Glendale, Burbank and the Studios

Ok. So this review gets a little bit complicated.

The tricky thing is - that when I visited Burbank in December 2008 - this was the best thing to do in the area. It's one of the coolest sights and things to do, and best of all it's free.

It was so good; I couldn't possibly review Burbank with out giving it a nod, even though as most of you know, things aren't like they used to be.

So, first things first. The NBC Tour.

You get a lot of mixed reviews about this. Some people love it; some people think it's kind of cheesy and a waste of time. If you're interested in studios and don't mind a little touristy attractions, then you should probably give the NBC studio tour a visit. Located in central Burbank on West Alameda Avenue - this is quite a nice spot. Though there's not much else to do on foot in the area, if you are with out wheels, in the day time you can wander about and there are a few nice benches to chill out on, and a park around the corner.

I actually do recommend you visit this site if you get the chance - given how much changes in Hollywood (all of NBC studios are making moves around at the moment, and apparently are going to be in a new headquarters in Universal City by 2011. As this is the historic site of all the Jay Leno and Johnny Carson tapings, it's a great and historic part of Burbank - and Hollywood - to see.)

It's also worth mentioning that NBC is the only television studio in the area that lets you get behind the scenes in the studio tour.

It's not free, but at around $8 is still a very reasonable price for a day out in Burbank - and as I said, seeing a bit of history that might not be around for long.

But whether or not you want to do the actual NBC tour - a taping at NBC studios is a must for any visitor to Burbank.

When I went to my taping (which are free, by the way) it was still Jay Leno doing the Tonight Show. In fact I got to see one of his last shows - a pretty cool thing to have done.
As of June 2009 - Conan O'Brian took over the Tonight Show, and I have heard that that show has moved into Universal City as well.

However, I have also heard that you can still see free tapings at the old NBC studio, and of Jay Leno - though now it's his new prime time TV show.

To be honest, if you can get a chance to do either or both of these experiences, it's well worth spending the day doing it. It was one of the highlights for our trip - a quirky day of patiently waiting in line. (Tickets are first come, first serve. You pick them up at the studio early in the morning, and arrive as early as you can to wait to make sure you get in.)

There was a heightened bit of security just as we were going it - but other than that it was all very pleasant - and very cool indeed.

I'm not sure about exactly how the process works now - though you'll be able to find out exact details on their websites - depending on which show you would like to go to a taping of. When we went in December you just checked the TV guide that week to see who you might want to see on a taping and then try to get tickets for that day. Keep in mind that the bigger the celebrity the bigger the lines, so you'll want to arrive even earlier.

The entire thing was very cool. We got to see Jamie Foxx with a surprise visit by Betty White. The atmosphere is great - and much more intimate than you might imagine. Jay Leno got up and joked with the crowd before and in between the show and commercials, as did Jamie Foxx.

This is something - even if you're not a huge fan - that I highly recommend you give a go. Please check first for what the new arrangements are, and dates for changes of locations - but then show up for a great, free show!

For anyone who's been to LA before, you learn pretty quickly that to really experience this colossal city you must break it down into the little cities that make it up.

And though Los Angeles itself is this enormous, sprawling thing with incomprehensible options for food, shopping, activities and sights - it's a much easier and more pleasant endeavour if you take it one little region at a time, and see what each has to offer.

And when you do this - you realize that it's not such an insanely unreasonable city after all, and is in fact a lot of very manageable and pleasant little cities all together. You just have to find which one suits you.

Burbank - aside from the studios, the tours and tapings, the great 50's restaurants and car shows, (and an airport - did I mention they have their own airport?) also has a great little city centre and shopping area.

Referred to simply as 'Burbank Town Center’ this is where all the great local stuff is - and where you can shop and eat to your heart's content.

Getting around LA by driving is never especially easy - even when you get the hang of it - but luckily once you find your way to Burbank Town Center everything from there is a piece of cake.

There are plenty of parking garages and the prices are pretty reasonable. You can't miss it as very suddenly the town jumps up before you along with the huge outlets for things like Sears, Macy's and electronic stores. I highly recommend you park in a parking garage and then head out on foot as there is plenty to see and none of it is too far away.

We were lucky enough to be spending a month here just before Christmas, and this is an excellent place to do some Christmas (or souvenir) shopping. The shopping center itself is filled with a vast selection of good stores - all pretty typical to the US, but the kind you will be itching to get in and check for good deals if you're not resident in the states. (Things like Old Navy, American Eagle, Sears, Bath and Body Works, etc)

Also - (and this is true of most US shopping centers and malls, but particularly so of this one) be certain to stop into one of the several vendors that sell giant pretzels. If you've never had one of these American delights you are in for a real treat. (I made a point of visiting Burbank Town Center twice just for this purpose, as after a while out of the states I really begin to crave a good pretzel...) Be sure to try a sesame seed one if you can!

