Adventure Los Angeles: Fabulous First Fridays

Abbot Kinney in Venice, California is a favorite LA jaunt any day of the year. It’s a perfect Mod City Mom marriage of quirky shopping, deliciously honest eats, and eclectic, architectural appeal. One day a month, this artists’ enclave has elevated its status even more by introducing First Friday. The first Friday of each month, Abbot Kinney boutiques stay open late, galleries offer cheese and wine, artists peddle their wares, and live music rings throughout the streets. As if all this isn’t enticing enough, the foodies favorite movable feasts, the gourmet food trucks, park up and down the strip. For one night a month, the culinary chase stops and families and singles alike soak in the predictably beautiful LA weather and whimsical Venice culture in the most spectacularly easy way.

Border Grill Truck: The mobile brainchild of chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger (Top Chef Masters, Season 2) brings elevated Latin street bites to the masses, including the “I’m still dreaming about” Peruvian ceviche and potato tacos. Details: twitter.com/bordergrill

World Fare: Watch all of the street action while eating from the second floor of this gourmet bus. Highlights include a freshly juiced strawberry and basil refresher accompanied with bunny chow, a Durban, South African staple of curried meats encased in a soft pillow of white, fluffy bread. Details: twitter.com/worldfare

Kogi Barbecue: The truck that started the Korean Barbecue craze marries the handheld taco with traditional Korean flavors. For only $2 each, choose from the inspired short-rib, chicken, pork, or tofu. Details: http://www.kogibbq.com/

Coolhaus: This chrome-rimmed ice cream truck delivers icy treats like no other. Choose from balsamic fig and mascarpone ice cream wedged between two homemade oatmeal cookies or perhaps a wild cherry and ricotta wrapped in chocolate! Whatever your pleasure, this ice cream truck is the cool choice. Details: http://www.eatcoolhaus.com/

India Jones: This gourmet food truck delivers Indian food with a twist, including samosa spring rolls, paneer frankies, and an abundance of succulent curries. Details: http://www.indiajoneschowtruck.com/

Surfing Cowboys: For shopping, it gets no better than Surfing Cowboys. The owners of this boutique collect vintage California surf culture and Mid-Century Modern furniture, art, jewelry, and home wares. Somewhere between a gallery and a store, this ever-changing mix of items is satisfying for viewing or for buying. Details: http://www.surfingcowboys.com/

A+R: If you're in the mood for creative gifting, check out the very fun and quirky A+R. Browse from a collection of animal tattoo hand puppets, paper gun kits, or glass animal shot glasses. Details: http://www.aplusrstore.com/


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