July 28 – Bauer, Donuts, and Martini

This technically happened the previous week, but on the Saturday before my birthday I went with a friend of mine to the newly reopened Bauer Pottery showroom in LA. It was conveniently located right next to Dodger Stadium, as we were also going the Dodgers vs. Red Sox game there.

Bauer Pottery is a huge part of LA history, operating DTLA from about 1895 until it shut down around 1961. The brand was revived again by new owners in 2000, recreating the original pieces inspired by the original designs and colors. I have a few of both the vintage and revived pieces. Collectors like myself note the Bauer is similar to Fiesta ware in both the colors and the ring ware patterns. I wanted to buy the entire store, but I’m keeping an out for their very adorable Bauer jack-o-lanterns they make in limited quantities each year.

Dodger Stadium in the afternoon light.

With work being a tad slow during these last few weeks, I’ve been seeing friends and catching up with personal photo uploads. My friend, David, who runs the blog Good Things By David, was in town visiting his family. He has a penchant for donuts while traveling, so I told he has to stop by The Donut Man in Glendora. Another classic of LA County, The Donut Man has been a staple on Route 66 since 1971. There’s never not a line.

I also had a belated birthday dinner with my family in Orange County. I seem to have been all over SoCal these days. A martini shot as summer comes to its final leg.

Published by Matt Lara

Matt Lara is a photographer, performer, educator, and vegan home cook currently based in Los Angeles, CA.