Day Three:
On the third day of our adventure we departed early for Los Angeles, by way of Death Valley. We stopped first at one of my favorite stores, Whole Foods, to use part of Mike’s Christmas gift to me (a $100 gift card) and pick up some food for the trip. Needless to say, I was very impressed with this Whole Foods Gluten Free selection:
Unlike most Whole Foods, which just mark off the GF items, this Whole Foods (Located in Hendrickson, NV) had an entire gluten free dedicate isle (2 sides) and a freezer section. We picked up bagels, snacks and fruit and hit the road:
Desert scenery has always been a love of mine:
After a few hours we made it to Death Valley National Park:
It is striking to me that a whole nation of people is native to this land, it is so bleak and offers so few resources (with the exception of salt) that I cannot imagine living and making a life and culture there. The most striking thing to me about this part of the country is the silence. With the exception of another passing tourist you hear nothing. No birds, no wind through the mountains. It really is surreal and I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to visit it.
There is the lowest point below:
We took a hike at Golden Canyon:
Visited the Badlands (where I took the opportunity to mediate in a wall):
Played in the salt flats:
And went to the lowest point, Badwater, where we found GIANT clumps of beautiful salt deposits:
Our trip from Death Valley to LA was by dark and relatively uneventful. We spent the night at a hotel under construction.
Day Four:
We woke up in the morning and made our way to one of my favorite destinations of the vacation: Santa Monica to see the West Coast and the Pacific Ocean:
My first Glimpse:
Friends forever, who finally made it to the West Coast:
<3
Where sea and mountain meet:
Lunch was had at Santa Monica Pier itself, at the small chain restaurant:
‘Not So Locally’ Gluten Free Part 4:
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. @ Santa Monica Piers
I had heard a lot about this company (themed after Forest Gump) having a good selection of seafood products, however I had no idea they actually had a gluten free menu so I was incredibly thrilled when I walked up and was handed one. While the wait was long as it was the heat of lunch hour we were greeted with pleasant staff and a friendly atmosphere, even outside the store where the hosts were enjoying their time taking reservations and inviting guests in. Upon being seated we were told that a sign on our table which we could turn from “Run Forest Run” to “Stop Forest Stop” would have anyone stop to help us if we turned it to Stop (and let me tell you this worked relatively well). I was not too thrilled however with the hustle and bustle and rush that seemed to exist in this setting, although all staff were friendly. The Gluten Free menu was somewhat limited in my taste. Unfortunately they do not have a single dedicated fryer so all fried food, which is apparently their specialty, was out. As was something I really wanted, their Cajun flavored bucket of shrimp. I opted for the Shrimp Chimichurri Skewers:
The food was good, but somewhat bland and a very small portion compared to other dishes that my Glutenous friends ate. Price wise, the price was acceptable though. All in all this site is recommended if you want a quick reliable gluten free bite to eat. The thing that could greatly improve their menu would be a dedicated fryer which would add fried food to the menu.
Gluten Free Options: .5
Atmosphere: .5
Price: 1
Hospitality: 1
Food Quality: .5
TOTAL: 3.5 Shamrocks
After Lunch we relaxed on the boardwalk a bit more:
and made our way to Hollywood to visit some of the typical tourist attraction. Unfortunately, none of us were satisfied by the attractions which seemed out of date, uncared for and difficult to find. We saw:
The Hollywood Walk of Fame:
The Chinese Theatre:
The Wax Museum (outside of it anyway):
We met with Mike’s Cousin Kim for dinner at the Mall. She took us to a Sushi and Sabu Sabu restaurant, somewhere where you cook your own food. Needless to say, I was floored by this experience.
‘Not So Locally’ Gluten Free: Part 5
Koji’s Sushi and Shabu Shabu @ the corner of Hollywood and Highland
While most Asian restaurants are a no no because the soy sauce being on everything I have found that sushi and hibachi are usually okay if you speak your mind, so we decided to take a chance. This was a chance I was totally satisfied with. The host seemed somewhat limited in knowledge but asked the chef who assured us something could be figured out. When I sat I again asked by server, who enlightened me to the fact that almost all dishes could be modified to be gluten free, although obviously, none of the sauces were gluten free given the addition of soy and other gluten thickeners. My waitress explained that they had a gluten free server who was helping them figure out gluten free sauce alternatives and would be helping them construct a gluten free menu in the future. She told me that she would speak to the gluten free server to figure out sauce alternatives for tonight. I figured why not, ordered the Chicken Shabu Shabu and took a risk with my food being served bland.
When they brought out our food I was greeted by flavorings (at no extra cost) in the form or minced garlic, ginger and chives as well as chili paste, sesame oil and Chili powder with a side of avocado to cut the spice but not the flavor.
When they brought out our food I was greeted by flavorings (at no extra cost) in the form or minced garlic, ginger and chives as well as chili paste, sesame oil and Chili powder with a side of avocado to cut the spice but not the flavor.
Condiments:
The Chicken and Veggies:
The idea of Shabu Shabu is to cook your finely cut meat and veggies in boiling water at your table. I cooked up a storm and loved every minute of it:
Food for me is about taking the time to create and enjoy, which is exactly what this experience offered for me. We were not rushed what so ever and enjoyed a long relaxed meal. The quality of all of my offered ingredients together was better than I think ANYTHING I have eaten that contained gluten. I had a smile on my face the entire time and left completely and utterly satisfied and full, but not too much so. I would eat here every day if I could, but unfortunately it is so far away from my home address!
Gluten Free Options: 1
Atmosphere: 1
Price: 1
Hospitality: 1
Food Quality: 1
TOTAL: 5 Shamrocks
I highly, highly recommend going here, without a doubt. Of course ask for the recommendation of their gluten free server and maybe by that point they will have their gluten free menu prepared!
After dinner we wandered the Hollywood area before calling it a night in our second hotel room of the night which was much improved from the first.
Day Five:
We woke up bright and early for a half day in the LA area before heading back to vegas. This day included a driving tour of Beverly hills,
attempting to get close to, but only being able to see, the Hollywood sign,
and a quick lunch at a taco stand (not worth a review) with Mike’s other cousin, Scott.
With some food in our stomachs we departed for the 6 hour car ride back to Vegas!
The final antics and reviews of our vacation will be up next, in the final vacation post! Stay Tuned!
The final antics and reviews of our vacation will be up next, in the final vacation post! Stay Tuned!
Celtic Celiac @ http://celtic-celiac.blogspot.com/
Your trip sounds so awesome! 😀 So glad you had a good time!
Thanks Emily! I was a great time, just wish school didn’t start so soon!