sha in LA

Tuesday Night Gathering (part deux)

In the continuation of the newly formed “Tuesday Night Gatherings” – E, P & I got together again and added a consonant to the mix, H. We all met on the 32nd floor of the AT&T/Transamerica building at Windows, which will be closing in 7 days. Mainly there to gawk at the view, we had a quick drink and pondered our dinner options. E3rd? Nah. Royal Claytons? Possibly. Liberty Grill? Yes! Partly because we hadn’t been and partly because it was within walking distance.

As we made our way over to 10th and Flower from 12th and Olive we realized that we rarely, if ever, spend much time actually walking through South Park. Once at Liberty Grill we opted for the patio seating because it was a lovely, temperate summer evening and already I knew we had the propensity of being a bit rowdy. Due to a late lunch today at work I wasn’t all that hungry so E & I split a Fishwich....a good sized piece of grilled Mahi Mahi with lettuce, tomato, onion and special sauce on a bun. It was quite tasty and I definitely would have finished the entire ‘which had I had the chance. P had a pepper crusted turkey burger with grilled onions, tomato and lord knows what else. It was about as big as his head and he seemed to enjoy the entire thing. So did another table which accidentally got his first burger off the grill.

Afterwards we decided to have a nightcap poolside at the Figueroa Hotel. Apparently the Downtown News had their annual “Best Of” gathering earlier in the evening and I ran into Richard Montoya from Culture Clash as soon as I walked into the bar. Shortly after sitting down I spotted Commander Andy Smith. I’ve never met him in person but am an avid reader of the Downtown News (where he’s regularly featured) and immediately recognized him. Not one for subtlety I went right up and introduced myself, mistakenly asking if he was Captain Andy Smith in the greeting. He promptly and humorously corrected me, “Commander.” We talked briefly, he was amazingly friendly and outgoing and a real “people” person. That brief encounter was the absolute highlight of my evening. Other people get off meeting “movie stars” and I get off meeting “Downtown’s stars.” Yes, I am a geek.

Undoubtedly more Tuesday Night Gatherings will be happening in the near future, stay tuned.

x

a royally good tuesday night

A few weeks ago E, P & I set a date for a Royale Happy Hour feast, dubbed happyhourREMIXED. We have been wanting to try the food for a while and with happy hour prices on both food and beverage it seemed like a no brainer to us, sample an assortment of tastes at a slightly less cost. Tonight was the night of said plans and we all converged upon Royale within 5 minutes of each other. and in separate vehicles...typical Angelenos coming from work from vastly different regions of the Southland. A DJ spun records in the corner, Tyler poured our drinks and we commenced eating as the sun slowly set just beyond Lafayette Park.

We ordered practically everything on the menu. Seriously. Out of 15 items we ordered 9. Outstanding highlights agreed upon by all were the Pork Spareribs, Mac & Cheese, Crabcakes and Salt & Pepper Shrimp. Don’t get me wrong though, all of it was damn tasty and nary a morsel was left after our 3 way assault on the food. Dessert included a lovely Peach Tart, which in certain circles is considered my nickname.

We played around with Eric’s new camera trying to find good photo settings....I think we succeeded.

x

chichen itza-mazing...part 2

This evening E&P and I got together for a belated birthday dinner for E. We have been threatening for a while to return to Chichen Itza, the site of a fabulous dinner we had there earlier this year, and tonight was the night we decided to own up to that proclamation.

One noticeable difference was in the chips that are served pre-meal. Last time they were served plain with a combination of salsa's to try, this time they were served a la nacho-style with a black bean puree drizzled over them topped off with a stunning mild tomato salsa. It was so delicious that we devoured them almost immediately.

We started out again with the appetizer sampler which is always a favorite there and definitely recommended for larger parties. We then chose 3 separate main courses than what we had during our original outing. I chose the Pollo Pibil, E had the Queso Relleno and P went with a Shrimp dish. All very good choices and all plates were empty when all was said and done. The pibil was really amazing and I highly suggest that dish in either the pollo or pork.

