Monrovia Old Town Report (7/20/17 Issue)

The Stracciatella and Cold Brew Latte Chip flavored ice cream. – Courtesy photo / Jason Yassine

By Pam Fitzpatrick

Great news for the Wednesday and Saturday “Music in Old Town” lovers: the popular Taylor Teasley has agreed to be an evening standard in the breezeway between Merengue and Paradis Ice Cream. Taylor will be our regular in the 400 block, plus the rotating music in the other blocks will still continue. And on Monday and Thursday evenings, Lance Cosgrove (of The Lance and Gary Show) has agreed to continue through the summer months.

It’s funny – now at almost the end of July, I’m thinking, if August goes by as fast as June and July did, we will be sans summer in the blink of an eye! Actually, now that I got to take my once-every-ten years’ vacation, I am rather enjoying thinking about the 4th Quarter. When I say “4th Quarter,” I’m speaking in retailer terms. In City terms, the 4th Quarter (advertising-event-wise) begins after the Holiday Parade, the first week of December. I’m talking planning ahead time, which starts at least in September, but really in July. Can you believe we’re already talking about holiday product and event prep?

Seriously, in August, we have the Monrovia Wine Walk (the 26), in September, the Monrovia Car Show, and in October one of my favorite events, Taste of Old Town (Oct. 15). And then, Trick or Treat in Old Town. I know I’m driving some of you nuts with all of this Fall-ish talk, but I’m a planner – and a dreamer…

And being a dreamer reminds me of one of our wonderful Old Town businesses: Dream Big Children’s Center. Just about a year ago Cristina Cordeiro shared her dream with us (though I guarantee she had been planning for years), and opened this incredible play/learning center in the 600 block of S. Myrtle. Cristina converted the large space behind Pinkberry into an indoor children’s play and education center, which also offers services and play for autistic children. Dream Big is open Tuesday through Friday and they have a great Facebook page with more information. Congratulations, Cristina!

Speaking of kids and learning, Old Town also has Oh Mulberry Bush in the 400 block of South Myrtle (west side). Interesting that this play area is also located in one of Old Town’s breezeways (between Merengue and Paradis Ice Cream.) In fact, they built out the large space behind Paradis. There must be something about ice cream/yogurt shops and kid’s play areas… Anyway, Oh Mulberry is different because it is also a café, serving light breakfast and lunch items plus delicious beverages. Parents can bring their little ones to play and eat and enjoy a meal at the same time!

There’s more fun about Oh Mulberry Bush: the promised mural on their front outside wall has been completed, and it’s beautiful! The artist, Donna Hargett, is not only a painter, but a calligrapher and a pottery artist. I think I mentioned in this column before that this mural art, as well as other art in Old Town (like Mark Twain on the bench in Library Park and The Producer bronze in front of the Krikorian) are all the works of Monrovia’s Art in Public Places. Way to go, Monrovia!

More interesting stuff about our local businesses: I’ve been walking by the spot where 4th Dimension used to be in the 300 block of S. Myrtle and admiring the handiwork of the construction crew. If the front door is open, you can see the progress (or go down the breezeway and see if the side door is open). There’s a floor now, and drywall – it’s really coming together. My understanding is that the site will house the offices of the owner’s company in the back (something auto-related), and the front will be one or two retail spaces (probably restaurant-use).

I’m excited to see who will be open next: Frost? Copper Still Grill?

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