After checking into the Anza Hotel Calabasas, we stumbled upon a hidden gem just a five-minute walk away – The Commons at Calabasas.
The place dazzled after dark with beautifully lit buildings, offering a unique shopping experience with charming scene.
What sets The Commons apart is its enchanting ambiance; the entire shopping center lights up after dark, creating a dazzling spectacle.
Unlike typical malls, The Commons boasts picturesque elements, like a charming pond featuring decorative elements like a little boy and a boat – a delightful touch.
Dining al fresco was a delight, creating a relaxed atmosphere where people chatted, sipped drinks, and savored meals.
Adding to the allure, The Commons houses a movie theater with a nostalgic design reminiscent of Broadway😎
The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting in the air led us to Jeni's Ice Cream, a Southern California classic with over 20 years of history.
The moment you step in, you're greeted with a myriad of flavors, each tempting you with its delightful charm.
The walls are adorned not just with prices but also with the calorie count for every flavor – a detail we completely ignored!
I mean, who counts calories when indulging in the bliss of ice cream, right? 😂
As a lavender enthusiast, my choice was obvious – a scoop of the fragrant lavender flavor.
🌞 paired it with another flavor, making it a glorious duo.
Brace yourself for the American-sized ice cream scoop – each one is practically the size of my fist! 
They even provide napkins at the holding area, perfect for someone like me who insists on a mess-free ice cream experience.
The place is buzzing with customers, and rightfully so – the ice cream here is nothing short of a sensation! 🍦✨
For dinner, we lucked out with a table at King's Fish House, a seafood restaurant with a delightful outdoor setting by the pond 😍
The menu, adorned with whimsical hand-drawn illustrations, tempted us to try a bit of everything 😂
We kicked things off with a bowl of clam chowder – a customary delight in the U.S., complete with a side of crackers.
Some folks dunk the crackers right into the soup, but not me. I prefer to keep that crispy texture separate from the creamy goodness!
The chowder was rich and flavorful, with generous helpings of succulent clam🤎
Moving on, we opted for a Caesar salad, a classic that didn't stray far from the expected.
Served in a large bowl, you get to choose your portions, making it ideal for sharing during a friendly gathering 🥗
For the main course, I indulged in spiny lobster paired with mashed potatoes, zucchini slices, and a side of butter – a typical accompaniment in American seafood restaurants.
The lobster was perfectly cooked. There was not much seasoning, boasting a delightful oceanic aroma and a firm, sweet texture.
🌞 went for the linguini with clams, and oh boy, the aroma when it arrived was irresistible! We couldn't help but exclaim – the aroma was rich, with a subtle hint of wine.
However, the sandy surprise in the dish was a bit of a letdown. There was so much sand in the dish that made me hard to ignore them...
Despite the unexpected texture, 🌞 soldiered on and finished the entire plate – quite an impressive feat 😂
Wrapping up with dessert, we expected the creme brulee to be a dainty treat. Surprise, surprise – it was colossal! Almost the size of my face (no exaggeration), it got a bit overwhelming towards the end.
The thin layer of sugar on top left us wanting more, making this sweet ending less of a star. Nevertheless, the clam chowder and lobster were definite winners!
If you find yourself in the area, King's Fish House is worth a try 🦞✨
