Enjoying a pleasant morning on Saturday, August 22, I attended the Third Anniversary South Park/Social District Farmer’s Market. The weekly farmer’s market is now in its third year on Grand Ave. and has become a firmly entrenched feature of our neighborhood.

If you've walked down 11th Street over the past year or so, you've probably wondered about the storefront under construction with big signs for Sugar Sugar™. Behind those doors is a beautiful new clean beauty day spa that's bringing organic sugaring, custom airbrush tanning, and facials to South Park. Even better, it's being opened by two of our own neighbors.

There is a new coffee establishment in the neighborhood!  Fica Fica Coffee DTLA is located on Pico, mid-block between Hope Street and Grand Ave.  The clean, modern but somewhat sparce shop offers comfort and privacy to patrons as well as a multi-varied menu of creative coffee and tea drinks. 

 I spoke with Dr. Irene Diep owner/operator of a great little boutique eyeglasses and contact lenses business right here in South Park.  Dr. Diep explained that she has been operating at the current location at 10th and Broadway since she established her business in 2018. I have used her services often over the years and highly recommend Eye Geeks as the place to source corrective eyeglasses and sunglasses and be fit for custom contacts.  Icing on the cake:  residents of South Park can walk to her shop in a matter of minutes!

‍ ‍If you’ve ever attended a show at Belasco or the Mayan in the last few years you will have no doubt noted the taco operation right across the street at Olive and 11th.  Nicole, Emiliano, and Lilly are there ready to serve your pre-show and post-show hunger!

Toastique debuted in the neighborhood last September at South Park Neighborhood Association’s (SPNA) A Taste of South Park. They were a hit!!! Now they are set to open their shop at Olympic and Olive on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 8 am. You will want to be there – for many reasons.

Located in a store front just off Grand Avenue on 11th Street adjoining the Chase Bank, you will find a new real estate brokerage owned and brokered by Erwin Pineda and managed by long time downtown Los Angeles brokers Monica and Kerry Henderson and Bill Cooper.

As the name suggests, the Hideout hair salon is a charming oasis “hidden” in the back of one of the buildings at the intersection of Spring and Main (833 S. Spring St. Unit 101). You may have met them at the Taste of South Park event in September. I had the pleasure of visiting the salon for a haircut and a chat with owners Stef and Angela.

The Wine Station on Hope at 12th opened at the end of last year bringing a French connection to the neighborhood. From tasting curated wines and feasting on gourmet bites Tuesday through Sunday to participating in monthly wine tasting or joining the Wine Club, each experience is notable.

It has been worth the wait! I had a nice meeting recently with Jorge Teixeira, owner of South Park’s newest business, Awesome Coffee, on his delightful outside patio at the corner of 12th and Grand.  Locals know it has been a long time in the planning, execution, and opening of this upscale coffee shop. 

‍ ‍Just Food for Dogs (JFFD) was created ten years ago by Sean Buckley who wanted to transform the lives of dogs through scientifically backed, fresh, “human-grade” nutrition.  A decade of university-led independent research has resulted in a menu offering for your dog that will promote healthy digestion, support skin and coat health, and immune function health. A healthy diet will ensure a longer, healthier, happier life for your dog.

  Oh, it was a long month of travel for me – flying and driving, lots of places and lodgings and experiences. I was thinking to myself it is time to recover and rejoin my normal life in LA when I looked up and saw the Luxe Luminary Spa sign lit up and the front door open. I walked in and walked out relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to re-engage.

Toastique, at Olympic and Olive, debuted at A Taste of South Park last Saturday to rave reviews! Previously I had talked with owners Ail and Mounir as they were working on the interior of Toastique, and I was enthralled with their love of toast!!!! Here is part of our conversation.