Wednesday, November 04, 2009

Discovering Los Angeles

I just read a post on Dine L.A. about historic restaurants in Los Angeles. The story gives mini reviews and history about Casa Bianca in Eagle Rock, Chili John's in Burbank, Clifton's Brookdale Cafeteria downtown L.A., El Cholo on Western Ave., LA, Fosselman's Ice Cream Parlor in Alhambra, Langer's Deli near MacArthur Park, LA, Musso & Frank's in Hollywood, Taix in Echo Park, Taylor's Steaks near Koreatown and Yamashiro's in Hollywood.I've been to every single one of these places except for Fosselman's. I must visit there soon. How many of these historic L.A. restaurants have you visited?
Yes, I love Los Angeles! I like to explore the city far and wide. My parents both grew up here. They often told me stories of the way the town used to look, what places had been torn down and how they travelled the City on the Red Car. When I was young, my folks used to take us on field trips around town to investigate the City. I'm so glad I paid attention! No matter how long I live here, there's always something new to discover in the Los Angeles area.

Proud Bird Restaurant....lots of aviation memorabilia here!

Theme Building, LAX

We get to visit the Observation Deck

On Sunday, Larry and I will be attending the L.A. Conservancy tour, "The Sixties Turn 50." I'm so looking forward to seeing some great commercial mid-20th century architecture in the Westchester/LAX area. There are six stops on this tour. All of the sites are close to each other, so there will be a minimum of drive-time. If you register today, you can be cleared to visit the just-added TRW building!

Original IBM Building / Current Otis Art Institute

the exterior concrete skin was designed with rows of small rectangular

windows resembling those of a 1960s computer punch card

St. Jerome's Church, Interior

Imperial Terminal Musem with vintage stewardess uniform display

Bonus Site: TRW

Call now for tickets! This is going to be a GREAT tour. We'll see you for cocktails after the tour at the Proud Bird!

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14 Comments:

At 3:28 PM PST, Blogger mj said...

Love the photos!! I've been to all those places at one time or another, some of them many years ago. If you can wait until after Thanksgiving, I'll join you at Fosselmans.

 
At 4:05 PM PST, Blogger jenna! said...

I've been to El Cholo, Fosselman's, Langers, Musso & Frank's, Taix and Yamashiro's. I definately need to hit up the other places you mention. How embarrassing that I've lived here my whole life and never been!

 
At 5:20 PM PST, Blogger Jean said...

I've been to Musso & Frank's (loved it), I've always been curious about Clifton's - how is it? Have fun on your tour!

 
At 5:35 PM PST, Blogger MonkeyGurrrrrl said...

I've only been to Musso & Frank's - when WMG was first born. Purty sad. Although, I've also been to Canter's, which *should* count as a historic restaurant!

 
At 6:40 PM PST, Blogger Natalie said...

I've been to El Cholo, Clifton's, Musso & Frank's, Taylors, and Yamashiro.

Now I have to get a Fosselman's ice cream.

 
At 7:54 PM PST, Blogger Kath said...

Wow - I remember the Proud Bird, didn't even know it was still there! I think the last time I was there was maybe '93 or '94? I worked near LAX and we went there for happy hour. Plus I think maybe I went there for a wedding reception sometime in the late 80's? I have a lot of growing up memories of the Westchester/LAX area, wish I could go on that tour.

 
At 7:48 AM PST, Anonymous Hester from Atlanta said...

Recently, a friend and I were reminiscing about Clifton’s Cafeteria. We didn’t know if it was still in business. At one time, there were several locations in the downtown L.A. area. One of the cafeterias (I think the Brookdale one) had a wall made of the bark and of wood of redwood trees that was two stories tall and had a waterfall.

During the depression, Mr. Clifton did not set a price for the food. You were asked to give what you thought the food was worth, and if you were not able to give much, or anything at all, that was OK. Mr. Clifton was a real humanitarian.

About 30 years ago I had eaten at several of the Clifton’s Cafeterias. I thought the food was great for a cafeteria place. I wonder what the food is like now.

Can't wait to visit LA again and go to some of these places.

 
At 8:01 AM PST, Blogger Ellen Bloom said...

Hey Hester,
Thanks for the history lesson on Clifton's. Yes, it's the Brookdale Clifton's that has a forest theme. It's the only Clifton's left in the L.A. area. The food is still great for a cafeteria. LOVE that freshly sliced turkey! The desserts are tops too.

 
At 9:06 AM PST, Anonymous Hester from Atlanta said...

ANGEL'S FLIGHT? Ellen - did you ever go on the old Angel's Flight? I did when I was a girl, probably about 6 or 7. It scared me beyond belief. I saw a picture of the old Angel's Flight somewhere on the interent, it was very rickety and went up the entire side of a hill - no wonder I was scared and cried the whole time. I haven't been on the newer one, but it doesn't look as scary.

Best - Hester

 
At 9:58 AM PST, Blogger Ellen Bloom said...

Hi again, Hester!
Sure, my Dad used to take me on Angel's Flight all the time when I was little. I think it was his excuse for NOT taking me to Disneyland. I LOVED IT!

It was moved a bit and was reinstated a decade back. There was a fatal accident and it closed. It's supposed to reopen soon with newer, safer tracks. Now, it's right across the street from the Grand Central Market.

 
At 1:07 PM PST, Anonymous donna said...

One day maybe! California is on my list of places to go.

 
At 1:28 PM PST, Anonymous Jo Anne said...

So much LA history here. I also did not know that The Proud Bird is still in existance. Remember there was once a Cliftons in Century City as well. Then it became Crate & Barrel and now the mall has changed so much I am not sure exactly what is in that space.

The tour sounds fun on Sunday. One day I will have to check out their events.

 
At 3:30 PM PST, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love your posts about LA midcentury architecture. I also listen to Design and Architecture on KCRW (via computer), which explores the latest building projects in the city. So from way over here on the East Coast (Miami), I'm learning a lot about LA. Thanks!

 
At 3:35 PM PST, Blogger Ellen Bloom said...

Thanks for your comments on L.A. Marianne. Yes, KCRW has some great shows! Miami is a pretty cool place for mid-century architecture too. I haven't been there in years, but I fondly remember the Fountaine Blue hotel!

 

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