Angels Flight: The Shortest Railway In The World

Olivet car awaits passengers at the California Plaza station.

Archway at South Hill Street station.

Among attractions near the Pershing Square metro subway station in downtown Los Angeles is the landmark Angels Flight funicular railway. Traveling a distance of 298 feet, the ride costs 25 cents each way and takes riders uphill from South Hill Street across from the Grand Central Market to the California Plaza Watercourt on Grand Avenue.

The railway is comprised of two cars named Olivet and Sinai that trade positions when they move so that one car is always stationed uphill and one down along South Hill Street. Mid-way the track splits into two so the two cars are able to pass each other. Like other similar funicular cars around the world, the purpose of the short train ride was to bring convenience to travel along very steep hillsides in a city.

The original Angels Flight opened in 1901 connecting Hill Street with Olive Street and closed in 1969, a victim of area redevelopment. The urban updating also displaced almost 22,000 working-class families renting rooms in the run-down buildings nearby. The rail re-opened in 1996 in the location where it is situated today.

An accident in 2001 where one passenger was killed and seven others injured forced the closing of Angels Flight. Reports reveal that as one car approached the upper station, it reversed direction and accelerated downhill uncontrolled to strike the car at the lower station.

Station along South Hill Street.

The railway did not re-open until March 3, 2010 after years of improvements to meet strict safety standards. Today both residents, workers and visitors in the area use the railway. Uphill at Watercourt Plaza, visitors are offered a view of downtown Los Angeles and a short walking distance to the Museum of Contemporary Art. For visitors it is an innocent diversion in exploring downtown.

More info at angelsflight.com. The rail is open every day from 6:45am-10pm. See the post about Angels Flight becoming the logo and name brand of a popular pair of pants/slacks from the disco era. Also see the post about the California Plaza featured in the movie "2012".

California Plaza station near Grand Ave.

Above and below: car interior

Above: view of the twin buildings at California Plaza near the upper station.

View of downtown L.A.

Planet Hawaii: Signs of the Islands on Earth

It's always a kick to leave the Hawaiian Islands for a vacation and encounter signs of Hawaii in another city. This time I find the eatery Hawaiian B.B.Q at the Grand Central Market.  The cooks try to emulate some of the local Hawaiian cuisine by offering rice, noodles with fresh meats and fish that are marinated and fried. Prices are reasonable from $2 to $5.25 for a two-item combo.

Here are some pics of the restaurant with a couple of photos from review site yelp.com.

Above: Tilapia plate. Below: Two-item plate.
(Photos: Yelp.com/LynnetteT.)

Grand Central Market - Downtown Los Angeles

Central Market (South Hill Street Entrance)

With nothing planned for the afternoon, I picked up an issue of Downtown Guide magazine at the information desk and the Hollywood & Highland Center and chose to explore downtown Los Angeles around the Pershing Square metro subway stop. Located a few steps right of the station exit along South Hill Street is the Grand Central Market billed as "Los Angeles' oldest and largest open-air market".

Open since 1917, thousands of locals mix with tourists to patronize the various eateries and grocers offering fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry and fresh fish from California and around the world. As much as I wanted to try some of the cuisine at the market, the Crumbs cupcake from earlier satiated my appetite for now. The bustling market however is a feast of colorful sights and sounds with an emphasis on vendors offering Mexican food and produce.

Peruse the entire market before making a dining choice and then find an open table around the market to soak in the surroundings and people watch. Click here for a list of vendors and map.

The market is the perfect stop before or after visiting Angels Flight (the world's shortest railway) across South Hill Street.  See the next post for a sign of "Hawaii in the Universe" about the eatery offering dishes with a Hawaii flavor.

More info at grandcentralsquare.com. Open seven days a week Mon-Sun 9am-6pm. Metro Stop: Pershing Square. If driving, the market offers one hour free parking with a minimum $10 purchase. Parking South Hill Street with validation at the market's information desk.

Los Angeles Metro Subway On The Boulevard

Hollywood/Highland Station Entrance

The convenience that is the Los Angeles Metro Subway brings the city to being more pedestrian friendly. The city that loves its cars has made it a little easier to get from point to point without said vehicle. The location of a metro station stop was one attraction of choosing the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel when I had tickets to a performance at the L.A. Music Center back in 2004. Return visits in 2009 and this December 2010 allowed me to discover more in the area. Without a car, I had Universal Studios, Hollywood Boulevard and Downtown L.A. within easy reach.

Escalator down at the Civic Center Station

Sign marking the entry to the Civic Center Station.
Los Angeles City Hall is at left.

