Posts Tagged ‘Sunset Blvd’
Interview with Bobbie Boutique Owner
Newly opened Echo Park boutique, Bobbie, carries cool, affordable lines like Mink Pink, Motel, BB Dakota, Jack by BB Dakota, and more. Bobbie’s owner Kate Moore was sweet enough to chat with Take Sunset about Bobbie, why she decided to open a boutique in Echo Park, and some of her favorite spots in the area.
Take Sunset: When did you open Bobbie?
Kate Moore: November 27, 2009.
TS: Why did you want to open your own boutique?
Kate: I had been a buyer/manager for four years at a store called Wolfgang in Florida. At 21, I decided to quit and move to Los Angeles alone to kind of do the whole get as far away from home as possible thing. After not working and living in downtown LA for about a year, I decided I missed the shop life, but I did not miss working under someone. So I decided to make my own shop, and here I am.
TS: How would you describe Bobbie?
Kate: Bobbie is affordable fashion forward clothing for everyone. Bobbie has something for everyone, and pieces that are versatile so you can wear them more than one way. I also try to get new stuff in frequently so that people have something new to look at every time they come in.
TS: Why did you want to open a boutique in the Echo Park/Silver Lake area? Read more…
Spice Station in Silver Lake
Tucked down an alley in Sunset Junction between Secret Headquarters comic shop and Town and Country Bakery & Cafe is the newly opened Spice Station. It carries over 100 spices, salts, spice blends and gift sets. Most of the spices come whole and are ground fresh by the ounce, so you can get as much or as little as you need. The walls are lined with spice jars, which you can sample. Prices at the Spice Station are surprisingly reasonable, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable.
This would be a great place to purchase a unique gift for the foodie in your life or to inject a dose of inspiration into your cooking. From artisanal salts to dried chiles, truffle salt, cardamon, rosemary, and saffron–Spice Station has all your spice needs covered.
Spice Station
3819 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 660-2565
Gobi Mongolian BBQ House In Silver Lake
The other night I finally checked out Gobi Mongolian BBQ House, a restaurant I had been eying for some time now. The concept here is simple and great: grab a big bowl and fill it with meats, veggies, noodles and sauces and then give it to the cook who will fry it up for you on a giant flat-top grill while you watch.
Everything went great until I got to the sauce section – there are 11 to choose from and I found it a bit daunting. I went with a few spoonfuls of spicy sauce, some garlic and then had the cook add the traditional sauce. Looking back I should have a taken a few more risks and added some more flavors, but the dish was still tasty and very fresh.
Gobi gets its veggies from local Farmer’s Markets and you can definitely taste the difference. Overall this is a simple and fun place to go with a group of friends so you can try everyone’s concoctions. The prices are right too – dinner is $13.95 while lunch is $9.95 but you get a ton of food and can definitely take some of it to go. All in all, a welcome addition to the ‘hood.
Gobi Mongolian BBQ House
2827 W. Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Open 11:30am to 11:00pm daily
The Hive
Since moving to Los Angeles, I haven’t quite found my hair salon. Every salon I’ve tried has been really good, but still… None of them have been the one. I drive by The Hive all the time, since it’s right off Sunset, so I finally decided to check it out. Plus, the reviews on Yelp are fantastic. I was not disappointed. Lissa, The Hive’s owner, expertly trimmed my layers and agreed to answer a few of my questions, as well.
Take Sunset: I’ve been impressed by the small, boutique hair salons around Los Angeles, where prices are really reasonable. Can you speak about that phenomena?
Lissa: There are some really cute salons all around the city and seems all have their very own touch and twist to offer. I think we live in such a creative community and people really like to feel like they’re stepping into a space that’s more than just a hair shop, more of a meeting space where if you wanted to hang out all day you could. Silver Lake especially is a very cozy creative area of the city, so you definitely get shops that resemble that.
Take Sunset: Is that why you wanted to open a salon in Silver Lake specifically?
Lissa: I’ve lived on the east side for over five years and have always felt the most comfortable here, so it was only natural to want a shop that resembles my personality. Walking to work isn’t that bad too.
Take Sunset: Do you have some favorite restaurant or shops in the neighborhood?
