Urth Caffe Finds Arts District is Far From the Westside
Ed Fuentes
At the Barker Block, Urth Caffee opens its Arts District location.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — It didn't take long for the Arts District to adapt its routine to yesterday's opening of Urth Caffe. Today, a table of L.A. Times staffers discussed how they are still L.A. Times staffers, while tattoed denizens mixed with civic workers. Inside, Jonathan Jerald of Bedlam Magazine, artist/curator Mark Walsh and curator/man-about-town Edgar Varela of EVFA met for the Arts District version of a power lunch.
The new staff, trained at Urth's westside locations, should find their Arts District patrons a little more laid-back than those in Beverly Hills. Now the cafe is making some changes to fit with the needs of their new neighborhood
Based on the popularity and space of the other Urth Caffes, seating was planned to be limited to an hour and no dogs were to be allowed on the patio.
It quickly became clear that those rules didn't fit in the Arts District.
Fortunately, co-owner Shallom Berkman visited yesterday and took the chance to speak with and listen to some customers. He decided to make a few changes. Dogs will be allowed on the patio, no one will shoo you away after 45 minutes, and WIFI will be added at some point, according to manager Marie Escobar.
On Sunday, November 16th, Urth Caffe will hold its official grand opening, with a VIP and press event at 10am and the public welcome to join in at noon. The occasion will feature music, "delectables," and tours of the facility that will serve as Urth's bakery and headquarters.
Urth Caffe / 510 S. Hewitt St., #105
benjamin on October 28, 2008, at 03:39PM – #1
i think this is what some people fears most... beverly hills moving into the artist distric!
but no wifi??? why are we second class citizens?
Edgar Varela Fine Arts on October 28, 2008, at 03:53PM – #2
I also met the owner Shallom on Monday, he was very nice and accommodating. I am already friends with the staff and everyone is friendly. I think they are adjusting quickly and will serve the neighborhood just fine. The time limits and the lack of wifi make sense if they are super busy, however I think it will take a bit to get to that. What I really liked was the diversity of the clientele. Look for me here often, especially as they are three blocks from my gallery and home. Good seeing you Ed.
Eric Richardson (@blogdowntown) on October 28, 2008, at 04:06PM – #3
benjamin: None of the Urth locations have wifi. That they're looking to add it here is a change for them.
BARKER RESIDENT on October 28, 2008, at 10:40PM – #4
I really hope beverly hills is not coming to the arts district. otherwise it'd be a big mistake moving here.
concerned
Blockgirl on October 29, 2008, at 01:11PM – #5
The day has finally come! As a BB resident who has lived in the Arts District for a little over the year and has anxiously awaited the Urth opening ever since, I can't tell you how happy I am to finally have this little bit of extra fabulousness in the hood. I have been to Urth everyday this week and the best part isn't even the great coffee (which IS great!!) The best part is seeing my neighbors everyday! Urth is going to be a huge community builder and I welcome it!
Susana on November 17, 2008, at 03:00PM – #6
I was just there on Saturday morning and the place is great. It was packed and yet the staff was friendly, relaxed and ver accommodating. They even kept coming back to give my little girls croissant and bread samples. The dolce latte was Delocioso!! :) Will definitely be returning.