Blog

Alhambra is a suburb of Los Angeles loaded with different options for those who want to get in shape. Whether you want to lift weights, practice yoga, do a group class, or even swim, there is a facility for you. Mission Fitness Center Mission Fitness Center, 690 S Date Ave., is open from 5 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday and 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The center is geared toward serious weightlifters, as a certified USPA training center for powerlifting, bodybuilding, and Olympic lifting. This place is a dream for powerlifters since it has over 10 squat racks, four dead-lifting platforms, competition weight benches, 100-pound plates, 150-pound dumbbells, and a ton of machines to target specific muscles for bodybuilding. more Mission Street Yoga Mission Street Yoga, 1017 Mission St. in South Pasadena, is open daily, with a class schedule that varies every week. You can choose from a variety of yoga classes and styles at Mission Street like basic, all levels, gentle, restorative, and kids yoga. It even has a class called Yoga Express, which is geared to those with a busy schedule since it is only 45 minutes long. Mission Street does have some great deals, like your first class is free and your first month is only $39 for unlimited yoga. More than 10 trained and credentialed instructors are available to lead your yoga practice. CrossFit Alhambra CrossFit Alhambra, 420 S. Date Ave. is open from 5 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 5 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. This gym offers CrossFit classes coached by a well-trained staff. Most sessions are group classes since that is part of the CrossFit mentality. You can take an intro class to try out the gym before you join to see how you like it. The Fit Factor Studio The Fit Factor Studio can be found at 38 W Main St. and is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sunday. This studio combines Pilates, barre, and HIIT all in one location. The classes are high-paced and designed to burn a lot of calories in a short amount of time. There are a dozen styles of classes to pick from, including yoga. If you are new to the studio, try the 21-Day Jump Start Program for $50; this gives you unlimited classes for 21 days and a free fitness assessment. Normally, the prices are $119 a month for five classes, $189 a month for 12 classes, or $229 a month for unlimited classes. If you are in Alhambra and looking to start working out, there are quite a few options for you. Check out any of the above locations to start feeling better today. Image via Pixabay

Eating healthy is much more than a simple fad; it's a lifestyle habit that can totally transform your health and outlook on just about everything. Fortunately, it's easy to find food in Alhambra that's just as delicious as it is healthy. Vege Paradise Whether you're a dedicated vegetarian or just want to explore some unique flavors, one thing's for certain: You won't even notice the absence of meat in your meal at Vege Paradise. This restaurant specializes in vegetarian Chinese food, and most classic dishes are on the menu. For example, the “orange chicken” entree is actually made with mushrooms. Other substitutions are made with soft tofu or pumpkin, but not everything is a vegetarian take on traditional meals. Unique options can also be found on the menu, including crispy oyster mushrooms served with bean curds and pickled cabbage. While most restaurants in the area have one or two relatively healthy options on their menu, we're confident you'll find more choices than most if you dine at one of these four great locations. These restaurants prove that eating healthy doesn't mean you have to forego flavor. more Flame Broiler Visit this Korean quick-service restaurant right here in Alhambra if you want to make finding healthy food as simple as possible. You'll choose a portion size, a base ingredient (rice, vegetables, or salad), and a protein (natural chicken, organic tofu, or Angus beef). Both the beef and chicken options are cooked in a sauce or marinade for maximum flavor. You can even combine chicken and beef to get what Flame Broiler calls its “Half & Half” dish. Vegetarians are sure to enjoy the tofu option; it comes charbroiled, is served on a bed of white or brown rice, and is topped with fresh green onions. Julienne Don't miss one of the region's hidden health-food gems. You'll find mostly breakfast and lunch options here, and the menu is full of classic comfort food favorites. Get started with a grilled filet of beef with rosemary potatoes, or try poached eggs cooked according to your taste. If you're ready for lunch, you won't want to miss the restaurant's tasty sandwiches. Consider getting chicken tarragon salad on rosemary currant bread or roasted lamb with caramelized onions on a ciabatta roll. Julienne also has a gourmet market and gift shop that's perfect for stocking up on cooking supplies and special holiday ingredients. John's Kabob Enjoy the fresh flavor and delicious taste of Mediterranean and Greek cuisine at John's Kabob. This is a family-operated restaurant that serves sandwiches, plates, platters, and daily specials. Favorites like gyros, kafta and lamb kabobs, and chicken shawarma are certainly on the menu, but you can also opt for lighter fare like a veggie plate or Greek salad. We're especially fond of the appetizers; you can get pita bread with hummus, falafel, baba ganoush, or grape leaves. And while John's Kabob is only 10 minutes from Alhambra, they also deliver. This makes getting a healthy meal easier than ever before. Image via Pixabay

