Monrovia Old Town Report 7/6/17

-Courtesy photo

By Pam Fitzpatrick

Today, as I write this column, it is July 4, Independence Day. Starting early this morning, Library Park was already populated by scores of brightly-colored EZ-Ups and happy people taking happy pictures with friends and family. Fourth of July is one working holiday that I really enjoy – the happy crowds, the music and, of course the nighttime fireworks. I see most of the restaurants are open as well as our two stores, and thankfully Puff Monkey down the street is also open for our thousands of visitors.

This is a family day for us: my grandson, Collin, and I had brunch at the Myrtle Tree Café and several other family members met for coffee up at Coffee Bean. We choose to celebrate this special day in the place we love – Old Town Monrovia. We can keep the shops open, but alternate who’s behind the counter so each of us can enjoy the day. True, we’re not grilling and chilling, but we’re not washing dishes tonight, either!

I’m glad for another reason that our store by the theater was open today. Someone broke a piece off the Daniel Stern sculpture this morning and left it on the ground. A customer kindly brought the piece into the shop for safe-keeping. I always worry when I see folks, both little and big, climbing that beautiful piece of art. The sidewalk is hard, and a fall from the top of the “Producer’s” head could crack a real head. Then there’s the damage that kind of unplanned use of this photo-op can cause. There is a Producer’s Chair right next to the Producer, and the chair is meant to sit in – like the bench next to Mark Twain at the park. Message? Let’s be careful folks…

Now let’s talk about eating again, specifically at the Myrtle Tree Café.  After being open for a couple of years now, this hidden treasure is still a bit too hidden. Where is it? 405 S. Myrtle Ave., directly across from the theater. I think it’s closed on Mondays, though occasionally I have seen them open Monday mornings, but they are open Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. They serve breakfast and lunch, then dinner starting at 5 p.m. Besides the multiple choices of sandwiches, paninis, wines, beers, and tapas, Myrtle Tree also has a market with specialty foods and a delicious deli. Friday night is Jazz Night at the Café, and there is music throughout the weekend. Selfishly, I want to keep this place my secret, but realistically, I have to share. Try the Myrtle Tree Café – you’ll love it!

On to two new shop openings – hurray for Grey and Cash who opened on July 1. They are still working on their business hours, but I did see them open last Saturday. Looks like specialty coffee and tea drinks, light breakfast and lunch items. The Attic Events and Home Treasures in the 300 block (where Knot Too Shabby used to be) opened a couple of days ago, and I finally got a chance to stop in and say “hi.” The owners, Wendy and Malinda, weren’t in but I did meet their employee, Chelsea, who was as excited about the new shop as I was. We were both looking around and admiring things: I picked out a pair of novelty earrings that say “Be Happy.” Chelsea says she goes home every day and tells her mom she wants to buy everything in the store. I love the enthusiasm!

There are a lot of upcoming events:

Saturday, July 29 another Traditional Music Gathering up at Library Park at 7 p.m.

August 26 at 5 p.m. is the Monrovia Wine Walk, and don’t forget the Sunday Concerts in the Park.

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