Santa Monica Daily Press : The Water Issue

7t Me h Stre tro et/ Cen ter

Exp o/C ren sha w Exp o/W est ern Exp o/V erm ont Exp oP ark /US C Jef fer son /US C LAT TC/ Ort ho Ins Pic titu o te

Dow nto wn San ta 17t Mo hS nic t/ S a MC 26t hS t/B erg am Exp ot o/B und y Exp o/S epu lve da We stw ood /Ra nch Pal oP ms ark Cul ver Cit y La Cie neg a/J eff ers Exp on o/L aB rea Far md ale

2017

Expo Line Tour Points of interest along the Expo Line

ENROLL TODAY! Fall classes begin Monday, August 28, 2017

2

EXPO LINE TOUR | 2017

www.smc.edu

About this Publication

Table of Contents

The Expo Line Tour is brought to you by the Santa Monica Daily Press.

It’s in one a functional tool to help navigate the stops along the expo Line, a convenient adventure planner for a fun day trip and an

Downtown Santa Monica ........ 4 A world-renowned vacation destination at one end of the line

interesting collection of stories about local businesses and places of interest from Santa Monica to Downtown Los Angeles.

The publication was edited and compiled

by SMDP Editor-in-Chief Matt Hall, with contributions from SMDP staff writers Kate Cagle and Marina Andalon. It was designed by SMDP production manager Darren Ouellette. Special thanks to Andrew Oja and Josh Heisler. Most importantly, we couldn’t have compiled this without the work of former SMDP staff writer Jeff Goodman, most of the stories herein were Jeff’s original work from a series published last summer in the SMDP about

17th St/ SMC ............................... 6 Ditch school to explore creativity at 18th Street Arts Center

26th St/Bergamot ..................... 8

Expo/Vermont ............................. 24 Traveling through time at Natural History Museum

Culver City ................................... 18 Live music, entertainment galore

Expo Park/USC ............................ 25

La Cienega/Jefferson .............. 19

A destination for discovery

Hidden gems

Jefferson/USC ............................. 26 Yucatecan grub in a community hub

Named for a flower, art blooms at Bergamot Station

Expo/La Brea .............................. 20

Expo/Bundy .................................. 10

Farmdale ...................................... 21

Exploring Pico’s culinary corridor

Fishing for the heart

A sanctuary for sports fans near dtla

Expo/Crenshaw .......................... 22

Pico ................................................ 28

Wining and dining

A quest for covert truffles

Westwood/Rancho Park .......... 14

Expo/Western ............................. 23

An entertainment universe at Staples Center and beyond

Burgers served with a side of nostalgia at Apple Pan

North African tacos and a fusion revolution

his tour of the Expo Line, we can’t thank you enough Jeff, we miss you!

Palms ............................................. 16 Bar trivia and beyond

Expo/Sepulveda ......................... 12

Volunteer opportunities

LATTC/Ortho Institute .............. 27

7th Street/ Metro Center ....... 29 A world of possibilities in DTLA

Next stop: Italy!

Obicà, just one block away from the Expo Line Santa Monica stop.

Welcoming atmosphere, warm design, and a genuine Italian dining experience, with the freshest Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP from Italy, pizza, fresh homemade pasta, and other authentic products and recipes from Italy’s rich regional heritage.

606 Broadway, Santa Monica 90401 310) 393-6633 ෬ Obicà is also in West Hollywood and Century City ෬ obica.com

2017 | EXPO LINE TOUR

3

Downtown Santa Monica A world-renowned vacation destination at one end of the line t took more than 60 years for rail service to return to Santa Monica but when you reach the Downtown stop, you’ll find it was worth the wait.

Santa Monica welcomes Expo riders with the new Colorado Esplanade, a pedestrian friendly corridor connecting the train to the beach. The station connects to wide sidewalks, ample lighting and the presence of Downtown Ambassadors ready, willing and able to answer any questions you might have.

While some Expo stations require some work to find the fun, Downtown Santa Monica is spoiled for choice.

The station is near Santa Monica Place, the Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica Civic Center and Third Street Promenade.

The Promenade and Santa Monica Place are known internationally for their shopping but there are some interesting entertainment options in the area.

Enjoy a live show at the Promenade Playhouse (www.promenadeplayhouse.com), 1404 3rd Street Promenade or a comedy night at M.i. Westside Comedy Theater (http://westsidecomedy.com), 1323-A 3rd St. Just a few steps off the bustling Promenade is Magicopolis, a 150-seat theater hosting a live magic performances Friday, Saturday and Sunday (http://magicopolis.com).

The Santa Monica Aquarium, operated by Heal the Bay, is a short walk at the base of the Pier (www.healthebay.org/aquarium).

Touch a sea urchin, learn about the sea life and the Santa Monica Bay. Kids 12 and under get in free and adults are only $5 per person (1600 Ocean Front Walk).

Of course, there’s the world-famous Santa Monica Pier offering the historic carousel, restaurants, the end of Route 66, fishing, fantastic ocean views, vendors/performers and the Pacific Park amusement park.

Pacific Park (310-260-8744, www.pacpark.com) is the only admission free amusement park in Los

I

4

EXPO LINE TOUR | 2017

7t Me h Stre tro et/ Cen ter

from the ocean to Fifth Street. Carts operate from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with later hours on weekends.

Hailing a free ride from a hotel is also an opportunity to utilize the many services available to guests and visitors at some of the local hotels.

The Fairmont hosts Fig restaurant, home to one of the best Happy Hours in all of Los Angeles (half off most menu items from 5 – 6 p.m.). Just because you’re not staying at a beach front hotel, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beachfront experience.

Shutters, Casa Del Mar and Loews all have restaurants bars and lounges open to the public. Most have ocean views, some have fireside locations and they all provide an opportunity to convert a short train ride into a seaside vacation.

For more information on events and activities in Santa Monica, visit www.santamonica.com.

Exp o/C ren sha w Exp o/W est ern Exp o/V erm ont Exp oP ark /US C Jef fer son /US C LAT TC/ Ort ho Ins Pic titu o te

program, Breeze, offers hourly rentals with stations throughout the city.

However, it can be a better deal to rent by the half or full day from one of several bike rental companies.

Metro and the Big Blue Bus both offer service in Santa Monica, with the vast majority of busses stopping with blocks of the Expo station. The same TAP card that you used on the train can get you on a bus headed for UCLA, Marina Del Rey, Venice or just up the hill to one of Santa Monica’s other neighborhoods.

Perhaps the best kept secret in town is the Free Ride shuttle.

Pedestrians can hail the Santa Monica Free Ride at a local hotel or schedule a pickup with the circulation area by calling (646-504-FREE). The chauffeured golf carts offer a complimentary lift anywhere in their service area between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and

Dow nto wn San ta 17t Mo hS nic t/ S a MC 26t hS t/B erg am Exp ot o/B und y Exp o/S epu lve da We stw ood /Ra nch Pal oP ms ark Cul ver Cit y La Cie neg a/J eff ers Exp on o/L aB rea Far md ale

Angeles. Families can access the 12 amusement rides, including the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, the park’s signature West Coaster (a steel roller coaster that races 55 feet above the Santa Monica Bay) and Inkie’s Air Lift Balloon Ride (the high-flying, family-sharing kids’ ride) with individual tickets or a day pass purchased on site. The park also has 14 cash midway games, an oceanfront food court and retail beach shops.

Arriving by train means you won’t have a car but that doesn’t mean you’re without transit options.

First and foremost, Santa Monica is just eight square miles and from the Expo line, many destinations are easily walkable.

However, if you’d like to venture further afield, there are options.

Bike rentals are an easy way to explore the city or head out along the beach path. The City’s bike share

Food SODA JERKS ICE CREAM RISTORANTE AL MARE RUSTY’S SURF RANCH THE ALBRIGHT BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP CO. PIER BURGER MARIASOL COCINA MEXICANA

Fun PIER AQUARIUM PACIFIC PARK HISTORIC MERRY-GO-ROUND PLAYLAND ARCADE TRAPEZE SCHOOL OF NEW YORK BLAZING SADDLES BIKE RENTALS & TOURS 66 TO CALI STARLINE TOURS OATMAN ROCK SHOP

Last Stop

MARLENE’S BEACHCOMBER BAIT & TACKLE SHOP

ON THE EXPO LINE!

THE BEACH

Free Events MAR 18-APR22 Saturdays

APR 15-MAY 20 Saturdays

JUN 10 Saturday

JUN 22-AUG 17 Thursdays

SEPT 29-OCT 27 Fridays

RUN + YOGA = ROGA

WAKE UP WITH THE WAVES

PADDLEBOARD RACE & OCEAN FESTIVAL

TWILIGHT CONCERT SERIES

FRONT PORCH CINEMA

SANTAMONICA PIER.ORG

2017 | EXPO LINE TOUR

5

17th St/ SMC Ditch school to explore creativity at 18th Street Arts Center

6

EXPO LINE TOUR | 2017

7t Me h Stre tro et/ Cen ter

Dow nto wn San ta 17t Mo hS nic t/ S a MC 26t hS t/B erg am Exp ot o/B und y Exp o/S epu lve da We stw ood /Ra nch Pal oP ms ark Cul ver Cit y La Cie neg a/J eff ers Exp on o/L aB rea Far md ale

so it’s a window into the artistic process, a window into the way that artists think about and make their work; and often times it’s a really interesting perspective.”

She said the Center has become a hub for interesting work.

“There are people from Los Angeles and all over the world who come here and have a unique perspective on the city that we live in,” she said. “It’s a place to have conversations about creativity, about art in society and its role and importance with the people that are actually making the art.”

Yank said the proximity of an Expo stop has been compelling for the Center. Artists have been able to use the line to connect to other arts projects throughout Los Angeles and for some, the line itself has inspired or been incorporated into their work. In some cases, performance artists have used the platforms or trains as impromptu stages and Yank said the flow of people along the train has been a boon to the facility.

“I do think that us having this stop so close has been very compelling to people whereas a lot of the arts activity is very centered more east,” she said. “It has been a way for people to see a connection to the Westside.”

