Shops to Feed Souls of Homesick Easterners

Last week’s rains and cold, windy weather have more than satisfied the need of most Angelenos for a wintry holiday season.

But for many Easterners transplanted here, the holidays are just not the same without some snow on the ground and a nip in the air.

“I love to put mittens on, and my scarf, to get all bundled up to go into the snow. That’s Christmas!” said Rachel Evans, a former New Yorker who works for Bette Midler’s company, All Girl Productions, in Studio City.

“Going shopping for gifts in shorts and a T-shirt just doesn’t feel like Christmas.”

Evans and other displaced Easterners, may find some solace at a local bagel store’s unusual promotional event this weekend.

The Great Bagel and Coffee Company--in conjunction with several other local businesses--will present “Homesick for Back East” today at its Toluca Lake store.

Frank Sinatra tunes and piped in subway noises will greet customers.

The facade of the store will feature fake snow, taxicabs and overflowing garbage cans.

New York-style bagels, thin pizza and other East Coast delicacies will be served, and a cellular company will offer free phone calls to the East Coast between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The Great Bagel’s owner, Art Cragnotti, moved with his family to Los Angeles from the Bronx when he was 15.

He said nostalgia for a more traditional holiday, as well as a desire to promote the bagel store he opened in April, prompted him to put on “Homesick for Back East.”

“I kind of miss the whole Manhattan-like atmosphere this time of year, Radio City Music Hall, the Macy’s parade and all that,” he said.