Romancing in Montrose’s Trendy Restaurant Scene

February 14 falls on a Tuesday this year, however, the restaurants in Montrose are ready for you beginning that weekend. The Montrose restaurant scene offers three blocks of family-owned trendy and ethnic choices. We’ve highlighted some, and there are many others.

Your journey begins for breakfast. Picture a romantic street in Paris and stop at Gio’s Baguettes and More. Owner/Operator Az, prepares a Lilli latte to enjoy with your freshly baked croissant or an indulgent French pastry. Seeking a hearty beautifully-plated breakfast?  Black Cow delivers.

For lunch consider Mexican at historic El Charro or family friendly Pepe’s. In the mood for sushi? Blue Fish or Sushi Manstar. Pizza, think Giuseppi’s or Big Mamas & Papas. Bar-B-Que?  Seeking a relaxed, lingering lunch, visit Rest Farmhouse Inspired or The Tea Room for specialty salads and sandwiches. You can check out the gifts offered at both of these venues.

Make reservations early for your Valentine’s romantic dinner. Off Ocean View, be greeted by Fausto of Trattoria Allegria or go to Portobellos or Star Café for fine Italian cuisine. Feeling New American, Jim Collins’ Town Kitchen and Grill or Armen’s Benitoite. Think Spain at Casa Córdoba, Mexico at Corey’s beloved Joselitos, Cajun seafood at Cracking Crab.

Chef, Fausto Tinelli of Trattoria Allegria

Don’t forget romantic desserts. Head to Paradis for their hand-crafted ice cream or Froyolife for a yogurt sundae.  Top off the evening with a romantic glass of wine, craft beer or a cocktail at the Wine Cave, Thee Elbow Room or Basin 141.

Drinks at Basin 141 

After lunch on Saturday meet our Charlie Chaplin on the corner of Honolulu and Ocean View. Sweethearts receive your complimentary rose from 1-5pm, and please take a photo.

Sunday January 29^th, a special at the Harvest Market:  explore the innovative Toyota Mirai, a zero emissions fuel cell vehicle. Bring the whole family to pot your own free mini succulent and engage in a virtual reality experience exploring the Mirai’s hydrogen fuel cell technology.‪  This week our Market features the country/western sounds of guitarist Eli Locke, fresh grapefruit, sweet potatoes, and the absolute last opportunity for delicious grapes!

Feel Good in Montrose

New Year/New You with Crossfit Crescenta Valley

Continuing our campaign to look and feel great in Montrose, we’re featuring Crossfit Crescenta Valley aka CF-CV. 

CF-CV was opened in 2011 by Vaz Deravanesian. At a young age, Vaz recognized the importance of diet and exercise sharing that, “Genetically, I’m not very gifted. Both of my parents had open heart surgery. It was their heart complications that motivated me to stay healthy throughout my life.”

Owner Vaz Deravanesian

In fact, Vaz’s whole life has been dedicated to sports, personal training, and coaching. At a young age, Vaz rigorously trained as a gymnast. He then became active in sports (mainly soccer), and right after high school, he became a personal trainer. In 2011, the doors of CF-CV were opened with a mission to, “continue the path of helping people understand how to stay healthy and active even with the busy lifestyles we have.”

We had the privilege of joining the Wednesday night class at CF-CV and were inspired, to say the least. Everyone is friendly and there’s a real sense of community here. The trainers are professional and there’s plenty of fun equipment to get in shape. We spoke with longtime CF-CV member Jenna Olson, and were impressed to learn that she lives in San Diego, yet faithfully attends the Wednesday night class. "I've been coming since it opened." She says, "and will keep coming. It's that good."

Trainer Rocky Barbara, Rubina Vartanian, Jenna Olson

For anyone interested, Vaz recommends coming in and starting simple with a 20-minute workout once a week. They offer a boot camp that focuses on building a foundation through stretching and enhancing your posture, then delving into one of the classes. For more information, visit CF-CV.com or drop by Crossfit Crescenta Valley in person at 2234 Honolulu Avenue.

If you workout in Montrose, use the #shopmontrose and #feelgood #montrose for a chance to be featured!