Saturday I spent the day in Venice…

California, unfortunately not Italy, but it is still geographically desirable.

I usually avoid Abbot Kinney Boulevard because it is a tourist magnet, but the times they are a changin’.

The street is lined with boutiques and eating establishments.

In fact, it now looks like the Venice Boardwalk in its heyday, reflective of street vendors, trendy boutiques, restaurants, string bikinis haphazardly displayed  on the sidewalk, musk oil wafting through the air combined with hippy dippy offerings.

After finding parking, which can be challenging, food was our priority.

In need of sustenance after a morning at the gym, we enjoyed a stellar brunch at Yours Truly.

The ambiance is charming and Yours Truly features interesting twists on traditional brunch fare.

My past caught up with me in the guise of a lovely Lillet on the rocks.

In my youth I spend extended periods of time in Paris, Lillet on the rocks was my drink of choice.

David savored a draft on a warm Saturday afternoon.

We kicked things off with Fingerling Potatoes, pecorino shavings in a hollandaise sauce. The potatoes were crispy and delicious (412).

The Smoked Salmon and Scallion Pancake with creme fraiche was fabulous in a lemon soy sauce accented with savory salmon roe ($17).

Dutch Baby was all that…the soufflé was served in a piping hot cast iron skillet with peas, succulent morels in a parmesan cream ($24).

Satiated, we hit Abbot Kinney, sauntering into a plethora of shops.

I renewed my relationship with Fiorentini-Baker whose boots I have worn for years.

David had a very cool bracelet handmade for me at Miansai.

The interior and wares at Will Leather Goods were very appealing. I loved the beach bags made from vintage quilt fabrics, but $250 for a beach accessory was difficult even for me to rationalize.

Everlane just opened last week on Abbot Kinney. The items are timeless staples made with high quality fabrics and stellar pricing.

I bought a great sweatshirt for $38.

Rag & Bone also made a statement.

My biggest purchase was at Med Man where I was educated about the merits of THC and CBD.

There was a line to get into Med Man.

First, the person at the door makes a copy of your driver’s license and then you are introduced to a consultant.

My concerns were finding a product for migraines and sleeplessness.

I left with some goodies…hopefully they turn out to be my magic elixir.

Across the street the line for Salt & Straw was down the block…who doesn’t love ice cream on a warm summer day.

We ended up at Intelligentsia for ice coffee and then made the trek back to the car armed with meds and merchandise.

Exploring Abbot Kinney turned out to be a very enjoyable experience and a pleasant surprise.

Yours Truly 1616 Abbot Kinney Boulevard Venice, California. Open daily.