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This week at Rodeo Realty: Valley Newsletter September 9-15!!!
Rodeo Agents Land on LABJ’s Who’s Brokering L.A. List
The LABJ list their annual pick of the Top Brokering Agents throughout L.A. for 2019
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (September 13, 2019)- Recently the Los Angeles Business Journal unveiled their picks for the top agents brokering throughout Los Angeles. The list showcased the Real Estate All-Stars that lead the way in the past year. From Rodeo Ben Bacal, Josh Flagg, Jimmy Heckenberg, Jordana Leigh, Adi Livyatan, Peter Maurice and Tregg Rustad al made the cut for this year’s honoree’s.
LABJ bases the decision on the total average sales volume for the year making it a tough call when selected nominees.
The residential real estate market in Los Angeles is a complex landscape to say the least. Whether you are buying or selling, having the right broker in your corner can be the difference-maker in terms of getting a good deal, landing in the right location for your specific needs, and navigating the process painlessly. In an attempt to shine a light on those hardworking brokers who have the knowledge, skills and dedication to go the extra mile for their clients, we welcome you to the Los Angeles Business Journal’s first ever “Who’s Brokering LA” special section focusing on residential real estate professionals, where we recognize the most dynamic brokers.
To read the full article, click here.
Weekend Events: Sept. 13-15
The last official weekend of summer is here and California already knows it. With the swift change into fall wind and foliage decor, so comes the fun for fall! Grab your Pumpkin Spiced everything and jump into the weekend with our round up of fun things to do throughout L.A. in and the Valley.
Friday, September 13
Mid-Autumn Festival
Location: WP24 by Wolfgang Puck- 900 West Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles
Join us for an evening of happiness and prosperity in the harvest season. Enjoy a reception with interactive food stations helmed by chefs from WP24, Spago, CUT and Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel Air, along with live entertainment. Admission includes unlimited access to food stations plus one signature cocktail. Currently all Table reservations and Ultimate Experience reservations have been booked.
Friday The 13th at Scum and Villainy Cantina
Location: Scum and Villainy Cantina
Kick off Halloween season with horror trivia, themed drinks and more. Stop in for a night that is sure to get you in the fall spirit. Costumes are encouraged. No cover just genuine enthusiasm for all things ghoulish!
86th Annual Simi Valley Days Parade and Carnival
Location: Simi Valley Town Center
The Simi Valley Days Parade and Carnival is produced by the Simi Valley Days Foundation. In store is carnival games, contests and prizes, live music, shopping, arts and crafts, great food, family entertainment, car show, rides and much more!
Saturday, September 14
17th Annual TARFEST Music & Arts Festival
Location: La Brea Tar Pits & Museum
The La Brea Tar Pits will be hosting the 17th annual TARFEST music and arts festival. Attendees can enjoy art installations, live painting, DJ’s, food trucks, kid’s activities, and much more. The event is free for all! The iconic Serpentine Pavilion at Second Home can be experienced by all for free along with TARFEST’s partner The Natural History Museum of L.A. County.
Taste of Japan in Long Beach
Location: The Pike Outlets
The first-ever Taste of Japan festival comes to The Pike Outlets in Long Beach showcasing Japanese culture and cuisine. The family-friendly festival takes place September 14 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and features culinary creations, Japanese pop culture and entertainment, shopping, anime, martial arts, and more. Food experience range from sushi, fresh baked goods, BBQ, and soups and noodles.
Colors by the Sea Summer Art Walk and Craft Fest
Location: Oceanview Pavilion Performing Arts Theatre
Surfside Drive Port Hueneme is proud to present Colors by the Sea Summer Art Walk and Craft Fest Saturday Sept 14, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. FREE admission. This free event will feature talented Local Artist’s and Vendors from Ventura County, Food Trucks and much more! Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to meet local vendors and Artists.
