L. A. is Back, Here’s the Scoop

Buzzing About Town

Last week I was in The City of Angels and discovered that most definitely, post-pandemic, L.A. is back! From the beach to Pasadena, and places in-between, the city is a-buzz.

Here’s my postcard from a week of discoveries, museums, gardens, food and shopping.

The Broad and Central Market

First stop was South Grand Avenue where two architecturally stunning buildings stand across from one another, the Frank Geary designed Walt Disney Concert Hall, with its gleaming sails, and The Broad contemporary art museum, like a giant honeycomb, designed by Diller Scofidio & Renfro.

The Broad is one of my favorite art museums. Currently the Kusama Yayoi infinity room is closed, but the selections of Christopher Wool, Jean Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol and other 20th century art icons are a feast for the eyes after a year of museum closures. Entry to The Broad is free, but currently reservations must be made in advance and there is no waiting queue outside.

Cosmopolitan Cornucopia

Grand Central Market is near the Broad and a complete contrast. For one, it was built almost one hundred years earlier, in 1917. Then Los Angeles was a collection of small rural towns and this the main market for provisions, which often come by horse and cart, from surrounding farm country.

Today the market has evolved into a cosmopolitan cornucopia for the senses and palette, reflecting the rich diversity of L.A. Whatever cuisine you desire its there. From Japanese to Indian curry to Middle Eastern lamb gyro to tacos. There are amazing cheeses, mouthwatering tubs of artisan ice cream and the most delectable doughnuts I have ever seen at The Doughnut Man. They sit glistening on racks like sugared works of art, some filled with fresh strawberries, peaches and lemon. Restaurants range from Eggslut to Shiku Korean.

Shop ’til You Drop!

The foot traffic is back on Rodeo Drive and things are almost back to normal. Some stores have red velvet ropes to encourage orderly queuing and the number of shoppers inside some stores is still limited. But shopping is back and bright Fendi, Hermes and Ferragamo totes are again piled into waiting cars!

A Change of Pace, European Art and Gardens

We headed out to Pasadena to The Huntington. Where to begin? So much to see. Each visit there brings something new. We began in the Museum to see the European Art collection. An obligatory visit to masterpieces, Blue Boy and Pinkey of course. Always enchanting. Then it was time to head out to the Botanical Gardens in full bloom. The rose garden was breathtaking with its colors, fragrance and abundance. I stood fascinated as a bee explored a deep red rose call Ingrid Bergman.

Then we then explored the new the Chinese Garden, Garden of Flowing Fragrance. One of the finest classical style gardens outside China, with its Chinese plants, architecture and references to literature and art. Time to walk through the adjacent Japanese garden, then visit Australia and circle back to the stunning rose garden.

Time to Reset in Pacific Palisades

After a hectic week of shops, museum hopping and of course infamous L.A. traffic, which is also back, a morning at the Lake Shrine was the perfect coda.

It was opened to the public in 1950 by Paramahansa Yogananda as a place to refresh mind and spirit. The ten-acre site is a natural amphitheater with a natural lake where fish, turtles and swans swim. Gardens and waterfalls tumble down the surrounding rock walls. There are places to sit and reflect, to absorb the quiet, the beauty and peace.

A small portion of Ghandi’s ashes are interred at the shrine at which each of the five main religions of the world are represented. The gardens are peaceful and tranquil I could have lingered longer.

Marilyn Monroe and Peter Rabbit

The small Westwood Memorial Park is a leafy respite off Wilshire Boulevard. Hidden from city bustle it is very much on the map for fans of Marilyn Monroe as this is her final resting place. The day I visited was a surprise for me, it happened to be her 95th birthday. There were many floral tributes, and a fan who came dressed for the part.

Of course this is movieland and there is a newcomer to the big screen. Peter Rabbit has hopped over to L.A. to take the Tinsel Town by storm. Its a long way from the damp woodlands of England’s Lake District but finally Peter has made the big time.

Peter Rabbit 2 was set to open in theaters the following week. Hoardings along the street advertising the movie made Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail and Peter look both adorable and impish. Rotten tomatoes give the movie so/so ratings but I don’t suppose Peter and followers care.

Finally

Always an eclectic place, this visit to Los Angeles was exciting, fun and of course full of surprises. Museums are open, shops are buzzing, restaurants are full and, as I found, there are always surprises. From Pacific Palisades to Pasadena, Post-Pandemic, very definitely L.A. is back.

---