It was an overcast morning for a couple of reasons at the Wat Thai Temple. I arrived early to avoid the dreaded parking problems, and the sun had not yet defeated the marine layer that found itself over the Cahuenga Pass and into North Hollywood. But the threat of closing the food court inspired me to drop by one last time, and pay my respects to the temple of food.

The Thais call Bangkok "Krung Thep", or "The City of Angels", and this symmetry was not lost on me at all. Here in North Hollywood, the weekends found this temple swollen with people from all over Los Angeles and beyond to enjoy the beautiful splendor of the temple and the culinary offerings of the food court. The neighborhood residents, though, had finally felt that the weekend parking dilemma had reached critical mass, and called upon the city to bring the food court to an end.

After strolling around the grounds, I decided to start with a fish cake and rice. Steamed in a banana leaf, it contained all the familiar flavors of Thai cuisine: lemongrass, lime and ginger. It covered a layer of onions and cabbage that had adopted a licorice-like flavor. This was home-cooking as I remembered it from my own childhood -- a simple approach to nearby ingredients prepared in a manner that's delicious and comforting.

Because I was a lone traveller, I didn't want to leave my stash at the table while I hunted down various treats. After finishing up the tasty but modest fish cake, I stood up to order something else. My favorite drink here is a cup of longan juice. I knew that I would need its sweetness if I were going to eat a bowl of boat noodles, whose food stall was smelling irresistible.

I decided on the beef noodles, and while there, I signed the petition to bring the food court back. Ultimately, the beef and liver lacked the punch and depth of flavor that you can find at brick and mortar noodle houses, but it was delicious nonetheless.

I couldn't spend too much time at the temple, so I got my dessert to go: a steaming hot package of kanom krok (coconut rice cakes reminiscent of Filipino kutsinta) as well as some toasted pastries that reminded me of the Chinese sesame balls.

I passed on the mangoes with sticky rice. I passed on the papaya salad. I passed on the various BBQ meats on a stick, and I passed on the fresh coconut. I don't feel guilty about it; every time I've come here, I've always eaten well and enjoyed the atmosphere. I don't need to compensate for lost time-- I haven't lost anything.

Who among us would deny our civic duty to be a civic foodie? Bandini launched a similar campaign to save his beloved taco trucks. Surely, the Thai community and their supporters would find a way to co-exist peacefully in this corner of the San Fernando Valley.

Meanwhile, it was very calming to see children running and hear music playing. The monks in their rusty orange robes continued in prayer and contemplation, while candles and incense were lit by the quiet devotees. The sun shone brightly at last, the day star triumphant.

The food court is an extension of the temple, and the temple is a symbol of faith. In the City of Angels (and also in the City of Angels), we've become strong believers in the ability for food to bring us all together under the same tent.