oh my!!!!!

 Now I didn't love their take on the paella which was creamy/runny risotto with peas instead of spanish style rice, but the seafood was to die for.  I don't really like scallops but these were like seafood steaks on the plate and seasoned to perfection.  I finished with the strawberry shortcake which was delicate and smooth topped with some chocolate covered strawberries courtesy of the kitchen.



Pictured to the left eaten, because that's what happens when you bring me fantastic desserts!  3 course meal with wine will run you about $40 plus tax and tip, don't skip on this experience at least once during your stay because the choices are fantastic.  They have 2 affordable 3 course prix fixe dining menus, one with more beef that's about $40 and one with more seafood for $30, get your stomach ready and try one!

The next morning we started with a fruit plate on our small open patio because we were still stuffed and strolled over to the spa for the beginning of our relaxation services.  I started in the eucalyptus steam room and soaked in one of the two 98 degreee salt baths before my service.  I had a wine bath ($45/15 min.) that had lemon oil and rosemary infusion along with a local wine poured in and while soaking, I had some of that wine along with  their trail mix of granola, dried cranberries and citrus brushed almonds-YUMMY!!!  Now all spa services, should be this amazing when you're spending money and now I have a new standard.  I got the absolute vitality wrap ($155) which involved a choosing of a word on a stone to focus in on, lymph node oil placement, light body scrub, then monticelli mud swiped all over causing tingling sensations while cocooned and compressed, mini facial performed, vichy shower (raindrops from heaven) for a warm rinse and then finished off with the application of oil.  Super Fantastic!!!  Leisurely had a portebello sandwich with a salad in the courtyard relaxing away and saying how perfect each service was for the both of us.  Followed suit with room service to keep with the lazy mode and split the tasty crabcake, chowed down on the salmon dinner and finished it off with the carrot cake from Urth Cafe (LA) with Sophia's rose wine.


Woke up to another perfect day to eat on the patio part of the dining room to leave on the strawberry drop, lobster quesidilla and peking duck spring rolls.  Perfect ending to a perfect trip.  Total cost around $500 each including food, tips, spa treatments and room so instead of this trip being $1000 or so a piece, we did it for $600.  This resort is now on the radar and will get a return visit with or without the extra savings!  

       

The Burger Bar/Bossa Nova

I have loved burgers since I was introduced to them when I was just a wee thing.  From Burger King's Whopper, to McDonald's Big Mac, my obsession with hamburgers haven't wavered, hence maybe the reason becoming vegetarian has this down side.  I don't eat burgers often, but when I do...oh my!  Whatever the side, it usually takes a back seat to the burger itself, however, at the Burger Bar on Melrose in L.A., I do have to admit the pork burger did nothing for me.  It was worded in such a way, I was expecting my taste buds to do a double take, instead I realized I made better pork burgers at home with bacon and the works so forgo this adventure for the beef grilled cheese sandwich (yummy) since my main course was uneventful.  However, the chorizo mac n cheese was absolutely delicious and upstaged everything on our table including the garlic fries so if you only go for this side, you won't leave disappointed!  Pass on the peanut butter/chocolate milkshake unless you like runny...which I don't but to each their own.  I prefer my shakes to be rich, thick and creamy...let me dig in with a spoon while it's melting slowly away please and then only at the end am I required to use a straw to slurp up the rest of this old time goodness.  With all these burger joints popping up I do expect better, so I'll keep searching until I do find the one.  These are some of the sacrifices I'll make for you...ha, ha, ha. =)

I've been going to Bossa Nova for years now and every time I'm there, I always wonder why I don't get here more often.  Brazilian cuisine that never disappoints and if you haven't been, please make this a must go at some point and time.  Located on Sunset, this nook of fantasticness always seem to have large parties nestled in but somehow I always feel just cozy enough even when stuck by the door.  Is it the attentive waitstaff?  The wonderful food?  The Sangria!!!!!  That's it...good sangria always makes me feel comfortable and ready to eat, and eat I did.  I inhaled the cajun blackened shrimp with rice and couldn't finish the plate, portions are comparable to the price and everyone seems friendly...commented on someone's great looking pizza and they told me to take some home!  Ha!  You just don't get better than that.  So whether you try the beef stroganoff or the blackened shrimp, you'll leave with your taste buds tickled and your belly full without a catastrophic dent in your wallet.

The Fighter/Winter's Bone/Battle L.A.

