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📍LA/OC, SoCal & Beyond
😋Food/coffee guide 👫Date ideas
💎Hidden gems 🎒Travel ✨️Lifestyle
📸엘에이 맛집+미국 생활 공유
👩Me: @especially.elly @ellysfamilyinla
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🥩🧀 Charleys Cheesesteaks, Van Nuys

Stopped by Charleys Cheesesteaks in Van Nuys, located inside The Plant Shopping Center! If you’re craving a loaded cheesesteak, wings, fries, and a thick shake all in one stop… this is the place. 🔥

📍 7956 Van Nuys Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91402
🚗 Parking: Super convenient since it’s inside The Plant — plenty of shopping center parking nearby.

Charleys is known for its grilled-to-order cheesesteaks made with USDA Choice steak, melted cheese, veggies, and a toasted roll, plus wings, loaded fries, shakes and more. 🥩🧀🍟

What we tried 👇

🥩 Steak Bomb Cheesesteak
Definitely the main character.  Loaded with steak, pepperoni, grilled onions, peppers, mushrooms, provolone + parmesan on a toasted roll. Meaty, cheesy, savory and VERY filling.

🧀 Mozzarella Sticks
Crispy outside + melty cheese inside, served with marinara. Simple comfort food that’s perfect for sharing… although I could easily eat them all myself. 

🍪🥤 Cookies N’ Cream Milkshake
Thick vanilla soft serve blended with OREO® pieces, then topped with whipped cream + even more cookie pieces. Basically dessert in a cup. 🤍

🤠🍟 Cowboy Fries
These are NOT your basic fries! Loaded with cheddar cheese sauce, BBQ, ranch + crispy bacon bits. Salty, smoky, creamy and dangerously snackable. 🤤

🌶️🍗 Habanero Wings
Sweet heat with a spicy kick 🔥 Perfect if you like your wings with some personality. The spice definitely helps balance out all that cheesy goodness.

Overall, this was one of those go hungry, leave VERY full meals.  Cheesesteak + loaded fries + spicy wings + a Cookies N’ Cream shake = comfort food overload in the best way. 🥩🍟🍗🥤✨

#invited💌

#CharleysCheesesteaks #Charleys #Cheesesteak taken in Charleys Cheesesteaks by @especially.elly
4
a month ago
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🌊 8 Perfect Weekend Spots in Long Beach, CA

1. 🚢 The Queen Mary
📍 Address:
1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802
💰 Admission:
Ship tours: Around $30+ (varies by tour)
Special events may have separate pricing
Hotel guests have access included
✨ Things To Do:
• Explore this historic ocean liner from 1936
• Learn about its fascinating history & stories
• Enjoy waterfront dining with beautiful views
• Seasonal events like 🎃 Dark Harbor (Halloween) & holiday events 🎄

2. 🌴 Shoreline Village
📍 Address:
429 Shoreline Village Dr, Long Beach, CA 90802
✨ Things To Do:
• Walk along the waterfront promenade 🌊
• Try restaurants, snacks, and ice cream 🍦
• Watch boats and enjoy sunset views 🌅
🎉 Events:
• Live music & seasonal waterfront events

3. 🎭 Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center
📍 Address:
300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802
✨ Things To Do:
• Hosts concerts, conventions, expos & family events
• Easy walk to Shoreline Village & The Pike
🎉 Popular Events:
• Anime Expo
• Comic conventions
• Concerts & performances
• Family shows

4. 🛍️ The Pike Outlets
📍 Address:
95 S Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802
✨ Things To Do:
• Shop outlet stores 🛍️
• Enjoy restaurants and waterfront views
• Ride the Ferris wheel 🎡

5. 🌲 El Dorado Nature Center
📍 Address:
7550 E Spring St, Long Beach, CA 90815
💰 Admission: $8
Long Beach residents: discounted rates may apply
✨ Things To Do:
• Walk peaceful nature trails 🌿
• See birds, turtles, and wildlife 🐢

6. ⛵ Harbor Breeze Cruises
📍 Address:
100 Aquarium Way, Dock #2, Long Beach, CA 90802
💰 Admission:
Starting around $30+ (varies by cruise)
✨ Things To Do:
• Whale watching 🐋
• Harbor cruises
• See sea lions & marine life
• Enjoy ocean views of Long Beach

7. 🚲 Long Beach Waterbikes
📍 Location:
110-B N Marina Dr, Long Beach, CA 90803
💰 Admission:
Rental prices starting at $29 hourly
✨ Things To Do:
• Ride a waterbike on the calm marina waters 🌊
• Fun activity for couples & friends
📸 Photo Spot:
Amazing sunset views!

