Last Meals Pt 2

Our last meals before I headed up to the Bay Area with the cats were at Starry Kitchen on Tuesday and on Wednesday we visited the Nickel Diner.. my go-to spot for really good bacon-avo burgers,amazing onion rings,tasty "Smac N Cheese", tummy-stuffing breakfasts (OMG blueberry pancakes!) and oh so naughty desserts of all kinds..

We pretty much had lunch and then hit the road.. but we left DTLA very happy (and full):


Sean and our double dose of Bacon Avo Burgers!


Bacon Avo Burger w/ those yummy onion rings..


Same but different.. with fries

What to order when you know you won't be able to eat at the Nickel Diner for the unforeseen future??

Salt Peanut Cake of course!!

Thank you so much to Monica and Kristen for all the yummy meals and for bringing such a delicious and comfy place to our neighborhood. The Nickel was one of the many bright spots our good times in the Historic Core.. and yes, like an action hero with a heavy accent, we'll be back! =)

Last Meals..

The last meals before heading up to the Bay Area with the cats were spent at Starry Kitchen and the Nickel Diner..

Lunch at Starry Kitchen, March 27th..


We both ordered the bulgogi burger.. mine on Banh Mi with Cilantro Peanut Dan Dan noodles.. and Sean had the lunch plate with the Cilantro Peanut Dan Dan noodles and brown rice. He also ordered a side of Spicy Cracked Krab Cakes. We were treated to an order of Pandan Flan for dessert.. =)







Pandan Flan! I'll miss you..


Thank you Starry Kitchen for all the wonderful meals and fun times! You know we'll be back.. just not as soon as we'd like!! *hugs* to the whole Team SK! We <3 you guys!!

Dinner at the Nickel

The Nickel all ready for Halloween

The last couple times we've eaten at the Nickel it was for lunch. Hearing about a new dinner menu from Kristen, we made a point to go there Wednesday night.


New items include a variation on the chicken & dumpling, appetizers like the double stuffed artichoke and the white bean soup.


Double Stuffed artichoke is stuffed with its own artichoke hearts and mashed potatoes.


We also split an order of fried chicken drumettes with maple bacon jam served with polenta and braised kale.

I preferred the drumettes over the stuffed artichoke. The maple bacon jelly was had just a little (yummy!) spiciness to it, and we couldn't really tell there was bacon involved, but the drumettes were still very good.

We also split an order of the "Frim Fram Sauce with Ausen Fey with Sha Fa Fa on the Side"

This is that variation of chicken and dumplings which comes with a side of lemon cream sauce and herbs. It's served in a little soup tureen.


This is a very hearty soup..

Here's a close-up of those yummy dumplings and pieces of chicken.. I put a little bit of the herbs on my spoon. It gave a nice bit of seasoning:


SeanYoda said the lemon cream sauce "added a nice tangy flavor" to the soup. I imagine had we not shared this it would have been way too much for one person.


NIckel Diner
524 S Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013

Semi Sweet October

With a pie shop set to open in a few days in the Arts District, you'd think things couldn't get any sweeter downtown but you'd be wrong. Sharlena Fong is closer to opening her brick and mortar "Semi- Sweet Bakery" on 6th Street. How much closer to opening? How does a couple weeks sound?


Sharlena Fong outside her bakery space at 6th and Main earlier this year.

You may know the Old Bank District resident by her famous maple bacon glazed donuts that put the Nickel Diner in the spotlight those early days. Maybe you've had her chocolate chip cookies, a favorite treat at all the past bookclub meetings at Metropolis Books. I spoke with her on the record back in March for a BlogDowntown article.

At the time she was hoping for a summer opening. Things don't always go according to schedule, especially when it's a storefront you're trying to open on your own, all while keeping your bakery company going. Passing by the shop every few weeks you knew something was progressing but what?

Husband Sean and I passed by Semi Sweet yesterday after lunch (at the Nickel of course) and we struck gold. Sharlena was in and we were able to get a quick tour and update on the bakery.