Lissa: Wow, there are so many to name! I’m such a foody. I’m addicted to Mexican food, and Silver Lake is Mexican food capital. Siete Mares has great fish tacos, Alegria has really fresh, good Mexican food too, as well as Malo for a little LA twist. Also, for amazing atmosphere and food Cliffs Edge, and the bar at Edendale Grill are my top favorites. Casbah Cafe has amazing coffee and pastries and Pazza Gelato across the street is delicious too…. The list can go on and on. Other than work it’s mainly eating, I guess.
The Hive
1402 Micheltorena St
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 665-1028
www.thehive.la
Tamarind Ave Deli In Hollywood
When I moved to Los Angeles one of the first things I searched for was a deli to get a good sandwich. Sure there was Canter’s but what I really wanted was a local sandwich shop to pop into on a Saturday afternoon and get an Italian sub with a bag of chips and an orange soda. I searched and I searched but nothing fit what I was looking for.
Then one day I was heading west on Sunset Blvd and I saw a sign that said simply: “Tamarind Ave Deli”. At first I thought it was too good to be true – could this really be what it proclaims itself to be? Was this a film set posing to be Chicago or New York? Was this truly a simple, no frills deli? The answer, to my shock and excitement, was YES.
Echo Park Boutique: Luxe De Ville
Luxe De Ville has been a favorite boutique of Echo Park locals and those outside the neighborhood since it opened in 1996. It has tons of great jewelry from local and independent designers, like Erika Weiner pictured above. I own a few of her pieces, and I love them to death. Luxe De Ville also carried amazing sunglasses, shoes, and lots of vintage and designer clothing–men’s stuff too.
Some of the merchandise is a little pricey but there’s always a sale rack, so there’s something for every price range. Luxe De Ville has a large selection of merchandise and they get new clothes in frequently, which is great if you like to check in regularly and don’t want to see the same stuff on each visit.
The staff at Luxe De Ville is very laid back and will let your browse without being pushy. They’re also friendly and helpful, especially Oskar Delacruzs, the owner of the shop. He will help you put together a hot outfit!
Luxe De Ville
2157 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 353-0135
Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12 pm-7 pm
Sun: 12 pm-5 pm
Stories In Echo Park
I had a bookstore in Chicago that was my spot. Myopic Books in Wicker Park was high on my list of reasons I didn’t want to leave Chicago (it was a short list). But I was certain I’d never find an independent bookstore I loved as much as I loved Myopic. I spent countless hours there–browsing the narrow, twisty aisles, looking for one book and finding armfuls of others to lug home. I don’t think I ever left Myopic empty handed. With its sleeping cats and secret passages, it was a magically untouched place in my ever-changing neighborhood.
Every other independent bookstore will always be compared to Myopic, but Stories in Echo Park is slowly sneaking its way into my icy heart. At first I wasn’t sure about Stories. It has super clean bathrooms. I mean, that’s a good thing–a very good thing, but it was new to me. Stories also has a spacious patio and a cafe that serves fresh food and organic drip coffee. With real plates and metal utensils! (I’m officially in L.A.) There’s also lots of comfy seating where you can relax and check out the books, plus free Wi-Fi without any of those annoying log-in codes.
Stories also has lots of readings and events, which include free food and alcohol. There’s also frequently live music and DJs. So, basically Stories is doing everything right, and once I got over the shock of the clean bathroom, super organized bookshelves, and organic coffee, I was in love.
A great time to check out Stories will be on October 24th from 7 pm to 10 pm for Stories/826 OpenHouseHaunt and Halloween Party. There’ll be pumpkins to carve, free candy, magic, and a special performance from Grammy-nominated Madame Pamita. She’s going to be on hand to tell you what the future holds and then sing you an old timey song on her ukulele! Sounds like something that can’t be missed. Come and support independent bookstores!
Parking meters are available on Sunset, side streets and in back, so bring your quarters.
Stories:
1716 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 413-3733
Store Hours:
Mon – Thur 10:30 am – 9 pm
Fri & Sat 10:30 am – 10 pm
Sunday 11 am – 7 pm
Café Hours:
8:30 am Mon – Fri
(Enter through the back alley)
(Photo Credit: Apartment Therapy)
Home Ec In Silver Lake
Every once in a while I get the urge to be crafty. I’ve dabbled in jewelry making and knitting, but I hadn’t found a good craft shop in L.A. to buy supplies or take classes. But then I read about Home Ec., a craft workshop and retail shop in Silver Lake. Perfect!
