The Lomography Gallery Store opened earlier this year in West Hollywood, and after several attempts to go and visit being thwarted by being 20 minutes too late or by being closed for inventory, I was finally able to make it in yesterday on our first unbearably hot day of the summer. It’s a neat little store that of course sells cameras and film, but also offers 1-day film processing, workshops and talks, and lets people use the space as a meeting spot for their photo clubs or whatever. It’s pretty cool, and since I’ve started taking more still photographs lately, I’m sure I’ll be returning often. I have some philosophical issues with places selling pinhole cameras and things that one can—and should—make for oneself, but I guess if it gets people to shoot more film I support it.

Last night I also was brought to a diner I’d never heard of before, the Nickel Diner. My friend assured me that their kitschy-retro paintings on the wall were “found” and left in situ. While they continue to carry on with that irritating habit of putting bacon in unnecessary things (Brussels sprouts and donuts—why??), the food I ate was really very good. The best thing though? The platter of desserts. I opted for what the bill charmingly referred to as a Mexi-cookie… two snickerdoodle cookies sandwiches around some cinnamon chocolate ganache, but the homemade pop tarts exuded an almost unreal appeal.