One of the easiest things to do with a train-loving kid: take the subway to Union Station, walk over to Olvera Street, and have lunch at Philippe’s. There’s always something going on at the shady Olvera Street plaza, even on a Monday. The place was buzzing with tourists (their big buses parked nearby) and people waiting for some kind of radio-sponsored performance. We walked past the trinket sellers (but didn’t buy anything since it’s mostly overpriced junk), then headed to Philippe’s to share a French dip and lemonade (70 cents a glass). I think the last time I had a French dip was…the last time I went to Philippe’s. It’s that tasty. Jack gave the cole slaw a thumb’s up, too.
Before hopping on the train back to South Pasadena (where you can park for 4 hours for free), we checked out the Metrolink and Amtrak trains waiting to depart. It was like Christmas for Jack. He’s been so whiny and argumentative lately that I forgot what it’s like to have an angelic, obedient kid for more than 3 hours.
