A Farewell to the Good Luck Bar, Where It All Began

Maria and I were sad to read about the impending closure of the Good Luck Bar, a Los Feliz institution that has been at the intersection of Hollywood, Sunset, Virgil and Hillhurst, around the corner from the Vista Theatre, for at least 25 years. Apparently the landlord is looking to tear down the building to build either condos or a hotel — and the Good Luck Bar has been given notice.

With just a few weeks (or if we're lucky, another month or two) left before it disappears, we headed there on Saturday — for the first time in years — in order to pay our respects and also reminisce.

The Good Luck Bar is where we met, nearly 20 years ago, and although the world and L.A. have changed a lot since then (not to mention our lives — two kids later!), it was always comforting to drive by the Good Luck Bar sign and know that it was still there.

On Saturday, the bar was packed. Clearly, a lot of people had the same idea. A line snaked down Hillhurst and we had to wait a bit to get in. But I'm glad we did. It's hard to believe that a chance meeting at a bar all those years ago set us on this path.

In 2009, on the 10th anniversary of when we first met, I wrote this:

Ten years ago, on the evening of July 3, 1999, I was lounging in my West Hollywood apartment -- flipping through channels -- when the phone rang.

It was my friend Pang-ni. She and a few friends were heading to the Good Luck Bar on Hillhurst in Los Feliz. They were also hanging out with some off-beat guys, and well, they needed to be rescued. Would I join them?

Hmm. I was already in for the night. And Los Feliz was a hike from West Hollywood. But I had promised myself to make more of an effort to get out and meet new people. Plus, it was the July 4th weekend, I thought to myself, and I oughta be out having a good time.

So I got dressed, hopped on the surface streets and headed to this "Good Luck Bar."

Inside, Pang-ni and Brenda -- two friends from my college dorm -- were there.. and yup, I saw what they meant by these guys. It was a busy holiday weekend night at the Good Luck Bar, but the group had managed to snag one of the last seating areas -- which had just been occupied by two girls. Pang-ni had struck up a conversation with one of them, and I wound up sitting next to Pang-ni.

Before long, I was talking to Pang-ni and the new girl to her left. And later, I wound up talking to that girl a little bit more. She seemed pretty cool, and we talked about all sorts of nonsense. "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." Where we grew up. And what we did for a living. She told me she designed CD packages at Rhino Records. Oh -- and her name was Maria.

She was there, having a mini "girls night out" with her friend Andrea. (Turns out she was in a similar "what the hell, I'm gonna go out into the world, and if I meet someone, I meet someone" phase as well.) At the end of the night, she wouldn't give me her number. But I gave her my card. I was intrigued.

Later, while leaving the bar, Pang-ni asked me what I had thought about another one of her female friends who had been there that night. But all I could think about was this girl I had just met.

I didn't want to be too eager, and I didn't want to be Creepy McStalker. But I knew her first name, and I knew where she worked. I was going to wait a week, and then call Rhino. (Probably too long in hindsight -- but again, I wanted to play it cool and not scare her off.)

But before I finally got the nerve to call... I was in the office on Thursday night (back at my old gig at the now-late Electronic Media) when the phone rang.

"What were you doing giving your number to a drunk girl?" laughed the voice on the other end.

It was her. I couldn't believe it. Honest, to this day, she teases me that I was never going to call -- but I was. She just beat me to the punch. And thank God she did, because it gave me a bit more confidence to push hard for a first date. Soon.

We arranged to meet the following week at Lola's on Fairfax for drinks. And that led to our first full-fledged date: Drinks at 360 (now long gone) and dinner at the old Luna Park (also long gone), where Pancho Sanchez also performed. That led to another date at Campanile's Grilled Cheese night. And so on.

It all led to now -- marriage, home and Evan -- plus another addition, just a few weeks away.

And to think it all started that night, ten years ago. It's crazy to think how so much has resulted from that phone call from Pang-ni -- and that split-second decision to get off my lazy ass and drive all the way to Los Feliz. And ditto Maria's decision to meet up that night with a friend at a bar that, like me, she'd never been to. (And yes, we've felt cheesy for years that we met in such a cliched fashion -- at a bar, and a bar named "Good Luck," no less.)

We're hoping to visit the Good Luck Bar at least one more time before it closes — and buy a T-shirt too! 

Go before it's too late: 1514 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Y-Que Shirts Take on Trump: 'Trumpacabra' and 'Lock Him Up' For Sale

It's been a while since we checked in with one of our favorite Los Feliz shops, Y Que, and its infamous t-shirts. But over the holidays we were in the neighborhood and stopped by, and were pleased to see the Y Que t-shirt game still going strong.

