To Live and Dine in LA at the Central Library

The Central Library in Downtown LA is truly a wondrous place. Ever since my first visit as a teenager I was enamored with this vast space filled with so many treasures waiting to be explored. As an adult I’ve done my fair share of exploring and have enjoyed it every time.

Currently, at the library is a new exhibit that I was just dying to see – To Live and Dine in L.A. – Menus from the Collection of the Los Angeles Public Library.

I’d long heard about the library’s extensive collection of vintage menus and making an appointment to view them was on my to do list. Imagine my glee when I heard many of these very pieces were currently on display – no appointment necessary! As soon as our Last Remaining Seats volunteer shift ended Shannon and I headed on over to check it out.

It. Was. Fabulous.

So many vintage menu! And so cleverly displayed. The menus were displayed according to various categories rather than simply chronologically. It was fascinating to see the diversity of menu design as well as the sheer number of restaurants that have been located in the Los Angeles area. Many of these restaurants are long shuttered yet their menus leave behind a glimpse into the style, culture and personal taste of past Angelenos.

Here’s a sampling of some of my favorite pieces:

Oh, how I’d love to dine at sea on the S.S. Tango. Or grab a burger at Adams-Sheetz Drive-In. Or hob nob with the stars at The Brown Derby (William Holden could spill his spaghetti on me any day!). I have to admit, I was lucky enough to eat at one of the locations – The Steak House at Knott’s Berry Farm. My family and I would visit it on special occasions and, boy, did I love it. They had boysenberry sherbert for dessert and it was my and my aunt’s favorite treat. Sadly, the Steak House has long been converted into a more casual restaurant. Every time I’m at Knott’s I can’t bear to eat there – I want it to remain just as it was in my memory.

Who’d have thought something as simple as a menu could evoke such wonderful memories? I’m so happy the library has saved so many wonderful vintage pieces and am even happier that I had a chance to see them. The exhibit runs until November 13th and I highly recommend a visit!