A York Blvd. Derive
Following Margaret Crawford's suggestion in the previous post(a.k.a., chapter 2 of my film, SHOTGUN FREEWAY: Drives Thru Lost L.A.), I took a derive in 1994 or '95 and found York Blvd. (Derive is the Latin de revie - to drift; the Situationists were big fans.) I was actually already there, doing research for the film at the LADP Historical Society, but had no idea about the area otherwise.
Recently, I recreated that initial journey and - boy! has York Blvd. changed. The hip is now well established in Highland Park, but its nice to still see auto junkyards andpiñata supply stores side by side with a new gym called Anatomy Repair. What follows are some of my favorite York Blvd. stops. (You will notice a theme... food!)
Galco's (5702 York Boulevard Los Angeles, Ca (323) 255-7115) has been a family biz for over 100 years. Now they pretty much just focus on sodas, beer and old-fashioned candy. (where else can you still find Wax Lips & Bubble-gum cigarettes with powdered sugar smoke?)
As you can see from the photos above, my family has been working on a root beer float competition. So far Olde Rhode Island is the best, and a few of the unworthy bottles did not make the photo. You can also pick up real Coke & original Dr. Pepper. (100% cane sugar baby!)
After you grab your sodas at Galco's, head a few blocks down to the Huarache Azteca Restaurante (5225 York Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90042 (323) 478-9572). It's a tiny place, and really the best thing to get is the Huarache - and no: it is not a shoe, but a flat bread, bean, cheese and meat concoction that's REALLY good!!!
(Thanks to EXILEKISSfor the Huarache photos!)
If that sort of footwear scares you, or if sitting at a table is too fancy for you, try Taco La Estrella - its just down the block a bit, it is literally a full-time parked taco truck - with permanent signage. The Carne Asada Tacos ($1.25 each!) are AMAZING - make sure you get the smoky, spicy red salsa on the taco - just order it 'con todo'
(A lot of Yelpers & Chowhounders give props to the El Pique taco truck which is literally 40 yards from La Estrella, but I'm 2 for 2 with less than stellar meals.)
Those of you looking to land on the gentrified side of the blvd, you can be hip & cool and well fed on a burger & beer (15 or so on tap) at The York on York (5018 York Blvd. LA CA 90042
323-255-9675.) Yummy, fun and a bit $pendy. This is the vibe much of York Blvd. will have in a few years, but in the meantime, you can keep up to date on all things York Blvd here
Looking for serialized episodes from SHOTGUN FREEWAY: Drives Thru Lost L.A.? Episode 1 is here. Episode 2 - The Auto - is here. Worried about CRIME? (The episode, that is.) You can watch it here.
