Ventura BLVD

“Sometimes I feel. Like I don’t have a partner. Sometimes I feel. Like my only friend is the city I live in. The city of angels. Lonely as I am. Together we cry. I drive on her streets. ‘Cause she’s my companion. I walk through her hills. ‘Cause she knows who I am. She sees my good deeds. And she kisses me windy. I never worry. Now that is a lie.”

                                                                                  -The Red Hot Chili Peppers.

There is nothing like listening to the Red Hot Chili Peppers while cruising down Ventura Blvd and feeling lost in the warmth of the city.  There is such a connection within us and this city. No matter what we are going through in life, LA is such a spectacular place to experience our ups/downs. No matter where we are in our lives, we have this city! She is our companion. There is so much love!!!

Ventura Blvd. It’s my hometown, known as the valley! I was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley.  I do not know if I will ever move out to a different city because I feel this unique attachment to it.  Ventura is still very much part of Los Angeles county, it is the best kept secret since is not as recognized as other more prominent tourist areas that other cities in LA offer. It is off the beaten path, with some great hidden gems that are really lovely. Even though, other areas of Los Angeles are filled with so much power and electricity, Ventura Blvd is definitely a destination that must be explored.  

Ventura Blvd is about 13 miles long and it accounts for the cities of Sherman Oaks, Studio City, and Woodland Hills among other cities as well. There are several restaurants and stylish boutiques that are the epicenter of Ventura Blvd.  

If you are cruising around Sherman Oaks, stop by these best hidden spots:

• The Local Peasant: This place has such a lively yet laidback feel with a fantastic wholesome menu. Be careful getting there, you might just miss it since there is no front title, which I think makes it a great hidden gem! If you walk a further you will discover
• On the Thirty, This place is nicely dim yet open and airy, spacious and comfortable.
• Midici: A wonderful Italian restaurant.  The décor is so exquisite and gentle yet busy. They have an open view wooden fire oven where they cook their delicious pizza.
• Anejo:A Mexican cuisine restaurant that offers live music. This is one my favorite places to come and listen to a live Spanish performance. It just warms my heart to listen to Mariachi music on Friday’s.

Studio City brings a young ambiance crowd with a calm touch. These are some of the best places to enjoy!

• The Black Market Liquor Bar: This place amplifies cocktails and the small plates approach for an evening of fun. If you get there early, you might be able to snag a booth! However, their bar stretches long enough for a cozy space.
• Firefly: It feels so glamorous and at the same time relaxed. With no name in the front, only a plush garden outside as a clue that there is a restaurant. The restaurant is dim and you see a bar, walk a bit further and you will see a lounge charmingly decorated as a library! It is the cutest. They have a very exclusive intimate setting.
• Granville: The decor feels rustic and charming with a touch of glamour. It is an affordable luxury restaurant that gives you the freshest foods. Everything taste so fresh and causal. It is worth your time!

• Bookstar: A lovely and large bookstore. I can spend hours in there browsing through a psychology book, novel, a magazine or a cookbook before deciding what book(s) to buy.   
• Wasteland: Here, you can get your vintage designer fix. They sell the cutest vintage, one of a kind and eccentric pieces.
• Sportman’s Logde: An iconic pre-date film industry valley hotel with such rustic charm and modern theme. Here, you can relax, savor an evening or enjoy the pool with cocktail. It is a great escape or a staycation for anyone living in Los Angeles.   

And finally, there is Woodland Hills, and ever growing city. 

• The Village in Woodland Hills. It is situated between Victory and Topanga. The Village was born just a few years ago and it is adjacent to the Westfield Mall. You can take a trolley to reach either destination. It is such a cute and family friendly location with so many cute boutiques and restaurants. It is the perfect destination for a day date!
• Paoli’s:  A piano bar, so let loose and showcase your signing skills because it is also a great karaoke hotspot. The vibe is layback yet classy with so much energy, you will not regret this place, it is a such fun time.

Have you or would you like to explore Ventura Blvd? Let a valley girl know 🙂