Adventures of Pam & Sarah, Part I

It has become my mission to find the best espresso drinks in LA. Well, now our mission. My friend Sarah has no choice. She has a car. I have an obsession with espresso. We enjoy each other's company. We're both adventurous. You do the math.

Yesterday was our first escapade of the year (ahhh yes there will be many more to come). After getting picked up from my dorm, we use Sarah's Garmin car GPS to get directions to our lunch destination, Pho 2000. Earlier that day Google maps told me it would take maybe 15 minutes. I mean, it's just off Wilshire, right by K-town. How long could it take?

45 minutes later we reach the Yelp-acclaimed Pho 2000. I'm pretty sure we were driving through the Beverly Hills residential area for a good 10 minutes (which is gorgeous, by the way). As we step out of the car, we're hit by the uncharacteristically blazing 85-degree heat outside. Why am I ordering steaming-hot Vietnamese noodle soup? Call it the foodie in me. And Sarah's willingness to blindly try whatever restaurant/food I recommend. Haha. I'm so fortunate to have a friend like her!

I order the Pho Bo Vien (meatball noodle soup). It's good! But not earth-shaking. (You can see my review here.)The question I ask myself is, will pho ever be earth-shaking? I am still optimistic. I haven't tried the very best that's out there. I guess the real question is, does Los Angeles have it? We shall see.

Next we head off to Culver City to find The Conservatory for Coffee, Tea & Cocoa. Just as we're parking we hit a metaphorical speed bump, you could say. More literally, a giant pipe sticking out of the curb. KAPOW. Air hissing. Tire clunking. Goodbyyeee front right tire.

There's a hole the size of a silver dollar in the poor, poor tire. And here's what's left of the curb:

Evil, evil Culver City. We had such lovely, warm feelings towards you. Until now.

The good news is we had time to order some infamous Mexican mochas before the mechanic showed up to change the tire! They were to die for. Seriously, one of the best things I've ever tasted. (Review found here.) Sarah's Hyundai Sonata served as a perfect coaster for my mocha while the mechanic was putting the spare on. I had already inhaled 3/4 of the drink at this point.

"Learning how to change a tire" just moved up to the of my list of things my dad still needs to teach me.

Never a dull moment.

In other news, today UCLA beat the Texas Longhorns 34-12. Whaaaa? Today's viewing party at the Cru guy's apartment was SO fun. You mean I can actually take pride in my school's football team? This is a weird feeling. But I think I can handle it :)