Many of Brentwood's oldest treasures have either disappeared or are on the verge of disappearing. These features added to the charm and the comfort of the neighborhood, and native Brentwoodians can't help but shed a few tears.
The closing of Dutton's Books, for example, was a very sad day. It was one of the only independent bookstores left in the area - a friendly place neighbors could walk to on Sunday mornings when they craved a good novel. I for one was planning on working at Dutton's as soon as I turned 16 - but its fate was already set in stone. What was most remarkable about Dutton's was that their clerks knew every book in the store by heart. Nothing was computerized except for the archives, and what computers they did own were like 90s bricks. It was a homey, comfortable place - but now it's gone.
Another Brentwood treasure that just isn't the same anymore is the Brentwood Country Mart. While it still exists, it has become more of an upscale and trendy place to shop, rather than the kid-friendly hang-out it used to be. There was a toy store, a children's clothing store, an even BETTER candy store than there is now, and an ice cream store that used to make the best smoothies.
But now these places are gone - lost forever in the graveyard of the past. Who knows if that neighborhood charm will ever return?
Thursday, January 21, 2010
The Perfect Brentwood Sunday
Sundays in Brentwood are particularly special. If you wake up early enough and put on your jogging shoes, you'll see a freakishly calm side of the neighborhood that you would otherwise never dream possible. Some people are up walking their Golden Retrievers, some are doing yoga on the grass in the middle of the road, and others are just walking to the Starbucks on the corner for a morning caffeine boost. But I like to do something entirely different: visit the Farmer's Market.
The Brentwood Farmer's Market was established only a few years ago, but it feels like it has been a tradition for a very long time. There are merchants that sell their merchandise there week after week, and others that come and go. No matter what, you're bound to find something fantastic - edible or not.
The Flower Guy that sets up at the top of Gretna Green is by far the best one there. I'm always sure to buy a few dozen daisies from him before I head home, as they brighten up any room. Don't be fooled by the flower stand toward the middle - the first flower guy's products are by far the best.
A few stands down from the top there is a huge sampling spread with peaches, nectarines, and apples of different varieties. Be sure not to throw away your plastic fork after the first bite - you'll want to have seconds or definitely try something else.
Further down the line, there are stands that have nothing to do with food - it is a wonderful array of handmade goods from clothing to necklaces to decorative boxes. You might not always want to buy something, as the merchandise can be a tad strange, but it's certainly fun to browse.
The best part of this Sunday morning treasure? It's cheap! Bring about fifteen dollars or so and you'll be able to buy more than enough flowers and fruit for the week. And everyone loves samples!
The Brentwood Farmer's Market was established only a few years ago, but it feels like it has been a tradition for a very long time. There are merchants that sell their merchandise there week after week, and others that come and go. No matter what, you're bound to find something fantastic - edible or not.
The Flower Guy that sets up at the top of Gretna Green is by far the best one there. I'm always sure to buy a few dozen daisies from him before I head home, as they brighten up any room. Don't be fooled by the flower stand toward the middle - the first flower guy's products are by far the best.
A few stands down from the top there is a huge sampling spread with peaches, nectarines, and apples of different varieties. Be sure not to throw away your plastic fork after the first bite - you'll want to have seconds or definitely try something else.
Further down the line, there are stands that have nothing to do with food - it is a wonderful array of handmade goods from clothing to necklaces to decorative boxes. You might not always want to buy something, as the merchandise can be a tad strange, but it's certainly fun to browse.
The best part of this Sunday morning treasure? It's cheap! Bring about fifteen dollars or so and you'll be able to buy more than enough flowers and fruit for the week. And everyone loves samples!
Vicente Foods: A Neighborhood Jewel
Forget Ralph's, Pavilion's and Gelson's. Vicente Foods is a better market than all three put together. It's not that the food they sell is any greater - it's that you can't match the neighboorhood charm and sweet service anywhere else.
First of all, nowhere else can you still get free cookies at the bakery, even if you're over 12. I for one will never get sick of the sprinkles. Not to forget, of course, their icing cookies are to die for - especially when you find a shape that you love =).
Second, nowhere else will you find friendly check-out clerks that know you by name. Locals are loved and appreciated at Vicente - and that is a key to the market's success.
Third, it has one of the best selections of fruit ever. There are always samples of everything - watermelon, cantaloupe, grapes, you name it. There are also bread samples and coffee samples when you find yourself tending to your grocery list on the right day.
Fourth, the poetry man that roams the sidewalk outside Vicente is a treat himself. Yes, he's a little rowdy (and maybe a little crazy?), but he'll always hand you a poem written by one of his favorite poets or even one of his own pieces of work as you're loading your car with groceries. It's a nice little touch.
Finally, Vicente is famous for its holiday wishes - written on the huge window next to the front doors, radiating joy all year long (except of course for the "Back to School" display in late August).
First of all, nowhere else can you still get free cookies at the bakery, even if you're over 12. I for one will never get sick of the sprinkles. Not to forget, of course, their icing cookies are to die for - especially when you find a shape that you love =).
Second, nowhere else will you find friendly check-out clerks that know you by name. Locals are loved and appreciated at Vicente - and that is a key to the market's success.
