Searching for France in L.A, Part II
Like I said before, I've been looking for France in L.A. So, when I read an article about Beachwood Canyon, and its resemblance to Toulouse, France, I had to pay it a visit.
On a hot Sunday afternoon, a few weeks ago, I left my house to find out what's so special about the area. To get there, just put Beachwood Canyon Market in your GPS. Beachwood Canyon Drive is the main street that gets you to all the charming narrow side streets, and the instagrammable spots.
As I drove through the narrow curvy streets, and having had to pull over often to let the oncoming cars to pass, I was reminded of my time in France. When my mom visited, she loved my apartment which overlooked an alleyway. Every morning cars would honk their horns at a guy who was delivering bread out of his truck parked in front of a market below my building. He took his time, oblivious of the people who were lined up behind him, trying to get to work.
The homes are different with a lot of character. There are also faux castles in this area.
I wanted to take a photo of the Hollywood sign when I drove up Beachwood Canyon, but there were too many people doing the same thing, and the sun was too strong. So I moved on, and took a photo on my way back.
There is a small market, café, and a vintage shop.
A lot of history is behind the entire area, but since that was not the reason I was there, I will not get into it. If you're interested, you can find out more on Rebecca's blog. There is also the secret staircases of Beachwood Canyon, and here is how to get there.
As I drove through the narrow curvy streets, and having had to pull over often to let the oncoming cars to pass, I was reminded of my time in France. When my mom visited, she loved my apartment which overlooked an alleyway. Every morning cars would honk their horns at a guy who was delivering bread out of his truck parked in front of a market below my building. He took his time, oblivious of the people who were lined up behind him, trying to get to work.
The homes are different with a lot of character. There are also faux castles in this area.
I wanted to take a photo of the Hollywood sign when I drove up Beachwood Canyon, but there were too many people doing the same thing, and the sun was too strong. So I moved on, and took a photo on my way back.
I stopped by the Beachwood Café. All I wanted was two eggs and toast, but I was told that breakfast was over, and the only way I could get eggs was to have it with pancake and bacon which didn't make sense to me. I ordered burrata, instead. I was expecting it to be warm, but it was cold as ice, and served with too many garlic bread. Burrata is best served over a thinly-sliced high quality Italian bread. If you plan to go, don't go for lunch. Get there early when they're serving breakfast.
A lot of history is behind the entire area, but since that was not the reason I was there, I will not get into it. If you're interested, you can find out more on Rebecca's blog. There is also the secret staircases of Beachwood Canyon, and here is how to get there.
Note: A meter maid waits under a tree to give you a ticket. Make sure to read the street signs carefully before you park. I almost got a ticket, but then I realized that although I was in a 2 hour spot, I wasn't allowed to park there on Sat & Sun.
