Thursday, October 1, 2015

Top Ten Pubs of the SFV!


            Welcome to October!!

As Fall is beginning to open it’s doors to us, so are pumpkin flavored craft beers. I took the week researching and visiting different pubs in the San Fernando Valley and came across some of my favorites. Here’s a compiled list of the top 10 pubs of the SFV!

  1. Ireland’s 32 in Van Nuys. This pub offers traditional Irish fare and an assortment of beers, ciders, and Irish whiskeys! The pub itself is covered in Irish décor and an assortment of signed GAA Jerseys. It’s run by two brothers from Ireland and you can feel the love they have for Ireland when you walk in. Green lights hang over the bar and the Irish feel of the bar keeps this tavern humming. 
  2. Blue Dog Beer Tavern in Sherman Oaks. Blue Dog harbors a wide variety of artisanal beers, whether from California, Oregon, the rest of the nation, or Europe. There are always eight beers on tap that are rotated regularly and up to twenty additional bottles. The menu offers a large range of food for every appetite. Support local and join the Blue Dog community. 
  3. The BrickYard Pub in Hollywood. At this cool bar, you can play pool, shuffleboard, beer pong, or just hang out with friends. The BrickYard has one of the best atmospheres of any bar in the SFV. The bar area is dimly lit and the place gets pretty packed. This pub also doesn’t serve food, but it is a totally casual and really fun place to drink and play some games. THURSDAYS: $5/HR FOR POOL ALL NIGHT LONG! 
  4. Fox and Hounds Pub in Studio City. This British pub serves up hearty British fare and brews in a comfy venue. Fox and Hounds is a perfect place to watch soccer games. Their website provides a weekly schedule of the soccer games and times. Another plus: Happy Hour prices are incredible. Monday-Friday $4 pints. Check their website for a list of bands participating in the weekly live music! 
  5. Timmy Nolan’s Tavern and Grill in Toluca Lake. I lived in Ireland for five months and have been searching for an Irish pub to escape back to the Emerald Isle in. Timmy Nolan’s is that place. The wood accents present a classic Irish pub feel. Unique homemade comfort food and carefully selected beer makes for a folksy escape in this Irish sports bar. I have a special place in my heart for this place! Check it out! 
  6. Story Tavern in Burbank. The Story Tavern is located in the heart of downtown Burbank and offers over twenty varieties of craft beer on tap, a selection of craft bottled beer, and an amazing selection of Domestic and Imported beer. The tavern has a great happy hour that draws people in: The Merriest Hour is 11:30- 7:30 pm, seven days a week, $5 Well Drinks, $8 Signature Cocktails, and $2 off Draft beers and ciders; The Ultimate Hour is Monday-Wednesday, 5 pm-close, (GAME ROOM ONLY) $12 pitchers of beer, $6 Draft Beer all night long, and $5 liquor all night long; Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays is “Puppy Power” on their patios from 5-10 pm. Bring a friend and get happy hour all night long! Head over to Story Tavern to get a feel of the early 20th century charm. 
  7. Pickwick’s Pub in Woodland Hills. Pickwick’s has 14 Draft Beers including English Ales, Cider and Irish Stout, Lager and Ale. This place makes you feel like you’re at a pub in England. Known for it’s incredibly fun trivia nights, the Pickwick is a place everyone should try! There’s great English food and live entertainment—even Bruno Mars has performed here numerous times. Definitely a place to check out! 
  8. The King’s Head in Studio City. King’s Head is known for it’s classic English décor, food, and selection of beer. The environment is comfortable and it feels like an authentic English pub. Happy Hour is Mondays through Fridays from 4 to 7 pm. It’s a great place to grab a couple drinks with some friends. 
  9. The Scotland Yard Pub in Canoga Park. This pub is a great pub for groups. The Scotland Yard is also a good place to watch Premier League soccer games, for all you soccer fans out there! With music, good vibes, and pints, the Scotland Yard will have you hooked after your first pint! Check out their website for a calendar of events and live music coming up! 
  10. McG’s Irish Pub and Grill in Chatsworth. McG’s has an Irish-themed atmosphere with a neighborhood vibe. Their extensive beer list makes it hard to leave! The service is excellent and the bartenders are loved by the locals! The staff is awesome and incredibly friendly. I’m always searching for a good Irish pub and this one definitely makes the cut. It’s authentic and homey. And the karaoke nights, live rock bands, darts, and pool tables make for a carefree and fun night full of laughter and overall enjoyment. Check out their happy hour, too, if you aren’t a night owl! 


