Dive Life in Hawaii

View of Waikiki from Diamond Head

We chose Oahu for our first trip to Hawaii and it was absolutely beautiful. We stayed in Waikiki, which is crowded and touristy, but took amazing day trips to the Dole Plantation, North Shore, Pearl Harbor, went on a rain forest hike, and snorkeled in the crystal clear waters at Hanauma Bay! After 6 wonderful days on the island of Oahu we learned one important fact: Waikiki is VERY expensive. However, after lots of walking, we did manage to find some great dive-budget friendly spots.

Dive Life Returns!

We are settling back into reality here after two incredible vacations in Italy and Hawaii. I have many posts to catch up on including both vacations, L.A.'s Brew at the Zoo 2012, and a couple local spots we tried out before our travels. However, since I am still gathering my thoughts and working on putting together coherent sentences about all those fantastic adventures, I thought I would just do a quick update about some upcoming events in the area...

Upcoming Adventures...

We are looking forward to sampling some great beer and checking out the wildlife at the Brew at the L.A. Zoo tonight! If you haven't already you can check the info out here. The event is from 6-10 pm and tickets are $40 pre-sale or $45 at the door.

Also, Dive Life is going to be doing some traveling for the next few weeks. This Sunday we take off for 9 days in Italy and then, as if that isn't awesome enough, we are heading to the island of Oahu for 6 more days of adventure! We are very excited to explore these beautiful places, as well as check out the local bar scenes. Stay tuned in a few weeks for the special Italian and Hawaiian editions of Dive Life!

Cheers!

Brew at the Zoo

This Friday (8/10) from 6-10 p.m., the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens will be holding the Brew at the L.A. Zoo 2012. The evening will feature beer samples from over 20 breweries, live comedians from the Laugh Factory, a DJ, live music, food, and more. Tickets are $40 pre-sale, $45 at the door, and $20 for designated drivers. According to the website guests will also have a chance to see live animals including elephants, koalas, apes, crocodiles, and other cool critters. Sounds like a great way to spend a Friday night!

Oh Happy Day!

Happy IPA Day! Yes friends today is the 2nd annual IPA day, created in 2011 by "beer evangelists" Ashley Routson and Ryan Ross as a way to unite beer lovers and brewers through social media. According to the official website IPA Day "is an opportunity for the entire craft beer culture to combine forces and advocate craft beer through increased education and global awareness".

So grab your favorite IPA and celebrate the day!

Cheers!!

El Cholo

El Cholo Restaurant in La Habra is definitely not a dive, but we love it. I have read some mixed reviews about El Cholo, most of which I disagree with or don't see as a reason for a bad review. Yes sometimes you will have to wait for a table (they get busy) and no it is not super cheap Mexican food (it is a nice sit down restaurant). However, El Cholo does the 2 most important things very well- food and drink. I have never ordered a dish here that I did not enjoy. My go to favorites are the Enchilada Suiza or the Enchilada/Tamale combo plate- both delicious! I have also heard that the seasonal green corn tamales are amazing, but I have yet to try one for myself. Of course, you can't go wrong with a simple plate of sizzling fajitas...

CA Beer Festivals

There are going to be some fantastic beer festivals coming up in the Fall and Dive Life is looking forward to getting out and drinking with the masses. We are definitely planning on attending the California Beer Festival in either Ventura or San Dimas, or both! The festival will be in Ventura September 15-16 or in San Dimas October 6 and a general admission ticket is around $45 ($25 for designated drivers).  In addition to all the craft breweries, the festival will also feature good food and live music!

If you can't make it out to the CA Beer Festival, there is also The O.C. Brew Ha Ha on September 8 in Silverado. General admission is $40 ($15 for designated drivers).
Check back for updates to our listing of local beer festivals!
Know of any good festivals? Let us know!

Cheers!