By Emily G. Peters The power of pet companionship in undeniable, as evidenced by the millions who follow social media accounts like The Dodo and Doug the Pug. Pet Porter Pals founder Carmel Mims has found a way to preserve that power—especially for senior members of our community. “I can’t even begin to imagine how…
Taking Pasadena Beyond the Olive
By Emily G. Peters Epicure Lisa Grabow recently posted an Instagram picture with the caption “I’ve got olives in my pockets, olio nuovo in my mouth and hand and customers on my mind. A delicious day!” It neatly sums up why she can accurately call her business Beyond the Olive. Grabow’s involvement with Beyond the…
Dual Crossroads Sheds New Light on New Age
By Emily G. Peters Located at a literal crossroads by the Metro Gold Line in South Pasadena, Dual Crossroads invites you to explore your light and dark sides at this New Age boutique. Barely a year old, the shop got its start when owner Jennifer Maimone saw the light at the end of her corporate…
Float Lifts Us Up Where We Belong
By Emily G. Peters Pasadena’s Burlington Arcade is a rainbow—and Float its pot of gold. Fixed at the end of the dreamiest alleyway in town, this cafe has a fresh set of owners who are introducing small—but delicious—additions to Float’s popular menu. “It’s like a fresh coat of paint, learning something new every day” said…
The Coolest Place in Pasadena: Pasadena Ice Skating Center
By Emily G. Peters For many, the start of November signifies the official sanction for holiday music and decorations. An alternative for some holiday cheer? A spin around Pasadena Ice Skating Center. Standing sentinel in Pasadena since 1976, the center was remodeled in 2011 and now resides beneath a snowy tent on the grounds of…
Storiad Gives Indie Authors a Fighting Chance
By Emily G. Peters Here’s a story of a man named Ramzi Hajj—and his determination to give independent authors a shot at success. Together with web developer wiz Nathan Tyler, the pair founded Storiad: a platform designed to solve marketing woes for writers. The software allows authors (and publishers) to customize bookselling campaigns step-by-step, saving…
Welcome Home to Charlie’s House
By Emily G. Peters Walking into Charlie’s House in Old Town Monrovia feels like strolling into the home of your most stylish, hospitable friend. And it should—owner Kristin Miller runs the gift and home decor boutique independently, with a little help from her husband and parents. The result reflects Miller’s talent for warm, airy interior…
Monsieur Crêpe Brings French Cafe Culture to L.A.
By Emily G. Peters Near the base of the “Village of the Foothills,” French bistro Monsieur Crêpe is bringing a little piece of Paris to the sidewalks of Sierra Madre. To chef Aurelien “Tony” Mosconi, the hamlet’s evolving food scene is about as close to European cafe culture as you can get in Los Angeles….
Brooks Berdan, Ltd. – By Audiophiles, For Audiophiles
By Emily G. Peters There’s audio equipment—and then there’s Brooks Berdan. Founded by husband-and-wife team Sheila Berdan and the late Brooks Berdan, this impressive shop has been supplying audio junkies with their fix for nearly 30 years. Specializing in high end audio gear and installation, Brooks Berdan was highly respected in the audio industry throughout…
Setting the Gold Standard at Au79 Teahouse
By Emily G. Peters Some believe reading tea leaves can reveal your future. For Au79 Teahouse owner Megan Lee, her career path has been clear since age 19: she was destined for the tea business. Sharing ownership with her family, the Lees have opened successful Au79 teahouse storefronts in Arcadia, Pasadena and San Gabriel. Their…