You immediately feel the relaxed and friendly atmosphere when you step into the Downbeat Cafe in Echo Park. Writers sit typing into their computers or stare into space, others study big volumes of literature and groups talk about their next film project, annoying boyfriends or planned vacations. Nobody seems to be in a hurry and there are a lot of regulars who great each other with a few words, a smile and a friendly wave.
Food is Just Everywhere

A guest entry by my intern Lena Schütz
Food is everywhere: fast food restaurants, delis, diners, food trucks and food courts.
When it comes to the omnipresence of food, the US definitely confirms all prejudices. But being exposed to images of burgers and Co. even while watching television was new for me: flame-grilled chicken, pizza with dripping extra cheese, stuffed tacos, gigantic paper cups full of chicken wings, 6-inch sandwiches, French croissants with meat and cheese. And of course - everything served with a coke, please!