If you're craving Chinese food and live in the Alhambra area, head over to Valley Boulevard. This area features some of the best Chinese restaurants in this city. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or have time to sit and enjoy your meal, you'll find a Valley Boulevard eatery that will more than fulfill your needs. 101 Noodle Express If you're driving down Valley Boulevard and are in the mood for authentic Chinese food, stop by 101 Noodle Express. At this restaurant, you'll find a wide range of tasty dishes, including homemade noodles. Although Chinese noodles are certainly the specialty of 101 Noodle Express, the shop also offers other dishes. For instance, this restaurant offers traditional dumplings as well as new twists on this old favorite, such as the pumpkin-stuffed dumpling. You could also order one of the savory homestyle cakes if you want a treat that will keep you satisfied all day long. You can even pick up frozen food to go if you don't have time to sit down for a meal. more Tasty Garden Restaurant The Tasty Garden Restaurant is another Valley Boulevard establishment that you should visit if you're in the mood for Chinese cuisine. This restaurant is a longtime favorite of Alhambra residents for its friendly staff and irresistible dishes, and it's destined to become one of your favorite spots, as well. If you're visiting the Tasty Garden Restaurant for the first time, sample one of the famous seafood options, such as stir-fried sea cucumbers with Chinese celery or honey-glazed walnut shrimp. You can also find interesting western-style dishes, such as baked spaghetti or a pan-fried pork chop. Tasty Garden Restaurant is open seven days a week, so you can stop by whenever you need to satisfy your Chinese food craving. Lunasia Dim Sum House Dim Sum is a style of Chinese food where meals are prepared in bite-size portions perfect for sharing, and Lunasia Dim Sum House is the top spot on Valley Boulevard to try out this popular style of cuisine. The dim sum menu at Lunasia features steamed, baked, and fried options, so you'll be able to order options that will please every member of your party. When ordering from the steamed dim sum menu, you can try out interesting options such as mushroom dumplings with truffle sauce, sticky rice wraps, and scallop dumplings with squid ink. If you're in the mood for something fried, pick the pan-fried pot stickers or something a little healthier, such as the deep-fried carrot balls. Since 2009, Lunasia Dim Sum House has been one of the most popular Chinese restaurants on Valley Boulevard, and it should be your go-to destination if you're looking for a Chinese meal that you can enjoy with your friends or family members. Along Valley Boulevard, you'll find the best Chinese restaurants anywhere in Alhambra. Visit any of these spots for your next meal, and you'll enjoy world-class food that will leave you full and satisfied. Image via pixabay

For anyone who has a sweet tooth, it is always nice to find some new places to visit where you can get delicious treats. Here are some shops located in Alhambra offering delectable sweets and treats. Afters Ice Cream Afters Ice Cream offers guests handcrafted ice cream that comes in a variety of very creative flavors. From Milk and Cereal to Cookie Monster to Jasmine Milk Tea, there are lots of flavors for you to try. Other types you may want to explore are Strawberry Cookie Crunch, Vietnamese Coffee, Banana Walnut, and French Toast Churro. In addition to unique flavors, Afters Ice Cream offers a treat called the Milky Bun, which is a glazed bun that comes stuffed with ice cream. The bun is then resealed and heated for a hot and cold treat that will be sure to delight your taste buds. You can also get a giant ice cream cone topped with mini ice cream cones. It is a sight to see. Afters Ice Cream is located at 36 W Main St. Their hours are noon to midnight, seven days a week. more Creamistry Located at 1129 S. Fremont Ave Ste. B, the Creamistry offers made-to-order liquid nitrogen ice cream. This ice cream shop makes your ice cream fresh, right in front of your eyes. First, guests choose the size of their ice cream and the base, which offers the options of premium, organic, sorbet, or coconut ice cream. Next guests can choose their flavors. These include cereals such as Cap'N Crunch and Fruity Pebbles or cookies and cakes such as Tiramisu or Cookie Butter. There are also nutty flavors, coffee and tea flavors, fruity flavors, and classic flavors. For more information about the different ice cream flavors, you can visit the Creamistry website. Lastly, you get to choose from a wide variety of toppings. You have the option to upgrade to a waffle bowl, brownie bowl, or chocolate bowl. Guests also have the option of ordering creations off the menu or making their own creation, which includes a combination of ice cream and toppings in a cup. Creamistry is open from Sunday to Thursday, noon to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, from noon to 11 p.m. Temptations Chocolate Factory This candy store specializes in chocolate treats, ice cream, and candies. They serve caramel apples, Reeses Pieces apples, and cheesecake candy apples if you are looking for a twist on the traditional candy apple. Also available are chocolate strawberries, chocolate covered bacon, truffles, and milkshakes. Temptations sell a wide selection of candies, which include Pop Rocks and Jawbreakers, to name a few. Temptations Chocolate Factory is located at 15 E. Main St. Their hours are 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday to Thursday, and 11:30 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. It is always fun looking for new places to discover a variety of unique treats. These are just a few of the different locations that offer one of a kind desserts around Alhambra. Image via Pixabay

