DOWNTOWN WEEKLY THE SPIRIT OF DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES
WWW.DTLAWEEKLY.COM VOL 15. NO. 10 NOV 11TH - NOV 17TH, 2021
DTLA appetite
TULSI INDIAN EATERY
RUNNING WITH THE PACK
The Wolves Bar ReOpens in the Historic Core
LITTLE TOKYO STREET FAIR
THE SPICY SIDE OF DOWNTOWN WEEKLY
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ON THE COVER
LOCATION:
OLD BANK DISTRICT
TULSI INDIAN EATERY
THE HOT PEPPERS
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little tokyo street fair ..........5 tulsi indian eatery....6 the wolves reopens....8 americans take to grand park.....8 ozomatli to play in chinatown......9 general jeff memorial at the regent ...11 DTLA WEEKLY
editor and chief KERI FREEMAN
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS awaya oswald KERI FREEMAN DAN DEVON carolyn platzman
photography GARY LEONARD
VIDEO Production
@kerieatsdtla design and layout @kerieatsdtla
social media
@kerieatsdtla
Special thanks to... MAYOR OF LOS ANGELES & THE CITY OF LA ARTS DISTRICT CHINATOWN CIVIC DISTRICT BUNKER HILL EXPO/USC HISTORIC CORE LITTLE TOKYO FASHION DISTRICT FINANCIAL DISTRICT SKID ROW SOUTH PARK WAREHOUSE DISTRICT THEGRAWN ARTWALK NEWS
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DTLA DOING THE MOST by AMAYA OSWALD
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LITTLE TOKYO STREET FAIR COMING TO WELLER COURT This Saturday, November 13th, Weller Court will be home to Downtown Los Angeles’s first ever Little Tokyo street fair. With over twenty vendors, the fun, family friendly event is expected to draw big crowds. The fair will feature a live DJ and local art, crafts, plants, and clothing. Attendees can explore Downtown while shopping and enjoy delicious Japanese food inside Weller Court. The fair is an important gesture of support and gratitude towards the Japanese community in Downtown Los Angeles and a great way to support local businesses. “Little Tokyo is home to our Southern California Japanese American community,” said the event’s organizers, Kenneth Higashi and Bailey Kikuch. “We wanted to bring awareness to the Little Tokyo community and create a fun event for small businesses.” Weller Court, where the fair is happening from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., is on Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka Street, adjacent to First, Second, Los Angeles, and San Pedro Street. Little Tokyo spans the area of about five city blocks and is bounded by Los Angeles Street on the west, Alameda Street on the east, Third Street on the south, and First Street on the north.
Bozu plants>> Little Tokyo is one of Los Angeles’ most energetic, multicultural, and historic neighborhoods and was first established in 1885 when Hamanosuke Shigeta opened a Japanese restaurant on First Street. As more “Issei” (first generation) Japanese immigrants came to Los Angeles, more shops and restaurants opened up in the area. Little Tokyo quickly became the first and largest Japanese American community to form in the City of Los Angeles in all of North America. Today, Little Tokyo is home to a number of popular tourist attractions, such as the National Museum building, which began in 1925 as the first Buddhist Temple constructed by Japanese immigrants. The James Irvine Japanese Garden, the Beaux-Arts Far East Building, and the Far East Cafe are all popular attractions in Little Tokyo. Street fairs have been wildly popular in Little Tokyo for a long time; the annual Oshogatsu Festival held on January 1st is one of the most popular festivals, boasting large numbers of attendees every year.
Nisei Week is another beloved street fair in Little Tokyo that celebrates the culture and history of Japanese Americans in Los Angeles; “nisei” means “second generation” in Japanese. This year, Nisei Week occurred from August 14th to the 22nd alongside a virtual version of the Nisei Week festival, as virtual festivals have become increasingly popular since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic Higashi and Kikuch are excited about this Saturday’s street fair and are hopeful about the positive impact the event will have on Little Tokyo and its residents. “This street fair represents a celebration of hard work and dedication,” Higashi and Kikuch told DTLA Weekly. “[We want to] bring together likeminded people pursuing their passions.” @bozu_la @kioskboys
DT APPETITE: TUSLI EATERY BY KERI FREEMAN
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Y R E T A E N A I D N I I S TUL
Still fresh from celebrating India’s annual Diwali festival of lights signifying victory of good over evil, there’s never been a better time to surround ourselves with peace, beauty and the promise of a positive, healthy life.
