Patrick’s Café, Not Just Another Diner

By Patricia Lamkin

Patrick’s Café is what I would call a “healthy” California diner – it has everything a diner has, in generous portions, but without the “greasy spoon” reputation. And they have those diner prices everyone likes, with entrees averaging about $8.95. They serve breakfast, lunch and brunch.

Birds Café & Bar

Where the Locals Flock

By Patricia Lamkin

Located at the foot of the Hollywood Hills on Franklin Avenue, Birds is perched in the middle of a unique block between Tamarind and Bronson Streets, where Hollywood wannabes and stars alike flock to the sunny sidewalk cafés to hang out, talk industry, see-or-be seen.  Bird’s diverse and delicious menu is a one of the draws that keeps the locals landing.

50 Cities of the World

DVD Program Summary Samples written for Vision Films.

By Patricia Lamkin

 TOKYO

Tokyo is a dynamic city of contrasts:  the beautiful, precise dance and theatre traditions of Japans cultural past juxtaposed with starkly modern skyscrapers, elevated trains and traffic of epic proportions.  Stroll along the Ginza, a walkway lined with shops, discos, karaoke bars, restaurants, and famous for its Kabuki theatre.  Later take in some of Tokyo’s many ancient temples which still welcome the faithful: Yushima Seido, devoted to the 6^th century sage Confucius, or the Meiji Shinto mausoleum.  Nestled within some of the many formal gardens are tea pavilions, where drinking tea is elevated in a ritual over 500 years old.

Bouldering Hikes in Joshua Tree

By Patricia Lamkin
Photos by Randolph Scott

About two and a half hours east of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park is a rock climbers dream. But for those not ready to scale a vast rock face, there is still adventure at higher elevations.

Switzer Picnic Area and Switzer Falls

By Patricia Lamkin

Hidden deep in the cradle of the Angeles National Forest is a true hiker's dream: the rugged trails of Switzer's Falls.

Part of the Upper Arroyo Seco River Basin, Switzer's is located off the Angeles Crest Highway, seven miles north of interstate 210 above La Canada/Flintridge. The shady trail head features a generous picnic area, which includes picnic tables, charcoal grills, and restrooms situated along a gurgling, stony creek. Switzer's offers beginner to advanced trails, sunny mountain views, cool wooded glades, and the highlight of it all: the falls!

Griffith Park Trails

by Patricia Lamkin
Photos by Patricia Lamkin
View of Griffith Observatory from Mount Hollywood.

The largest municipal park and urban wilderness area in the United States is right here in Los Angeles.