Having been raised and educated in Brentwood during the 70’s and 80’s, I have a great nostalgia for the quaintness of Brentwood during that era. I fondly recall walking to the Country Mart with my best friend every week, grabbing a chicken basket, visiting the toy store and getting scolded by the old ladies, as well as standing wide-eyed in awe of Pulp and Hide’s candy section.

I can also remember gazing at the mechanical brilliance on display in the window of the watch shop. My heart also warms recalling countless birthday parties at Regular Jon’s, with The Three Stooges on the big screen, pitchers of soda sloshing around on red and white checkered tablecloths and sawdust under my feet. It feels like only yesterday that I climbed into the big fire truck with my friends, a lollipop in my mouth. As I grew, I went to dinners with family and friends at the Hamburger Hamlet, grabbed an after-school slice at Maria’s or waffle fries at Spangles and shopped at Horizons for the coolest outfits. Most of these landmark establishments are long gone, but the memories never fade.

I, along with many Brentwood natives, hold dear our quaint childhood establishments. Ithink I’ve “liked” every Facebook group tied to Brentwood, such as I Miss The Old Brentwood and Brentwood Remember When, that reminisce and pay homage to the Brentwood of yesteryear. While it’s important to remember the community and memories that weave together our youth, it’s equally important to remember the amazing community that still exists and support the businesses of the “new” Brentwood. They play a role in forming the memories that our children will fondly recall.

Many iconic stores and restaurants still exist in Brentwood and have thrived throughout the years. While the face and stores at the Country Mart have seen immense turnover, the most vital parts of it remain. It brings me great joy to take my daughter to the patio on a chilly day, watch the central fireplace roaring and enjoy a chicken basket with her. Reddi Chick still has a line that winds around the tables. Early World, your quintessential coffee shop, is still open for breakfast and lunch.

Another place that I love to bring my daughter to is Star Toys. It’s such an incredible joy to have Lenny talk with her as I remind him that I received my first Cabbage Patch Doll there, while watching him wrap a present for a birthday party and tape the toys on top. You can still have an old-school Italian dinner at Peppone’s, encounter the same friendly clerks and cashiers at Vicente Foods and shop for greeting cards at Brent Air Pharmacy.

Most fondly, I take daily walks down San Vicente to admire the trademark of Brentwood: the coral trees. If you find yourself missing the establishments that decorated your childhood, just look up at the coral trees. Does finding a blossom bring you the joy it brings me? Those trees are a lovely symbol of the past and represent all that Brentwood has been, as well as what it can be. Instead of focusing on what’s gone, let’s focus on the special places that make Brentwood, Brentwood.

Adrienne Tourtelot

Coldwell Banker Brentwood

310-413-1088

adriennet1@yahoo.com