Travelin' Local » Mid Wilshire

History, Art, and Memories live at the Memorial Branch Library

Lisa Newton — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 21:12:47 +0000

21 libraries or former libraries in Los Angeles’ library system are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

To be sure, each one of them is special in some way–from their architecture, design, location, or even down to such details as their windows.

Which is actually the case with the Memorial Branch Library, located at 4645 West Olympic Boulevard in Los Angeles’ mid-Wilshire district.

A few days ago, I featured public art work that’s part of the exterior of the Memorial Branch Library, but as well, the art work in the form of stained glass windows is beautiful, and a part of our local history, art and many a memory over the years are sure to be conjured forth from their long-standing part of the community. windows:

Although a bit unassuming from the outside, the Memorial Branch library was built in 1930 by architect John C. Austin, who also was the architect for world famous Los Angeles Griffith Park Observatory, and the Hollywood Masonic Temple.

In 1923, the students and alumni of Los Angeles High School–which is located across the street from the library–bought the property as part of its 15^th Anniversary celebration. Although originally intended as a park dedicated to World War I alumni, 6 years after the property was purchased, the Park Board gave the property to the Library Board.

With its Gothic Revival design, the library’s total building costs when first built was $47,621. At the request of the students, a stained glass window, designed by the famous Judson Studios in Highland Park, was placed in the then adult reading room, for an additional cost of $25,000.

“The top row of stained glass windows represents the various armed forces; the Infantry, Field artillery, Navy, Marine Corps, Engineers, and Aviation.

In the second row of windows the tower of the old LA High School, the seal of the city of LA, the coat of arms of the USA, the California state flag, the coat of arms of the LA High School, and the tower of the present LA High School building are represented.

On the lower row, the two center panels have the memorial tablets giving the names of the LA High School alumni who died in the service of their country during World War I. The shields on either side carry the emblem of “Sacrifice,” pictured by the legend of the Pelican in Piety, and on either end is a heraldic arrangement of the poem “in Flanders Field.”

Across the base of the window is the inscription, “Dedicated to the alumni of Los Angeles High School who died in the World War. 1914-1918. May the sacrifice of these lives contribute to the establishment of peace among nations.” Source: History of the Memorial Branch (PDF)

The original book collections for the Memorial Branch Library were new, which was fairly unique at the time. Working with a budget of $10,000, 5,000 books and 50 magazine subscriptions were purchased.

So the next time you’re in the area of Olympic Boulevard, take a few minutes and spend some time in this wonderful and historic library, which is Los Angeles Cultural-Historic Landmark #81.

It’s place in LA history is always remembered for its beauty, history, and memories which exist up to the present.

The Los Angeles Holocaust Museum

Lisa Newton — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 07:11:06 +0000

In 1961,when a group of people at an English class were instructed to compare a minimum of notes, that fact indeed, later became the start of the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust (LAMH).

They discovered they each had a photograph, a concentration camp uniform, and other precious and limited personal objects. They decided that these artifacts needed a permanent home where they could be displayed safely.

That’s when, albeit two decades later, the artifacts have a permanent home–where they could be displayed safely.

On Thursday, October 14^th at 10:30am, LAMH, located in the northwest corner of Pan Pacific Park, will hold its Dedication Ceremony.

Boasting the West Coast’s largest archive of documents, relics and other primary source materials from the Holocaust period (1933-1945), visitors can expect to learn and remember a time from the World’s past. With thousands of historical records, the permanent archive presents a researcher limitless opportunities.

As part of LAMH’s program, temporary displays are planned. Currently,

Erich Lichtblau-Leskly Theresienstadt Collection of original paintings or ghetto-picture diaries is the largest collection of this artist’s work. Through their technical excellence, the works reveal defiance, humor, satire, and indifference to the madness of the world run by the Nazi regime.

Open Monday-Thursday and Sunday from 10:00am-4:00pm, Friday from 10:00am-2:00pm, and closed on Saturdays, LAMH charges no admission. They also welcome students and have resources for teachers.

What a wonderful addition to the LA Museum scene……….

The Abbey San Encino is in Highland Park not Encino

Lisa Newton — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 20:36:02 +0000

Constructed from boulders found in the Arroyo, Abbey San Encino was the home of Clyde Browne, a printer who lived in Los Angeles for forty years until his death in 1942. Declared Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #106 on November 15, 1972, the Abbey was the dream of Clyde Browne.