As individuals, each responsible for our own health and well being, it’s up to us to find our own paths to love and joy. Luckily for DTLA, Main and Forth Streets are the way to Tulsi Indian Eatery. Side Note:Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is a healing plant found and celebrated in India for its immune boosting qualities, and sweet aroma. For thousands of years, the people of India have turned to the plant to cure what ails them. Visionaries, Chirag Shah, CEO, Antonio Kanickaraj, Director of Operations and Amjad “AP” Pathan, CMO, opened Tulsi Indian Eatery in DTLA and it’s sister location in Northridge almost simultaneously in 2020, with the purposeful intent of bringing Indian food into America’s mainstream food scene. Where traditionally, Indian food restaurants have been dimly lit enclaves run by mom and pops, offering
well known mainstream dishes, Tulsi brings America affordable, exotic items most may have not yet been exposed to. “We offer full regional menus prepared by master regional chefs; we strive to provide a high quality Indian fast casual dining experience-in that sense we are among the first in the nation.” Said Shah. Upon entering Tulsi on Main, one’s attentions are immediately called to admire its enormous bright and airy modern space. Natural lighting illuminates lime green seating as pale wood decor provides enough proclivity to establish the location as a fast-casual dining room. High above the register are four main menus each representing the regions of India inviting visitors to discover the culinary delights found in the North, South and
West. Because of this, fans have branded the eatery with the catchy term, “India on a plate.” Open Your Mind Then Open Your Mouth Tulsi items are not typical, each requiring an adventurous palate and the intellect to open one’s mind and explore new flavors. From the North, VEGETABLE DUM BIRYANI; Basmati Rice with vegetables and cottage cheese, served with yogurt and pickles - a dish that originated from a 16th Century steam & smoke style of cooking. From the West, PANI PURI SHOTS, eight pieces of crispy puffs filled with a potato bean mixture dipped in spicy cilantro & tamarind masala waters. From the south, (something truly unique) in the form of a rice crepe smothered in cheese, onions and tomatoes filled with potato, onion and masala
TUSLI EATERY By KERI FREEMAN
Don’t worry if you haven’t heard these names or had a taste of these dishes before; that is exactly the point when it comes to this fast casual chain’s mission to invite all to explore everything Indian food has to offer at an affordable price.
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compliment a wide array of lassis flavors reimagined for modern tastes and dietary preferences and dubbed Lassi 2.0! Tulsi offers many different flavors of the popular yoghurt based probiotic drink along with a variety of imported Indian beers and select wines. Tulsi is on a fast track to sustainability. Mainly plant based, they help our community embrace sustainably as the majority of their dishes are solely plant based. Now incorporating Beyond Meat and vegan soy products, Tulsi presents our town with food for the future and they aren’t stopping there. Look out for Tulsi Bistro opening on 7th and Bixel Streets at the ground floor of the Medici coming in 2022.
INDIA ON A PLATE
All of this coupled with familiar and curry combos???
“We are first to envision a national Indian food concept and strive to do for Indian food what Panda and PF Chang have done for Chinese cuisine.” Said Amjad “AP” Pathan, CMO. Side note: Two principles guide our business philosophy: (1) don’t get too greedy and (2) do honest business. These two pillars along with an immense focus of the fair and ethical treatment of people serve as our guiding principles.” If at any time you’re feeling hesitant, Tulsi’s forth “influencer menu” list familiar names such as Vada Pav, Plant-based Kofts Curry, and Pan Asian specialities such as Hakka Noodles, all to
Enjoy the great outdoors at Tulsi Indian Eatery outdoor patio while taking in the view of DTLAs most historic buildings, including the Farmers and Merchants Bank, just across the street, the reportedly haunted Hotel Barkley and the building where Tulsi is housed, the 1920s iconic San Bernardo Building located at 408 S Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90013. Now accepting large and small catering orders, including special boxed lunches for the “office crowd,” Tulsi is open weekdays from 11 to 9 and Friday to Sunday from 11 to 10 for dining and take out or delivery.
Tulsi's Northridge location also sports a one-of-a-kind large, magnificent and modern dining room which patrons regularly rent for private events. @tulsieatery
8 DTLA BEHIND BARS: THE WOLVES BAR
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Running with The THOUSANDS OF AMERICANS Pack - The Wolves TAKE TO GRAND PARK IN Bar ReOpens in the ANTI VACCINE MANDATE Historic Core PROTEST
The Wolves has returned to the Spring Street Strip, bringing an element of class and beauty missing from the Historic Core Bar scene for nearly two years. Hospitality partners Al Almeida, and Isaac Mejia, graciously reopen their doors to the public Friday, November 12th, to scores of fans who have been anxiously awaiting their return. The Wolves first opened to rave reviews in 2018, after spending nearly three years adorning their space with hand-picked antiques, oddities, and period-authentic pieces from around the world. In addition, designers made a special effort in restoring what was left inside their space located
at the eastern base of the Alexandria Hotel, built-in 1911 only to close during Covid barely two years after opening. These days, running with the wolf pack is beverage program director and mixologist extraordinaire Nathan McCullough (of Mezcalero fame) and returning watchman lovable doorman Mr. Ivan Johnson. Once inside, DTLA will experience all of the wonders that established The Wolves Bar as a timeless DTLA favorite. 100-year-old white marble, engraved mirrors, vintage lanterns, iron rod balconies and staircases, carved antique mahogany, European church pews, and of course, the most luxurious double-arched stained glass ceiling in the city. What was once an upstairs vaudevillian theater will reopen in the upcoming months with a separate cocktail menu and an entirely new look. The food menu is also a bit different, yet still manages to satisfy. Welcome back!