8. 🍽️ 2nd & PCH
📍 Address:
6400 Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90803
✨ Things To Do:
• Waterfront shopping & dining
• Beautiful outdoor plaza
• Restaurants
• Seasonal events & pop-ups 🎶 taken in Long Beach California by @especially.elly
10
3 months ago
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Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill is a go-to Southern California staple for fresh, feel-good Mexican food made with organic ingredients, non-GMO grains, and pasture-raised meats. The vibe is relaxed, fast-casual, and easy for everyone.

​The Studio City location is especially great because it offers both comfortable indoor seating and a sunny outdoor patio, plus a dedicated parking lot right on-site so parking is never a hassle. 🚗✨

​📍 Studio City & Nearby Locations
□ 12905 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604 (Patio + indoor dining + dedicated parking lot) 🌴
□ 1791 N Victory Pl, Burbank, CA 91502 🌯
□​ 13238 Burbank Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91401 🥑

​🌮 What to Order: Menu Highlights
​🥩 The Savory Mains
◇​Philly Wagyu Burrito: Tender American Wagyu steak sautéed with peppers and onions, folded into a warm flour tortilla with melted cheese. Rich, savory, and pure comfort food. 🥩🌯
◇​Fire Hot Wagyu Smash Burger Taco: The ultimate mashup. Crispy-edged smashed Wagyu beef stuffed into a taco with bold seasoning, spicy sauce, and melted cheese for a fiery kick. 🔥🌮
◇​Crispy Cheese Quesadilla: Golden, grilled-to-perfection tortilla coated in a layer of toasted, crunchy cheese on the outside, packed with gooey melted goodness inside. 🧀✨
◇​BBQ Chicken Salad: Woodfired organic chicken breast layered over crisp greens, black beans, sweet corn, tortilla chips, and chipotle sauce balanced with creamy dressing. Fresh, smoky, and crunchy. 🥗🍗

​🍹 Refreshers & Drinks
◇​Mango Mandarin Lemonade Refresher: Bright, citrusy, and tropical. Lightly sweet with a juicy, refreshing finish that cuts through spicy bites. 🥭🍋
◇​Vanilla Cream Cold Brew Refresher: Smooth, rich cold brew topped with a velvety layer of sweet vanilla cream. Perfect midday pick-me-up. ☕🥛

​🍪 Dessert Bites
□​The Double Double Cookie: Double the flavors double the YUM... two different types of cocoa and two different forms of peanut butter make this your fave. 🍪🍫
□​OMFG Cookie: Nutella-filled Goodness. Yes they are that good.🤤🔥

#SharkysWoodfiredMexicanGrill #StudioCityEats 

#invited💌 taken in Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill by @especially.elly
4
a month ago
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POV: Dinner was good, but the post-dinner coffee run hits different ☕️🤎✨

After a BBQ dinner, we stopped by Cafe UPPER for a little sweet treat to end the night. 🫶🏻

☕️ His pick: Butter Cream Latte — smooth, rich & buttery
🍮 My pick: Dalgona Latte — sweet, creamy & topped with crunchy dalgona goodness 🤤

The perfect little date-night stop when you’re craving something sweet after dinner. Good coffee, cozy vibes, and a happy ending to the night. 💜

📍 Cafe UPPER
✨ Team Butter Cream or Team Dalgona? 👀👇

저녁에 고기 먹고 달달한 커피로 마무리하기 좋은 카페 ☕️🤎
남편이 고른 버터크림 라떼는 부드럽고 고소했고, 달고나 라떼는 달콤하고 바삭한 토핑이 매력적이었어요!
분위기도 감각적이라 저녁 데이트 후 달달한 여유를 즐기기 좋은 곳 ✨

