A Quick Trip to Japan

Yeah right!  This Covid pandemic is still raging out of control in the United States.  Most other countries don’t even want us.  Even our own states are banning each other as federal guidance and education is offensively lacking or downright inaccurate.  These days, I maybe leave the house once a week.  Whatever I can do online, I really try to so I can avoid human contact as much as possible.  But then that starts to take a toll on one's mental health.  So when I do go out, I try to make it a bit more fun than just a quick errand.  One of my favorite “essential” businesses that stayed open throughout the constant health code adjustments is Daiso.  Daiso, in short, is a Japanese Dollar Tree.  It was started in Japan in the 70’s and grew up and out to different countries and currently is found in 6 of our 50 United States, with the majority here in California.  The idea of the 100 yen store ($1.50) makes one think of cheap, imported garbage.  Well, that’s only mostly true.  About 40% is imported from China, Korea, and Japan and items range from (no joke here) a blank white 100 piece puzzle and inflatable boobs for kids, to the opposite end of the spectrum with gorgeous dishware and fun home gadgets.  As of 2004, Daiso started adding additional price points but I haven’t seen anything cost more than ten bucks.  The large and varied selection is great for repeat customers and people looking to explore something different from their own backyard.

I find myself at Daiso pretty often.  Things that bring me in can be something simple like stationary or stickers to send to pen pals or a more specific Disney item I’d seen on Instagram.  On a recent trip, I noticed a new collection of coffees I had to check out so I figured I do a little coffee product review.  Of the new coffees, I grabbed 2 of the 3 available (skipped trying the decaf), and 2 coffee flavored treats.

For the first review, the coffee:  I absolutely loved the ingenuity on these single serve coffee packets.  Each package has 5 single serve cups of coffee which, according to the picture, looks like it makes between a 6 to 10 ounce cup.  How much water that should be used was not specified but that was the household consensus.

Upon opening the bag, 5 tea bag-like pouches came out and I scratched my head a moment before I realized I was gonna have to carefully tear off the english nutritional facts to find the directions to assemble my drip coffee sans drip machine.  Just like it says, bend the tabs at the perforations, tear the top of the bag open, place precariously on the side of the mug, and slowly pour hot water over the grounds.  Give it a minute to brew up and then squeeze the bag if you want a strong finish.  I had mine with milk and sugar.  (I've recently given up sweet creamers in favor of half 'n' half but at brew time, I was trying different alternatives to give my coffees the opportunity to shine and health benefits too.) 

The coffee, itself, was pretty disappointing.  Yup, after all the fun of assembling the coffee, it was a big let down.  My cup of Special Blend tasted like diner coffee.  That is fine for the $1.50 each for 5 cups price point, but I was hoping for something a bit more... special.  Further miscarry was the husband tried the Mocha Blend and it tasted EXACTLY THE SAME as my blend.  Not even the slightest hint of chocolate or sweetness at all.  Out of an arbitrary scale of 1 to 10, I give it a 5. It's not undrinkable and can make a perfect solution to a work environment with hot water but no bulky coffee maker or toss it in when you take a camping trip but be prepared for a basic cup of joe.  

As for the sweet treats I picked up, I ended up sharing with some friends before the second Los Angeles shutdown so I was able to get some outsider opinions that we all seemed to agree on.  Starting off is a soft candy called Sukoka that came individually wrapped in a bag and closely resembled Werther's Original with about the same mouth feel.  The coffee flavor was subtle but would surely leave you with coffee breath (so bonus points for people who like that kinda thing) and it doesn't stick to your teeth.  7 1/2 out of 10 on the rating scale that means nothing in the scheme of things. 

