A Slice of Life

How many DuPar's are there left?

I've been to the original at the Farmer's Market at Third and Fairfax and I've been to the Encino location recently.  Of course, the Downtown Las Vegas location is terrific.  This photo was taken late Saturday night/early Sunday morning the weekend before last.  A friend and I stopped by after a party.

The food is always top quality.  Normally I have breakfast (served 24/7), but on this occasion I opted for a patty melt.  And, of course, pie is a must have at DuPar's.  Once again, Dupar's did not disappoint.

Cutting the Mustard

I've gone to Greenblatt's Deli on Sunset Boulevard for decades.  It's become my go-to place to pick up food to-go for the Hollywood Bowl or other outdoor events.

I particularly like their turkey sandwiches but I like it with the turkey hand-sliced which produces thicker slices than their machine.  For years that seemingly-simple request stumped their kitchen.  Nine times out of 10 they wouldn't get it right.  That led me to dub Greenblatt's "the best deli in Los Angeles that never gets the order right."

The truth is the last few times I've gone they've gotten it right and last Saturday they were really on top of their game.  The food (and bread quality) seemed improved and the gentleman who took my order really seemed to care about getting it right.  What a refreshing change!

But it's funny how once an impression is made it's really hard to change it.  I remain convinced they're going to get my order wrong and feel obligated to hover at the counter "supervising."

Because there's nothing worse than showing up at the Hollywood Bowl and finding mustard where it's not supposed to be.

Please Remain Standing

Last Saturday night I visited the Ford Theater for the first time since the renowned amphitheater on the opposite side of the Cahuenga Pass from the Hollywood Bowl reopened after a major remodel.

It's a beautiful space and the recent modernization only enhances the guest experience.

My reason for going was a performance by the Los Angeles Jewish Orchestra.  I hadn't seen them perform before and I wasn't sure what to expect.  What a talented group of musicians!  The performance consisted of music composed by Jewish composers.

As is the standard custom at County-owned facilities, the concert began with the National Anthem.  But the most moving part of the evening was immediately after the U. S. National Anthem the orchestra played the Israeli National Anthem.  Chills!  Many in the audience knew the words to sing along.  I didn't but I loved listening to it.  (In fact, I rarely sing during the U. S. National Anthem because I like listening to the music without the interference of my own voice.)

I'll Skip the Snake Blood

I'm the first to admit I'm not an adventurous eater.  I know what I like and I'm happy to stick to it.

So when GeezBob suggested we have lunch last Saturday at M Con on Beverly Boulevard -- a restaurant featuring Taiwanese sandwiches, small plates and bowls -- I was more than skeptical.

But I also want to be open to new experiences so I said OK.  I doubt that I'll ever go back but the food was pretty good after all.  After a few modifications, my brisket sandwich was terrific.

But, just the same, give me a good, old-fashioned American diner and I'm perfectly happy.

Cleans Up Real Good Like

I remain absolutely fascinated by the rebirth of Downtown Los Angeles.  As someone who has been going downtown, off and on, for four decades the rejuvenation that has taken place in the last ten years continues to take my breath away.

Last Thursday I had a most interesting lunch at JP's DTLA.  The creative menu was intriguing but what made it fascinating was its location.  It's an upscale pop-up restaurant serving lunch in a sunny space at 4th & Broadway that transforms into a raucous gay club -- Precinct -- at night.

Seems like a pretty efficient use of space to me.  I hope they can make a go of it!

Seeking Nirvana

Had a great behind-the-scenes tour this afternoon of the Cave Temples of Dunhuang exhibit at the Getty Center led by Neville Agnew of the Getty Conservation Institute.

Organized by Town Hall Los Angeles, Agnew described his 28-year history conserving the Buddhist artwork found in desert caves in Northwest China along the ancient Silk Road.

Absolutely fascinating!

Just a Little Off the Top -- Or the Sides, Really

I'm the first to admit I don't like change.  If I find a brand that I like I stick with it.  Same thing with barbers.  Eduardo's been cutting my hair for a couple of years.  Before that, Ron cut my hair for about 15 years and that only ended because he closed his salon.  So I was distressed last month when I tried to make an appointment with Eduardo at the West Hollywood Supercuts because they told me he wasn't there anymore and wouldn't give me any other information.  It really threw me for a loop.  I dreaded the idea of finding a new barber.  I know I'm bald, but I still have hair on the sides that needs attention and I rely on a barber to trim my beard.  I haven't learned how to do it myself.  I tried a different stylist at the WeHo Supercuts but it just wasn't the same as with Eduardo.  So I was overjoyed last week when he sent me a message that he was now working at a Supercuts only about a mile away.  And earlier this afternoon all was returned to normal.

It'll Do

Had to run an errand this afternoon in Woodland Hills and decided to stop off for lunch at Rib Ranch BBQ on Topanga Canyon Boulevard.

It's off of the list of oldest restaurants in the Los Angeles area -- it opened in 1973.

I think this part of the Valley was pretty suburban in 1973, though not as built up as it is now.

My tri-tip sandwich was good -- not the best I've ever had -- but just fine.