The Center’s Gallery is open from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission is free, except for occasional ticketed benefit events. The gallery and event spaces are fully accessible, with three ground level entrances with no steps. Upon requests for assistance, they can make programmatic aspects of projects available in accessible alternative formats.

The Main Gallery is located at 1639 18th Street. Visit http://18thstreet.org for more information or call (310) 4533711 for more information.

Exp o/C ren sha w Exp o/W est ern Exp o/V erm ont Exp oP ark /US C Jef fer son /US C LAT TC/ Ort ho Ins Pic titu o te

anta Monica’s second Expo stop is named after the nearby college but visitors to the area interested in learning something about art world will benefit from heading away from the school and toward the 18th Street Arts Center.

It takes all of seven minutes to walk to the 18th Street Arts center from the 17th St./SMC Expo stop and for those who need their art even more quickly, the facility is working to open pedestrian and bike access connecting the center directly to Expo’s bike path.

Whether it’s a short walk or a shorter bike ride, the traveler will be rewarded with rare access to art in motion. Unlike its artistic neighbor to the east, Bergamot Station, 18th Street Arts Center isn’t just a place to see art but rather a hub of artistic activity.

The Center capitalizes on a pair of programs to support artistic creation.

The first is a residency program that encourages contemporary artists from around the world to create new work within the Center’s supportive environment. A second program focuses on events and exhibitions that brings the public into the art making process.

The Residency Program has three strategies. A long-term track promotes mentorship and anchors the facility.

Mid-term residences of three years are designed to advance an artist’s career while short term stays of up to three months allow national and international artists to cycle through the facility.

The result is a combination of artistic projects covering everything from performance to traditional art to interactive cultural projects.

“It’s a place where art is happening actively, said Director of Communications and Outreach Sue Bell Yank. “We are supporting artists in their process of making art,

S

S A N TA M ON I C A S AV E S RAIN OR SHINE

Up to $8,000 in rebates available L E A R N M O R E AT:

www.SMgov.net/water

310•458•4904 • annenbergbeachhouse.com

Follow us:

2017 | EXPO LINE TOUR

7

26th St/Bergamot Named for a flower, art blooms at Bergamot Station n the edge of Santa Monica stands one of the area’s great art institutions, Bergamot Station. While the facility has always been popular, the adjacent Expo stop makes it incredibly easy to visit without the hassle of a car.

There’s a full day of activities to be had at the complex but the station also offers a quick walk to a pair of neighborhood parks with diverse activities available.

The history of Bergamot Station goes back to 1875 when the site was a stop for the original Red Line trolley connecting Los Angeles to the Santa Monica Pier. At that time, the station was named after the Bergamot flower that grew nearby.

When rail service ended in the 1950’s the site became industrial in nature but fell into disrepair for many years. After being purchased by the city, the site eventually was reconceived as an arts complex by Wayne Blank who had previously converted some of the buildings at the Santa Monica Airport to art spaces.

The modern version of Bergamot Station opened in 1994 and how houses about 44 galleries. The complex has specifically retained its industrial aesthetic and it’s become known as one of the most significant cultural institutions in the county. More than 600,000 people visit the space each year and up to now, they have had to contend with limited parking

O

8

EXPO LINE TOUR | 2017

7t Me h Stre tro et/ Cen ter

time resident of Santa Monica’s Pico Neighborhood and a World War II veteran. The new linear park has eight unique room-like garden spaces featuring diverse aspects of the Southern California landscape. The park includes accessible play features and fitness equipment, community pavilions with picnic tables and barbecues, a walking loop, and Santa Monica’s first park-based learning garden.

Gandara Park is located at 1819 Stewart St. Ishihara park is located at 2909 Exposition Blvd.

Exp o/C ren sha w Exp o/W est ern Exp o/V erm ont Exp oP ark /US C Jef fer son /US C LAT TC/ Ort ho Ins Pic titu o te

interactive exhibits or complex-wide festivals. Visit www.bergamotstation.com for a complete list of galleries, hours and upcoming events.

While Bergamot is the namesake of the station, Metro has dedicated the 26th street stop to honor Private Joe Gandara, a Santa Monica native who was fatally wounded by enemy fire in World War II at the age of 20.

Although hailed a war hero, he was passed over for awards and medals at the time of his death due to his Hispanic heritage. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2014 by President Obama.

The City recognized Gandara and fellow war hero George Ishihara, with namesake parks nearby parks as well.

Gandara Park, formerly known as Stewart Street Park is a short walk from the Expo line. During the summer months, the park hosts a popular Jazz on the Lawn concert series. Year round it offers basketball courts, a baseball diamond and small play structure for kids.

The equally nearby Ishihara Park was named for George Ishihara, a long-

Dow nto wn San ta 17t Mo hS nic t/ S a MC 26t hS t/B erg am Exp ot o/B und y Exp o/S epu lve da We stw ood /Ra nch Pal oP ms ark Cul ver Cit y La Cie neg a/J eff ers Exp on o/L aB rea Far md ale

on site and a handful of nearby city owned meters.

The official address is 2525 Michigan Ave. and the platform is mere feet away from the galleries. The train provides a new, vastly more convenient, way to experience the facility.

Visitors say the modern and rustic look captures your eye immediately and a stroll through the galleries has become a staple date night for many locals. With so many galleries on site, the complex functions more like a curated museum and it provides an opportunity to take in everything from classic landscapes to pop portraits to sculpture or performances.

When it comes time for a bite, the Bergamot café offers fresh morning pastries along with warm, toasted hickory smoked ham and Swiss sandwiches. You can enjoy a meal on their terrace in the middle of the Arts Center.

Hours for the entire complex are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

However, individual galleries keep their own hours. In addition to regular opening hours, individual galleries often host special events including artist receptions, performances,

WHEN BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE BECAUSE OF THE CARELESSNESS OR NEGLIGENCE OF OTHERS Free Consultation Over $25 Million Recovered • CATASTROPHIC PERSONAL INJURIES

• SPINAL CORD INJURIES

• WRONGFUL DEATH

• TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES

• MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS

• DOG BITES

• BICYCLE ACCIDENTS

• TRIP & FALLS

Robert Lemle

You Pay Nothing Until Your Case Is Resolved

310.392.3055 | www.lemlelaw.com 2017 | EXPO LINE TOUR

9

Expo/Bundy Exploring Pico’s culinary corridor at Expo Bundy rom the elevated platform at the Expo Line’s Bundy station, the view to the north is wholly unimpressive. The traffic-choked intersection at Olympic Boulevard features two gas stations, a car dealership and a gym, arguably making an adjacent Staples office supply store its most thrilling attraction. (Whiteboards! Printer ink!

The world is your canvas ... also available at Staples.)

Since you’re getting around by train, you have no need for gas — or a car, for that matter. And you have no use for a gym, at least right now, because exercise is built into the journey ahead of you.

You’re headed for Pico Boulevard’s culinary corridor, a de facto district of global gastromony. In a half-mile section from Bundy to Gateway, the thoroughfare offers international eats at every turn.

There’s Thai food at Chan Dara and quick, casual Indian at Chutneys.

There are Chinese dumplings at Cheng Du and sushi plates at Yoba.

There’s even pizza at Ciccero’s.

Your destination is Don Antonio’s, arguably the standout of the bunch, a stalwart for authentic Mexican cuisine and a West L.A. institution for more than 30 years.

F

10

EXPO LINE TOUR | 2017

7t Me h Stre tro et/ Cen ter

Save room for the chicken taquitos, perfectly crunchy and served with creamy guacamole. Then there’s the massive Super Burrito, the kind of dish that makes its recipient’s eyes widen.

But the star of the show is the chicken fajita platter. It arrives on a sizzling skillet whose plume of white steam turns heads throughout the restaurant as it makes its way to your table. You are officially the subject of envy. Seasoned onions and peppers complement a plate that is easily big enough to share. (Not that you’ll want to.)

This section of Pico has you covered if you’re looking to keep the party going after dinner, whether you’d like a martini at Liquid Kitty across the street, a spiked basil lemonade at The Arsenal or a glass of pinot noir at Freddy Smalls. If there’s a game on, San Francisco Saloon has TVs and beer waiting for you.

Just don’t forget your dessert.

Exp o/C ren sha w Exp o/W est ern Exp o/V erm ont Exp oP ark /US C Jef fer son /US C LAT TC/ Ort ho Ins Pic titu o te

Hard choices are ahead. Perhaps you’ll go for a chewy chocolate chip cookie, maybe you’ll have a decadent red velvet cupcake or possibly you’ll settle on a gooey pecan bar. Better yet, get all three.

Also, if you have to ask what’s in the decadent turtle cake (hint: not turtle), you should probably get some.

Now it’s time to head back to Don Antonio’s, appetite piqued.

The restaurant has been around since 1982, and its oldschool booths make it feel even older.

The dim lighting, formal waiter wear and strong margaritas only add to the aura. Pro tip: Ask if there’s room on the back patio, which somehow manages to offer vitality and serenity at the same time.

You’ll probably be inclined to dive into Don Antonio’s excellent chips and salsa, but don’t get carried away.

Dow nto wn San ta 17t Mo hS nic t/ S a MC 26t hS t/B erg am Exp ot o/B und y Exp o/S epu lve da We stw ood /Ra nch Pal oP ms ark Cul ver Cit y La Cie neg a/J eff ers Exp on o/L aB rea Far md ale

But first, dessert.

From the train station, head south on Bundy Drive and take Tennessee Avenue east a few blocks to Granville Avenue, where you’ll turn right towards Pico. Finally, veer left onto Pico and pass Don Antonio’s.

(Don’t worry; it isn’t going anywhere.)

Continue past Federal Avenue to Jamaica’s Cakes, an unassuming dessertery and espresso bar that has nothing to do with the Caribbean island nation and everything to do with tasty treats.

The brainchild of Oregon native Jamaica Crist, this bakery known for its customized wedding cakes turns out delicious pies, cookies and cupcakes. But it closes at 7 p.m. on weekdays and earlier on weekends, so you’ll have to grab your goods before dinner and see if you can postpone your pleasure.