Using the metro subway is easy. For example, the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel is closest to the Hollywood/Highland station along the Red Line. My destination is the L.A. Music Center which is nearest to the Civic Center station along the Red Line. This means I require only one fare in one direction. If had to transfer between lines, another admission is needed. For example, if I was heading to Chinatown, another fare is needed to switch from the Red Line to the Gold Line.

Fare machines

The fare one way along a line is $1.50 or $6.00 for a Day Pass. Head towards one of the fare machines and follow the simple instructions. The machines accept cash/coins and credit cards. For convenience I used a credit card rather than fumbling and searching for change. One thing you'll immediately notice after purchasing a fare is there is no need to swipe your ticket for entry or exit. This may be reason to skip paying a fare but metro security will show up occasionally to see your valid ticket.

Ticket and receipt (photo from 2009 when the one-way fare was $1.25)

Upon reaching the platform, be sure you wait for the train and line in the direction you are heading. Some lines share station stops. See what is the final stop of the train from the map, match that destination to the lighted signs on the stopping train and this should help you know that you are about to board right train. The average wait time is ten minutes and longer during off-peak hours. If the station is especially crowded, you may want to wait for a second train.

Upper level of Hollywood/Highland station. Trains stop one level below.

Each station has a unique design and is very modern and clean. As usual let safety be your guide. Be aware of your surroundings during both busy and off-peak times. Keep all belongings close to you and be sure items in your pockets are safe.

Above and below: The design of the Hollywood/Highland station marked
by the shovels adorning the columns.

The metro lines and stops have grown significantly in the past ten years. It may not bring the entire city to your feet but for a few days it brings a lot of attractions closer to you without the use of a car. One thing I noticed is city dwellers still love their cars. This is probably why after attending a performance at the Music Center with almost 2,000 patrons, I was among among only two or three people waiting at the Civic Center station after the performance.

Train leaving station.

The spacious platforms of the Hollywood/Highland station.

Click on the map below for a grid view of the various subway lines. More info by visiting the metro.net website.

On The Boulevard: Hollywood & Highland Center Revives Boulevard

Courtyard facing north.

The Hollywood & Highland Center is the centerpiece in the redevelopment of this portion of Hollywood Boulevard. Over fifteen years ago, the area was a tired mix of run down buildings and shops. In 2001 after three years of construction, the 640,000 square feet entertainment complex opened bringing back some of the excitement and glamour of Hollywood.

All photos in this post are from my visit in 2009. Click here for the article with photos of the center during the holidays 2010.

The complex is anchored by the 3,400-seat Kodak Theatre, built to exclusively host the annual Oscars ceremony and the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel. The striking feature of the center is the spacious three-story courtyard inspired by the D.W. Griffith film Intolerance. The towering archway and two pillars with elephant sculptures on the capitals, as seen in the film, give visitors an idea of the massive movie sets of the past. The archway is popular for an unobstructed view of the Hollywood sign.

Center front along Hollywood Blvd

With a balance of residents and visitors and continued improvements extending beyond this portion of Hollywood, the center could become the Times Square of Los Angeles or maybe at least "Hollywood Central".

Over 75 restaurants, shops and nightclubs dot all levels of the center. Among retailers are branches of The Gap, American Eagle, Sephora and Victoria's Secret. Restaurants include a Hard Rock Cafe and Rolling Stone LA.

Renaissance Hollywood Hotel

Entertainment awaits visitors to the Grauman's Chinese Theatre & Mann Chinese 6 Theatres and Lucky Strike Lanes. A visitor center has a helpful and well-informed staff with brochures and fliers for attractions and restaurants in the area.

The sidewalk in the front of the center is considered coveted real estate that the stars of the Hollywood Walk of Fame are doubled up rather than placed in one straight line. For the true tourist at heart costumed characters parade in front in the center and for a tip will pose for photographs.

Grand Staircase

Kodak Theatre

With a Red Line subway stop beneath the center, metro L.A. is within easy access with Universal Studios just one stop away and downtown LA and the Music Center to the east. The center also includes a broadcast studio that opened in 2004 with the now defunct daily talk show "On Air With Ryan Seacrest".

The center has helped to attract development to the area. Next door is a branch of Madame Tussauds. Along Hollywood Boulevard is the historic El Capitan Theatre Center, now the destination for Disney movie premieres and "Jimmy Kimmel Live" tapings. Next door is the TV Guide Hollywood Center building. Among its tenants is an H&M, American Apparel and Hooters.

