BLACKBURN AND SWEETZER

It’s crazy how you can live in an area, walk it on a regular basis, and then just totally miss developments on a little stretch here and there. It had been months since I made the simple walk to meet a friend for coffee at Mani’s on Fairfax, south of 3rd. Just in case you missed it on Eating LA or Eater LA, the little Spanish spot Bodega de Cordova has closed and will be replaced with Sheddy’s, what looks to be a good old fashion bar, featuring a grand opening special of $3 draught and 2 for 1 wine March 14th-17th. That sounds like a damn good deal to me.

The big deal March 14th-17th - $3 draught, 2 for 1 vino!

Next up, I came upon Factory 413, which is the flagship for California skate brands Kr3w Apparel and Supra Footwear and opened in January. If you’re looking for some pricey vintage rock tees - Stones, Van Halen, Live Aid, Rick Springfield, etc. - at $150-$250 a pop, this is your place. Some of the tees are so worn and threadbare, you’d have to launder carefully to rock it for as long as possible. It is pretty amazing to see the growth of skate and streetwear shops in the Fairfax District. Will be curious to see if others continue to stretch along the street.

Then there’s the Antique Mystique which will be the home of Gotham Press - web and graphic design, printing and copying - starting March 18th. The website doesn’t say much, but it makes the shop look promising for potential design needs.