Loving Largo

One has to get out sometimes. Largo at the Coronet feels like a hidden pleasure, but of course it is an institution. Wednesday night Jeff Garlin had a fireside Conversation with Marc Maron and it was heavenly to be a fly on the wall. There was almost no mention of Marc's celebrated Highland Park cats, but other distractions were debated. I liked Marc's shoes immediately and he held forth about them toward the end of the evening. A delightful discussion of combining meditation with medication has given me some new ideas for the common afternoon lull - incorporating the well known anti-depressant effect of caffeine with the pleasures of stove-top espresso. Maron mentioned once in his really terrific podcast that you can roast coffee beans in an popcorn popper but I do not think I will bring that to the new ritual.​

​Architecturally, the Coronet is one of the most intimate and warm places to see performances in Los Angeles, and with a history that feels tangible. The building makes a modest backdrop for music and spoken performances. The entry and courtyard give you a transition from the street to the theater: the outdoor space is lively and the lobby is quieter. The decor (if you can call it that) doesn't change and I wouldn't want it to. I've heard Ricky Jay interviewing David Mamet (or the other way round), great mandolin playing, Jon Brion with the power off. It feels private. Some performances are unpolished and fall flat and I don't care.

My vintage espresso maker. Not so easy to use, but I love it.​

My vintage espresso maker. Not so easy to use, but I love it.​