For dessert we decided to walk over to Royale as we did the last time we went to Chichen Itza...are you sensing a pattern here? Essentially we do like to drink our desserts if possible and it's definitely possible at Royale where Tyler the master mixologist tempted our taste buds further by creating some wickedly delicious martinis.

Our next dining adventure you may ask? Well that'll be in a few weeks when we will venture back to Royale for their happyhour REMIXED to try the food...and maybe a drink or two.

x

2 x 7 grand equals...

Seven Grand. Downtown Los Angeles' newest destination for whiskey, scotch-whiskey and the such. 2 times in one week. That makes me 14 grand richer, yes? No, actually it makes me a few 20's poorer. Oh well, it was fun nonetheless. Just try not to go late on a weekend night unless you're into hoochie-mama type girlies....then by all means that's when you want to go.

Me? I'll take a Wednesday night crowd vs. the weekenders anytime. I find it oddly curious that an establishment can have a vastly different clientele from hour to hour on any given night. Maybe that's what makes Downtown so unique.

x

** photo courtesy of Eric Lynxwiler, upon original installation of sign

S on the edison

Due to an interesting set of circumstances, Eric and I were able to get into the Edison on Tuesday evening and check it out sans the massive crowds of people I hear gather there on weekend nights.

We met Sean Hamilton, the very friendly manager, who patiently answered all of my inquisitive questions and apparently works there every hour it’s open. Thankfully for him the hours are 5pm – 2am Wednesday through Friday and 8pm – 2am on Saturdays, giving him a chance to have a life outside of those hallowed walls. Speaking of the space, it’s absolutely ginormous and stunningly decorated with the original electric generators and associated machinery as well as added historic pieces that fit in as if they were original to the space. Hand painted murals adorn many walls and depict the era of the Higgins Building debut in 1910. There are 2 large bars and numerous seating options, from dark and cozy to open and airy. The kitchen is set to open in about 2 weeks and Happy Hour will be from 5pm – 8pm Wednesday through Friday, giving those that get out of work in the 6 o’clock hour the added leeway to enjoy an after work drink or 3 and some nibbles.

I think its safe to say I’ll be visiting the Edison again once the kitchen is operational and largely avoiding the peak hours of attendance. Me and bunches of people I don’t know don’t mix well...

An album will be up tomorrow night possibly. It’s late and mama’s gotta get to bed, no time for Photoshop, uploading and captioning now.

x

ok, one more...

itza-mazing

On Sunday night Eric, Phil and I headed over to Chichen Itza for dinner. We originally spied it on the 6th Street Stroll last Sunday, then in a matter of a week I read two reviews of the joint. It was on.

We heard stories of a wildly spicy habanero salsa that Phil was dying to try. The restaurant plays nice and starts you off with a lovely mild roasted tomato salsa that pairs wonderfully with a black bean dip. Then after you've settled in they bring out the big guns. Due to a slight communication error we mistook the crazy-spicy salsa for the not-so-much-spicy salsa and were in for a rude awakening. Phil got off on it while Eric and I were in great pain.

[the two bowls in front, OK for everyone....the two off to either side, be forewarned: SPICYHOT!!!]

After regaining sensation in our taste buds we were treated with the amazing Sopa de Lima, a table favorite along with the Platano con Crema, even after my bold satement of not liking plantains much.

For the main couse we each chose a different path.

Beef tenderlion for Eric.

Sole for Shannon.

And Papadzul for Phil.

We each loved our respective choices. Phil's dish was interesting but I couldn't have had that as a main meal and Eric's beef tenderloin just about nearly made me want to eat red meat again...hehe. My dish, I'd order again in a heartbeat. It'll actually be difficult for me to sway and try something else when we go again...and we will most definitely be back.

Afterwards we decided to walk over to Royale to check it out and have a cocktail. The space is beautifully done with high ceilings, dark colors, dim lighting and wood accents. The bar area is separated from the dining area by a large courtyard which would have been nice to utilize had it not been for the rain.