Born in 1872 in Ohio, Clyde Browne moved around the Midwest, and eventually slowly made his way to Los Angeles in 1903.

Working as a reporter for the Los Angeles Examiner (now defunct) for four years, Browne subsequently set up his own printing shop. In 1910, with his business partner, Alexander Cartwright, Brown went into business, forming Browne and Cartwright.

An important part of our city’s history, Browne and Cartwright were instrumental in assisting both Occidental College and the University of Southern California start their own school newspapers.

Around 1915, Browne, who previously lived in an old garage, moved into the property, and started building what would eventually become the Abbey San Encino, where he did most of the business’ printing.

Modeled on a 17th Century monastery, the Abbey San Encino was completed in 1921; but Brown’s family didn’t move into the Abbey until 1924. Interestingly enough, the tile fireplace of the Abbey San Encino was designed by another prominent Arroyon, the tile maker Ernest Batchelder.

In the Abbey’s grand hall, Browne built a marvelous pipe organ, which he played for his guests.

Browne thought of himself as a master printer, and his house reflects that:

Wanting San Encino to develop into a lay monastery of creative artisans, Browne had a series of workshops and studios built near the abbey. There he hoped to gather the best printers, bookbinders, and graphic artists of his day, all of the living and working together under the benevolent sponsorship of Abbot Clyde Browne. Source: The Abbey San Encino and the History of Fine Printing in Los Angeles

Browne was successful at his craft as such illustrious printers Ward Ritchie and Lawrence Clark Powell rented space from him.

In 1931, Browne founded Castle Press, and later was the chairman of the Democratic Party Committee in the 54th district, and ran for the State Assembly.

After Clyde Browne’s death on July 1, 1942, his son closed the press and sold most of the equipment. As far as I could discover, the ownership of the Abbey is still in the Browne family–including the grandsons, musician songwriter Severin Browne and rock singer-songwriter and musician Jackson Browne.

Both children grew up playing in the Abbey San Encino, but around 1961, the Browne family left The Abbey and moved to Fullerton, CA.

The Abbey San Encino is located at 6211 Arroyo Glen, in Garvanza, the newly named boundry of a section of Highland Park–with Figueroa St. on the west side, San Pasqual on the East, and on the North and South Sides respectively, La Loma Rd. and York Blvd.

To look at this landmark will take some dexterity as there’s a large fence surrounding the property, but to see this iconic and historic landmark is well worth the effort.

As you can see from the above photo, there is current construction at the Abbey, but there’s no public information when it will be open to the public, if ever.

The first photo is from Travelin’ Local, but the photo of the fireplace is courtesy of The Abbey San Encino, which has more photos if you’re interested in exploring this part of Los Angeles lore in more depth. The shot of Jackson Brown sitting in the Abbey doorway is courtesy of the Montecito Heights Improvement Association.

The Director’s Roundtable Garden at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Lisa Newton — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 04:05:23 +0000

Nothing is simple, and the above picture takes simplicity into the realm of the exquisite. The picture above is nothing short of electric in how it seizes your senses with its sheer attention grabbing eccentricity, elegance, and wittiness.

Entitled “Urban Lights” by Chris Burden, this sculpture incorporates more than two hundred vintage street lights from Los Angeles County. Installed in January 2008, it still creates a buzz whenever anyone sees it. I went to see it in the daytime, but it has a totally different feel at night. To view it during the evening, two other local bloggers have pictures of it here and here.

On the southwest side of LACMA is a small walkway that leads to larger public art pieces. Here, made out of reinforced concrete is “Untitled (for Leo Castelli)” by artist Donald Judd. Simple in its design, the idea of 5 strong blocks standing next to each other creates a space to fill, one to remain empty, or one to look through. The possibilities for interpretation and to enjoy its meanings are endless. Leo Castelli was the legendary art dealer and sponsor of many famous artists:

In 1957, he opened the Leo Castelli Gallery in a townhouse on E. 77th Street between Madison and Fifth Avenues in New York City. Initially the gallery showcased European Surrealism, Wassily Kandinsky, and other European artists. However the gallery also exhibited American Abstract Expressionism. Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Cy Twombly, Friedel Dzubas, and Norman Bluhm were some artists who were included in group shows.