Of course, the hot topic of the resistance is front and center, via this "Trumpacabra" shirt and others addressing the current inhabitant of the White House. There's also a "Lock Him Up" shirt and, in the vein of Y Que's classic "Free Winona" shirt, a new one for Melania Trump. (Although, as we've learned in recent months, she is complacent in all of this.)

But as we first wrote about 10 years ago (!), we still really gravitate toward Y Que's wide selection of Los Angeles neighborhood shirts, featuring designs — sometimes humorous, sometimes spot-on — relevant to the area. Just a few examples:

The "Happy Foot/Sad Foot" Silver Lake shirt may be my favorite. Check out their website here for more shirts, and our past Franklin Avenue coverage of Y Que here. Y Que is located at 1770 N Vermont Ave. in Los Feliz.

Rate-A-Restaurant #352: Messhall Kitchen (Los Feliz)

Restaurant: Messhall Kitchen

Location: 4500 Los Feliz Blvd. (Los Feliz)

Type of restaurant: American/Gastropub

We stipulated: We were invited by Messhall Kitchen to try out their new menu from the restaurant's new executive chef.



They stipulated: "Texas-born and OC-raised Executive Chef Shane Pritchett worked with Emeril Lagasse at the original Emeril’s Restaurant then became Executive Chef at Emeril’s famed Delmonico restaurant in New Orleans. He was there during the devastation and rebuilding after Katrina. He opened Fat Hen Grill + Grocery on St. Charles where his signature Womelet and Poached Eggs on Crawfish Cakes earned him Best Breakfast in the City honors. Shane is a certified Kansas City BBQ Society judge and was instrumental in bringing the new giant smoker to Messhall Kitchen."



What we ordered: To start: Crispy fried oysters on black eyed peas with a brie cream; Main courses: Mini Crab Cakes with Chili Lime vinaigrette and house special coleslaw, Jumbo Shrimp and Grits, Grilled sliced Hog Chop with Tchoupitoulas sauce (made with green peppercorn, red pepper and a honey demi glace sauce) served on pureed sweet potatoes, Willard Fried Chicken bites with spicy dill pickles; Dessert: Beignets with coffee anglaise and candied pecans



High point:  The jumbo shrimp and grits were tasty, and "Willard Fried Chicken bites with spicy dill pickles" is as good as it sounds.





Overall impression: Chef Pritchett brings a great southern fried spin on the gastropub.



Will we return: We need to try the rest of the menu, including the burger.

A Visit to "Dumb Starbucks": Parody? Art? Silliness? Or Is Starbucks In on the Ruse?

Behold, the power of social media: A day after folks like Rainn Wilson and Dan Harmon tweeted out photos of the mysterious new Los Feliz coffee shop "Dumb Starbucks," the place was mobbed with people on Sunday morning. A line snaked down the length of the Hillhurst strip mall, and even a camera crew from KABC/7 was there.

I didn't have an hour to wait in line just for a free cup of coffee, but I did poke around and take a ton of photos. It's real, and not just a photoshop joke (which was my first inkling yesterday). Somehow, this faux Starbucks was erected with few noticing until yesterday.

So what is it? According to the FAQ, it's a coffee shop that, for whatever reason, decided to use the Starbucks trademark "for marketing purposes." But c'mon, people don't do that. And especially in hipster land, using the "Starbucks" name might actually be a mark against you. (Why not, as the Militant Angeleno jokes, "Stupid Intelligentsia" instead?) More likely, it appears to be some sort of art stunt:

Although we are a fully functioning coffee shop, for legal reasons Dumb Starbucks needs to be categorized as a work of parody art. So, in the eyes of the law, our "coffee shop" is actually an art gallery and the "coffee" you're buying is considered the art. But that's for our lawyers to worry about."

I haven't seen any comments from copyright lawyers, but there are mountains of cases having to do with parody law, and whether a court of law would deem this "parody," especially when even the "Dumb Starbucks" folks admit it's a bit of a ruse to use the coffee company's trademark, seems really unlikely. I'm assuming a cease-and-desist order is coming shortly. (Unless, of course, Starbucks is in on the joke. I mean, seriously, who else has the resources to create such a pitch-perfect parody? If they are, it's smart -- a way to appeal to the hip/ironic crowd.)

