Going back to Cali

This weekend I returned to OCMA to check out the California Biennial without the opening-night crowds. Word is that it's the best collection in quite a while, and as a bonus, it was free because there was a multicultural kids' day going on. I also got to meet an artist who was in town and told me a little bit about his work. More on that later, but you should see the show yourself because it's up for one more month. The museum is tucked into a business park right across from Fascist Island, so you can also do some holiday shopping if you've got the guts and money.


On the way back to L.A., we had lunch at Au Lac, one of my favorite vegetarian Vietnamese places. When we pulled up, I was worried because the front door was boarded up. Whenever I haven't been to a restaurant in a while, I always feel like it's my fault if it goes under. Not this time. It was packed!

Aftger that--even though we were stuffed--we dropped by Banh Mi Che Cali for some veggie ham sandwiches (and an iced coffee) to go. It was different to be there on an afternoon on the way back fron Newport Beach, and not in the middle of the night on the way back from San Diego this time. Much more leisurely yet just as crowded. No worries about this joint going under.

Art and food are worth driving around for.