[Royale]

And finally, rounding out the night...since we didn't have to work in the morning...we took a trip to La Cita on Hill between 4th and 3rd. E&P hadn't been there before and I was only there once during the day...not at night, when the time is right for some dancing! The place was hoppin' and the dance floor was packed. If you've never been to La Cita, let me try to explain the wonderfulness of the interior. Imagine low ceilings, strings of multi-colored christmas lighting everywhere interspersed with tiny red light bulbs, brass railings, red leatherette seating and lots of mirrors. We had great fun listening to the music and watching the action on the dance floor and were slightly taken aback when the security guard suggested we come back for "punk night." You know, just because we're gringos doesn't mean we're interested in punk night...hello!!

It was a night of 3 firsts, and definitely not lasts.

x

EPS at e3rd

Ever since Ed at View From A Loft mentioned e3rd a few weeks back I've been itching to go check it out. Earlier today I sent an email to my good friends E&P who live nearby the new restaurant and suggested we go sometime soon. They responded back with an exuberant "what about tonight!" I hesitated at first because I'm fighting a cold, thinking we'd go next week instead, but then shrugged it off and agreed on tonight. Hey, if I'm gonna get sick I may as well have one last good meal before the taste buds go bye-bye. Right?

We enjoyed a nice walk over to the restaurant which is located on 3rd, obviously, near Traction Avenue. The space is deceptively large and modern with a small patio to the rear for the smoking types. We each had a different form of animal (sorry to any vegetarian and/or vegan readers). As per usual, I opted for the fish. Eric had beef and Phil went for the chicken. In order for me to get the fish I had to order a special meal which included an appetizer sampler, which was shared between the 3 of us. Hands down our favorite apps were the sea scallops, followed by the tuna tempura and the pork wrap. Likewise, we all enjoyed our main dishes greatly with Phil eating every last bite of his Spicy Chicken. Eric and I had leftovers because our meals were so big and hearty. We will definitely be adding this place to our future dining options in the 'hood.

Then it came time for dessert....our favorite part. Instead of trying one of the numerous ice cream options at e3rd, E&P suggested a walk over to the Little Tokyo Plaza for a great new yogurt place they had recently found. IF was the place and it was an amazing way to round out the evening. I had the original sour yogurt with strawberries and chocolate chips. E&P had similar concoctions with different toppings.

On our walk back to their loft Phil proclaimed for like the 10th time how much he loved living in Downtown and we all agreed. Even though I'm an interloper, wishing I could truly call Downtown home, I feel his joy. Especially times like these when we are greeted with such fantastical forms of expression.

A few more photos of the evening can be found here.

x

redwood barrrrrrrgh

Monday night. Slightly tired from the events of the weekend (update coming later) however still awake enough to see some good friends on the first day of the year.

First, a call came from Kimmy asking if I had a special gift for the holidays to deliver, which I did. One half of The Compound™ residents and I ate delicious Fatburgers and watched Rushmore. Directly afterwards as I was leaving I received a phone call from Eric, he was going to check out The Redwood Bar and wanted to know if I was up for the adventure as well. Now I must admit that I haven't been all that inspired to check the place out since it's re-opening a few months ago…something about the pirate theme that made me think "eh." However, let me say that I was pleasantly surprised with the place.

When I got there Eric was enjoying a Shrimp Po'boy, fries & a pint. I didn't eat but was informed there's a nice selection of "comfort food" on the menu. We sat in a large semi-circle booth which at first looked like white vinyl until further inspection revealed it was actually lined with a sail…as in ships. Inventive. After he finished eating we transitioned to the bar area to get a different perspective on the joint. Unfortunately the bartender was manning the entire place by himself and wasn't able to chat with us as we would have liked. There was a jukebox filled with a range of music from bands of today to the swinging sounds of yesterday, which gave me a slight flashback to the weekend I just spent in San Diego. I felt like getting up and cuttin' a rug, but refrained. 2 large flat screened TV's at either end of the bar provided us with fantastical BSU/OU Bowl Game coverage. I love football in HD. "It's the mirrors." But I digress…

