K-town Food Exposed...

In the new issue of Sunset magazine (Sept 2012), chef Debbie Lee takes you on a tour of some of her favorite Korean restaurants in our neighborhood with a guide for 10 essential Korean dishes (the new 'it' cuisine). Pick it up for review.

More Coffee Talk...

Word on the street is that our Tully's Coffee, one block west of us on Wilshire, that many of you frequent, will be going out soon and be replaced by The Coffee Bean & Teal Leaf. Don't forget, we also have a Starbuck's opening in the near future right across the street from there. Soooooooo, along with the many Korean boba/coffee houses already in existence in the area, we will be one hyper, over-caffeinated neighborhood. Would you like an extra shot?

Tenant Has Film In Works...

Our divine Lana, has a great short film in the works that should be released soon. You may recognize some of the characters throughout. For more info & a trailer for the film, visit the facebook page at,

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Sparkle/162163300587761.

In Need of Comic Relief...

There is a big line up for the 'Pajama Party' this coming Monday evening, the 27th. Let one or all of these comics brighten your sunny disposition some more. It all starts at 8pm!

Red Tail Anyone?...

Has anyone seen our neighborhood red tailed hawks, lately? It has been a couple of months since last sighting them and they use to fly over head daily in all of their majestic glory. They were residents of our immediate neighborhood for several years, keeping an eye on all below. I heard them making a big commotion a while back when I was in the office and have not seen them since. I am feeling lost without them and I need that sense of wild around me while I live in this concrete jungle.

Okay, Caffeinated Addicts...

Last night, I saw the sign that a Starbucks will be opening up on the next block on Wilshire soon (a few doors west of the Bank of America), between Mariposa and Normandie. Now you won't have to walk all the way down 7 blocks to Serrano Ave to get your fix, you Starbucks junkies ( I do indulge, myself).

New Park Downtown...

While out and about, last Friday evening, the mister and I deliberately strayed from the hula performance (White men in cargo shorts dancing the hula! really!?! Sorry, to those of you who may have gone upon my recommendation in a previous Blog post.) at Grand Performances and strolled down Grand Avenue towards the Music Center to see if anything else of interest was to be had. Lo and behold, a new park with green space has recently opened up downtown, called Grand Park. Los Angeles is getting some things right now (With a bit of visionary help from Eli Broad. Can't wait to see the finished product of his new museum on Grand, next to the Disney Concert Hall.) for their residents. Great park, wonderful views, fun water fountain & wading area and nicely landscaped grounds and of course a Starbucks smack dab in the middle of it all (so you can get your caffeine high while trying to meditate on the green lawn)! On this evening, there was an off the Strip, Vegas style band (with gold lame' jackets on) playing 50's music and everyone from tots to grand parents up and dancing. All were having a good time & actually mingling. This is directly across Grand Avenue from the Music Center and next to the Stanley Mosk Courthouse (the next time you serve jury duty you will now have a lovely place to escape to on your lunch break, which is usually needed).

Be sure to go by and appreciate (get your feet wet!) and take a stroll.

A Couple of Meals Worth Noting...

In the past couple of months, the husband and I have experienced two very tasty meals worth mentioning.

The first, we had just about 2 months ago at eat.drink.americano. eat.drink.americano is the new Cafe Metropole reinvigorated, which is located in the Artists District downtown at 923 E 3rd St, with a fresh menu of food, ales & wine offerings. We started with the Chop Board that consists of your choice of a combination of Italian meats & cheeses served with house marinated olives & artisan bread. Totally satisfying with a great glass of wine. For dinner, I went with the Niman Pork Cheeks. Like OMG!!! (sorry, got to keep it contemporary), so tender and delicious. My husband had the steak tartare that came with mustard ice cream. WOW is all I have to say on that dish, was that good! The evening ended with the 'pull me Up' dessert. A trifle of coffee & amaretto soaked lady fingers, fresh pannacotta & chocolate ganache. This was a pleasurable night and the owners are always delightful to visit with.

For more info, eatdrinkamericano.com.

The other meal was a couple of weeks ago and a most romantic dinner out. Our lovely Joanna has been telling me about Church & State for some time now. I see why! French menu, beautifully executed with a lively atmosphere in a beautiful space. This is located a block away from the Greyhound bus station downtown and not far from skid row. (HUH!?!) Located on the street level of the National Biscuit Company lofts building. This is one of those charming 2-3 block pocket neighborhoods that you run across in LA and ask yourself, is it reality or a movie set. We started with the mushroom tarte served on a wood plank. The combination of sweet with the mushroom and light flaky crust was amazing. Again, I went with pork, the pork belly this time with fingerling potatoes and fresh figs. I think I went to heaven on this meal. And the mister had the roasted half organic chicken that was seasoned to perfection. There is always dessert for me and I went with the chocolate and salted caramel tarte... yummmmmmmmmmmm. He had the creme brulee. We ate outside and took in the delightful neighborhood with the residents out walking their dogs. The dining room inside seems it may be loud, but still very charming and you can watch all the action going on inside from your outside table (like a zoo!). If you want a special meal, you must go here. 1850 Industrial St.

For more info, churchandstatebistro.com.

Hula Anyone?...

No, not on the screen 'hulu' viewing! We want you outdoors under the night sky on these warm evenings. Tonight & tomorrow night starting at 8pm at Grand Performances downtown, the Na Lei Hulu I Ka Wekiu dance hula company will be performing. Go and enjoy the amalgamation of music styles set to hula. Shake those hips and wave your hands in the air like you just don't care... (gracefully now).

Go to grandperformances.org for more info.

It Did Not Last For Long...

We have 2TWO2 units that will be available SOON,

***RENTED***- Single, 10th floor, 540 sq ft, east facing, $1100/mo.***RENTED***
***RENTED***- Bachelor, 4th floor, 380 sq ft, south facing overlooking Wilshire Blvd, $760/mo.***RENTED***

Inquire if interested.