If you haven't hopped on the sushi bandwagon yet, you don't know what you're missing. Japanese foods like sushi and sashimi have exploded in popularity in the United States and are among some of the most interesting and delicious foods that adventurous eaters just can't get enough of. There's always a new option or an interesting variation on a favorite to try. Whether you're new to the world of sushi or you consider yourself an expert in this Japanese delicacy, you'll find some of the best options at these three sensational sushi joints in the Alhambra area. Izakaya Akatora Izakaya Akatora is a no-frills establishment that focuses on offering up some of the best Japanese cuisines around. Their sushi list is extensive and includes nearly 30 different sushi and sashimi options for you to try. Some of their most popular items include: Japanese Red Snapper Sea Eel Spanish Mackerel Sweet Egg Golden Eye Snapper If you're feeling particularly adventurous, be sure to try out some of their more interesting menu items such as the octopus sashimi or monkfish liver. more Tomomi Sushi and Sake Bar A lot of establishments offer sushi as a menu category but not Tomomi Sushi and Saki Bar. In fact, sushi is all they do and they feature sushi items across nine pages of their extensive menu. While Tomomi does offer other options like soups and salads, everything ties back to sushi in some way. What's even better is they complete your Japanese dining experience by offering a large sake selection. If you've never tried pairing the perfect sake with your sushi of choice, they'll be happy to help you find something you're going to love. Z Sushi and Grill Z Sushi and Grill doesn't do sushi exclusively. You'll find other menu items like salads, noodles, and Bento here and their sushi roll selection, while delicious, is a bit limited. Where Z Sushi really shines, though, is their extensive sashimi selection. It's worth noting that sashimi is for the most adventurous of food lovers but, if you're brave enough to try it, you're going to fall in love and come back for more. A few of the standard sashimi items you'll find here include: Albacore Golden Snapper Halibut Japanese Mackerel Crab For the most daring of people, be sure to check out options like: Freshwater Eel Monk Fish Liver Octopus Salmon Eggs Sea Urchin Some of these sound downright strange but, as any true sushi lover will tell you, once you've tried them you simply can't help but go back for more. Of course, if you're not feeling particularly brave, their standard sushi menu should suit you just fine. If you've never tried sushi before, it certainly can't hurt to try out the best options first. And if you're among the growing number of people that simply can't get enough of this Japanese favorite, these three sensational sushi joints will have you coming back for more time and time again. Image via pixabay.com

Small downtown America used to be where everyone did their shopping. From groceries to clothes, you could find the shop you needed all in one convenient area. Malls and the Interstate did all but destroy main streets throughout the country, but some have remained thanks to downtown associations and resilient business owners. One of those places is Alhambra, California. With dozens of independently owned stores, you can get what you need in Alhambra with unique merchandise and unmatched customer service. Here are just a few of the shopping highlights you shouldn't miss. 1. The Comic Cellar The Comic Cellar is Alhambra's neighborhood comic book store, offering excellent customer service from employees who love comics as much as you do. The store stocks hundreds of the most popular new and old comics, as well as books and graphic novels. Whether you love Batman, Superman, Aquaman, or something more obscure, you're sure to find it at the Comic Cellar. You can find the Comic Cellar at 135 W. Main St. in downtown Alhambra. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Monday, and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. more 2. Vidorra Located at 100 E. Main St., Suite 120, Vidorra has everything a modern, independent woman could want. Their one-of-a-kind products include women's fashion, apothecary products, housewares, and more. A range of prices also makes Vidorra accessible to all types of budgets. When you're done shopping here, you'll have a wardrobe or living room set up that's the envy of all your friends. Vidorra is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 3. Havana House Cigars & Lounge If a cocktail and a finely rolled cigar sound like the perfect accent to your day, head to Havana House Cigars & Lounge at 133 W. Main St. The interior of the building features brick and wood accents for the ideal cigar-smoking backdrop, and with happy hours every weekday, you can always find a drink to match your fervor for cigars. When you don't have time to hang out in the smoking lounge or bar, Havana House also sells individual or boxed cigars. Perfect for any occasion, these cigars come in an array of prices and origins. Havana House is open every day from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. 4. In Motion Sports Part of the business landscape of Alhambra for the past 40 years, In Motion Sports is the one-stop shop for all your activewear needs. The store stocks the biggest names in the sports world including Nike and Adidas but has also branched out to offer up-and-coming brands such as Yuketen or Japan Blue Jeans. Coats, hats, shirts, sweats, and shoes come in a variety of styles to suit your workout needs, while other styles are perfect to add to your weekend going-out attire. In Motion Sports is located at 121 W. Main Street. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day, but the store is closed Wednesday. Whether you need a new pair of kicks, a comic, or a cigar, Alhambra has a business that you're sure to love. Image via Pixabay