Third, it has one of the best selections of fruit ever. There are always samples of everything - watermelon, cantaloupe, grapes, you name it. There are also bread samples and coffee samples when you find yourself tending to your grocery list on the right day.
Fourth, the poetry man that roams the sidewalk outside Vicente is a treat himself. Yes, he's a little rowdy (and maybe a little crazy?), but he'll always hand you a poem written by one of his favorite poets or even one of his own pieces of work as you're loading your car with groceries. It's a nice little touch.
Finally, Vicente is famous for its holiday wishes - written on the huge window next to the front doors, radiating joy all year long (except of course for the "Back to School" display in late August).
The Best of Shopping
Brentwood is one of the best places in Los Angeles for shopping. It is a neighborhood full of everything from great vintage stores to designer boutiques. Here are some of my favorites:
Ron Herman is a great store if you are looking for trendy, designer clothing. It's a tad on the expensive signs (particularly in the jeans department), but you can't get comfy and warm Free City sweatshirts anywhere else. They also have fantastic little accessories.
Free People is one of the newest additions to the Brentwood shopping scene. It has great California clothing, like the perfect jeans for a day at the beach or the cutest dress for a night at a sparkly restaurant. It also has really spacious changing rooms with great mirrors (always a plus).
Jigsaw is a really unique clothing store. As a British chain in the United States, they tend to have much cleaner-cut clothing in proper styles. It's a great place to go if you're looking for an interesting sweater that no one else owns.
One of the best finds I've ever come across is a vintage store right next to the Cheescake Factory. It has everything from Burberry to D & G, old designers to new ones.When you find something you like, you feel very satisfied and pleased with yourself. Vintage shopping at its finest (especially with its rack devoted to Burberry sweaters!)
Ron Herman is a great store if you are looking for trendy, designer clothing. It's a tad on the expensive signs (particularly in the jeans department), but you can't get comfy and warm Free City sweatshirts anywhere else. They also have fantastic little accessories.
Free People is one of the newest additions to the Brentwood shopping scene. It has great California clothing, like the perfect jeans for a day at the beach or the cutest dress for a night at a sparkly restaurant. It also has really spacious changing rooms with great mirrors (always a plus).
Jigsaw is a really unique clothing store. As a British chain in the United States, they tend to have much cleaner-cut clothing in proper styles. It's a great place to go if you're looking for an interesting sweater that no one else owns.
One of the best finds I've ever come across is a vintage store right next to the Cheescake Factory. It has everything from Burberry to D & G, old designers to new ones.When you find something you like, you feel very satisfied and pleased with yourself. Vintage shopping at its finest (especially with its rack devoted to Burberry sweaters!)
Italian Restaurants
We all know that Brentwood is heaven for Italian restaurant enthusiasts. There have to be at least 50 in a 2-mile radius. But which ones are the best? Here are my top 5 favorite:
Toscana is a perfect place to go for a more upscale evening. Their pastas are to die for (especially their ravioli and tortellini dishes). However, it's sometimes hard to get a table, so make sure to make a reservation before you go.
Pecorino is a bit of a hidden treasure in Brentwood. Nestled right next to a dance studio in an ivy-covered building, its small space is cozy but comfortable. Mirrors adorn the walls making for very elegant decor, and their staff is almost too attentive.
Frankie and Johnnie's Pizza is the most casual restaurant of the bunch. Walk-in, paper-plates only, with names signed all over the walls, it is the closest thing in Brentwood to a true New York pizza joint. While the pizza is a tad greasy, it makes for a quick and tasty lunch.
Maria's Italian Kitchen is by far my favorite. It's not as fancy as Toscana, and not as casual as Frankie and Johnnie's, but its deep dish pizzas and chicken parmesan are incredible. Nestled in a cute little strip mall off of Barrington, it is in the perfect location as well.
Divino's is one of the only restaurants in Los Angeles that knows how to make fantastic gnocchi. Sit upstairs for a bit of a romantic feel, or downstairs to people watch and be in the middle of the comotion. Either way, you'll have a great meal.
Toscana is a perfect place to go for a more upscale evening. Their pastas are to die for (especially their ravioli and tortellini dishes). However, it's sometimes hard to get a table, so make sure to make a reservation before you go.
Pecorino is a bit of a hidden treasure in Brentwood. Nestled right next to a dance studio in an ivy-covered building, its small space is cozy but comfortable. Mirrors adorn the walls making for very elegant decor, and their staff is almost too attentive.
Frankie and Johnnie's Pizza is the most casual restaurant of the bunch. Walk-in, paper-plates only, with names signed all over the walls, it is the closest thing in Brentwood to a true New York pizza joint. While the pizza is a tad greasy, it makes for a quick and tasty lunch.
Maria's Italian Kitchen is by far my favorite. It's not as fancy as Toscana, and not as casual as Frankie and Johnnie's, but its deep dish pizzas and chicken parmesan are incredible. Nestled in a cute little strip mall off of Barrington, it is in the perfect location as well.
Divino's is one of the only restaurants in Los Angeles that knows how to make fantastic gnocchi. Sit upstairs for a bit of a romantic feel, or downstairs to people watch and be in the middle of the comotion. Either way, you'll have a great meal.
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