I signed up for a tour downtown, not my own and not with the Conservancy. This was a food tour of downtown. I guess you could say this was a Busmans’ holiday. A tour guide taking a tour of her own tour.
Except it was different, sure there was history and buildings, but really it was about the food. Which is why I don’t have any pictures of the food….
Really, I didn’t take pictures of the food. Instead I took some pictures of places I usually talk about. Well, I don’t talk about the Biltmore, but I can’t help but take pictures in this hotel. Look at all the textures!
The tour stopped 7 food locations. We were told that each place would be a tasting, not a full meal. I don’t know, maybe I don’t eat much, I was sooo stuffed by the time we were half way through. We started with half an almond Croissant.
A griffin head at the Biltmore.
I love the Biltmore ceilings, well, I all the Biltmore. Just had to point the camera up.
Then it was on the Grand Central market, where I was introduced to Horse Thief BBQ. I’ve passed this place often and never stopped. I will stop again, this was really good BBQ. Sam said people from Texas agree, well who am I to argue with Texas?
We also had grilled cheese from the cheese shop in the market, I learned that DTLA Cheese, is owned by the granddaughters of The AltaDena Dairy company, one of the first in the area. I love when a family tradition continues through the generations. I have bought cheese there, this was the first time I ate their grilled cheese. Yum!
I had to take this picture What a robe! Is it a house robe, or his clothes. It was very unique, didn’t look bathrobe at all. As I look at the picture, I can see how he matches the coffee display perfectly.
There are so many interesting outfits out and about in downtown, when can capture a picture I do.
I’m trying to understand the combination of the good luck cats and what looks like a Hindu God. LA is such a fascinating place, a true melting pot.
Speaking of the contrasts of LA, I didn’t take a picture, but to me this scene captures LA these days. Down on 3rd and Main. The city was busy repaving Main st. So a lot of heavy machinery. The large parking lot was rented out to a movie shoot (which was happening up on 6th st), so the lot was full of trailers, food service and people. Right next to the lot, on a small strip of sidewalk is a tent city of hobos… This is what we’ve become. Oh and speaking of hobos, they set another fire in Balboa park, right by my kids, so for now the city has removed them, let’s see how long they keep the park clean. It’s become a place that I won’t walk alone, and I love the bird sanctuary there.
I love the Neon signs in the market.
Our next stop was a Mediterranean restaurant, it was Ok, I’ve had much better. By then I was stuffed! The portions weren’t small at all. We still had three more food stops!
I love this tribute to Jonathan Gold. I’m so glad it is right here at the Grand Central Market. LA’s best food critic ever. He helped put so many local ethnic food places on the map. Mostly mom and pop establishments. Unfortunately he died of cancer a few years ago. He is sorely missed.
Our next stop was Guisados in the Spring-Broadway arcade. I think Jonathan Gold helped put them on the map, the original location in Boyle Heights, they now have 9 locations, and let me tell you – their Tacos are amazing. They are hand made on location and the filings are really unique and very flavorful.
A mural in the arcade. Finally the arcade is full! They tried to copy Grand Central market, didn’t work, so the restaurants aren’t stalls and its’ working. This is part of the Japanese restaurant. We didn’t taste anything here. We did have a slice of real Pizza Margherita at Pizza Napolita. Really, the best, award winning pizza, just the dough, sauce, mozzarella and basil.
This is The Million Dollar theater, still decorated for Halloween. Of course we walked through the Bradbury, but I have enough photos from there, for now.
Our final stop was Botega Louis, we needed dessert. And no, it wasn’t the macarons. It was the beignet, which really is a donut, even round like a donut – but oh so good!!!
I was stuffed, I was so stuffed, but very very happy. I really do enjoy exploring the city, doing it through food is a great thing indeed.
Leah