Tell Me a Story

The Fowler Museum on the UCLA campus has a terrific collection of art from around the world focusing on how art is used to tell stories, record history and express power and wealth.

Their collection of silver, including object smithed by Paul Revere is quite impressive.

The free admission is a nice bonus too!

Perfect Recipe

Chili John's in Burbank seems like a well-preserved roadhouse from the 20s.  The menu is simple but terrific.

Had a nice chat with one of the owners about his family's efforts to keep up with changing tastes in food while respecting the traditions of the restaurants origins.

They've found the right balance and I hope they keep going for a long time.

Coast to Coast

Love him or hate him, a visit to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Birthplace in Yorba Linda is a worthwhile look back at history.

There is so much more to the man than just his resignation from the Presidency.  And it all started right here in Southern California.  What an amazing journey.

The House at the End of the Street

I recently took a great tour of the Banning Mansion in Wilmington.  I grew up a half a block away on Cary Avenue, and used to play in Banning Park surrounding the house, but until September I'd never been inside.

What a treat to see all the eclectic treasures of the Banning family including their fascinating "Hair Art," made from real human hair.  Nothing went to waste in that family!

Phineas T. Banning was known as the Father of the Port of Los Angeles and he named Wilmington after his hometown in Delaware.

So great to find something so beautiful hiding in plain sight.

Behind the Orange Curtain

I recently drove down to Santa Ana to check out the Bowers Museum.  I was completely surprised not only by how beautiful the facility is but by the diversity of their art collections and exhibitions.

The early California art was as expected and beautifully displayed.  But the Pacific Islander and Asian art was a surprising delight.

Back in the Saddle Again

Took a nostalgic trip in August to visit Will Rogers former home in Pacific Palisades -- now a State Park.  Famous for its polo fields, I took horse riding lessons here as a lad.

But I'd never been inside the house which is now open for tours.  So fun to see its sparse western interior filled with memorabilia.

A Sure Bet

The Gamble House in Pasadena is an exquisite example of the Greene Brothers' Craftsmen-style architecture and it's open to the public for tours.

I visited last month and as gorgeous as the house is on the outside, it's even more beautiful on the inside -- but, unfortunately, interior photography isn't allowed.