Browsing Tag

Los Angeles

Dining, Economy, Food, News

More than just cars…

November 3, 2008

When most consumers hear of AAA (Automobile Club of Southern California) they think of roadside assistance. It is true that AAA is well known for there roadside assistance services, but not many are aware of the great perks that accompany being a AAA member. Apart from there insurance and travel services, AAA members can save at many locations just by showing there AAA card.

So just how much does it cost to be a member of AAA?

Aside from the first time sign up fee of $20.00, consumers can choose from three different membership levels, each with different levels of service offered. The most basic level, Classic, costs just $47.00 a year. In comparison to the various discounts and perks of being a AAA member, this is a bargain.

Perks

Shopping                     Entertainment                         Dining                     Accommodations
Barnes and Noble          Sea World                                  Chart House              Best Western
Circuit City                    Universal Studios Hollywood      Hard Rock Café         Hyatt
Dell                               San Diego Zoo                           El Torito                    Hilton
Target                           Lego Land                                  Joe’s Crab Shack       Marriot
The UPS Store                Anaheim Ducks                         Kelly’s Coffee            Westin
New York & Company    Aquarium of the Pacific             Sweet Factory            Starwood Hotels
Sears Optical                 Discovery Science Center           Rainforest Café
Blue Nile                        Knotts Berry Farm                      Wetzel Pretzel
Enterprise                      LA Kings                                    Circle K
LensCrafters                  LA Sparks                                   Disney Dining
Motorola                        LA Clippers                                Dream Diners
Payless Shoes                USA Today
Reebok                          Bally Total Fitness
Sit N’ Sleep

These are just a few of the man places and services that you can get a discount at by simply showing your AAA card.

In what some have called an ‘economic crisis,’ AAA helps us save a little money so that we can save it for a rainy day.

College, Dining, Economy, Food

LA going Pinks

November 1, 2008

Long lines, cash only, and great food. This can only equate to one thing, Pinks Hot Dogs.

Started in 1939, Pinks Hot Dogs on the corner of Melrose and La Brea, has established itself as a ‘must-try’ when in Los Angeles. From there long lines that sometimes go around the corner of the store, to the parking attendant that helps maintain the peace in there tiny parking lot, Pinks breaks the notion that all hot dogs are the same.

Boasting over 20 different types of hot dogs alone, Pinks offers its customers a variety of choices when it comes to ‘personalizing’ there dog. From the original Chili Dog to the film inspired “Lord of the RINGS dog” (10″ Stretch Dog, Yummy BBQ sauce topped with onion rings), just asking for a ‘hot dog’ will not work. Not only does Pinks offer a great selection of hot dogs, but they also serve burgers as well. The key element in almost all of Pinks menu items, is there famous chili. Using the same recipe that was used in 1939 by founder Paul Pink, Pinks attracts customers from all parts of Los Angeles. From famous celebrities to the average Joe, Pinks has used the strategy of great quality and service as there main business mantra. Every hot dog is made to the customers specifications, and is handled and prepared in a timely manner.

One may ask if it is worth staying in line for upwards of 30 minutes just for a ‘hot dog’, but most will tell you it is. The closer and closer you get to the front, the more and more you are convinced it is worth it. From the aroma of the chili, to the sight of the dogs being made, the visual showcase is a treat in itself.

Whether you are a college student looking for a creative date spot, a struggling actor looking for some inspirational food, or a high powered CEO looking to reconnect with us little people, Pinks is just a small reminder of why we love LA.

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Pinks Hot Dogs
709 N. La Brea Blvd
Los Angeles, CA
323.931.4223
College, Economy, News

The Economy Can Learn From Diddy Riese

October 26, 2008

As the line goes out the door and down the block, people begin to contemplate what will satisfy there sweet-tooth.

For the LA native, Diddy Riese is a Los Angeles landmark known for long lines, tasty treats and cheap prices. Started in 1983 in Westwood, CA right next to UCLA, Diddy Riese has marketed themselves as offering high quality cookies and baked goods at ‘reasonable prices.’ Reasonable is not the right word. I would say ‘great.’ Especially the way the economy has been, if Diddy Riese wasn’t so far from myself, I’d consider it a weekly stop.

So how cheap is it? Let’s take a look.

Not even at a Dreyers Ice Cream store could you get a scoop of ice cream for $1.00. For 50 cents more, you can even get there famous Ice Cream Sandwiches made with there homemade cookies. Not even pictured here are there Hot Dogs which are just as cheap and just as delicious. Can it get better? Of course it can. 32 oz drinks for $.90.

So whats the secret of Diddy Riese? How are they able to pay for the ridiculous rent near the UCLA campus and still keep there prices low and food tasting great? After speaking with a worker of 10 years at Diddy Riese, there response was simple, quality. Keep the quality great and people will come back. They said that there is no reason to charge $3.00 for a cookie when it only costs $.20 cents to make. Quality will equal more people, which will get you more sales. A very simple equation and after 25 years, they are still going strong. Perhaps this equation may not work for all of those in the economy trying to find a way out of this tumultuous time, but we can take at least one lession away from Diddy Riese.

You can never go wrong with 35 cent cookies…

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Diddy Riese
926 Broxton Avenue (@ Le Conte)
Westwood, CA 90024
310.208.0448
News

Escape into Sin

July 19, 2008

From the busy streets to the fast-paced lives, LA has become notorious for taking the simple man and turning them into a hard working, stressed out citizen. As the summer heat strikes down on me I imagine myself in a place where I can forget about my troubles and lose myself. Of course I can only be describing one place. Las Vegas.

Rightfully named ‘Sin City’, Las Vegas has become an escape from reality into a world where an individual can go from no one to someone in one roll of the dice or wakeup the next day forgetting what happend the last night. From the buzzing sounds of the slots to the limitless amounts of foods at the buffets, to some Las Vegas has become there paradise. Upon recently visiting Las Vegas several things came to mind. The first of which is the obvious difference between going with your family, and going with your friends on your own. The differences are like day and night. Literrally. When the ‘kiddies’ go to bed, another group is just beginning there day. From the club hoppers to the ‘strip’ walkers, Las Vegas never sleeps. Giving new meaning to ‘sleepless nights’, one can find themselves losing track of time.

Las Vegas has plenty to offer to its tourists. From its cleverly themed casino’s such as Luxor, New York New York, and Caesers, to its lavishly designed buildings such as the Venetian and the Bellagio, the Las Vegas ‘Strip’ has become a city within itself. Walking on the Las Vegas is both an adventure and also a workout. While the weather in Las Vegas changes from season to season, the people on the strip do not. From the ‘adult solicitors’ handing out there ever so important 4×6 ‘business cards’ to the always classic Las Vegas ‘Drunk’, the strip is always an adventure outside the casino’s. Whether you are looking for the next place to throw your money at or the next place to eat at, the Vegas strip caters to everyones inhibitions and desires.

Like the moto, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”, Las Vegas has its own rules, its own timezone, and its own culture.