LA Eats: Local Pizza Places

A good slice of pizza is a powerful thing. May that be one slice of five slices, pizza is your friend. It is important to support local restaurants and businesses as a way to feed into your local economy. Check out our round-up of our favorite pizza places throughout Los Angeles and the Valley.

Los Angeles

Numero Uno Pizza

5044 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

They specialize in Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza & Classic New York Style Thin Crust Pizza. They are also known for their Chicken Wings and Large Salads. Numero Uno Pizza was founded in 1973 with its first store in Northridge, CA. The company features a casual dining restaurant famous for its deep-dish pizza with its unique flavored crust and savory sauce.

All’ Angolo

4050 W 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA

Small, but charming restaurant serving northern Italian pizza, pasta & salads. Don’t let the size or location put you off; these guys are serving up some great Italian food. Simple ingredients with great taste. They have a small but complete menu of apps, salads (a soup d’ jour), pasta and pizzas; and don’t forget the daily blackboard specials.

Gracie’s Pizza

4330 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA

Opened in the Summer of 2016 with the goal of creating a true New York-style neighborhood joint. They create meals from scratch; with love, integrity, and pride. Their focus is to give back in a measurable way to their tightly knit block at Heliotrope and Melrose.

Westside

LA MORRA PIZZERIA

5125 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

These Neapolitan-style pizzas are made in a handmade oven by Zach Swemle & Marlee Blodgett, built especially for the ingredients of a Neapolitan pizza. La Morra’s simple and ingredient-driven Italian cooking and impressive crusts are offered weekly at the wine bar Tabula Rasa.

VITO’S PIZZA

846 N LA Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Vito’s Pizza is a local favorite. Their east coast inspired pies, perfectly crafted dough, and tomato sauce has its patrons traveling to all three of its Los Angeles locations. The pizza is ultra-thin, with a crisp underside and a good, chewy crust, and you can order by the slice. Vegetarians will appreciate the combination of fresh spinach, tomatoes, and broccoli with mild ricotta cheese.

Pizzeria il Fico

310 S Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Sleek, rustic-chic Italian eatery specializing in dishes from Puglia, with an extensive wine list. Despite the name, Il Fico is not strictly a pizzeria, it also turns out some Apulia-accented antipasti and most especially pasta dishes. At Vincenti, Mastronardi does the whole “elegantissimo” thing with an ambitious menu and polished and subtle cooking.

Valley

Chi-Chi’s Pizza

9080 Tampa Avenue, Northridge, CA

Local pizza chain for custom-made pies, plus pasta, antipasti & more in a casual, no-frills space. Great local spot for pizza at a reasonable price. Do yourself a favor, once you have had your Italian/Pizza fix, try the Golden Pressure Fried Chicken and Golden Potatoes. The salads and dressings will please also.

LBK Pizzeria

359 Tujunga Avenue, Studio City, CA

At this Studio City outpost, there’s no place to sit inside, where the line to order pizza is endless. But there are some very pleasant picnic tables in front, making a fine pie on Tujunga Avenue a very pleasurable family experience.

Pasadena Pizza Co.

336 N. Allen Avenue, Pasadena, CA

You get a choice of thick crust, thin crust and gluten-free at Pasadena Pizza Co. The pies are big, and even bigger. The toppings are many, but mostly classic, except maybe for the ones with pastrami and with Alfredo sauce. While you’re waiting, there are video games, and pinball machines, which take me back to my misspent youth.

Lamppost Pizza

1145 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village, CA

Lamppost Pizza offers great food, a friendly approach and a family-oriented atmosphere. Their community involvement includes being a proud supporter of the many youth athletic leagues in the area. Their team pizza parties are popular with all ages and sports. Bring your kids and family if you are local and are looking for tasty pizza!

Toppers Pizza

18417 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA

Family-friendly pizzeria chain known for unusual toppings & dough made daily. Toppers Pizza Place has been the winner of Best Pizza Category for both East and West Ventura County Every Year this Century! If you are in the area, come and experience great pizza.

January 16, 2020January 16, 2020

Weekend Events: January 17 – 19

Looking for something to do this weekend? We’ve got you covered. We pick out the best things to do in Los Angeles, the Westside, and throughout the San Fernando, Conejo, Santa Clarita, and San Gabriel Valleys. Check out our weekend events list that includes concerts, culture, cuisine, and more!