Pubs are a more relaxed way to spend a happy hour or a night out and they always make you feel welcome. I have found my favorite pub of the SFV and I hope you do too! Support local and check these places out! And as they say in Ireland—Sláinte.
Or cheers and good health!

(Drink Responsibly!)

Friday, September 25, 2015

Ways to Kick-Start Fall

Ways To Kick Start Fall—Despite the LA Heat
The official first day of fall came and I found myself really frustrated because, let’s face it, we live in LA County and it’s still 90+ degrees outside everyday. I turned off my lights, turned on the air conditioner and lit a fall candle just to pretend it felt like fall outside. I started brainstorming things that I could do to get myself in the fall spirit and thankfully, it worked! Here are five ideas that will get you in the mood for fall in the crazy LA heat!
  1. Visit a coffee shop and get an ICED chai or an ICED pumpkin drink. That way, you still get the tastes of fall, but you don’t overheat from a hot drink on a hot day! I tried the Red Window Coffee Bar and it was incredible! Try riding your bike or walking over to Red Window, or another coffee shop, in order to get active and enjoy a cold coffee or tea!
  2.  Pumpkin flavored ice cream and froyo is finally back! Yogurtland is currently serving their delicious Pumpkin Pie flavored frozen yogurt that you can top with a variety of sweets and fruits! If you aren’t a froyo lover, head over to Ben & Jerry’s to try their Pumpkin Cheesecake ice cream! It’s an inexpensive—and delicious—way to cool off and enjoy the flavors of fall! 
  3. To bring fall into your wardrobe—girls: start incorporating darker tones, light flannels, and boots! Try wearing ankle boots with your jeans instead of sandals. Or wear a light flannel with a dress paired with boots! Incorporate darker tones into your makeup—bust out the darker lipsticks and darker eyeshadows! Guys: start hanging up the boardshorts and sandals and bring out your jeans, flannels, and close-toed shoes!
  4. In the home, start with some fall crafts to put you in the autumn mood! You can make your own fall wreaths for your doors or light fall candles so you get the smell of fall in the home and offers a little bit of an escape from the outside heat! Check out Pinterest for some craft and style ideas to transition your home into fall! 


  5. Start incorporating fall foods into your recipes! Seasonal squashes are available at the grocery store to start cooking with and recipes for pumpkin flavored desserts and breakfast items are back! Check Pinterest or other recipe sites for some tasty ways to bring fall to your kitchen.  

Check the RadioSFV app and website to look at a calendar of events in the area that will also get you excited for fall regardless of the heat! Plan ahead for exciting things to come, like the Calabasas Pumpkin Festival! Fall is a beautiful season that we can enjoy in LA regardless of the heat!

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Oktoberfest in Los Angeles

         The air is starting to feel different and we are all trying to adjust to the end of summer. This year, instead of jumping straight into the long months of school, work, and overwhelming schedules, we should all try to kick off the start of autumn in a way that is bound to make us dance, sing, and laugh, while being a part of a German tradition. 
THIS SATURDAY marks the beginning of Oktoberfest! I’ve found that it’s really important for people to understand why different holidays are celebrated in different cultures. Oktoberfest is a (roughly) sixteen-day festival held each year in Munich, Bavaria, Germany during late September to early October. Oktoberfest began with the Royal Wedding of King Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The original “Oktoberfest” occurred in Munich on October 12, 1810 for the commemoration of their marriage. Essentially, Oktoberfest is a celebration of a happy royal event that became one of the largest and most popular traditions in German culture!
The festival has become one of the most famous events in the city of Munich and the world’s largest fair—six million people partake in the celebration each year! Other cities around the world hold Oktoberfest celebrations to enjoy the changing of the seasons and join in the consumption of traditional German fare and delicious German beers.
            Luckily for Los Angeles Country Residents, there’s an incredible opportunity to celebrate this event! Alpine Village in Torrance is home to the oldest Oktoberfest celebration in Southern California and the longest running Oktoberfest in Los Angeles. The fun at Alpine Village includes party bands, German fare, and delicious German brews! Just because beer is involved, doesn’t mean that the fun is limited to over 21 year olds! Alpine Village caters to all ages. Fridays and Saturdays are for 21+, but Sundays are for all ages!
            Ticket prices and festival hours are available on the website, but I encourage everyone to look into it! The first time I went to Alpine Village for Oktoberfest, I was thirteen years old and my cousin was only five! We had an absolute blast and return every year to continue in the celebration.


