The Queens WHTCN operations have relocated to the wonderful state of California: home of In N Out Burger, daily year round 75 degree temperatures, and a beach within spitting distance. The charm of WHTCN was the bi-coastal daily reports of madness, so relocation measures have caused fears of "World's Colliding" since the powers that be are now within proximate residence.
However, we tempted fate and planned an LA session beginning at Tomato Pie Silverlake to discuss the current state of iPhone apps, internet comedy, and the return of full bodied sugar drinks. Although TPLA does not serve true "Tomato Pie's" as they serve at Maruca's Tomato Pie's at the Jersey Shore (which is one of the best slices I have have ever had and is my wife's favorite)...
Maruca's Tomato Pie's: 1927 Promenade, Seaside Park, NJ 08752
...and their version of a "Grandma Slice" is so far from the true definition; but what they do serve there is good. It's total shit that they claim to make what they do, but what they do make is very good. I only wish they would give what they do make it's own name rather than claiming some other EC bullshit.
TPLA "Grandma Slice", Tomato Pie Pizza Joint: 2457 Hyperion Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027
True "Grandma Slice", Rizzo's Fine Pizza: 3013 Steinway Street, Astoria, NY 11103
So after a post slice session at Pinkberry with full bellies we headed over to the infamous Griffith Park Ditch, home to some of the best no-bust bank to curbs in town and a sweet downhill carve which leads to the pro section with features I'm still figuring out how the previous ABDs have gone down.
The varsity section with the tall ledge, tree jump & bank to ledge drop is pretty gnarly. Crazy to think what has actually gone down there. We kept it pretty mellow in the JV section but had tons of fun anyways. Need to import some parking blocks to get a line going. Def a fun session. Gotta go back soon but only after the ditch dries after this past weekend's rainstorm.
And big big thanks to DMC for the new GIRL gear and ETNIES kicks. So incredibly hyped on a new set-up. It may not give me GUY type flair to tackle the ditch, but I can always pretend.
Getting to skate frequently is a luxury that will soon be gone. However, I try to take as much advantage as I can and get out almost every day.
Back in NY, I was able to keep my kits pretty crispy for up to two months from park skating while here a new set-up can be destroyed in two days from casual street sessions. Boards look like they have been run over by tanks and wheels look like a medical photo for hemorrhoids with a touch of anal warts. Disgusting.
Perhaps after I can gain some income, I can do like Neen Williams does. He builds a few set-ups and brings what he needs according to the session like golf clubs: an 8.0 for ledges, an 8.5 for gaps + stairs etc. I would be happy to have one park & one street set-up. Or maybe I should just break out my white wheel only mold and pick up an extra set of cherry red wheels for the curb sessions.
But thanks again for the hook-up. It will amazing to have a new set-up for one of my favorite parks ever for our Easter Holiday with the family. Union Hills, AZ.