For additional information call Oceanview Pavilion at (805) 986-4818
Sunday, September 15
Santa Monica’s 4th Annual COAST Open Streets
Location: Ocean Avenue, Colorado Esplanade, and Main Street, Santa Monica
On Sunday, two miles of Santa Monica streets will close in celebration of a more people-powered and sustainable Santa Monica. Guests will be able to bike, skate, run, and walk the sections of Ocean Avenue, Colorado Esplanade, and Main Street. There will be roaming musicians, hands-on activities, and free artist-led workshops where attendees can create and decorate costumes. A COAST Contest will take place where judges will look for creativity and innovation in various mediums such as floats, costumes, headpieces, people-powered conveyance, and more. This is a family event that is free to all!
UNIDENTIFIED LANDED OBJECT
Location: The Row, DTLA
“ULO” opens at ROW DTLA for an otherworldly experience. The Art Pop-Up will feature an adaptation of the installation Light Leaks by technology artist Kyle McDonald and Jonas Jongejan, Creative Technologist at Google Creative Lab can be experienced. Visitors will be pulled into an optical illusion of millions of flickering reflections that dance off of mirror balls hitting every inch of the space. ULO will run Tuesdays through Sunday until September 28.
San Fernando Valley Audubon Bird Walk at Malibu Creek State Park
Location: Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu Creek State Park
Considered the recreational crown jewel of the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu Creek State Park has over 8,000 acres of rolling tall grass plains, oak savannahs and dramatic peaks. It’s no wonder many call it “The Yosemite of Southern California.” Seasoned birders and beginners alike will enjoy good bird watching and a beautiful, easy hike. Meet at the second (lower) day-use parking lot.
Home Tips: Designer Approved Kitchen Backsplash Trends
When remodeling your kitchen, so many of the decisions you’ll have to make involve the overall function of the space. Your appliances are the perfect example. The color and finish of your refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher are important, but it’s even more crucial to consider how these elements fit the layout of your space and your lifestyle. That’s why choosing the finer details, like your kitchen backsplash, feels so liberating. Though you should always keep your budget and the amount of effort you want to spend on upkeep in mind, a backsplash is your opportunity to have some fun in the kitchen.
In fact, the backsplash is one of the key features that define the style of the space, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association 2019 Design Trends Report. The report—which polls 583 leading designers, remodelers, architects, and manufactures to identify the styles that will be popular in the next three years—confirmed that kitchens with distinct backsplash designs are here to stay.
Check out these designer favorites!
Luxurious Marble
Playful Mosaic
For an eye-catching look that isn’t too distracting, choose tiles in the same color palette as your kitchen, then opt for a standout pattern. “After settling on a navy and white color scheme, we really wanted to inject a sense of fun and whimsy into the space,” says Allie Mann, Case Architects and Remodelers designer.
Sleek Slabs
“Slab marble backsplash that bleeds into the countertop creates a sleek look in the kitchen,” says designer Jessica Gersten of Jessica Gersten Interiors. “It eliminates the “choppiness” of backsplash tile, and lends itself to a more calm, streamlined feeling.”
Elegant Arabesque
Can’t decide on making a statement or keeping it subtle? Choosing a shapely tile in a light color gives you the best of both worlds. “The arabesque shape is a design motif that has timeless attributes,” says Subaran. “We are seeing the arabesque—along with other geometric shapes return—as more homeowners are looking for unique shapes in backsplash materials, like ceramics.”
High-Contrast Marble
For a new twist on marble slab backsplashes, opt for marble with high-contrast veining. “Dramatic black and white marble brings contrast and movement on the counter and backsplash to the otherwise balanced design,”says Shannon Kadwell, kitchen/project designer at Anthony Wilder Design/Build. “The swirl of black and white marble mimics a drift of smoke.”
Space Saving Mosaic
Smaller tiles help solve a common kitchen problem: They’re a great way to cover awkward-sized areas. “For kitchens where we wrap tile around windows with limited space in between, finding a small mosaic is the most balanced and practical option,” says Subaran.
Out & About: L.A. After Dark
With so many things to do throughout L.A., the only limit comes down to the time of day. Luckily in the city of stars, even after the sun sets, there is still plenty of fun. Read through our picks of the best Out and About activities after dark and discover your inner Angeleno!