Legalzoom gives a clear description of what the courts have deemed "fair use":

It is an American tradition to poke fun at, criticize and imitate cultural and political icons. However, that tradition could get you sued. There is a defense in copyright cases called "fair use." Section 107 The Copyright Act of 1976 outlines what a court has to consider when determining if something is fair use:

1) Purpose and character of the work

2) Nature of the work

3) Amount and substantiality of the portion used in new work

4) Effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work

What this means is courts go through four steps, the first of which is to look at whether the creator of the new work did it as social commentary or financial gain. Next, they look at whether it is parody, satire, criticism and if that purpose is obvious in the content. A judge will also consider how much of the original work is included, and whether the will hurt the present or future sales of the old work.

Does "Dumb Starbucks" pass this test? Seems doubtful. The "Dumb Starbucks" FAQ compares their "fair use" to Weird Al Yankovic's parodies. But "Weird Al" always requests permission before recording a parody -- and doesn't release parodies if he doesn't get the original artist's green light. (Prince famously declined, for example.) But hey, I'll enjoy the sheer weirdness of this exercise while I can.

ADD: Commenter Justin Levine notes that we shouldn't be looking at copyright law, as this would be a trademark case: "It's actually not a question of copyright, but rather, trademark. So the '4 factor fair use test' from copyright doesn't come into use here. There is a parody defense in trademark law (just as there is in copyright). But courts have been very inconsistent in applying it or articulating why one parody should survive while another should be struck down. (Just as they are often inconsistent with fair use in copyright cases.) These cases are never clear cut from a legal standpoint.

Justin points to this 2007 trademark dispute over Starbucks, but notes the case was settled out of court. In this case, the Arkansas-based Kerusso was selling T-shirts and caps with a Christian take on the Stabucks logo, replacing the words "Starbucks Coffee" with "Sacrificed for Me" and the logo's mermaid siren with Jesus. The blog Seattle Trademark Lawyer explained:

Kerusso told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer: “It’s interesting how many of our parodies do end up as best-sellers. I think people like the fact that they can get a little chuckle out of something and at the same time express their faith.”

While it may be a best seller, is it really parody? If so, it’s protected as free speech. If not, it’s trading on Starbucks’ goodwill. In the Ninth Circuit, “a true parody will be so obvious that a clear distinction is preserved between the source of the target and the source of the parody….” Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. v. Penguin Books USA, Inc., 109 F.3d 1394, 1405 (9th Cir. 1997). Moreover, “[t]he claim of parody is no defense ‘where the purpose of the similarity is to capitalize on a famous mark’s popularity for the defendant’s own commercial use.’” Id. at 1406, quoting Hard Rock Cafe Licensing Corp. v. Pacific Graphics, Inc., 776 F.Supp. 1454, 1462 (W.D.Wash.1991).

As the Ninth Circuit later explained, “the book The Cat NOT in the Hat! borrowed Dr. Seuss’s trademarks and lyrics to get attention rather than to mock The Cat in the Hat! The defendant’s use of the Dr. Seuss trademarks and copyrighted works had no critical bearing on the substance or style of The Cat in the Hat!, and therefore could not claim First Amendment protection. Dr. Seuss recognized that, where an artistic work targets the original and does not merely borrow another’s property to get attention, First Amendment interests weigh more heavily in the balance.” Mattel, Inc. v. MCA Records, Inc., 296 F.3d 894, 901 (9th Cir. 2002).

Given these authorities, Kerusso’s use of Starbucks’ mark appears mainly to get attention. It does not mock Starbucks or offer any comment on the company the mark represents; it merely makes use of the company’s familar trademark. Therefore, it probably is infringing (and dilutive) use.

A few pics:

Tagging, Los Feliz Style: Graffiti With a Heavy Dose of Sarcasm

Spotted on Vermont in Los Feliz, on the wall of the old Electric Lotus location: "Siri is Skynet!" That's a feeling shared by many; go here, for example.

See It Before It's Too Late: "For The Record: Baz Luhrmann"

(Pics via Tracy St. Pierre)

There's nothing quite like For The Record: Baz Luhrmann, which was originally scheduled to end last weekend, but instead -- due to popular demand -- has been extended through mid-November. The live show takes place inside Los Feliz's intimate Rockwell restaurant, which means the action and the music takes place all around you: On a runway in the middle of the room, on the bar, in the back -- perhaps even above you.

The elaborate and well-produced show melds music from some of Luhrmann's most popular features, including "Moulin Rouge," "Romeo + Juliet," "Strictly Ballroom" and "The Great Gatsby."