Complete line of Flowers, Concentrates, Tinctures, Edibles, Clones.

Open Monday-Saturday 10 am - 8 pm.

Sunday 11 am - 8 pm.

Veterans 10% discount PH: 424-208-3945 NEW LOCATION 2340 S. Centinela Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90064. (Exit I-10 Centinela.)

S. BA RR

S.

NT

IN

CE

A

AV E

N

EL

TO G

IN

GRACE

E.

AV

.

.

O IC

VD BL

P

MEDICAL MARIJUANA PHARMACY

gracemmp.com

2017 | EXPO LINE TOUR

11

Expo/Sepulveda Wining and dining at Expo/Sepulveda have a confession. Countless times I’ve driven onto the northbound 405 freeway from Pico Boulevard, turning quickly onto Cotner Avenue and zipping past the Smart & Final market before darting up the on-ramp.

Not once did I realize there was a 20,000-square-foot wine store, warehouse and restaurant in my midst. And, apparently, I’m not alone.

“You’d be amazed at how many people don’t know we’re there,” Wine House owner Bill Knight told me. “They’re so busy trying to get on the freeway.”

Thanks to the extension of the Expo Line, that could be changing. Knight’s longtime wine shop is just three-tenths of a mile from the Expo/Sepulveda station, which also serves as a portal to many nearby stores and restaurants as well as several connecting bus lines.

The new transit stop is also a gateway to the Westside’s designated Japantown, a bustling row of restaurants and eateries along Sawtelle Boulevard that now spills south of Olympic Boulevard and north of Santa Monica Boulevard. (More on that later.)

Until the opening of the Expo Line, Sepulveda served a pretty specific role to motorists — namely, as that street you take when traffic on the notoriously jammed 405 is trudging along even more slowly than usual.

Geographically speaking, perhaps Sepulveda could also be considered the unofficial dividing line between West L.A. and west West L.A. Ponder the value of that probably meaningless distinction as you walk north on Sepulveda, west on Pico and north on Cotner to Wine House, which is just south of the 405 on-ramp.

The shop offers wines from around the world at a wide variety of price points, with everything from a Spanish 2013 Flaco Tempranillo Estate ($6.99) to a Napa Valley 2012 Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon dubbed “Toto’s Opium Dream: Scene III” (a cool $5,400).

There are hundreds of options in a store that’s large without being cavernous.

Perhaps the best part is that 32 of the wines are available to taste at the

I

12

EXPO LINE TOUR | 2017

7t Me h Stre tro et/ Cen ter

miso ramen and chicken teri over rice, which also comes with a side salad.

You’ll place your order with a staffer and hear it yelled into the partially open kitchen, which is surrounded by bar seats. You’ll earn each bite as you use chopsticks to pile noodles onto your spoon of reddish broth, grabbing bean sprouts and chopped green onion along the way. You’ll take pleasure in your decision to venture into Japantown.

And you’ll probably take home leftovers.

Exp o/C ren sha w Exp o/W est ern Exp o/V erm ont Exp oP ark /US C Jef fer son /US C LAT TC/ Ort ho Ins Pic titu o te

want a burger at Plan Check or shaved ice at Blockheads.

Consider a meal at Daikokuya, a popular ramen outpost south of Olympic. It’s a small space seemingly intended to resemble an alley in Tokyo, outfitted with funky signage, orange lights and a decorative garage door along the side wall.

Many diners will dive straight into a massive bowl of ramen, which comes a few different ways, but give yourself a better sampling of the menu by picking a combo. I went for the spicy

Dow nto wn San ta 17t Mo hS nic t/ S a MC 26t hS t/B erg am Exp ot o/B und y Exp o/S epu lve da We stw ood /Ra nch Pal oP ms ark Cul ver Cit y La Cie neg a/J eff ers Exp on o/L aB rea Far md ale

store’s card-activated sampling stations ($1.30 and up). The staff is friendly and knowledgeable.

Learn more about the wines with a guided in-store tasting, or satisfy your inner oenophile by signing up for a class. There’s also Upstairs 2, an adjoining restaurant featuring dinnertime small plates and, of course, plenty of vino.

But that’s not your only eating option. Explore the vast array of culinary delights in what is sometimes referred to as Little Osaka, heading north on Cotner, turning west on Olympic and crossing under the 405 until you hit Sawtelle.

You’ve come to an area that can feel like it’s trying to set a world record for restaurant density. There’s iPad-ordered ramen at Tatsu, famous tsukemen (ramen with noodles to dip) at Tsujita, stellar sushi at Kiriko and pork cutlets at Kimukatsu. And the stretch is by no means exclusively Japanese, so don’t feel bad if you

The Foreigner by

Larry Shue

A pathologically shy Englishman inadvertently roots out radical racists in a quaint Georgia lodge.

Directed by Sarah

Gurfield

April 22nd – May 20th* Fri. & Sat. 8pm, Sun. 4pm *additional performance Sat. 4pm May 20th

at

The Miles Memorial Playhouse

1130 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403

Y BOUDAY! T

Visit www.santamonicarep.org to purchase your tickets today!

The CODE ForeignerLocal will be good for 20% OFF all levels of ticketing for performances 4/29-5/20

Presented by

The Foreigner

Tickets starting at $15

844.486.2844 The Foreigner is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.

2017 | EXPO LINE TOUR

13

Westwood/Rancho Park Burgers served with a side of nostalgia at Apple Pan t’s hard to figure out exactly which sense to process first.

Once you pull on the first set of dark green doors and push through the second, there’s the sight of bygone-era cash registers atop a Ushaped counter dotted with metallic holders for conical paper cups as longtime workers with white soda jerk hats hustle around the frenetic but efficient central kitchen.

There’s the sound of competing conversations as customers chat over the whirring and humming din of the diner, an appropriate score to the nostalgic feel of cushioned red seatback stools, crinkling wax paper and laminated menus with recipes dating back to the 19th century.

There’s the smell of warm apple pie accentuated by wafting scents of fresh burgers and French fries, an aromatic amalgamation so enticing that it forces my uncle into a partial genuflection of worship when he walks by.

And then, of course, there’s the taste of arguably the best burger and pie in the region.

It’s a sensory nirvana only experienced at the Apple Pan, a longstanding West L.A. burger joint that’s a short, anticipation-filled walk from the Expo Line’s Westwood/Rancho Park station.

What can be written about this place, a destination since 1947, that hasn’t been before? It’s old-timey to the point where it sometimes seems on the verge of extinction, it’s iconic in a neighborhood that has seen many changes over the last decade and it’s delicious in a way that elicits raving hyperbole.

The tagline under its neon sign is “Quality Forever,” the only caveat being that the cash-only establishment

I

14

EXPO LINE TOUR | 2017

7t Me h Stre tro et/ Cen ter

brother swears that the sauce’s stratospheric quality climbs even higher when it has the chance to mingle with the burger’s beef patty, and he might be right.) The lettuce plays an important role as well, providing a cool, refreshing crunch.

It’s simple, it’s $7.65 and it’s a reason to believe there’s hope for humanity.

When you’re finished with the burger, your server will pop up out of nowhere with a serious question: “Any pie?” There’s no wrong answer (except “No thanks,” of course). Close out your meal with a banana cream slice, a dessert so mindbogglingly good that it should be used as a peace offering at international diplomacy summits.

At this point, don’t feel bad if there are people standing behind you, waiting to eat. After all, they’re planning to enjoy the Apple Pan exactly as you did, the same way others before you have done for nearly 70 years. It only makes sense.

Exp o/C ren sha w Exp o/W est ern Exp o/V erm ont Exp oP ark /US C Jef fer son /US C LAT TC/ Ort ho Ins Pic titu o te

of where you’re standing to wait; others believe there’s an understood separation by side. You can imagine the tension when a small group walks in, waits on the left side and watches as another party that came in after them fills a new vacancy on the right.

It would almost be worth grabbing a bowl of popcorn to watch, but I’m not here to eat popcorn. (Although, if that’s what you’re looking for, the Landmark Theatres are just a block away.) No, I’m here to eat my favorite burger on the planet.

It will look like your server is just scribbling squiggly lines on a pad of paper, but trust that your order will be done right. Ask for the hickory burger with extra sauce and extra lettuce, a side of fries and a cream soda for good measure.

You and this burger will get along famously. The inimitable hickory sauce, smoky and tangy and oozing with flavor, is the stuff of legend. (My

Dow nto wn San ta 17t Mo hS nic t/ S a MC 26t hS t/B erg am Exp ot o/B und y Exp o/S epu lve da We stw ood /Ra nch Pal oP ms ark Cul ver Cit y La Cie neg a/J eff ers Exp on o/L aB rea Far md ale

is closed on Mondays.

For so many Angelenos, a trip to the Apple Pan comes with a certain esteem, whether it’s a quick midweek lunch or a pie pickup before Thanksgiving. For me, it’s practically a personal (albeit very short) mecca. It’s where I went for pre-homework fries during middle school. It’s where I’ve gone for dinner before attending basketball games at UCLA. It’s where I’ve caught up with old friends over burgers and IBC root beers. And it’s where I’ve taken dates for apple pie a la mode.

Needless to say, the gastronomic gods have blessed this corner of Pico Boulevard and Glendon Avenue with decades of foodborne thrill-ness.

When the Apple Pan is busy, which it often is, the wait is beautiful chaos. As diners-to-be line the perimeter of the 26-seat room, there are two conflicting philosophies at play. Some think it’s service on a first-arrival basis regardless

“WHO KNEW THAT HIGHER PHYSICS COULD BE SO SEXY, SO ACCESSIBLE — AND SO EMOTIONALLY DEVASTATING?” — The New York Times

Written by NICK PAYNE Directed by GIOVANNA SARDELLI Featuring

GINNIFER GOODWIN

(Once Upon a Time)

ALLEN LEECH

(Downton Abbey)

Roland is a beekeeper. Marianne is a quantum physicist. What are their odds of falling in love?