Roll a strike and eat some pizza
Various locations
Bowling alleys have come a long way since our childhood outings filled with Formica, frozen pizza, and on-screen scoring graphics leftover from the early Atari era.
For a retro-cool evening at the lanes, try Highland Park Bowl; the venue dates back to the Prohibition era, and Hospitality outfit 1933 Group brought it back to its glory days a few years ago. Enjoy a menu centered around wood-fired pizzas and classic cocktails, along with a California-heavy beer list.
The longstanding Pinz in Studio City — a massive, always-jamming space with 32 lanes — is always good for celebrity spotting and popular with groups and birthday parties.
LA’s four Bowlero-branded alleys scattered around the Westside and South Bay boast lit-up lanes, a big menu of bar food, fun tunes, and league nights.
Watch LeBron in action
Downtown
Basketball season is almost upon us, so time to get your tickets to a game, nearly all which take place after dark. OK, so it’s not going to be a cheap outing, but catching a Lakers game at Staples Center is an energy-infused, celebrity-filled, kiss cam-crazy LA evening you’ve got to experience at least once. Clippers tix are usually cheaper since the team has historically played second fiddle in this Lakers-loving city, but this could be their year: Clipper Nation is currently the odds-on favorite to take the title at the NBA Finals in 2020.
School yourself in the world of cheese
Beverly Hills
If you’re looking for a new excuse to eat cheese and drink wine (and who isn’t, really?), here you go: Every month (other than December and January) the Cheese Store of Beverly Hills hosts three back-to-back cheese-and-wine tasting nights. To get the monthly invite, email info@cheesestorebh.com.
Get cultured at a museum after-hours
Various locations
Many of LA’s most magnificent museums stay open late at least one night a week, so you can swap your usual after-work happy hour for something actually educational.
UCLA’s art and cultural center Hammer Museum remains open until 8pm Tuesday through Friday, is free to everyone, and has a pretty robust schedule of programming, including many evening options.
Contemporary art headquarters LACMA welcomes visitors until 8pm on Friday nights, and also hosts its Friday night live-on-the-plaza music series Jazz at LACMA starting at 6pm every Friday from April through November.
With tons of outdoor space, amazing views, and 110-acres, The Getty is a great spot to let a Saturday afternoon roll into evening. It stays open until 9pm on Saturday nights and puts on its free monthly outdoor concert series Off the 405 in the summer, along with some shows inside its auditorium come winter.
Downtown’s architectural masterpiece The Broad (home of the oft-Instagrammed Infinity Mirror Rooms) remains open until 8pm Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays; while admission is free, it’s best to reserve a ticket ahead of time, if you can.
Cheer on the badass ladies of roller derby
Vernon
Shake up your Saturday night as a spectator of Derby Dolls: a non-profit all-female, banked roller derby league comprised of 150 junior and adult members spread out among multiple teams with don’t-mess-with-us monikers.
Beat writers’ block with booze
Beverly Hills
We all know the repercussions of drinking and texting, but imbibing while thoughtfully writing a letter the old-fashioned way is a totally different story. An organization called Pen2Paper Project, which holds social workshops on the art of letter-writing and journaling, just launched the series A Nourished Spirit at the Hotel Palomar. Each workshop will have a theme and multiple cocktail pairings meant to give you a little inspiration and liquid courage to start writing.
See a puppet show (seriously)
Highland Park
Founded in the ‘60s by late puppeteer and marionette maker Bob Baker, the Bob Baker Marionette Theater, unveiled its new home in Highland Park in 2018 after decades spent at its original Downtown theater. Before you scroll right on by and insist that puppet shows are for children, know this: The kitschy shows, costumed puppeteers, and 2,000+ handmade marionettes really do equal fun for all ages. Saturday evening shows are even geared towards adults.
