Los Angeles
Friday, April 4th, 2008

Saturday May 17, 2008 - 8 pm & Sunday May 18, 2008 - 3pm
At the classic Moonlight Rollerway, freeway close in Glendale, CA
Several weeks ago I went to the Moonlight Rollerway to have a meeting with the rink organist and owner, Dominic Cangilosi. I walked in the door and my eyes almost bugged out […]
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Saturday, March 15th, 2008

Today is the first in my new ongoing series celebrating people that I consider to be Americana Royalty.
This week I introduce you to Paul J. Orloff, owner of EXOTICAL in Downey, California. I visited the master merchant of “Matching Hawaiian Clothing for the Whole Family” in his spectacular store where I took this pic […]
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Thursday, February 21st, 2008

LA’s legendary Clifton’s Cafeteria is a local landmark of the highest order. It’s also my all-time favorite place to have a stuffed moose stare at me as I enjoy a tasty turkey dinner and Jell-O beside a waterfall overlooking the redwood forest mural. After I finish eating I step inside the tiny chapel and […]
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Friday, November 2nd, 2007

Cheers!
A papered wall printed with Spanish moss hanging from tall trees separates tasteful titty-pink satin drapes. An itty-bitty day-glo airplane hangs above the four-flag centerpiece. The table is set with Franciscan’s apple pattern and fancy golden-rimmed glassware. Pickles and olives are waiting to be eaten.
These eight ladies are well dressed in smart solids, […]
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Friday, December 15th, 2006

Disney’s biggest live action star Annette Funicello sports smart western wear for an afternoon autograph session. Spin and Marty, signing beside her, go for a more casual jeans and t-shirt look. A uniformed Disneyland security guard protects the Mickey Mouse Club Stars form circle skirted and plaid shirted fans.
Speaking of the Mickey Mouse Club […]
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Thursday, December 7th, 2006

The Hollywood Freeway goes from side to side. The Union Bank building was the first skyscraper in Southern California. It was dedicated in 1966. We are high up atop one of the twin Arco Towers as they near completion. Rarely do we see a fake Christmas tree and an American flag together but here […]
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Thursday, November 16th, 2006

This is what do you get when you stud a tinfoil wrapped Styrofoam cone with cocktail weenies, green olives, black olives, pearl onions, baby dills, pineapple chunks, pummeled carrots, radishes, broccoli and cauliflower then top it with a slice of star fruit star! I just couldn’t help myself! I had to do it!
An edible […]
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Thursday, November 9th, 2006

People often ask if I drive the bus – I could, but I can’t. The bus company won’t let me. And by-the-way this is no ordinary, run-of-the-mill tour bus. Oh no! It’s a school bus! And a very special vintage one at that! And by-the-way if, say, that tasty taquito snack on Olvera Street doesn’t […]
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Thursday, November 2nd, 2006

This is, in no uncertain terms, my favorite pagoda in all of Los Angeles. Golden yellow paired with Chinese red and Buddha blue trim have never looked so good together! Even the Kirin sponsored Chinese lanterns match!
The Golden Pagoda Restaurant isn’t the centerpiece of Chinatown, but it certainly is the crowning touch. Except for the […]
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Thursday, October 12th, 2006

But first…
CHARLES PHOENIX’S DISNEYLAND TOUR OF DOWNTOWM LOS ANGELES is back!
– NEW TOUR DATES – Sundays Nov 5 & 12
For more info click here
For NOV 5 tickets
For NOV 12 tickets
Life is full of typos…especially my life! Last week I called the Beverly HILton Hotel the Beverly HILLS Hotel. So I’m a lousy proof-reader! Maybe […]
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