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Local Positioning: HelMel

by Jean-Luc Renault, Special to Metromix

February 13, 2008

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HelMel—named after the intersection of Heliotrope and Melrose—is tucked away under that huge green net behind Los Angeles City College. The area is less a neighborhood than it is two corners featuring a diverse cluster of businesses catering to an even more diverse clientele. We don’t know why this veggie-friendly, bicycle-loving and art-supporting zone took root on this random block off Vermont Ave., but the result is a walkable destination we love.

Pure Luck

707 N. Heliotrope Dr. , Los Angeles

323-660-5993

Good fortune surely awaits you at this modest restaurant serving creatively tasty vegan dishes and a solid lineup of hefty microbrews. Space is limited, though, so finding a table can sometimes be a matter of, well, pure luck.

Scoops

712 N. Heliotrope Dr., Los Angeles

323-906-2649

This cash-only storefront keeps a low profile but is known for infusing truly bizarre ingredients into singularly delicious frozen concoctions. I scream, you scream, we all scream for...foie gras ice cream?

Bicycle Kitchen

706 Heliotrope Dr., Los Angeles

323-662-2776

More like a pantry than a kitchen, this tiny shop provides riders of all levels with tools, racks and tips for fixing up your bikes, as well as workshops. A mere $7 donation is requested for every hour you're there.

Fake Gallery

4319 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles

323-661-0786

A performance space known for its weekly alternative comedy shows in a scene that typically takes itself too seriously. But if the actors don't leave you laughing, there's always the weed pharmacy a few doors down.