In 1958 Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns joined the gallery, signaling a turning away from Abstract Expressionism, towards Pop Art, Minimalism and Conceptual Art. From the early 1960s through the late 70s, Frank Stella, Larry Poons, Lee Bontecou, James Rosenquist, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Robert Morris (artist), Donald Judd, Chryssa, Dan Flavin, Ronald Davis, Bruce Nauman, Ed Ruscha, Salvatore Scarpitta, Richard Serra, Lawrence Weiner and Joseph Kosuth joined the stable of Castelli artists. In the 1970s Leo Castelli opened a downtown SoHo branch of the Leo Castelli Gallery at 420 West Broadway. In the 1980s he opened a second larger downtown exhibition space on Greene Street also in SoHo. Source: Wikipedia

“Decoy” is made out of cast-iron, and it was created in 1990 by artist Martin Puryear. Labeled a “Minimalist” by many in the art community, Pupyear once said, “I looked at it, I tasted it, and I spat it out.” Funny yet brilliant commentary put into sculpture. Pure bliss to be enjoyed, too.

Who knew solid steel could create such an effect? Artist Anthony Caro’s piece entitled “Saddle,” causes feelings of wonder. I wonder how much it has changed since its installation in 1976.

Above is the sculptor and artist Alexander Liberman, who also created“Sisyphus” in Beverly Hills. “Phoenix,” is a 15 ft. high and 11 ft. wide sculpture, comprised of ten bias-cut tubes made of steel, painted orange. It’s dynamic, breathtaking, and visually stunning.

I’ll be showing and bringing you more art from LACMA’s Director’s Roundtable Garden, in the future. Great art is not only inside museums; but on the outside as well.

A Walking Tour of the Mid-Wilshire District

Lisa Newton — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:12:08 +0000

The Mid-Wilshire District is filled with museums, shopping, food, drinks, in addition to its sights, sounds, and history that that define Los Angeles.

Mid-Wilshire District Walking Tour Highlights

Although my Walking Tour covers a 3.2 mile route; it’s far from complete—I wasn’t able to visit its varied and venerable entertainment hot spots, restaurants, and cool places that are also indigenous to the area—CBS Television City for example.

A few of the better known locations are:

Pan-Pacific Park – Family Friendly Fun

A Day of Shopping at The Grove

Hancock Park, the La Brea Tar Pits, and LACMA

The Original Farmers Market Celebrates 75 Years

To offer a reflection of this vibrant community–replete with its own voice and character—here are two photographs that reveal Mid-Wilshire’s distinct voice and character.

Walk my World

On another note, I’d like to introduce you to “Walk my World” featured in the large box on the sidebar to the right. It’s a testimonial and collection of the various city walks that I’ve taken–all located in one place. To access them just use the drop down bars. Each page features a different walk and map of the city—such as the History of Los Angeles, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or Walking in Long Beach.

Walking is an unsurpassed way to get to know your subject matter better–and my desire is for all to enjoy the walks which I’ve created.

My goal was and remains to share that joy of the moment with my readers. Each icon contains a photo germane to each particular walking tour. The maps are printable, so feel free to always access Walk my World.

View Mid-Wilshire Walk in a larger map

Mid-Wilshire, Travelin’ Local is coming your way so put your best Los Angeles feet forward or bust!

Pan-Pacific Park – Family Friendly Fun

Lisa Newton — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:56:35 +0000

The Pan Pacific Auditorium in 1937 (Photo via the Los Angeles Public Library and the LAist)

From its iconic start, the Pan Pacific Park, which spans a full city block, has had many rough years, but is now seeing a comeback.

First opened in 1935, the Pan-Pacific Auditorium, with its famous four stylized towers and flagpoles which were meant to evoke up-swept aircraft fins, hosted such events as the Ice Capades, the Harlem Globetrotters, along with UCLA ice hockey, UCLA men’s basketball, and USC men’s basketball games, as well as hosting professional tennis tournaments, car shows, political rallies and circuses.

Its storied history includes the historic General Dwight D. Eisenhower speech to a beyond-capacity crowd of 10,000 in 1952, a month before being elected President of the United States. Elvis Presley performed there in 1957, shortly before he was drafted into the Army, and Vice-president Richard Nixon addressed a national audience from the Pan-Pacific in November 1960. The building remained as Los Angeles’ primary indoor venue until the 1972 opening of the much larger Los Angeles Convention Center, after which the Pan-Pacific Auditorium was closed. Source: Wikipedia

Once the Pan-Pacific closed its doors, neglect and decay took over, until 1989, when a blazing fire destroyed the Auditorium.

