I believe that restaurants are an integral part of a community. Like theaters, restaurants gather people together for a shared experience that is customized to the needs of that community. Churches used to do this for us a long time ago, as did union halls and ballrooms.

Highland Park,  which my realtor claims is the “SilverLake of 2013” is a beautiful neighborhood that has always been a bit square. Kind of place you only went to visit your grandmother in law. I bet prop 8 got a lot of votes from here. lately though all the hipsters and creative professionals have been moving East because the rents are good and you can still get a house for 300K.

Our scuzzy old bar: “The Wild Hare” got transformed into “The York” five years ago and it was an immediate hit. The place has been packed ever since. Cafe De Leche opened on the corner of ave 50 soon after and that was a strong signifier of the demographic change in the area.

So I have been waiting for someone to open a restaurant that serves fresh food and stays open a bit later. I got tired of waiting and decided to do it myself. I am tired of driving to other neighborhoods, and I want to hang out with the cool people that are in this one.

There were other factors that made me decide to do this project now but the main incentive is that the neighborhood needs a gathering spot and quality food.