Toluca Lake Magazine Issue Archive
![Winter 2021](https://files.tolucalake.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/winter-2021-cover-368x450.jpg)
Winter 2021
In this issue, we bring you dozens of ways to enjoy the season in Toluca Lake style, including a shopping guide full of unique and thoughtful gift ideas from area businesses, as well as tempting recipes from favorite restaurants. We’ve also got inspiring stories of local heroes: a comic-book superhero born right in our hometown, residents giving back to help those in need, and legendary World War II veteran Audie Murphy, who plays a major role in Patrick Curtis’ charming childhood memories about horsing around the neighborhood in the 1950s.
![2021 Holiday Gift Guide](https://files.tolucalake.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/2021-holiday-gift-guide-featured-image-scaled-1-640x427.jpg)
2021 Holiday Gift Guide
We’ve rounded up a list of fun and creative ways to show your loved ones how much you care while showing some love to our local businesses.
![Audie, the Colt and Me](https://files.tolucalake.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/audie-the-colt-and-me-audie-murphy-9-alt-640x427.jpg)
Audie, the Colt and Me
Legendary World War II veteran Audie Murphy plays a major role in Patrick Curtis’ charming childhood memories about horsing around the neighborhood in the 1950s.
![Giving for All Seasons](https://files.tolucalake.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/giving-for-all-seasons-callie-pyken-and-bobby-goldyn-640x427.jpg)
Giving for All Seasons
The holiday season is a time when we celebrate generosity. But of course, that shouldn't be limited to only once a year, and our community is full of people who keep the spirit of giving alive all year long.
![Festive Feasts: Local Holiday Dining](https://files.tolucalake.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/festive-feasts-local-holiday-dining-3-the-smokehouse-640x427.jpg)
Festive Feasts: Local Holiday Dining
For a gift to truly savor, treat your friends and family to a holiday meal at a favorite neighborhood eatery, providing a deliciously memorable experience while supporting our local restaurants.
![Smoke House Celebrates 75 Years](https://files.tolucalake.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/smoke-house-celebrates-75-years-2-640x427.jpg)
Smoke House Celebrates 75 Years
In an amazing milestone for a legendary local landmark, Burbank’s Smoke House celebrated its 75th anniversary on October 12 with a party attended by celebrities, civic leaders and faithful patrons.
![Celebrating What Matters Most](https://files.tolucalake.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/a-note-from-the-publisher-handling-lifes-unexpected-turns-together-thumbnail-640x427.jpg)
Celebrating What Matters Most
After everything we've been through, folks are more grateful than ever for the people and places that have sustained us through so much isolation and upheaval — including the close bonds of our very special community.
![Tricks & Treats With All the Trimmings](https://files.tolucalake.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/tricks-and-treats-with-all-the-trimmings-4-640x427.jpg)
Tricks & Treats With All the Trimmings
Local residents once again conjured their creativity to turn Toluca Lake into a scary showplace, with the fifth annual Halloween House-Decorating Contest spurring them to go all-out in the spirit of friendly competition.
![Community Supports Emergency Services Campaign](https://files.tolucalake.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/community-supports-emergency-services-campaign-2-640x427.jpg)
Community Supports Emergency Services Campaign
On September 18, approximately 95 neighbors and supporters of Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center gathered for a magical evening at the home of Don and Elizabeth Savant.
![Creating a Homegrown Hero](https://files.tolucalake.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/creating-a-homegrown-hero-jennifer-muro-and-thomas-krajewski-thumb-640x427.jpg)
Creating a Homegrown Hero
You might be surprised to learn that Toluca Lake has a superhero who was born right here in the neighborhood: Primer, created by local residents Jennifer Muro and Thomas Krajewski for DC Comics.
![Generales & Generales](https://files.tolucalake.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/local-business-spotlight-generales-and-generales-1-640x427.jpg)
Generales & Generales
Operating out of a property that once belonged to Moe Howard of the Three Stooges, Generales & Generales has provided local residents with fine custom-made jewelry for generations.
![Featured Pet: Casper](https://files.tolucalake.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/pets-of-toluca-lake-casper-640x427.jpg)
Featured Pet: Casper
Casper is an adorable little Maltipoo puppy. Pictured here at just 5 months old, he recently celebrated his first birthday with his loving family. He enjoys playing outside, chewing, playing fetch and more.
![The Perfect Panna Cotta](https://files.tolucalake.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/the-perfect-panna-cotta-prosecco-trattoria-feature-640x427.jpg)
The Perfect Panna Cotta
This light yet decadent chilled custard is a standout on Prosecco Trattoria’s menu, with many fans agreeing that it must not be missed.
![Changes Are Coming](https://files.tolucalake.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Riverside-Drive-Streetscape-IMG_6842_30232-cropped-640x427.jpg)
Changes Are Coming
Toluca Lake Beautification Partners (TLBP) is conducting a planning process to develop a conceptual streetscape design of Riverside Drive between Sancola Avenue and Clybourn Avenue.
![A Creamy, Dreamy Delight](https://files.tolucalake.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/a-creamy-dreamy-delight-white-russian-recipe-the-garland-front-yard-1-640x427.jpg)
A Creamy, Dreamy Delight
While dreams of a white Christmas may not come true for those in sunny L.A., The Front Yard has the next best option with its unique, holiday-themed take on the classic White Russian cocktail.
![Comfort in a Bowl](https://files.tolucalake.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/comfort-in-a-bowl-vegan-butternut-squash-soup-prosecco-trattoria-640x427.jpg)
Comfort in a Bowl
Few things are more comforting than a warm bowl of soup on a crisp winter day — especially if it’s bright, nutritious and full of flavor, like the popular vegan butternut squash soup from Prosecco Trattoria.