The shop's entrance is at an angle as the bakery is sandwiched between P&P and Las Perlas. As you walk in, your eye goes to the beautiful new bakery display case:


Here's a fuzzy view (it's with my iPhone and we were just leaving) of the neat wooden cases on the wall behind the bakery case:


The walls are painted blue and a beautiful crown molding and medallion effect is installed in the seating area (the medallions will be replaced with wall sconces before opening). Here's a quick shot of that really nice long bar for window seating out front:


The reason for the rushed photos is that while we were chatting about the kitchen and looking at the neat convection ovens and the six burner gas stove, the gas company showed up to turn the gas on. We had to cut our little impromptu visit short. Great excuse, no?

Before the gas man showed up Sharlena shared that if all goes as planned (and it should at this point hopefully) she may be soft opening Semi-Sweet the week of 17 October... So keep an eye out. Better yet, "like" Semi Sweet on facebook and see the neat photos of their kitchen area (including those convection ovens) and see the updates as they are posted there.

Semi Sweet Bakery
105 E. 6th Street (in the Sante Fe Lofts building)
L.A. CA 90014

Last Day at Metropolis Books

Exterior of the Canadian Building as it is today. Julie Swayze, owner & proprietor of Metropolis Books can be seen standing outside her storefront.

It's with a bit of Melancholy that I share the news that today is the last day of Metropolis Books operating in the brick and mortar location on Main Street. Owner Julie Swayze was busy packing away the last several boxes of books, loading them into a U-Haul (and later a van) as she was emptying her store out.



What book inventory that remained was being dispersed to various non-profits including a retirement home, a women's shelter and a couple public libraries, (to include the Pasadena Public Library). Julie says she hopes to wrap up today so it's finished. No lingering last quiet hours to contemplate this part of the journey of her life. She's a very busy women.

While chatting with her, one of the recipients of her donations had arrived to pick up their allotment of books. Within minutes, Downtown dweller and small business advocate Brady Westwater arrived with a cart. He was there to pick up one of the store's bookcases he purchased during the "everything must go" portion of the store's sale.. During the last couple weeks, pretty much anyone had a chance to purchase the store furniture, fixtures, framed art and poster prints straight off the walls. Now Metropolis Books will be not just a happy memory of place and time for many Historic Core neighbors but a a physical part of our home. (Yes, I too managed to pick up a small bookcase from Julie).

What's next? Julie will still have the online portion of Metropolis Books, but she will now be freed up to keep her main focus tending to an ailing family member, which will require much more of the attention, love and support that she gave to our neighborhood. Julie provided a place of community, a support for local artists and writers; A place where neighbors could get one on one customer service, a bent ear of commiseration or share a laugh.


Julie may have spent five years on Main Street, but she's earned a permanent place in the heart and history of Downtown LA.


disclaimer: If you think this is too sappy, come back and read this again in a couple weeks when the bookstore's closure has finally hit you. =) Hugs and best wishes to Steve and Julie and to Julie's family on the new part of the journey.

LA Reflection Plans to Open Next Week

Located at the breezeway of the LAPD Headquarters courtyard, LA Reflection has been poised to make its debut for weeks (if not months). Pending a Health Department visit ("within the next day or two") the upscale restaurant will be given the OK to open..


Speaking with an unnamed source at the restaurant, they might have sneak preview tastings on Thursday or Friday around lunch,(no specific time was given). Monday the 19th is a private dinner. They'll be soft-opening to the public for lunch Tuesday the 20th,(breakfast and dinner service will be added in approximate two week, staggered increments).

According to their website, the menu will offer a mix of International flavors: American or Mediterranean meals, specialty pizzas (including a "build your own" pizza) sushi, soups, salads, and desserts. The menu may firm up some based on feedback from patrons.

