While attending the Integrity Toys Convention in Los Angeles, I had the chance to connect with an old friend who has been living there for several years. She and her boyfriend came by the hotel on Saturday, the last day of the convention, and picked me up to take me for lunch on Rodeo Drive.
Rodeo Drive was swamped with people. I'm sure a lot of them, like me, were tourists. It's for sure the shutterbugs were out in full force! The weather was fantastic! 80 degrees, sun shining, very low humidity (which I am not used to!) and my friend, Libby, and her boyfriend, Phil, provided me with nonstop entertainment! We walked the street, segueing into shops here and there, admiring the window displays of Chanel and Badgley Mischka and the many beautiful people moving along the street in their designer duds and sky high heels.
I insisted on going into the Ralph Lauren store. I love Ralph Lauren's clothes. I have quite a few pieces in my wardrobe and I have long admired the classic style of his designs, whether it is a dress or sweater or handbag. Every single thing has class and never goes out of style. I was taking pictures inside the store when Libby said, "They don't like that." So, I snapped a couple more shots and quietly exited.
As we completed our walk along Rodeo Drive (it's only a few blocks) and began discussing where we would have lunch, Libby said they had one more place to take me, and that it was off the beaten path. They had saved the best for last! Seriously!
Edelweiss Chocolate Factory is a tiny little store front and holds all manner of surprises, not the least of which was that THIS was wear the famous "I Love Lucy" episode in the chocolate factory was filmed!
The lovely woman in attendance graciously allowed us into the back of the store to see the conveyor belt that Lucy and Ethel worked on and I have to tell you, it is so much smaller than what we saw on the little black and white screens of our TVs!
The shop has had two owners, and Shirley Jones (of "Partridge Family" fame) is the current owner. It seems that the local folks are eager to preserve the little candy shop hidden away there off of Rodeo Drive and I can understand why! It certainly does have historic significance! At least for those of us of "a certain age!"
The front of the store is filled with candy in jars, candy in boxes, candy in glass cases ... candy everywhere! It is truly a delightful place to visit and I would later learn that some L.A. folks don't even know this place exists. We were told that Tom Cruise and Jay Leno are regular customers, so, clearly the celebrities know where the really great candy stores are!
Of course, I purchased chocolates for my darling husband!
After leaving the candy store, we found a lovely little restaurant and had a delightful lunch on the street where we could watch all the action. People watching is one of my favorite pastimes, and Rodeo Drive is great place to do that!
Libby had told Phil about my photographic adventures with Danbo, and when he asked if I had brought Danbo along, I said, "Of course! I never go anywhere without my little man!" He played with Danbo for a bit and managed to set up a shot for me. He did a terrific job, as you can see! Yes, it was truly a lovely way to spend an afternoon with friends! Thanks, guys!!
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