October Anniversaries
For some reason, October must be a good time to start a business in Highland Park. This month brings the opening of organic boutique Studio Root 66 at 5917 North Figueroa Street, next door to Gamer Doc, which started its national franchise there exactly one year ago.
This week brings the anniversary celebrations of two young establishments that have become Highland Park institutions, Cinnamon Vegetarian, and The Little Cave.
Cinnamon Vegetarian at 5511 North Figueroa opened its doors on September 23, 2006, and is celebrating this month with Special Festivities at the restaurant on Saturday and Sunday, October 24th and 25th, from Noon to 8PM.
To be honest, I haven’t been there in two years. (A Veggie such as myself not going to a vegetarian restaurant two blocks from my house –Crazy huh?) Two years ago, after trying and trying to enjoy the place, I decided to stop forcing myself to eat there. At the time the food was just OK, it was very healthy-tasting, but it didn’t leave me wanting to come back for more. The owners were pleasant folks, but the wait staff truly sucked. It’s one thing to go to Homegirl Cafe, get served by ex-cons, know what you’re getting into and know you’re eating there for more than just a good meal; it’s another when you go to a local restaurant and want to withhold the tip at every meal. So I decided to stop supporting this vegetarian restaurant for vegetarian-sake and just eat the limited veggie options elsewhere.
In the intervening years it would seem the place has improved. A statement by owner Esperanza Caño says they have humbly learned a lot from when they first opened. (e.g., what Vegan is.) In recent months, people on Twitter have been raving about the chicken mole, and Yelpers have graced the place with an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars. It would seem the time has come to give this place another try. And what better time than this weekend with give-a-ways, free deserts, and musical accompaniment! Reservations: (323) 982-9480.
Hard to believe it was six years ago that bar entrepreneur extraordinaire and fun fellow, Bobby Green opened The Little Cave bar at 5922 North Figueroa. (I remember the near-outrage coming from the regulars at Mr. T’s Bowl when this new hip dive moved into the neighborhood. –A lot has changed.) To commemorate the event the bar that has special nights every night is hosting a very special night on Thursday, October 22. DJs, drink specials, and batty shenanigans seem to be the cocktail de jour for this 6th anniversary celebration. Don’t expect free drinks, but don’t expect to go home thirsty either.
When the majority of business ventures fail in the first three years, the third year of survival is a milestone, the sixth is twice that, and in this economy, and with empty storefronts on every block of Figueroa Street, these anniversaries should be considered a triumph!
I’m glad to hear that service has maybe improved at Cinnamon. I wanted to like it so much, but I just couldn’t believe how long it would take to get served. It took a whole afternoon to get a burrito! If they’ve managed to hang in this long, I’ll give it another try. It should be a great asset to the neighborhood.
You’re not the only one who has been avoiding Cinnamon, quite a few vegetarian NELAists I know went a few times, tried real hard to like it but just couldn’t bring themselves to re-visiting.
We think their vegetarianism has something to do with religious views which is cool but the food has always seemed like it was lacking something, like not eating meat was an act of penance or they were enduring some unjust diet law of God. The food lacked joy. I went back recently and had some empanadas that were really good so like you, maybe I’ll give it another chance.
I’ve been. I don’t remember being treated poorly but I do recall it was kind of bland. Maybe I’ll order what some of your guest commenters enjoyed. The bat cave..I see it but never thought to enter it. A hipster in the know, I’m not. How’s the interior?
I’ve been there a handful of times. What I usually tell people is that Cinnamon is more about the convenience of location than the food. I would certainly not go out of my way to eat there, but if I’m hung over on a Sunday morning, their scramble will do the job in a pinch.