By Pam Fitzpatrick
The discussion surrounding the proposed relocation of the Community Center highlighted a number of subjects that will continue to be issues for Old Town Monrovia. Clearly, opinions differed based on point of view. But we were all in agreement on one thing: we love Monrovia and we love Old Town.
Historic preservation will always be a hot topic, as will parking, building size and height, and change of any sort. When you cherish what you have, it’s natural to fear change. I remember only too well the controversy when a theatre was proposed for Old Town. Then came the Colorado Commons project (which, by the way, is three stories) and the Paragon on the outskirts of the historic district; both brought another round of concerns. In the end, the prevailing theme for each project was that of the “community gathering place “ – a reaffirmation that Myrtle Avenue and its tributaries originated as, and will continue to be, the heart of Monrovia, and, as such, require housing and support services to grow around its perimeter.
Speaking of change, I’m so glad Mandy and Pinky Bagtas, the owners of Le Gourmand, shared their upcoming plans with me last week. I would have literally had a heart attack if I had seen their doors closed without knowing they would be reopening within a month. Mandy tells me they will be closing for about 30 days to reorganize, then will reopen with a brand new name and new offerings.
When will The Saltner open, we all want to know! Their promise of great wine and small bites – “charcuterie” — has been intriguing many of us for months. I spoke to the owner, Julie Kalici, this weekend (at the market, of course) and she says it will probably be March before The Saltner will be open. This is a new style offering for Old Town, and I can hardly wait to do some sampling.
If you’re into FREE stuff (and who isn’t?), check out the Valentine’s Gift Basket some lucky Old Town guest will win. The flyer says the value of the basket is over $400, and I will tell you that at this point the value is way over $400! It contains $100 in Old Town Cash, plus gift certificates and merchandise from these generous Old Town merchants: Café LuMar, Candy Connection, Charlie’s House, Monrovia Chamber (Krikorian Theatre tickets), Donna Baker (Teles Properties), Dog Zone, Family Affair Music, Happy Paws, Jake’s Roadhouse, Monrovian Family Restaurant, Paint ‘N Play, Peach Café, Resistor Records, Rudy’s Mexican Food, Salad Bistro, Salon Xylem & Spa, The Dollmakers’ Kattywompus, Wil’s Sport & Tackle, and Monrovia Floral. No cost to enter and you can enter once a day at each of these locations: The Dollmakers’ Kattywompus (412 S. Myrtle), Le Gourmand (405 S. Myrtle), Candy Connection (521 S. Myrtle) and Wil’s Sport & Tackle (310 S. Myrtle). The winner will be announced at Street Fair, Friday night, Feb. 12th at 8 p.m. at Myrtle and Olive. Deadline for entry is Feb. 12th at 5 p.m. For details and photos check out www.OldTownMonroviaCa.com or like us on Facebook.
