Before the Date…
Our city’s landscape is filled with many microcosms of far away lands, distanct cultures, and futuristic places. Almost square in the middle of LA are the tastes, smells, and reminders of a world which seems so far away yet so close to home. One full of magical wonder, old time excitement, and bitter national sorrow. It’s where you’ll be spending your afternoon, cruising the streets of the “Big Easy.” In the end it may seem to be all but a dream, only you can find out.
So text your friends who love the South and prepare to enjoy a little bit of New Orleans here in Los Angeles.
Covid Rating: 5/10
St0p #1: 2 hours to sunset
Southern Bites
from a local LA institution
What to Know
Opened by Harold Legaux Sr. and Mary Belle in 1969 this authentic Creole establishment has been a family affair since day one. Today it’s run by the 3rd generation: Ryan & Jessica Legaux.
The beginnings were a pool hall and bar vibe straight out of New Orleans where File Gumbo was served only on Fridays. In the 80s Harold Jr. took over changing the vibe to a culinary exploration.
What to Order: File gumbo, shrimp po’ boy, jambalaya, and the beignets
During Covid times: Order on their website then park outside the front door on Jefferson Blvd. They will bring it out to you.
St0p #2: 1.5 hours to sunset
Picnic with a Purpose
at a memorial for Dr. King
What to Know
The drive is a quick 15 minutes to the top of Kenneth Hahn Park. Your goal is to secure a parking spot at the top next to the outdoor gym. Follow the directions in the icon above.
If you arrive to the park on a weekend or Holiday it may be $6 cash to pay for parking. There are no ATMs neaby so please come prepared.
If you park at the top it’s a 30 second walk to the highest point in the park, where the memorial sits. Alternative parking places are along the main road below the lot or a little further walk to Don Lorenzo Dr..
The prime spot to enjoy your picnic is the bench to the right of the memorial with the perfect view of DTLA.
The memorial was dedicated on April 4th, 2018, the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s assasination. Hundreds of local activists including Reverend James Lawson, Jr., a friend of Dr. King’s, marched to the top of the hill to honor him.
St0p #3: 45 minutes to sunset
Summer Sweetness
at a Nola pastime
What to Know
The Snoball is not only a seasonal New Orleans tradition but a whole world unto itself. Traditonal and modern flavors combine together to create thousands of cold fluffy variations.
This shop has been here for almost 15 years connecting you to the sweet soul of New Orleans. A small size is big enough to send you 2,000 miles away to the bayou.