Take a look at their website to join in on the 200+ years of fun and tradition!

Happy Autumn and Happy Oktoberfest!

-Natalie

Thursday, August 6, 2015

Favorite songs about Summer!

Well, Summer is almost coming to a close, which is hard to believe.  In less than a few weeks, kids are going to start going back to school and the seasons will change yet again.  Although Summer is not completely on its way out, I thought counting down the top 10 songs about Summer would make those endless Summer "feels" still hold true!

1.  All Summer Long-Kid Rock
(Video)



2.  California Gurls-Katy Perry
(Video)




3.  Surfer Girl-The Beach Boys
(Video)



4.  Summerwind-Frank Sinatra
(Video)



5.  SummerThing!-Afrojack ft. Mike Taylor
(Video)


6.  Cool for the Summer-Demi Lovato
(Video)



7.  Summer Love-Justin Timberlake
(Video)



8. Summer Girls-LFO
(Video)



9. Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer-Nat King Cole
(Video)



10. Under the Boardwalk- The Drifters
(Video)







































All of these feel good Summer songs are a perfect way to hold on to those wonderful feelings of Summertime. So sit by the pool, go to the beach and turn up one of these top Summer hits and let the mood fill you right up! Enjoy and as always see you around the SFV!

~ Madison



















Friday, July 24, 2015

The Fabulous Frank Sinatra turns 100!

Frank Sinatra's music remains timeless. He is often referred to as one of the all time greatest artists!  I couldn't agree more - for me - I love his music, his style, and of course that he lived in the VALLEY!  Yes our dear Frank lived in Toluca Lake for a while and also had a house on the hilltop in Chatsworth where JFK and Marilyn supposedly visited.  Yes, that's right Frank was an SFV resident.  Although, Sinatra passed away in 1998, his music lives on touching many generations.  This year Sinatra turns 100, and we are going to count down what we think are his top songs!

1.  The Way You Look Tonight (Song)
*My Favorite Lyrics

Some day, when I'm awfully low,
When the world is cold,
I will feel a glow just thinking of you and the way you look tonight. 

Pure magic.

2. Summer Wind (Song)
*My Favorite Lyrics

Like painted kites, those days and nights, they went flyin' by The world was new beneath a blue umbrella sky Then softer than a piper man one day it called to you I lost you, I lost you to the summer wind.

Ever have one of those Summer's you don't want to end, but you know it has to - sort of like this relationship he sings about.

3. Fly Me to the Moon (Song)
*My Favorite Lyrics

Fly Me To The Moon
Let me play among the stars
Let me see what spring is like
On a-Jupiter and Mars
In other words, hold my hand
In other words, baby, kiss me

Play among the stars? Where do I sign up

4. Strangers in the Night (Song)

It marked Sinatra's return to #1 on the pop album charts in the mid-1960s, and consolidated the comeback he started in 1966. British invasion? Not when Frank was on stage.

5.  My Way (Song)
*My Favorite Lyrics

"My Way" is a song popularized by Frank Sinatra. Its lyrics were written by Paul Anka and set to music based on the French song "Comme d'habitude"  I like it because it's for anyone who takes ownersip of their life and no one sings it better than Mr Sinatra.


6. New York, New York (Song)

I love this song for many reasons - 1} it's an anthem, 2} my family comes from New York and I love visiting this City.  Besides who doesn't want to "wake up in a city that doesn't sleep
and find I'm king of the hill top of the heap!

7. Thats Life (Song)
*My Favorite Lyrics

One of his best because you know he lived it when he sings

I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn and a king
I've been up and down and over and out and I know one thing
Each time I find myself flat on my face
I pick myself up and get back in the race

8. Come Fly With Me (Song)
*My Favorite Lyrics

Is this guy fun or what?