#CafeUpper #CoffeeDate #DalgonaLatte taken in Koreatown, Los Angeles by @especially.elly
4
2 days ago
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​🍜 Boiling Point Favorites 🥢

​Craving a cozy night or a hot soup day? Here are my top 5 go-to orders at Boiling Point! Save this for your next comfort food run! 🤤👇

​🔥 1. #4 Beef Hot Soup
​The ultimate crowd-pleaser! Packed with tender beef slices and that savory shacha broth. You simply can't go wrong with this classic. 🥩✨

​🏆 2. #1 House Special Hot Soup
​The OG that started it all! Rich, flavorful broth loaded with traditional Taiwanese goodness. A true comfort in a pot. 🍲💛

​🥘 3. #3 Korean Bean Paste Hot Soup
​Reminds me of the ultimate fusion comfort food! Loaded with spam, kimchi, and savory soybean goodness. Total soul food. 🌶️🇰🇷

​🍛 4. #6 Milk Cream Curry Hot Soup
​Sweet, savory, and super creamy! Topped with their signature sea salt cream that melts right into the mild curry broth. So unique & addictive! 🍛☁️

​🦐 5. #2 Seafood & Tofu Hot Soup
​Clean, refreshing, and loaded with fresh seafood and bouncy fish balls. Perfect when you want something light yet satisfying! 🌊🦪

​💬 What’s your go-to order at BP?

_______________

5 Boiling Point locations near the LA

1. Monterey Park Location 🥟
​Address: 153 W Garvey Ave, Monterey Park, CA 91755

​2. Pasadena Location 🌿
​Address: 18 W Green St, Pasadena, CA 91105

​3. Gardena Location 🚗
​Address: 15488 S Western Ave, Gardena, CA 90247

​4. San Gabriel Location 🥢
​Address: 315 S San Gabriel Blvd, San Gabriel, CA 91776

​5. Artesia Location 🍲
​Address: 18001 Pioneer Blvd C, Artesia, CA 90701

​Which location are you planning to visit for your next hot pot fix? 😉👇 taken in Boiling Point USA by @especially.elly
7
2 days ago
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🌶️🇹🇭 10 Thai Restaurants to Try in LA & Beyond

Craving bold Thai flavors? 🍜 From Thai Town classics to hidden gems in OC & SGV, save this list for your next Thai food run!

1️⃣ Sanamluang Cafe | East Hollywood
🍜 General’s Noodle, Pad Thai & Duck Noodle Soup
🌙 Late-night comfort food favorite

2️⃣ Luv2eat Thai Bistro | Hollywood
🌶️ Blue Crab Curry & Beef Boat Noodle
🔥 Michelin-recommended Southern Thai flavors

3️⃣ Hoy-Ka Thai | Hollywood
🥢 Boat Noodles & Crispy Pork
🍲 Rich broth + customizable spice

4️⃣ Manaao Thai Comfort Food | Tustin
🥥 Khao Soi & Crab Fried Rice
✨ Cozy, modern Thai comfort food

5️⃣ Emporium Thai | Westwood
🔥 Southern Thai Duck Curry & Green Curry
🌿 Great vegan & gluten-free options

6️⃣ Hae Ha Heng Thai Bistro | Koreatown
🍲 Tom Yum Noodle & Crab Fried Rice
✨ Cute spot for a casual Thai meal

7️⃣ Pa Ord Noodle | East Hollywood
🌶️ Boat Noodles & Crispy Pork
🍜 A must for serious noodle lovers

8️⃣ Ruen Pair | East Hollywood
🍳 Morning Glory & Papaya Salad
🌙 Classic late-night Thai Town favorite

9️⃣ Basil & Co | Diamond Bar
🍛 Pumpkin Curry & Pineapple Fried Rice
💎 A flavorful SGV hidden gem