My favorite item on this short review list has to be the Pejoy biscuit sticks.  The wafer/unsweetened cookie/dry biscuit is the perfect opposite, though complimentary, taste to the super sweet, caramel macchiato flavored cream center.  This simple confection matched the flavor of a McDonald's caramel frappe to a t.  That said, I could have about 3 before having to put it down and needing a glass of water.  Without a doubt, Pejoy sticks hit 11 out of 10 because my nonsense rating system needed a nonsense, over the top review.  I could recommend them for stirring afternoon coffee or if you know someone who has left their emergency glucose tablets at home and is feeling faint.

Humor aside, it was nice to be able to try some new coffee and coffee snacks while the restaurants are still doing pick up only and I am unable to travel anywhere new for the time being.  One can not make a blog on average home brewed coffee alone.  Japan is on my bucket list and I will get there some day.  Due to the recent events, I think it will make me appreciate traveling even more when I feel safe to get out my suitcase again.  Oh, that reminds me... If you need a cat shaped luggage tag or a 100 pack of instant toilet paper tablets for $1.50, I know a place you should check out.

Staying Home

    Welcome to my blog.  This is my soapbox.  If you are offended by something you read here; Congratulations, you are close minded and prejudiced.  My blog is almost always about sharing my experiences, my coffee, and my honest opinions in a laid back and humorous manner.  After the events that have occurred in the first half of 2020, I can not passively write an opinion piece without addressing all that has transpired.  That would be insensitive and inaccurate.  These current events affect the subject matter for writing this blog in general, but as a compassionate human, I can’t, in my heart, not address some of the most important human rights topics that need our attention.  Leave your politics and religion out and think with your humanity first.  I am always happy to discuss, in a level-headed conversation, opinions or questions so feel free to reach out in the comments or email if you need.

  

I have started, over the course of the last few months, several blogs.  Each one morphing as time passed, the current events shifted, and became more unbelievable.  However, since the first time I popped my computer on, the title I chose never changed.  It covers the vast array of topics that are so valuable to moving forward in our world right now.

In the beginning, my story was to share some of my favorite stay at home coffees as a side effect of wanting to save money.  My no-spend weekends allowed me to pocket cash that would have otherwise been spent by using a short set of self imposed rules to not buy anything from 6pm Friday night till the following Monday morning.  As a restriction, all coffee was made at home or at the expense of another (I.O.U. coffee date usually with The Boss or at another person's home).  These are the times I would spoil myself.  Coffee that was gifted to me or picked up as a special treat would be the first way to find luxury on a weekend that would otherwise feel stifled.  Now these once a month weekends that allowed me to pay off a credit card and travel were fun.  I was excited to stay home.

But as days turned to weeks and weeks to months since I had laid my opening line on blog number 153, my world would became entangled with being glued to the news, being furloughed from my job, no longer celebrating holidays, not being by my dad’s side during a major surgery, no longer leaving the house, being filled with fear of the unknown, and watching a greatly misguided country fall behind others as we learned that each humans health is connected to nothing more than a political mindset to make money and treat the poor and the ill like a piece of toilet paper dragging under your shoe.  My head spun.  Every day, new information was altered to fit a narrative that costs people their lives and livelihoods.  Staying home was, again, the answer.

As things involving human health were starting to be properly understood but barely, simmering civil rights issues were now coming to a boil.  I was well aware racism is very real in my country yet dumbfounded in how in this era of knowing all human meat sacks are born into the same casing that some sausages manage to hold an air of superiority.  I had no idea how often race played a part in how someone was treated and that is my privilege.  As a woman, I knew that I wasn’t always accepted without challenge, but my friends of other races and ethnicities were truly struggling.  A few years back, a friend of mine told me of the obstacles he faced based on his race and I’d never heard such stories.  It was heartbreaking and eye opening.  Those same stories were echoed from victims of color as the events of the Black Lives Matter movement pressed forward.  I learned so much about the humans that were supposed to be protecting other humans.  They had their own agendas.  So did their employers and the hierarchy of government that protected them.  Those agendas were hate filled and their position of power was used to crush anyone who wasn’t like them.  I cheered for the protestors.  They correctly used their rights as Americans to bring attention to this, previously unknown to us privileged humans, systemic racism.  I knew I wouldn’t be emotionally strong enough to be in arms with them as they walked so powerfully together.  Instead, I choose to support with my wallet and with my words.  As tensions heated up in the major cities across the globe, I reconnected with old friends, family members from differing political parties, and youth that I would like to hope are NOW no longer non-registered voters.  Open communication.  Answering questions.  Making sure always to find the truth and help work to fight these injustices.  The major similarity in these discussions is change HAS to happen and that the current government administration was so totally wrong in trying to bring military warfare on its own people.  As the sun set on the first few days of protests, rogue rioters took advantage, and curfews were put in place.  I managed to make changes and support humans who should never know a life different than my privileged one, all while staying home.