Los Angeles

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17^TH, 2020

Frozen (Touring)

LOCATION: Hollywood Pantages Theatre

Elsa, Olaf, and the rest of the characters living in the wintry kingdom hit the stage with more songs and thus more magic. The fanciful stage sets, hardy heroines, and inspiring musical selections will be sure to captivate you and your little ones. A confirmed hit on Broadway, the show will run in Los Angeles through February 2. Get Tickets: HERE.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18TH, 2020

Chinese New Year in Beverly Hills

LOCATION: Saban Theatre

This Chinese New Year Event is divided into three parts: a variety show, a “Jing-Jin-Ji” photography exhibit, and a cultural heritage crafts display and demonstration. The show features groups from Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei including Chinese acrobats, martial arts, folk dance, and Peking opera. Get Tickets: HERE

Paolo Ventura’s First Solo Exhibit in Los Angeles

LOCATION: Gallerie XII Los Angeles

“An Invented World” spans six series and the most comprehensive overview of the celebrated Italian artist’s opus on the West Coast to date, including the debut of new works. This celebratory exhibit runs from January 18 to March 14 with a public opening reception with the artist on January 18, 4PM – 7PM. Tickets: FREE!

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19TH, 2020

Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square

LOCATION: Pershing Square Park

This is the last weekend to pretend there’s snow on the ground in Downtown L.A. Go for the skate session, stay for the good eats nearby. One hour session for $9 and skate rental for $5 makes an affordable date. Get Tickets: HERE

Pasadena Comic Con

LOCATION: 300 East Green Street, Pasadena

The Pasadena Comic Con and Toy Show is a one-day superhero culture event highlighting comic book and toy vendors, artists, creators, and celebrity guests and panels. Featured artists include Rikki Simons (Invader Zim), Phil Ortiz (The Simpsons), Jim Cummings (Winnie the Pooh). Get Tickets: HERE

Westside

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17TH, 2020

Special Dinner Cruise – dineLA Restaurant Week

LOCATION: 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey

Enjoy the only dineLA experience happening on a yacht! This specially priced cruise includes a four-course seated dinner, boarding glass of champagne, DJ entertainment and dancing, and cruise enhancements. To book, call 1-800-668-4322 and learn more HERE.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18TH, 2020

Santa Monica Symphony MLK Concert

LOCATION: SGI Auditorium, 525 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica

The Santa Monica Symphony celebrates the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Featuring music from African American composers, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and William Grant Still, the program will include a traditional audience sing-along of “We Shall Overcome”. No tickets necessary, opening seating.

Marion Davies Guest House & Docent Tours

Explore the rich history of the Beach House with Santa Monica Conservatory docents. No charge to visit and no reservation required. Stop by any time 11am- 2pm when docents are available. Tours last approximately 30 minutes and accommodate up to 15 people.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19TH, 2020

Southern California Slack Key Festival

LOCATION: Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center

Since 2008, the Southern California Slack Key Festival has been the largest Hawaiian music concert in the mainland US. Hawaiian ki ho’alu is one of the great acoustic guitar traditions of the world. If you’re looking to vibe to some music and explore the island marketplace, this is where you want to be. Get Tickets: HERE

Sonoma Wine Garden – dineLA Restaurant Week

LOCATION: 395 Santa Monica Place Suite 300, Santa Monica

Enjoy fall menu favorites for lunch or dinner in a two-three course meal – vegan options available. For an advanced view of the menu: reservations@sonomawinegarden.com

Valley

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17TH, 2020

American Theatre Guild Presents Finding Neverland

LOCATION: Fred Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks

Think happy thoughts while leaning into this timeless story brought to life. From the imagination of Tony-award winning director Diane Paulus, you’re brought enthralling visuals, irresistible songs, and laugh out loud comedy. Get Tickets: HERE

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18TH, 2020

Barbie Truck Totally Throwback Tour

LOCATION: 24201 West Valencia Blvd, Valencia, CA

Barbie is on the road, celebrating her 60-year iconic heritage. Check out limited edition retro-inspired Barbie merch and customized air-brushing only available at the truck. Registration not required.

