Weekday Getaway in Los Angeles

Recommended by local Korean folks, we went straight to this fine restaurant. The manager tried hard to create a sense of authenticity, with waitresses wearing traditional Korean clothing. Food is served in the native way, starting with a variety of free appetizers, as Koreans are famous for their pickled veggies, such as kimchi. The main barbeque menu is fantastic. Meat and seafood are must-haves, and may I also recommend the seafood pancake; it is so different from IHOP. If you are not familiar with Oriental food, the folks are willing to help and explain. Korean barbeque, in my opinion, is more flavorful and healthy.

P.S. The barley tea in the restaurant is good and free, and you have to mention the half-brewed rice wine soup (it does not have liquor). I guess it gets rid of the smell of the food. I love it.

The Getty Center is set up in memorial to the late J. Paul Getty, as more than 70% of the collection in the museum is Mr. Getty's personal collection. Relocated and opened in 1997, this place has been a major site for art lovers in the world, with 1.2 million annual visitors. Home of a vast number of paintings, decorative arts, sculptures, and photographs ranging from the year 400 AD to the 1980s and from Van Gogh to an unknown Iranian artist, the building itself is a masterpiece. Designed by Richard Meier, the annex follows and accentuates the contour of the hill, with originality showing everywhere, overlooking L.A.’s most beautiful Pacific and city skylines. The Center Garden is a great work of Robert Irwin. It is one of the most ingenious usages of water in architecture. Both the collection itself and the architecture are truly inspiring pieces of art.