These extraordinary events were just a sliver of the front page headlines for such a notorious 6 months.  Wildfires in Australia, killing an Iranian General, Kobe’s passing, the farce shenanigans that was the impeachment trial for the Butt of the Joke that is the current president of our country, Brexit actually happened, the summer Olympics were canceled in Tokyo but for different reason than when canceled there in 1940, Warren and Sanders dropped out of the presidential race leaving Democrats with Biden as presumably the only choice, and whatever a Tiger King was.

 It wasn’t all bad.  The result of working from home led to Los Angeles having the cleanest air quality for a major metropolitan city in the world. Animal shelters were emptied as people looked for stay at home friends to keep them company or give them a reason to go for a walk.  Human interaction via the internet became a norm for all ages.  Changes are starting in society and accountability looks like it will become a trend.  Makers, business owners, and communities run by people of color are getting recognized and finding support they never previously expected.

For myself, the anticipated release of a video game went from a few excited franchise fans, to a global phenomenon.  While the outside world shut down, Nintendo completely sold out of their gaming systems and record number sales boomed for the new game.  Where I thought I would spend my forced time off playing with a few friends, it turned into new friends and a deeper connection with the family that I played with.  I’d gone from 3 friends on my device to now close to 50 others who wanted to share the experience with me.  Toilet paper vanished from store shelves and the idea of going out every few days for fresh produce was replaced with ordering more long term foods and lots and lots of booze.  I earned my “quarantine 15” but I will be back at the gym when I feel safe.  Surprising to myself, when I wasn’t on the game or spending hours with friends on Zoom, I reinvested into my other hobbies.  A friend of mine created an inspiring group online for art of all styles.  (Quarandoodle: Quarantine Art Community)  She gives a daily worded prompt, usually themed for a week ending with a musical prompt.  Posting and sharing your own interpretation of the prompt or other work is highly encouraged.  The daily interaction with this group is wonderful.  It is mentally stimulating, I have started a new art book, and found I was filling my journals more often.  A musician friend of mine has been streaming from her house and paired up with other artists to entertain while stuck at home.  The stream I enjoyed most was when she played her guitar and sang while her roommate painted on canvas.  They opened up for donations to BLM charities and one lucky fan won the art piece.  

Sure I miss traveling and being with friends but overall staying home suits me.  Rather than waiting for a no-spend weekend or special occasion, I am enjoying those special coffees and teas everyday now.  Currently, I am loving the Hazelnut Creme from the fundraising coffee and tea company known as The Giving Bean.  This coffee is ground super fine so using the reusable K-cups will leave a residue of coffee in your mug but a paper filtered drip coffee is perfect.  A subtle hazelnut flavor with a sweet chocolate finish is absolutely a decadent treat.  I was originally introduced to this coffee by my aunt.  Her church was helping a group of kids akin to girl scouts raise money and she asked what flavor I thought I would like.  Since then, I’ve ordered online and as the company gives an extensive list of charities to give to or start your own, I was naturally inclined to give to a cat rescue.  Their tea is also excellent.

