La Michoacana
San Pedro’s new paleta shop, La Michoacana Ice Cream, was packed with new customers looking for relief from the summer heat. Not surprising considering the new shop aims to become the first choice for cold snacks and drinks and satiate our cravings whether it’s sweet, salty, cold or hot in the Los Angeles Harbor.
There are thousands of such paleterias across the county and more than 20 in Southern California with some variation on the name. The name and myriad variations of it can be found on the labels of paletas in pushcarts, and on boxes in the frozen food aisles of supermarkets from rural Michoacán to Mexico City, Los Angeles to New York, Florida to Texas.
“La Michoacana” is shorthand for a paleteria or ice cream shop in much the same way that people use the brand name Kleenex to mean facial tissue. According to an Eater LA column, La Michoacana isn’t an official brand, but a reference to the loosely connected network of mostly family owned ice cream shops.
La Michoacana Ice Cream
Details: 424-264-5556, https://www.facebook.com/LaMichoacanaSanPedro/
Venue: 683 W. 9th St., San Pedro
Spiro’s Under New Ownership
Spiro’s Burgers was sold in May 2021 to S&R Palatos Inc., which owns and operates Ted’s Place in Harbor City and Ted’s Burgers in Carson. Spiro’s was one of many burger restaurants established by the Spiropoulos brothers, James and Tom in the Los Angeles Harbor Area.
Though the new fictitious business name for the restaurant will be Ted’s Place San Pedro, it’s not certain that the name on the nearly five decade old establishment will change. It first opened its doors in the fall of 1972 and has kept its doors open ever since.
Specializing in burgers and sandwiches, the restaurant’s menu has expanded over time to include standard breakfast, lunch and dinner, ranging from burgers, sandwiches and fries to tacos, burritos and quesadillas. Recently, Spiro’s added a teriyaki chicken plate.
If there’s comfort food you’re craving, Spiro’s probably has it.
Spiro’s Burgers / Ted’s Place San Pedro
Details: 310-872-3903
Venue: 240 S. Pacific Ave., San Pedro
The Artistry Lounge and Gallery
Alan Padilla, from the band Sunken City, has just opened a new spot in the place formerly occupied by Off the Vine. Padilla, a jack of many trades and a master of most of them, is trying to bring an old world vibe to this tiny corner of San Pedro.
During this past First Thursday, Padilla talked about traveling the world and gaining inspiration from watering holes in such distant places as Australia and hidden nooks and crannies in Europe complete with deep wooded colors and leather. Padilla envisions the Artistry Lounge as a place for artists and art connoisseurs to gather over fine wines, tapas and cutting edge work.
The tapas offerings include a variety of salads alongside a variety of meats and cheeses. It’s open only four days a week, but it’s worth the wait if you’re looking for a place to lounge and sip the work week’s worries away.
Artistry Lounge
Details: 424-570-0935; https://www.theartistryla.com/
Venue: 491 W. 6th St., Unit# 103, San Pedro
