Zagat Finally Notices Highland Park
Ξ November 28th, 2007 | → | ∇ Highland Park |
The 2008 Los Angeles Zagat Guide was recently released and a quick browse through revealed a few interesting tidbits about what’s new in our little corner of L.A.
Most notably, for the first year ever, Zagat listed Highland Park as its own neighborhood in the “Locations” section. Prior to that, Eagle Rock was the only piece of NELA to garner that distinction. It’s funny though, Highland Park is listed under “LA Central” while Eagle Rock evidently falls under “Pasadena & Environs.” Really? Anyhow, under Highland Park were just two restaurants, Marty’s and (of course) The York. Both are too new to the Guide to actually have a rating, but both are considered “notable” by Zagat. I think our position on The York has been made perfectly clear in the past (it rocks), but we’ve never made much mention of Marty’s—and to be honest, we really have no future plans to do so either. Both Mia Sushi and Marty’s suffer the same owner, and as such both reflect the same snobbery, ridiculous atmosphere and truly ridiculous valet parking. In short, Marty’s pretty much embodies everything we at YORK BLVD. hate about the Westside. Enough said on that. Regardless, the brief write-ups describe Highland Park as “the next Eagle Rock,” and also mentions how “these days, it’s turning into a neighborhood of many galleries, and of colorful gastropubs.”
Sadly, we also have to mention that Eagle Rock’s Casa Bianca, long rated the best pizza in L.A., has dropped to third after the new uber-trendy Pizzeria Mozza and Hancock Park’s Village Pizzeria. I wouldn’t expect this to last though. Casa Bianca has been around for decades and will most certainly out-live any cheesy trends and be back on top in no time.
(Photo borrowed from Willonawoods Flicker photostream)
on November 30th, 2007 at 9:49 am
Wha-WHAT? Now Highland Park is the “new Eagle Rock”? That is hilarious!
First, Eagle Rock was the new Silver Lake, and now Highland Park is the new Eagle Rock? So wait, if A=B and B=C…. ah fugget about it, Im confused!
Meanwhile, each of these neighborhoods has its own distinct personality, but I guess if those types of nuances are lost on our own local newspaper, you wouldnt expect Zagat to pick up on them.
on December 5th, 2007 at 5:48 pm
I’m really glad you think Marty’s is shit. That’s all HP really needed huh? A freakin COP bar. Yes, Martys is a COP bar and hangout. I;m not saying all cops are dicks, its just that most of them are.
This means you get that Montebello Quiet Canon Club type of meat market with idiot girls that think if they land a cop, they succeeded in life.
Oh well, at least The York isn’t like that.
on December 19th, 2007 at 11:39 am
I can see how people have certain impressions of Marty’s but you’ve got it all wrong - first of all, the staff rocks, is always welcoming, the atmosphere is chill and warm - the lounge at the front is perfect for, well, LOUNGING, and now there is an outdoor patio out back with cushiony couches…even the guy at the door is super cordial. there is no dress code, all are welcome! the kobe burger and mac&cheese are sooo good and add to the comfy atmosphere.