L.A. Times - Only in L.A.

The story behind Philippe's and its famous French dip

Sun, 5 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The Los Angeles landmark will celebrate its centennial Monday with dignitaries, the founder's grandson and slashed prices.

Philippe's, home of the French dip sandwich, turns 100 this year, and for much of the last century local historians and foodies have been arguing over one question: How was the dish created?

Look closely for L.A.'s whimsical architecture of yesteryear

Sun, 18 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

A restaurant shaped like a tamale, a photo shop that looked like a camera -- these and other structures are still around, often with new occupants.

"If . . . you found you could buy cakes in a windmill, ices in a gigantic cream can, and flowers in a huge pot, you might begin to wonder whether you had not stepped through a looking glass or taken a toss down a rabbit burrow and could expect Mad Hatter or White Queen to appear . . . "

Watch that slice-of-life guy next door

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Y ou think your neighbor is a problem? The Saddleback Valley News said police received a report about a Lake Forest resident who "routinely blows a bugle-type horn and marches around the yard with a sword." I wouldn't worry -- unless the sword-waver starts yelling, "Charge!"

It might have been nearly impossible for any actor to pull off

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Budgets must be getting really tight in Hollywood.

Enlightenment has its price

Sun, 27 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Rick Call of Marina del Rey chanced upon a newspaper ad promoting "a rare opportunity to be in the powerful presence of a swami (one who is considered to be liberated from material desires)."

At 70 mph, Motorcyclist Gives Drivers a Wheelie Scary Sight

Tue, 22 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0700

A never-ending subject of conversation in these parts is the "you'll-never-guess-what-I-saw-on-the-freeway-today" story. On the laobserved.com website, mystery novelist Denise Hamilton relates "the most horrifying thing" she's encountered recently: a guy on a sports motorcycle on the 134 Freeway, near Glendale, "popping wheelies at 70 mph.

Young Boy's Comment at Play Is a Show-Stopper

Fri, 30 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Wardrobe!

Confusion on Patron's Part: A Waiter Isn't a Gofer

Tue, 14 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Talk about ordering off the menu.