There are plenty of options here for fast food or quick drinks if you like - but also if you wander outside of the shopping mall area and down some of Burbank's main streets a few minutes walk away you will find slightly nicer dining of all shapes and sizes. The smells on this street will surely lure you into somewhere - there are plenty to choose from.

There is also an excellent cinema here - and though a little bit pricey (as most of them seem to be these days, anyway) it's well worth a visit as you will often get to see films at this cinema before their official opening date. And anyway - you should make a point of seeing some movies in California.

At Christmas time the place is very festive with decorations and brass bands playing on the street corners - and you do feel as if you can walk around this area, even at night, and not feel unsafe.

I highly recommend anyone wanting to get in a little US shopping to try it out - and have a walk around Burbank town center to see what all it has to offer!

When I travel I really like to take in as much of the local food as part of the experience as I can - so it is only in special circumstances (or for lack of option) that I visit a restaurant more than once when I stay somewhere.
It's only happened a few times since I began travelling - and as you certainly couldn't say there are a lack of eating options in Burbank, then it's pretty clear what an impression Bob's Big Boy made on me.

The first thing to realize about it is that it's not just about the dining experience - though this was great and in the three times I visited in my month long stay I never once had a complaint - but it is almost an attraction in itself.

An old time chain of great 50's restaurant, the one in Burbank is the oldest remaining of the chains in the US. Built in 1949, and still keeping it's very classic look, this is the quintessential 50's Route 66 burger joint.
It's even been given the status of 'State Point of Historical Interest" in California

It's been polished up in recent times, but it still has every bit of the classic 50's style and atmosphere, which has been spectacularly maintained.

Every weekend they have a 'classic car' night (I highly recommend that you plan your visit - or at least one of them - on a Friday night to enjoy the classic car part of the experience as the parking lot and car hop area fills with some excellent versions of the local classic cars. And I hear that this is something Jay Leno often frequents.

But if you can't make it for the weekend or even in the evening then drop in any time for an excellent experience. They serve great breakfasts and lunches - and their sundaes and deserts and spectacular whenever you can get them!

My friend had been wanting to try American 'coffee and pie' in a place like this every since we arrived in California, and he was not disappointed.

The prices are good and the food is glorious. The place is often hopping - especially on a Friday night - but we never had to wait too long for a table. And each time we arrived (either sitting in a booth with our own waiter or at the bar for a quick sundae) the service was very friendly and very very good.

It's a part of California history, and it's a spectacular way to spend a Friday night (or a Sunday morning) in Burbank. Be sure to try one of their shakes or sundaes - some of the best I've had anywhere in the world.

This is my number one recommend of a place to stop in for some food in Burbank.

The little suburb town of Montrose in Northern LA between Burbank and La Cresenta is a very interesting place to visit in the city of LA. Though it's just a few minutes away from bustling Burbank - it's also on the edge of the Angeles National Forest - and is an especially nice place to be in the late fall and early winter.

The little streets feel like they've not changed all the much since the 50s - there's a great atmosphere here, a place you can wander along the sidewalks looking at little local shops and trying local cafes while the trees lining the streets dust the sidewalks with falling leaves, and the Christmas lights decorate the trunks and braches.

It's easy to forget you are in 'big bad LA' here - and it's a great place to catch your breath from city life.
And on the main street of Ocean View - you find the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.

This is a chain coffee shop you will find around Los Angeles, and so isn't exactly one of the local cafes that Montrose is good for. But equally - you still get the small town feel for life in Montrose here, with plenty of seating (indoor and out) and a slight change of pace from the average Starbucks.

Unfortunately - and I do hate to have to write this - the coffee that I had at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf on Ocean view was not outstanding. I visited this shop several times in the month I stayed in Montrose - and though it did have a lot to offer, spectacular tasting coffee wasn't its strong point.

Having said that - I had lived in Europe for the past 6 years and was only recently back from New Zealand, where they do world class coffee at every truck stop. So it's true that I am a little spoiled. However, I did try a coffee and a hot chocolate from a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in Santa Monica, and the quality was better.

Having said that - it does still have a lot going for it, and the coffee isn't bad - it's just not as nice as I would like from such a nice little coffee shop.

Possibly the best asset to this shop is the free wi-fi access, something I was unaccustomed to being out of the states for so long. It's very convenient in that regard and because it's quite spacious and very chilled and relaxed is a good place to go to catch up on work or staying in touch if you’re out on the road.

The location is also very good - it's right on the main street - you can walk there from almost anywhere you might be going in main street Montrose - and there's a decent amount of parking. I was there in December and the parking was never horrendous at any time.

The shop itself is very nicely put together - and though not cheap does have a very good selection of options. The nicest thing I did have there was a hot chocolate - great for those coolish evenings in Southern California winter.