🔟 Swan Thai | Rancho Palos Verdes
🌊 Yellow Curry & Drunken Noodles
✨ Delicious Thai with coastal vibes

📌 Save this list for your next Thai food craving! 🇹🇭❤️
Which one are you trying first? 👇

#ThaiFoodLA #LAThaiFood #ThaiRestaurantsLA taken in Los Angeles, California by @especially.elly
4
10 days ago
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Saturday food date with my friends 💕🍜✨

A little Korean comfort food moment at Jaws Topokki in The Source OC 🇰🇷🤤 Spicy tteokbokki, crispy fried goodies & kimbap = the ultimate combo! 🥢🔥

Good food, girl talk, and zero plans to share the last bite 😂💗 Definitely a fun food court stop when those Korean food cravings hit!

토요일에 친구들과 함께 더 소스 OC 푸드코트에서 즐긴 한국 분식 타임 🍜💕
매콤한 떡볶이와 바삭한 튀김, 김밥까지 조합이 최고! 🥢🔥
친구들과 수다 떨며 맛있는 음식까지 즐기기 좋은 곳, 분식 땡길 때 추천해요 🇰🇷✨

#JawsTopokki #TheSourceOC #KoreanFood taken in Jopok Topokki Buena Park by @especially.elly
2
10 days ago
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Just a little catch-up with the girls ☕️💬✨

Good drinks, cute desserts, and way too much chatting 😂💗

🍊 Grapefruit Ade — refreshing & tangy
🍓 Strawberry Pineapple Ade — sweet & fruity
🍵 Matcha Salt Bread — soft, fluffy & slightly salty
🫘 Red Bean Mochi Bread — chewy + sweet perfection
🫐 Blueberry Matcha Cake — creamy, dreamy & matcha-y 💚

Nothing fancy, just good food + good company = a pretty perfect hangout 🫶🏻✨

📍 seed water | Buena Park
💭 Cute café, happy bites, zero complaints. ♡

친구들과 수다 떨며 즐긴 귀여운 카페 타임 ☕️💬✨
상큼한 에이드부터 말차 디저트까지 하나같이 맛있었던 메뉴들 🍊🍵💚
맛있는 음식 + 좋은 사람들 = 완벽한 Buena Park 행아웃 🫶🏻💕

#BuenaPark #BuenaParkCA #OCFoodie taken in The Source OC by @especially.elly
3
13 days ago
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5 Top Instagrammable Cafes in Frogtown, LA ☕️🌿

1. 🚲 Spoke Bicycle Cafe
🌊 Vibe: Outdoor riverfront hangout
🌯 Try: Breakfast Burrito, Avocado Toast, Matcha Latte
📸 Photo Spot: Colorful picnic tables & bike racks under fairy lights ✨
✨ Why Go: Right on the LA River Bike Path, with coffee, brunch, craft beer, and a super kid- & dog-friendly atmosphere! 🐶👶

2. 🌿 10 Speed Coffee
☀️ Vibe: Bright greenhouse oasis
🍊 Try: Peach Oolong Tea, Nitro Cold Brew, Earl Grey Brown Sugar Latte
📸 Photo Spot: Glass walls, natural light & lush greenery 🪴
✨ Why Go: A peaceful, plant-filled spot with excellent coffee and pastries—perfect for dreamy photos.

3. 🌸 Just What I Kneaded
💕 Vibe: Retro pastel-pink vegan bakery
🍓 Try: Cinnamon Roll, House Cold Brew, Breakfast Crunch Wrap
📸 Photo Spot: Iconic pink exterior & beautiful pastries 🥐
✨ Why Go: 100% plant-based bakery known for cinnamon rolls, savory galettes & specialty lattes.

4. 🥪 Wax Paper
🧺 Vibe: Hip sandwich & coffee window
🥪 Try: Larry Mantle, Ira Glass & Terry Gross Sandwiches
📸 Photo Spot: Their iconic sandwiches along the river trail 🥖
✨ Why Go: Grab a famous gourmet sandwich and coffee, then enjoy a scenic riverside picnic!