LA Reflection
155 S. Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213)625-5011

Revisiting the Past at Metropolis Books

Noted local author, proprietor of Libros Schmibros (a lending library in Boyle Heights), "bookstore activist" and former NEA staff member David Kipen revisited Metropolis Books on the 230th anniversary of the founding of Los Angeles. He appeared in support of Los Angeles in the 1930s a WPA guide to the city, now re-issued and includes an introduction by Kipen.

Kipen's appearance brings a closure on the bookstore's five year run supporting local talent and books. It was noted by proprietors Julie Swayze and Steve Bowie that Kipen was the first local author to appear at Metropolis when they originally opened, and as they are nearing their last month in business, he's closing out as their last book signing.



Kipen read an excerpt from the book,(a description of the former Stock Exchange on Spring).. The Federal Writers Project authors' use of word was something that was a joy to read and poetry on the ear. Kipen took questions about the book itself or just about anything on LA... One person inquiring about the social community of artists and writers of the WPA.



The event finished with a request by Kipen to sing "Happy Birthday" to the City of LA before he met with attendees and signed copies of his books.

Julie videotaped this event as she has done for events many times in the past and I wouldn't be surprised if it becomes part of the documentary she's working on.. The working title is "The Last 30 Days: the Closing of Metropolis Books" If you go to the Metropolis website, you'll see Julie's getting coverage by local news along with some of the press she's received in the last couple months.

The store's last day of business will be the 29th of September.. so a few more weeks to visit our neighborhood store and pick up some books (at the moment most of the books are going for 30% off).

As an aside, I consider Julie and Steve downtown neighbors and friends. Despite knowing it's because of family and their need to start a new path that doesn't include the bookstore, they and the bookstore will be missed. It was indeed part of the community and a quality place to find some very good reads.

METROPOLIS BOOKS
440 S. Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
@metropolisbooks

Awning is off Banquette

Awning is off Banquette
Originally uploaded by meekorouse

While the sounds of construction for new tenant Baco goes on behind the scenes, the awning of OBD favorite "Banquette Cafe & Wine Bar" has been dismantled from the facade of the San Fernando Building.

Demitasse 'Coming Soon'

I don't get around like I used to, so when we were out & about walking through Little Tokyo for "Tip a Cop" at Urth Caffe, Sean (the spouse) noticed a big "CAFE" sign being erected on the side of the Kajima Building at Weller Court.

Friday I took a couple pix of the actual Cafe front..


This is the corner where that gelato store used to be.. Honestly I only went there once as it seemed a little high end at the time to me.. I'm curious to see how the new cafe turns out.



Cafe Demitasse is on Facebook and twitter, its description on the former says: "Uncompromising in our approach to all things coffee, Demitasse pursues perfection in every cup." That honestly sounds like it wants to be another Lot 44 (the place that eventually closed on Spring Street). Hopefully this place will fare a bit better considering its main competitor in the area are the 2 Starbucks.

Personally while I like good coffee (hello? Can we get a Peet's downtown???) I don't like listening to pretentious coffee people... my husband is good for that, (and less obnoxious too) ;P

I walked by and they are still working on the build out.. I'm guessing the location will be open by the end of summer.. Maybe September if I had to pin it down. There wasn't anyone to ask (it was just construction folks there it looked like). There's little to no information on their site.. other than the social media links, (and oh they are hiring!)..

Maybe someone else has heard something?

Regardless, I think there's always room for one more coffee place (how about at 4th and Main?? Now that Banquette had to close.. we need a new sidewalk hangout!) so I wish them well of course.. Welcome to Downtown!

Cafe Demitasse
135 S. San Pedro (Weller Court near 2nd Street)
@CafeDemitasse on twitter and search for "Demitasse" on Facebook.

Babycakes

Babycakes NYC has been open on 6th near Los Angeles for a while now, and since I have a friend that was interested in gluten-free options, I meant to get there eventually. I had heard not-so good things about them, so it wasn't on the top of my list. Then I happened to be in the area.. so what better time?

they have quite a selection of vegan and spelt cupcakes..

I wasn't sure what to choose, so I got a carrot cupcake since the carrotcake is my favorite at "Big Man Bakes" ('compare what you know' is my default).