Afterwards we thought briefly about checking out other drinking establishments in the neighborhood but the holiday, combined with my recent weekend activities and work in the morning made the decision an easy one. I dropped him off at his fabulous building and made my way home to unpack.

x

ciudad and the library

Eric, Phil and I got together on Tuesday night for what is now our annual Holiday dinner at Ciudad. We absolutely love their food and, depending on the night, sometimes love our server. Appetizers consisted of goat cheese fritters and spinach empanadas. Main course consisted of Scallops for Phil & I and some amazingly intense beef thing with shredded brussel sprouts on the side for Eric. Drinks varied from mojitos to martinis.

Our dinner conversation obviously focused on Downtown, from old favorite drinking establishments to more recent additions to the landscape. The Library Bar was one such topic and being the crack investigative reporters that we are, we decided to end the evening with a quick libation and check the place out in the process.

The Library Bar is located on Hope Street at 6th and is contained within the new Library Court Lofts structure. They seem to specialize in a wide array of beers however there's a fully stocked bar as well. There's a small but decent sized bar area, a few plush couch type things near a well stocked library containing odd and interesting titles of random books and a semi-private room off to the side/rear.

We sat in the back room and enjoyed the dimly lit, welcoming vibe of the place. Music was just loud enough to create a mood AND allow for conversation. All agreed that it was a great new addition to the Downtown scene and I suspect that we'll consider it in our rotation of watering holes the next time the urge hits.

Just a few snaps to entertain the masses.

x

Royal Claytons

I should start off every post with "the other day when Eric and I went out exploring...", because that's how this one's gonna start too, bear with me though...it gets better.

About a week ago Eric and Phil went to Royal Claytons which recently "soft opened" in their neighborhood at the Toy Factory Lofts. When Eric and I were trodding around Downtown 2 weeks ago that's all he could talk about. I knew immediately that I had to get my little butt there ASAP. Especially when he said they held out trying the crab cake appetizer until I joined them. Me being a Maryland girl (Maryland is for Crabs) and all...

So in honor of Phil's birthday we went there for dinner tonight. The restaurant will be having an official opening night party on Thursday complete with civil dignitaries and the press so don't be surprised when you start to hear more about this place in the coming weeks.

It occupies the ground floor of the Toy Factory Lofts in the heart of the Warehouse District? Industrial District? Downtown. When you enter there is a decent sized dining area to the right and lounge area with pool table and plasma screen TV's to the left. The ambiance is warm and inviting complete with dim lighting and lots of candles. We sat at a table with a window view of the soon to be converted National Biscuit Company Lofts and immediately ordered drinks and the crab cake appetizer while we debated our main course options.

Between the 3 of us there was hardly a spec of food left when all was said and done. I opted for the Sea Bass (Fennel Encrusted), Eric had the Tempura Battered Fish & Chips and Phil had Chicken and Veggies. For dessert we moved to the bar area for a change of scenery and had some sort of dreamy orange cheesecake and chocolate explosion cake.

My area of expertise is not writing about food so I'll leave that uber breakdown to the Chowhound people and Pat at Eating L.A. I know that I loved every single piece of food that touched my lips.

A big thank you to the owners for opening a restaurant up in that part of town. Eric and Phil are ecstatic to be able to actually walk to a nice restaurant in their neighborhood. Once the Nabisco Lofts open and the misplaced Mill Street thing goes up that little block will be a vibrant slice of Downtown life for those who have taken up residence in the area.

By the way....Sweet Freedom Developments, the people who run this restaurant, will be opening Dietrichs below the Hellman building later this year. It will feature 1920's decor, a cigar bar, smoking room and have space for live musical acts...13,000 square feet of space, not 1,300 square feet as recently reported by the Downtown News.

Pictures from this evening's adventures can bee seen here. Enjoy!

x