Block Party: Victory Blvd.
Let’s take a spin around my neighborhood…… specifically on Victory Blvd. I’m in the sleepy area known as Riverside Rancho, CA. where life is good and we can see Griffith Park from our front window. Victory Blvd and I are best friends! I travel Victory Blvd everyday and frequent many of the businesses. (We have a drive thru Baskin Robbins – yummy!) Over the past few years, I have seen many new shops, restaurants and businesses pop up. I would pass by places and I would always say to myself, “I should stop there.” ….. but I never did. Until now, I spent the last 3 weeks visiting with my old favs, meeting new people and eating some tasty bites.
As I wrap up my adventures and write this post, I am happy to report that I’m smitten with everyone who has set up shop in my neighborhood. And after all the meet and greets, I see one common thread….. passion for what the heart calls, risk taking and an entrepreneurial spirit.
3-D Retro (toy shop) // Great Art Makes Great Toys
1851 S Victory Blvd, Glendale, CA 91201 – (818) 630-7063
Check for open hours and special events.
3D Retro Website
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3dretro
Toy Geeks Behind The Counter – YouTube Show
What a flipping delight to have this gem around the corner from me. I love their motto, I love their style and I love that they found a home along Victory Blvd. For the past year or so I just assumed that 3D Retro was an animation firm. (I was not alone…. turns out everyone I asked about 3D Retro also assumed it was an animation place….. and you know what they say about assumptions… hehe) It’s the cool lack of signage and location that would make one think animation. The outside of the building has some top murals and a killer “logo” sign but no mention that it is a toy shop. This place is nestled in the zone of Disney & Dreamworks and not far from Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon too. So you can see why everyone thought animation.
The outside of the building features 4 different street artists…. Top left is Tristan Eaton. Top right is Juan Muniz. Bottom Left is Matt Gondek / Rick and Morty. Bottom right is Nychos.
Toys from .99 cents to $1,500! Cold Sodas. Plenty of eye candy. A gazillion selfie spots.
The day I visited, the owner wasn’t in the shop… I will be stoping back to meet him because he seems like a cool guy who really loves art. Did I mention that he also produces toys!! The fella who was working (Mitchell) was a pure delight! He was helpful, positive and he had a great energy. You can follow him on IG: https://www.instagram.com/mitchelldeguzman/
Amber and Honey Design Co. // #Mompreneur // Design for All
1553 Victory Blvd Glendale CA, 91201
rhiannon@amberandhoney.com
Amber and Honey Website
Amber and Honey Facebook
Eastside Momtrepreneurs Group
I sat down with Rhiannon Gillis, the Owner and Lead Designer at Amber & Honey Design Co. Rhiannon is a mom, decorator/designer and she was the inspiration for this Victory Blvd. blog post. We chatted all things kids, design, life and being a Mompreneur. I was excited when I learned that she was going to be renting a space near my house for her design business. Taking Amber and Honey from her home-based-business to a brick and mortar space, or what I call her showroom. Perhaps that is because I come from the fashion business (many moons ago) and we call spaces like hers a showroom. A place where you can touch and feel accessories, gather around a table, share design ideas and pick a plan.
Rhiannon is quirky, cute and super talented. She believes….. “Design is for all and that anyone can hire help.” Big jobs and small jobs… it dosen’t matter she always has the client’s needs in her sights. She leans towards family friendly design but she is just as comfortable with upscale masculine spaces. Again it goes back to the client’s needs. She offers design services in a variety of price points and packages. She can create mock-ups of the design plan via computer and can even create clickable links for purchases. If you need just a little help or major design help she has a plan for you. Amber and Honey does staging, decorating and design.
One thing that I really love about the Amber and Honey space is the owner’s big thinking…… on a recent facebook post she wrote, “Our calendar is up on the website. Let us know if you want to rent the space for workshops, meetings, photo sessions, or whatever. We’re already starting to book some days for June. Can’t wait to see what this space gets used for.”
Amber and Honey also has a Decor Planner group where you can swap design ideas for free!
