blogdowntown

Sweet sustainability: Bicycle-powered ice cream maker comes to DTLA

Hayley Fox — Fri, 25 May 2012 15:19:26 -0700

Edward Belden has been making ice cream for two years now -- churning it out on his specially made bike. Photo by .

Seated on a powder blue, man-size tricycle is Edward Belden, demonstrating how he uses his pedals and a hand crank to churn out a creative array of ice cream flavors on his bicycle.

"There's so many ingredients in the world and the possibilities are endless," said Belden. "You can mix onion into ice cream and make something great happen."

Peddler's Creamery, Belden's company, isn't churning out onion-flavored sweets, but producing playful combinations of ice cream flavors like Strawberry Basil sorbet and Mexican Chocolate.

He uses organic, high-quality ingredients; getting his milk from a Northern California producer and sourcing as many ingredients as he can from California.

"Vanilla and chocolate don't grow in the States," Belden said, classifying these as "exotic flavors" that he'd use, but have to get from abroad.

It's been two years since Belden started making ice cream, and now he's planning on opening a Downtown location this coming summer.

"I didn't want to do a traditional business," he said. "I wanted to do something that's geared towards creating a sustainable world."

Belden said he wasn't sure exactly how much energy he saved by using a bike as a power source, but he did say that the larger and more industrial the ice cream makers get, the more energy they require.

"As you scale up, you're obviously using more electricity, so that's one thing ill be able to offset," he added.

The idea of using a bicycle to churn ice cream is fairly new to Belden, but he's adapted quickly. Although he didn't want to give away trade secrets, he said making a batch on the bike definitely takes less than an hour -- about the equivalent of a three-mile bike ride.

Belden's love of ice cream is deep and longstanding. His first real job was at Baskin Robbins, and it's here he professionally scooped his first scoop.

"I loved seeing that feeling of everyone having an ice cream cone in their hand and being happy and excited; enjoying the summer day," he said.

In recent years, Belden's done a lot of flavor experimentation and even made a trip to Wisconsin -- the dairy mecca -- to see how the pros do it.

Some of his experimental flavors include salted caramel, kumquat sorbet and mango chile. Belden's also experimenting with vegan-friendly, dairy alternatives such as using a coconut base instead of milk. Next up for Belden? He wont give details, but flavors may include turmeric and/or wasabi.

Belden's started a kickstarter to try and raise $15,000 to help get his retail store up-and-running. His incentives for backers include t-shirts, pints of ice cream and the chance to create your own ice cream flavor.

In addition to being spotted at bike-friendly CicLAvia events, Belden said he plans to start attending farmers markets and other community gatherings. Next month he'll be dishing out bike-made creations at the Hammer Museum's "Bike Night" -- a celebration of all things biketastic.

By Hayley Fox.

Eat.Drink.Americano opens in Arts District with 'American history' - inspired food

Hayley Fox — Fri, 25 May 2012 09:01:40 -0700

Eat.Drink.Americano opened in the space where Cafe Metropol used to be. Photo by Michael Pool Photography.

Located in the Arts District where Café Metropol used to be, Eat.Drink.Americano opened on Wednesday with a short menu of charcuterie, cheeses, flatbreads and assorted fish, duck and steak dishes.

Seemingly in the spirit of recent foodie trends, the menu is not extensive, but curated. The average price of a main dish is in the $12 to $16 range, and includes choices like "Cheek, Mushrooms & Polenta" or "King Crab Cannelloni & Cauliflower Foam."

Americano owner Michael Burke is a DTLA resident who moved to the Arts District in 1996.

"The Arts District is still in its infancy," Burke said in a statement. "For us, we were in a great location with great rent and a great concept. We couldn't afford not to do it.”

According to a press release, the "locally sourced" gastropub is "inspired by American history" -- pulling influence from African, Asian, European and Peruvian cuisine, among others.

The beer and wine list begins at $7 for a draft Scrimshaw Pilsner or Red Seal Red Ale, and goes upwards to $69 for a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. As of now, there's eight beers on draft and six in bottles, but that number is expected to grow shortly.

The industrial space consists mostly of wood tables and chairs, a white-tiled back wall, wine bottle chandelier and simple unadorned beer taps.

"With Metropol, there was always a welcoming mom and pop feel," said Burke. "That's what I want to embrace with Eat.Drink.Americano.

Restaurant hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., Friday and Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., and on Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to Midnight.

Eat.Drink.Americano is located at 923 E 3rd St

By Hayley Fox.

All signs point to fascinating Downtown signs

Michael Katz — Thu, 24 May 2012 17:17:58 -0700

An unnecessary apostrophe is the least of this sign's problems. Photo by Michael Katz / KPCC.

A walk through Downtown's Pico Boulevard and Santee Alley provides consumers with a wide variety of fashion and merchandise choices -- and even a wider variety of interesting store names.

On the 400 block of Pico, one store displays the finest styles for children but could use a name change. Just a few blocks away, a bride-to-be can find her dress for the "big day" -- and evidently come out smelling better as well.