With infinite moments that can change the trajectory of a life, it’s anyone’s guess how cosmic collision is possible.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

ON STAGE JUNE 6 – JULY 16 GIL CATES THEATER AT THE GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE

TED L. NANCY IS A CUSTOMER IN NEED OF SERVICE. Based on the bestselling series of books Letters from a Nut, Ted L. Nancy brings his madcap collection of customer service correspondence to the Geffen stage for a one-of-a-kind show that is both outlandish and uproarious.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! SPOTLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT SERIES EVENT

ON STAGE JUNE 23 – JULY 30

AUDREY SKIRBALL KENIS THEATER AT THE GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE

@GEFFENPLAYHOUSE

GEFFENPLAYHOUSE.ORG

| 310.208.5454

Geffen Playhouse is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enriching the cultural life of Los Angeles through plays and educational programs that inform, entertain and inspire.

2017 | EXPO LINE TOUR

15

Palms Bar trivia and beyond in the heart of Palms or almost as long as Mondays have existed, so too has the axiom that only fools enjoy Mondays.

Good times from the previous weekend have vanished into obscurity, never to be heard from again. The next respite from the workaday grind feels light-years away, its promises agonizingly unfulfilled. A debilitating case of the Mondays has set in, and not even a viewing of “Office Space” can cure it.

If there’s an answer for Monday malaise, it’s a short walk from the Expo Line’s Palms station. Hiding in the corner of a strip mall between a nail salon and an Indonesian restaurant is Boardwalk 11, a popular West L.A. karaoke bar that hosts weekly pub trivia on Monday evenings.

It seems as though the Palms neighborhood, an increasingly popular pocket of town, was begging for a light-rail stop. The area boasts a plethora of eateries, shops and attractions, yet its residential density can make parking a formidable obstacle.

Weekly trivia is just one reason to venture into Palms. There’s a familyfriendly farmers market Sunday mornings at the intersection of Motor Avenue and National Boulevard.

There’s excellent Mexican food at El Nopal, including an unfathomably massive pregnant burrito special. And there’s the recent addition of Kogi Taqueria, the brick-and-mortar manifestation of Roy Choi’s famous Korean fusion food truck.

If you’re feeling ambitious, walk down to Venice Boulevard for even more options within a mile of the Palms station, including burgers and shakes at In-N-Out, delicious Cuban entrees at Versailles and standout dishes on the covered patio at Gaby’s Mediterranean.

But don’t forget about Boardwalk 11, where Sobriety Test Bar Trivia for more than two years has combined the fun-filled intensity of a TV game show with the riotous merriment of a football tailgate. It’s sort of like a college frat party, except that everyone is seated, adults are

F

16

EXPO LINE TOUR | 2017

7t Me h Stre tro et/ Cen ter

Exp o/C ren sha w Exp o/W est ern Exp o/V erm ont Exp oP ark /US C Jef fer son /US C LAT TC/ Ort ho Ins Pic titu o te

music artists based on warped clips of their songs.

It amounts to a two-hour episode of “Jeopardy!” but with a little more alcohol and a lot more fun.

And the trivia teams aren’t just playing for bragging rights. In addition to posing for photos with the championship trophy, the winners get $50 to keep their celebrations going.

Many players stick around for posttrivia karaoke, whether they’re feeling brave enough to sing Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” or just curious to hear their friend’s raucous rendition of Usher’s “Yeah.”

Dow nto wn San ta 17t Mo hS nic t/ S a MC 26t hS t/B erg am Exp ot o/B und y Exp o/S epu lve da We stw ood /Ra nch Pal oP ms ark Cul ver Cit y La Cie neg a/J eff ers Exp on o/L aB rea Far md ale

welcome and (most of the) attendees have real work to do the next day.

The veterans know to show up well before things start at 7 p.m. That way, they get in on Boardwalk 11’s standout happy-hour deals, including $4 beers (Bear Republic’s Racer 5 IPA and Goose Island’s 312 Urban Wheat, for example), well drinks and wine as well as discounts on select items from the food menu.

Bring a friend or five — each trivia squad is allowed to have up to six players. Grab answer sheets and pens from the table on the stage, come up with a team name that will elicit glares and groans from fellow competitors and prepare for eight rounds of factbased fighting as emcees Eric Pierce, Stad St. Fleur and Bill Hammon pour on the snark.

Each round of trivia features a different format. In the one-question warm-up session, the team closest to the correct answer gets no points but instead wins a round of shots on the house.

From there, it’s anybody’s game. You’ll be quizzed on current events. You’ll submit answers on everything from history and geography to sports and pop culture. You’ll try to pick up on recurring themes. You might even be asked to name celebrities based on pictures of their noses or identify

2017 | EXPO LINE TOUR

17

Culver City Live music, entertainment galore in Culver City

One is cheaper than some cups of coffee and can be customized specifically to your heart’s content. The other is going to run you more than $12 and cannot be modified at all.

Indeed, the burgers at In-N-Out and Father’s Office could hardly be more different, but both have managed to carve out iconic status in the Southern California food world.

And both are within walking distance of the Culver City station.

Simplicity reigns at In-N-Out (9245 Venice Blvd.), which has become known as much for its slow expansion as for its secret menu and bargain prices. The chain’s hamburger is a thin patty on a perfectly toasted bun with lettuce, tomato and onion, and it’s all tied together by an addicting secret spread. Make it even better by asking for chopped green chiles for a little spicy kick, and order a vanilla shake for good measure. Nay, great measure.

East of the light-rail station is Father’s Office (3229 Helms Ave.), a stalwart in the gastropub scene that pairs burgers and other entrees with a daunting list of craft beers. The brainchild of chef-restaurateur Sang Yoon, the Office Burger has remained popular among L.A. foodies even as competitors attempt their own similar iterations.

It comes on a slightly oblong bun with caramelized onion, bacon, gruyere, blue cheese and arugula.

You won’t find ketchup at Father’s Office, but you won’t find many unhappy diners, either.

If you have to ask which of the two burgers is better, you should just try both.

TAKE A TOUR OF SONY PICTURES STUDIOS Ever feel like being a tourist in the region you call home? Consider a trip to Sony Pictures Studios for a behindthe-scenes tour.

On 2-hour guided walks at one of the movie industry’s Westside hubs, visitors can catch glimpses of the stages

Dow nto wn San ta 17t Mo hS nic t/ S a MC 26t hS t/B erg am Exp ot o/B und y Exp o/S epu lve da We stw ood /Ra nch Pal oP ms ark Cul ver Cit y La Cie neg a/J eff ers Exp on o/L aB rea Far md ale

You don’t have to book a room at Culver Hotel to enjoy what the renovated Culver City landmark has to offer. Nearly a century’s worth of history oozes from the walls at 9400 Culver Blvd., a fitting venue that manages to be classy without being pretentious.

Live music carries the evenings in the grand lobby, where jazz offerings throughout the week are punctuated by deliveries of swing, soul, blues and folk. Sonic enjoyment starts nightly at 7:30 p.m.

It’s the perfect complement to the hotel’s stable of signature cocktails, which include the Culver Cactus (tequila with lime juice, agave and

SAMPLE TWO OF THE REGION’S MOST WELL-KNOWN BURGERS

18

EXPO LINE TOUR | 2017

where Dorothy followed the Yellow Brick Road in “The Wizard of Oz” or where Spider-Man duked it out with his nemeses. Attendees may also see the sets of long-running game shows “Jeopardy!” or “Wheel of Fortune” and the famous RV from “Breaking Bad,” among other attractions.

Tours at Sony Pictures Studios (10000 West Washington Blvd.) cost $40 per person and are typically given on weekdays, although additional walks are held during peak seasons. For more information, call (310) 244-8687, visit sonypicturesstudiostours.com or email studio_tours@spe.sony.com.

7t Me h Stre tro et/ Cen ter

ENJOY LIVE MUSIC AND COCKTAILS AT CULVER HOTEL

muddled cucumber and jalapeno) and a pomegranate mojito. They’re all $13 after happy hour, which isn’t a bad deal considering the live tunes you’re getting for free.

The Culver Hotel strikes a delicate balance, providing an upscale atmosphere while maintaining a downhome charm. Those qualities make it a fine choice for a gathering, whether you’re going on a date, celebrating friends’ milestones or just jonesing for a spot to unwind after work.

Exp o/C ren sha w Exp o/W est ern Exp o/V erm ont Exp oP ark /US C Jef fer son /US C LAT TC/ Ort ho Ins Pic titu o te

here’s a “Choose Your Own Adventure” book waiting to be written about the Metro light-rail stop in Culver City. A column, at least.

Beyond the borders of its massive parking lot, the station that until recently served as the Expo Line terminus is surrounded by top-notch restaurants and recreational attractions. To the east there’s shopping in the Helms Bakery District, where Father’s Office turns out one of the region’s most well-known gastropub burgers. To the west there’s entertainment galore in the epicenter of Culver City, including nightly live music at the historic Culver Hotel and movies at ArcLight Cinemas. Heck, you can even see where some of those movies are made on a tour of nearby Sony Pictures Studios.

Ready to choose your own adventure?

T

La Cienega/Jefferson Hidden gems at La Cienega/Jefferson hen you live in a region as sprawling and massive as Greater Los Angeles, you need a place to call your own.

Maybe it’s a neighborhood cafe where servers know you by name.

Maybe it’s a lesser-known hiking trail that serves as your temporary getaway. Wherever it is, it’s your comfort zone in this seemingly endless metropolis, a space that many others surely frequent but that feels personal when you’re there.

So often the City of Angels gets boiled down to a slurry of “it” places — the restaurants with the latest celebrity chefs, the bars with the swankiest interiors, the clubs with the hottest DJs. But there’s another L.A. that’s refreshingly unassuming and even more enjoyable. It’s the L.A. of the local taco stand or donut shop that doesn’t always have a line out the door, the one with the barbershop or salon that isn’t the most highly rated on Yelp but maintains a cast of regulars who wouldn’t want it any other way.

It’s the L.A. that most Angelenos know and love.

