To witness the downtown hustle and bustle of a city better known for its minimall sprawl, be sure to stop in at L.A.’s Grand Central Market. In a historic building that once housed the offices of Frank Lloyd Wright, the ground-floor Market has been serving Angelenos since 1917. The bright produce, seafood and butcher stalls are fun to cruise, and there are Asian-Pacific goodies to be had, but it’s the prepared foods sold by Hispanic vendors that will have you licking your lips faster than you can say “tongue burrito.” Grab a salmon or potato and chorizo empanada at Argentine El Gaucho, or try carnitas or tripe at Roast to Go. And by no means leave without a warm and cheese-oozing El Salvadorean treat known as a pupusa from Sarita’s. Exotic spices, dried chiles, herbs and candies sold at various stalls make for great souvenirs; you’ll even find herbal healing and health supplements. Be sure to notice all the cool neon signs and advertisements from days long ago, and the tortilla machine that cranks out hot, fresh tortillas. Within walking distance to the Museum of Contemporary Art, Music Center and the fabulous Richard J. Riordan Central Library, Grand Central Market is a spectacle for the senses and well worth a pit stop.