LOS ANGELES 2010

There is nothing better than to take a Saturday afternoon and dedicate the entire day to Los Angeles and all it has to offer. Whether it be shopping, coffee houses, the arts, hide-away eateries, the palm trees, or just the vibrant atmosphere, Los Angeles has a lot to offer. Since we are just starting up this blog-life, I thought I would just place a bulk of pics to give you a visual of what I consider a great time.

DTLA, 2010

This main avenue in DTLA makes a mind wonder what it was really like back in the day. Today, the storefronts are plastered with an abundance of tacky signage and tattered banners in an international list of languages. Based on the various styles of architecture which allows one to identify the period in which it was erected, you can only imagine how beautiful DTLA was in the 30's and 40's.

The Standard, DTLA. 2010

I took this shot in the upper lobby terrace at The Standard in DTLA. The contrast of the ultra-modern furniture backed by the natural wallpaper...that peace the wallpaper exudes gives you the feeling of being enwrapped in the belly of the forest, while peering out into the bustling cityscape.

Palihouse Holloway Rooftop, Hollywood. 2010

The wife and I snuck up to the rooftop after an evening of drinks, dinner, and comedy at the Comedy Store. This was a great evening. There is nothing like being alone together overlooking the a city that is moving and shaking. Very Romantic...and she looked STUNNING if I may.

Canter's, Fairfax District. 2010

My favorite eatery in town, Canter's Fairfax. You can't get any better. Great food, great hours, great bakery, and the best delicatessen in LA. The best part of this joint would have to be the little cocktail lounge called the Kabbitz Room. If you don't know the Kabbitz, you do not know LA. If only the walls could speak, Canter's is Old Hollywood and it's a place that I have been enjoying since 1990! This place has been a favorite topic of Rolling Stone and the restaurant was a meeting place during the Comedy Renaissance of the late 70's,early 80's. Imagine strolling in for an early AM meal and sitting next to a table full of comedians such a Leno, Letterman, Boosler, Kaufman, and Hamilton. Funny thing is, I have been frequenting this joint for twenty years and just begun to look into the history of it. It's one of those places that captures you when you least expect it. A real cultural hub of LA and I will always recommend it.

Power to the Pizza...and buffalo wing

This was taken in Venice on a friday eve. I'm not one to venture into the beach towns but this night was an exception as I was accompanying somebody that was picking up his girl. Anyhow, I thought it would be cool to Angeleno's in their natural state. This homeless fellow (sorry for labeling him) approached me and offered to pose for a shot. He was drunk and all about the pizza and buffalo wings until I came around. Maybe he was a model in his past life??? I love this pic because I love to document things and people. DOCUMENTED HOMELESS PIZZA GUY

La Brea Ave, LA. 2010

I love this box. It's always a great photo opp. Standing behind the box and across the street is a great strand of shopping and eating spots. This is one of the strips that I have frequented since the early 90's. One of my pals ran a restaurant down mid block (see pic below) and it was here that I was exposed to street art and independent labels. Here you can still get a great feel of LA Street Culture and Fashion. Notable shops...Union, Stussy, Volcom, Undefeated, American Apparel, As Still, and a few vintage clothing shops. 

Wallpaper. El Carmen Restaurant, 3rd Ave, LA. 2010

This is an interesting one. This wallpaper laces the interworkings of El Carmen Restaurant/Tequila Bar. This is/was a great joint at one point. Maybe it's just me being a little sour after having an issue in this place...just after I took this picture of the wall, the manager of the bar approached me and advised me to not take anymore pics. She told me that the bartender didn't feel comfortable with me taking pics of him?? WHAT? You are a fugly mother...why would I take a pic of you? Please! I was pissed and after spending a large amount of money on tequila and C-Rated food, I will never go there again. Fuck Off Angeleno...I'm not papparazzi and you are nobody to take pics of. Just for that, I will drop a bottle of my favorite tequila off at the Kabbitz and have a shot when I am in town. Still cool wallpaper.