I also got an agave brownie, and a slice of banana bread.. the total came to about $10 for the 3 items.


carrot cupcake..

you can see the bits of carrot..

The frosting was sweet.. and the carrot cupcake was rather dry and bland. The frosting didn't make up for it, but at least helped it go down.

Agave brownie

at 1.50 you won't feel too guilty wasting your money on one of these.. but your taste-buds might complain. Of the three items, this was the most "diet" tasting. It was small and gritty and just not tasty. I love chocolate and brownies are one of my favorite treats. From experience, I know brownies can vary from being just good to moist & tasty to sweet & decadent. IMHO, this was just nasty. I'll stick with my boxed brownie mix, thank you!

Banana Bread!


you can see a piece of actual banana in the bread..

This last one was my favorite of the three. It was moist and tasty. It actually tasted like banana.. I didn't like that the chunks were big enough to see (that kinda grossed me out, actually) but however they make it, it's the one I would order again if I was in the neighborhood.

Babycakes NYC
130 E 6th St
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 623-5555

Cupcake Update: Since I last did a cupcake post, Lot44 Coffee has closed up and is no longer a cupcake option. Pitfire Pizza hasn't had it's Aunty Em's cupcakes in ages, and so the local options are limited to Big Man Bakes and BabyCakes NYC.

Babycakes NYC is the only vegan/gluten-free/spelt option downtown, but if you, like me, are not limited by what you can ingest, Big Man Bakes is the better (if more limited) option. The carrotcake cupcakes and pumpkin spice @ Big Man Bakes are still my favorite.. I'm still hunting for a truly moist & delicious red velvet (since I can't get Aunty Em's downtown). Suggestions?


my flickr set

Pet's Concierge

Meet Toni Duarte of Pet's Concierge..

Toni out walking her clients' dogs..

I don't think Toni dresses up like this every day! =) I caught up with her on St Patrick's Day walking a couple dogs. Toni has an event coordinator business as well a pet care service.. Toni watched our cats, Kiki & Alexander while we were recently in New Orleans.

Toni lives and works downtown, supporting other downtown dwellers. She's super friendly and easy to work with.. She walks dogs, does petcare visits, as well day & overnight care (if available). While a lot of her clients are dog owners, she has plenty of small animal and cat owner clients as well.

Pet's Concierge

Happy Anniversary Raw Materials!

Along with the celebrations that goes on during your average downtown Art Walk tonight, is something definitely worth celebrating! One year ago tomorrow (the date of last year's November art walk) was the grand opening & official ribbon cutting with our Councilwoman, Jan Perry..






Jim & Celia, co-owners & proprietors of Raw Materials Art Supplies
Happy Anniversary Raw Materials!! Here's to many, many more!!



Raw Materials
460 S Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 627-7223

Seen From the Loft

Big Man Bakes gets its new signage up..

I scampered downstairs to get a better view..


the store location is just south of the Hellman building in one of the OBD garage build outs. (click image for larger view)



Big Man Bakes is open.. and had their grand opening on September 10th..

Big Man Bakes
413 S. Main Street
twitter @BigManBakes

Regent Changes its Hue..

After a little over a year and a half, the "Main Street Recovery" mural came down today. A fresh new coat of bright yellow paint is now gracing the facade of the Regent Theatre..


The mural as seen from spring of 2008. The mural was originally installed on the Regent Theatre the 30th of January, 2008. Each part of the mural tells a story of Main Street's changes and the changes in Downtown. It was a temporary installation, but one can't help but think it had become a part of the landscape of Main Street.

This morning.. the scaffolding was being raised:






By late afternoon, the mural was halfway down.. and much of the new paint had been applied.






and then a little after 7pm.. this is what the Regent looked like:


As for the "Main Street Recovery" mural, it's rumored that it may make future appearances around the Old Bank District at some point. As for now, for the immediate future, the Regent will be grooving out in bright yellow.