Here's how the "For The Record" team describes it: "This concert celebrates the music from Luhrmann’s homage to the major theatrical conventions of Dance (Strictly Ballroom), Poetry (Romeo and Juliet) and Song (Moulin Rouge). Play list includes Lovefool, Kissing You, When Doves Cry, Love Is In The Air, Time After Time, Come What May, Your Song, Roxanne, Children Of The Revolution, Rhythm Of The Night and more."

Past "For the Record" treatments have included shows devoted to John Hughes, Tarantino and Coen Bros. movies. But perhaps because of how he completely reimagines popular songs and twists them into his own worlds, the Luhrmann show has resonated the loudest.

The show we saw included Rumer Willis in the cast, but several performers impressed. Rockwell also offers a full menu for dinner and drinks before and during the show. Check here for ticketing.

Yes, You Can Buy a "Sharknado Orchid"

It's all about marketing. The Spruce Flower Shop in Los Feliz decided to give a new name to a shipment of masdevallia orchids it received from Salinas. The rare flowers look like sea creatures, so why not rename them... SHARKNADO ORCHIDS.

It worked. "We're almost sold out," a woman from Spruce told me over the phone. "We have just one left." But have no fear, fans of cheesy Ian Ziering/Tara Reid TV movies: A new shipment is set to arrive next week. Sharknado orchids cost $35. Chainsaws to escape are extra.

Here's what the masdevallia looks like, via the Orchids in Bloom blog:

Spruce, 4313 Fountain Avenue (near Sunset Boulevard), Los Feliz (323-660-9300)

Lunch with Vince Vaughn

Vince Vaughn outside the Turner lunch at Del Posto, May 16

One of the highlights of covering the network upfront presentations in New York earlier this month was an annual lunch at Del Posto that Turner Broadcasting throws for the talent, producers and key executives of TNT and TBS. This year, I got to sit at a table with Courteney Cox and Vince Vaughn, among others. Since Vince was right next to me, we struck up a conversation about our kids and about Chicago (where he lives, and where I went to college) and about Los Feliz (and how Maria and I recently watched "Swingers" on Netflix for the first time in years). That got us to chatting about how much Los Feliz (the Derby, R.I.P.) and downtown L.A. has changed -- and we began to talk about Northeast L.A., and some of our favorite spots in Eagle Rock and Highland Park. Vince is the exec producer of the new TBS comedy "Sullivan and Son," but is heading down to Atlanta this summer to star in the new movie "The Internship" with Owen Wilson.



Meanwhile, in what was a total strange coincidence, a few days later I got this email pitch from one of those random P.R. factories that's forever sending me random pitches:

Dear Michael Schneider :

Do you feel frazzled, disconnected, unhappy? Chances are good, either you or someone you know has just lost their zest. Shea Vaughn has discovered the solution – a remarkable blend of wellness training, inspiration and practical advice. For added interest this charismatic personality is also the mother of Vince Vaughn, the award-winning actor and comedian.

We would very much appreciate your help in getting this message out to your audience via your blog. We are sure that many of your readers would greatly benefit from the wealth of knowledge and experience Vaughn shares in her book. Thank you.

If only I had gotten this pitch before lunching with Vince -- it would have been another conversaton, I'm sure.

Rate-A-Restaurant #267: Los Feliz Cafe

Restaurant: Los Feliz Cafe

Location: 3207 Los Feliz Blvd (Atwater Village)

Type of restaurant: Diner



We stipulated: I took the boys on a bike ride on the L.A. River Bike Path, and on the way back via Los Feliz Blvd., we were getting hungry for lunch. My usual standby, the Village, was closed for some reason... and after 15 years of driving by that big "EAT" sign next to the Los Feliz golf course, it was time to finally check it out.



They stipulated: Mostly outdoor seating; seat yourself; a varied menu that includes everything from breakfast items to shawrma.



What we ordered: Chicken Shawarma Sandwich - $6.50; French Toast - $5.50

High point: The prices are right, and the location -- overlooking the golf course made famous in "Swingers" -- is pleasant.

Low point: The food itself is nothing special. The French toast with the fast food syrup dipping container was particularly disappointing. And then I had to beg for my bill, which is always a pet peeve. (Are you not in a rush to get paid?)



Overall impression: The menu is all over the map -- what is this place trying to be? If it wants to go Middle Eastern, commit to that, rather than offering a bland Chicken Shawarma. But don't put that next to beef tacos, angel hair pasta and chicken wings, and expect to be taken seriously.

Chance we'll go back: No. There are plenty of other nearby breakfast or diner options available.