Living in a large metropolitan area like Southern California has been compared by many to an adult Disneyland. There are so many things to do and different locales to experience. There’s mountains, beaches, urban jungles and beautiful pastoral small home towns. It’s a smorgasbord of experiences just waiting for the adventurer. Most recently I happened upon another new experience being offered up by Los Angeles’ progressive developers. In the heart of Skid Row, a beautiful, elite community has risen. Having removed the Skid, it is now The Row. DTLA THE ROW to be exact and it’s more than unique, it’s a glimpse into the future and possibly post-apocalyptic life for city dwellers.

The Row is located adjacent and between the Fashion District and well-known produce market of Los Angeles and next to the downtown. It’s situated somewhat at an angle to the old gargantuan American Apparel factory. If you are not familiar with this neighborhood, it can best be described as an uber urban, concrete jungle, lots of warehousing and graffiti galore. The Row is a 30 acre complex consisting of six old factory buildings that have been cleaned and polished to their former glory and adorned with cutting edge designs. There’s an immaculate 10 story garage for safe parking.

As you arrive at The Row, it’s evident that the surrounding area has been detailed as well. Formerly this area was full of foot traffic and busy. Lots of local workers and street people going about daily life. Now it’s devoid of activity sans for cars approaching and passing by.

 

 

Once you are parked and within the complex you are surrounded by modern art and landscaping. There’s a heavy bent towards artisanal production. The shops are mostly new and upcoming entrepreneurs with trending products. There are art galleries and several restaurants and cafes to choose from. I was ready for lunch, so I decided to go with Tartine Manufactory.

 

Tartine Manufactory is located on the ground floor of the first factory building. It has a wall of gorgeous windows, so that once inside, everything is infused with natural light as well as good strong lighting. To the left is a deli and store and to the right the restaurant and bar. The space is very open with little division between spaces creating a communal effect. The design is modern, utilizing wood and vases filled with flowers to bring a touch of earth into the setting.

The food is amazing and if I were to write about it, that would be a very long post in itself and I’m really not a food blogger. If I were to summarize my experience, it would be the food is incredibly fresh, complex, made with artistry, delicious and healthy. The menu utilizes Tartine’s bread in many of it’s recipes.

 

I didn’t tea travel here, but opted for a luxurious, thick, strong cappucino. It was fantastic. It was brewed to perfection and complemented the food that I chose off the menu that was made with Tartine bread.

I sat at the counter and gazed out at the breezeway that was painted in bright neon colors in a geometric design. People strolled by, taking in the industrial architecture and the artwork that is everywhere.

It was a beautiful and unique place to take a meal. The Row itself, is on a trajectory of success. I heard that is swamped on weekends and an added attraction is Smorgasburg at the Produce Market next to The Row. It’s from 10am to 4pm and free. Smorgasburg hosts vendors selling artisanal goods and great food.

I love The Row. It’s so different and an entirely new experience. It’s good to see that people are reusing old spaces for beautiful new things. It’s urban renewal at it’s best and sets a new standard for bringing historic neighborhoods back to life.

Photo by delfi de la Rua on Unsplash

While relaxing at Tartine Maunufactory, I began to make a list in my head of places to take tea in Paris, France. I was excited to finally return to Paris for a reunion of dancers from around the world. There was Marriage Freres that has three locations in Paris. There is Laduree which has three tea rooms as well. There is also Angelines. I decided to try all three and plan to bring them to my readers in the Fall of this year. And maybe more.