I now have friends who have coffee via text with me every day.  A bright good morning message with a photo of the day's drink has become a growing habit to keep connected.  My friend in London makes a french press afternoon coffee or tea to have with me when I get up in the morning in my time zone.  A friend that has had to work through all of this will send me her cup from her desk.  The Boss usually has a festive creamer to add to her drink while another friend will share with me her tentative agenda for the day and then pictures of her pups (one was a quarantine rescue).  

Before I can even close out this blog, I am taken aback seeing headlines of nuclear war threats from North Korea and the attempted repealing of The Affordable Care Act being denied again in tonight's news.  As such head shaking titles splash on screen and in papers, try to find the positives.  If you can’t find the positives, create them.  Always drink the top-shelf coffee.  Get a favorite mug and use it with that coffee.  Take regular coffee up a notch and add cinnamon and ginger to the grinds before brewing.  Treat yourself well and in turn treat others well.  Pet animals.  Appreciate art.  Unclench your body.  Lift each other up.  Wear your mask.  Wash your hands.  Pay it forward.  Be kind.  Vote.  And when you need it; stay home.

Holy Unexpected!

As a loud and proud Atheist, color me surprised when I agreed to meet an old friend for coffee at a church and enjoyed it.  This was an accident to be sure and it doesn’t change my belief of a divine intervention.  It was just a coffee date and that should be the last time I find myself that close to a holy building for a long time. The accident I mention?  Well, my friend lives and works in the Santa Clarita area, Boss was joining us, and I’m on the other end of the north/south valley so I let my friend recommend a place.  I agreed blindly and after looking up her suggestion, I texted Boss and asked if I'd be allowed on the property.  I was nervous but Boss and I carpooled so I knew I was safe.  She’s on the good list, if there is one.
Pillars at the Shepherd of the Hills church in Porter Ranch (known as Shepherd Church) is an independent coffee shop that is run by the paid staff from the church.  Other than the small gift shop/bookstore, that’s where the religious ties end.  Unlike Christian-run companies like In N Out, there isn’t Psalms on the paper wrappers and cups, nor are they closed on Sunday’s like Hobby Lobby or Chick-fil-A.  Sunday is probably their busiest day and they hold regular cafe hours with free church parking.  I hadn’t been to that church since Easter service while it was still being constructed.  But even as a kid, you do what you have to do to make Aunt Lillian happy which included essentially a girls trip with my sisters, mom, and grandma to see the new church.  I was impressed with the upgrades that they had done like the huge parking structure, beautiful brick exterior, suspiciously bold green landscaping, and the addition of the cafe with outdoor seating, firepit, and a serene aura.
While ordering I tend to ask for staff picks to get a real feel of a place.  I was informed that all the pastries are freshly baked and they looked as though posed for a Food Network magazine shoot.  Smooth jazz played softly in the air and images of happy families were flashed across a tv screen while my crew and I got settled on the worn but clean living room setting.  Once our orders were up, we each got something different and shared bites and sips.  My latte was strong but smooth with perfect foam and piping hot.  The vegetarian whole wheat wrap (sans spinach) and the light vinaigrette on the side salad was superb!  I was genuinely blown away by the quality and flavor of everything we ate.
We ended up spending many hours there catching up.  The sunset came and cast an, I hate that I’m using this word but it’s true, angelic haze in the wall sized windows behind where we sat.  I think the atmosphere was extremely important for our emotional playback.  I learned a lot about my friend that day.  We hadn’t been super close when we worked together but she always brought the Disney magic and was a perfect fit at our store.  In the years since we no longer worked together, we continued to stay in touch on social media.  I watched her grow as a Product Ambassador for several small businesses, traveling, being an educator, and as a mom, but as she recanted her most personal and difficult times with Boss and I while still maintaining her humor, princess poise, and her sparkling smile I was in awe of her headstrong strength seemingly unbreakable character.  She was powerful, an inspiration, and a hero in my eyes.  The two people I had coffee with that day have a spiritual side and I think being where we were set the tone for me to sit back and absorb their personalities and passions.  We were never interrupted (other than to clear plates) and I noticed we weren’t the only ones taking our time.  It was a very comfortable space.
As I praise this place and recommend you try it for yourself, I’m not sure I will be back.  It was a wonderful experience and top-notch tastings, but I feel like a phony being there.  I’m sure it’s my own perceived view but I think they can see the soles of my sandals sizzling as I crossed the parking lot and it wasn’t a hot day, if you feel me.  I’ve been borderline Anti-theist in the past but I’m truly trying to bring a level of understanding on the whole topic.  I’ve done my homework so I’m not speaking without trying the whole scene out first but I stand by my (lack of) beliefs.  I’m always happy to have a level-headed chat about it, so feel free to email me on the subject and see if you gain a new view or teach me something.

