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A Nurse’s Guide to Fine Dining, Luxury Travel, and the Art of the Sensory Reset

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  • A grilled swordfish fillet with visible char marks served over a bed of savory orzo pasta, topped with crushed nuts and a sprig of fresh parsley at Fia Santa Monica.
    Dining

    Fia Santa Monica Review: Garden Brunch, Dinner, and How We Save

    March 30, 2026 - By Ginger Graham

    Discover how to savor Fia's lush, Mediterranean garden dining without breaking the bank—smart timing and menu-savvy choices make magic affordable.

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  • A gourmet plate featuring a Filet Mignon Kabob on a black metal skewer with a side of white creamy sauce and a roasted tomato slice at Perse in Brentwood.
    Dining

    A New Lens on Persian Fine Dining: Our Evening at Perse

    March 23, 2026 - By Ginger Graham

    The Westside has never been short on great Italian, modern American, or sushi, but a genuinely serious Persian restaurant had been missing from the Brentwood/Santa Monica rotation. That changed when Perse opened, tucked into Brentwood Gardens at 11677 San Vicente Blvd. Brad, our two daughters, and I went this past weekend to see if it held up to the buzz. The Room Fills Up Fast We had a 5:30 reservation at Perse and walked into a calm, architecturally clean room. By the time we left around 6:45, it was completely packed and lively. The outdoor patio is lovely, but it…

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  • A plated lobster tail with risotto and a roasted red pepper at a cruise ship specialty restaurant, served with a glass of white wine.
    Dining - Travel

    Cruise Specialty Dining: When It’s Worth the Upcharge

    March 17, 2026 - By Ginger Graham

    Know when to stick with the complimentary MDR or splurge on a specialty restaurant to make every meal memorable.

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  • A cozy outdoor patio at Perch LA featuring a roaring stone fireplace and an ornate wrought-iron table and chairs on geometric patterned tile.
    Dining

    Perch LA Brunch: Great Baked Brie and a Fantastic Burger

    March 12, 2026 - By Ginger Graham

    Our honest Perch LA brunch review: the baked brie, the Perch Burger, what the kids ate, terrace seating, and why we'd skip the valet on market days.

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  • The entrance to a restaurant and lounge inside Frank Gehry's Edgemar complex in Santa Monica, with the address number 2435 marking the doorway.
    Dining

    The Gehry-est Place on Earth: A Survival Guide to Edgemar

    March 2, 2026 - By Ginger Graham

    Think Frank Gehry sneezed on a hardware store and a 1920s dairy—welcome to Edgemar, where architectural chaos reads like genius.

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  • An overhead photograph of golden roasted potatoes in a dark rustic ceramic serving bowl with a handle, garnished with fresh green microgreens, sea salt flakes, and coarse black pepper. A large lemon wedge rests on the rim. The bowl sits on a weathered wooden patio table with hammered metal serving spoon and fork.
    Dining

    inKind App Review: How We Save at LA’s Best inKind Restaurants

    February 20, 2026 - By Ginger Graham

    How our family eats well in Los Angeles without overspending: exactly how the inKind app works, where we use it and where we skip it, plus the other habits that trim our dining bill.

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  • A glowing red neon sign that reads "Larsen’s Steakhouse" mounted on a textured, gold-glittered accent wall at the Woodland Hills location.
    Dining

    Larsen’s Steakhouse: Best No-Kids Date Night

    February 10, 2026 - By Ginger Graham

    Tired of stroller symphonies? Larsen's in Woodland Hills earned a second chance this year — dry-aged filet, real cocktails, and not a crayon in sight.

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  • Close-up of yellow Porto’s Bakery & Cafe boxes featuring a vintage black and white portrait of founder Rosa Porto and her children.
    Dining

    Porto’s: The Best Things to Order (and Skip)

    February 2, 2026 - By Ginger Graham

    Our honest Porto's Bakery order guide: the cheese rolls, guava strudel, and Cubano we always get, the savory items we skip, and why to order ahead.

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  • A luxury dessert featuring three large scoops of frozen greek yogurt stacked on crisp phyllo baklava, topped with 24k gold leaf honey and candied citrus garnished with fresh raspberries and blackberries on a round wooden board.
    Dining

    ORLA Santa Monica: Why We Fell Out of Love

    January 26, 2026 - By Ginger Graham

    There’s a distinct, soul-crushing grief only a true foodie knows: realizing your sanctuary—ORLA at the Regent Santa Monica—has jumped the shark.

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  • Outdoor fire-pit dining table at Cast & Plow in the Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey overlooking luxury yachts at night.
    Dining

    A Luxury Afternoon at the Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey

    January 22, 2026 - By Ginger Graham

    Our honest take on Cast & Plow at the Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey: order the bread, skip the cocktails, and don't rush the sunset.

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