Hike by moonlight
Hollywood
We Angelenos love our bright-and-early hikes — just try to find parking at 8am on a weekend at Runyon Canyon. Even if you’re a serious morning person, though, it’s worth giving a post-twilight trek a go; you can make the hike up Griffith Park’s Mt. Hollywood since the park is open to the public until 10pm. Better yet, hook up with the Sierra Club’s Angeles Chapter which leads evening hikes on Tuesdays and Thursdays with multiple hikes running around two hours targeted at different skill levels.
Have a tech-heavy carnival game night
Downtown
Whether you’re an old-school arcade fan or all about the latest and greatest gaming technology, the Arts District’s 38,000-square-foot “micro amusement park” Two Bit Circus will be able to keep you entertained with its wild wonderland of interactive action. The place is filled with competition games like Skee-Ball and balloon pop (real ball, virtual balloons), along with classic video games. Entrance is free, and you pay to play. If you’ve got a crew in tow you can go in on a private gaming cabana rented in 90-minute blocks.
Catch a concert under the stars (while you still can)
Hollywood Hills
Few amphitheaters are more magical than The Hollywood Bowl nestled in the Hollywood Hills. Yes, getting in and out is never fun, but once you get there as the sun is setting, indulge in a gourmet picnic and a few bottles of wine, and then catch an amazing act, you’ll have forgotten all about that LA traffic… until it’s time to head home, at least. Though the Bowl is synonymous with summer around here, the season runs all the way through October.
LA EATS: BEST PLANT BASED BURGER
America’s favorite fast food bite just got a whole lot…healthier! With a mountain of food options in L.A. sometimes a cheese smothered burger is necessary. And while we could list plenty of burger joints Angeleno’s know by heart, these plant based picks are just as delicious and equally craved. Who said healthy fast-food was “Impossible”?
Burgerlords
Location: 943 N Broadway #102, Los Angeles, CA 90012 – Chinatown & 110 N Ave 56, Los Angeles, CA 90042 – Highland Park
Check out the vegan burger options at Burgerlords. Their Housemade Vegan Burger consists of a patty made fresh daily that’s topped with lettuce, onion, tomato, and vegan Thousand Island. And if you prefer cheese with your burger, they’ve also got their Housemade Vegan Cheeseburger, which includes the additional vegan American cheese.
By Chloe
Location: 2520 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039 – Silverlake
Fully-vegan By Chloe has two burger options, The Classic Burger and The Guac Burger. The first is comprised of their tempeh-lentil-chia-walnut patty, pickles, lettuce, tomato, onion, beet ketchup, and special sauce, all on a potato bun. And the second is made up of their black bean-quinoa-sweet potato, guacamole, corn salsa, lettuce, tomato, onion, tortilla strips, and chipotle aioli on a whole grain bun.
Location: 1253 Vine St # 9, Los Angeles, CA 90038 – Hollywood
Choose from the Classic Cheeseburger, Bacon Cheeseburger, Chili Cheeseburger, Peanut Butter and Bacon, Western (onion rings, bacon, BBQ sauce), Memphis Burger at all-vegan Doomie’s. Their burgers come with the expected bases, along with house-made cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles on top, plus, a side of fries.
Monty’s Good Burger
Location: 516 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90020 – Koreatown
One of the newest plant-based spots in LA, Monty’s makes ordering easy. Choose either a single or double, add fries or tots, and dipping sauces. Made with Impossible Burger patties, Monty’s burgers are as close to the real thing as you can get. Monty’s has vegan milkshakes too!
Native Food
Location: 1114 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024 – Westwood
Native Foods’ Native Double Cheeseburger is two Native patties, melted American cheese by Follow Your Heart, house-made pickles, red onions, shredded lettuce, Thousand Island dressing, and spicy BBQ sauce on a slightly-toasted, whole-wheat bun. Plus, it comes along with a side of seasoned fries, lemon dill potato salad, side salad, or steamed kale.