New Tiny Guy On The Block

Canoga Park.. No wait! Don’t click away!  Sure Canoga Park, California doesn’t have the best reputation but it isn’t because they aren’t trying.  I’m pretty sure what happened is as the neighboring communities improved (West Hills, Chatsworth, Warner Center, Northridge), Canoga Park continues to stay true to its “historic” heritage so it’s not improving as fast as others, keeping rents cheap but making progression slow.  Sadly, some restaurants and shops have changed their listed city to not be associated while still being clearly within city limits. The city is overall safe and loaded with small businesses, many that have been around for decades, yet it is the housing that is in desperate need for improvement.  On the surface or even just by name, Canoga Park is often scoffed at and ignored. They have recently repaved many of the streets, including laying brick crosswalks, offer ample public transportation options (including a large, airy biking/walking path), and hosts a Farmers Market every Saturday with live music (Check out the unique sound of Oak Street Blues who often play there).  My older sister (who doesn’t make it into nearly enough of my blogs) moved away from this area at the end of 2017 but still holds a strong connection to it. She tells me whenever they host a street fair or holiday parade which is more often than any other city in the vicinity.

  

My sister still follows the city’s goings-on and in the ‘related stories’ to a news break, she found an article on a newly opened crepe and boba shop.  On a side street next to a party supply shop, the recently opened Itty Bitty Cafe boasted boba tea, smoothies, fresh juices, coffee, and crepes with free WiFi and a welcoming community driven feel.  My ears perked up and I told my sister that we should meet there as soon as we can to check it out.

After a couple of weeks of busy schedules, the husband and I met up with my sis at the cafe for some pre-dinner drinks and a snack.  A little known positive attribute about Canoga Park is how most of the streets are lined with parking meters but a large portion of businesses offer free parking behind their establishments.

The cafe lives up to its name as there are 2 tightly squeezed tables inside and a window bar with some tabletop games sitting against a wall of windows creating a very hot interior.  A single table and most of the chairs outside were being used by some other customers but the minute they left, we took over a nice shady spot on the side of the building. The shop seemed to be run by a lone girl whose stature matched the header on the front of the building.  She was to bursting at the seams, bubbling about, while giving me all my options.  

“Everything is made to order.  All the milk tea flavors can be added to the iced coffees.  We’ve only been open about a month (as of March 2019).”

Big sis ordered a Nutella smoothie, the husband ordered a guava milk tea, I got an iced coffee with vanilla and begged the others to split a crepe with me.  

