So Libs-see, what do you think as you have gotten alot of advice already?

I'm sure the current-gen models will drop a $100, so iPad mini for $229 and iPad 4th gen for $399. But at that point, I would just go for the new ones.

I wouldn't be sure of it. That undercuts the iPod Touch business.

Thanks for the advice y'all!

Torri I'm still waiting on your restaurant recommendations!

Here's part 1, focusing on Culver/Venice/SaMo. Will EVENTUALLY get to other areas. I like a lot of places here (eating out is definitely the biggest component of my budget next to rent...) so apologies if this is overwhelming. Have tried to highlight casual places or places with bars where I might feel OK lounging out solo.

Santa Monica:
• Father’s Office – gastropub, one of my favorite burgers in LA. In the Montana shopping area. Gets crowded.
• The Misfit – American/gastropub. Right off of the Promenade. A little pricey.
• Stella Barra – Pizza. On Main Street (south of Pico, towards Venice). Has a carry out section.
• Bay Cities – Italian sandwich shop. Get the Godmother with the Works (+ Hot Peppers).
• Cha Cha Chicken – BYOA (yup, anything is cool here – even Jack) Caribbean chicken place on Pico/ Ocean. Right above Shutters on the Beach/ Casa del Mar. Casual. Pretty much required.
• Santa Monica Seafood – Seafood (duh). Would go here for oysters. Sit at the bar. Around 10th/ Wilshire.
• Huckleberry/ Milo & Olive/ Rustic Canyon – Three wonderful restaurants owned by a small group. Huckleberry is a posh ‘fast casual’ operation. Excellent for brunch. Milo & Olive is a pizza place. Rustic Canyon is a wine bar. All are among my favorites in the city.
• Tacos Por Favor – What’s a trip to LA w/o tacos? I’m a fan of the Chorizo/Cheese here.
• Bars: I like the Basement, the Bungalow (@ the Fairmont), the Penthouse (@ the Huntley), the roof-top bar at the Shangri-La, Library Alehouse, The Daily Pint (dive), and Barneys (for sports).
• Others: The Lobster, Santa Monica Water Grill, True Food Kitchen, Real Food Daily, Blue Plate Taco, Sugarfish, Umami Burger, Hillstone, Josie’s Next Door. 1 Pico, Josie’s, Jiraffe and Fig are all good upscale choices.

Venice:
• Gjelina and GTA (Gjelina Take Away) – Californian/ American. Along Abbot-Kinney. I call this place the mecca – my favorite place in LA. Notable for its no substitutions policy. GTA is take-out. Gjelina has a bar and some communal seating areas.
• Superba Snackbar – Pasta place on Rose, west of Lincoln (close to beach). VERY sceney.
• Rose Café and Market – Cute brunch place on Rose, west of Lincoln
• Joe’s Restaurant – Californian/ American on Abbot-Kinney. Kind of pricey, but consistent. I like the Crab Hash on the Brunch menu.
• Café Gratitude – Vegan. Kinda trippy…every item on the menu has a name like ‘I Am Satisfied’, ‘I Am Happy’, etc. But I like the food. On Rose, west of Lincoln.
• Abbot-Kinney Pizza – Home of the Salad Pizza!
• French Market Café – VERY casual. On Abbot-Kinney but south of the main shopping area.
• Bars: The Brig, The Other Room, roof-top bar at Hotel Erwin, James Beach, Nikki’s, Townhouse
• Others: 26 Beach, Chaya, Lemonade, Ado, Hal’s, California Chicken Cafe

Culver City:
• Father’s Office – gastropub. Large offshoot of the Santa Monica original. In the Helms Furniture area.
• Public School 310 – gastropub in Downtown Culver. Love the drinks (esp. the watermelon fresco) and bacon tater tots. They’ve got a nice bar area.
• A-Frame – Asian American fusion. Operated by a chef that popularized the ‘Korean Street Taco’. Some communal tables/ small bar. Fun with friends – sharing is emphasized. Used to have one of my favorite dishes – a Thai Clam Chowder. On Washington, west of Downtown Culver.
• Waterloo & City – gastropub. Right next to A-Frame. Pretty large, so could be good solo option. Has a bar. Stiff drinks and good flatbreads. Menu changes often, but I’ve had good Short Rib here.
• Samosa House – vegan/indian. On Washington, west of Downtown Culver.
• Tender Greens – casual salad place. Downtown Culver.
• Bars: Rocco’s, Ugo, The Corner Door, Joxer Daly’s (‘skins bar!)
• Others: Ford’s Filling Station, Honey’s Kettle, City Tavern, Lukshon, Surfas, Tito’s Tacos, Grey Block Pizza

Marina del Rey:
• Sunny Spot – Asian American fusion. Operated by same chef as A-Frame. On Washington, west of Lincoln. Has a bar. Nice outdoor patio area.
• Cow’s End – My study spot. Casual Coffee/Shakes/Sandwiches place, a few blocks from the beach on Washington.
• Mendocino Farms – Fast casual sandwich shop. In a shopping area right along the Marina (Waterside?).

Woah, this is detailed. Thanks so much!