Every once in a while I come across the realization that although I have done numerous fun things in LA there are certain iconic places that I have failed to visit in my 17 years here. That must be changed soon, anyone up for an adventure? The following is a list, in no particular order, of stuff that I need to experience.
1. A bite to eat at The Original Pantry.
It seems as if every time I hang out with my friend Eric the fact that I have never been to the Original Pantry comes up. Owned by former Mayor Richard Riordan the restaurant opened in 1924 and for a time was able to claim that it had never closed it’s doors to customers, even staying open in the middle of a change of location. I seem to remember a small problem with hot water, or the lack thereof, a few years back so I’m not sure if that claim still stands true. As Eric always states - the food is nothing to write home about, however I still want go and experience for myself. Apparently the hordes of hungover people that line the sidewalk on Saturday and Sunday mornings beg to differ.
2. A horseback ride at Sunset Ranch.
I do believe there are other places to ride the horses in Los Angeles but these people seem pretty decent. They offer guided rides at either $20 for one hour or $35 for two hours, according to the website. I don’t think I could handle much more than an hour. From what i remember it's not the most comfortable of experiences.
3. A tour of the San Antonio Winery.
Long before prohibition came about, Los Angeles was California’s big grape growing and wine producing region. Who would’ve thunk? Apparently in 1833 this French guy named Jean-Louis Vignes (sound familiar?) bought some vines over from his hometown of Bordeaux. By the turn of the century there were over 100 wineries in the area. Then in 1917 an Italian immigrant named Santo Cambianica settled in Los Angeles and started the San Antonio Winery. Prohibition came in 1920 and the wine producing industry took a huge hit. Many did not survive, however Santo received special permission from the Catholic Church to produce sacramental wines thereby allowing his winery to survive. Tours are given on the hour, Monday through Friday 12pm-2pm and weekends 11am-4pm.
4. And last but certainly not least…a visit to the Watts Towers.
The Watts Towers were built single handedly by one man, Simon Rodia. Born In Italy in 1879, he immigrated to Los Angeles where he worked as a laborer and tile setter. He bought a home on the outskirts of town and decided that he wanted to leave behind something of himself and something of importance to his adopted home. It took 33 years to complete his masterpiece of 3 tall towers made of hand mixed concrete, steel and broken pieces of tile and glass. I’m sure my description really does it no justice. From the pictures I've seen and stories I’ve heard it really is a sight to behold.
OK, that wraps this section up of “I’m a bad Angeleno because I’ve never…”
I shall post updates when my tasks have been completed.
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My theatre company, The Elephant Theatre, is having a fundraising party on Sunday April 10th. It's an 80's party. WOO WOO. Remember those good times? Big hair, bad clothes and cheap beer. OK, well maybe not the cheap beer.