V Boulevard Cafe // Breakfast and Lunch All Day // Cute Coffee
1608 Victory Blvd – Glendale, CA 91201 – (818) 247-2200
Mon – Fri 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sat & Sun 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
V Boulevard Cafe – Breakfast and Lunch All Day
V Boulevard Cafe has been a favorite lunch spot for years. Their ABLT (Avocado Bacon Lettuce & Tomato) is the best! For a splurge, I love their french fries dipped in ranch dressing. If you want to skip the fries you can get a small salad or fresh cut fruit. On weekdays, the cafe is filled with Disney & Dreamworks peeps….you can spot them a mile away because they all wear a security badge. On the weekend, you can expect the equestrian crowd and yelpers. The gentleman who works the front counter explained to me that “yelpers” are first time customers. The hours are limited so check your watch before you head over.
That same gentleman makes cute as cute coffee and cappuccinos! The day I visited the cafe, a table of three ladies who were “lunching” squealed with delight when they saw their coffee. And…. yes….. I was that girl….. I asked to photograph THEIR coffee.
If you are craving amazing French Toast or an ABLT then you must pop by V Boulevard Cafe.
So Cal Knits Shop // Workshops // Local Creativity
So Cal Knits Website
615 S. Victory Blvd Burbank, CA 91502 (747) 229-9186
Sun & Mon Closed
Tue 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Wed & Thurs 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Fri 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Sat 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Specialty yarns, tools and two cute doggies! What more could you ask for? Seriously if you are looking for a relaxing place to learn a new craft, shop for beautiful yarns and materials or take a workshop then So Cal Knits is a must stop. The day Steve and I popped in the owner was busy working on the most delicate project. We had a great time chatting with her and her friend. Of course our conversation turned to true crime and the Golden State Killer….. But I will leave that for another post. I do have to tell you that the owner’s friend knitted police tape… I kid you not and I love it so much!
Media City School of Music // Building a Community of Young Musicians
1709 S. Victory Blvd Glendale, CA 91201 (818) 839-0665
Call for Lessons Times and Schedules
Media City School of Music Website
Looking for music lessons? Then Media City School of Music is your one stop spot. Located near Franklin Elementary School, this little music nest has fast become a favorite for students and parents. It is not uncommon for young musician friends to walk together after school and get their “jam” on. Yes….. I said “jam” and I pretty sure that makes me a bit of a music geek.
Lessons include piano, voice, guitar, bass, woodwinds, drums and ukulele. The owner’s son (an up and coming professional musician) can be spotted practicing his music while hammering out his homework. This place is great for nurturing young people to realx and enjoy music because it benefits humanity, friendships and growth. Parents will appreciate that their kids will spend time away from the “screen” and get the opportunity to experience delayed gratification and music appreciation. Parents….. be warned….. your little ones will need to practice. LOL 🙂 …..Oh and they do offer lessons for adults too.
Snookies Cookies // Summertime Snow Cones & Treats
Free WIFI and FREE COOKIES!
1609 Victory Blvd. Glendale, CA 91201 – (818) 502-2013
Mon – Fri 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sat 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sun Closed
I was first introduced to Snookies Cookies when I was graciously gifted a basket of their amazing cookies and muffins. Their primary business is treats and sweets gift baskets. Local people might have seen their purple delivery vans around town as they are a favorite vendor for most of the studios. For our family, the snow cones and ice cream sandwiches are what we stop for. They have the really-really good shaved ice machine and tons of flavors to choose from. On hot days we walk over and grab a big cup of a cool and refreshing snow cone. The girls love it and mom and dad love it too.
The day that I popped in, the manager and I had a quick chat about our neighborhood and all the amazing businesses and families. As usual, she offered me a sample cookie. Yep they give you a cookie for stopping by and they have free wifi too.
H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society & Shop // Science Fiction // Cthulhu
1648 Victory Blvd Glendale, CA 91201 (747) 215-6422
H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society Website
Calling all Gothic Horror & Science Fiction Fans!! No really….what a treasure for H.P. Lovecraft fans. It was a delight to visit with Sean from the H. P. Lovecraft Historical Society. I loved hearing the stories about how he and his business partner got started back in high school. This has truley been a business built from the heart. They started by playing a board game based on the famous Cthulhu (the fictional character/creature created by H.P. Lovecraft).
