CHRIS’ & PITT’S AT DUSK, BELLFLOWER, SOCAL

There’s something interesting around every corner, no matter where u go.

And the corner of Bellflower and Artesia Blvds, is no exception. For it is there that, snuggled in the vast sea of suburbia, sits one SoCal’s most precious places. Chris’ & Pitt’s BBQ. This Bellflower beauty isn’t just any old BBQ joint, oh NO! ‘Tis the greatest streamline, modern. faux log cabin BBQ diner joint on the planet.

 

This sensational showstopper has been serving up mouthwatering meats since 1949. I’m not sure when it got lavished with that spellbindingly brilliant log cabin coat of paint. Whenever it was, this is faux painting fabulousness like I’ve never seen before. Not to mention, that well lit, wrap-around signage, the pair of red wagon wheels, all those turquoise scalloped window frames, and that gorgeous glittering neon sign. The overall color theory is genius, too.

All that and ham, beef, pork and ribs too. What, specials for $9.95? That’s a small price to pay for this delicious piece of history. No matter how you slice it, Chris’ & Pitt’s Bellflower is priceless. Long may it stand! Now, please pass the BBQ sauce!

 

BTW, this charmer and dozens of SoCals other underrated, unknown and misunderstood architectural gems and jewels, will be celebrated like they never have been before in my ARCHITECTURE IN LOS ANGELES – Live Slide Show Performance

Sunday, Oct 12

in Los Angeles

 

CLICK FOR TIX AND MORE INFO

 

Think: Lost and Found Mid-Century Mod, Tiki, Googie, Theme Parks And Much More!

 

This one-night only show is your past and present guide to SoCal’s classic and kitschy drive-ins, coffee shops, supermarkets, bowling alleys, shopping centers, extreme houses, dingbat apartments, fast food stands, amusement parks, themed environments and more all in glorious color !!! … Be prepared for your local pride to swell!

 

Here’s to Chris’ & Pitt’s and YOU!

Charles Phoenix

Eyestrology: Happy Birthday Libra! by Cici Psy-Chic

For the month of 9/22/14-10/22/14

Happy birthday to these celebrity September Librans: Andrea Bocelli (9/22), Bruce Springsteen (9/23), Jackie Sandler (9/24), Will Smith (9/25), Olivia Newton John (9/26), Lil Wayne (9/27), Hilary Duff (9/28), Jerry Lee Lewis (9/29), Fran Drescher (9/30)

Celebrity October Librans: Julie Andrews (10/1), Sting (10/2), Gwen Stefani (10/3), Alicia Silverstone (10/4), Kate Winslet (10/5), Amy Jo Johnson (10/6), Simon Cowell (10/7), Bruno Mars (10/8), Scotty McCreery (10/9), Mario Lopez (10/10), Emily Deschanel (10/11), Hugh Jackman (10/12), Ashanti (10/13), Ralph Lauren (10/14), Penny Marshall (10/15), John Mayer (10/16), Eminem (10/17), Zac Efron (10/18), Michael Gambon (10/19), Snoop Dogg (10/20), Carrie Fisher (10/21), Christopher Lloyd (10/22)

The next few weeks will see most signs reviewing their goals and making shifts to their plans. This can be an illuminating period of insight, fortitude and faith. While Air and Earth signs will do best staying in, Water and Fire should be going out and about town. There's an uptick in energy for meeting new acquaintances and potential romantic partners in random, unexpected ways. The need to share our time and energy with others can reconnect old friendships or old flames. We should make an effort to go to fun events with a good pal. Two is one better so play better.

MERMAIDS in MONTANA, Great Falls, 2014

As if the turquoise upholstery, multi-colored, giant bubble carpet and grass shaky ceiling isn’t enough to count the Sip ‘n Dip as an honest to goodness great American kitsch classic, it is one of two remaining vintage bars in the country, with a window into a motel swimming pool.

And no you’re not having erotic, aquatic dreams. Mermaids abound around this who-even-knew-it-existed watering hole. If you need a room, no prob!

This mermaid manor is also a motel, the O’Hare Motor Inn, erected way back in 1962.

Where there are mermaids, there is music. In this case, lovely, live Hammond organ music played by “Piano Pat,” a Sip ‘n Dip legend. She’s been playing there for 50 years!

 

Life is full of wonderful surprises. Discovering this irresistible cocktail of Tiki, mermaids and Piano Pat music, in the last place we’d ever expect to find it is certainly one of them.

 

It’s high time I hop on my horse and head the Sip ‘n Dip way.

 

I can’t wait to say: “My, what a nice tail you have!”

 

Cheers to the mermaids, Piano Pat and YOU !!!

 

Charles Phoenix (CharlesPhoenix.com)