Norm's

OK, so one of our favorite locations in the world to find new vintage artifacts/junk is a place called Norms in Fillmore CA.  Its actually not really called Norms, its the Lost and Found Depot, but Norm is the ongoing proprietor and we have a habit of naming our favorite places after the owner.  Anyway its hard to know how to classify Norm's, it kind of a combination between an antique store and a garage sale.  He has lots of cool stuff, offers great deals and likes to keep his inventory fresh.

We think the picture on the front is actually a caricature of Norm but never asked.

Most of the best stuff is in the back.  We've never seen a snake there, but...

Awesome zinc marquee man.  Would have bought it, but where to put him???

Pali House, 1001 3rd Street, Santa Monica CA

The Pali House.  The destination of choice for our 20th anniversary.  Built in the 1920 and christened as the Embassy Hotel (not to be confused with the Embassy Suites-we has some debate about this) the Pali House was originally not a hotel at all, but an upscale apartment complex.  Though one can still get an extended stay package, the Pali House now serves as a idyllic Wes Anderson approved hotel.  What I mean by that is anyone who saw an loved the styling of the Grand Budapest Hotel will love this place.  We did.

                                                                   Le Entrance

                                        The outdoor patio where we enjoyed a little Z Blanc.
              One of the best white wine blends ever, available at Zaca Mesa winery in Los Olivos

                                                                       P is for Pali

                               The room.  Comfortable.  Tasteful.  Spacious.  Shall I go on...?

             Fernando.  Possible the best Maitre d'/barista/waiter we have ever had the pleasure to meet.   Got to know him a little and found out his two little newborn twins are in the hospital NICU from an extremely premature birth.  But they are doing well, and Franciso never lost his smile.  He and his wife and little ones are in our prayers

                       You Come.  You sit.  You sit some more.  We never wanted to leave.

Notice the antique industrial lights above the table.  So cool. 

Something to do together

A friend told us the other day that we are a strange couple.  We think she meant strange in a good way.  Either way we are choosing to believe it means our diverse interests are somehow complimentary.  This particular blog is dedicated to our diversity as well as our mutual love of good taste, interesting decor and fascinating people and places.