Photo via Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Archive

Today, only one of the iconic towers remains, but the Park stands as a lasting memory of a time gone by.

As you can see in the picture above, right next to the Auditorium entrance, is a small playground named Renee’s Place. It’s a universal access playground with two play areas, one for 2- to 5-year-olds, and the other for 5- to 12-year-olds.

The park also has a mister so while parents keep a watchful eye, their children get to keep cool on hot summer days.

Pan-Pacific Park has it all–basketball courts, baseball diamonds, picnic tables, a jogging trail, and barbeque pits.

Here’s its brand new outdoor gym. With about 35 average annual days of rainfall, working out at this outdoor gym is pretty much available all year round.

The Pan-Pacific Park Pool is a welcome addition for the area, especially during the dog days of summer—here’s its full summer schedule.

Next time you need a place to bring the kids where they can run, play, and just have a good time; Pan-Pacific Park should be your destination. It’s also adult friendly.

For a full list of its varied activities, facilities, groups, features, programs, and times, check out the City of Los Angeles’ Pan-Pacific Park’s website.

The location of Pan-Pacific Park is in the heart of the city, so when Travelin’ Local, knowing where to go, is half the battle—the other half is up to you to have fun!

A Day of Shopping at The Grove

Lisa Newton — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 10:22:44 +0000

Not too long ago, the areas around The Grove, were run-down older apartment buildings, motels, and the hither and yearn of urban decay– so typical of inner-city life and living. Then something changed—the private sector stepped in to improve the quality of people’s lives, and of course to make money.

For shopping, dining and simply loving life, The Grove is your ultimate entertainment destination. From your favorite boutiques and restaurants to choreographed fountains, you’ll enjoy an experience like no other in Los Angeles. Why not head to The Grove?

With its quaint streets, building facades, and various points of interest, shopping at The Grove is an experience—you can go from zero to hero in only a few minutes—to finding that perfect summer dress, wedding gift, or some furniture for your apartment or house–The Grove has it all.

Of course, you’re welcome to stop by for a quick shopping trip–but the best way to really enjoy The Grove is to spend the day, casually strolling past the choreographed fountains,

or the life-like statues. It’s family friendly. This little boy’s antics were cute as he played with the various water fountains.

Of course, if you spend the day, you’ll want to know which shops you’ll find there. The list is impressive, including: Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch, Forever 21, Pacific Sunwear, Victoria Secret, and J. Crew, to name just a few.

For a complete list, click here.

What’s a day shopping with friends without enjoying lunch out? Be prepared to enjoy yourself at Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill or Maggiano’s Little Italy or maybe The Farm of Beverly Hills. Of course, these are just three of the many restaurants, food outlets, and café’s at The Grove.

At the end of the day, if you’d like to visit the neighboring Farmers Market, just hop on the electric powered trolley whose tracks meander between the two locations.

If you visit The Grove–until August 28–Subaru is sponsoring free “Movies in the Park,” featuring all time favorite movies “Under the Stars.”

Call me a hopeless romantic—but an evening under the stars viewing classic movies sounds so dreamy. I can’t ’t wait to see the movies. Staycations when Travelin’ Local just doesn’t get any better. At least until I find the next “in” spot!

Hancock Park, the La Brea Tar Pits, and LACMA

Lisa Newton — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:10:05 +0000

Last week I had an opportunity to visit to Hancock Park and the La Brea Tar Pits. I enjoyed myself so thoroughly that it was hard for me to leave—but I’ll be back soon as they’re located in the middle of the city and quite accessible from all directions, with plenty of parking and Metro access.

Hancock Park– a 23 acre park right in the heart of Los Angeles– is named after G. Allan Hancock, who was born and raised in a home, at what is now known as the La Brea Tar Pits.

Hancock Park is home to three major attractions: The La Brea Tar Pits, the George C. Page Museum, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).

Although, I’ve passed them all traveling on Wilshire Boulevard many times, I never knew just how exciting, interesting, and expansive all parts of the park were until I had the chance to see for myself.

The tar pits are really asphalt that comes out of the earth as oil. You can smell it in the air. Seeping in from underground, the asphalt, derived from petroleum, forms pools. For thousands of years, these pools have formed; some deep enough to trap animals. As the animals became stuck and died, their bones are fossilized and preserved.

Thus far, the oldest fossil found dates back approximately 38,000 years.

