"The Echo Park time Travel Mart is the store front for 826LA. 826LA is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6 to 18 with th ... more -->
Buy it Now
|
Friday, October 10, 2008
Sweet are the Uses of Adversity
|
|
|
San Antonio Winery
San Antonio winery is the only winery tucked away in Los Angeles right outside of Chinatown. This unassuming little palace of fine wines is a delight to visit. You can try up to 3 wines from their complimentary wine list. My wine server was very snobby. He told me which order to drink my wines in and laughed at me for trying to taste a red wine before a white, taking away some of the fun of self-discovery, but making the experience better I'm sure. What else to expect from a wine connoisseur but a little attitude. Also look for special events where you can try fine food and wine from all over the globe. There is a restaurant attached to the winery for the days that have no special events being held. Be sure to go on the tour where they'll take you in to see the fermentation tanks and the barrels of wine but the best part is the bottling area, stock full of crates of wine being kept in an extraordinarily warm setting. Wait, isn't that not good for wine?
|
|
|
|
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Fear and Schlepping
|
|
|
Rose Bowl Flea Market
Billed as one of the biggest in the world, the Rose Bowl Flea Market rolls into Pasadena the second Sunday of each month. There are three distinct areas to see: first are the new items, gadgets and clothing for sale around the base of the stadium; second is the lot near the front gate featuring all things antique; finally, be sure to cross the bridge and check out the insanely large selection of vintage clothing. You can find a great bargain if you look hard but some of the vendors are out of their mind when it comes to pricing their goods. Don't be afraid to haggle, I'm sure the majority of sellers don't want to schlep their goods back home. Food inside is a little expensive and drink prices are insane at $4 for a water or soda, so do yourself a favor and bring something from home. The flea market is massive so ladies this is not the day to make a fashion statement and wear heels. Be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat or whatever else you need to to prevent a sunburn since there is very little shade to duck into.
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Take It, Take It All
|
|
|
Loteria Grill
I normally try to avoid those kinds of restaurants. You know the type. You have to look for a valet stand to find the place. It's so-so dressed up as Hollywood fancy sit-down. And everything is overpriced and underwhelming. So I was hesitant when the lovely and simple Loteria Grill of the 3rd Street Farmers Market opened a sit-down place in Hollywood. But when you're young, got some friends, and exist on the weekends, it's only a matter of time before someone drags you to that very place you've been avoiding. But I pleasantly wore my shit-eating grin as Loteria-come-Hollywood proved to be like the Farmer's Market's hip, hotter older sister. The space felt like an appropriate upgrade from the original and the staff was shockingly pleasant and laid back. The food was even a touch better, and God help me if they didn't make a jalapeno martini that made me ponder addiction and LA's wonderful AA community. It's rare that you find a place that you like, they open a "nicer" version in Hollywood, and it's all for the best. You throw in a love of Mexican food and you're in hog heaven--and with only a slightly inflated bill.
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
It's Not About Excitement
|
|
|
Classic Thai Restaurant
Eagle Rock isn't as sleepy as it used to be. On any Saturday night, the higher-profile eateries fill up quickly, and it's a bit painful to encounter a 45-minute wait on an empty stomach and not know of anything good in walking distance. If you like inexpensive rice dishes, casual atmosphere and mixing metaphors, consider this low-key gem your ace in the hole. Dine outside, and you've got fresh air (okay, as fresh as it gets in America's Dream Factory) and a gurgling fountain; dine inside, and you're in a converted living room that's always cozy and seldom crowded. Classic Thai sells an eclectic host of seafood, curries, noodles and tofu concoctions, with plenty for vegetarians. No dish runs over $10. The white rice isn't particularly exciting, but CTR isn't about excitement--it's about saving the date, and saving it well, when its more pricey, pretentious neighbors aren't bringing it.
|
|
|
|
Monday, October 06, 2008
The Happy Art of Coffee
|
|
|
Psychobabble
Your mileage may vary. I took an immediate shine to this place when asked "for here or to go?" In most LA coffeeshops I've tried, even if I specify "for here," I get my diesel in a paper cup, which somehow doesn't seem dignified (I've had a hard life. Give me a cup of coffee I can chip a tooth on, you sullen hipster bastard). Then a few of my sources complained that for-here mugs are a once-in-a-while thing. Not a big deal. If you really need a break from your sedentary gamer roommate, you'll find the place cozy enough, and it's open late. The lights are bright in here, probably because most of the patrons are drizzling brilliance on their Macbooks and only look sexy by accident. With a name like Psychobabble, the mud could be a lot stronger. If you're a smoker, you'll want to outside, in view of the Vermont party parade, because nothing's hotter than suicide on the installment plan.
|
|
|
|
Archived Radars |
Culver City
Lotta people talk a lotta shit 'bout Culver City, but those people are just too honest. Rin-rin Yu has seen the face of the new CC and she has found it splendid. So buckle down, settle in and prepare yourself to be slapped across the face as you witness the power of one forfeited city's implausible revitalization.
Archived Features...
|