Coupla questions from a Sens fan coming for Monday's game

Thanks for stopping by JFTC to say hello. I don’t get to Kings games as often as some of the LA Locals around here do, but I’ll do my best to give you some suggestions here.

You are correct in mentioning that LA Live is the beehive of activity around Staples Center. There are quite a few dining options at LA Live. Whenever I get to LA Live early for a game, I always enjoy grabbing a prime rib sandwich at Lawry’s Carvery at LA Live. Lawry’s is a well known LA institution especially known for their prime rib and roast beef.

When I want to enjoy a pint or seven before the game, the Yardhouse at LA Live is a great option. Yes, it is a chain, but they have an amazing variety of beers on tap. If you’re into sampling some great California beers while you’re there, try the Firestone Double Barrell (from Central California), the Anderson Valley Boont Amber (my absolute favorite. From NorCal), or the Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale (from my region – San Diego). The Yardhouse before gametime is often standing room only, but they have the place plastered with TV’s so you will certainly get to watch some puck while you imbibe there.

I haven’t been to this spot yet, but at LA Live’s ESPN Zone restaurant they just opened up an area dedicated solely to hockey fans called The Penalty Box. I would venture to guess that they will be showing games from around the league there, so you may want to head over there on Saturday to watch HNIC, Coach’s Corner and the Satellite Hotstove. I sure hope your Sens beat the crap out of the Ducks that night!

After the game (if I am with a designated driver), I absolutely love to grab a celebratory drink at the Figueroa Hotel. The Hotel is just a quick 2 block walk north of Staples Center, and it features some of the greatest indoor architecture to be seen for free in Downtown LA. They have a really cool, but non-pretentious, pool side bar that has a really great ambiance for late at night.

For a great greesy spoon breakfast in the downtown area, check out The Original Pantry Cafe. It’s just a slap-shot away from Staples Center, is owned by former LA Mayor Dick Riordan, and it gives you an authentic downtown LA experience that can in no way be replicated by LA Live.

Some other place around the LA environs worth checking out are:

Philippe’s – birthplace of the French Dip Sandwich. It’s close to Dodger Stadium and Chinatown.

The Grove You’ll hopefully score some bonus points with your girlfriend if you take her shopping there. My good friend is a cameraman for TMZ, and they always have him stationed out there to take quick videos of the celebs as they shop there.

The Getty Museums – There are 2 in LA, one in Malibu and one at the Sepulveda Pass off the 405 freeway. I prefer the Malibu Villa, but the Sepulveda museum may be easier for you to get to from your downtown hotel.

I hope you find this helpful, and that you and your significant other have a great visit to the City of Angels. Do us a favor and please come back to this fanpost at JFTC after your visit, and let us know what you think about the Staples Center/LA Live experience.

And could you also do us one more favor…please leave Milan Michalek here in LA to play for our team. We’ll even let you take Trent Hunter back with you in exchange!

Do NOT miss In-N-Out Burgers while you’re in LA. No, they won’t have hockey games on while you eat but it will be worth your time nonetheless.