Tucked away just off the beaten path of the Venice Beach boardwalk lies Small World Books, a charming and peaceful haven for booklovers. With its entrance that opens into a corner of the Sidewalk Café's patio area, you might almost miss it if it weren't for a demure wooden sign pointing the way. Once inside, you have entered another world - a serious book lover's realm, that is cool and quiet and larger than it seems from the front. The Mystery Annex is a spacious alcove of books specializing in the mystery and suspense genre, from Vampire Fiction to Spy Novels. You can browse through employee picks and bestsellers, many adorned with a handwritten note extolling the merits found inside. In an era of commercialized mega-booksellers, a local shop like this is a comforting and refreshing treat.
Westchester Bakery carries only fresh, high-quality baked goods such as donuts, muffins, scones, brownies, cheesecake, croissants, cookies and more. It specializes in custom cakes, designed to your liking for any occasion. Besides the classic flowers and writing, you can also have cakes with 3-D icing, portraits, novelties and brush drawings. The cakes are not just pretty packages - these cakes taste great, too. You can choose from Banana Cake with fresh bananas, Chocolate Mousse Cake, Carrot Cake and Pink Champagne Cake, among others.
Arguably the biggest and best-structured LA wine store in the affordable price range, K&L Merchants is relatively recent to Hollywood, having first built up its reputation as an excellent online wine store. Whether you are on the hunt for the best Petite Sirah from Sonoma or fancy a Barolo that will not break your bank, march on in with confidence. You will be cheerfully and expertly assisted with your quest. Or just come in and browse rows and rows of fine wine, well-organized by region, until work you up that mouthwatering anticipation and decide on the perfect bottle. Weekly tastings are conducted by sommeliers or oenologists, eager to chat and give you background and pairing recommendations for each wine. - Kate Sobol
Sockerbit is a paradise for candy lovers and offers an astounding range and array of delicacies. Options available range from licorice, hard chocolates to marshmallows and more. Shop for your favorite candy at this store that has a modern yet simple setting. Services are also offered to make the candies available at events like weddings and parties for your guests.
Located on North Raymond Avenue, Everson Royce is a store offering a variety of beers, boutique wines and other spirits. Founded in April 2012, this store has a good collection of wines sourced locally as well as internationally. Bottled beers are procured from some of the best brewers in the country. They also proffer different types of tequila, whiskys, bourbons, rum, gin and other such spirits. This attractively laid out store conducts several tasting sessions and their tasting room is known to serve scrumptious meals to perfectly complement your favorite poison.
Discover the science behind baking bread at Clark Street Bread, a popular local bakery. The owner Zack Hall started this little venture out of the love of baking. One can see the wizard at his craft in the shop on the South Broadway Street. A few of the bread variations listed on the menu are Danish Rye, Raisin Walnut and French Baguette, all made from organic ingredients. The bread is sold to a number of well known restaurants in the vicinity.