That’s the city you’ll find near the La Cienega/Jefferson station on the Expo Line, where the pressures of future development haven’t yet washed away longstanding neighborhood gems. Indeed, the prospect of a 30-story apartment complex going up near the transit stop seems to make the value of places like Westside Neighborhood Park and JNJ Burger Shack even more pronounced.

The pocket park is a small and secluded solace, a slice of open space that doesn’t feel like it’s so close to where La Cienega Boulevard meets Fairfax Avenue. It’s tucked so delicately into the surrounding neighborhood that it could easily go unnoticed. And, to many, it probably does.

There isn’t much to it other than a few grassy areas and a small playground featuring swings and a slide, but that’s all it needs to be.

W

7t Me h Stre tro et/ Cen ter

Now, if only there were a hidden gem of a park within walking distance to enjoy some barbecue and sunshine in peace.

Exp o/C ren sha w Exp o/W est ern Exp o/V erm ont Exp oP ark /US C Jef fer son /US C LAT TC/ Ort ho Ins Pic titu o te

chips,” the famed food critic wrote in a 2007 review for LA Weekly magazine, “it is nice to know that somebody is still passionate about marrying the flavors of wood smoke and meat.”

JNJ isn’t perfect. It doesn’t always stick to its summer schedule, closing a bit early on a recent evening, and its beef brisket could pull an Otis Redding and try a little more tenderness.

But this place is worth trying. The chicken is delicious, and the mixture of hot and mild barbecue sauces provides the perfect amount of heat. The baked beans are skillfully cooked and slightly sweet. The cornbread, a tad crumbly but tasty and big enough to share, pairs well with all the staples: collard greens, cole slaw, potato salad and more. And don’t forget about sweet potato pie for dessert.

Dow nto wn San ta 17t Mo hS nic t/ S a MC 26t hS t/B erg am Exp ot o/B und y Exp o/S epu lve da We stw ood /Ra nch Pal oP ms ark Cul ver Cit y La Cie neg a/J eff ers Exp on o/L aB rea Far md ale

Westside Neighborhood Park wasn’t designed for kickball and large parties; it was created for small picnics, short outings with children and moments of outdoor tranquility in a city where that’s often lacking.

Standing a few blocks north of the park is a corner West Adams Boulevard eatery named for owner Jay Nelson Jr., and it’s a challenge to figure out whether it’s a burger shack or barbecue joint. (Hint: It’s both.) It’s full name is JNJ Burger Shack, but its website is jnj-bbq.com. The burger ordering area is closer to the front, but the separate barbecue counter is arguably more inviting.

That’s the section that impressed Jonathan Gold on his visit nearly a decade ago. “In an era when even some of the best-known barbecue joints make do with a measly gas flame and a handful or two of wood

2017 | EXPO LINE TOUR

19

Expo/La Brea Volunteer opportunities at Expo/La Brea

HIV/AIDS OUTREACH The Minority AIDS Project was established in 1985 to help minority patients and educate people of color about the sexually transmitted syndrome. Three decades later, the group’s work continues.

Volunteers champion the nonprofit’s mission of providing health care resources, outreach and support to hundreds of patients and thousands of people who want to learn more about HIV and AIDS, particularly in the African-American and Latino communities of South Central Los Angeles.

After a one-day orientation about the agency’s programs, volunteers at Minority AIDS Project meet with a coordinator to figure out how they can help the organization and its clients. They are invited to regular trainings and workshops to stay updated on treatments and trends in the county, according to the group’s website.

Volunteers must have valid

California identification and tuberculosis clearance.

For more information, call 323-936-4949, visit minorityaidsproject.org or email volunteering@minorityaidsproject.org.

HEAD START Just northwest of the Expo/La Brea station is one of the sites of the Training and Research Foundation, a nonprofit Head Start organization that serves low-income preschool children and their families. The agency, which has existed for more than 50 years, offers a variety of services, including

Dow nto wn San ta 17t Mo hS nic t/ S a MC 26t hS t/B erg am Exp ot o/B und y Exp o/S epu lve da We stw ood /Ra nch Pal oP ms ark Cul ver Cit y La Cie neg a/J eff ers Exp on o/L aB rea Far md ale

An independent animal welfare group that has served the region since 1877, spcaLA aims to stop cruelty to animals through education, law

20

EXPO LINE TOUR | 2017

education, health, nutrition and parent engagement.

And the foundation is constantly looking for volunteers, according to its website.

“Volunteers are instrumental in helping us accomplish our mission,” the site reads.

Orientations and training sessions are held for volunteers, who receive support and encouragement from staff members throughout their stints of service.

For more information, call 323-9376472, visit trfhs.org or email volunteer@trfhs.org.

7t Me h Stre tro et/ Cen ter

ANIMAL WELFARE

enforcement, intervention and advocacy.

It has three pet adoptions centers (in Hawthorne, Long Beach and Pico Rivera) and four animal training facilities, including one at its headquarters at 5026 W. Jefferson Blvd., in Los Angeles.

Note that the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority doesn’t allow non-service animals on the Expo Line, so pet owners shouldn’t take the train with their furry friends to the variety of dog training classes offered at spcaLA. But that fact doesn’t have to get in the way of animal lovers who want to help. Volunteers can assist the nonprofit on numerous administrative tasks at the Jefferson Boulevard site, represent spcaLA at events, contribute to fundraising efforts and work with animals at other locations.

Most volunteers are asked to make a one-year commitment of at least two hours per week. Orientations and training are provided.

For more information, call 323-7305300, visit spcaLA.com or email volunteer@spcaLA.com.

Exp o/C ren sha w Exp o/W est ern Exp o/V erm ont Exp oP ark /US C Jef fer son /US C LAT TC/ Ort ho Ins Pic titu o te

or some, the Expo Line is a car-free way to get to work. For others, the recently extended light-rail service is a gateway to food, arts, entertainment and more. The train means many things to many different residents, and that’s how it should be. It’s a reminder that people across the region are more connected than they might realize as they go about their busy lives.

It’s fitting, then, that the Expo Line can also act as a conduit for people who want to bolster their sense of connectivity through community service.

Take, for example, the volunteer opportunities available within walking distance of the Expo/La Brea station, which is roughly halfway between the Westside and Downtown Los Angeles.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles, the Minority AIDS Project and the Training and Research Foundation all have offices near the transit stop, a nexus of nonprofit organizations striving to make positive impacts in their distinct spheres.

F

Farmdale Fishing for the heart of Expo/Farmdale he stretch of West Jefferson Boulevard just north of the Expo/Farmdale station is noticeably drab, a simple thoroughfare of commercial and industrial buildings colored with dreary grays, dull browns and faded blacks.

Then you come upon Mel’s Fish Shack, and the area immediately brightens.

The exterior of the small corner eatery features butterflies fluttering on a mural of aqua greens, bright yellows, deep purples and fluorescent reds. The main door, already propped open, welcomes customers with a painted hand pointing in the direction of the restaurant.

It’s a place where the late owner and his daughter have cultivated a sense of community for local residents and visitors alike, where fried fish and a host of sides come with an abundance of good vibes to boot.

The shack was the brainchild of serial entrepreneur Mel Powell, who launched it in 1982 with the goal of bringing Louisiana seafood favorites to Southern California. His daughter, Georgette, took the reins in 1997.

The fried fish hub currently stands at 4524 W. Jefferson Blvd., but Georgette doesn’t want it to stay there forever.

Last year she launched a crowdfunding campaign with the hopes of moving the business back to its original location a few blocks east. The drive’s $100,000 goal remains unmet.

In the meantime, Mel’s Fish Shack remains a neighborhood nucleus with curb and culinary appeal. You can judge this place by its cover, too, because the shack’s aesthetic vibrancy on the outside is matched by its buzzing verve on the inside.

The fact that the quarters are cramped only adds to the aura. Six stools line a counter that offers views into the kitchen, and around the corner from the passageway behind the seats is an ordering window with a menu posted off to the side. It feels crowded — in a good, homey way — even when just a handful of people are waiting for their cookedto-order seafood.

T

7t Me h Stre tro et/ Cen ter

Exp o/C ren sha w Exp o/W est ern Exp o/V erm ont Exp oP ark /US C Jef fer son /US C LAT TC/ Ort ho Ins Pic titu o te

and creamy, while the red beans and rice mix perfectly. French fries, greens and homemade potato salad are also among the offerings, which can be purchased a la carte.

If you’ve never had hushpuppies, get your introduction at Mel’s.

Sometimes known as cornbread balls, these savory deep-fried poppers are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Order a dozen ($3.25) and watch them disappear.

Pro tip: Mel’s Fish Shack doubles as an Expo Line access point for delectable desserts from 27th Street Bakery. Located south of Downtown Los Angeles and more than five miles east of Mel’s, the bakery makes mini sweet potato pies that have a second home near the Expo/Farmdale station — that is, until they’re gone.

The pie is small, bursting with color and totally enjoyable, and at this point I may or may not be describing the pie.

Dow nto wn San ta 17t Mo hS nic t/ S a MC 26t hS t/B erg am Exp ot o/B und y Exp o/S epu lve da We stw ood /Ra nch Pal oP ms ark Cul ver Cit y La Cie neg a/J eff ers Exp on o/L aB rea Far md ale

“We’ll see you again soon,” an employee says as two women leave with their food.

“I hope so,” one says.

Replies the employee: “I know so.”

Popular menu items like catfish and shrimp are complemented by other creatures of the ocean, such as sole, tilapia and orange roughy. Pretty much everything can be grilled or fried, and orders for fried seafood can be filled at three different levels of crispiness.

(When, exactly, would “extra crispy” be a bad thing?)

Since you’ll want to try a variety, opt for the $15 combo that comes with two kinds of fish as well as two sides. The red snapper, juicy and flavorful and piping hot, pairs well with the specialty tartar sauce. The salmon, more suited to be grilled, finds a friendly companion in a dab of complimentary hot sauce.

