Green Shoots: Highland Park

IN this dismal economy, with the state unemployment rate still around 12 and 1/2 percent, any opening is worth applauding. So it's high time for The Misread City to note the recent opening of Schodorf's Luncheonette, a small but proud sandwich place run by the couple behind Cafe de Leche. (I'm especially fond of their Italian: Reviews here.)

The 'hood has sharpened up a bit from these days

It's part of what's clearly a revitalized Highland Park. Two shops I like have closed over the last few years, but the south side of York, between Avenue 50 and 52, seems to thrive: The York is going strong and several boutiques, including one where kids can design their own T-shirts, have opened recently. Cafe de Leche is almost constantly packed.

Today of course is election day, and Highland Park is part of the fiercely contested race between Jose Huizar and Rudy Martinez. In often apolitical LA, it's been cool to see such investment in this race: Each of the local businesses seem to have a connection to one of the two. (Martinez own Marty's pub, on York, renowned for its Kobe burger.)

Also pleasing: The gentrification in Highland Park has not forced out the Mexican/Latino flavored businesses that have provided the restaurant with its backbone. So we still have Huarache de Azteca and My Taco as well as Crop Salon on Ave. 64 and Good Girl Cafe's version of Vietnamese comfort food.

If I didn't know better, I'd say that Highland Park was becoming the new Eagle Rock. (And parts of Eagle Rock are looking pretty good these days, with the expansion and move of the wonderful Bloom School of Music to the block that includes Colorado Wine Co and Four Cafe.)