Most of the time I am really glad to have been born when I was; to have been born at all is kind of a great thing (no matter what my parents say). In elementary school we still watched film reels. We still had square dancing instruction in music class. We still used the library for books. I might be dating myself, but when watching TV, we too wondered, "Where's the beef?" I feel like I was born at the tail end of a golden era when buildings still had personality, a phone in the car meant you were rich, and The Noid was a viable mascot for marketing pizza (I might have picked out a Noid sweatshirt from Penney's, although photographic evidence will be difficult to uncover). Moreover, I count myself as fortunate to be raised during a time of wacky tacky history wherein giant genies were used to sell wall-to-wall carpet. It might not make sense at first, but all it takes is a quick reference to Ali Baba, Aladdin, and the Arabian Nights to remember that a magic carpet was an integral player in some of those 1,001 tales. Growing up in Southern California, seeing these genies from the back of the original wacky wagon, I couldn't help but get this Steppenwolf song out of my brain.
"Magic Carpet Ride" - Steppenwolf
Nowadays, it would go without saying that a marketer's first instinct would be to use well-known songs to advertise a product; "Magic Carpet Ride" would almost seem too "on the nose" for a discount carpet retailer that uses a genie for their branding. In Carpeteria's heyday, it was more likely that a jingle writer would be penning a memorable little ditty that could be absorbed into the consumer's subconscious where it would stay, only to present itself at the most inopportune times, and never ever leave. The old-fashioned way almost makes more sense for product recognition; even as a child I was singing "Carpeteriaaaaaa" along with the commercials in between Saturday morning cartoons.
Carpeteria televison ad circa 1979
Carpeteria ad circa 1981
It is worth noting that Carpeteriais still in business but apparently at some point they ditched not only their North Hollywood location, but also their iconic genie. I'm just glad that L&S had the good sense to recycle!
L&S Carpet featuring the original Carpeteria Genie
7007 N Laurel Canyon Blvd
North Hollywood, CA
(818)759-7916
Seeing its giant, neon, billboard of a sign, advertising the finest in Missouri style cuisine, it is nigh impossible to pass up The Bear Pit Bar-B-Q in Mission Hills, CA. While "food to go" might be their specialty, the ambience created by hand painted murals, sawdust-covered floors, and decades worth of random tschotske collecting, beckons visitors to stay and eat in.
In a foodie world with regionally-specific cuisine becoming readily available in every region,
to "dare comparison" might be to tread into dangerous territory.
According to the Bear Pit Bar-B-Q website, Tennessee Ernie Ford was an "early endorser of the restaurant."
"I endorse The Bear Pit Bar-B-Q, bless its pea pickin' heart!"
(Source)
Although, what TENNESSEE Ernie Ford was doing endorsing a Missouri-style restaurant, is something for which I cannot account. Nevertheless, there are many things to love about this classic 1940's roadside eatery in spite of the statehood confusion...
The wagon wheel chandeliers
The strangely-rendered but entirely-charming cartoon murals
The rustic, light box, beer sign among an assortment of interesting wall hangings
The sauce
In an effort to maintain full disclosure - I LOVE BBQ SAUCE!!!
As with all wacky tacky eateries, it is wise to remember that the quickest way to the love of these places is not necessarily through the stomach. Sometimes we love restaurants for their delicious food, sometimes for their history. Sometimes we love these places because despite current culinary trends, they stand resolute in maintaining a tried and true menu (even if it isn't the best that one has ever tasted) and a style of presentation that remains unchanged in three-quarters of a century. To understand and appreciate The Bear Pit Bar-B-Q, one should follow a few simple rules.
Rule #1 at BPBBQ: Don't take a vegetarian!
Nick was limited to onion rings and what Bear Pit refers to as "Deep Fried Taters."
As delicious as fried potatoes are like to be, these potato cores, hard after a brief
baptism in hot oil, are strange if not entirely unappetizing.
We took it upon ourselves to bestow a more fitting moniker - "Potato Poopies."
Mr. Tiny opted for the hot link plate with coleslaw and BBQ beans.
Satisfactory.
Rule #2 at BPBBQ: Don't go expecting fine dining and culinary excellence
It is fascinating to read reviews on Yelp that go into great detail about the
lowly conditions and lacking service of a mom 'n pop-style roadside diner.
Realistic expectations appropriate to the type of establishment at which
one chooses to dine are paramount in creating an enjoyable experience.
If there is sawdust on the floor, don't go in expecting linen napkins and
asking about wine pairings.
Rule #3 at BPBBQ: Make yourself welcome
Embrace the culture of the restaurant. A combination of bear statues,
painted seagulls, and windmill clocks indicate that you must be someplace
that is pretty special!
Heck, if these guys like it, it must be good!!!
Although it seems contrary, I wanted to include a Tennessee Ernie Ford song that will help you boogie on down to The Bear Pit Bar-B-Q - Missouri style.
