3/27/2007

Last December, I went on a Little India Culinary, Cultural and Shopping Tour led by two members of the LA Mumbai Sister City Affiliation.  Our tour started at Tirupathi Bhimas.  It's a good-sized restaurant and has a lovely atmospheric ceiling in the middle of the restaurant with a painting of the sky, the tops of palm trees and birds.  The lunch was absolutely delicious and included a mango lassi, a dosa tray that had a gota (savory donut), a rice steamed dumpling soup and so much more.

After lunch, we headed to Highglow Jewelers where we learned about  Indian jewelry.  Apparently, India has one of the highest, if not the highest, consumer base for gold jewelry in the world and we're not talking a measly 14 carats.  24 carats is the name of the game.  Surprisingly, there were white gold pieces, but we were told by the owner, that the white gold was more for non-Indians, since most Indians have a marked preference for yellow gold.

It was really hard to tear ourselves away from the gorgeously intricate jewelry, but eventually we made our way to the Mirage Collection where two women from our group became models for two different ways to wear a sari.  The lone gentlemen with us also got roped into trying on a bridegroom's wedding outfit.

Afterwards, we went on to Cottage Art where there were lots of beautiful Indian clothing, furniture and other decorative items.  There were even two beautiful beds draped with gorgeous fabrics.

It was back to food because we ended our tour first with a stop at an Indian grocery store and than relaxed a bit with Indian ice cream at the Saffron Spot.

This was actually my second visit to Little India.  My first was with a friend, but we just went there for lunch and didn't do much walking around.  But on this tour, I saw just enough that I need to go back for more exploration and even more so because I want to try more Little India eats. :)  If you haven't made it to Little India yet, be sure to check it out.  Who knows what treasures you'll find?

To see pics of that tour I took last year, go to:
flickr.com/photos/la_add…

11/18/2008

Little India - a great place!  There are many East Indian shops
and restaurants on Pioneer Ave in Artesia.  I try to go once a year,
usually before Christmas, to stock up on stocking stuffers!  I find
beautiful fabrics, inexpensive spices, interesting soaps, just
lots of really unusual stuff.    We usually have lunch at one of the little cafes - I'm learning to appreciate Indian food.  The Indian market
is a treat as well.  Check it out - it's a fun day!

8/27/2006

• First to Review

I don't know which of the many, many good stores and restaurants to review in Little India in Artesia....so many are so very good. This is the perfect place to go if you are vegetarian. Everything is closed on Mondays, beware. Sundays are the perfect time to go. I really like the Farm Fresh small supermarket for Indian spices, rice, lassi, candy, chips, whatever...To get there take the 91 Fwy get off at Pioneer and head south. In a few blocks you will be in the land of Saris, Dosas and Mango Lassis.

1/3/2008

I miss this place and need to visit very soon. It was lovely to walk around and browse the colorful shops...I shoulda bought that sari I saw! Don't get me started on the food, AMAZING. I admit it's a bit of a drive but how else can one explore their city?