Deja Vu

 Just after finishing college I sublet a large loft space in Downtown L.A. right near the railroad tracks, just south of Little Tokyo. Like many artist districts it has been re-invented with a variety of interesting eateries and shops. I was recently treated to a tour of my old hood by my good friend, animation story artist Jenny Lerew.

Wurstküche

With a line out the door, our first stop was Wurstküche, a unique Sausage Grill with a simple set up. You head to the busy counter and choose your sausage, which can range from a classic Brautwurst to exotic options like Rattlesnake or Crocodile. Also pick your toppings, add a side of belgian fries if you like and choose from a long list of beers and/or unique sodas. Then find a seat in the roomy dinning area and they bring it all to you. The sausage is on a delicious bun and they provide 5 different mustards to compliment it. I tried the Filipino Maharlika, described as "sweet pork with natural seasonings"... so good!

Poketo

Next stop, the wonderfully currated shop Poketo, brimming with kawaii goodness.

I love this kind of eclectic mix, where every where you turn there is something interesting or colorful or useful or all of the above.

Pie Hole

Did just the name "maple custard pie" make you want book a flight to L.A.? It might just be worth it. How could I resist a shop called Pie Hole or a pie with maple and custard in the same title? I couldn't and I didn't and I'm glad of it.

Apolis

Now fortified with pie & coffee we made are way over to Apolis: Common Gallery.

At first glance it appears to be an upscale men's store but it is much more than that. With a focus on a global market, they seek out artisans from around the world to create unique goods for their brand. They also use this retail space as a gallery for lectures, art & film.

Storefront

 Finally we checked in at Storefront, a huge warehouse space filled with an interesting assortment of vintage  grooviness. Owned & curated by Set Designer Coryander Friend, who has created a unique gallery feel, mixing artwork, rare furnishings & unusual industrial finds.

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Comments

[Friea Lynn]

Oh my, stunning post! I want to take the same tour you did, sausage, shop, pie, coffee, shop some more!

[rachel]

Maple Custard PIE! That looks amazing! Must find a way to get down there asap!

[Winnie Wilson-Tate]

We are planning a So Cal trip in the spring and I just added this area to our must do list! Your blog is just gorgeous!

[janeray1940]

How timely that you posted this today - I'm meeting a friend tomorrow to explore what is now called the Arts District but what was in my day pretty much no man's land. I lived in the American Hotel many, many years ago and haven't spent any time there since I moved away in 1984 or so. Thanks for the guided tour!

[hannah]

Gorgeous photos, makes me want to visit L.A. after spending a lifetime avoiding that town!

[Robins Egg]

Been wanting to try The Pie Hole forever! That photo, of THAT pie clinched it for me!