But possibly the best thing, was the oddly stunning view of LA City. From the outdoor seating at the back of the coffee shop, you get a fantastic if hazy view of the distant skyline of LA. It's an incredible feeling - know you are still in the city, but so far away that you can enjoy it from afar...

If you are in Glendale or the Montrose area, it's worth stopping here for a hot chocolate and a moment's reflection on the world.

I doubt there is a Lebowski fan in the world who when visiting Southern California wouldn't attempt to find the legendary IN-N-OUT Burger chain.
Loved by those on the west coast for years - this place became world renowned when it appeared in the beloved cult film 'The Big Lebowski.' And for myself and my husband (being 'Achievers' ourselves) finding and trying the 'good burgers' at the famous chain was very high on the list of things to do in California.

Technically this restaurant is in North Hollywood - so I was uncertain of which review to include it in. It isn't far from central Burbank, though - and if you've got a map and look it up ahead of time, it's not too difficult to find. (though you will need to do this unless you know someone who knows where it is - even with a map and an excellent sense of direction we did still loop around North Hollywood a little bit trying to find it.)

Though it's hard to specify exactly where the restaurant that was visited in the film is - there appears to be only one IN-N-OUT in North Hollywood, and that is on Lankershim Blvd. But never fear - if you're not in the area or not bothered about visiting 'the' one - LA is riddled with the delights of the IN-N-OUT, and we sampled them with gusto while we were in California. And not once were we disappointed.

This is a classic, tasty option for good old 50's style US hamburgers. Somewhat akin to Sonic in the south - this is a very basic drive in, and you get what you expect.

I have to say, I loved the IN-N-OUT - and not just for the film reference (though it was cool, and I do have my picture taken in front of several of them) It was actually the very first American restaurant I visited after a year of travel and four years out of the country - and it was glorious.

Very cheap and very tasty - find one and try it as soon as you can. With a simple selection of three burgers or fries, you really do get 'in and out' quickly and with excellent food. It's very cheap - just over a dollar for a burger - and in every California restaurant I went to the service was really impressive despite it's small size and the fast food aspect.

Try it - you really can't go wrong. Those are good burgers...

If you are visiting Burbank and NBC studios in California - chances are you are driving. And for your sake, I hope this is the case, because as much stuff as there is to see and do in the area (cheaply or otherwise) the options drop drastically if you don't have your own transport. Or what options there are become much trickier to achieve.

But you might also - like me - be visiting with friends who suggest you try the NBC tour and Tonight Show tapings in Burbank. The tours and tapings start in the mid afternoon, and if you are waiting for a ride (or say to meet someone who's not yet finished with work after the taping or tour) and have some time to kill in Burbank - this can be quite tricky with out a car.

If you do finish your tour in the day and want to see and do other things, there are some buses that you can take - (though I can't say I would recommend them. I was advised not to, so I can't say if they are good or not) and there are a good selection of restaurants that aren't too far a walk if you feel so inclined.

However, when we finished with the taping - being December the light was already gone and everyone else who had seen the show as well as it seemed everyone else in NBC studios and the surrounding area disappeared entirely in about 20 minutes.

We very rapidly found ourselves standing on a completely empty dark street in Burbank with nothing to do in sight. We walked around a little ways to see if we could find something - but it became apparent very soon that there wasn't much to see by walking, it wasn't exactly pedestrian friendly - and we had no idea how far away the nearest things might be.

My friend works in film, and as her hours were sporadic we weren't sure how long a wait we had - so after waiting about half an hour in the dark outside of NBC, we decided to walk across to the nearest restaurant we could see, and that was Acapulco.

It didn't jump out at us from afar in the dark as an amazing place to eat - and to be honest had we not been in the situation we were we may never have found the place. But once inside - we found it cosy and welcoming with a surprisingly lively atmosphere.

We were there in the early evening and there was plenty of seating to be had, though this quickly filled up as work ended. This is obviously a local hot spot for offices to go at the end of the day, and as the night wore on it got more and more lively.

Basically - this was a nice little place. It was well lit with great music and sports on the TV. The margaritas were a reasonable price and not too bad, either. We sat and had a lot of free chips and dip and a few margaritas and some Mexican beer before it became apparent that our ride was going to be later than expected.

A karaoke dj came in and the lights turned down and the whole place was thoroughly enjoying the evening. It was a strange few hours we had to kill - and though we didn't intend to spend the entire evening in a Mexican Restaurant, it did turn out to be a memorable night.

After feeling bad about taking up a table with just a few drinks (though they never gave us the impression this was a problem at all, and were friendly and helpful through out) we ordered two platters of very reasonably priced appetizers and another few beers and laughed at the office workers singing karaoke.

All in all - it's a great place to go after your tour of NBC studios. Good prices, good service, nice atmosphere and good little selection of drinks and food - a perfect pit stop between sight seeing, or waiting for a ride.