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The Cafeteria of the Golden Rule
of his move to Los Angeles when he and the 20th century were both 31 years old, Clifford Clinton would later write, “I was frightened.” He had reason to be. He had a wife, three small children, and a...
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Tiki Paradise Bahooka To Be Reborn
Bahooka, the epic tiki shipwreck restaurant in Rosemead, served their final mai tai on March 9th. By Christmas the labyrinth of tikis, boats, and artifacts from the islands will be reborn inside...
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DispL.A. Case #71: Ray Bradbury’s Typewriter
The history of Los Angeles as told through 232 objects. Los Angeles was founded on September 4, 1781. Between now and the 232nd anniversary, we are gathering the stories behind iconic objects that...
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Spectacular! Spectacular! Free Night on Broadway Brings on the Theatrics
If you have never been inside the magnificent old theaters downtown, you are lacking a fundamental understanding of this city and you need to go see them immediately. My prescription is Night on...
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A Feast of Vintage Menus on Display at Downtown Library
Old restaurant menus are hard to find. The condiment-drenched few that collectors (like myself) covet were most often stolen, then folded spindled and mutilated before being glued in a scrapbook,...
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Charting the 127-Year History of Clifton’s, Downtown’s Most Glorious...
Related Read Behold the Fantastical New Clifton’s, Opening September 17 Clifton’s is back! After years of painstaking restoration work, the rock grottoes, redwood trees, and woodland creatures will...
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My LA to Z: El Vez
Whisky a Go Go I started playing in bands when I was 16. I was in a band called the Zeros. The very first show we played was with the Go-Go’s and the Weirdos at the Whisky. It was the beginning of what...
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Scene It Before: Clifton’s Cafeteria
After more than four years behind scaffolding, Clifton’s Cafeteria is set to re-open Tuesday at 11 a.m. Restaurateur Andrew Meieran shuttered the 75-year-old site in 2011 for massive renovations. The...
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Clifton’s Finally Reopens with Jazz, Jell-O, and June Lockhart
After four long years of rebuilding, restoration, and reimagining, Clifton’s Cafeteria reopens to the public on Tuesday, September 22. A few early birds got a peek today at a special preview and...
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Clifton’s Cafeteria: A Piece of L.A. History Restored for a New Generation
For generations of Angelenos, Clifton’s was the heart of downtown. The first time I walked through its doors, as a six-year-old whose sole encounters with the area had been trips to Olvera Street, I...
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Automobile Club Releases 90th Anniversary Guide to Route 66
A splashy new map to Route 66 just landed on my desk. The guide was produced by the Automobile Club of Southern California to commemorate the 90th anniversary of “America’s Highway.” I’ve taken the...
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Clifton’s Will Officially Open Its Doors to the Public On October 1
The announcement comes at a bit of a tumultuous time for the famed cafeteria. The official opening date was scheduled to be September 22, but due to unspecified difficulties—though rumblings of...
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The First Patrons Stream Into Clifton’s Cafeteria
Following some unexpected delays, Clifton’s Cafeteria finally opened their doors to the public Thursday morning just after 11. The line to get in was already forming an hour earlier when we snapped...
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Where to Eat Now: Hot ‘n’ Fresh L.A. Restaurants, 10/2
Each Friday, the Digest surveys the burgeoning L.A. restaurant scene and compiles a list of the newest, most hyped and heralded restaurants in town this instant. Whether big or small, near or far,...
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Meet the Grandson of Clifton’s Founder, Clifford Clinton
Much has been said about the new and improved Clifton’s Cafeteria. The design, the food, and especially the Jello have been examined in great detail. What we haven’t heard much about is the man who...
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8 Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas for Locals Only
It’s the weekend before Halloween, which means you’re running out of time to get a costume together. Don’t plan to pop on some cat ears and call it a night. We once again have you covered with last...
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No One Should Be Surprised that the Clifton’s Chef Is Gone Already
A few weeks back, over a cafeteria tray full of turkey and stuffing, a chef friend and I discussed the difficult task of running the kitchen at the new Clifton’s Cafeteria. “Who would want that job?”...
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Hundreds of Tiki Mugs Are Going on Display in Los Feliz
If tiki bars were few and far between 15 years ago, then the special ceramic mugs that once held their signature tropical cocktails were nearly extinct. In 2000, Tiki Farm in Orange County resurrected...
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Preservation Roundup: 13 Historic Places We Are Thankful For
Historic buildings tell the story of cities. They mark important events, anchor neighborhoods, and lure tourists to visit. Old buildings are old friends and I fight to protect them. Some projects are...
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Your Guide to a Vintage Valentine’s Weekend
Saturday, February 13 Paper Moon Start your sentimental weekend off with a photo session seated atop a painted moon or cuddling inside a wooden heart. Bernadette Peters The Tony-award winning actress...
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