Lunch at the Biltmore

Another photo “bucket list” item for my recent trip to LA was to get some new and better photos of the historic Biltmore Hotel in downtown LA. Since its opening in 1923, it has been a palace of opulence, catering to some of the wealthiest and most famous clientele. Below is a vintage postcard image of the lobby:



So much to see in this closeup; the bored men sitting in the lobby, the guest in the shiny robe and slippers, and of course the vintage signage!



How the lobby looks today — still fabulous!





One feels as if they stepped back into the 1920s, with the kind of style and craftsmanship one just can’t duplicate anymore.



Lunch was at the hotel’s Casa Ipanema.



Edited from the restaurant’s website:

Where Every Evening Feels Like Rio Casa Ipanema was created from a simple idea: dinner should be more than a meal. It should be an experience that transports you somewhere else. Inspired by the vibrant spirit, beauty, and energy of Rio de Janeiro, Casa Ipanema brings together contemporary Brazilian and Latin American cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, music, design, and hospitality to create an unforgettable destination in the heart of Los Angeles.…Beyond the cuisine, Casa Ipanema captures the energy of Rio through handcrafted cocktails, immersive music, and a vibrant atmosphere. From tropical-inspired cocktails to DJ-curated evenings and signature performances, every element is designed to create a complete sensory experience.…Casa Ipanema was founded by Henrique and Herica Huyer, the creators behind H&H Group, with a vision to bring a new kind of Brazilian experience to Los Angeles. Together, they imagined a place where guests could enjoy exceptional cuisine while surrounded by the rhythm, warmth, and celebration that define Brazilian culture. Casa Ipanema is not simply where you come for dinner. It's where you spend an evening in Rio.



On a time crunch, we didn’t spend as much time as I would have liked, but I can tell you the burger was delicious and the staff was wonderful. I hope to return, especially for one of the Carmen Miranda nights!



See more Los Angeles Biltmore Hotel photos at my main website.

Monday on Olvera Street

Olvera Street is just across the street from the Los Angeles Union Station, so I stopped to take a few shots on the way to my destination. The above vintage image in my collection is from August 1966. Below is the same wooden cross - still there! Known as the Olvera Street Cross, here’s the story behind it from the HMDB site:

The first Olvera Street cross was carved by Mrs. Florence Walker in 1929 to honor the city’s 148th birthday. Over time, weather and erosion requires a newly commissioned art work. The current wooden cross was carved by Mr. Jackie Hadnot and installed on Saturday, April 15, 2017 during the Blessing of the Animals celebration.

And a bit more at Giroux Glass:

Jackie [Hadnot] was commissioned by the EPPALA to replicate a holy cross originating from Spain, to replace the old, weather-worn cross in the center of historic Olvera Street–the earliest beginnings and dwellings of Los Angeles. The intricate detail and workmanship of the new cross earned Jackie a personal blessing from Archbishop Jose Gomez on its unveiling day at El Pueblo de Los Angeles (Olvera Street), on April 15, 2017. The cross has been a landmark of that area since its opening in 1930.



From Discover Los Angeles:

Olvera Street is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Los Angeles. The colorful Mexican marketplace opened on Easter Sunday, April 20, 1930 following a preservation campaign that was spearheaded by Christine Sterling. Several of LA’s most historic buildings are located along the tree-shaded, brick-lined block, as well as dozens of Olvera Street shops, restaurants and other businesses. Olvera Street also hosts numerous traditional events throughout the year, including the Blessing of the Animals (Saturday before Easter), Cinco de Mayo, Fiestas Patrias (Mexican Independence Day), Dia de los Muertos, and Las Posadas.



The statue of Antonio Aguilar was sculpted by Dan Medina and installed in 2012. Below is a closeup of the wooden street sign at the entrance of the festive market area:



When I was there, the vendors were just beginning to setup to sell their wares. No fumar!





This is the Eugene Biscailuz Building and former Methodist Church HQ, now The Mexican Cultural Center:





Nearby is the Avila Adobe museum:



From the Discover Los Angeles website:

The Avila Adobe is LA’s oldest house still standing in its original location, and is designated as California Historic Landmark #145. Originally built in 1818 by Francisco José Avila, it has since been the home to many of his family members and descendants.



It even served as military headquarters in the late 1840s. Today, the Avila Adobe’s interior depicts the California lifestyle of the 1840s. Dark wood tables, four-poster beds, candelabras and elaborate carpets create a 19th-century atmosphere. The walls of the Avila house are made of adobe brick, a material consisting of clay, water and other organic materials like straw.



