An Artistic Disposition - The Getty Center L.A.

In 1957 Fortune magazine called
him the richest living American,
while the 1966 Guinness Book of
Records appointed him the world's
richest citizen: It takes a man like
J. Paul Getty – an avid collector
of art and antiquities and a tycoon
of Getty Oil Company to establish
a phenomenal cultural empire,
entailing monumental works of
architecture, grandiose horticulture
and a sensational art collection to
spark the interest and inspiration
of an L.A.-centric bourgeoisie.

This chapter in the history of art
starts at a Roman-style villa in
Malibu in 1954: The oil-
millionaire J. Paul Getty exhibited
his private art collection in a
gallery adjacent to his home in
Pacific Palisades. When running

out of space he opened a second
museum in Brentwood in 1974:
The Getty Museum. Nowadays
the J. Paul Getty legacy (the J.
Paul Getty Trust including the
Getty Foundation and the Getty
Research Institute) embraces two
art imbued locations: The Getty
Villa and the Getty Center.

Designed by architect Richard
Meier, the Getty Center spans
over 750 acres land nestled
strategically in the Santa Monica
Mountains on an elevated hill.
Four exhibit pavilions
accommodate an impressive art
collection that runs the gamut
from European to American art,
from the middle ages to the
present, featuring also abstract
and contemporary art. Rubens,
Van Gogh, Monet and Rembrandt
to name but a few, embellish the
formidable walls of massive
museum halls. Nine buildings
showcasing amazing architecture
feature balconies and outdoor
patios where visitors can soak
up stunning panoramic views
illuminated by California's
glorious sunshine: A great spot
to survey the view over La La
Land is the East and South patio,
where the 405 Freeway, Santa
Monica, Downtown Los Angeles
and Catalina Island (on clear days)
stretch out ahead of the beholder.
While sauntering beautifully
designed in- and outdoor spaces
and gawking at hundreds of years
old artworks, architecture fans, art
devotees, and inspiration seekers
will find peace, alluring beauty and
divine afflatus, right here – among
an open, harmonious and inviting
environment.

Come here for idyllic alfresco
dining. A special picnic area is
provided at the lower tram
station. Bring your family and
beloved ones. The Getty Museum
offers additionally occasional films,
events (live concerts for kids begin
in August), architecture tours (occur
several times daily) and live music
outdoors (Saturdays off the 405).
Dine at the full-service dining room
(resy recommended!), visit the
cafeteria-style dining establishment,
or grab a snack from one of the
outdoor cafes/carts scattered
throughout the museum's premises.
Visit the Getty Museum during the
week. On weekends this place get's
packed quick. It's recommended to
arrive early in the morning when the
museum opens its doors. For your
orientation pick up a map at the
entrance before starting your tour.
Museum attendants, wearing a blue
vest are knowledgeable and polite
and will help you if questions arise.

Grub Time Story @ Loteria Grill / Farmers Market

Mexico City native Jimmy Shaw –
who admits that he has always loved
to cook – is the father of this little
gastronomic gem whose authentic
Mexican fare brims over with
traditional flavors and an abundance
of aromas emanating through the
maze resembling paths and alleys of
L.A.'s original Farmers Market – as
far as one's nose can discern.

Right in the heart of this little culinary
city with landmark status, sandwiched
between a Crêpe booth and a Beer &
Wine Bar, Loteria Grill is dishing up
distinctive fare to the swarming crowds,
feeding starving Grove shoppers,
catering to buzzing out-of-towners,
and pleasing Angelenos' taste buds with
freshly prepared, high-style street-side
grub that is based on family recipes that
generations have tested and perfected.

There is a mouth-watering reason why
this teeny weeny stand, equipped with a
unpretentious bar and those little iconic
Farmers Market green round tables and
chairs, has a seemingly never ending
waiting line to order: In the thick of an
ever-present hustle and bustle, Mexican
food devotees munch away on cult-
favorite tacos with succulent fillings
such as zucchini succotash or shrimps
bathed in Morita or Tomatillo salsa. All
Tacos come in freshly hand-made corn
tortillas. Burritos and enchiladas are
stuffed with black beans, while the
traditional brown rice is cooked with a
subtle mint flavor. Each dish includes
one choice of a meaty stuffing. Fresh-
made Guacamole comes sumptuously
enriched with cilantro, onion and
tomatoes which make for an elaborate
interplay of sweet and bitter flavors.
Home-made Guisos – traditional
Mexican stews that are served
throughout Mexico – turn every
dish into a traditional Mexican specialty. 

Diners order at the counter and will
receive a number which will be called
out by the Maitre d' as soon as the food
is prepared. Staff is friendly and
knowledgeable. Stop by at Loteria to
grab a snack or a whole meal at an
affordable price and soak up the lively,
laid-back vibe that engulfs this culinary
Mecca. 
While on the whole simply decorated,
the hut's side walls feature Loteria's
signature folk art: rustic drawings depict
magic suggesting (tarot) cards in which
next to every image the respective Spanish
term is written in caps. Diners chow down
and get a complimentary Spanish language
lesson alongside.