Coffee With a Scientist

LOCATION: 26876 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302

The King Gillette Ranch Visitor Center is proud to host “Coffee With…” featuring local scientists, professors, and experts. Spend an hour casually discussing social and environmental issues while tasting locally roasted coffee. Register: HERE

Sunday, January 19th, 2020

Turn Around in Burbank

LOCATION: TAG Studio Theatre

Spend the evening with the winner of the 2019 TAG Solo Festival, written and directed by Sarah Frutig. “A woman’s circular ceremonial journey of the heart […] with her father’s spirit bearing silent witness” – Get Tickets: HERE.

Annie

LOCATION: SANTA CLARITA Performing Arts Center

Set in the 1930s, starring a plucky little orphan, and featuring your favorite Annie songs: “Hard Knock Life” and “Tomorrow”. This production is sure to lighten your mood and weekend. Get Tickets: HERE

January 16, 2020January 16, 2020

Rodeo News: Top 10 Beverly Hills Real Estate Edition

Every year, Top 10 Beverly Hills will curate lists of their “Top Ten” Real Estate Agents, Plastic Surgeons, Dentists, Doctors, Interior Designers, and more within the Beverly Hills area.

We are excited to see three of our very own agents made this list. There are over 3,000 Real Estate Agents in the Beverly Hills area alone. This is no small feat. Jimmy Heckenberg, Jordana Leigh, and Joe Babajian are on this list representing Rodeo Realty.

Jimmy, Jordana, and Joe are some of Rodeo Realty’s top producing agents. They are sure to listen to the needs of their clients while understanding that each client differs from the next.

Congrats again!

January 16, 2020

Tech News: Prosthetic Hand Controlled With Your Mind

An AI-controlled hand has been created, which purely uses your brainpower and muscle signals to move. All that awaits its dispatch into the world is for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to grant its approval.

How does this prosthetic hand learn to move?

With over two million amputees in the U.S. alone, the need for prosthetics is there. Up until now, amputees relied on metal hooks for hands or robotic prosthetics that rely on physical buttons. All of which have limited mobility. BrainCo’s prosthetic arm and hand is much more mobile and does not require a heavy kit with buttons galore.

BrainCo uses a software platform where the user trains its future prosthetic using electrical signals. These allow the prosthetic to perform a range of motions and movements, enabling the user to do particular gestures such as playing the piano and writing detailed calligraphy.

Newlon explained that this allows amputees to no longer have to rely on a limited number of preprogrammed movements, they can customize the prosthetic to their own body.

If all of the above information wasn’t enough to impress you, then perhaps the cost will.

It only takes about 5 to 10 minutes to program six gestures, Newlon said. The more you use the hand, the better and more lifelike it becomes, he added.

Typically, prosthetics cost anywhere between $40,000 to $60,000. BrainCo’s, on the other hand, will cost between $10,000 and $15,000. That’s a huge amount of money saved and for a better product.

The company plans on launching their prosthetic later this year in the U.S. and will also be creating smaller prosthetics for children.

January 16, 2020

Out and About: Newport Beach Edition

Looking to get away for one day of your weekend? Can’t afford (time-wise) to fly to Hawaii for just a day? Well, you are in luck. Just a few miles down the Pacific Coast Highway is the eclectic coastal city of Newport Beach. With an abundance of shopping destinations, dining experiences, day trips, and unique activities, Newport Beach is a memorable shift from the hustle and bustle of our lively LA homes.

Morning

PLUM’S CAFE

Start your morning with a twist on brunch at Plum’s Cafe. Order mimosas or Bloody Mary’s and the coconut french toast for a classic spin on a local favorite. Don’t forget to make a reservation, seating fills up quickly. For a full weekend brunch menu, click here.

SIDECAR DOUGHNUTS

Walk across the street for a sweet bite from the original Sidecar Doughnuts location, for novelty flavors like maple bacon, or meyer lemon and thyme. Flavors are updated each month, for a full list click here.

BALBOA ISLAND

Bordering the Newport Beach Harbor and homes of celebrities on the water, Balboa Island offers a relaxing breezy atmosphere to all its visitors. Walk the circumference of the man made island, which is only accessible by ferry or bridge, to the historical Balboa Island Ferry which has taken passengers from the island to the Balboa Peninsula for over 100 years.

Board a Whale Watching Boat Tour, grab a quintessential frozen banana from Dad’s, plan a Duffy rental with family, or bring the kids to visit the Fun Zone.