And there you have my 10 cent tour of Olvera Street!
 
See more Olvera Street photos at my main website.

Protecting Americans

Even before I was first able to experience Angels Flight Railway for myself last year, I was semi-obsessed with this little transportation gem in downtown Los Angeles. Recently, I acquired this you-are-there image from August 1965, showing passengers enjoying their journey aboard the little orange railway that could. One thing struck me though; there was no door or rail keeping passengers from falling out the back. I had never noticed this detail before in my other vintage images.

Today, not only are there doors to prevent people from falling/jumping out mid-ride, but there’s a sign telling passengers to “wait inside until car stops.”

What has happened to society in the last sixty years to make it necessary to protect them from dangers that would seem like common sense? Is this kind of signage and protection used in other countries, or is being stupid something Americans have cornered the market on?

Yes, I’m shaking my head.

See more Angels Flight Railway photos at my main website.

The Only Way To Fly

One of my bucket list items was to ride the Angels Flight Railway in Los Angeles. I stumbled upon it through my vintage slide collecting; a few shots happened to be interspersed with some Disneyland slides I had purchased back in 2007. The rabbit hole began there. The first time I saw it in person was 2008, when it had been shuttered for almost seven years due to the accidental death of a passenger.



Originally called The Los Angeles Incline Railway, it ran northwest from the west corner of Third and Hill Streets. The entire railway was moved to its current location in 1969. The above shot from 1953 and the 1962 shot below show the original location.



A detailed view:



Thanks to a “bit part” in the blockbuster hit “La La Land,” Angels Flight got a nice little publicity push and reopened in 2017. At the time this scene was shot, the attraction was not open to the public. Oops. Tiny slap on the wrist for that one; the end justifies the means.



As serendipity would have it, I was wandering nearby doing a photo shoot recently and a few employees happened to be on site. They asked if I wanted to take a roundtrip. Duh.



While it may not be Space Mountain, it is just one of those little experiences that make downtown Los Angeles special. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip; well worth the wait!



See more Angels Flight photos at my main website.

Cruising with MONA, Pt. 3

On our last MONA (Museum of Neon Art) Neon Cruise post, I left you at the Chapman Market near Koreatown. Disneyland fans might find this building a bit familiar, especially if they compare it to Off the Page in Disney California Adventure:



The drive-in Chapman Park Market opened in 1929 and was one of the first markets in the western U.S. designed for the automobile. Today it thrives with chic Korean shops, restaurants, coffeehouses, and clubs.







OK readers...let's bring it on home! A few more shots as the double decker bus made its way through Saturday night traffic to show us what's left of the glorious vintage neon that once burned brightly throughout Los Angeles. The Gaylord Building (I'm not touching that one).





The Bryson, made famous by author Raymond Chandler:



Park Wilshire:



What's left of the Westlake Theatre sign. Please fix!!



Those beautiful light standards of Wilshire Boulevard:



And what better place to stop after your Neon Cruise than Clifton's Cafeteria, which looks even more splendid at night!



I HIGHLY recommend you check out the MONA (Museum of Neon Art) Neon Cruise for yourself!

See more MONA Neon Cruise photos at my main website.

Cruising with MONA, Pt. 2

Hop back on the bus with me after our Chinatown interlude to continue the MONA (Museum of Neon Art) Neon Cruise. How about this evening view of the Los Angeles City Hall? No neon, but it's still a great view one gets from the top level of our double-decker cruise bus!

Here we see the historic KRKD radio tower, which has been around since 1932 atop the Spring Arcade (R-KD; get it?) Building near Broadway and 5th. A 2014 demolition application to remove the towers was rejected since they are a historic landmark. Another win for preservation!



There are lots of vintage movie house signs in LA, such as the Los Angeles Theatre:



The Palace:





and the Pantages:



I don't remember what this Aztec façade is from, but boy is it cool!



Jesus has lost his “s,” which points out how important it is to keep neon working properly. As Eric pointed out, would you buy your gas from a SHELL Station if the “h” was burned out?



Your typical no-tell motels:





The legendary Tommy's, where you get unparalleled chili burgers:



Our bus has pulled up in front of the Chapman Park Market near Koreatown for another interlude, where I will leave you until we continue.



More vintage neon wonders in my next post!

See more MONA Neon Cruise photos at my main website.