Re: Early warning: I\'m coming to California in December
Spent all day today at the Getty--wow is that place phenomenal. Definitely one of the best museum experiences I've ever had.
After I left the Getty I headed over to Commerce. Man did traffic suck. It took me like an hour twenty to get there.
I had been prepared to be overwhlemed by the sheer size and number of tables at Commerce, but I was definintely taken aback. A bad omen came when I went to an ATM (I didn't bring any cash with me) and saw a sign that said "Maximum transaction $500." D'oh. Anyway, I figured no biggie as I can use my NETeller debit card as many times as it takes to get cash for $20/40.
No dice! For some reason my NETeller debit card didn't work at the ATMs in Commerce. So I got in my car and drove around until I found a Bank of America and took money out, then headed back and sat down in the must-move $20/40 table. I thought there was the must move game and one main game, but there were 5 (!) 20/40s going. Man, you West Coast poker players have it good.
Moved to a different 20/40, I was surrounded by Lebanese dudes. I felt like Israel in '67! It took them about two minutes to ask me if I was Jewish and then start calling me cheap. PrivateJoker called and said he'd be on his way. When he showed up I asked him what (free!) food I should get with the caveat that I wanted something kind of light. He suggested the buffalo wings, and I reiterated that I wanted something "light," ie not buffalo wings. He then suggested the Asian chicken salad, which I assume at Commerce is just called the "chicken salad." It was pretty good.
I only got to see one patented West Coast player confrontation, which took place between some Asian dude and one of the drunk Lebanese guys. Sadly no fisticuffs were exchanged or even threatened.
PrivateJoker and I only played one hand together and I'm proud to say I'm undefeated against him. I met BoxTree briefly but didn't get to play with him.
Anyway, I'm planning on going to Santa Monica tomorrow and just kind of wandering around and then heading back to Commerce late afternoon/early evening. Suggestions for lunch places in Santa Monica would be appreciated.
-Brad
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