Passage to India
With the dazzling Mughal manuscript in residence at the L.A. County Museum of Art through May 17, why not take a passage to India?
Friday Night
Unwind from the work week at a yoga class. Developed 5,000 years ago by Hindus, yoga involves postures, breathing exercises and stretching. Traditional yoga also involves meditation, but the yoga that has become L.A.’s fitness fad du jour involves more intense cardiovascular toning and firming exercises. A few good places to try are Yoga Works, with locations at 2215 Main St. and 1426 Montana Ave. in Santa Monica, (310) 393-5150; Yogatopia at 13050 San Vicente Blvd., No. 202, Brentwood, (310) 899-0047; and the Center for Yoga, one of L.A.’s oldest, 230 1/2 N. Larchmont Blvd., (213) 464-1276. Individual classes begin at $13.
After nourishing the soul, nourish the body at the All India Cafe in Pasadena. Although the decor isn’t memorable, the food is--especially a dish called Bombay chicken that’s so tender the meat practically falls off the bone. And don’t leave without tasting the julfi (ice cream). Ask for a sample plate of all three flavors (pistachio, ginger and mango)--the perfect ending to a spicy meal. 39 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena. (626) 440-0309.
Saturday
Spend the day on Pioneer Boulevard between 183rd and 187th streets in Artesia, known unofficially as L.A.’s Little India.
Begin at Sona Chaandi Beauty Center, an immaculate salon that offers great deals on mehndi (henna body painting, which lasts two to three weeks), threading (a form of hair removal) and other Indian beauty treatments. Services begin at $5, and walk-ins are welcome. Sona Chaandi also runs a sari shop adjacent to the beauty center, which carries dozens of designs both traditional and modern, as well as beautiful fabrics. 18307 Pioneer Blvd., Artesia. (562) 924-7274.
Just down the street, Preety Fashions carries dresses and saris as well as a great selection of bangles with sequins, mirror inlays and more, in metal, glass and wood. Prices begin at $2. 18327 Pioneer Blvd., Artesia. (562) 402-7525.
Stop in Patel Brothers grocery store for basmati rice, curries and spices in bulk, and interesting chutneys. The shop also sells at-home mehndi kits for $10. 18636 Pioneer Blvd., Artesia. (562) 402-2953.
Next door, Bombay Spices carries English book titles on Indian cooking, the history of Indian music and more, as well as trinkets, cooking supplies, video and audio tapes. 18626 Pioneer Blvd., Artesia. (562) 860-9949.
Standard Sweets & Snacks is a good resting spot for the weary shopper in search of spicy Indian trail mix, carrot halva, tasty rasmalai (freshly made cheese with a spongy texture, simmered in sweet cream, chilled, topped with pistachio nuts and flavored with rose water) and other treats. 18600 Pioneer Blvd., Artesia. (310) 860-6364.
Sunday
Pages of intricate illuminations depicting the court of Prince Khurram, Mughal emperor of India in 1628, make up the L.A. County Museum’s “King of the World: A Mughal Manuscript From the Royal Library, Windsor Castle.” Sunday’s “Art of the Book” family program, planned in conjunction with the exhibition, begins with “Let Them Eat Books,” an interactive performance of stories and songs by Performing Tree’s We Tell Stories, and continues with workshops devoted to making books and filling them with calligraphy, illustrations, stories and poetry. Performance 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. in the Bing Theater. Workshops 1:30 to 4:15 p.m. Family gallery tour at 2:30 p.m. Free with museum admission: Adults, $6; students and seniors, $4; children ages 6 to 17, $1; children under 5 free. No reservations accepted. 5905 Wilshire Blvd. (213) 857-6512.
