Last year we wrote about our trip beyond the Inland Empire to experience the Summer Soda Tasting at Galco’s Soda Pop Stop in Highland Park, a suburb of Los Angeles.
Unfortunately, we wrote about it after the fact.
The good news is…it’s back!
Galco’s is run by the real King of Pop, John F. Nese. It’s really a one-of-a-kind place, and definitely worth leaving the Inland Empire to visit.
The store carries about 500 different varieties of soda, the large majority of which are produced without high fructose corn syrup.
Many of the bottlers are mom-and-pop operations. For the most part, it’s one small business helping out others.
Galco’s also has a large selection of beer, wine, bottled water, teas and old-timey candy.
The event itself is a fundraiser for the Friends of the Southwest Museum Coalition, a group aimed at preserving the Mount Washington landmark and its Native American artifacts.
The museum, 234 Museum Drive, Los Angeles, is currently only open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.
As part of the event, attendees will be treated to samples from several soda bottlers, including Sweet Blossom elderflower, rose, lavender and jasmine sodas, Mr. Q Cumber soda, Old Dominion Root Beer, Bruce Cost’s fresh ginger, jasmine green tea and pomegranate ginger ales, French sodas from Rieme and Volcanic Mineral Refresher.
As an added attraction, humorist and self-described “retro geek” (and Ontario native) Charles Phoenix will serve up “Poptails,” or mixed sodas, and Seven Layer Soda Pop and Rock cake for the occasion.
Also, the event will feature music from Artichoke, Mele Ohana Ukulele Ensemble, Greger Walnum Blues Band and Genesee Hall, and family-friendly stand-up comedy from Native American comic Dakota Black.
Proceeds of sales during the event will also benefit the coalition.
The event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. July 22 at Galco’s, 5702 York Blvd., Los Angeles. Tickets are $12 (plus 85 service fee) in advance (available here) or $15 at the door.
For more information, click here.
Hope to see you there!