LAstranger, I got a really good laugh from your post (even if you were just making fun of me). Thanks! BTW, that was a Tacos Mexico burrito. I loved them until I got food poisoning a few months ago. Haven’t been brave enough to go back. Yet.

These days it’s getting harder and harder to be “true to the burrito.” I mean it’s getting pretty disgusting trying to lay a decent photo of someone proudly displaying their lunch or diner in the form of that all mighty burrito. I pull out a camera at a Mexican restaurant and people want to display a peace sign, or pose with a cigarette in their mouth. What the hell is going on? What is this Japan? What is this Europe? When I saw your photo with you chomping on a burrito, blushing because an explosion of flavor was attacking your whole body, I lost for my breath for a moment, it was so beautiful. Us Americans should esteem our burritos high and pose with them whenever possible, and I’m glad there are people like you leading the charge. We are we so ashamed of actually?

I hear your a self proclaimed workaholic-yuppie-intellectual. I hear you. I’m a self proclaimed workaholic-scumbag-intellectual. We might not be exactly alike, but I can see why I dig your style.

My sister and I would drive around the hills for an hour, getting lost and talking and laughing. Good memories.

The renowned Judson Studios offers stained glass classes at its studio in Garvanza (near Avenue 64 and York). The numerous fruit vendors in the area are a great way to get a chilled snack.

Church of the Angels on Avenue 64 is always used as a film set… then further up Avenue 64 are neighborhoods where Spanish Mission homes, bungalows, Craftsman, Victorian and Mid-Mod all meet.

I’m pretty fond of My Taco on York, though they’ve kind of gotten a little “too big for their britches” lately and started raising prices. Try their potato tacos if you go.

Taco trucks throughout the area are a great way to eat on the cheap.

Thanks for your great write-up, Ira! I have much love for the Northeast.

Stephen, check out the Southwest Museum. The station is neat. The museum building is in a dramatic location and has interesting architecture. I’m not big on Indian antiquities. But, it is worth stopping for a visit.

Stephen and Bryan, here’s some other HP spots not to be missed…they’re all on Fig and walkable from Metro Gold Line.

- Little Cave: Great, dark, mexi-goth bar. Wednesdays are electro night. Lots of cute hipsters in tight pants.
- Highland Theater: $2 movies. A former movie place, (sadly) divided into 3 smaller screens but great for a CHEAP movie that you wouldn’t want to pay full price to see.
- Follierios: NY style pizza and pasta place.
- Las Estrallas: 24/7 walk up mexican food. Delicious, and in a groovy 60’s building. Check out the mural painted on the wall in the dinning area. It’s like Mexico on acid. This is the spot to get some food after Little Cave closes for the night.

I also have to give special mention to The York. I can’t say enough about this “gastro pub” in the style of Ford’s Filling Station in Culver City. It’s on York, so not walkable from the train, but worth checking it out for sure. It’s literally redefined the neighborhood.

Also, the Northeast LA art walk is the 2nd Saturday of every month. The scene on Fig and on York is fun to check out. More info here:
 http://www.nelaart.com