Once I get you up there Where the air is rarefied
We'll just glide Starry-eyed
Once I get you up there I'll be holding you so near
You may hear Angels cheer, 'cause we're together

9.  I'v Got you Under My Skin (Song)
*My Favorite Lyrics

I've got you under my skin.
I've got you deep in the heart of me.
So deep in my heart that you're really a part of me.
I've got you under my skin.

10. You Make Me Feel So Young (Song)
*My Favorite Lyrics

The moment that you speak,
I want to go and play hide and seek.
I wanna go and bounce the moon,
Just like a toy balloon.

11.  Witchcraft (Song)
*My favorite lyrics

When you arouse the need in my
My heart says yes indeed in me
Proceed with what your leading me to

12.  Some Enchanted Evening (Song)
*My favorite lyrics

Some enchanted evening, when you find your true love,
When you hear her call you across a crowded room,
Then fly to her side and make her your own,
Or all through your life you may dream all alone.

13. The Girl From Ipanema (Song)
*My favorite Lyrics

Tall and tan and young and lovely
The girl from Ipanema goes walking
And when she passes, I smile, but she
Doesn't see. She just doesn't see
No, she just doesn't

14. The Lady is a Tramp (Song)
*My favorite lyrics

She gets too hungry for dinner at eight
She likes the theater and never comes late
She never bothers with people she'd hate
That's why the lady is a tramp


Well all these songs are amazing and catchy.  Easy to sing along too, and have all gone down in history as some of the greatest songs to date.  Also frank Sinatra is still number 5 on the top selling artists for jazz.  He is an amazing man, with a great sense of style, and pizzazz.  Happy Birthday Frank from RadioSFV!

~ Madison

Friday, July 17, 2015

Dazzling Date Ideas in the San Fernando Valley

Going on a date with that guy or girl who makes your heart skip a beat is always a fun time! Romance doesn't just have to be candles and moonlight - think adventure  - that may be the way to his or her heart.  Coming up with new and exciting date ideas can be difficult, however I have come up with some fun - extraordinary date spots right here in the SFV.  Lets take a browse shall we ;)

p.s.  There are no restaurants or hikes on this list (see my other blogs about dining al fresco for some great outdoor romantic restaurants and the best hikes in the valley).

1. MB2 (Website) (Map)

Go-Kart racing - Want to get his or her heart racing - go for a spin at MB2.


























2. Sky High (Website) (Map)

Trampoline Park - Gaze into each other's eyes at new heights. They will flip for you.




















3. UltraZone Laser Tag (Website) (Map)

Shooting laser guns in a maze - Make sure your not on the same team and then hunt him/her down!  In a nice way...

























4. Bowling


You don't think bowling can be romantic? You're playing with the wrong person. It's all in the form.























5.  Jillians Universal CityWalk (website) (map)

It's all about the games! Winner buys dessert.






6.  Flappers (website) (map)

Comedy show - Laughter is the music of the soul - find out if your date has one. I'm talking about a sense of humor - every one has a soul.  Well, mostly everyone.































7. CityWalk (Website)(map)

Restaurants, movie theater, shops, and bowling - Fun to people watch - pick out a couple give them a story - you'll find out a lot about your date by the stories they create.
























8. Americana at Brand (Website)(Map)

Restaurants, shops, and movie theater - Your date and the water fountain choreographed to music. Don't talk - just let it happen.




























9. Burbank Town Center (Website)(Map)

Restaurants, shops, and movie theater - A crowded plaza and he/she only has eyes for you. If they don't - there are plenty of places to grab a snack.


































10.  L.A. Kings Valley Ice Skating (Website) (Map)

Ice Skating - In the summer - now that's a way to stay cool.

























11. Skateland Roller Skating (Website) (Map)

Skate on blades or wheels - It will bring out the kid in you both.  Plus it's great exercise.

























12. Arclight Sherman Oaks (Website) (Map)

Movie Theater - Lights, camera, action - let your date pick the film.


























These fun places will take the pressure off and put a little adventure in your next date!  Get ready to have a great time in the SFV!!

~Madison