Plan Check Kitchen + Bar
Location: 1800 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
Walk into any Plan Check and all burgers can use Beyond Meat. They recently added a new item, the Plan(t) Check Burger which comes with melty swiss, butter lettuce, fried onions, tomato, and mayo. An especially nice addition is the Portuguese milk bread bun, also known as a crunch bun.
Tony’s Darts Away
Location: 1710 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank
Tony Yannow’s vegan-friendly craft beer pub has no shortage of snacks (anything from buffalo wings to disco fries), but serious hunger calls for a twist on the Western Bacon Cheeseburger: two Impossible Burger patties, vegan bacon, vegan provolone, barbecue sauce, and frizzled onions.
Modern Times Beer’s Dankness Dojo
Location: 832 S Olive Street Los Angeles 90014 – Downtown
This 100-percent vegan tasting room and gastropub, with a menu that’s just as fun as its retro-inspired setting. For its one and only burger, this spot doubles up and makes one massive meatless meal ($15): two thin, seared Beyond Meat patties get topped with smoked mushrooms, shallot jam, melty coconut-based American cheese, pickles, roasted tomato spread, sandwiched between house-baked sesame buns. It’s messy, and so enormous it gets served with a steak knife through the top. Who said veggie burgers aren’t filling?
Umami Burger
Location: 852 S Broadway., Los Angeles, CA 90014
Umami can create any existing burger with Impossible Burger “meat.” With vegan buns as an option, there is the Truffle-maker which oozes truffles, or the Impossible VBQ with grilled onions, barbecue sauce, and jalapeño. For the more reserved eaters, try the Impossible classic.
HoneyBee Burger
Location: 1820 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA
This Los Feliz fast food joint may be the new kid in town but they clearly know their stuff, offering the rare option of either Beyond or Impossible patties as well as crispy sweet potato “frots” (fries + tots), shakes and soft serve. Limited seating inside and tables outside make it dog-friendly, too.
13 Essential Silver Lake Restaurants
From nationally-heralded hotspots like Mh Zh to wonderfully charming staples like Pine & Crane and Alimento, Silver Lake is in the throes of a dining bonanza with more great restaurants to enjoy than ever before. Most nights, locals traffic the same places that folks from across town drive an hour to experience. Here are the 13 essential restaurants in Silver Lake:
- Ceviche Project – 2524 ½ Hyperion Ave., Los Angeles 90027
After years of popping up at hotels and food festivals, Ceviche Project chef and owner Octavio Olivas now has a home of his own. The compact room is mostly meant for bar dining, where Olivas works his ceviches and tostadas with more than a little bit of flash and flair.
- Burgers Never Say Die – 2388 Glendale Blvd Unit A, Los Angeles 90039
After two years of selling burgers from his backyard and popping up around town, Shawn Nee has an actual restaurant at the edge of Silver Lake where the smash burgers are as good as ever, and so is the CVT soft-serve for dessert.
- Ma’am Sir – 4330 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 90029
Is there a hotter Filipino restaurant in Los Angeles than Ma’am Sir? The place is both a critical darling and a financial success for chef Charles Olalia and partners Wade McElroy and Russell Malixi, thanks entirely to Olalia’s thoughtful and modern comfort fare.
- Bowery Bungalow – 4156 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles 90029
George Abou-Daoud’s modern Middle Eastern restaurant has a strong local following and one of the best sunny patios in the neighborhood. Best of all are the outstanding mezze plates, Istanbul-style lamb sandwiches, and plenty of beer and wine.
- Tacos Delta – 3806 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 90026
Silver Lake residents gather at Tacos Delta for just about everything, from quiet chats with fellow neighbors to quick and inexpensive meals on-the-go. There are fewer and fewer places like this left in the neighborhood, making it all the more important.
- Pine & Crane – 1521 Griffith Park Blvd., Los Angeles 90026
Pine & Crane has been serving its tight menu of Taiwanese and Chinese classics since 2014. Seasonal produce is sourced from the owner’s family farm, while the cooking is dependable, skilled and fresh.
