All Things Must Pass: The Rise and Fall of Tower Records

Posted on June 14, 2016 by ttimmons

While walking down the Sunset Strip, I spotted something from my past – a Tower Records sign on the former retail store’s old location. The original Tower Records’ sign was just recently restored by the current tenant Gibson and the filmmakers for an upcoming documentary about Tower Records. The documentary from actor/director Colin Hanks is called All Things Must Pass: The Rise and Fall of Tower Records. This space is hosting an invite-only party on October 15 and is showcasing the documentary. From 1960 until 2006, Tower Records was a huge music retailer that sold primarily CDs and cassette tapes. In addition to music, the stores sold DVDs, electronic gadgets (mp3 players), books video games, toys, and accessories. Russell Solomon opened the first Tower Records store in Sacramento in 1960 and it quickly grew into a huge national empire of over two hundred stores. In 1995, it became one of the first retailers to move online. Then after decades of success, it filed for bankruptcy and closed its last store in 2006.

I was a huge music fan in the 90’s and spent many nights digging through stacks of CD’s for rare but great music at Tower Records. I miss those old nights with my buddies hanging at the local record store. I remember waiting in long lines for new albums coming out from my favorite artists. I used to pick up their magazine Pulse! for the latest music news and reviews. Sadly all that exist is this old sign on the Sunset Strip. I am looking forward to catching that documentary and reliving my old music days.

– From All Things Must Pass website

Established in 1960, Tower Records was once a retail powerhouse with two hundred stores, in thirty countries, on five continents. From humble beginnings in a small-town drugstore, Tower Records eventually became the heart and soul of the music world, and a powerful force in the music industry. In 1999, Tower Records made $1 billion. In 2006, the company filed for bankruptcy. What went wrong? Everyone thinks they know what killed Tower Records: The Internet. But that’s not the story. ‘All Things Must Pass’ is a feature documentary film examining this iconic company’s explosive trajectory, tragic demise, and legacy forged by its rebellious founder Russ Solomon.

Porto’s Bakery & Cafe

Posted on June 13, 2016 by ttimmons

Danishes & Croissants

“Quality is the number one ingredient in everything we do”

Every time I’m in Cali I swing by Porto’s Bakery & Cafe and pick up some delicious pastries to go. Rosa Porto opened her first bakery on Sunset Blvd in 1976 after her family emigrated here from Manzanillo, Cuba. They went through some tough times before people started catching on to how amazing her pastries are. She started to add other international savories to her menu and the business took off. Today there are three locations and long lines out the door everyday. It doesn’t stop people from picking up box of cheese rolls, potato balls or a cake. In addition to the pastries, they have some amazing sandwiches, juices and a full cafe. Some of my personal favorites I pick up are empanadas, ham croquettes, meat pies, and of course the potato balls (try the spicy one). You also can’t go wrong with any of the danishes or croissants either. Even though the parking can be a little crazy, Porto’s is always worth a stop.

Potato Balls & Croquettes

Desserts

Porto’s

Posted on March 12, 2015 by ttimmons

While hanging out in Burbank, I stumbled upon this little gem while running around town – Porto’s Bakery & Cafe. The first thing I noticed was the line and the constant flow of traffic in and out the sliding doors. I decided to go in and take a look and found myself gazing and at all these pasties. Most of the people in line were here to make a box of pastries to go. I decided to make a box myself and take some back to my son in our hotel room. I got a apple and cherry danish. I had to try the meat pie and ate that one right away – yum. The cinnamon roll took us a couple of days to eat because it was so big. What a great find and I can’t wait to make a return visit someday.