Rate-A-Restaurant #406: Wax Paper (Frogtown)

Restaurant: Wax Paper

Location: 2902 Knox Ave., right off the LA River Bike Path (Frogtown)

Type of restaurant: Sandwiches

We stipulated: We usually ride our bikes along the LA river on Sundays, when Wax Paper is closed. I thought it would be a nice reward to get some exercise and bike out to Frogtown and finally see if the sandwiches lived up to the hype.

They stipulated: Sandwiches are named after NPR stars. "Wax Paper evolved from our dream of opening a simple, but delicious neighborhood sandwich shop. Menu items are available while supplies last. On occasion, due to our small nature, we will sell out of the menu entirely. Our recipes have been carefully thought out and made with love & care, thus we politely decline additions or substitutions, including bread." Closed Sunday, sadly.

What we ordered: TERRY GROSS (roast turkey, green chili aioli, jalapeño/cilantro/radish slaw, hominy, tomatillo vinaigrette, and pepper jack, on Bub & Grandma's focaccia; $15); STEVE JULIAN (roasted & shredded pork, miso aioli, cucumber, cilantro, jalapeño vin, pickled carrot & daikon radish, on a Bub & Grandma's baguette; $14).

 

High point: The sandwiches were sizable, and was good for lunch and then an afternoon snack.

Low point: There is a wait, even if you pre-order.

 

Overall impression: Maria didn't love her Steve Julian, perhaps because the pulled pork was too mushy and not warm. I loved the Terry Gross; the hominy was a nice touch.

Will we return:  It's a little too pricey to have regularly, but absolutely if we're on bikes and it isn't Sunday.

Take A Kayak Down the Los Angeles River

On our to-do list: Taking a kayak down the Los Angeles River. We caught a glimpse of folks on kayaks in Elysian Valley during a recent bike ride in the area. Check out LA River Kayak Safari for more info. But here are the basics:

Elysian Valley involves both bikes and kayaks. A bit more physically challenging and adventurous than Sepulveda with several small rapids. The route is 2.5 miles, all downstream. Lots of nature but also urban culture. About 3.5 – 4 hours including bikes and detailed instruction.

The Elysian Valley/Frogtown portion of the River is some of the most scenic, with trees, a dirt bottom and plenty of wildlife. I imagine there are portions of the ride where you forget you're even in Los Angeles. A few more pics from our most recent bike trip next to the river:

Along the Newly Expanded L.A. River Bike Path

We wrote a while back about the Franklin Avenue Quartet's weekend family bike rides up and down the L.A. River Bike Path. But that was along the older bike path -- the one that sits alongside the 5 freeway for much of its run.

But last weekend, the Blogger Kid and I decided to explore the newly opened L.A. River Bike Path extension, which travels south from Fletcher to Figueroa. And unlike the original stretch, this portion of the path is away from the freeway -- which means for a calmer, more peaceful and scenic ride.

As a matter of fact, I think this will be our new bike ride. The 2.5 mile extension includes a handful of pocket parks and travels past the back of homes, industrial buildings and more next to the Elysian Valley neighborhood nicknamed "Frogtown."

Our mysterious pal the Militant Angeleno also recently biked along the path and had this to say:

After passing the 2 Freeway overpass, the harsh white-noise roar of cars rushing above soon transitioned into the soothing rush of water and the intermittent quacking of ducks. Ducks? Yes, ducks! Lest you forget, the entire section of Los Angeles River, from Griffith Park to Elysian Valley, lies close to the underground water table, and was therefore never fully paved. The result is a glimpse of the what the River used to be -- and what many hope it will once again become -- replete with islands boasting California Bay Laurel trees protruding from the riverbed, and both native and migratory fauna walking, swimming or flying throughout. There are even mini-rapids where water rushes through rocks in the riverbed, forming calming sounds which soothe the senses. Aromatherapy, anyone?

It is in this section you can witness the Los Angeles River in pure serenity, with only the occasional whoosh and horn blare of a passing Metrolink train across the river interrupting the unexpectedly pastoral setting in the middle of this bustling metropolis.

We're lucky enough to live close by, allowing us to bike through Atwater Village to the bike path. For any of you in the area, it's worth a ride.

A handful of pics from our bike ride:



At the Marsh Park off the L.A. River bike path



Blogger Kid tries out exercise equipment off the L.A. River bike path



Ducks!