Dynamic Changes in the Neighborhood...

...and it is all taking place just a couple of blocks away from the Gaylord, at the newly & beautifully restored Hotel Normandie (photo, top), at the corner of Normandie & 6th Street. If you are having out of town guests and are looking for a place for them to stay, check the Normandie out for details at hotelnormandiela.com . The Hotel Normandie opened in 1926, 2 years after our arrival to the neighborhood and was also designed by the renowned architects of the Gaylord, Walker & Eisen, so in a way we are related!

Finally returning to the neighborhood with it's new home in the Hotel Normandie is Cassell's Hamburgers (photo, bottom left). Cassell's has been an L.A. institution and it's re-opening is a welcome sight on the corner of Normandie & 6th. Check out their menu at cassellshamburgers.com . Go and treat yourself to one of their classic burgers!

A new upscale restaurant to the neighborhood is Le Comptoir (photo, bottom center), with a 12 seat tasting counter, this is an intimate space and experience. Powered by talented chef, Gary Menes, who has done stints at Patina, Melisse, The French Laundry and who more recently had his own critically acclaimed place, Palate Food+ Wine. This is his new venture and the weekly changing menu looks tempting. Le Comptoir is located on the 6th Street side of the Hotel Normandie. For reservations and more details go to, lecomptoirla.com .

And also located on the 6th Street side of the Hotel Normandie is the newly opened The Normandie Club (photo, bottom right). This is a classic cocktail club and one of those places you will want to check out and spend some cool time in.

These new additions just add to the growing clout of the historic Wilshire Center/Koreatown vibe.