- Alimento – 1710 Silver Lake Blvd., Los Angeles 90026
Alimento offers inviting northern Italian fare that is great for sharing. Zach Pollack’s signature tortellini in brood and chicken Milanese sandwich can be washed down with $9 grüner veltliner all night long.
- Mh Zh – 3536 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 90026
Here at Mh Zh, the menu is handwritten daily on brown paper bags, the majority of seating is on a sloped sidewalk, and throngs of effortlessly trendy diners congregate at the front door. The largely Israeli dishes are undeniably delicious and extremely affordable.
- Millie’s Café – 3524 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 90026
Every Silver Laker has strong opinions on Millie’s, the enduringly popular breakfast option that’s been on Sunset Boulevard since before the Great Depression. This is a pancakes, bacon and coffee sort of place – no frills, just got food.
- El Cochinito – 3508 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 90026
Established in 1988, El Cochinito is one of Silver Lake’s true success stories. The longstanding staple has been slowly modernizing over time, and even won a coveted national award for its Cubano sandwich, but the focus is still on family and lots of delicious porky flavor.
- Botanica Restaurant & Market – 1620 Silver Lake Blvd., Los Angeles 90026
Opened by food journalists Heather Sperling and Emily Fiffer, Botanica has quickly become an essential addition to the neighborhood. There’s no doubt that the restaurant and marketplace’s healthy-living ethos and sunny vibes is resonating with the local set.
- Night + Market Song – 3322 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 90026
Kris Yenbamroong’s followup to his successful flagship restaurant in West Hollywood, Night + Market Song feels right at home in Silver Lake with its cheerful pink exterior. Dine on blazing hot Thai street fare with a few frosty Singhas.
- Café Tropical – 2900 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 90026
Café Tropical, Silver Lake’s indomitable Cuban corner restaurant, setup shop next to Silverlake Lounge in 1975. Even after four decades, the beloved bakery and restaurant continues to crank out dependably good guava pasteles, Cubanos, medianoche sandwiches and cafes con leche.
Tina Fanelli Moraccini Earns NAR Designation in Seniors Real Estate
Tina Fanelli Moraccini of Rodeo Realty in Calabasas Earns NAR Designation in Seniors Real Estate
CALABASAS, CA (August 27, 2019) — Tina Fanelli Moraccini with Rodeo Realty in Calabasas has earned the nationally recognized Seniors Real Estate Specialist® designation from the Seniors Real Estate Specialist Council of the National Association of Realtors®.
Tina joins more than 15,000 real estate professionals in North America who have earned the SRES® designation. All were required to successfully complete a comprehensive course in understanding the needs, considerations, and goals of real estate buyers and sellers aged 55 and older.
“Working with seniors to meet their housing needs requires an expert understanding of their lifestyle and financial needs, and the SRES® designation means that a Realtor® has that understanding,” said Fanelli Moraccini. “Whether they are buying, selling, relocating or refinancing, seniors can be confident that a Realtor® designated SRES® will be able to help them every step of the way.”
About Tina Fanelli Moraccini
Tina Fanelli Moraccini is a Realtor, Author, Founder, Speaker, Calabasas Resident, and Mom. She is specialized in helping people find their happy place (literally!), and is an award-winning member of the Rodeo Realty Executive Club.
About SRES
SRES® Council, founded in 2007, is the world’s largest association of real estate professionals focusing specifically on representing senior clients in real estate transactions. There are more than 15,000 active members of the organization world-wide.
For more information, visit SRES.org.
About National Association of Realtors
The National Association of Realtors®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing more than 1.1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.
Out and About: Topanga Canyon
Tucked beyond a scenic drive and just under a 30 minute stretch to the beach (without traffic) is Topanga Canyon. Said to be a sacred place by the Tongva people, the area feels every bit like a hidden sanctuary. From nature trails set against grassy peaks to brunch by the creek, whats not to enjoy? Whether Topanga Canyon is a place you call home or simply one that you visit, there plenty to do. Read on for notable neighborhood highlights for a day Out & About in Topanga Canyon.
