We have a lot of pride in the re-born neighborhood in downtown Los Angeles where we live. It is cool, (as NYC 1985 without the crackheads and crime cool): art galleries, small bars, and loft living. One of the things about this city which baffles visitors, and takes years to understand, is that the really great stuff tends to be hidden. In any other city it would right out in the open, but so often here, it is the second floor of a strip mall, or down some unmarked alley.
The Firehouse Hotel opened about in March this year in our neighborhood with a dozen rooms and a fantastic restaurant garden space. The facade is somewhat noticeable from the street, but as I mentioned above, there is not that much to indicate what is behind it. It still caught the eye of Time Magazine, who named it one of the top 100 places of 2019.

A wonderful trend that we are seeing more and more of is businesses of all types having free events that generate community interaction. This is something we support 100% – as people, including us, spend far too much time isolated and staring at a screen.
On Monday nights, in a backroom/patio, which used to be the handball court for the fire station, the Firehouse Hotel does a movie night. Cushions on the floor and a big screen at the back, in a covered outdoor space. There is something about a group outdoor movie experience that is delightful. In this very urban environment, it’s a throwback to summer camps of decades ago.
This week was the Wes Anderson film Grand Budapest Hotel. How utterly charming and appropriate for that film to watch it laying on pillows under a canopy? The admission is free. Drinks and excellent food by chef Ashley Abodeely, formerly of New York City’s Eleven Madison Park and NoMad LA.
See you there next Monday night.