produced & written by UTTARA VALLURI
It’s funny how there are so many things you learn about a city in a short span of time. Los Angeles; where the glamor of Hollywood, the somewhat pretense of sophistication, the wealth and the warm California sun all meld into the “City of Dreams”. But hidden under that peripheral persona, under the shadow of the greatest film industry is a city that exudes vibrance and persistent splendor for more reasons than glitzy lights.
I travelled, explored and walked the many streets of this city in the first few months that I got here. I must confess to having been ignorant of the thriving art and literary scene, the museums and more specific to my liking — the architecture. From mid-century gothic to art deco and streamline moderne, downtown is replete with buildings that represent significantly “monumental” eras of architecture.
I remember the first time I walked into Union Station. My friend and I were in Old Town Pasadena and took the Gold Line back into the city. After walking up the stairs of what seemed like a regular subway station, I walked into a hallway where- for a second- I felt like I had stepped into the 30s. The arches, floors, ceilings and tiles grabbed my attention and I knew instantly that there had to be a way for me to explore this place.
Tara Thomas is a restauranteur and has been one for over 20 years. She is a native Angeleno and a big part of Union Station. Her restaurant TRAXX is one of the best in the city and was established in Union station in 1997. She seemed like the kind of person who knew the ins and outs of this architectural wonder and she did.
Listen to Tara and I on our tour of Union Station, celebrating its 75th anniversary in our own way.