Thousands of people took to Grand Park Monday in a bi-partisan effort to protest against the latest batch of COVID-19 vaccination mandates. At least 4000 Americans were seen at the demonstration, which consisted of a few dozen or so passionate speakers, nonprofit organizations, and a line of vendors, all declaring such mandates unconstitutional.
Organized by Firefighters4Freedom, dubbed the “March for Freedom rally”, the crowd, which assembled around 10 am, did not march but instead took up space on the lawn only to disperse by 2 pm without incident. American flags, police flags and flags honoring veterans and picket signs stating each individual’s position were plenty, as well as cries for freedom in defiance of almost everything and anything Covid related. Speakers expressed concerns over freedom of religion, having freedom over medical choices for themselves and their children, potentially losing their jobs, and their disappointment in the current administration. There weren’t any “Let’s Go Biden” imprecations. However, a few “creative” messages were on t-shirts, hats, and picket signs, including several signs marked “hero to zero” and one protester who held a photoshopped poster of the Mayor dressed up as the Joker.
Our city’s most recent mandate requiring proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is one of the strictest in the U.S., threatening paychecks and pensions for city and county employees, along with fines for businesses who do not comply. The first offense for any business that does not comply will bring a warning, but subsequent offenses could rise to $5,000 each. Protesters included Los Angeles city and county fire departments, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and other government agencies. At least one off-duty police officer took to the stage with public comments. This happened outside the windows of City Hall with Mayor Garcetti under self-quarantine away in Scotland after news of his breakthrough Covid 19 infection on November 3.
While the order took effect Monday, city officials won’t start enforcing it until November 29, promising forbidden entry to indoor and outdoor event establishments until proof of vaccination or a negative covid test can be provided. According to the ordinance, people can be exempted from the vaccine mandate if they have medical conditions that restrict their ability to get vaccinated or can convince each location of “sincerely held religious belief,” according to the ordinance. On Monday, officials began SafewayLA, a city outreach and education campaign, but actual enforcement of the new mandate will not start until November 29. Pushed back at least twice, December 18 now marks the deadline when L.A. city workers who have not received formal religious or medical exemptions to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or risk termination from their jobs.
DTLA MUSIC TO YOUR EARS VOL 15 NO 10 - NOVEMBER 11TH - NOVEMBER 17TH, 2021 DTLAWEEKLY.COM 9
DTLA MUSIC TO YOUR EARS
Ozomatli & Egyptian Lover Set to Perform at Alzheimer’s LA
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Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, the oldest community-based organization serving families living with Alzheimer’s in Los Angeles is honoring and celebrating their 40 years of service to the community with a vibrant celebration of food and music at L.A. State Historic Park. The event, featuring Grammy Award-winners Ozomatli, will be held on November 14, 2021, gates opening at 12 pm. Meeting as young political activists and musicians, the original band formed in Los Angeles in 1995 to play a notorious urban-Latino-andbeyond collision of hip hop and salsa, dancehall and cumbia, samba, funk and more — all while following a key mantra: it will take you around the world by taking you around Los Angeles. Their music has been recognized and celebrated widely – having won four Grammy Awards, serving as official US Cultural Ambassadors playing to audiences around the world, and here in the City of LA, April 23rd is designated Ozomatli Day in recognition of their immense contribution to the cultural life of our city. Gregory Broussard, better known by his stage name Egyptian Lover, is an American
musician, vocalist, producer and DJ, and was a part of the L.A. pop lock dance music and rap scene in the early 1980s. Alzheimer’s Los Angeles has been part of this community for 40 years and we’re proud of our long history of working with our partners to provide the care and support families need when facing Alzheimer’s or another dementia. This event celebrates the richness and diversity of our community and what better way to do that than through food and music?” says Susan Disney Lord, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles Board Co-Chair. In addition to the kings of Latin fusion, Ozomatli, the multicultural festival will include live performances by Grammy Award-winning and nominated member of Ellas, as well as Egyptian Lover, No Small Children, Quinto Sol, and DJ Mona Lisa. Iconic local food vendors and informational booths focusing on brain health and other healthy lifestyle opportunities will also be part of the festivities. Top sponsors of the event include Zenith Media, Biogen, Lilly, Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Alfred E. Mann Foundation, Cedars-Sinai, Genentech, and Amoeba Music.
