Koo Koo California from A to Z: 2009

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Million Dollar Theater

The Million Dollar Movie Theater

on Broadway in Downtown Los Angeles. Built in 1918 and seating

2,345 was one of the earliest movie palaces in the country.

Pullet Surprise

Chickens from Chinatown to the San Fernando Valley agree: "Eat More Beef!"

Signs Are Our Friends

They Remind Us To Drink, Eat, & Wash Our Clothes

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Signs of the Times

El Rio Motel In Glendale, CA

Original Hotel Barclay entrance sign, 103 4th Street. Downtown Los Angeles

Vintage Illuminated Hotel Sign, Downtown Los Angeles

By-Coastal

The Coast of Palos Verdes, Ca. & The Point Vincente Lighthouse

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Be A Do Bee

Jollibee Mascot/Maitre d/Chef Welcomes you to a gastronomical adventure at the #1 Filipino Fast Food Restaurant "Jollibee" on Beverly Blvd in Los Angeles.

These are either the names of two food items on the Jollibee menu or two drag queens with great PR agents.

Alarming Clock

LED Graphic wall clock found at a Torrence, California flea market proves there's always time for Jesus

Sandwichs à Immersion de Français

Downtown L.A.'s oldest restaurant is Cole's on Sixth & Main.

Monday, August 31, 2009

How Does Dr.Pepper Feel About Me?

Vintage 7up Sign in Merced, CA.

Pre-Columbian Room Service

The Aztec Hotel in Monrovia, CA.

Built in the 1920's

Friday, July 31, 2009

Apparently the reign of Donut King I was so polular, the kingdom of Gardena, Ca. was granted a Donut King II. Perhaps things would have worked out differently for Marie Antionette had she declared, "Let them eat donuts!"

*Post was originally titled "Royal Jelly Donuts" just for its obvious and cringe-worthy pun benefit.

However, Kathy Ketter wrote in to inform me that by way of the wildest coincidence, one of the site's original 1955 co-founders (when it was known as The Big DoNut Drive-In ... a chain of some 10 Southern California locations, 5 of which remain today) was a fellow named ROYAL STEARNS!

So what do you know? I'm apparently wittier than I thought and clairvoyant to boot :-)
I'm glad these great-looking dount stands still exist. A big thanks to Kathy Ketter (Stearn's granddaughter) for the info, and thanks to Royal Stearns and partner Russell Wendell for such an enduringly iconic L.A. location!

Teutonic Take-Out

Located at 833 W. Torrence Blvd. in Torrence, Ca., The Alpine Village is a shopping mall, a wedding venue, a dance hall, a restaurant, and a year-'round photo-op. Home to the annual Oktoberfest (a seven week attraction!) and the only place I know where you can find lederhosen in adult sizes...just in time for that next "The Sound of Music" sing-along.

Chinatown, My Chinatown

Hop Louie's Restaurant

Basic gift rule: If it can't be good, it should at least be sincere.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Christmas in Chowchilla

Nostalgic, Small-Town Holiday Decorations Grace the Street Lamps on Robertson Blvd. in Chowchilla, California.

Maybe They Serve Pillsbury Space Food Sticks Here

An Unassuming Diner in San Gabriel , California Boasts an Impressive Sign Done in the Futuristic "Googie" Style of the 50's & 60's.

Going To The Chapel

Wayfarers Chapel in Palos Verdes, California.
The Glass Chapel, designed by Lloyd Wright, overlooks the Pacific Ocean.

City Lights

The Outdoor Art Installation "Urban Light" by Artist Chris Burden
at the Los Angeles County Museum
of Art

The God of Mall Shopping

The "Spirit of American Youth" statue that graces the fountain at the Americana Mall in Glendale.
Of course, were this really the sprit of American youth, it would be 20 pounds heavier, tatooed, pierced, and texting with one hand while holding a Starbucks coffee in the other.