5. ☕️ La Colombe Coffee Workshop
🏭 Vibe: Industrial-chic riverside roastery
🥤 Try: Vanilla Matcha, Draft Black Cold Brew, Almond & Chocolate Croissants
📸 Photo Spot: Spacious roastery & sleek coffee bar
✨ Why Go: A beautiful converted warehouse near the LA River Bike Path, with specialty drinks, cold brew and fresh pastries.

📍 Frogtown, Los Angeles
☕️ Which one would you visit first?

#Frogtown #FrogtownLA #ElysianValley taken in Frog Town by @especially.elly
2
14 days ago
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10 ​Must-Try Korean Food Spots in Irvine! 🇰🇷🥢

​📍 1. Yoo's Place
• Address: 2626 Dupont dr A-20, Irvine, CA 92612
• Popular Dishes: Jokbal (Braised Pig's Trotters), Bossam (Pork Wrap Set), Seafood Pancakes 🥩🥢

​📍 2. Its Tofu
• Address: 4790 Irvine blvd ste 106, Irvine, CA 92620
• Popular Dishes: Combination Soon Tofu (Soft Tofu Stew), LA Galbi (BBQ Short Ribs), Stone Pot Rice 🍲🥩

​📍 3. Moobongri Soondae
• Address: 4250 Barranca Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92604
• Popular Dishes: Traditional Soondae (Korean Blood Sausage), Soondae Gukbap (Sausage Soup), Pork Bone Soup 🥣🌶️

​📍 4. Chan Chan Food House
• Address: 14250 Culver Dr, Irvine, CA 92604
• Popular Dishes: Korean Fried Chicken, Tteokbokki, Cheese Buldak (Spicy Chicken) 🍗🧀

​📍 5. Baekjeong Irvine
• Address: 14160 Culver Dr, Irvine, CA 92604
• Popular Dishes: Beef Combo (Prime Ribeye & Short Rib), Pork Belly, Cheese Corn & Steamed Egg 🥩🔥

​📍 6. Tang 190
• Address: 14121 Jeffrey Rd, Irvine, CA 92620
• Popular Dishes: Beef Bone Soup (Seollongtang), Spicy Beef Soup (Yukgaejang), Pork Wrap Set (Bossam) 🥣🥘

​📍 7. Seoul Haus
• Address: 13925 Yale Ave, Irvine, CA 92620
• Popular Dishes: Gamjatang (Pork Bone Soup), Seollongtang, Su Yuk (Sampler mix of boiled tendons, round steak) 🥩🥣

​📍 8. Yigah Restaurant
• Address: 2750 Alton Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92606
• Popular Dishes: Cold Buckwheat Noodle (Naengmyeon), Galbi-tang (Short Rib Soup), Bulgogi Rice Bowl 🍜🥩

​📍 9. Yupdduk Irvine
• Address: 4515a Campus Dr, Irvine, CA 92612
• Popular Dishes: Super Spicy Tteokbokki (Yupdduk Tteokbokki), Rice Balls, Fried Toppings, Cheese Pull 🌶️🧀

​📍 10. Kaju Soft Tofu Restaurant
• Address: 5408 Walnut Ave, Irvine, CA 92604
• Popular Dishes: Seafood Soon Tofu, Beef Short Ribs (Galbi), Seafood Pancake 🍲🦑

​#IrvineEats #IrvineFoodies #IrvineFood taken in Irvine, California by @especially.elly
6
16 days ago
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6 Movie Theaters to Check Out in Glendale & Pasadena 🎬🍿

1. Laemmle Glendale 🎬
 📍 207 N Maryland Ave, Glendale, CA 91206
🎞️ 5 screens
🅿️ Validated parking
💡 Why go: Independent, international & art-house films + special screenings. Morning shows and bargain matinees can make it a budget-friendly option. 

2. AMC The Americana at Brand 18 🍿
 📍 322 Americana Way, Glendale, CA 91210
🎞️ 18 screens
🅿️ Large parking structure at The Americana at Brand
💺 Recliners + IMAX with Laser + Dolby Cinema + PRIME + XL
💡 Why go: Great for a full movie + dinner + shopping outing. Premium formats and recliner seating are available, and AMC offers Discount Tuesdays/Wednesdays and Discount Matinees.

