Dark Delicacies
May 3, 2011
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There are not many stores that specialize in the dark and macabre, but Dark Delicacies does and they not only specialize in it, they are like a department store for all things horror. Owner, author, actor, and editor, Del Howison opened up his shop on Magnolia Blvd in 1995, and after five years, moved to Burbank Blvd. where he spent 11 years. Finally, he is back home to our wonderful Magnolia.
Dark Delicacies has an amazing selection of horror books, possibly the largest supply I have ever seen in one place. The store holds frequent book, DVD, and record signings, and sells autographed books on the shelves as well. Howison has co-wrote and edited many books that are available on their website, on Amazon.com, and as well as in the store. Some of these titles include: Vampires Don’t Sleep Alone, When Werewolves Attack, The Book of Lists: Horror, as well as a collection of anthologies titled, Dark Delicacies. Don’t miss their signing events which take place almost every week, and that list can also be found on their website at www.darkdel.com
Prepare to spend some time here, because it is easy to get lost browsing. Dark Delicacies carries everything and anything horror including jewelry, purses, clothing, comics, dolls, collectibles, beer glasses, fine china, wallets, magazines, and even a little room off to the side especially for children.
With books, puzzles, games, clothing, socks, pillows, bibs and much more, this room offers a monsterific (yes I made that word up) twist on all things baby and toddler oriented. My favorite was definitely the tooth fairy pillow and anti-monster flashlight. Perfect for scaring away the three-eyed serpent, lurking under your children’s bed at night.
But that’s not all you can find at this horror wonderland. Dark Delicacies carries the Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab scents. These dark, romantic, and gothic hand-blended oils come in .5ml bottles and are lined up as far as the eye can see. Although the choices are limitless, it is not even remotely close to all the selections that Black Phoenix carries. Some scents I tried were Embalming Fluid which had a light citrus scent, and one of their most popular, Snake Oil, was a little darker, and highlighted with spicy herbal notes.
Dark Delicacies, like most of it’s other neighboring stores, carries local artists as well as individual artists. They prefer buying there before going to more mainstream companies, in which they use as fill ins, such as the Loungefly purses and Living Dead dolls. The store is packed with unique and intriguing handmade items like these detailed open brain doll head ornaments. This place is loaded with treasures and unique findings, making gift shopping less of a chore and more of a DELight.
Location: 3512 W. Magnolia Blvd.
Hours: CLOSED MON. Tues-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat & Sun 11am-6pm
www.darkdel.com
818-556-6660
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Simply Coffee & Boutique
As a coffee connoisseur and aspiring coffee master, I was thrilled to see Simply Coffee’s [S.C.] warm and welcoming environment. Although S.C. is not directly on Magnolia, it is considered a part of the Magnolia community. Resting only a store away from the corner of Magnolia and Lima, S.C. is just like walking into someone’s kitchen and breakfast nook, and that someone is French owner and barista in one, Gregory Mandallaz.
What really captured me about this place, is the ingenuity and creativity in which they have made a cup of coffee more than a drink but an experience. I felt like I was in a different world, stopped in time, in a complete state of peace and serenity. The light blue walls, and white antiqued furniture, filled my senses with calm feelings of home. And that is exactly what locals have sought this place to be. In the brief time I was there, regular after regular, waltzed in and their order was predicted by Gregory, which they were so delighted to see.
The menu is very clear and very affordable, throwing Starbucks prices out of the water. Their choice of latte flavors are also much broader and more unique. With flavors like apple, banana nut, almond mocha, and cherry vanilla, as well as almond or soy milk options, there is always a taste to match your mood. But what truly stunned me, was how well the brewed coffee was.
I ordered the Habana coffee which was bright and crisp, mild, low in acidity, and complete with juicy notes of citrus. I found myself guzzling it down before I could get a chance to cool it off. And to go with their home-style vibe, the condiment bar is cleverly replaced by an antique dresser. The creativity in this place is simply dripping off the walls.
Not only do they serve coffee based beverages, but also homemade salads, sandwiches, and quiches, all equally appeasing. For those of you on the go you can opt for a fresh bakery item or pastry, or you can grab a box of cereal, oatmeal, or other small snack off a cute little table bench.
If you do choose to stay and enjoy the atmosphere, you have three seating options: Inside at the antique styled tables where you can enjoy beautiful pieces of photography on the walls, including a wall of comedic mugshots taken of local customers, or on the bar stools facing the window that overlooks the final seating arrangement outside on the patio.
Simply Coffee is a place to caffeinate your heart and soul, and has definitely won me over with its simplistic charm.
Location: 940 N. Lima St.
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm, Sat 8am-4pm, Sun 9am-4pm
Facebook.com/simplycoffeeca
Twitter.com/simplycoffeeca
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