Read Ranch & Coast Virtually Anywhere
Issue link: http://ranchandcoast.uberflip.com/i/1523080
Back at the Conrad Los Angeles, I dined in San Laurel, where the menu of "Spain meets California" cuisine is from Chef José Andres, the founder of World Central Kitchen. Of the dishes I sampled, my favorite was the Fig Stracciatella salad, which included macerated figs, Marcona almonds, strawberries, and mustard frills. I enjoyed my meal, and noted that the hotel provides children's menus for those who prefer simpler fare. In addition, I'm sure visitors of all ages will enjoy the Grand Central Market, a sprawling food emporium a short walk from the Conrad that has been a DTLA landmark since 1917. Here, I discovered vendors selling fresh produce and freshly made meals that reflect the diverse ethnic backgrounds of DTLA residents. Ramen? Sticky rice? Burritos? Pizza? Burgers? Bento boxes? Oysters? Yes to all and much more. e market is conveniently open daily from 8am to 9pm or later. Across the street from the market, the picturesque Angels Flight funicular enables passengers to avoid a steep uphill walk. A ticket for the 120-year-old railway costs $1. Next to the market, the Million Dollar eater was one of the earliest and largest movie palaces in the world when it opened in 1917. Another fun spot in this area: e Last Bookstore is known for its huge size, creative displays, and generous amount of comfy seating. ere is a modest Italian American Museum and larger Chinese American Museum and Japanese American National Museum. I am always impressed that the JANM continues to get better and better, and I've enjoyed some great meals at nearby family restaurants in Little Tokyo. Just outside the DTLA area, the California Science Center was a hit with our three-generation family when we were there a few years ago. e permanent galleries are free to visit and do not require a reservation. Timed tickets are required for the IMAX theater and special exhibits. Access is easy via Uber or Metro. I enjoyed discovering a few new places in L.A. and revisiting some old favorites, but honestly, my favorite part of this mini trip was taking the train. is issue of Ranch & Coast marks my 20th anniversary as travel editor, and I'm glad to be reminded that there are still many new happy travel experiences ahead of me. I look forward to sharing them with you. Note: Since my sojourn, Amtrak has commenced track work in Del Mar, and services from Santa Fe Station and Old Town are limited on Sunday evenings, Monday mornings and evenings, and Tuesday mornings. OPPOSITE TOP LEFT Union Station in Los Angeles was commissioned in 1933 and is considered to be "the last of the great train stations" OPPOSITE BOTTOM LEFT Open since 2003, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is both an architectural masterpiece and an acoustical marvel OPPOSITE TOP RIGHT The Ahmanson Theatre's production of Clue will be a very funny whodunit based on the classic board game of the same name OPPOSITE BOTTOM RIGHT The Grammy Museum is a great place to explore the creative process of making music LEFT The Conrad Los Angeles is home to a great rooftop pool and offers a wide view of City Hall and the nightlights of DTLA BOTTOM LEFT The Japanese American National Museum tells the story of the early arrivals and the contemporary Japanese American culture BELOW The Million Dollar Theater opened in 1917 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places @ranchandcoast RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE JULY 2024 93 ALL OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADAMS / HANSEN PHOTOGRAPHY