Once discovered, the fossils are housed and studied at the George C. Page Museum, which is part of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

Recently, the Page Museum announced Project 23: New Discoveries at Rancho La Brea, which to date, has uncovered over 700 measured specimens including a large pre-historic American

Lion skull, lion bones, dire wolves, saber-toothed cats, juvenile horse and bison, teratorn, coyotes, lynx, and ground sloths. Most rare of all is a well-preserved male Colombian mammoth fossil, about 80% complete, with 10-feet long intact tusks found in an ancient river bed near the other discoveries. Source: Page Museum News

I stood watching as the methane gas kept rising from beneath, and it never stops seeping up–literally forming bubbles in the tar pits, which creates a “boiling” effect. It’s mesmerizing to watch.

Further down the trail, is Pit 91, where work has been temporarily suspended due to the Project 23 find. Walking into and looking from the vantage point of Pit 91, visitors get a feel for the down and dirty type of research the archaeologists at the Page Museum—have to endure–and are famous for.

While most were excavated in the early 1900′s, Pit 91 was reopened in 1969, and work continues there today. During the ’98 excavation, more than 1,000 fossils were recovered, including three saber-toothed cat skulls, four dire wolf skulls, and bones from giant ground sloths, horses, bison, coyotes, birds, rodents and even some insect and plant fossils. Pit 91 is 28′ x 28′, approximately 14 feet deep, and the excavation area is divided into 3′ square grids. Source: George C Page Museum

Upon turning the bend, a display of color and plastic caught my eye.

It’s part of the LACMA’a Your Bright Future: 12 Contemporary Artists from Korea exhibit. Visitors are invited and encouraged to be a part of the project by adding their own brightly colored plastic objects to the collection, which is reflection of the material culture and consumer habits of our industrialized urban society.

The multi-colored partition featured above is but a precursor to the artwork that greets visitors at the main entrance to LACMA.

Looking at the size of the chairs on the left compared to the height of the artwork, you can visualize the dimensions and massive size of this installation, by artist Choi Yeong-Hwa. When I was there, LACMA hadn’t opened yet, but I’ll be writing about it soon, as it’s remains one of the city’s defining art institutions.

After all my walking, I decided to sit in the park and enjoy the bountiful sunshine.

If you have children, Hancock Park should definitely be on your list of places to go. LACMA is named one of Child Magazine’s “Ten Best Art Museums for Kids,” the LA Brea Tar Pits will easily grab a child’s attention, and the George C Page Museum, with its large collection of fossils and affording the ability to watch the scientists at work, it’s literally a treasure trove of fun, entertainment, education, art, and history. Along with wide its wide-open green grassy expanses, kids have plenty of room to run around.

It’s also a beautiful respite for all ages, and during the daytime—and evening—you’ll always encounter couples, adults, and seniors, participating in all the fun that Hancock Park has to offer. Travelin’ Local has many advantages and Hancock Park, with the LACMA, and the George C. Page Museum, ranks among our greatest.

The Original Farmers Market Celebrates 75 Years

Lisa Newton — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:16:57 +0000

Farmers Market early beginnings were humble to say the least. It originally opened 75 years ago with only 18 farmers, who paid $.50 each to rent space for them to sell their colorful harvests. Farmers Market has currently grown to 85 shops, and employs over 700 people.

It’s not hard to believe—the world famous Farmers Market, is a non-stop hum of activity.

With an average of 3 million visitors each year, Farmers Market is an industrious, busy, and a hopping place to be. Here are some salient and interesting facts:

1. On an average day, Farmers Market visitors purchase more than 1,000 gallons of coffee.

2. Employees in the various Farmers Market shops and restaurants speak over 20 languages for and as they serve their customers and clientele who hail from all parts of the globe.

3. Tusquellas Fish & Oyster Bar sells about 3,000 shrimps every day. Source: Farmers Market History

Farmers Market Celebrates its 75^th Anniversary

Next week, Farmers Market is celebrating its 75 Anniversary and has many festivities planned. Be sure to mark it on your calendar and to-do list! Here are but a few of the activities being planned:

July 14^th – Taste of Farmers

Will be featuring live music from the 30s and 40s, merchandise and food specials, and special ticket prices. Visitors are welcome to stroll the Market as well. The evening starts at 5pm and lasts until 9pm. For more information, visit farmersmarketla.com

July 16^th- 75^th Anniversary Birthday Party

Join marching bands, celebrities, and local dignitaries at the Clock Tower at Farmers Market. It’s commemorating its 75 years at Third & Fairfax. The Opening Ceremonies commence at 8am, and the entertainment and special events start at noon.