Love action/fighting flicks so to finally catch up on "The Fighter" was a real treat.  To get more of the turmoil and the emotional challenges that faced this boxer was eye opening inspiration.  He's not only a fighter in the ring but a contender in life, one that with so many odds stacked against him...he wanted it more therefore succeeded.  Well done to Christian Bale for portraying his cracked out brother.  After watching some behind the scenes of big brother Ward, Bale's mannerisms were uncanny and although he's not one my favorite all around actors with all the set temper tantrums, he has definitely stepped up to the plate with this honest portrayal.  Also seeing the transformation of Melissa Leo as Alice Ward was amazing and well worth the curiosity after watching her win the academy award.  Marky Mark (which he'll forever be emblazoned in my mind) was simple and effortless which made this movie smart in terms of casting.  They allowed the characters to be characters without pushing hard and thus allowing this truly triumphant story to come across.  B+ for this solid, well done boxing flick that should be on your netflix list if you haven't caught it yet.

Depressing, harsh and driven sets this next methodical film of crystal meth, the people involved and those it affects.  "Winter's Bone" showed the power of family when family is all that you have...all the good and all of the ugly bad.  Jennifer Lawrence's determination as Ree was clean and I have to admit, casting was excellent here.  People looked rough, worked, haggard and you can tell the effects of that life taking it's toll.  The men were menacing but each had respect and family tattooed all over their egos with glimpses of how much family meant to them where the women were as strong as possible in the male domineering setting but had conformed to survive.  Sad, riveting and strong are the adjectives that float along as the story unfolds and is told through the actions of this character driven piece.  Solid A for this "unhollywood" portrayal of rural, drug life.  Another netflix to watch!

"Inception" was so super brilliant for me that since I now know Hollywood can make these kind of films, yet chose not to take the chance, I will hold it to this standard.  I love action films and I love smart films, why is it so hard to combine????  When intelligent people can come out of a film with different views and thoughts, that's the good stuff and yet I have to have separate categories to judge films on.  Was it action?  Romantic Comedy?  Drama?  Why can't it just be a great film regardless of genre, not only good for it's category.  Tired of formula hence not impressed with Battle LA. as far as story goes.  Everyone had something to live for and we as the audience had to be told what it was...I'm smarter than that, I don't need flashbacks or a told story, let the actors act and let me figure it out.  Now I did appreciate the imagery and the fact that we never got a whack close up of the aliens but all in all, it's a popcorn flick and I just enjoyed it for what it was instead of being moved and intrigued.  During the monologue (although corny at moments), when Sgt. (Aaron Eckhart) started spewing off names and numbers, I could feel that and that's all I wanted throughout the film.  You can make a action film that is smart and has all the drama needed, this just wasn't one of them.  I give this film a C and only because the style and CGI was pretty cool.  Good for the big screen but if you want to save the dough, don't waste it and check it out later....    

Turbosonic (supersonic), vibe plate (so great), infar wrap (oh snap)

Okay, I'm off the cleanse and promised to update on this fantastic contraption that I'll be adding to my already rigorous workout week, 1x every other week.  The thing that I love about these new vibration plate/sonic workout machines are the minimal impact it has on your body and I think that alone helps me to realize just how beneficial this new workout can be.  It lets your body rest (but not really) for a day here and there which is so necessary when training.  It honestly feels like you're doing nothing, so of course on the vibrating plate I have a whole full body workout I've been experimenting with and now have heard there are pilate sessions that are incorporating this "new to me" fitness device.  You do sweat if you want to, you do get sore if you push your core differently, you do feel like you've worked out if you do something other than just stand there although just standing there may have it's benefits too but if you're fit and just trying to incorporate something new to confuse your muscles, don't let the look of laziness fool you.  These new machines pack a powerful punch for your core.  Now it's stated that every 10-15 mins on these things, equals to about an hour on regular fitness machines (hence you're only on it for 10-30 minutes max pending on the machine), not sure if it is but I'll be spending this next year finding out so keep checking back if you're still skeptical.  On the Turbo, you do just stand there for 10 mins as it uses sonic waves to figure out where to target your body and how...I felt shaking, vibrations and bouncing...so very interesting and I used this time to focus where I felt my body was engaged.  Fighting for so long, you develop a "stronger/faster" leg, which is my right, I tend to overuse it when sparring, however when I workout, I tend to kick 2x's on my left to every 1x on my right because I want to keep my left as strong as possible.  So as I was paying attention to the sonic, I realized that it does this weird hard vibration that rings up my left leg but get this, it doesn't do it for my right.  I've been on it twice and I took note the first time and it did it again.  WOW!  This is perfect for everyone, so if you see a deal somewhere offering this service, jump on it and vibrate your way to a stronger you.  This will never take the place of me hiking/running/fighting etc., but if you're injured or just wanting to start off slow, this is something and something is always better than nothing.  Read up, Europe's been into it for quite sometime, I'm just glad we finally got it to!

