"hot spots du jour"

Historically, L.A. restaurants have shared the same fate as their famous celebrity patrons in that they are the hot spots du jour then fade away, not to be heard from again. But a handful of eateries from bygone eras have made a lasting impact on the Southern California landscape that reflects a progressive evolution in the region's architecture. The University Art Museum at UC Santa Barbara has dug into its extensive collection to chronicle a select few restaurants that defined the lifestyle changes in L.A. in the early and mid 20th century with its exhibition "Sardi's to Orange Julius ®." On view are 50 images representing eight projects from concept to completion, including presentation sketches, model photos and memorabilia such as menu design and upholstery samples. The show features the designs of five architects: J.R. Davidson, Maynard Lyndon, Kem Weber, Edward A. Killingsworth and Rudolph M. Schindler. Shown above is the interior design for Sardi's by Rudolph Schindler.