Vintage Photo Friday

Roz & George, Chinatown, L.A. - Early 1980's

Above is a photo of my Mom and Dad in Chinatown, Los Angeles, sometime in the 1980's. We had just had a Sunday dim sum brunch at the Golden Dragon Restaurant on Broadway. The Golden Pagoda, pictured above is now called Hop Louie. I never ate at the Golden Pagoda or it's successor, Hop Louie. I've heard that I'm not really missing anything! We always liked having dim sum at the Golden Dragon. Years later, the Empress Pavillion came along and took the crowds away from the Golden Dragon.

This is the second version of Chinatown located in downtown Los Angeles. It was built in 1938. The earlier Chinatown, a few blocks south, was torn down to make way for the construction of Union Station. The area where our current Chinatown resides was once the Italian and French area of Los Angeles....hence, Little Joe's Restaurant, the St. Peter's Italian Church and more. I do remember the old French Hospital too.

I love visiting our Chinatown. It's kind of a fantasy version of what Americans think China must be like. Forget about the long drive to Disneyland and the expensive ticket! Just take a trip downtown and check out Chinatown and it's neighbor, Olvera Street! In fact, the Metro goes directly to the neighborhood! Perfect! Have a wonderful weekend and a happy Father's Day!

Gates to Chinatown, L.A.