The Grand Central Market Renaissance Is Thriving

Downtown L.A.'s Grand Central Market, which has been operating continuously for the past 97 years, has been through many transformations over the last century. After opening to much fanfare in 1917, the market was a booming social hub from the 1920's through the 1960's but, like much of Downtown, it suffered from the suburban sprawl that made the Downtown area less than a desirable location. For much of the past few decades the market has served primarily as a discount center, offering produce, dry goods and prepared meals to a largely working-class clientele.

These days, however, Grand Central Market is riding the wave of revitalization that has seen much of Downtown Los Angeles turn into one of the hottest spots in America. National media has been breathlessly reporting on this unlikely turn of events with the Downtown area for a few years now, with the Wall Street Journal recently spotlighting how people such as TV producer Burt Sugarman and his wife, former "Entertainment Tonight" host Mary Hart, have given up their lush Beverly Hills digs and moved to an area once better known for urban blight. Now comes word this week that, after naming Downtown restaurant Alma the best new restaurant in America in 2013, Bon Appétit has named Grand Central Market as one of its Hot 10 — the best new restaurants of 2014.

“What in the world is a 97-year-old food court doing on this list?” asks Bon Appétit restaurant editor Andrew Knowlton. “Let me explain. Over the past year, Grand Central Market, much like the rest of downtown L.A., has seen a remarkable renaissance". Indeed, and GCM has seen ITS renaissance include an exceptional variety of new food vendors as well as quality cooking by some of California's best and trendiest eateries, while also retaining classic stalls such as China Cafe, in operation since the 1940's and famous for its wonton soup. You'll also find a butcher shop specializing in organic grass-fed meats (Belcampo Meat Company), Chile Secos, a Latin grocery selection of imported moles, dried beans, rice, nuts, grains, and other specialty products, and DTLA Cheese, Downtown's first full-service cheesemonger, among the many offerings.

If you have not been to the Market in awhile, it is definitely a "must do" weekend stop for any Angeleno looking for a great way to spend the day shopping and eating. I would love to hear about what your favorite vendors are and what you think of the amazing turnaround the market has seen!