Ron L.
Yelp
After learning yesterday of the demise of two of my fav LA restaurants, I wandered along Abbot Kinney for awhile and stopped in at Abbot's Pizza Company, a small take out joint with a window bar to sit that has been dishing out Pizza pies since 1995. That in Venice years, like dog years, or Dogtown years perhaps, is over 50 years old.
I was glad it is still there as most of this street has changed over a number of times since the anchor tenant on this rough block in the day was The Brig.
In 1952, local Venice boxing hero Babe Brandelli retired from boxing and opened "Babe Brandelli's Brig." For over 40 years, Babe and his descendents operated THE BRIG at its present location while living in the 2nd floor apartments above. A classic Mom & Pop neighborhood bar, THE BRIG was a local favorite for inexpensive alcohol served nearly all day and night. In later years it was a 'dive' for bikers and others attracted to such venues.
As a teenager whenever I walked past The Brig, bodies were literally flying out the door and I witnessed more than one fist fight if that's what you would call someone punch drunk trying to throw punches. This Abbot Kinney shares nothing with the old nor the diceyness of Electric Avenue and around Abbot Kinney in the days before electricity when me and sabertooth tigers roamed Venice. If you don't believe me I've started a religion based on these facts.
Begin here if you skipped the above:
I ordered a Gluten Free Bianca-
Red Onion, Fresh Sliced Tomato with Mozzarella, Parmesan & Ricotta, Basil and Garlic Pesto Sauce. They offer a 10" and 14" but no slices for GF pizza although the pizza man at the counter said that he gets lots of requests. My disease is becoming a movement.
During my 20 minute wait for my Bianca Pérez-Mora Macías pie, I whiled away the time talking with a woman and her dog also salivating waiting for their pizza. Actually, I was the one salivating. We spoke of the intuitiveness and intelligence of dogs. By the way, has anyone since Ray Bolger actually whiled away the hour?
I continued to walk now with my hot pie in hand stopping to take pics and on to my home where I devoured half of the pie which was absolutely delicious. I saved the other half for tomorrow.
To be continued....