You can’t go wrong with the sides at Mel’s. The macaroni salad is cool

2017 | EXPO LINE TOUR

21

Expo/Crenshaw A quest for covert truffles at Expo/Crenshaw

22

EXPO LINE TOUR | 2017

with my first name scrawled on the side in black marker.

The transaction is complete when, a few hours later, I open a box and bite into one of the divine truffles. The slightly firm outer layer gives way to ganache that is rich but smooth, dense but creamy, an extraordinary combination. “The result,” as an enclosed note reads, “is truly decadent.” And worthy of an adventure.

For more information, visit yvanvalentinchocolate.com, call (323) 731-1122 or email valentinyvan@cs.com.

7t Me h Stre tro et/ Cen ter

nearby alleyway.

The building’s shuttered storefront doesn’t offer much guidance, so I turn into the alley, passing a small homeless encampment. Sure enough, there’s an enclave tucked away from the alley where a worker pops out from behind a black gate. I follow him in.

Inside is an industrial bakery, a small table stacked with paperwork serving as its unofficial sales window, and I tell Valentin I’ve come to pick up three boxes of truffles. I hand an assistant $45 as Valentin retrieves a handle-less paper bag

Dow nto wn San ta 17t Mo hS nic t/ S a MC 26t hS t/B erg am Exp ot o/B und y Exp o/S epu lve da We stw ood /Ra nch Pal oP ms ark Cul ver Cit y La Cie neg a/J eff ers Exp on o/L aB rea Far md ale

who traveled extensively before settling in Los Angeles in the mid1980s to work at L’Orangerie. After eight years at the French restaurant he launched Sweet Temptations, his vehicle for distributing delectable treats to hotels, catering companies and specialty food stores. It’s largely a wholesale operation, but Valentin’s handmade truffles are available for purchase directly from his workshop at 3514 W. Jefferson Blvd.

Which is where the Expo/Crenshaw stop comes in.

Call ahead to confirm that the truffles, whose flavors include dark chocolate, praline, cappuccino and ivory cointreau, can be ordered for scheduled pickup. I opt for three halfpound boxes, which each cost $15 and come with 20 pieces.

Then come the directions: I’m told to bring cash and look for the “Grace Pastries” sign, which stands atop a building with a black gate that is tucked away from the adjacent alley.

(Grace Pastries, in case you’re wondering, is long gone.)

Needless to say, this sounds like it’s going to be an adventure.

When I arrive at the Expo/Crenshaw station, which is a couple blocks south of the dessertery, I notice that the street divides transit stop in two. Eastbound trains stop just west of Crenshaw Boulevard; westbound passengers access the train east of the intersection. The area is primed to become a major transportation hub in the region once construction is done on the Crenshaw/LAX Line, which in 2019 will connect Expo Line passengers to Los Angeles International Airport.

I head north on Crenshaw, the massive West Angeles Cathedral standing as an omen of the religious experience that awaits me. After passing a strip mall and a cleaners, I cross the street towards a large parking structure and continue north to Jefferson Boulevard. Meandering onto the gas station property at the corner, I spot the aforementioned “Grace Pastries” sign hovering over a

Exp o/C ren sha w Exp o/W est ern Exp o/V erm ont Exp oP ark /US C Jef fer son /US C LAT TC/ Ort ho Ins Pic titu o te

f I tell you that some of the best chocolate truffles in the region are being made in a nondescript building off an alley next to a gas station in South Los Angeles, will you believe me?

If so, you’re that much closer to, well, some of the best chocolate truffles in the region. If not, you’re just delaying the inevitable.

Maybe it’s an unlikely arrangement, a dessertery quietly doing business in a neighborhood that some Westside residents would scoff at even passing through. But there are sweet surprises to be found all over Southern California — as long as you’re willing to look for them.

A digital map of the area around the Expo Line’s Expo/Crenshaw station reveals the presence of a business near the corner of Crenshaw and Jefferson boulevards called Sweet Temptations, a name that could be affiliated with products or services other than truffles. The company’s associated website bears a different name, that of Yvan Valentin, and at this point curiosity wins out.

Valentin, I discover, is a French artisan chocolatier and pastry chef

I

Expo/Western North African tacos and a fusion revolution s connected and interwoven as Greater Los Angeles sometimes feels, it remains divided into distinct pockets. We tend to classify and categorize, perhaps to a fault, whether it’s by zip code, proximity to the coast or location relative to a freeway.

It’s a phenomenon that pops up in discussions of the region’s ethnic communities: There’s Sawtelle Japantown in West L.A., Little Tehran in Westwood, Armenia Minor in Glendale. We’re such a melting pot, we like to think, but at the same time we’re quick to separate and segregate.

Although these unique cultural clusters offer local windows into different parts of the world, the true magic happens in Southern California when there’s crossover and collaboration. It’s what makes L.A. so remarkable.

This is the prism through which to appreciate the existence of North African tacos — yep, you read that correctly — at Revolutionario, a quirky and casual restaurant west of USC. International eats abound in the area around the Expo Line’s Expo/Western station. There are several Belizean joints within short walking distance of the Metro transit stop, while Paseo San Miguel and El Ranchon serve up pupusas and other Salvadoran food in the same part of town.

But the crown jewel of the neighborhood is undoubtedly Revolutionario, which is located at 1436 W. Jefferson Blvd., east of Normandie Avenue.

Culinary fusion has exploded in Los Angeles in recent years, from Korean barbecue sliders and banh mi burgers to cheesesteak egg rolls and sushi burritos, but this gem of a restaurant brings a fresh twist to the craze.

For starters, French-Algerian chef Farid Zadi’s place just looks different.

The front window is emblazoned with a directive, “Join the food revolution,” and you’ll be asking where to sign up by the time you leave. The interior acts as a brick-and-mortar Yelp page, with glowing reviews scrawled by satisfied diners from all over the

A

7t Me h Stre tro et/ Cen ter

Exp o/C ren sha w Exp o/W est ern Exp o/V erm ont Exp oP ark /US C Jef fer son /US C LAT TC/ Ort ho Ins Pic titu o te

Vegetarians, have no fear. How about a taco with falafel made with black eyed peas? Or shakshouka, a combination of sweet peppers, tomatoes and egg? Did I mention the chickpea tagine, which brings spinach and sweet potatoes into the mix?

The options seem endless, especially considering many of the taco fillings can be converted into burritos, bowls, quesadillas or sandwiches.

Supplement your meal with a side of fried cauliflower, which is sensationally spiced with salt, pepper, sumac, toasted wheat, sesame seeds and dried lime.

Somehow, while stuffing your face at Revolutionario, you feel like you’re taking part in a global campaign for goodness. Or, as one customer scribbled on the wall: “Uniting the world one taco at a time.”

Maybe we should first work on uniting Greater Los Angeles. But, hey, it could happen.

Dow nto wn San ta 17t Mo hS nic t/ S a MC 26t hS t/B erg am Exp ot o/B und y Exp o/S epu lve da We stw ood /Ra nch Pal oP ms ark Cul ver Cit y La Cie neg a/J eff ers Exp on o/L aB rea Far md ale

world: Venice Beach to Boston, Chicago to Texas, England to Iran and many places in between.

“North African ... Tacos? Sign me up and take my money,” reads one written note, a fitting description for the dozens of dollar bills affixed to the walls with tape.

One side of the restaurant is lined with small posters featuring famous revolutionaries and tongue-incheek taglines. “The fight is never about grapes or lettuce,” reads a quote below a photo of Cesar Chavez. “It is always about tacos.” An image of Malcolm X is accompanied by a similarly snarky slogan: “By Any Taco Necessary.”

Small tortillas are perfect canvases for the impressive assortment of taco fillings. The beef brisket barbacoa is chunky but tender. The cilantro yogurt chicken is juicy, begging for a splash of green harissa sauce. And the duck hash, which gives potatoes a starring role, might be the best of the bunch.

2017 | EXPO LINE TOUR

23

Expo/Vermont Traveling through time at Natural History Museum t the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the concept of time is truly mind-boggling.

The Hall of Gems and Minerals features a meteorite exhibit with specimens that are 4.5 billion years old. The popular Dinosaur Hall houses fossils that date back more than 65 million years. And the Age of Mammals display includes a Simi Valley mastodon that was believed to have lived some 50,000 years ago.

Even the main museum building, a cherished icon among Southern California residents and tourists alike, has been around for more than a century.

But the museum, located south of USC near the Expo Line’s Expo/Vermont station, is far more than a collection of dusty rocks and remains. Following a decade-long transformation project, the museum has entered the 21st century with a focus on bringing the planet’s history to life for contemporary audiences.

“It’s a more quintessential Southern California experience,” Kristin Friedrich, the museum’s director of communications, said of the recent upgrades. “There’s a lot of sunlight, there’s modernity in the design and there’s a three-and-a-halfacre nature garden.

“You don’t just come inside — you

A

24

EXPO LINE TOUR | 2017

7t Me h Stre tro et/ Cen ter

present and future. We are indoors, outdoors and all over Los Angeles.

We are a new way to museum.”

The museum has taken advantage of its relatively new garden by hosting a wide variety of events in the space, including nature walks, butterfly explorations and cocktail hours.

Concerts, festivals, workshops and other evening events have also become popular draws during the summer months.

“The garden,” Friedrich said, “has changed the experience.”

And the experience is worth your time.

The Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd., is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with occasional special events outside in the evening.

General admission costs $12 for adults, $9 for seniors and students and $5 for children. For more information, visit www.nhm.org, call (213) 763-3466 or email info@nhm.org.

Exp o/C ren sha w Exp o/W est ern Exp o/V erm ont Exp oP ark /US C Jef fer son /US C LAT TC/ Ort ho Ins Pic titu o te

a 1913 project designed by architects Frank Hudson and William A.D. Munsell. The building’s rotunda, which is highlighted by a 58-foot dome, is a beautiful sight to behold. Presiding over the interior space is a statue crafted by Julia Bracken Wendt entitled “Three Muses,” a nod to the disciplines of art, history and science.

