One of my favorite
areas of Los Angeles...

Saturday, October 30, 2010



As kids, mom would take my sister and I to visit regularly. Like many in the 70's she was a huge fan of Kung-fu films. Most of the films were in Chinese (sans subtitles) but it hardly mattered, you got the gist of it with all the good fighting. Also, we loved the food. There were two restaurants we'd visit most (both long gone now). First had a formal dining atmosphere to it but I remember the noodles most and lots of exploring and running around. My sister and I would use the excuse of visiting the ladies room to go explore the restaurant and hallways that led to the kitchen area. People and noises were fascinating to us. The second restaurant was a smaller one run by brothers. There were at least 3 or 4 of them, huge sumo wrestler sized guys who made the most delicious duck noodle soup in the world. Seriously, even now, as an adult I remember that soup... and I was pretty finicky about food at that age. These were the eateries of choice and after dinner she’d take us to the little Chinese novelty shops for browsing; we'd always surface with some kind of tiny treasure. Miniature Chinese tea sets, little change purses sporting the Chinatown logo... all things aimed at tourists. In a particular plaza there was a trained monkey who’d dance to the music of his partner's hand-cranked Victrola while he played the accordion. When he’d finish his performance he'd walk up to his squealing and cheering audience with a small hat to collect money… well, maybe it was just me and my sis squealing? Definitely was a wonder though. Lastly, there was Chinese New Year. Every year our mom would take us to see the parade. Remember the first time I caught sight of a dancing dragon parading down the street, fearsome and beautiful at once! Drums pounding, the dragon weaving up and down as it traversed it’s route, firecrackers popping everywhere, bells jingling... a cacophony that made your heart pound! So there you have it, those are all the nostalgic reasons behind my love of Chinatown, and on this post are some photos taken on a recent visit. It was during the day, so the nightlife isn't captured, but the day time shopping is. Many of the shops have disappeared over the years so the scene has changed. They've been replaced by a number of art galleries and a new generation of shops, but it's definitely not a bad thing. It gives us a new wave of treasures to find...







Flock Shop
943 N. Broadway, #103
Los Angeles, CA 90012



Krokeshi Dolls by Emi Motokawa











Fong's
943 Chung King Rd
Los Angeles, CA 90012







Miniatures!





Guarding the Pepin Moore gallery...



33 comments:

Brandi said...

Such beautiful pictures. I'll be sure to go to Chinatown in a few weeks when I am in LA :)

Ren- Lady Of The Arts said...

One of my fav areas of LA too! Great
Photos!

Gabbi said...

That's so neat, you'll love it Brandi! Hope you're having a great Sunday... ♥

Ren, I think you and me are enamored with a lot of the same areas! I saw your post on Olvera Street not that long ago! ♥

natalie said...

Wow, love this post! This tiny carrot is so adorable! :)

Sobinique said...

Great photos! Those miniatures are really cute!

Sarah said...

What a beautiful walk through your chinatown Gabbi! It looks lovely and the shops look most tempting. Krokeshi dolls-so clever! Love the vampire teeth necklace and the miniatures. Sweet!

Sam said...

A lovely and comprehensive photo essay Gabbi! It seems every big city has a China Town but they are all (of course) just a little different. I'd love to explore yours! Really lovely!

Felix Curds said...

Such wonderful memories:) Amazing pictures- totally captured my love for China Town too!

Ana Rita Patinha said...

Such a lovely place gabbi!
I always wanted to visit chinatown *.* maybe someday...
And I love all the pictures you took...the miniatures are adorable :)

Have a nive weekend x

LenoreNeverM♡re said...

I luv Chinatown!
I love buying the freshest vegetables, they are so fresh & cheap! Those miniatures are too cute Gabbi! I'm such a fan of Bruce Lee too "Haiiiyack!"

xo*

mysterymoor said...

I love this post. It's funny how immigration is so different in different parts of the world. I remember as a small child (in the late 80s) I used to think the Chinese restaurant next to my grandparents' was the most exotic thing ever, and of course I never set foot in it. I think I never tried Chinese food until I was 7...and those chinese restaurants (all have the same look AND taste) were all the oriental influence in this town until relatively recently, when chinese shops and oriental supermarkets started to appear.

Anonymous said...

Take me there!!!!!!!!

Kitty Stampede said...

i love going to chinatown here too! wonderful photos!!! those minatures are way too cute. eee.

btw did you get the package, was it damaged?? i'm so worried. let me know, thanks!

happy halloween!

Stéphanie said...

Those pictures are beautiful !

P R I M O E Z A said...

great post and images gabbi. chinatowns are such great places and love your childhood memories.

dEsoRdeN said...

Me gustan esos colmillos!!

Lady Thirty said...

oh, I wanna go there... :)

Mary-Laure said...

Thanks for sharing those wonderful childhood memories.
And your pics are magical, as usual! Love the lanterns.

k said...

wonderful pictures...and memories!!

Certain Creatures said...

Hi Gabbi!
WHat lovely pictures of China Town.. I've never been but it looks like such an interesting place!
And what can I say... I LOOOOVE those miniatures!
:)
Have a lovely day, dear!

Francesca

Aileen Kim said...

Your mom and my mom should meet...am sure they're gonna hit it off right off the bat. My mom used to watch Chinese drama series (and yes sans the subtitle. I doubt she got the exact lines but, heck she could even explain the plot to me...hahaha. Anyhoo, lovely photos as always. I love the things you captured. Everything here is just eye candy.

Aiz's new blog post: Alice in Tralalaland

Galit said...

Here in Adelaide we have a little tiny China Town but it is still one of my favorite spots of the city.
Enjoyed reading your post so much Gabbi! You're the best in telling a good story!

Anonymous said...

Those tiny tiny miniatures always make my heart melt! Love them!


Camila F.

Emily said...

My parents were are very conservative and I only had my first taste of Chinese food when I left home but oh, how wonderful. In London, I don't care my for Chinatown but the one in L.A looks awesome. Beautiful memories and exquisite photos.

spoonful said...

Lovely jewelry. Looks nice.

Mystery Bruises said...

such sweet little things!
xx
www.mysterybruises.blogspot.com

P.s Please come visit my new Vintage & Designer Store FAUX REAL!
www.fauxrealstore.blogspot.com

Pen Pen said...

Those miniatures are SO fabulous! I could totally use those for some 3D nail art! :)

drollgirl said...

girl, you would be a great press person for chinatown! i have never been shopping there, and have never really explored the area much. now it is on my MUST-DO list!!!!!!

Unknown said...

agreed. I love Chinatown here ...though I may love San Francisco's a teensy bit more. Gorgeous photos.

Kalam Loves said...

I miss LA so much...
Thanks!

Diana said...

I love Chinatown! These are beautiful photos, Gabbi.

you know, union station is right by there...hint...hint... ;)

Happy thanksgiving!

Gabbi said...

That sounds like a genius idea Diana! Let's aim before the New year!!

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