"Blackberry Boogie" - Tennessee Ernie Ford
If you remain unconvinced by Mr. Ford, how about the slickly-produced commercial from the fine folks at Bear Pit? You're going to love it!
As part of a recent blog award, I was asked with what am I currently obsessed. I'm so scattered and excessive in my obsessions, I never figured that I could only be obsessed with just one thing. My life is lived in a veritable "hyperbolic chamber" and I love and am obsessed with everything! One particular obsession never occurred to me until I was going through the thousands of pictures stored on my computer; a suspiciously-recurring theme amongst the photographs made me realize that I was stalking a dead man.
Bing Crosby
May 3, 1903 - October 14, 1977
(Source)
I don't have all of his records. I haven't seen all of his films. I don't "collect" Bing Crosby lobby cards or posters. Neither have I read nor seen a biography on this master of melody . Yet somehow, subconsciously I have found myself slightly obsessed with Der Bingle. As a singer myself, I know that it all started with the music.
Sorry SFV residents, I LOVE the song much more than the actual valley...
I'm sure my first exposure to Crosby was as the narrator to the "Sleepy Hollow" segment of Walt Disney's The Adventures of Icahbod and Mr. Toad, which I have shared on more than one occasion on this blog. If not Ichabod, then it was easily through the holiday classic, White Christmas. Bing has an undeniable charm and charisma in his ability to put a song over. He can be bluesy, swinging, or refined. Not only is his voice incredible, but his style is unique and his tone is mellow and welcoming. I guess that is why I like him well enough to break into Blue Skies Trailer Village, the Rancho Mirage trailer park he founded in 1955 (along with some other Hollywood notables).
Attack of the 50 Foot Woman, er...Mary showing the lawn jockey
who's boss on Bing Crosby Rd in Blue Skies Trailer Village.
The gate at Blue Skies Village
That's Der Bingle's silhouette!
"Blue Skies" - Bing Crosby
Now, truthfully, there really isn't anything particularly wacky or tacky about old Bing, the exceptions being the "Road" films with Bob Hope and some less-than-flattering reports about his parenting skills. However, I figure that if I, the self-appointed arbiter of wacky tacky, deem him worthy of obsession and icon status, then indeed he is. So worthy, in fact, that it was of the utmost importance to find his grave.
An unassuming marker for the grave of one of the most popular recording artists of the 20th Century
Some people leave flowers. Some people leave notes. Some people leave coins.
I was tempted to leave a sack of oranges - irreverent.
Another awkward photo of Mr. Tiny
Having not a shred of dignity or shame is a virtue, right?
Mary was convinced that I needed to be in a photo.
The fact that the grave is on a slope offers no measure of
redemption to the "I'm a school girl with a crush" pose.
"You're Getting to be a Habit with Me" - Bing Crosby
It is nice to have the opportunity to visit a star where he rests but it is even better to have the opportunity to see where he lived. As we bummed around the very same San Fernando Valley about which Mr. Crosby so wonderfully sang, I decided that we needed to find his house.
Bing Crosby's house as it appeared in the 30's
(Source)
The Crosby Estate as it appears in 2012. Not really worse for 80 years of wear, but I doubt
Old Man Crosby would've kept so many cars and dumpsters in the front yard.
Sorry, I was basically standing in the middle of the street while the car was running and,
never having participated on MySpace, I never mastered the self portrait.
I think I could be happy living there with a few changes.
I'll take the green roof /shutters and car from the postcard view.
"Changes" - Bing Crosby
Obviously, there are far bigger and more devout fans than I, but when I am forced to confront my idolatry, I must admit that I really am a huge fan of Bing Crosby. Vocalists who are gifted in the storytelling aspect of singing are my favorite; whether it was a tender lullaby about counting your blessings or a western tune about a range-riding cowboy not wanting to be fenced in, Bing was a consummate storyteller.
"Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep" - Bing Crosby
"Don't Fence Me In" - Bing Crosby with Patty, LaVerne, and Maxene, The Andrews Sisters
Any cowboy tune (even one penned by Cole Porter) couldn't exhibit the entire story behind my regard for Bing. I honestly get a sense of peace and a lot of joy out of old Crosby's crooning - especially at this time of year. For me, Bing Crosby is the sound of the holiday season. Christmas wouldn't be Christmas at our house without his holiday album on repeat.
"Mele Kalikimaka" - Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters
"Jingle Bells" - Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters
"The Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth" Bing Crosby & David Bowie
"White Christmas" - Bing Crosby
I hope that wherever you are, and however you celebrate, you are bolstered by the love of family and friends and good, old-timey music!
Blue Skies Trailer Village
70260 Hwy 111
Rancho Mirage, CA
Bing Crosby's Grave Holy Cross Mortuary
5835 W Slauson Ave
Culver City, CA
Bing Crosby Estate
10500 Camarillo St
Toluca Lake, CA