1. Inn of the Seventh Ray.
Surrounded by nature, this restaurant is one of the most romantic in all of Los Angeles. The outdoor seating, a large terraced garden area next to a creek, is replete with sycamore trees, fairy lights, oak trees and buddha statues. During the cooler months, enjoy the interior and its roaring fireplace. The Inn offers plenty of vegan and vegetarian dishes, and the meat they serve is sustainable and raised naturally. It’s also a great option for Sunday brunch.
2.Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum.
Founded by Will Geer, an actor most famous for playing Grandpa on the ‘70s show The Waltons, this outdoor theater, surrounded by oak trees, offers wonderful theatrical performances with an emphasis on the classics, particularly Shakespeare.
3. Red Rock Canyon Trail
A great place to hike, you’ll want to explore the caves and search for fossils and arrowheads left by the Chumash Indians who once dwelled here. You can also take the canyon trail up to Calabasas Peak for a pretty spectacular view of the surrounding landscape (see Modern Hiker’s write-up for more info on making that trek).
4. Hidden Treasures
Foraging around this reasonably priced vintage clothing shop is like exploring the overstuffed house of a bunch of stylish eccentrics. Don’t forget to check out the pirate trunk near the front door with clearance items going for just a few bucks each.
5. Jalan Jalan Imports
If you’re looking for a wide variety of Balinese imports, look no further. Jalan Jalan has a remarkable selection of hand carved statues and petrified wood furniture for your home. What is most unexpected about this outdoor showroom is not just the furniture but the setting. Set against its on quarry, a tranquil waterfall pours calmly into a small pond adjacent to the store. The owners of Jalan Jalan encourage visitors to take a seat and take in the serene setting as dragon flies and hummingbirds flurry by. At this roadside shop you leave with more than a new decor piece. You leave in peace.
6. Topanga State Park
Hike on one of the many trails to see some of the most beautiful nature in the area — you might even get lucky and see a deer or two. Be sure to check out Santa Ynez Falls if they’re running, along with the meadows and oak groves. Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes and mountain lions.
Topanga State Park. Credit: Neeson Hsu via flickr cc
7. Topanga Days
This annual three-day fair, held over Memorial Day weekend, is a celebration of live music and nature. You’ll find all sorts of food and craft vendors, along with a raucous parade of singing and dancing Topangans on Memorial Day.
8. Cafe Mimosa
Very popular with locals, this coffee shop boasts a shabby chic atmosphere and a koi pond in the garden, the perfect place to linger over a coffee, a Pirates Chai (made with Matcha green tea) or hemp milk. Hungry? Try the pain au chocolat, vegan muffins, quiche or salads.
Credit: Cafe Mimosa on Facebook
9. Tuna Canyon Park
This dog-friendly park is a lovely place to stroll and take in some breathtaking sights: the nearby beaches, Catalina Island, Malibu Pier and Santa Monica Pier.
10. Los Angeles Horseback Riding
A wonderful place to disconnect from our screen-centric lives, you can go on sunset rides, moonlight rides and more. If you prefer, ride a mule while taking in views of the beach and mountains.
11. Boubolina
This tiny clothing store, a local mainstay for over 30 years, features beautiful hippie dresses, Native American jewelry and lots of organic cotton clothing. The selection is eclectic, the size range is large and they have excellent sales.
12. Summit Valley
Edelman Park offers some 650 preserved acres to explore. While not as well known as the other Topanga walking and hiking areas, there are certainly beautiful views and bountiful wildflowers when in season.
L.A. Eats: Best Hot Chicken Spots in Town!
“Hot Chicken” has quickly become the hottest food trend in L.A.! From serious chile-based heat found on Nashville-style hot chicken all the way to spicy spots inspired from all around. Here are eight places to set your mouth on fire (figuratively speaking of course) serving some of the best spicy bird in town right now.