3. LOOK Dine-In Cinemas 🍔🎬
 📍 128 N Artsakh Ave, Glendale, CA 91206
🎞️ 8 auditoriums
🅿️ Nearby parking/validation options available
💺 Luxury recliners + seat-side dining
🍕 Full food & drink service delivered to your seat
💡 Why go: Perfect for a date night or family movie night when you want dinner and a movie without leaving your seat.

4. Landmark Theatres Pasadena 🎞️
 📍 673 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101
🎞️ 7 screens
🅿️ Nearby city lots & street parking 
💺 Plush reclining seats in every auditorium
🍸 Full-service bar + lounge
💡 Why go: A more boutique movie experience with recliners, cocktails, food and independent/art-house as well as mainstream films. 

5. Regency Academy Cinemas 🎬
 📍 1003 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106
🎞️ 6 screens
🅿️ Paid parking & nearby street parking
💰 Budget-friendly tickets & concessions
💡 Why go: A classic, old-school Pasadena cinema with a nostalgic atmosphere and generally lower prices than luxury theaters. Great if you want a simple movie outing without the premium-theater price tag.

6. Regal Paseo 🍿
 📍 300 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101
🎞️ 14 screens
🅿️ Paseo parking garage + validation options
💺 Regal Luxury Recliners + tray tables
💡 Why go: Comfortable recliners, central Pasadena location, and easy access to restaurants & shopping. Regal also runs promotional discount days, including Tuesday offers that can vary by current promotion. 

#GlendaleCA #PasadenaCA #GlendaleMovies taken in Pasadena, California by @especially.elly
2
18 days ago
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9 Must-Do’s at Universal Studios Hollywood with Your Besties / Boo 🎢💖

​World-Famous Studio Tour 🎬🍿
Go behind the scenes of real Hollywood movie sets! From King Kong 360 3D to intense special effects, this iconic tram ride is exclusive to Universal Studios Hollywood. Perfect for relaxing together while soaking in cinematic history.

​Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ⚡🏰
Soar above Hogwarts on a magical broomstick ride! The queue inside the castle—complete with talking portraits and Dumbledore’s office—is just as breathtaking as the thrill itself.

​Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge 🍄🏎️
Step into Super Nintendo World and race through iconic tracks with AR goggles! Compete against your friends or date to see who collects the highest coin score.

​Jurassic World – The Ride 🦖🌊
Cruise past prehistoric giants before facing off with the Indominus Rex, ending with an epic 84-foot plunge. Be prepared to get splashed and capture the best adrenaline-filled moments!

​Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride 🏺⚡
An intense indoor coaster that launches you through pitch-black tomb corridors, sudden drops, and backward twists at top speeds. A must for thrill-seeking duos!

​WaterWorld Stunt Show 💥🚤
Hollywood action at its finest! Watch world-class performers pull off jet-ski jumps, massive explosions, and a heart-stopping plane crash. Sit in the "Soak Zone" if you dare!

​Sip Frozen Butterbeer at Three Broomsticks 🍺✨
No trip to Hogsmeade is complete without this sweet, butterscotch-infused treat. Grab the frozen version alongside hearty fish & chips inside this cozy wizarding tavern.

​Toadstool Cafe Cuties 🍔🍄
The ultimate aesthetic foodie stop inside Mushroom Kingdom! Snap cute photos with the Mario Burger, Luigi Burger, and Tomato Soup bowl served in a Super Mushroom cup. (Tip: Join the mobile waitlist early!)

​Giant Pink "Big Pink" Donut at Lard Lad 🍩💖
Head to Springfield for Homer Simpson's oversized glazed donut with pink frosting and rainbow sprinkles. It's bigger than your face and ideal for sharing and Instagram photos!

#UniversalStudiosHollywood #UniversalStudios #SuperNintendoWorld taken in Universal Studios Hollywood by @especially.elly
3
20 days ago
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