Pop Champagne & Dessert Bar

Default Dating

by Emerson Dameron

C'mere, beautiful. I know it's been a long week. We've been caught up with work, and neither one of us has gotten enough attention. Trust me, I know. So here's what we're going to do. We're going out. For dessert. AND bubbly. Plus swank, swank atmosphere. (It's got bubble-shaped mirrors--I mean, come on now.) If that doesn't get things simmering, I'm a monkey's uncle. Which I'm pretty sure isn't the case. I'm not sure who drafted this business plan, but it's close to the ideal date spot for over ... Continue

Hollenbeck Middle

Schoolhouse Rock

by Alexander Smith

Getting to number one didn't happen over night. With over 2,000 students, this school offers free after-school programs like City Year and Los Angeles Conservation Corps. These programs strive to give the students from the surrounding at-risk neighborhoods a safe, educational environment for students once the 3 o'clock bell rings. Also the Hollenbeck staff has formed a professional community dedicated to the improvement of the student's performance. The leadership class representing the student ... Continue

The Airliner

The House Is Packed

by Emerson Dameron

Yes, it's dingy, and yes, you'll get patted down aggressively at the door. (I had a ballpoint pen confiscated.) It gets crowded and, many times yes, the service is slow and unenthusiastic. But any fan of underground hip hop is advised to pop in at least once. The cosmopolitan, Jazzercise-dressed hipsters show up in force for Low End Theory Wednesdays, but I'm partial to the Urban Underground on Fridays, particularly the freestyle open mic. At least since the '90s, "West Coast hip hop" has been s ... Continue

Shambhala Meditation Center

Transcend The City

by Alexander Smith

Bright red and royal gold energize your senses upon entering one of the peaceful shrine rooms at the Shambhala Meditation Center. Nestled on the corner of bustling Colorado Blvd and Figueroa in Eagle Rock, an office building has been amazingly transformed into a spiritual center. Walk inside and the quiet energy will offer instant relaxation. Come on Sunday mornings or Wednesday and Thursday evenings for free meditation instruction and practice. The center brings together modest people intereste ... Continue

Beverage Warehouse

Booze For The Boss

by Kelsey Albro

One day my boss says to me, "I need tequila in a bottle shaped like a gun." I said, "where the f*#k am I going to get that?" Answer: Da Beverage Warehouse. Not only do they have all manner of liquors in all manner of bottles (cognac in a weiner dog, anyone?), but they've got you covered in the beer, wine, and heck, even soda departments. So, if you're hankering for that hometown brew you just can't find out here, want to take the plunge into Grecian grappa, or just want to take a shot of tequila ... Continue

Cafe de Leche

Tango For Tea

by Alexander Smith

Now a landmark of trendy York Boulevard, Cafe de Leche offers writers, students, and young families the only independent coffee shop experience in Highland Park. Their coffee and organic loose leaf teas are excellent. Nowhere else can you enjoy an Agave Mocha or a Horchata Chai Tea. Grab a large ceramic mug of drip coffee and enjoy your time inside or on the bustling York Avenue. Wi-Fi is available for you laptop addicts. Forgot your book? A collection of South American travel books, shelves o ... Continue

Tinder Box

Chomping Away

by Emerson Dameron

In my hazy-at-best years immediately after college, I held many jobs. I most fondly recall working at a tobacco shop specializing in gourmet cigars, because all I really remember is sitting around bullshitting with pensioners, off-duty cops, delinquent city workers, and the rest of our regulars, watching The Sopranos dozens of times over. These places continue to exist for one reason: They're the only public places left in California where one can legally light up. Take a guy who's been puffing ... Continue

Bicycle Doctor

The Doctor Is In

by Alexander Smith

Got a flat? Need a chain? Lucky you, the Bicycle Doctor is in. This shop offers mountain, road, and fixies both new and used for sale. No bike here is too expensive. Mitch, owner and operator, will be down to have you bring in your old bike for a trade towards a new one. The shop also offers bike accessories, helmets, and parts for you do-it-your-self mechanics. Sometimes if you get on Mitch's good side, he'll even take off a few bucks from the sale price. The doctor will see you now.
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