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Changes in Whittier are in the works, despite the nation's economic crunch.
It’s undoubtedly true that the changes or progress mentioned in this article were planned long before our current economic crunch. However, they are great examples of using economic “downtime” as an opportunity for change. When businesses make big changes, like remodels, they often experience temporary closures or slowing of business while resources are channeled into the changes. If it’s a new business, hopefully the completion is just in time for the reversal of an economic slump.
Margaret Mead (1901-1978), American cultural anthropologist, gave us the following food for thought:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Major Construction Projects: New Businesses
It is exciting to see the recent progress being made in Uptown Whittier right now. Here are some major construction projects that reflect the changes we will be seeing in the very near future:
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Seta Restaurant is a major renovation of the old Los Portales Building at 13033 Philadelphia Street in Uptown Whittier. The beautiful California Contemporary building is a huge nod to what the future may hold for Uptown. Seta is an upscale restaurant and lounge, created by brothers Jean & Javier Jimenez, opening in early March 2009. Aricia Alvarado is the new manager and Pastry Chef. The Menu was created by Seta's own Hugo Molina, critically acclaimed 5 star chef. Seta is a contemporary American steakhouse with a fusion of eclectic Latin and Asian Influences, in addition to salads, seafood, poultry & sushi.
The Bottle Room is a New Wine Bar, Restaurant & Lounge in the heart of Uptown Whittier at 6742 Greenleaf Avenue. Brandon Ibrahim and Patrick Best are the owners and creators of the upscale American Contemporary Gastro Pub. Feast your eyes at the artsy brick walls and high ceilings with exposed beams. The bar is the main attraction running almost the entire length of the restaurant featuring tall, vertical wine racks. There is a cozy couch in the lounge and table seating indoors, or you can dine al fresco on the patio. The Bottle Room will be Opening Saturday March 7th. Drop by for a glass of wine or beer and enjoy the fare.
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Golden Ox Restaurant & Serenity Plaza Shopping Center is a new shopping center at the north end of Uptown Whittier on Greenleaf Avenue south of Hadley Street.
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This five million dollar project offers many stores and offices in this impressive two story complex. Nicholas Kotsiomitis is the owner of Golden Ox and partner in the building project. This will be the 100th Golden Ox Restaurant, opening soon, so keep a lookout for another quality Uptown eatery.
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More New Businesses and Remodels
The following businesses are new, or have completed (or are currently) remodeling:
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Il Bella Café opened recently, in December, 2008. Did you ever go on vacation and find that perfect little restaurant that impressed you to no end because of its quality food, and quaint atmosphere? Don’t bother to go on vacation because you can experience a little bit of paradise at Il Bella Café.
Owner and creator Denise Portillo, trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena and is the executive Chef. Owner and creator Diane Perez is a chef trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Hollywood. They definitely have the credentials and it shows in the good, wholesome food they serve. Denise and Diane take pride in shopping daily for the freshest and healthiest organic produce. The international menu is very eclectic with French, Italian, and Mexican along with ribs, an American favorite. The atmosphere is earthy and romantic with lots of wood and cool soothing colors. They have figured out the perfect formula for success in Uptown Whittier with an off the beaten path location at Comstock and Hadley Streets across the street from Rite Aid. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week, M-F 7-8, Sat 8-8, and Sun 10-2. Keep them in mind for full service catering for your events and parties.
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Zi Teresa Restaurant opened January 20th, 2009 in Uptown Whittier. Chef Mario Buraglia and his sister Maria Hernandez own and operate the long time Italian restaurant that goes back to the 70’s, when the same location housed Ambrose Pizza, which was owned by their Grandfather. The menu is packed full of traditional Italian dishes. Soon they will be serving beer and wine with your entrée. Their hours are on European time: Tuesday - Saturday 11:30 - 2:30 for lunch and 5:00 - 10:00 for dinner. They are closed Sunday and Monday.
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New Canton Restaurant just completed renovation valued at over a quarter of a million dollars. New Canton originally opened its doors in 1964. Jacky Chan purchased his establishment in 1989 from an uncle who lived in the same Chinese village where his mother lived. Jacky continues to keep the 45 year old restaurant a family tradition in Whittier.
The interior design is an architectural sensation, with dynamic skylights that simulate the natural light of dusk, throughout the day. Fine Chinese statues, vases, and paintings adorn the walls in the new dining rooms and the upscale bar and lounge. The new colors and lighting are contemporary and lively; every detail in the new design is impeccable throughout the interior. Its front doors, traditionally red, remain, as a nod to the public's affectionate nickname for the eatery: “The Red Door Restaurant.”
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Elias Photography, located at 6736 Greenleaf Avenue Suite #1, recently completed a major interior remodel. Truly an upscale design with a Swarovski crystal pendant light, recessed lighting, original Eastlake hardware from the 1800’s, large decorative moldings, specialty ceilings, upscale lighting, faux painting, steel trowel textured walls with bull nose edges, French style doors, floor to ceiling windows, a leather covered desk, the latest in computers and digital cameras. There were no compromises in this design. You will feel pampered and at home when you are planning a Portrait or designing a Storybook at Elias Photography.
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Whittier Village Cinema just finished a complete interior remodel of the lobby and all the projection rooms. Improvements include new tile, carpeting and a newly remodeled snack bar and restrooms. The owners of this theater take pride in their unique circa 1931 Art Deco exterior design with the original neon lighting. They want to keep it looking vintage, while also technically upgraded for our enjoyment. This is one of the few theaters that you can see a movie for a little as $4.00 before noon and $6.00 up to 6:00PM. Another good reason to Shop Whittier.
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Bark N Bakery pet store recently opened at 6545 Greenleaf Avenue in January 2009 to replace the previous Paw's Bakery that closed in the summer of 2008. Owner Hannah Brown went all out with a complete upscale remodel. In addition to doggy edible bakery items that are made on the premises they sell all levels of feed, including the higher nutrition foods for dogs including raw meat and organic. They carry high quality brands that are not available in the chain stores. You will find all the latest in accessories, leashes, clothing and toys. The word is out that a grooming store is moving in next door and they plan to knock down a wall to share the animal services. Come by and check out Whittier’s newest pet supply store and bakery.
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Starbucks is remodeling again! I had the privilege of recommending this location to Starbucks when they decided to move into Whittier and had not yet prospected a location. They originally opened a concept store that eventually became the style for all Starbucks locations. They experienced far more success than anticipated; proof that Uptown does cater to a higher demographic. Starbucks is always ahead of the game when it comes to keeping a good image and trend setting. They will likely be done with their remodel by the time this article is published. Kudos to Starbucks for always looking good.
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Amber Blu is the only project mentioned here that is not currently visible from the street. Sandra Hahn, owner of Crepes and Grapes in Uptown Whittier, is in the planning stages of creating Amber Blu, Cabaret and Restaurant (see image below), in the same building. Summer of 2009 is the target for opening this entertainment venue that will serve American cuisine while you enjoy a cabaret style dinner show. They plan specialty themed dinners with the same quality you have learned to enjoy from Crapes and Grapes.
Another Good Reason to Shop Whittier
The efforts of the businesses mentioned here may not “change the world” but they could certainly do a lot to change Whittier, providing employment, tax revenue and entertainment in the years to come. And that is another reason to Shop Whittier.
Story and Photos by Rick Elias
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