Nueva Adventura

Sunday March 25th, 2012


Down the street from my apartment, across from Union station, and a short walk away lies Olvera Street. Olvera Street is known as the birth place of Los Angeles, and host the oldest street in downtown LA. The street was originally known as Wine Street, but was renamed in 1877 to honor the prominent Judge Augustin Olvera. Today, it is a historic landmark and a colorful Mexican Marketplace. 


After my first long week of orientation at work I wanted to do something close and low key. I decided to go ahead and walk across the street to visit and explore Olvera Street. In reality it's definitely a tourist attraction, which I already knew, but I'd also heard it had some of the best authentic mexican food in the city...which it does. The street was lined with little shops and carts selling authentic mexican goods. As I wandered down the street I was reminded of my grandpa Mac. Some of my best, and favorite memories involve Mac. He traveled to Mexico often and would always bring my sister and I all kinds of gifts. Everything I could remember him giving me was sitting on these carts just waiting to be bought. My childhood came happily screaming back! They had the puppets hanging from strings, mexican dresses and shirts, toys, sombreros, blankets and everything else I remember from when I was little. Although most of it really was cheap junk, it brought back so many memories of Mac and the things I'd loved as a child. 

Olvera Street Entrance

Personalized guitar anyone?

Not only were the streets filled with shops and treats, but there were also street performers dancing, singing, and playing instruments. It seems like everywhere you go in LA there are street performers though! Here are a few pictures of the things I saw.

After wandering around looking at all the trinkets and goodies, and watching a few of the street performers it was lunch time! I was dying to try the infamous taquitos that this street is famous for. I opted to eat at Cielito Lindo, a small food stand at one end of Olvera Street. I had the most popular dish, which was two beef taquitos covered in avocado sauce. Not only was it delicious, but it only cost $3 bucks! This place is literally a 2 minute walk from my apartment...I mean...I can look off my balcony and see the edge of the street it's on. I'm beginning to think this could be a bad thing!

After lunch I decided I had to have something sweet. Olvera Street is also known to have some of the best Churros in LA, so naturally I found the Mr. Churro that I'd read about on Yelp. (side note....Yelp is totally my co-pilot!) I ordered a custard filled churro, and unfortunately they got my order wrong and gave me an empty churro. I ate it anyway and it was super yummy! I will be going back though and making sure they get my order right the next time. 

Olvera Street also houses the oldest standing residence in LA known as the Avila Adobe. Now, it was kind of lame and I won't bore you with anymore than a few pictures. The best part about the Avila Adobe was the courtyard which featured these really cool cactus's.

All in all it was a good day at Olvera Street. I may not be going back as a tourist to see the shops and goods, but I will definitely be back for the mexican food! However, they are having something called the "Blessing of the Animals" the Saturday before Easter that's supposed to be pretty fun. I'll post later when I do that!

Adios Amigos!