Attractions abound at every turn in the museum, which is home to hundreds of dinosaur fossils as well as captivating crystals, active laboratories, an insect zoo, an indoor African mammal safari, a special spider pavilion and an exhibit on the history of Los Angeles. Visitors will marvel at towering sculptures, including a Mamenchisaurus whose neck is longer than a standard bus.

“We are more than just walls and fossils,” the museum website reads.

“We are hands-on. We are the past,

Dow nto wn San ta 17t Mo hS nic t/ S a MC 26t hS t/B erg am Exp ot o/B und y Exp o/S epu lve da We stw ood /Ra nch Pal oP ms ark Cul ver Cit y La Cie neg a/J eff ers Exp on o/L aB rea Far md ale

move inside and outside, you come in and you go back out. Our visitors move around more now. Before, there were a lot of old and dark exhibits. We didn’t have many amenities at all.”

Perhaps not surprisingly, attendance has been on the rise at the museum in recent months, although it’s difficult for officials there to judge whether that increase is due in part to the extension of the nearby transit line to Santa Monica from its previous terminus in Culver City.

Anecdotally, Friedrich said she takes Metro to work and regularly sees fellow light-rail riders heading to the museum.

There’s a financial benefit in taking the Expo Line to the museum, which offers a $1.50 discount on general admission to visitors with proof of public transportation.

One of the attractions of the Natural History Museum is the structure itself,

Expo Park/USC A destination for discovery at Expo Park/usc

start planning your next trip into paradise. Then you’ll walk back through the museum and meander into the rose garden as you head towards the Metro station and think, “For now, this paradise will do just fine.”

The California Science Center, located at 700 Exposition Park Drive in Los Angeles, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is free, but there are fees for IMAX Theater tickets and other special exhibitions.

7t Me h Stre tro et/ Cen ter

which traversed more than 122 million miles, now serves an educational purpose at the museum’s Samuel Oschin Pavilion.

Even movies are geared towards learning and exploration at the museum, whose seven-story IMAX screen displays vibrant visuals in a series of rotating feature films. It’s the perfect medium for soaking in the stunning scenery of America’s landscapes, which are highlighted in “National Parks Adventure 3D.” The approximately 45-minute movie captures breathtaking footage in the country’s national parks, a fitting tribute that coincides with the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.

Did you know that Theodore Roosevelt’s mother and wife died on the same day? Did you know that he camped with naturalist John Muir in Yosemite and found comfort in nature, laying the foundation for more park designations? And did you know that there are now enough national park lands in the U.S. to cover England three times over? There’s always more to learn, more to explore, more to discover, more to enjoy.

As you take off your 3D glasses and exit the theater, you’ll marvel at the vast beauty of America’s nature and

Dow nto wn San ta 17t Mo hS nic t/ S a MC 26t hS t/B erg am Exp ot o/B und y Exp o/S epu lve da We stw ood /Ra nch Pal oP ms ark Cul ver Cit y La Cie neg a/J eff ers Exp on o/L aB rea Far md ale

destination in its own right. It’s a serene seven acres of solitude, a place where fragrant, brightly colored flowers and buzzing insects make the hustle and bustle of L.A. feel much farther away than they actually are.

Then there’s the cluster of attractions surrounding the garden: the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, which highlights billions of years of Earth’s past; Memorial Coliseum, where the Los Angeles Rams will play temporarily during construction of their new football stadium in Inglewood; and the California African American Museum.

But don’t forget about the California Science Center, a free and interactive museum for visitors of all ages. Exhibits cover everything from aerospace and ecosystems to stem cells and toys, giving children the chance to explore new subjects through hands-on features while providing plenty of engaging information for adults.

The science center currently houses the Endeavour space shuttle, whose 25 journeys into space included missions to the International Space Station and a service trip to the Hubble Space Telescope. The 122foot-long, 57-foot high spacecraft,

Exp o/C ren sha w Exp o/W est ern Exp o/V erm ont Exp oP ark /US C Jef fer son /US C LAT TC/ Ort ho Ins Pic titu o te

easonable people will disagree on the location of Southern California’s beating heart. Some might say it’s among the skyscrapers of Downtown Los Angeles or atop Griffith Observatory, which offers glorious views of said skyline. Others might find it at Disneyland or at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, both prominent indications of the city’s role in the entertainment industry. Still others might point to the region’s iconic beaches, which attract millions of local residents and tourists from around the world each year.

Here’s another idea: What about the area around the Expo Line stop at Expo Park/USC? The transit station is just steps from one of the most well-known institutes of higher education in the world, a place where academics and technology meet business and culture in very concrete ways. The University of Southern California is home to classes, seminars and numerous events, not to mention students from around the globe.

The station is also immediately adjacent to the Exposition Park Rose Garden, which is often used as a gateway to nearby museums and other venues but which is truly a

R

2017 | EXPO LINE TOUR

25

Jefferson/USC Yucatecan grub in a community hub

26

EXPO LINE TOUR | 2017

crunchy, filling and quickly disappearing.

Chichen Itza is perhaps best known for its cochinita pibil, a beautifully built pile of pork that’s been marinating inside banana leaves with achiote, orange juice and spices. You hardly need the accompanying sides and tortillas — the meat is sensational on its own.

Also worth trying is the pollo asado, which is cooked over mesquite charcoal and juicy beyond belief. The resulting dish has barbecue sensibilities without being smoky, and its flavors pair stupendously with rice, black beans and fried plantains.

All of the food at Chichen Itza can be accentuated by the restaurant’s homemade habanero hot sauce, which is sold to customers by the bottle. A container of the good stuff will be brought to your colorfully tiled table without its cap, an invitation to use it liberally.

After bites you’ve supplemented with a little too much heat, turn to the agua de chaya. Its muted impression of melon and earthy sweetness make it a suitable antidote, almost like a gastronomical aloe. Indeed, it’s certainly more soothing than your pronunciation of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius will ever be.

7t Me h Stre tro et/ Cen ter

Starting in the mid-1990s, the Esperanza Community Housing Corporation transformed the former factory into Mercado La Paloma, a multipurpose food court and event venue that neighborhood members cherish.

“It provides opportunities for our local residents,” the sign reads, “and showcases local creativity to the broader Los Angeles community.”

That creativity is perhaps no more evident than at Chichen Itza, where the taste and quality of the food belie the counter-service system through which it is delivered. And in a city where Mexican food is commonplace, even predictable, this eatery stands out with its focus on Yucatecan specialties and its crafty flavor combinations.

The jicama and orange salad makes for an excellent first course, its cilantro and crushed cayenne pepper providing the perfect balance to the sweetness of the fruit.

The delicately constructed panuchos aren’t your average tacos.

The corn tortillas are fried, split and filled with black bean paste before being topped with shredded turkey, pickled onions and avocado. They’re

Dow nto wn San ta 17t Mo hS nic t/ S a MC 26t hS t/B erg am Exp ot o/B und y Exp o/S epu lve da We stw ood /Ra nch Pal oP ms ark Cul ver Cit y La Cie neg a/J eff ers Exp on o/L aB rea Far md ale

Chichen Itza isn’t visible from the Expo Line station at Jefferson/USC, which is close to several notable Los Angeles landmarks. There’s the USC campus itself, home to thousands of students from around the world.

There’s the Galen Center, a towering indoor arena where the Trojans have hosted college basketball and volleyball games for the last decade.

There’s the nearby Shrine Auditorium, a treasured facility built in the 1920s that has hosted the Academy Awards and numerous other high-profile events. And there’s the Felix Chevrolet dealership, whose iconic sign hovers over the intersection of Figueroa Street and Jefferson Boulevard.

Hiding about a half-mile from the light-rail transit stop is Mercado La Paloma, which stands off Grand Avenue just east of the Interstate 110 freeway. The former garment factory offers clues as to how the South Figueroa Corridor has changed over the last two decades.

“The area has historically suffered from lack of investment — including a lack of quality jobs and business opportunities, quality gathering spaces, healthy food choices, art and cultural opportunities,” reads an introductory sign in the market.

Exp o/C ren sha w Exp o/W est ern Exp o/V erm ont Exp oP ark /US C Jef fer son /US C LAT TC/ Ort ho Ins Pic titu o te

on’t worry if you have trouble pronouncing Cnidoscolus aconitifolius. Just call it tree spinach.

Better yet, make your way over to Chichen Itza near the University of Southern California, order an agua de chaya and commence wondering where it’s been all your life.

The refreshing bright-green beverage, infused with orange and lime and bearing the color of the shrub after which it is named, offers a glimpse into how this casual but extraordinary Mexican restaurant brings the flavors of the Yucatan Peninsula to life.

D

LATTC/Ortho Institute A sanctuary for sports fans near dtla

the best. It is a truly remarkable, oneof-a-kind facility that should be experienced by all Angelenos and anyone visiting our great city.”

Tickets cost $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students with ID and $9 for children ages 5-12. The museum is free for children under 5, active military members and veterans. For more information, visit sportsmuseumla.com, call 888-540-8223 or email contact@sportsmuseumla.com.

7t Me h Stre tro et/ Cen ter

Wednesday evenings.

For something a little more adventurous, head northwest from the light-rail stop to 23rd Street Cafe (936 W. 23rd St.), which fuses Mexican, Indian and American fare on options like chicken tikka masala burritos and samosa sandwiches.

But arguably the most intriguing destination near the station is the sports museum, which is open to the public on Saturdays.

A New York native, Cypres has devoted his time (and lots of money) to building up his Dodgers collection in the 32,000-square-foot building. But he has plenty of other keepsakes, including the record-breaking ball from Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak, and he recently unveiled a Rams section to coincide with the pro football team’s move from St. Louis to Los Angeles.

The museum features uniforms, game-used equipment, scale models, photos and trading cards, among other mementos.

“This is the high temple of sports,” L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti has said. “We have many wonderful museums in Los Angeles and the Sports Museum of Los Angeles occupies a place among

Exp o/C ren sha w Exp o/W est ern Exp o/V erm ont Exp oP ark /US C Jef fer son /US C LAT TC/ Ort ho Ins Pic titu o te

stop at LATTC/Ortho Institute.