One store uses text lingo in its name, another has a whole lot of attitude and one seemingly vacant space is just plain patriotic.

Click through our slideshow to catch a glimpse of all the comical, puzzling, and just plain wacky signage in DTLA. As thorough as our hunt was, we know we may not have spotted every sign worthy of a photo, so please let us know in the comments where your favorite spot is.

By Michael Katz.

Last Remaining Seats kicks off next week with 'Paper Moon'

Hayley Fox — Thu, 24 May 2012 09:04:13 -0700

People line up for Last Remaining Seats in front of the Orpheum theater. Photo by Ed Fuentes.

Downtown's summertime film series Last Remaining Seats kicks off next week, and will be showcasing classic films at DTLA's old movie palaces until the end of June.

The series starts with "Paper Moon"-- a whimsical movie from 1973 that features outcasts, minor league criminality and the bonding of unlikely friends.

Other highlights from this year include "The Big Sleep" at the Los Angeles Theater (which is already sold out), and "Los tres Mosqueteros," a reason to slip inside the Million Dollar Theatre.

Seats was created in 1987 by the Los Angeles Conservancy as a way to publicize the many historic movie theaters on Broadway and throughout downtown L.A. Many of these theaters are shuttered most of the year and in need of restoration, and this annual event contributes money to historic preservation efforts.

While many of these movie palaces sit empty, others are being re-purposed to suit the changing face of Downtown. The United Artists theater on Broadway and 9th Street is now being transformed into a hip Ace Hotel -- the chain that got its name locally for being a Palm Springs party spot with record players in each of the rooms.

"Ace has a penchant for organic, authentic, unique design. Although we have been called a boutique hotel and a hip hotel, we're not sure what that really means," according to Ace's website.

The Orpheum Theater adapts to a wide range of entertainment uses-- from a taping of "American Idol" to an upcoming Jackson Browne benefit concert, the Orpheum's schedule has become as diverse as the population of DTLA.

This year the Orpheum will host "Tootsie" and "Robin Hood" as part of the Last Remaining Seats. The film series goes until June 30 and tickets are on sale now. This year is the 26th season for the L.A. Conservancy event.

Tickets are $16 for members and $20 for the general public. Go to the L.A. Conservancy's website to see the entire schedule and purchase tickets

By Hayley Fox.

Viva LA Live: Latin music festival comes to Downtown this weekend

Andrew Lopez — Wed, 23 May 2012 17:17:11 -0700

The first annual L.A. En Vivo Latin Music and Cultural Festival is coming to Downtown this weekend. Photo by Flickr via Danny Thompson Jr.

L.A. Live is hosting its first annual L.A. En Vivo Latin Music and Cultural Festival this Memorial Day weekend. The event will be highlighted by concerts taking place after the block party.

The three-day celebration, Saturday though Monday, will feature music, art and food - including DJs, a live cooking demonstration and Zumba and Salsa lessons - each day from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

In the past, Latin concerts had been a staple at L.A. Live over Memorial Day weekend, but this year they hope is the beginning of a tradition.

"We want people to know that L.A. Live is the home to a Latin themed block party each Memorial weekend," said L.A. Live vice president of events Scott Hanley.

There's even something in it for sports fans: Fighters will perform in exhibition matches at the Golden Boy Boxing Ring on Saturday and Sunday and soccer players from the Galaxy will also be in attendance to do autograph signings.

On Monday, lucha libre wrestlers will take over the ring, Hanley said.

The newly crowned Western Conference NHL champion LA Kings will not be in attendance because they'll be preparing for the finals, but the event will celebrate their accomplishments with street hockey and giveaways, Hanley said.

"There will be a nice little area for the Kings," Hanley said.

Restaurants in and around L.A. Live will participate in the festivities, offering special happy hour drinks and appetizers.

Concerts will punctuate each of the nights' festivities.

They include:

Julion Alvarez at Nokia Theatre at 7 p.m. and Que Buena After Party featuring El Coyote at Club Nokia at 10 p.m., Saturday, May 26.

Don Omar at Nokia Theatre at 7 p.m., Sunday, May 27.

MTV's Unplugged: Juanes at Club Nokia at 7 p.m., Monday, May 28.

For more information and a line-up of events, go to L.A. Live's website.

By Andrew Lopez.

LA City Council approves proposal to ban plastic bags at LA grocery stores

Andrew Lopez — Wed, 23 May 2012 14:01:20 -0700

L.A. City Council voted to ban plastic bags in the city Wednesday afternoon at City Hall, 13 to 1. Photo by Flickr via Heal the Bay.

L.A. City Council approved a proposal Wednesday afternoon that would ban plastic bags and charge for paper ones at Los Angeles grocery stores.

The council voted 13 to 1 in favor of doing away with plastic bags and implementing a 10-cent fee on paper bags in an estimated 7,500 stores.

An environmental report on the ban is expected to take four to six months to complete. The city attorney will then return with an ordinance that would implement the ban, KPCC reports.

Larger retailers will have six months to phase out plastic bags after an ordinance is in place and smaller retailers will have one year to do the same. The 10-cent charge per paper bag will also go into effect within one year after the ban is implemented.

