Five Things: Ashley Jex

Ashley Jex is the owner of JAXART, an Echo Park based record label that specializes in limited edition vinyl releases that also promotes live music events in Echo Park at Pehrspace and .  Most of JAXART's releases feature artists from the community including The Henry Clay People, Mezzanine Owls, Races, and Polls. 

Jex also helms the long running music blog Rock Insider, which just saw its six- year anniversay this week. Jex is an avid runner, photo buff, furniture fanatic, and compulsive crafter---you can usually find her at Echo Park Lake. She also handles bass duties in the Monolators. Here's Ashley on the best Echo Park offers, in her own words:

BEST TACO TRUCK -  Tacos Arizas: the underdog favorite of taco truck lovers everywhere. Tacos Arizas has by far the best meat of any food truck in the neighborhood, and it's perfectly located right next to the at Logan and Sunset. Its super close to The Echo, and the rest of the Echo Park mall strip.  My suggestion? Two Asada tacos loaded with cilantro, onion and homemade tomatillo salsa. So good. 

FAVORITE LOCAL HANG – Lot 1: I book events 5-6 times a month at but it has become a regular place for me and my friends to gather, have an awesome craft beer (Telegraph is my fav and is only $5), eat steak fries, and see an up and coming band from the neighborhood. I even had my birthday there this year. The owners Eileen and Jason have been absolutely amazing and really want to create an eclectic space that everyone can enjoy. They recently added a jazz night, listening parties and even comedy to the billings at Lot 1.  

FAVORITE ECHO PARK LAKE LANDMARK – Lady of The Lake: I live right on Echo Park Lake just off Park Ave. Every morning I get to enjoy amazing views of the lake and usually can be found running along the walking path. My favorite landmark however by far is the Lady of the Lake Statue on the eastern edge. I usually start and end my runs at the statue which was first placed on the site in 1935. Such great history and a symbol of strength and beauty.

BEST STAIRWAY – Baxter Stairs: 230 steps pretty much straight up. It's a doozy, but the view from the top is spectacular. The historical society filmed a trek up the stairs which you can watch below. The Baxter Stairs' easy access to Elysian Park trails make it a great start or end to any work out. Try seeing how far you can run up them.

BEST DRESS SHOP -  Flounce: The shop has been a favorite since I moved into the neighborhood six years ago. Anyone who has seen a Monolators show has probably seen me in at least one fashion find from the shop.  Lisa the owner is positively adorable, and her collection of amazing vintage dresses ranging from the 1920s to the early 1980s is just stunning. I've bought so many key pieces from her shop I've lost track  Flounce is located next to Chango on the gallery strip off Echo Park Avenue. Once a month they host a block party where patrons are invited down to the shops to enjoy extended hours and free wine and cheese. Check out this picture of  me rocking in a dress from Flounce.