Infrared wraps are also a new addiction I've been dappling in.  I've tried the full body saunas at Wii spa, the head out sauna at FBE spa and the wraps at On The Beach spa.  All of them good for different reasons but the front runner in these have been the wraps.  I like sitting/laying around at the Wii spa that offers different variations of infrared like salt, clay and jade but I do feel the warmth quicker and concentrated in the wraps.  I think I've also dodged 2 colds that could have been worse but since scheduled by per chance around the treatment time, I've always left feeling better.  This fantastic treatment that wraps just below your chest, waist, hips and each thigh, heats you up from the inside helping you dispel toxins and is said to burn anywhere from 800-1200+ calories in one session!  I only go about 1x every other week but I've had to squeeze some in before expiration that has made me move up to 2x's a week for the next 2 weeks.  I'll keep you posted of more results if shown that quickly with more regular use but usually this session for me precedes my cheat day or comes shortly there after giving me some "maintenance" help just in case I go overboard. =) Again, it's about health and it's about your body, so make time and do something different every now and then to keep yourself in tip top shape. 

The Bistro@Cliffhouse, San Francisco

Right off the beach, located on cliffs, this is definitely a touristy spot (places to avoid usually) however we were trying to get to Lloyd's, a smaller mom and pop eatery next door that supposedly had fantastic food but alas was closed due to renovations on Saturday taking us slightly downwind to Cliffhouse.  Walking into the glass/concrete establishment, you can go right (Sutros) or we chose the left (The Bistro).  We waited for about 15mins for a table, noticed the dinner rush coming in, almost sidelined out of there for a quick phone order to a korean bbq up the road I googled but just as the plans were developing, buzzer was off and we were at our table a few feet from the bar.  In all that, I had accidentally left my beast's only big umbrella at the waiting bench which never found it's way home.  Someone in San Fran decided it was best to steal the umbrella than walk around wet which is inexcusable but I left it, therefor I guess it's fair game?  This place is right on the waterfront, the main entree portions are more inland based and that right there, warmed my heart and stirred my belly!  After the debacle with the motel, I needed some comfort food that would last me all night long and then some and this place delivered surprisingly with taste and quantity...my two favorite things.  Not only was the view of the ocean fantastic but the vibe inside was that laid back, unpretentious bar feel that I have grown disdain for in L.A.  Since I had the 6 hour trip homeward bound, I passed on the wine (to try and stay awake for my zombie driver) and ordered Cliffhouse potstickers (pork/shrimp) as the appetizer and Frutti de Mare for the main course.  Now, potsickers are usually all the same all the way around but it's always the sauce that changes everything...this sauce changed everything.  Sweet/tart ponzu feel, less soy saucy with chili spice, chopped green onions made this oh, so very nice!  For $12 a plate, only 6 came in this tasty bit of joy so I ate half and saved the rest as an emergency snack for the long ride back.  The Frutti de Mare ($24) looks easy to consume however, don't be fooled, this plate is chocked full of shredded crabmeat, loads of shrimp, tons of scallops, plenty of mussels and a few clams that just took over and kicked penne pasta's bootay!  Along with the "not to be missed" chunk of sourdough bread, I was in heaven.  The red sauce was super flavorful with a pinch of creaminess that allowed all the flavors of the sea to be pinpointed on the tip of your tongue which made for sourdough dipping time between bites of taste sensations amazing.  Can I say YUMMY!!!!  I can and I just did!!!  I almost forgot to take pictures and had eaten a big chunk before snapping a shot but I ate about 1/4 of the bowl and had to doggy bag the rest, only to eat 1/2 of the leftover seafood pasta and slice of sourdough on the ride home, leaving the rest for a snack on Sunday.  Ate the 3 potstickers the next day with some veggies and fruit, then reheated the pasta to pour over some mache leaves for a warm salad, pasta dish.  So for $36, I had one full meal, 1/2 dinner fill up, 1 snack and 1 lunch...what's not to love?  So when in San Fran, do this one thing that tourists do...eat at the beach, preferably Cliffhouse.