A progress report on the effectiveness of the ban will be performed by the Bureau of Sanitation after two years. They will then make recommendations on how to change or expand the program.

The ban will not include the smaller plastic bags patrons use for fruits, vegetables and meats.

By Andrew Lopez.

LA City Council to vote on banning plastic bags; charging for paper ones

Hayley Fox — Wed, 23 May 2012 08:14:41 -0700

City Council will vote on banning plastic bags in the city of L.A. Photo by flickr via mtsofan.

The L.A. City Council is set to vote on Wednesday on an ordinance that would ban the use of plastic single-use bags and implement a 10 cents charge for paper ones.

The Energy and Environment Committee voted in support of a proposed bag ban in April, and a modified version of that will be on the table today.

“Working with my colleagues, I’m proud of the work we did in committee and I look forward to adopting this legislation in City Council, which will go a long way in keeping single-use plastic bags out of our landfills, rivers and oceans,” councilman José Huizar said in a statement.

If passed, the ordinance would give large retailers six months to phase out plastic bags; small retailers would have a year to do the same. All retailers would have to begin charging 10 cents per paper bag within a year after the ordinance passed.

KPCC reports that of the 75 communities across the country that have prohibited plastic bags, two-thirds of them are in California. Some ban supporters say that if the measure passes in L.A. it may set an example for other cities to do the same.

“L.A. is the largest city [in California] so it will be a huge success if L.A. moves forward with a bag ban,” Sarah Sikich of Heal the Bay told KPCC. “ I hope it sends a message to the rest of the state of California since so many local smaller cities have adopted some sort of bag ban.”

But the American Progressive Bag Alliance (APBA), an organization that represents plastic bag manufacturers and recyclers in the U.S., says the bag ban may cost a lot of people their jobs.

"By voting to move forward with this ban, the City of Los Angeles will place an onerous policy on its residents that puts the jobs of hundreds of Angelenos at risk who work in the bag manufacturing and recycling sector," said Mark Daniels, chair of the APBA, in a statement. "At time when we should be creating more manufacturing jobs, this ban takes them away, while pushing people to imported reusable bags which are produced overseas and are a less-environmentally friendly option.

If the ban passes, it will require a progress report from the Bureau of Sanitation after two years. They will then make recommendations on how to change or expand the program.

By Hayley Fox.

LA Kings defeat Phoenix Coyotes 4-3 in OT to advance to Stanley Cup finals

Tony Pierce — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:47:43 -0700

Cars pass a darkened Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles Photo by Eric Richardson / blogdowntown.

The Clippers couldn't do it, the Lakers fizzled, but the Los Angeles Kings fought their way into the final round of postseason play after they defeated the Phoenix Coyotes Tuesday in overtime to advance to the Stanley Cup finals.

Dustin Penner knocked in the game-winning goal with 2:18 left in overtime in Glendale, Arizona to put away the Coyotes after a grinding 4-3 battle in the desert.

"I got a lucky bounce," Penner told reporters after the game. "I just waited for it to settle down, and I got a chance to get it in the net."

Downtown waitstaff, restaurants, and bars: rejoice.

By beating Phoenix four-games-to-one, the Kings next will play the winner of the New York Rangers - New Jersey Devils series for Lord Stanley's Cup. It's doubtful the Kings care who they draw or that they will not have home ice as L.A. set an NHL record with their 8th road victory during the playoffs.

After Penner's game-winning goal, the Coyotes howled at the refs, the Kings (who were lined up ready to shake their hands), and anyone who would listen.

But Phoenix had no one to blame but themselves when during a crucial moment in the 3rd period they blew a two-man advantage. While the Kings played solid defense with just three defenders, Phoenix's Martin Hanzal was called for interference and within minutes the Kings were the ones on the power play.

The only other time L.A. made it to the Stanley Cup finals was in 1993 when Wayne Gretzky, Marty McSorley and the Kings lost to the Montreal Canadiens.

The Kings are now the second #8 seed to reach the finals. In 2006, Edmonton was also an 8-seed who made it through the playoffs only to fall to the Carolina Hurricanes in a thrilling seven-game finals.

The first game of this year's finals will be May 30 at either Madison Square Garden (if the Rangers win) or at Prudential Center (if the Devils win). The first Kings home game at Staples Center will be Monday night, June 4.

2012 Stanley Cup Finals schedule:

Game 1: Wed., May 30, 8 p.m. Kings at Eastern Champion

Game 2: Sat., June 2, 8 p.m. Kings at Eastern Champion

Game 3: Mon., June 4, 8 p.m. Eastern Champion at Kings @ Staples Center

Game 4: Wed., June 6, 8 p.m. Eastern Champion at Kings @ Staples Center

If necessary:

Game 5: Sat., June 9, 8 p.m. Kings at Eastern Champion

Game 6: Mon., June 11, 8 p.m. Eastern Champion Kings @ Staples Center

Game 7: Wed., June 13, 8 p.m. Kings at Eastern Champion

KPCC asks: How long have you been a hockey fan?

By Tony Pierce.