Farmers Market Annual Events

In addition to these weeklong special events, Farmers Market is host to many other free year round events:

Free Summer Music Series, May 28 – Sept. 11, 2009

Free Summer Family Fun Series, June – August 2009

Fall Festival, October 16, 17 & 18, 2009

Holiday Festivities, December 2009

Mardi Gras, February 2010

Gilmore Heritage Auto Show , June 2010

How do you get to the Farmers Market via Metro?

You can use the 16/316, 217, or the 218, depending on your starting point.

So the next time you need something to do—and some delicious eats—head over to Farmers Market and enjoy yourself. You’ll then continue the long honored tradition of being a part of Los Angeles history.

Let them eat Eggs

Lisa Newton — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:52:58 +0000

Canter’s Deli is a Los Angeles institution.

Established in 1924, over the years, it has become a haven for celebrities, producers, directors, musicians, local residents, regular customers, tourists, and just everyday people.

Open 24 hours per day, its menu varies from bagels and lox, to corn beef sandwiches, to fresh baked goods.

For this morning, I decided to have a good, hearty breakfast, so off to Canter’s I went. Their breakfast special of an egg white/mushroom omelet with a side of hash browns topped with fresh salsa really hit the spot. On a cold morning like today, the freshly brewed coffee really seemed to warm both my body and soul.

Sitting in an old-fashioned booth, surrounded by restaurant history, I couldn’t figure out what to take pictures of first, but seeing as I was hungry, the menu was my initial stop.

Next to arrive, via a friendly waitress, was my hot coffee and glass of water.

As you can see, I drank a little before I even snapped the picture. Although I don’t take sugar in my coffee, I do love the old-fashioned sugar containers.

After only a few minutes, my breakfast arrived, this included my omelet, plus a delicious toasted onion bagel:

Much to my surprise, I discovered I’m not the only one to have ordered a bagel at Canter’s. In fact, over the years, they’ve sold:

2 Million Pounds of Lox

9 Million Pounds of Corned Beef

10 Million Matzo Balls

20 Million Bagels

24 Million Bowls of Chicken Soup

I feel great knowing that I’m in good company!

On the south side of Canter’s, is a mural. It’s a collage in black and white, sponsored by the Jewish Federation Council of Greater Los Angeles. The collage is based upon old photographs which served to document the Jewish history in Los Angeles, from 1841 to 1985.

The 7 panel mural is located on the south wall of the Canter’s building on the corner of Oakwood and Fairfax. The designer and artistic supervisor was Art Mortimer, who collaborated artists such as Stephen Raul Anaya and Peri Fleischman, and over 50 neighborhood volunteers, to complete the fine de siècle of the Mural.

Here is one of the panels:

Over the years, many celebrities have passed through Canter’s doors:

In the 50′s Marilyn Monoe and Arthur Miller ate here, as did Jack Benny and Elizabeth Taylor. Other celebrity noshers have included Sydney Poitier, Mel Brooks, Wilt Chamberlain, Charlene Tilton, Brooke Shields, Jackqueline Bisset, Catherine Oxenberg, John Travolta, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Buddy Hacket, Olivia Newton John, Muhammad Ali, Monty Hall, Bill Cosby, David Brenner, Rodney Dangerfield, Dick Van Dyke, Shelly Winters, Elizabeth Montogomery, The Cars, Henry Winkler, Greg Morris, and the producer of Miami Vice, Michael Mann, who has written from inspiration for up to 3 hours at a time when he was writing for Vegas.

Many celebrities who prefer to go "incognito" sneak in around 3:00am for a late night nosh!

So, if you’re ever in LA and want to take a chance of spotting a late night snacking celeb, drive on over to Canter’s. In addition to everything else, they also have free parking.

It’s an institution—no matter what you’ll be able to have a great meal, to check out the local scene, and to ponder and pause for a few moments during these tough times.

So, now that breakfast is over, it’s time to work up my dinner appetite—as we’re on the good eatery theme; at least for today.

Where to go, what to do, these thoughts are racing though my mind as I plan the next Travelin’ Local destination and pleasurable spot.

You’ll soon find out in the next entry, until then keep coming and commenting about those things in your neighborhood, and of course mine, that pique your interests.