It’s an area that some would consider the no-man’s-land between the many destinations near the University of Southern California and the numerous attractions of Downtown Los Angeles. But there’s more here than one might think.

This old neighborhood is home to one campus of Mount Saint Mary’s University, which is accented by the historic Doheny Mansion. Members of the public can make reservations for tours of oil baron Edward Doheny’s former residence, which was part of a gated community of estates in the early 20th century.

Also in the vicinity are Los Angeles Trade Technical College and the Orthopaedic Institute for Children, for which the LATTC/Ortho transit station is named.

When it comes to food, remember that you’re in an area teeming with students. Jacks N Joe (2498 S Figueroa St.) serves pancakes, coffee and other breakfast items from the morning until early afternoon, while Central Kitchen (325-A W. Adams Blvd.) at the Lorenzo student housing complex highlights its selection of salads, sandwiches and pizzas with live acoustic music on

Dow nto wn San ta 17t Mo hS nic t/ S a MC 26t hS t/B erg am Exp ot o/B und y Exp o/S epu lve da We stw ood /Ra nch Pal oP ms ark Cul ver Cit y La Cie neg a/J eff ers Exp on o/L aB rea Far md ale

n the past you could’ve called Gary Cypres a hoarder, his massive private assortment of sports memorabilia sitting dormant in a warehouse for the sake of posterity and his own enjoyment.

He has a game-worn Don Drysdale home jersey from 1965, the Hall of Fame pitcher’s first year in with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He’s got plenty of hardware, including a World Series trophy from 1981. He even owns a handful of dirt and a ball thrown out upon the 1913 opening of Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, where the baseball club used to play.

Now that the longtime collector has made those and thousands of other items available for public viewing, he is perhaps best referred to as a guardian of Los Angeles sports history.

“Through 30 years of collecting,” Cypres says, “I have assembled the most comprehensive collection of Dodger memorabilia known to existence in moveable hands.”

Cypres owns and curates the recently opened Sports Museum of Los Angeles, which is located at 1900 S. Main St., near Washington Boulevard. The museum stands south of the Interstate 10 freeway and about a half-mile northeast of the Expo Line

I

2017 | EXPO LINE TOUR

27

Pico An entertainment universe at Staples Center and beyond here’s something quintessentially Southern Californian about driving to Staples Center for a Lakers game, getting stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic and ponying up $20 for parking before even entering the arena.

But with the extension of the Expo Line to Santa Monica, those annoyances are optional. Indeed, fans from the Westside can now cheer on their favorite professional basketball team in person without having to jump through all of those, um, hoops.

It’s as simple as taking the light-rail system to the Pico station, which is on Flower Street between Pico Boulevard and 12th Street, conveniently located near Staples Center as well as several other event venues, hotels and the various attractions of L.A. Live.

It’s an admittedly glossy and glitzy entertainment hub, but its construction — which took place between 2007 and 2009 — gave Los Angeles a designated space for concerts, dinners, drinks and more. The complex now features the 7,100-seat Microsoft Theater and the smaller Club Nokia as well as the Grammy Museum, an ESPN broadcast center and a movie theater.

Let’s be honest: It’s probably going to be a pricier-than-average night out on the town by the time you’ve factored in tickets, merchandise and food. But once you’ve come to terms that fact, you’re in position to have a good time.

Consider Yard House, a sports bar chain with an L.A. Live outpost: You could be picky and complain about its noise and imperfect service, or you could just enjoy its onion ring tower and extensive tap list. Or try a meal at nearby Tom’s Urban, which offers intriguing menu items like vindaloo chicken tacos alongside 40-ounce (not a typo) beers. Sublime!

For something a little more intimate, check out Broken Spanish (1050 S. Flower St.) for a modern take on Mexican dishes or slip into Barcito (403 W. 12th St.) for Argentine tapas.

The entertainment theme of the area continues further east, where The Mayan, Belasco Theater and Ace

T

28

EXPO LINE TOUR | 2017

7t Me h Stre tro et/ Cen ter

their championship banners?)

Staples Center also hosts statues that stand as tributes to legendary Lakers players like Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Los Angeles Kings greats Wayne Gretzky and Luc Robitaille and boxer Oscar de la Hoya.

And of course there’s one of Chick Hearn, the longtime Lakers play-by-play broadcaster who died in 2002.

The nearby Metro station features a plaque honoring Hearn, who is credited with coining “slam dunk” and numerous other widely used basketball terms. It’s fitting, too, considering taking the Expo Line to Staples Center is a slam dunk.

Exp o/C ren sha w Exp o/W est ern Exp o/V erm ont Exp oP ark /US C Jef fer son /US C LAT TC/ Ort ho Ins Pic titu o te

their first NBA championship since 1988.

It’s where Bryant tallied an eyepopping 81 points on Jan. 22, 2006, putting him behind only legendary center Wilt Chamberlain on the list of the most prolific singlegame scorers.

And it’s where the Lakers exorcised their demons from 2008 by defeating the rival Boston Celtics in the 2010 NBA Finals.

(It has been brought to my attention that a basketball team known as the Los Angeles Clippers also plays at Staples Center.

Interesting. Maybe someone stole

Dow nto wn San ta 17t Mo hS nic t/ S a MC 26t hS t/B erg am Exp ot o/B und y Exp o/S epu lve da We stw ood /Ra nch Pal oP ms ark Cul ver Cit y La Cie neg a/J eff ers Exp on o/L aB rea Far md ale

Hotel provide an assortment of nightlife options. But they’re all merely planets in orbit around Staples Center, which hosts basketball and hockey games as well as live music and other performances.

Since it opened more than 15 years ago, the arena has served as a home to seminal moments in L.A. sports lore.

It’s where Kobe Bryant’s alleyoop lob to Shaquille O’Neal capped the team’s miraculous comeback against the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 7 of the 2000 Western Conference Finals, a landmark sequence in the Lakers’ run towards

7th Street/ Metro Center A world of possibilities in dtla t’s the end of the line, but it’s just the beginning.

When you ride the Expo Line to its eastern terminus at the 7th Street/Metro Center station in Downtown Los Angeles, your options are seemingly endless.

There’s food, drink and entertainment aplenty, not to mention historic architecture, iconic landmarks and numerous attractions in almost every direction.

Whether your journey involves walking, biking or transferring to another Metro station, the highlights of DTLA await. Indeed, there’s probably something missing from this list of ideas, and that’s telling.

I

CHECK OUT THE CENTRAL LIBRARY

ADMIRE THE BEAUTY OF UNION STATION

FILL YOUR BELLY AT SMORGASBURG

It’s much more than a place to catch a train.

There’s something special about walking through Union Station (800 N. Alameda St.), whose age-old elegance earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Its high ceilings and marble accents make it a popular location for private events and film shoots.

To get to Union Station from the 7th Street/Metro Center station, transfer (for free) to the Red Line or Purple Line and ride for three quick stops.

Enhance your journey by walking out the front doors of the transit hub and heading north a few blocks to Philippe The Original (1001 N. Alameda

Can I interest you in an oversized pork belly taco served with cabbage on Indian flatbread? How about a corn tortilla topped with pollo asado, mildly spicy green sauce and a few French fries for good measure?

Those are just two of the hundreds of items available on Sundays at Smorgasburg, a Brooklynborn food festival that recently established a West Coast edition on the grounds of the Alameda Produce Market in southeast DTLA. The array of options at Smorgasburg (785 Bay St.) is overwhelming. And while it’s hard to accept that you’ll only have the stomach space to sample food from a fraction of the vendors, the

Dow nto wn San ta 17t Mo hS nic t/ S a MC 26t hS t/B erg am Exp ot o/B und y Exp o/S epu lve da We stw ood /Ra nch Pal oP ms ark Cul ver Cit y La Cie neg a/J eff ers Exp on o/L aB rea Far md ale

Grab your walking shoes, water bottle and sense of adventure and see the many sights of Downtown Los Angeles.

Meander your way to Pershing Square (532 S. Olive St.), a public park that hosts concerts and other events throughout the year. Then head north on Hill Street to see Angels Flight, the now-defunct funicular that for decades carried riders between the downtown core and Bunker Hill.

Now you’re close to Grand Central Market (317 S. Broadway), a longtime food court and vendor emporium whose popularity has soared in recent years.

Make sure to pop in at The Last

St.), which has been serving French dip sandwiches for almost a century.

Pro tip: The pastrami is even better than the classic roast beef.

sheer variety is reason enough to go.

Here’s the catch: Getting to Smorgasburg from the Expo Line terminus requires a significant journey.

You can activate your hunger by walking or biking 1.7 miles east on 7th Street, or you can use a ridesharing service.

Regardless, it’s totally worth the trip.

7t Me h Stre tro et/ Cen ter

LOOP THROUGH THE DOWNTOWN CORE

Bookstore (453 S. Spring St.), where you can walk through a tunnel of books and peruse the store’s selection of new and used titles.

Exp o/C ren sha w Exp o/W est ern Exp o/V erm ont Exp oP ark /US C Jef fer son /US C LAT TC/ Ort ho Ins Pic titu o te

Nearly 89 miles of shelving are packed into the main branch of the Los Angeles Public Library system, whose 538,000-square-foot headquarters were originally constructed in 1926.

Take in the architecture of the Central Library (630 W. 5th St.), located northeast of the station between Flower Street and Grand Avenue, which also features a literacy center and auditorium as well as an adjacent 1.5-acre public park.

It’s an homage to information, a towering tribute to knowledge and those who seek it.

2017 | EXPO LINE TOUR

29

30

EXPO LINE TOUR | 2017

2017 | EXPO LINE TOUR

31

20 Big Blue Bus routes connect to Expo 35 car share vehicles − wheels when you want them 46 minutes to DTLA on Expo

500 Breeze Bikes at 80 stations

12 new "scrambles" − all-way crosswalks

Welcome to the Newly Connected Santa Monica Whether it’s for work, play, or every day, it’s never been easier to navigate Santa Monica.

Get ready to ride at smgov.net /gosamo #GoSaMo

32

EXPO LINE TOUR | 2017