As stated, everything was truly made to order, which meant we waited a long time for the single employee to complete our order.  Lucky for us, there was only one other guy in the shop at the time and I think he was just a friend of hers. My sis was unimpressed with her smoothie as it had a gritty texture, like powder not fully mixed in.  The husband and I liked our drinks but there was nothing special about them. The matcha crepe with Nutella filling I finally chose was the exact opposite of all the descriptions I’ve made so far. It was colossal with its edges pouring over the full sized paper plate.  It had a very light matcha flavor and oozed Nutella with every bite. The menu boasts so many items and I am curious of all of the offered flavors. I feel my review is mixed but leaning toward a positive light. Across the street is a charming used bookstore with towering walls of previously read and lovingly collected vintage books for reasonable prices.  The older gentleman that runs Next Chapter Books usually sits silently unless you have a question. He then becomes like one of the aged encyclopedias in the glass beneath the register. Additionally, on the same street are several thrift shops, a small performance theater, lots of restaurants including a vegetarian/vegan place with a market called Follow Your Heart that has been there since the 1970’s.  There seems to always be a reason to go to Canoga Park and this micro cafe with big personality and varied menu is just another opportunity to check out this underrated, terrific town.

Menus, Menus, Menus! So many choices!

Art plastered the entry wall.

Tiny board games for a tiny shop!

