Signs of the Times: Henry's Tacos, Long Live the Memory

I wish this was a "Chow Time" post but evidently, it was not meant to be.  

Initially I was resistant to the idea of blogging because I am the late adopter of all late adopters.  When technology is involved, I am usually the last person to make the scene.

I have to be dragged kicking and screaming toward anything more
 technologically-advanced than an Apple IIC and a Walkman.
Getting pretty banged up along the way, I guess you could call me a "haggard laggard."

Moore's Technology Adoption Lifecycle
(Source)

Fortunately, I made the leap, resulting in friends/virtual pen pals all over the world.  Even with this reliable network of cool folks who are always on the lookout for the weird, wild, and wonderful, it never ceases to amaze me when I am alerted to something wacky tacky in my own backyard by someone who lives clear across the country.  Such was the case when our pal Mod Betty at Retro Roadmap, informed us of Henry's Tacos, a googie taco stand in crisis in North Hollywood.  Sadly, after a battle with an evil tyrant of a landlord, this San Fernando Valley landmark closed this month after 51 years of business.

RIP Henry's Tacos - North Hollywood
(photo by iamnotanartist)

Now, technically, North Hollywood is slightly further afield than my own backyard, so Henry's was a place that I did not frequent and had not heard of until the brouhaha surrounding its application for landmark status.  Hearing that its doom was very much impending, we went by twice before its official closing date only to find it well...closed.  At that moment, I would have given anything to sink my teeth into that prime example of authentic Mexican cuisine, the Taco Burger with cheese. 

...so hungry for taco burgers....

Nevertheless, I had to be sated alone by the groovy architecture and brilliant signage.

Don't you love it?
It isn't much, but imagine those hot summer nights of '65 with everyone
 hanging out at the picnic tables and chowing down on taco burgers.
It sounds like a dream!

The "tacos" font is second only in greatness to the brilliant color scheme.

I want one of these.
I hoped they would go to the good home of a longtime employee or patron;
I have learned subsequently that they have already found a place
with San Fernando Valley Relics with the idea that they would
become part of a SFV heritage museum. 

Most cases of a hallowed landmark shuttering its doors after decades in business would result in a tear-stained missive by Mr. Tiny founded strongly on the principle of our need to support local, old-timey, family-owned, wacky tacky, mom 'n pop businesses.  In the case of Henry's Tacos, however, the closing was the result of a greedy landlord and a small business owner's desire for recognition as an historic landmark.  I guess the real lesson here is "Go to these places while they are still around because one never knows when they will fall victim to neglect, greed, old age, indifference, or worst of all, 'progress.'"  For fans of the taco burger (I can't let it go), the good news is that there are plans to establish a new Henry's location with the reins being passed to a veteran employee.  Viva Henry's!!!



Henry's Tacos (the building still stands but the signs are already gone)
11401 Moorpark St
North Hollywood, CA

Thanks Mod Betty for letting us know about Henry's, even if we were a little too late - laggards in all things, I guess!


Cheers!

Mr. Tiny

Chow Time: Chips

Have you ever seen that documentary special called "Things That Aren't here Anymore?"  It was a two-parter ("More Things That Aren't Here Anymore" was the sequel) that may have just been played on Southern California PBS stations because it is mostly about Los Angeles.  It is the thrilling and depressing documentation, as delivered by Ralph Story, of some truly amazing landmarks of early-to-mid 20th Century California - thrilling because the footage and images of these spectacular places make one's heart sing, depressing because the title is no joke, these things aren't here anymore.  It is a despicable tease and although it comes on pretty regularly, I have a hard time watching it because I get really bummed out knowing that I'll never be able to visit these "things."

Ralph Story (August 19, 1920 - September 26, 2006)
Unfortunately, he too joined the ranks of
"Things That Aren't Here Anymore."

The first time I saw the program (and after every subsequent viewing), my first thought was to be horribly disappointed and start preaching the gospel of "They just don't make them like they used to" and "There is nothing cool left in this world" and "Why don't I have a time machine?"  Then I consider how many places I have the privilege of knowing, that bring me tons of joy, and I realize how grateful I should be for all of the things that are STILL HERE (and for the polio vaccine)!

The fact is that there are still all kinds of amazing hot spots around town that are just waiting to be appreciated; one of these places is Chips Restaurant in Hawthorne, CA.  My photos do not quite do the googie architecture justice, but believe me the details are there.

It is impossible to capture in one photo all of the angles
that define the slanting, serpentine roof line.

Chips has all the hallmarks of my favorite eateries - terrazzo
flooring, cantilevered barstools, counter service, great service,
and good food.

 

Sure the decorations, pretty much limited to a few vintage clock radios, may be a little lackluster, but I don't go into an authentic 50's cafe looking for Elvis and Marilyn Monroe.  I appreciate the subtlety of the decor and more importantly, the ability to see the original finishings.

Like the cabinetry behind the counter with the recessed hardware...

And the old-timey cash register

That isn't to say that there aren't a few photos of James Dean and the gang
and some hot rods.  But even those pictures have faded with time and hardly
detract from the original beauty of the restaurant.

There are booths and counter seating on the interior of the cafe.
 The spacious patio is the ideal setting for a wacky tacky weekend meet-up.
What do you think? 

A view of the Chips uniform and those tiny cereal boxes
that always seemed like such a treat when I was little.
Until I remembered, of course, that my capacity for cereal
is far greater than could ever be contained inside one
of those tiny, little boxes!

Beyond single-serving cereals, the menu offerings are pretty standard diner fare. The execution of the dishes, however, is pretty darn tasty!  They even had my vegetarian brother excited to go because there were a few veggie options.  We say we're trying to stick to our "healthier habits" plan, but sometimes one needs a little reward after a hard week!

Mary got the Baja Burger - chiles, cheese, bacon, and grilled onions.

I only ate a couple of the onion rings and tried to convince myself
that a turkey salad sandwich was the healthy option.
 Gimme a break, I'm workin' on it!

You might remember our visit to Pann's.  Pann's is sort of Chips' slightly-younger, more glamorous sister.  Its chrome is a little more polished.  Its colors a little more vivid.  Its pace a little more energetic. Roughly five short miles away, and maybe just slightly more plain, Chips has been serving delicious diner delicacies since 1957 and somehow it feels a bit more intimate and a bit more like a neighborhood hang out.  If you live in, or are traveling through, the greater Los Angeles area, we highly recommend that you check out both Pann's AND Chips so you can do your own thoughtful comparison.  We're pretty sure that you'll fall in love with both - and perhaps have to get a seatbelt extender!!!  With continued support, we can keep these beautiful places from going the way of things that aren't here anymore!

Chips

11908 Hawthorne Blvd

Hawthorne, CA

(310)679-2947

Open 6am-8pm, 7 days a week

Cheers!

Mr. Tiny