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."
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| 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)!
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| It is impossible to capture in one photo all of the angles that define the slanting, serpentine roof line. |
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| 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.
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| Like the cabinetry behind the counter with the recessed hardware... |
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| And the old-timey cash register |
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| 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. |
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| 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? |
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| 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!
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| Mary got the Baja Burger - chiles, cheese, bacon, and grilled onions. |
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| 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! |
Chips
11908 Hawthorne Blvd
Hawthorne, CA
(310)679-2947
Open 6am-8pm, 7 days a week
Cheers!
Mr. Tiny
