the future is twitter
This blog has moved to Twitter! Check out my twitter feed for the latest restaurant, retail, and cultural news in the neighborhood.
Though this blog has been silent due to personal commitments, the conversation continues on a more informal level on Angelenic’s Twitter feed. Everything from new restaurants and bars to events and neighborhood happenings is covered in 140-character snippets!
Also, check out the Downtown Center Business Improvement District’s Twitter feed, an up-to-date resource for bargains, tours and new businesses in Downtown.
poketo to host collaborative pop up art show friday
Come one, come all, to a one of a kind art-in-motion exhibit taking place at Poketo Studios in Little Tokyo this Friday, February 27 from 3:00pm to 9:00pm.
The art show, dubbed “Islands in LA”, features artists from Los Angeles creating original art in real time with the Islands Fold Artist Residency from British Columbia, Canada. Attendees can watch the creative process from 3:00pm to 6:00pm during open studio hours and have Q&A with the artists. The resulting collaborative projects will be displayed at the official exhibit and party from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. That’s art from start to finish in hours!
All original art and handmade artist zines will be for sale starting at $50, and a t-shirt commemorating the event will be available for purchase as well. And to sweeten things up Urth Cafe will be providing coffee and pastries. Yum.
Read more about “Islands in LA” and see an example of a collaborative effort between five different artists at the Poketo Blog. The event sounds truly unique and not to be missed.
Poketo and Islands Fold Pop Up Art Show
Friday, February 27
Open Studio 3:00pm-6:00pm
Art Show and Party 6:00pm-9:00pm
Poketo Studio
510 South Hewitt Street #506
Los Angeles, CA 90013
poketo@poketo.com
the official word
Following a number of inquiries, I wanted to take a minute to explain the lack of postings lately.
The short and long of it relates to my future career. As I enter the final leg of my training, that’s been a top priority for me over the past several weeks. With the economy in its current shape, I cannot spare another delay in my education.
Once that is completed over the next several months, I may be able to pick back up again. Until that time, sign up for my email newsletter for occasional neighborhood news bits.
Thank you, Downtown, for your input and efforts toward building a better community.
—Rich Alossi
-Please direct specific inquiries to the contact form.
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little tokyo galleria market opens
Good news on the home front: Little Tokyo Galleria, the new grocery store that has replaced Mitsuwa Market, is now open following a three-week-long opening process.
In addition to undergoing some minor cosmetic enhancements — including new flooring, shopping carts and lighting upgrades — the Korean-owned market is going for a more ethnically diverse selection of foodstuffs while maintaining much of the Japanese drinks, snacks and prepared foods.
One manager came up to me and told me matter-of-factly, “American products — for American people — will arrive this week.” Management is still taking suggestions for items to stock and want to be a destination for the Arts District and Historic Core neighborhoods.
yxta cocina opens february 25
Yxta Cocina Mexicana, the Industrial District restaurant from the family behind Highland Park’s El Arco Iris, is set to open February 25, according to owner Jesse Gomez.
At last check-in one month ago, Yxta was undergoing a light build-out phase — more like a tinkering of sorts — before opening day.
Expect full-sized entree plates and margaritas with freshly squeezed juices. Lunch prices will range from $9-$16; large dinner plates from $11-$21. Free parking after 5:00pm; $2.00 valet during lunch.
Yxta Cocina Mexicana
601 S Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90021
Opening February 25, 2009
yxta.net
monte carlo cleaners comes to the chapman
Now at the Chapman Building: Monte Carlo Cleaners opens Monday morning at 7:00am with dry cleaning, laundry, and housekeeping services for Downtown residents.
Located at 8th and Broadway, hours will be Monday through Saturday from 7:00am - 8:00pm and Sunday from 12:00pm - 4:00pm.
Services offered:
Dry cleaning - Dry cleaning services will be offered in the store, with prices ranging from $4.00 to $5.00 for most coats, pants, blouses, skirts, and a special $1.75 for laundered shirts. Complimentary pick-up and drop-off can also be arranged on all orders.
Laundry - Full-service fluff and fold is available to accommodate the needs of busy professionals. Monte Carlo uses organic cleaners that don’t cause skin irritation and color separation is provided to maintain color consistency in your garments. $1.50 per pound for in-store drop-off /pick-up or $1.25 Internet specials will be available.
Housekeeping services -Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly housekeeping services will be offered after March, with prices competitive with Molly Maid.
‘infusion’ vegetarian cafe now open on spring street
Here’s one we’ve been tracking for a while. Infusion Cafe, a contemporary, casual coffee shop at 8th and Spring, opened for business on Wednesday after lengthy delays.
While a food menu has not been set yet — expect that on Monday — says one employee on-site: “Everything is vegetarian, except for the tuna.”
Illy coffees, pastries and house-made crepes are also offered on top of the free WiFi.
Infusion Cafe is in the ground floor of the newly opened NCT Lofts. Hours and phone number to follow.
Have you tried Infusion Cafe yet? Let us know.
Infusion Cafe
808 S Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90014
Now open for lunch
magnolia restaurant branching into downtown
Downtown’s southern Financial District will be welcoming Magnolia Restaurant, a hip Hollywood hangout at the intersection of Sunset and Vine, in the spring.
Owner Laurie Mulstay confirms the sister location, which took over the shuttered Zita Trattoria at 9th and Figueroa. Though details about the second restaurant are still hazy, expect more information over the next several weeks.
Magnolia is known for its comfortably modern, eclectic interior, as well as a diverse menu of Mediterranean dishes, seafood and updated American comfort food. Perhaps most exciting is the prospect of Sunday brunch, which would provide a much healthier alternative to the Pantry next door.