Talkin' Bout My Generation

On the first warm day of spring, I donned a flowy floral dress and the husband and I made our way to Silverlake, California. Silverlake is a Los Angeles county city located just east of Hollywood and is in close proximity to the population dense Downtown L.A.. Previously the site of rampant gang violence, Silverlake and next door Echo Park, brought fear to those who wished to see the cities lakes (man-made) and historical place markers. The city of Silverlake was recently transformed out of the ugly “ghetto” title when it underwent gentrification and brought in a new era of sophistication and probably out-priced the prior tenants. Very little graffiti is seen, as blank wall space is now filled from foundations to the highest bricks at the rooftops with colorful murals, street art, and expressions of culture and community. Many people do not know of the hidden staircases in Los Angeles yet several can be found in this very town. They have been here all along but were formerly used to conceal nefarious deeds and have now become Instagram photo session backdrops.
With a younger generation running the show, there seems to be an ample amount of mom and pop shops, diverse options for food, shopping, religious outlets, and an incredibly massive amount of coffee shops and cafes crammed into the given square footage. In some cases, you could exit one independent coffee shop and go to the next shop over for a totally different coffee experience, while both businesses shared walls and growing profits. Seeing as the town is comprised mostly of people my age, picking a coffee house should be as easy as thinking like the locals; #WWJGD.
Of course that refers to the all important question; What Would Jeff Goldblum Do?
The jazz musician and 90’s cinema icon drives many Gen X’er and Millennial to bask in his ironic but hip aura. And nothing screams J.G. like Dinosaur, the wood-clad coffee shop with a slight prehistoric theme. Ok, that’s not really how I found this shop but it certainly sounds plausible, right? Not gonna lie, my generation is sometimes endearing. To tell the truth, when you Google coffee shops in Silverlake it is one of the top three to come up. As well as options to see what else there is to do in the area. As I learned, every Saturday, on a nearby elementary school yard, the city hosts a free flea market. SOLD. That was the plan.
Whizzing down the 101 through the butterfly migration was a wonderful bonus to view on our way to Dinosaur. Upon arrival, the outside seating was mostly filled up by guests and their furry companions and inside the crowd was moving quickly through which is always a sign of a good place to get a cup of Joe. However, the parking situation, as I would learn runs common in Silverlake, was not so positive. The back parking lot is for employees only and the street offered maybe 3 spots when no one else was parked there. Seeing as we hadn’t had breakfast yet, we parked in the adjacent McDonald’s lot and sat long enough to scarf a quick meal so we didn’t abuse the ample parking they offered before walking over to get drinks.
The price board above the counter was on the high end and as I see the pre-stamped logo on the to-go cups, I realize the prices reflect the (not-verified) local coffee and not the portion sizes. The cashier and Google reviews had made recommendations for the mocha, the cappuccino, and the costly espresso. I wanted the true flavor without the caffeine twitch so I went with a simple warm latte. The husband ordered two teas off the seasonal clipboard menu which we also shared. Indoors, the seating is communal which was a nice change of pace from the two-seater set up at most coffee shops. Large family style tables filled most of the shop, the center was comprised of the entire stainless steel kitchen surrounded by barstools, a small selection of board games sat on a shelf, taking up noticeably less space than the two separate areas used to hock branded merchandise, and the sun shone in from the large front and back windows and skylights. I was informed that all pastries were made in house, yet, on a counter to the side, not with any effort of trying to conceal, were two extra large pink donut boxes and most of the donuts laid on a try atop the pastries for sale. Odd, but I wasn’t there for any carbs, just coffee.
My latte was delicious. Thick with a light roasted flavor and not bitter. As for the teas, the silver needle white tea was clean and the apricot flavor actually came through, and the Cloud and Mist tea was an earthy green tea but not as hardy as I usually like my green tea. Gazing around while we sipped, the clientele reflected a mutual age and child-free status, with a majority of the men sporting identical facial area combos and flannel shirts. These are indeed my peers. I’d be willing to bet on their love for a certain charming, chaotic-neutral actor that is rumored to have his own show on the new Disney+ streaming service lineup this fall.
After I lost the feeling in my back from the steel barstool, we left and took the winding backstreets to find the flea market. It also boasted free parking, but that was a lie. Filled, stacked parking totaling 15 cars in the school lot, and a long white zone in front of the church across the way meant sure, free parking, if you’re willing to walk. And walk we did. It was a beautiful spring day and we slowly meandered through the cute market that was filled with vintage tees, old electronics, and that weird flea market smell. I fell in love with one 50’s style green dress but decided to pass due to awkward shape and we left empty handed. As the temperature started to quickly heat up we passed a food truck and stopped nearby to see the community garden. On the very corner of the schoolyard was one of those tiny free libraries that are commonplace in my neighborhood.
On the whole, I felt very welcomed in the former gangland territory. Everyone was nice and there are so many inviting little businesses I’d still like to check out. I don’t think Dinosaur needs my return visit but I’m not NOT recommending it. Nearby places that can easily be located when looking up this locality are Dodger Stadium, the La Brea Tar Pits, and The Broad Museum. However, I found a couple of places of note to share while doing some extra research. Not too far from Dinosaur is a vegan cafe named Little Pine, opened by famous musician Moby. Reservations can be made to dine there while the proceeds go toward helping animal organizations. Right at the halfway point between Dinosaur and the flea market is a pub that is also an unsuspecting historical-cultural monument. The Black Cat (current name) on Sunset Blvd was a place of police brutality and protests in the early months of 1967. The patrons of the bar, mostly comprised of the LGBTQ community, were raided by police as they rang in New Year’s midnight clock strike in each other’s arm, and were beaten and dragged into the streets on the pretenses of “lewd conduct”. In response, the community held a peaceful protest against police brutality and discrimination laws. It is one of the earliest known demonstrations of LGBTQ civil rights and the court case that followed the lewd conduct allegations was legally significant in that it was the first time gay men were defended in a case as equal under the Constitution. The bar has gone through many name changes but was given the historical honor in 2008. This bit of cultural trivial piqued my interests to try and find more historically relevant places that are close to home. Another neighboring event is the 2019 Lotus Festival being held July 13 and 14 at Echo Park Lake. I might find myself back in the area that weekend for the flowers and another coffee shop. Rumor has it; Jeff Goldblum plays piano at a jazz club in abutting Los Feliz (Rockwell Table and Stage).

Silver needle tea and latte.

Cloud and Mist tea.

Looks like dinosaur bones hanging from the ceiling.

Horrible deceased Muppet art that was thrown-up all over the shop Instagram. 

Merch.

More merch.

Even more merch.

Merch I actually liked.

Love this view.

Very L.A. scenery.

Vintage tee's at the flea market.  Yes, the 90's Cross-Colors Looney Tunes is now "vintage".

Hey, a theme!

One of many hidden stairways in L.A. that was being fixed up.