The 2009 Los Angeles Fodor's Asia Forum Get Together (GTG)

Downtown LA Skyline

Many thanks to Bill (FilmWill) for organizing all 3 days of events. For another "trip report" of the event, go here on the Fodor's Asia board.

Day 1, Friday March 20th

The first event was a dinner for the "out-of-towners" at Yamashiro in Hollywood. This is a beautiful Asian-themed restaurant with lovely gardens and a fantastic view of all of Los Angeles. Unfortunately, because we were there at night, I didn't get any photos of the exterior of the garden.

Bill had been promising us he had a "big surprise" in store and I don't think anyone expected that it would be Katie H., the Fodor's Community Editor. Fodor's generously sent her out to LA fro New York to attend the 3-day event.

Katie H.

EasyTraveler, Katie H. and Andy (GPanda).

Karen ("mrs" rhkkmk), Lucy (lcuy) and nanabee

Group Photo

Day 2, Saturday March 21st

The event for day 2, was a Thai lunch at Red Corner Asia. The restaurant is in Hollywood which is the center of the Thai community in Los Angeles.

We began with everyone mingling and chatting. Once everyone sat down, Bill (Filmwill) had us go around the room and introduce ourselves and say where our next trip was to be. Then we got down to the serious business of ordering and eating! I had the (mis)fortune of being seated next to gpanda who took over the ordering like a steamroller. Fortunately, he took the advice of "those in the know" nearby, and made a good selection of dishes. We sat with Katie H, Allison (who gave me tips on Vietnam), Ray (rkkwan) with his fabulous camera, and the long-suffering Beth (mrs. gpanda).

"Magical", front right.

Cheryl and Kathie

Lots of laughter all around.

And now, on to the FOOD....

Red Curry with Duck

Pad See Ew (noodles with Chinese Broccoli and Chicken)

Red Corner Asia's signature fish dish, fried with an apple and cashew salad.

After lunch, Katie H. got up and spoke a little about working at Fodor's and thanked us all for participating in the Community Forums. We then had a raffle of an assortment of Fodor's Guides (I won Hawaii 2009, anyone going?) and Katie H. gave us all some cool orange Fodor's bags which fold into a tiny pouch.

Day 3, Sunday March 22nd

The last event was a Dim Sum breakfast at Empress Pavillion in Downtown LA's Chinatown. This was a smaller group than the previous events, but we were joined by my husband David, his grandmother (who is about to move to Taiwan, long story) and "klamchowder" from Fodor's. There are few pictures of the food because we were all too busy eating!

There is a great view of the LA skyline from the parking garage above the Empress Pavillion. Above, Kristina and David with David's grandmother Mary.

And thus ended another great Fodor's GTG. Hope to see you all next time!

Peter (hawaiiantraveler)
and Bob (rhkkmk)

Beth (mrs gpanda)

Ray (rkkwan)

Fried Spring Rolls

Eggplant with Tofu

Green Curry with Chicken

Gpanda with his new username.

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