Thursday, September 17, 2015

The Village at Westfield Topanga Preview and Grand Opening Info

Walking past security and a closed Topanga Canyon road the landscape changed to an almost village atmosphere. Sloan's looked so tasty, so colorful, so much mouth watering ice cream and treats. Soon fudge was offered and with one bite the feeling of "so good" entered the mind.

Confexion added to the list of places that are so sweet to eat, but must be eaten. The "Hunka Hunka" cupcake of banana and peanut butter is too good. Not far, for hotter days, is Yogurtland.


The Village opened to a large, nicely dressed crowd who had gotten the privilege to go to a special private opening before the public opening, Friday, September 18, 2015. Cat Deeley, host of So You Think You Can Dance, started the festivities before Larry Green of Westfield gave his speech. "Is Woodland Hills ready to celebrate tonight? I know the Valley is here to celebrate tonight." Soon after, Larry announced that Westfield was donating a check for $10,000 to the local Valley Cultural Arts Center. Odd choices of music queued announced Council member Bob Blumenfield. "Us being here today was not a for-longed conclusion, in fact this project was suppose to be years from today." Bob continued by thanking both Westfield and the cities many workers for getting it done quickly. He ended by saying, "The West Valley is open for business!" Westfield Co-CEO Peter Lowey got up, relaxed looked, and simply said he wanted to end early so they did. Drums sounded as a drum troupe took the stage or should it be stated stages, for the different locations around The Village that were broadcasting to the main stage with more drummers. The night sky soon filled with fireworks and the top pop music of today played. The colors were captured on multiple smart phones and the laughter of women filled the air.
*As reported by The Daily News, none of the seventeen restaurants will be open during this weekend due to construction delays. Hopefully, some next weekend.

A taquito passed by to try and it was an instant sensation in many mouths. It came from XOC Tequila Grill, which had tasty chicken and beef tacos to try. On the other side of the village they have competition with Lucille's Smokehouse, which gave pulled porke and brisket to sample that was gulped up fast.

Lucky Climber
This writer felt like a self-narrating character from a Wes Anderson film noting the stores there that people will soon use. A get well card for a sick friend from Paper Source. A bit of culture to stare at with a stranger at the Andrei Duman Gallery, where art hangs from trees. A bit of bocce ball to play, a wonderful outdoor gym for children to play on, it's called the "Lucky Climber."

Throughout the village spots to stop and sit down. Not to far from each  mini-lending libraries, very much like at the Grand Park already.

A radio station in back, KCSN, in front more restaurants for dates, meet-ups with friends or just a place to try for lunch.

Red, and cute the trolley off the tracks can take you around, but you shouldn't be too tired to ever walk it all. It will ferry you from the Westfield Topanga Mall to the Village.

Look forward to Sunday's between 9am-1pm for Farmers Market every week.

The village is a beautiful looking new place to go outside for a few hours and should become a new center for the community to hang out at. If more malls could look that nice, they wouldn't even be thought of as malls just the old time feel of a mini downtown or a main street.

Grand Opening Weekend September 18-20 Includes Special Classes, Demonstrations, Workshops, Live Music, Performances and Giveaways below is a list of activities.

The Village at Westfield Topanga is located at 6250 Topanga Canyon Boulevard, in between Victory Boulevard and Erwin Street and Owensmouth Avenue and Topanga Canyon Boulevard (across from Westfield Topanga).  The Village is easily accessible from the 101 Fwy (using either Canoga or Topanga Cyn Blvd exits) or the 118 Freeway (Topanga Cyn Blvd exit).  Transit access is also available via the Orange Line.


Susie Cakes, special grand opening on Sept 19 includes: First 25 guests at 10am receive a free SusieCakes mug with their purchase! Free cupcakes from 11am – 1pm. Enter raffle to win free cake for a year*(one 9” specialty layer cake per month for 12 consecutive months) Monday, September 21 - Thursday, September 2450% off slices of cake from 6-8pm




 
Grand Opening Weekend events include refreshing yoga classes at the koi pond led by one of Yoga Works’ master instructors, bocce ball games, a sneak peek at FlyWheel Sports indoor cycling classes, special workouts with 24 Hour Fitness, and outdoor classes with trained REI instructors. 
Guests who attend will also have the opportunity to take floral arranging classes with Fleurish, enjoy fun and flavorful cooking demonstrations by Sur La Table, and learn the latest makeup tips and tricks with Blushington’s talented makeup artists.
Enjoy a refreshing, cold glass of lemonade with lifestyle expert and renowned interior designer, Nathan Turner in his all-American pop-up shop.  Appropriately named Nathan Turner’s American Style, the shop will feature a wide-ranging, carefully curated collection of American-made products. From home goods to fashion, garden, décor, beauty, general lifestyle, pet care and kitchenware, Turner has identified "must have" items from all over the U.S. to showcase at The Village.
Guests can meet celebrated local muralist Elk Pen and public art competition winner, Nova Jiang. Both outstanding talents will be on hand to talk about the work that they created and the inspiration behind each piece, both of which are featured prominently at The Village at Westfield Topanga.
Guests will also be able to take part in fun, interactive live performances, such as “Dancing Under the Stars” hosted by Karina Smirnoff, who is celebrating her brand new dance studio opening at The Village at Westfield Topanga.



Local radio station, KCSN will be kicking off the weekend with a stellar lineup of live musical performances.  On Friday, from 5:00pm-5:45pm in the Village Marketplace, guests will enjoy live music by American singer-songwriter Matt Nathanson. On Saturday from 5:00pm-6:00pm, Swiss German duo BOY will take the stage and on Sunday from 3:00pm-4:00pm Los Angeles based trio the Fairground Saints will have everyone on their feet.

 The first Farmers Market will take place on Sunday, September 20th from 9am-1pm and will offer an extensive selection of farm-fresh produce, juices, gourmet coffees and teas, dried fruits and nuts, farm eggs, specialty gourmet prepared foods, as well as freshly cut flowers and unique artisan products.  The Farmers Market will be located alongside Topanga Canyon Boulevard, near Erwin Street.
The Village at Westfield Topanga is located at 6250 Topanga Canyon Boulevard, in between Victory Boulevard and Erwin Street and Owensmouth Avenue and Topanga Canyon Boulevard (across from Westfield Topanga).  The Village is easily accessible from the 101 Fwy (using either Canoga or Topanga Cyn Blvd exits) or the 118 Freeway (Topanga Cyn Blvd exit).  Transit access is also available via the Orange Line.
Children will also have the opportunity to climb, play, twist and tumble on the new “Luckey” Climber, listen and create stories with the Book Fairy via the Book Exchange, and receive special giveaways courtesy of UCLA Health. Kids of all ages can participate in cupcake decorating workshops by Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” champion, Confexion Cupcakes, and watch adorable and cuddly pups walk the “runway” in Healthy Spot’s doggie fashion show.