| Remember that the most beautiful things in the world are the most useless,
peacocks and lilies for example. John Ruskin |
My Dumpling, My Peacock
LA County Arboretum
Take this date upside down. That is, we recommend you start with the dim sum below and follow it with a leisurely afternoon amongst the peacocks at the LA County Arboretum.
For decades the arboretum was a favorite movie industry filming location. Considering its lush, exotic foliage and landscapes it's easy to see why it was chosen as the jungle backdrop to many a Tarzan flick. Fantasy Island fans (so that's like everyone) will recognize the Queen Anne Cottage as Mr. Roarke's abode by the famous "de plane! de plane!" tower. The industry doesn't come knocking much these days, but they were on to something; decked with waterfalls, tropical blossoms and palm trees, the arboretum has the feel of a paradise getaway. And though it isn't really a tropical island that will make all your dreams come true, it can definitely grant your wish for a relaxing afternoon out of town.
Enjoy the gardens and take a nap on the grass. Be sure to seek out and explore the nooks and crannys of Patrick Dougherty's exquisite sapling sculpture, Catawampus. As well as the strutting peacocks, who seem to think they own the place, there are a multitude of other birds lucky to call the arboretum home. They will very likely accompany your stroll with Disneyesque song.
Tip: Every third Sunday of the month from 11:30-3:30 are picnic days (sans alcohol regrettably).
| Cost | Adults $7, students and seniors $5, Children (5-12) $2.50 (under 12) Free. Free admission on the third Tuesday of the month |
| Location | 301 N. Baldwin Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91007 view map |
| Hours | 9:00am–4:30pm (grounds close at 5:00pm) |
| Website | http://Arboretum.org/ |
| Telephone | (626) 821-3222 |
| Parking | Free in the lot |
Ocean Star Seafood
At Datebook we have a special category of food that we call fun food. Fun food usually comes in small bites and requires diner participation. Dim Sum might just be the most fun of the fun foods. Not only does it come in the aformentioned small bites, but to serve it, ladies bring tasty surprise after tasty surprise out of the kitchen on caboose-like silver carts.
Ocean Star Seafood in Monterrey Park has dim sum down pat (say that five times fast). The restaurant is probably better described as a banquet hall and it runs with the efficiency of a small metropolis. There is a steady stream of customers being seated, paying and leaving; weaving through the mayhem, a line of silver carts distributes dumplings, soups, sweet meats, vegetables and desserts to all. Despite the name of the joint, there are ample non-seafood and vegetarian options.
Tip: For the hot selections stick to the silver carts. The open trays with assorted treats are the collected leftovers from silver carts that have returned to the kitchen to be refilled (and thus no longer hot and fresh). The exceptions to this rule are the dessert trays and roasted meats.
| Price range | $$ |
| Location | 145 N. Atlantic Blvd
Monterrey Park, CA 91754 view map |
| Hours | Mon-Sun. 10am - 10pm |
| Takes Reservations | Yes |
| Parking | Free in the Lot |
| Type of Cuisine | Chinese |
| Payment | Major credit cards accepted |
| Dress code | Casual |
$ Thrifty, under $10
$$ Middle of the Road, $11 - $30
$$$ Gettin' up there, $31 - $60
$$$$ Go baby go, $61-100
$$$$$ Big spender, over $100.