Monday, February 18, 2008

L.A.'s hip hangout

We spent last night at the Grove, the superhot spot where all of L.A. hangs out now nowadays.

I remember about 7-8 years ago when the Grove was first being discussed. There were fierce detractors about how about a new shopping complex would destroy the ambiance of the genteel Farmers Market, one of the city's enduring landmarks from the days of Buster Keaton and the Hollywoodland sign.
Well, there's little doubt Charlie Chaplin or Judy Garland could've imagined shopping at an Apple store or American Girl. But would they have objected so much. Everything in Hollywood changes -- from talkies to shopping meccas.
Priscilla and I met a couple of friends for dinner at Cheesecake Factory at 6 p.m. Yeah, that plan went out the window when we arrived to find an 80-minute wait. We dashed across to La Piazza, where a pasta dinner hit the spot. Coffee and cake was had at Nordstrom, where they not only can do a $1,000 suit but a nice mocha as well.

Some folks still can't stand the Grove, with its immense crowds and Disneyland-like feel. Me, I'm OK with it. Just as long as I can find a parking spot.

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