The architecture has been criticized for being confusing to navigate that some shops and restaurants may be difficult to find or easily bypassed. An escalator constructed in 2005 renovations helped to bring visitors directly from Hollywood Blvd to the third level of the courtyard. Don't forget to head to the fourth level for a wide view of Hollywood Boulevard.

Archway with bridges to view Hollywood Sign

More info at hollywoodandhighland.com. Parking is $2 for four hours with validation or a daily maximum of $10. Pick up the Elephant Card at the visitor information center or register online for special offers to center shops and restaurants. The center hours is Mon-Sat 10am-10pm; Sun 10am-7pm. Theaters, clubs and some restaurants have extended hours before opening and after closing.

Courtyard facing south

View of Hollywood Hills from archway bridge 

Twin elephants.

Crumbs: Cupcakes Galore at Hollywood/Highland

A selection of delicious indecision.

This is how the website for Crumbs Bake Shop sums up the happiness it delivers:

"At Crumbs Bake Shop, we believe in celebrating the simple everyday things in life. In a world where we move too fast, a cupcake is the exception. They add something so small, and so needed to our lives. Maybe what they really do is remind us that the best things in life really are so simple and easy."

The cupcakes at Crumbs are a large and filling size that it can be a challenge to take a bite of frosting with every bite of cake. The display case of baked goods in the shop is a feast for the eyes. Having a sweet tooth, I could not resist not more than a couple hours after breakfast.

The remains of a snack.

I first discovered Crumbs in New York City and once I took a bite into their signature red velvet cupcake, I was hooked. So it was pleasure to find this new location to visit in Los Angeles. This time I opted for the carrot cake ($3.75) and coffee. So hungry was I that I had eaten the cupcake before I remembered to take a quick photo of this delight. All I have pictured is the evidence of the former cupcake.

Today this location also offered these cupcake flavors: vanilla coconut, gingerbread, cinnamon bun, chocolate pecan pie, cookie dough, cotton candy, cookies & cream and blackbottom cheesecake.

Crumbs Bake Shop is located on the ground level of the Hollywood & Highland Center near the entrance to Kodak Theatre. Hours Sun-Thu 9am-11pm; Fri & Sat 9am-12midnight. More info at crumbs.com.

Location at Hollywood & Highland Center.

A Stroll Past The Magic Castle Hotel & Club

After breakfast I decided to take a walk and explore the block around the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel and Hollywood & Highland Center. I discovered tucked on the hillside across the street behind the hotel is the Magic Castle. I remembered the place was featured in an episode of Top Chef Masters which featured Neil Patrick Harris ("How I Met You Mother") hosting a meal at the club.

The Magic Castle is a private clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts Inc, an organization devoted to the advancement of the ancient art of magic. The purpose of the Academy is to encourage and promote public interest in the art of magic. Membership is required to visit.

More information at magiccastle.com. These photos show the castle decked out for the holidays.

Johnny Rockets at Hollywood & Highland Center

Johnny Rockets at the Hollywood & Highland Center.

If you want to avoid the overpriced breakfast buffet at the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel, hop on over to Johnny Rockets at the Hollywood & Highland Center next door. It is one of the few in the chain that specifically serves breakfast as most locations are only open for lunch and dinner.

The main attraction of Johnny Rockets is its old fashioned 1950's setting and menu of shakes and hamburgers. This reputation is undeniable as the restaurant is full most evenings sometimes with a line outside. The fun surroundings make it ideal for families too.

Tabletop jukebox

Because this eatery is busy for lunch and dinner, I've largely avoided this location at those times. However for their slower breakfast service I found the staff very attentive/friendly and the food is good, fast and reasonable. For about half the cost of breakfast at the Renaissance hotel, one can enjoy a complete breakfast with coffee and orange juice and tip. I've been to this location twice in 2009 and again for this return trip to Los Angeles.

This time I tried the Patty 'n Eggs meal which includes a choice of grilled beef, turkey or soy patty, two large eggs any style, served with classic country potatoes and choice of toast or English muffin ($6.99). To wash it down is a glass of orange juice and coffee. The total with tax is $12.07 (excluding tip).

Patty 'n Eggs breakfast

Other breakfast choices include fluffy three-egg omelette, breakfast sandwich, pancakes, french toast, eggs your way grilled potatoes with your choice of cheese, onions, bell pepper, chili and ham.

The restaurant includes comfy booths or you can cozy up to the counter and watch the cooks prepare the incoming food orders. Items are also available to go. Visit johnnyrockets.com for more information. Location is on the 3rd level of the center; hours varies.

Above and below: Interior of Hollywood/Highland location.