Jenny Ryan, the owner of Home Ec. and instructor of many of the shop’s classes, is extremely knowledgeable and provides a wide variety of classes each month. The classes range from how to make a reversible wrap skirt to sewing 101 to how to make a modern baby quilt. There are also seasonal classes and kid’s classes, like how to make Sock Monkeys, too. The prices range from $30 to $100, depending on the materials provided and how many days the classes run.
There’s an upcoming hand embroidery class with craft-queen Jenny Hart. Jenny will be offering her unique tips and techniques on hand embroidery. The class is Thursday, December 17 from 7-10 pm. You can sign up for Jenny’s class and all the other Home Ec. classes online on their web site.
Inside Home Ec.’s shop is a comfy little couch to relax and craft on, gorgeous yarn, and imported fabrics for sewing or quilting. Home Ec. also sells books, patterns, tools, and cool little random doodads, like crayon bunnies, brass knuckle toaster cozies, and macramé owl necklaces. Perfect for gifts!
If you’re driving, metered street parking is available for two hours along Sunset and is free after 8 pm. You can also check the side streets on Home Ec.’s side of the street–they offer safe, non-permit parking.
Home Ec.
3815 W. Sunset Blvd. (at Lucile)
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Phone: (323) 906-8826
Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12-7 pm
Sat: 11 am-7pm
Sun: 11 am-6pm
Gloss NailSpa In Silver Lake
(I’m excited to present a post from our newest contributor: Ms. Sunset!)
I’ve tried many nail salons in LA, but nowhere kept me coming back more than a handful of times, until I stumbled upon Gloss NailSpa in Silver Lake. Gloss is now my nail place for a number of reasons:
- You can always get an appointment. Need a mani/pedi at 5 pm on a Friday? No problem. Call up Gloss and they will fit you in. And I’ve never had to wait more than five minutes when I arrive. (Unlike other nail salons, where they say there’s an opening and then make you wait for an hour.) Plus, Gloss always has lots of up-to-date magazines to make the waiting–and drying–experience more pleasant.
- Gloss is on point with trends. Gloss has the latest OPI and Essie shades, like OPI Matte shades for fall and the Essie Neon shades that were all the rage this spring.
- Gloss has eyebrow threading. If you’re still getting your brows waxed (or worse, still plucking) make an eyebrow threading appointment with Anna at Gloss now. It will change your life, especially if you have sensitive skin. The result is perfectly shaped brows without any irritation. And boys, don’t be shy. I’ve seen a number of guys coming in to Gloss to get threaded and for mani/pedis, too.
- Good music. A nail salon playing good music? I know. Only in Silver Lake. Gloss plays an interesting mix of indie rock. It’s by far the best music I’ve ever heard at a nail salon.
- Gloss caters to bookworms. I saved the best for last. Gloss has a bookshelf where you can take one free book every time you stop in for a service. It’s the coolest thing ever and with that, Gloss won my heart forever.
Gloss NailSpa
2911 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 669-3977
Monday: Closed, Tuesday – Saturday: 10-7, Sunday: 10-5
Pazzo Gelato In Silver Lake
Pazzo Gelato
3287 W. Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Have you noticed all the Pinkberry closings recently? The company is expected to have negative growth (closing more stores than they open) in 2009. Maybe in the midst of a recession, people don’t want to eat mysterious frozen yogurt substance? Something about losing their life savings makes everyone want to dive into a scoop of dense, creamy gelato in flavors like almond fig, Venezuelan chocolate spice, mascarpone orange and dark chocolate with Grey Goose …
If you’re in Silver Lake, chances are you get your gelato fix at Pazzo Gelato. Every delicious scoop is made in-house from farmer’s market fruit and other natural ingredients. For those still concerned about their waistline — it is L.A. after all — you’ll be happy to know that true gelato is made without cream, and Pazzo Gelato even offers a few sugar-free flavors.
While frozen treats are clearly the main reason to visit, Pazzo Gelato also features a full espresso bar, loose-leaf tea, and other gourmet items. Plus, there is plenty of outdoor seating, so you can sit back and watch the hustle and bustle along Sunset and Hyperion while you enjoy your dessert.
Pazza Gelato is open Sunday-Thursday, 11am-11pm; Saturday and Sunday until midnight.
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Copyright 2009 Take Sunset. Designed by Curt Ziegler.