I was lucky enough to get a peek into the workroom and back office. I didn’t dare take a pic because the space was too cool….. like a sacred creative space. And, I know a thing or two about that. I did manage to snap around the library and shop. These guys are real talents. They both have Masters Degrees in Theater and with one listen you can hear the “voice”….. like an old time story teller. They create props, films, tees, old time radio shows and they have curated a collective group of fans and created a place for all to share, learn and shop.
One thing to note….. These guys are authentic.
Sushi Nishi-ya // Don’t let the strip mall fool you // Omakase
712 Victory Blvd Glendale, CA 91201 (818) 244-2933
Mon – Fri Lunch Noon – 2:00 pm
Mon – Sat Dinner 5:30 – 9:00 pm
Closed Sunday
Don’t let this little strip mall sushi restaurant fool you! The Omakase is known all over Los Angeles and foodies make special trips to savor a bite of the chef’s choice. The hours are tight and strict so if you want a seat make sure you get in early.
Hair by Mandy // Bold Colors // A Step Back in Time
21 S Victory Blvd Burbank, CA 91502
Phone number (315) 391-9802
Text for appointments
For the first time since I was 14, I have NO hair dye in my hair. I’m 47 and have about 3 gray hairs….and my hair stylist specializes in what I call rainbow hair. It’s a mixed up world! Of course she does regular hair dye and cuts but I’m just gaga for her bold looks. Her space is adorable and decorated with vintage pieces and art that is right up my alley. It’s a small studio so you are the only patron while getting your hair done. This might be a surprise to Mandy, but when I was struggling with a personal problem a few years ago she was a fine hair-chair-therpaist. Her husband has a photography studio that occupies the front of the business so while you wait your turn you have some really nice art to look at.
7 Day Liquor & Super Bad Filming Location // Craft Beers // $$ Whiskey
1700 Victory Blvd, Glendale, CA 91201 – (818) 551-0300
Mon – Thurs 6:00 am – 11:00 pm
Fri & Sat 6:00 am – Midnight
Sun 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
Calling all Seth Rogan, Bill Hader (be still my comedic loving heart), Jonah Hill and Michael Cera fans! You can step foot into this little gem of a mom and pop convenience store or otherwise know as the liquor store from Super Bad. And…..if you stop by in the AM you might spot my neighbor grabbing his morning coffee. I’m pretty sure he is there every morning.
You will find all your usual convenience store goodies…. lottery tickets, candy bars, small bags of chips and packaged peanuts. What will surprise you is the vast stock of high end bourbons, whisky and craft beers both cold and on the shelf.
Burbank Party Supplies and Rentals // Small Party Needs & Big Jobs Too
617 1/2 S Victory Blvd Burbank, CA 91502 (818) 840-0117
Burbank Party Supplies Website
Tue Closed
Mon Wed Thurs Fri & Sat 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sun 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Throwing a party? Need tables and chairs? You can trust Burbank Party Supplies and Rentals. Is the shop crowded and full of party extras, balloons and pinatas? YES! There is something around every nook. The owners who have serviced the Burbank, Glendale, Los Feliz, Sherman Oaks and Silverlake area for over 15 years take special pride in delivering the goods on party day. They can deliver fancy wedding style chairs, simple folding chairs, tables, etc. to your party BIG or small. Plus they pick-up too! Call for quotes.
Peacha’s Rock Tacos // Christopher Walk-ins Welcome
809 S Victory Blvd Burbank, CA 91502 (818) 736-5065
Mon – Fri 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Sat & Sun Closed
If you love hole in the wall dinning then Peacha’s is a must stop. Good grub, fast and all with a rock and roll twist. This dining spot which is a favorite with the local fellas, serves up tacos with a twist, burgers and salads. The atmosphere is laid back with an array of Dia De Los Muertos skulls, rock and roll memorabilia and a little Marylin. The service is fast and the food is good. You can order from the outdoor counter or take a seat inside. I love the “self-serve” cucumber water.
Thanks for coming on this Victory Blvd Block Party! Next stop….. Glenn Oaks.
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