The Best of Culver City/Palms (according to me and my budget)

Twelve days from now, I will be moving out of my Culver City apartment. My original desire to move into this neighborhood stemmed from its close proximity to Downtown Culver City. As soon as I got here, I immediately realized just how great the number of dining options were in this area. I love everything about it here except for my apartment.

I'm glad to be able to explore new neighborhoods, but here are some of my personal favorites that I will miss. 

Eating 
Brunello Trattoria (6001 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232, 310-280-3856) - For homey, authentic Italian food, this is the only place I want to go. The bread is dangerous, as in it so yummy and fluffy on the inside that it doesn't matter if I burn myself trying to pick it up, I want it in my mouth. Always, always listen to the daily specials. My favorite has been a squid ink pasta with lobster. It was to die for. They have a good selection of Italian wines as well. I like this place so much that I had my last birthday party here. The service is impeccable and it still seems to remain under the radar as there has never been a wait when I've gone.   
 
Taro's Sushi and Teri (10834 Washington Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90232-3610; 310-837-3733) - So hole-in-the-wall sushi seems like an oxymoron, but I don't think it's half bad. It is cheap and fast, although I'm not exactly sure how fresh it all is. I have a feeling some of the fish is frozen. My go to order is the chirashi, which will set you back $9.95.

Honey's Kettle Fried Chicken (9537 Culver Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90232, (310) 202-5453) - A thigh, a biscuit, a Mexican Coke and some honey, and I am satisfied.

Tender Greens (9523 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232, 310-842-8300) - Ultra fresh, organic meals that are tasty can be had here. I love the grilled flat iron steak with roasted beet salad and the potatoes that come with the hot plates. They also have a nice selection of local sodas.

Thai Boom (10863 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034, 310-842-8291) - When Thai Town seems just too far away, this is my preferred alternative.

Simpang Asia (10433 National Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034, 310-815-9075) - Excellent street noodles dish, unbelievable shaved ice with avocado, coconut, jack fruit and condensed milk, and wonderful little grocery store for hard to find Asian eats on the westside.

Westsubs/Cafe 70 Degrees (3863 Overland Ave, Culver City, CA 90232, 310-837-6000) - By far the best boba in West Los Angeles. They also have free wifi and a small selection of wraps and sandwiches.

Drinking
The Mandrake (2692 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034, 310-837-3297) - This is my favorite bar in the area. While some might call it a dive bar, I don't think it's very divey. I personally don't think dive bars serve proscuitto and brie sandwiches. The area next to bar can get mind-numbingly loud, so I prefer to sit at the picnic benches in the back. 

  

Ugo Wine Bar (3865 Cardiff Ave, Culver City, CA 90232, 310-204-1222) - For some reason, I just find it fun to taste different wines coming out of spouts.

Explore
Museum of Jurassic Technology (9341 Venice Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232, 310-836-6131) - What is jurassic technology? I have no idea. Why do none of the audio phones work? I have no idea. What I do know is that the sewing needles are amazing as are the butterfly wing mosaics.

  
Corey Helford Gallery (8522 Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90232, 310-287-2340) - This gallery has had a number of really exciting shows recently. Gary Baseman and Shag were two of my favorites.
 

Downtown Culver City Shuttle to the Hollywood Bowl - Driving to the Hollywood Bowl is so 2000. For $5, you get a ride, don't have to worry about drinking and make it home before you would have even gotten out of the parking lot.

Royal/T Cafe (8910 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232, 310-559-6300) - Hello Kitty birthday party, anyone? Royal/T is a gem and not just for Japanophiles. There are interesting exhibitions there all the time and it makes for a lovely setting to enjoy a big pot of milk tea.

Shopping and Services
WOW Beauty Center (10836 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232, 310-559-1900) - Eyebrow threading

Tiffany's Coin Laundry (9607 Venice Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232, 310-202-0223) - Laundromat, free wifi, and Josh the proprietor is a fellow Texan

Sol Salon (10115 Washington Blvd,Culver City, CA 90232, 310-836-9166) - Get your hair did by Catherine

Your Neighborhood Studio (3625 Hayden Avenue, Culver City, CA 90232, 310-876-3498) - I've had my butt kicked in classes like Cardio Ballet and Bollywood Fusion. It's both sweaty and fun.

Surfas (8777 W Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230, 310-559-4770) - I don't actually cook that much, but sometimes it's just fun to dream that maybe someday I will need ramekins in five different sizes and will know what to do with them.