Royal* Jelly Donuts

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.

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