Downtown Los Angeles Blog

it’s curtains for tranquility base

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its curtains for tranquility base 2241633074_99dbc22b25_m downtown los angelesOpening to great fanfare early in 2008 — with a series of behind-the-scenes write-ups on angelenicTranquility Base Restaurant & Lounge quickly became a destination for group events and private parties taking advantage of a large outdoor patio.

Unfortunately, regular dining hours never caught on with the Downtown crowd — both dinner and Sunday brunch were tasty if lonesome experiences for those who ventured to the restaurant, which is now shuttered following a final New Year’s Eve event.

Calls to the restaurant went unanswered on Tuesday, and a sign outside declares the closure is “due to slow times.”

More info on the closure and a possible reopening after the jump…

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another palmer in downtown?

another palmer in downtown? 2241835903_39dc1a7462_m downtown los angelesYou’ve seen them around Downtown, mostly in City West and Chinatown.  They’ve got names that read like Old World Italian nobility:  Orsini, Piero, Visconti, Medici…

…Da Vinci?

According to documents filed with the City Planning Department, controversial developer GH Palmer Associates is seeking to construct another apartment building, this time inside the Downtown freeway ring at 909 W Temple Street.  A public hearing is scheduled for Friday, January 23, at 10:00am.

At six stories, the 670-unit, market-rate apartment building will contain 10,000 square feet of commercial space and 1,264 parking spaces, including 163 guest spots.  Three separate parcels at the intersection of Temple Street and Fremont Avenue (north and south of Temple) are currently home to surface parking lots.

But will this be another Italian Renaissance-style fortress?

More concerns after the jump, plus a photo mash-up…

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great republic lofts goes rental

great republic lofts goes rental 2602617085_c511c791e0_m downtown los angelesAnother one bites the dust?  This year, many are starting off with a renewed sense of forward-looking optimism, all too ready to leave the economic woes of 2008 in the rear-view mirror.

But 2009 starts off with news that the Great Republic Lofts, a historic, 72-unit condominium building at 8th and Spring, is going rental.  Consider the news a holdover from last year.

At the crossroads of two increasingly residential corridors, the Great Republic will forge a southeastern anchor to the residential conversions in the Historic Core.

Last time angelenic checked in back in June, construction was underway on the units and ornate marble lobby. Move-ins begin in February, according to a source familiar with the project, but no price ranges were given.

More photos from last summer, information and details after the jump…

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casa restaurant takes grand avenue january 6

casa restaurant takes grand avenue january 6 casarestauranteater2 downtown los angelesCASA, the brand-new Mexican restaurant and taqueria from the creators of Mendocino Farms, officially opens January 6th following a short soft opening phase that’s been tailored to the Bunker Hill set, according to Director of Operations Sean Krajewski.

Last time angelenic checked in with CASA, construction was still underway at the self-identified authentic Mexican restaurant.  Though there are many standards on the menu, Chef Kris Morningstar has thrown in a few surprises after traveling up and down the coast looking for inspiration.

At lunchtime, a two-step taqueria line keeps hungry corporate workers moving along at a brisk pace — a smart move for a neighborhood that’s beginning to find its dining niche.

Later in the evening sit-down service is expanded with tacos, ceviche, carne asada, carnitas and braised rabbit.

More info, hours and location after the jump…

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and a happy new year: 12 options under $50.00 to bring in 2009

and a happy new year: 12 options under $50.00 to bring in 2009 3086916531_1c5c54ee44_m downtown los angelesWhile 2008 was a major year for the progression of Downtown as a new residential, dining and cultural hub, the new year will bring in a number of challenges and opportunities for those living in the neighborhood.

So for those looking to bring it home in a boozy haze, I can’t blame you.

What I can do, however, is supply you with a list of bars and clubs offering fun, affordable events this New Year’s Eve!

Remember, Metro is getting into the NYE spirit with free bus and rail service until 2:00am on the 1st, and 24-hour service on the county’s five rail lines. Also, blogdowntown has compiled a nice list of events, even listing how to get around on the late-night DASH system.

As always, be safe out there.  But most importantly, have yourself a great time!

UPDATE: Added the Association, Remedy Lounge, Lucky Strike, Blue Velvet.

Full list of New Year’s Eve events after the jump…

  12 Comments

next stop, little tokyo: kogi bbq truck pulling into town tonight (tuesday)

next stop, little tokyo: kogi bbq truck pulling into town tonight (tuesday) 1822061848_1a1a7d043c_m downtown los angelesKogi BBQ, the Korean-Mexican hybrid kitchen on wheels, has made a splash in LA’s dining scene since debuting just over a month ago.

With nearly 850 followers on Twitter, the highly mobile taco truck lets its fans know where it’s headed next while making its way across the city.  In fact, Kogi has garnered so much attention on the blogosphere that several impostor trucks are now in the works.

I see a future Los Angeles where absolutely everything is served from a “roach coach.”

Korean marinated spicy pork, taco style ($2.00 each), is fusion nirvana.  Or try the short rib burrito ($5.00), stuffed with the tender cuts of marinated beef.  Daily specials range from a spicy chicken mole to vegetable stir-fry, though surprise dishes are never out of the question.

Information on where Kogi will be, after the jump…

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downtown’s sixth famima!! opening on same block as neighborhood’s fifth location

downtowns sixth famima!! opening on same block as neighborhoods fifth location  2829389467_3197f6d03e_m downtown los angelesThis is getting… interesting.  Famima!!, the Japanese “super convenience” mart that has been rolling out high-end shops across Southern California, has staked a large portion of their new business in Downtown LA.

With four locations in Bunker Hill and the Financial District — and one more under construction — one would imagine the retail love would start spreading toward the residential neighborhoods south and east.

So when I found out the newest location is not only located in the Financial District but is on the same block as the most recent addition, I had to check that address twice.

All about that new location after the jump…

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counterfeit-goods crackdown a start, but much work remains to improve quality of life

counterfeit-goods crackdown a start, but much work remains to improve quality of life 2546719339_c7ed44d1e1_m downtown los angelesThe recent seizure of $2.7 million worth of counterfeit goods from Santee Alley is a win for local designers and global entrepreneurs alike, who have had to suffer through their brands and trademarked names being sold for pennies on the dollar.

More than 45 officers participated in the Christmas Eve raid, according to the LA Times, arresting 28 persons for selling or manufacturing the goods.

Increased enforcement in recent years has begun to send a message to counterfeiters that their corrupt trade is not welcome in our neighborhood.  Still, the high-profile busts generally occur only once per year, and as anyone who’s shopped in the Fashion District can tell you, it’s a year-round fire sale for cheap knock-offs.

Stirring the Pot

But as Downtown continues to attract professionals, retirees, and small families, these types of quality-of-life issues need to be more open and easier to bring to the attention of the proper authorities.

Stolen property, authorities’ response and a robbery attempt after the jump…

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