Howlin Ray’s
Location: 727 N Broadway, Ste 128., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Everyone already knows this place for their lines at the Far East Plaza. You can get it by the piece, as a box of wings or in a sandwich, and as hot as you want it, from country (no heat) to howlin’, a smoldering too-hot-to-handle, scale-tipping heat. Side dishes change, but look for things like braised greens, succotash, mac ‘n’ cheese, crispy okra, various market salads and crinkle-cut fries dusted with their secret shake spice.
Dave’s Hot Chicken
Location: 970 N Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90029
One of L.A.’s biggest hot-chicken success stories, Dave’s began as a stand and worked its way up to a brick and mortar—and now it’s one of Hollywood’s late-night go-to’s with a line out the door. They’ve only got one rule: no pickups. Don’t worry, the line moves quickly, as the menu is particularly limited. The bright-red hot chicken only comes in strips and (hefty) sliders, juicy and a little greasy and wildly hot, especially as you climb toward the “reaper” spice option. You’re gonna need a side of those cheese-topped crinkle-cut fries to cool things down.
Sweet Chick
Location: 448 N. Fairfax Ave.
When this chicken and soul food shack (hip-hop star Nas is a proud investor) opened on Fairfax, we thought it was all about waffles, greens and mac ‘n’ cheese to accompany the classic crispy, juicy bird. It’s all of that and so much more. To start, there are a few options for heat seekers, including the Nashville hot chicken with a milk jam waffle, or hot sauce–drenched fried chicken sliders on buttery mini biscuits. Want some sweet heat? Try the honey hot chicken instead.
McFly’s All-Natural at Electric Owl
Location: 1451 N. Gardner St.
If you’re familiar with the amazing smoky fried chicken from Plan Check, you already know what chef Ernesto Uchimura can do with the bird. Now you can find him at Electric Owl, the restaurant he opened in West Hollywood earlier this year. For lunch, he’s launched a daytime pop-up called McFly’s, where he serves egg-dipped, fried chicken sandos with a searing chile baste alongside things like tater tots and pink lemonade. Check it out Wednesdays through Sundays from 11 AM until gone.
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
Location: 1262 Crenshaw Blvd. and 509 S. Glen Oaks Blvd.
A long-standing family business, the Memphis chain is known the world over for its cayenne-spiced, red-tinged crisp chicken. It’s surprising that it’s taken this long to make it out west, but it finally has, landing in a brick-walled spot in Mid-City and most recently in Burbank. Although it calls its fried chicken “hot and spicy,” it’s not mouth-searing like Nashville-style chicken. There’s no extra coating of seasoning and spice on the outside; instead, the batter is laced with cayenne pepper for its kick. Every meal (usually two pieces of white and/or dark meat) at Gus’s comes with white bread, which helps soothe the burn, but a little ranch dressing doesn’t hurt either.
Fritzi Coop
Location: Fairfax District
Redbird’s Neal Fraser technically calls his hot chicken “Memphis-style,” though he admits there’s really no difference when it comes to the Nashville-inspired dish. You can find his take tucked into the Original Farmers Market, where the chef’s fast-casual chicken shack, Fritzi Coop, sells it in wing, boneless-wing and sandwich form—and the sandwich is where it’s at. Fraser isn’t fooling around with the spice (available as “hot” or “super hot”), and on the sandwich, the fried dark meat gets some added oomph from a spicy slaw. Cool off with whatever the daily agua fresca is. You’re going to need it.
Angry Birdz
Location: 5065 Hollywood Blvd ste102, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Thai Town’s Angry Birdz is a bit of a dive, but that’s just fine by us—we’re not here for the frills, we’re here for the fried goods. The setting is sparse, the menu straightforward. The Nashville spice? Way hot. Like Howlin’ Ray’s, the basic level is “country,” but here, the hottest setting warns you that you should probably sign a waiver. (It’s hot, but it’s not litigation hot.) The birds here come in slider and tender form, but what it lacks in poultry option it makes up for in sides, with choices like mashed potatoes, slaw, mac and cheese, fries and even buttered rice—in ode to the owners’ Middle Eastern heritage—available until midnight every day of the week, for all your late-night hot cravings.