Articles

Cirque du Soleil founder brings Cavalia to Burbank

If you have passed the I-5 recently through Burbank, no doubt you have seen the big white tent that has been up for a few weeks.  Cavalia was launched in 2003 by Normand Latourelle who is co-founder of Cirque du Soleil, a show that has been running for 35 years.

The show features 49 horses 37 acrobatic performers. It is said to be partly similar to a Cirque du Soleil show and partly similar to Medieval Times show.

The show has 20 horse trainers, none of which use whips, instead they use voice commands.  Many have described the show as “Horseplay at its best”, “magical”, “wondrous”, “…like being in a dream”.

Cavalia has been traveling the world since 2003. It is back in Los Angeles for the first time since 2004.  It opened on January 19th in Burbank and will run through February 15th.

The History of Burbank, CA

Not many people living in Burbank, CA know the history behind it, so here we bring you a little bit of history about this great city.

Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sailing on behalf of the Spanish King in 1542, was the first to chart and name islands of California. To encourage people to settle in California, the Spanish government granted tracts of land to the Spanish Dons. Burbank was part of these tracts called San Rafael and La Providencia. The Spanish government held land in California until 1847. Even Russia settled and tried to claim California, but the Monroe Doctrine in 1823 stopped the settlements.

In 1867, Dr. David Burbank, a dentist from Maine, settled in Burbank, thus naming it. Dr. Burbank purchased the land tracts of San Rafael and La Providendcia. However, in 1873, he sold tracts to the Southern Pacific Railroad and in 1886, to a consortium of men who surveyed it for business districts and residential areas. In 1887, the city of Burbank was officially founded.

From the late 1800′s to the 1900′s, Burbank grew substantially, especially during WWI with the defense/aircraft industries being established, as well as the banking industry, social and civil organizations. In addition, during the 1930′s Burbank saw the entertainment industry become established, i.e., Columbia Studios and Walt Disney Productions.

The population increased from about 12,000 to 90,155 from 1950 to 1960′s. Growth of various Burbank’s industries also increased along with many capital improvement programs. Today, Burbank is billed as the “media capital of the world,” where entertainment has now replaced the defense industry as the largest employer. Its residents now raise and own horses, as well as growing some of the world’s best wineries. It is home to NBC, Jay Leno‘s show and many other studios, large and small.

Celebrities who live in Burbank, California

Of all the celebrities who live in Burbank, California or who maintain a working home there, perhaps the most famous is Jay Leno. Although Leno was not born in Burbank, from his current monologs it is easy to see how much he enjoys living there and poking fun about it in the process.

When Jay Leno was born in New Rochelle, New York, in 1950 his given name was James Douglas Muir Leno. Currently starring as the host of The Tonight Show. Leno started as a stand-up comedian doing as many as 300 gigs per year. Leno acted in a film called ‘American Hot Wax’. 

Another interesting resident of Burbank is Tim Burton, born in Burbank in 1968. He went on to study animation at California Institute for the Arts. His first job was as a concept artist for Disney Studio’s production of ‘The Fox and The Hounds’. Burton became director of ‘Beatle Juice’ in 1988 and became executive producer of the comedy version running 4 seasons on ABC and Fox. Tim Burton, remembered for his work on ‘Batman’, became co-writer for the film ‘Edward Sissorhands’. Tim Burton is an Academy Award Winner for Art Direction.

Burbank is also the home of musician, Anton Yelchin, who fled Russia with his parents as a young child. Yelchin’s currently has a punk band, The Hammerheads, with which he enjoys playing guitar. Upcoming roles for Yelchin are playing Charley Brewster in ‘Fright Night’ and as the voice of Clumsy Smurf in ‘The Smurfs’.

Top Restaurants in Burbank, California

These restaurants in Burbank, California are popular with locals and travelers alike. Although there are many more top restaurants in Burbank, we decided to review a few of our favorites here:

1. The Great Grill restaurant located at 126 N. San Fernando Blvd. is a small 1950’s diner that is big on nostalgia. It serves American comfort food such as burgers and grilled cheese and serves breakfast all day long. A nice touch is a tabletop jukebox on each table and reasonable pricing.

2. Chadaka Thai restaurant located at 310 N. San Fernando Blvd. is Thai food at its very best. With all fresh ingredients and uniquely named menu items like Jungle Curry (a hot curry) and Crying Tiger (spicy beef) the restaurant is always busy. The ambiance is pleasant, the service attentive and the prices moderate.

3. Portos Bakery & Café located at 3614 W. Magnolia Blvd., is so popular there is usually a line of patrons waiting to get in the door. They have unique homemade pastry filled with guava and cheeses, meat pies, potato balls and great Cuban sandwiches all reasonably priced for families.

4. Bistro Provence located at 345 N. Pass Ave. is a taste of Paris. French food dominates the menu with items like Crème Brulee and Beef Bourguignon. The food is authentic and the ambience cozy and romantic. Prices are moderate.

5. Islands restaurant located at 101 E. Orange Grove Ave. is a casual, fun and relaxing restaurant that serves frosty mugs of beer as well as American fare. The hamburgers, homemade onion rings and tacos are popular menu items. Prices are reasonable.

To see the full list of our favorite best restaurants in Burbank, CA click here.