With this fundraising event, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles is both celebrating the past and turning its vision to the future to ensure that anyone in need of help is able to access it. They continue to work to educate greater Los Angeles about what dementia is and isn’t and fight to eliminate the stigma that perpetuates misunderstanding and creates unnecessary barriers to accessing available support and services. “This event will help raise awareness about available support and resources within the communities most affected by Alzheimer’s disease,” comments Heather Cooper Ortner, President & CEO. “But it also gives us all a safe place to come together in-person and celebrate the community. We all need a reason to celebrate these days and a safe way to do it.” Due to COVID-19, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles is meeting the challenge of providing essential programs to their older and vulnerable clients online and on the phone, but the needs of families continue to grow as the pandemic draws on. In California, more than half a million people have Alzheimer’s disease, with over 166,000 living in Los Angeles County. Experts estimate that someone in the US develops Alzheimer’s disease every 65 seconds. By midcentury someone will develop Alzheimer’s disease every 33 seconds. Until there is a cure, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles will provide the care. Gates open at 12 pm. One person $25, two people $45, 4 People $80 www.alzheimersLA.org @ozomatli
DTLA DRESS ME SHEIK- MODEL MAFIA AT THE GLOBE
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LAPD ISSUES WARNING AS CRIME IN THE HISTORIC CORE CLAIMS MORE & MORE VICTIMS
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LAPD RobberyHomicide Division recommends that citizens be mindful and on guard after a recent spike in armed robberies. Victims are targeted while coming from jewelers, nightclubs, and high-end restaurants across Los Angeles, emphasizing such crimes happening in the Historic Core of Downtown Los Angeles.
LAPD has issued these types of bulletins before, warning citizens not to leave valuables in their vehicles in-plane sites, to lock their doors, and what actions to take if you're a victim of crime. This latest bulletin comes at a time when local businesses are still healing from a rash of car break-ins, deadly shootings, hostage situations, assaults, and other malicious crimes inside their homes or places of business. One such crime occurred at Polished Nail Salon on 6th and Spring just last week, with a cashier at the salon robbed at gunpoint.
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Family Announces Memorial Services Location, Date and Time for General Jeff
Family members have announced the date and time for Jeff’s official memorial service on November 18th at the Regent Theater located at 448 S Main Street from 3-6pm.
#SURVIVINGDTLA Here is the latest in LAPD recommendations: Before exiting your car, walking out of a restaurant, store, mall, or club, be aware of one's surroundings for anything unusual or out of the ordinary. Be cautious of displaying high-value property in public, such as purses, watches, and jewelry. Record and report suspicious activity to the police (write down questionable suspect/vehicle descriptions). If you are driving and believe you are being followed, dial 911. If possible, drive to the nearest police station.
Do not resist the robbery suspects; cooperate and comply with their demands if you are being robbed. Be a good witness. After a robbery, immediately call the police department by dialing 911. Immediately write down everything you can remember about the crime, suspects and suspect vehicle. Do not chase or follow the robbery suspect out of your place of business or home. Leave the job of catching the suspects to the police. @lapdhq @historiccoredtla #SurvivingDTLA
General Jeff & Governor Gavin Newsome Photo by Gary Leonard
In the days following his passing, friend and Pastor Cue of Church Without Walls dedicated his church ceremony to honor the life and works of the late West Coast Hip Hop Pioneer. At least two separate murals have been painted in his image; one located on Winston and Main, the other at Gladys Park in the Skid Row District. Los Angeles Times, LAIST, and West Coast Styles were first to honor Jeff with editorials, with still no words written by LA Downtown News
or any of the BIDS, with representatives who once boldly expressed Jeff’s Skid Row Formation Committee mission to separate from DLANC in 2017 would only lead to further division in the DTLA community. Perhaps proclaiming our town’s most gallant nonprofits in Skid Row as “poverty pimps” out of frustration and wanting to break free from DLANC to have more of a say in the city and county policies concerning his district didn’t gain Jeff many friends within their ranks and donor base, however, he was a well-known member of
the DTLA community, former member of DLANC, invited to Downtown News “Best Of” Galas yearly, and worthy of articles in the LA Times. Several community vigils have also been held to honor “the Mayor of Skid Row,” and City District 14 councilmember Kevin De Leon has written (but not yet submitted) an official motion to rename Gladys Park as General Jeff Memorial Park. General Jeff, who fought admirably to improve the conditions of the Skid Row community died October 16th due to congenial heart complications.
