Mixed media on 8×10” wood cradled panel, 3/4” thick with pink painted sides.

Casita del Campo
This bright pink bungalow in Silverlake is one of those rare, truly special places—full of history, personality, and charm you won’t find anywhere else. Casita del Campo opened in 1962, founded by Rudy del Campo and his family. Not long after, he met his wife, Nina, and together they ran the restaurant until they passed, leaving it in the hands of their son, Robert.

Before becoming a restaurateur, Rudy was a dancer on Broadway and even played a Shark in the film version of West Side Story. He wanted to create a space where his theater friends and artist colleagues felt welcome—and that’s exactly what he did. The walls are lined with West Side Story memorabilia, but one of the most incredible features is the collection of hand-crafted mosaic tables, made by Nina herself. She was an artist who studied at UCLA (like me!), and her work alone is worth the visit

Then there’s the basement—home to a small theater that hosts drag shows, live music, and DJs. Casita has been a proud supporter of the LGBTQ+ community since day one, making it not just a restaurant but a cultural landmark.

The space itself is huge, yet every corner is packed with character. A good friend and photographer, Jamie, first brought me here after a shoot a few years ago, and I was immediately obsessed. How could you not be? That pink! It’s impossible not to smile when you turn the corner and see it. Inside, there’s a towering (live!) rubber tree in one of the dining rooms, vibrant artwork, funky lettering, and even a charming little fountain out back. Oh, and the food? Absolutely delicious.

I always think of places like this when people say LA has no culture or soul—because this place proves otherwise. Generations of Angelenos have gathered here, turning friends into family. Silverlake itself has transformed over the years, growing from a quiet neighborhood of Disney animators and artists into one of the coolest spots in the city. And through it all, Casita del Campo has remained—colorful, welcoming, and full of life.