Old Town Report (9/7/17 Issue)

Sunset in the city of Monrovia, CA. – Photo by Terry Miller / Beacon Media News

By Pam Fitzpatrick

Pardon me if I gloat just a bit, but I was just thoroughly reading last week’s Reader’s Choice issue of this newspaper, and I actually counted 35-plus Gold and Silver winners in Old Town. I say 35-plus, because several businesses received multiple awards, including Rudy’s Mexican Food, The Diplomat, 1776, 38 Degrees, The Dollmakers’ Kattywompus, Myrtle Tree Café, and London Gastropub. Not bad, huh? And – add to that “plus,” 3 individual awards for Best Bartender (Michael at Mundial), Best Personal Trainer (Brenda Winner at Foothill Gym), and, thank you Beacon Media for the Local Influencer (Pam Fitzpatrick) award. Our Monrovia Street Fair also won Gold, as did our Library and our entire shopping district! Also, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the Best New Restaurant, both Gold and Silver, went to The Diplomat and 1776. Way to go, Joey!

And while I’m gloating about our gems, have you seen the freshly-painted book returns on the Lime side of the Library? The artist is Donna Klotzle Hargelt, who is also responsible for lots of other art in Old Town through the City’s “Art in Public Places” program. I’m been amazed before by Donna’s work, but this project is truly her finest. The painting skills are amazing, and the concept is brilliant. Thank you, Donna, for all you do, and will do, for Old Town Monrovia!

Now for the rumor mill… Rumor has it, according to multiple sources, that the Monrovian Family Restaurant has been sold. Not true. When I went in to talk to Sia Soris, the owner, this morning, here’s how the conversation went: “Sia, I hear the restaurant has sold.” “You see me still here?” Sia answered. “When you don’t see me here, the restaurant is sold.” So much for multiple sources… Sia did confirm, which I already knew, that the Monrovian is for sale and that she is anxious to retire. Any buyers out there?

And here’s a rumor that I started: no, the construction behind the 300 block, east side, is not to install electrical utilities for that nasty 316 building. I spoke with a construction worker last week and he said it had something to do with the renovation project at 326 S. Myrtle (where 4th Dimension used to be). When that project is completed, we will see a restaurant (or two) in front and offices in the back.

Moving on to some old business…Copper Still Grill still hasn’t opened its doors (for real) yet. As you may recall, a couple of Saturdays ago they opened for what looked like a trial run at lunch and said they would be back open permanently in a couple of weeks. We’re all still waiting… When I walked by there this morning I saw activity inside, and there were signs on the windows looking for kitchen help and a hostess. Maybe this Saturday? The Old Town Film Liaison interviews are this week, so we’ll know soon who will hold this volunteer position for the next couple of years. And, regarding the sale of the Krikorian to Movie Studio Grill, I saw a goodbye announcement from the Krikorian which verified that the staff will remain the same – and, very important – Krikorian gift cards and passes will only be good until the end of September, so if you’re holding a gift card or a pass for that perfect day, better make that day this month!

Upcoming later this month on Thursday, September 21st, several local folks are organizing a very special day to celebrate the International Day of Peace. “Peace in the Park” is an informal gathering of people who want to celebrate peace, love and understanding. Bring a picnic, a guitar, and dig out those hippie beads. See you in Library Park 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.!

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