NEW TO ME

We tend to limit our lives in Los Angeles to the neighborhoods we live in, understandably. So I shouldn't be surprised when I "discovered" a new area I had no knowledge of previously.

My friend, colleague, and fellow blogger Heather Presha, over at Living In Leimert, has been introducing me to Leimert Park, Baldwin Hills (Nicknamed the "Golden Ghetto" or "The Black Beverly Hills"), and the View Park-Windsor Hills area.

Besides Leimert Park Village and all the beautiful 1920's and 30's Spanish style homes, one of my favorite things there are the amazing mid-century homes along Mt. Vernon Drive and in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Here are some of my favorites.

THE PAINTED LADIES OF HIGHLAND PARK

Photos Courtesy of http://heritagesquare.org/

I took a walking tour of Victorian homes while I was in San Francisco and was reminded by a friend that we have some amazing examples of pre-20th Century homes right here in our own neighborhood. The Heritage Square Museum, located right off the 110 Freeway.

"TASTE SPECIFIC" WOULD BE AN UNDERSTATEMENT

That headline is totally without judgment by the way. People should be free to rock their front yards however they see fit. See post.

So anyway this gem is on the market. Anyone up to checking out the open house with me? They have acrylic furniture. ACRYLIC FURNITURE!

I'm just curious if the next owners will keep all 19 Davids.

SIGN OF THE TIMES

This happened last week and I didn't want to let it go without a mention. The restoration of the Highland Theatre sign. I love the fact that the community of Highland Park is showing some love for it's local landmarks.

Photo by Gloria Angelina Castillo via egpnews.com

WILD NIGHT IN THE WOODS

Usually I have to go out and find the people, places and things in my neighborhood to blog about. But a few weeks ago a blog topic arrived in my in-box in the form of an invitation from my (new) friend Anne Alderette at Wildwood Ovens and BBQs on Eagle Rock Blvd.

The invite was to an event to introduce local Bloggers to Wildood Ovens, which offer cooking classes, a private event space, as wells as it's hand built wood ovens. Wildwood is owned and operated by Eagle Rock native, chef Michael Gerard.

Not only did I get to enjoy some amazing churrasco and Neapolitan pizzas prepared by Michael in their beautiful outdoor space and kitchen, but I got to meet fellow Bloggers, Romeo and Amanda, from WeCanCookThat.com.

WORD ON THE STREET

I'm fairly easy to please. Put me in space with a groovy decor and some nice people. Mix me a drink. Feed me something good. And I'm a happy man. All the bases where covered when Tony and I met our friends Bill and Stefan at SUSAN FENIGER'S STREET. L.A. foodies will recognize the name.

I have to say I was impressed with the truly unique menu. And a big shout out to Sara, the coolest Mixologist in Hollywood. Sit down at the bar and ask for her recommendations. You won't be disappointed.

FISH AND (TORTILLA) CHIPS

I have been told I can be "intense". So it is understandable that when I went into Chico's, the very sweet (and tolerant) waitress, Genobeva, was wary after a series of questions that included "What times does the restaurant close?", "Do you live in the neighborhood?" and "Can I take your picture?"

Thankfully I was able to convince her the I was not a stalker but an over-eager, amateur blogger and went on to order some of the best seafood tacos and taquitos I've had in my neighborhood. Locals on Yelp give it 4 and 5 stars.

Chico's is located at the corner of Avenue 50 and Fiqueroa, and trust me when I say "You can't miss it."

Chico's
100 N.Ave. 50
Los Angeles, CA. 90042
323 254-2445

HYPERBOLIC CROCHET CORAL REEF PROJECT

When I heard about this project it made me think of my friend and neighbor Mercy, who told me once she is a student of the "old lady arts".

The coral reef project was intended to bring awareness and as a response "to the devastation of living reefs from global warming and ocean acidification, the Crochet Reef resides at the intersection of art, science, mathematics and environmentalism."

The Autry Museaum presents a lecture by the creator of this project, Margaret Wertheim, April 30th.

Hey Mercy, this Christmas, can I get a coral reef?

HEAVEN HAS A FLAT ROOF

Whenever it's cloudy and overcast in Los Angeles I always get nostalgic for the east coast where I grew up. The suburb of my youth was standard and unremarkable but I like to imagine that I actually grew up in Hollin Hills, a modernists haven located in Northern Virginia.

OUR LADY OF MOUNT WASHINGTON

This appeared on our street during the Holidays last year and now it is a neighborhood Icon. It reminds me of my Italian grandparents and their house when I was a kid. Hail Mary.