Afternoon

RUBY’S ON THE PIER

For a kid-friendly lunch, walk to the end of the Balboa Pier to enjoy Ruby’s on the pier. With surfers and fisherman bordering both sides, your little one will surely be entertained with the beach city excitement.

LIDO MARINA VILLAGE

For a different ambience, travel up the peninsula to the Lido Marina Village for a roll of sushi from the daily happy hour at Nobu, or visit Malibu Farms for a fresh alternative.

Admire the view of the yachts in the harbor, the photogenic scenery, and the freshly picked flowers by French Buckets.

Evening

FASHION ISLAND

Spend your afternoon with an elevated shopping experience found at the epitome of Newport Beach elegance, Fashion Island.

Stop at one of the finer dining locations Fashion Island has to offer. Then attend a film in the reclining leather chairs of The Lot. To close the evening, walk through the koi pond and sit near the fountains. Enjoy the view of the sunset over the Pacific Ocean and Newport Beach Harbor.

January 14, 2020

Home Tips: Hosting a Housewarming Party

Hosting a housewarming party is a great way to bring your friends and family together for a few hours of laughing, eating, and drinking while showing them your new digs. Below are a few tips and tricks to set you up for success in hosting a housewarming extravaganza.

Figure out how much you want to spend

Before you make any decisions about your housewarming party, you need to know how much money you have to work with. Don’t feel any sort of obligation to spend big—a great housewarming party can be a totally casual affair. Most important is knowing what you’re comfortable spending, be it $50 or $500. From there, you can dive into all of the other details.

Set a reasonable date

Many people wait a few months in-between moving into their new home and throwing a housewarming party. Planning a housewarming party on a budget is all about working within parameters that you’re comfortable with. That applies to timing as much as money. Figure out a date that will give you enough time to recover financially from the move, letting go of the pressure to do it within the first month or two of settling in.

Be realistic

Party planning usually starts out with grand ideas that gradually get edited into something more reasonable. That’s totally okay! Nobody is going to come in expecting a Pinterest-worthy soiree or something out of the pages of Martha Stewart Living. Set realistic goals for your housewarming party and don’t worry about meeting some sort of idealistic, unnecessary standard.

Use washable plates and utensils

It’s always tempting with a party to go the easy route and purchase paper plates and plastic utensils, but ultimately that just ends up being a waste of money. Use your own plates, utensils, glasses, etc. instead, which will cost you in time when you eventually have to do the dishes, but won’t put a hole in your wallet. If you’re planning to have more people than kitchen items, go out and buy special hosting plastic plates and cups instead of paper, since they can be washed a reused – keep the environment in mind.

Play games

If you want to offer a little bit more in terms of entertainment, create your own free housewarming party games, like a scavenger hunt of items in the house, trivia about your town or city, the in-app game: heads up, or a scramble with words related to your new place. You can find game printable online or just make your own.

Congrats on your new home! Hopefully, these tips and tricks help keep you organized during a time a transition!

January 10, 2020January 15, 2020

Rodeo News: LA Magazine Names Rodeo’s Own Among 2020 Real Estate All-Stars

With 2020 kicked into high gear, Rodeo Realty is off to a great start. This month, LA Magazine released their 2020 list of “Real Estate All-Stars,” and named 22 of our own agents. With tens of thousands of agents based in Los Angeles, it is an honor to see so many Rodeo Realty agents included.

Rodeo Realty is not just a leader in Luxury Real Estate, it is a family of top-producing agents, unparalleled expertise, and global presence. Check out the Rodeo Realty agents included in the “Real Estate All-Stars” list below!

Michael Barasch

Dana Frank

Josh Flagg

Casey Gordon

Scott Goshhorn

Jimmy Heckenberg

Poupee Komenkul

Jordana Leigh

Adi Livyatan

Paul Margolis

Peter Maurice

Leo McHale

Shane Nichols

Matthew Paul

Roger Perry

Ben Salem

David Salmanson

Marc Tahler

Andrew Teshinsky

Carol Wolfe

Kenneth Zietz

Desiree Zuckerman

January 9, 2020January 9, 2020

LA Eats: Your Guide to Restaurant Month

Los Angeles Restaurant Month is an event hosted semi-annually, with over 400 participating restaurants showcasing prix-fixe dining menus to foodies and self-proclaimed food lovers, for a lower than expected dining rate. We cover places in Los Angeles, the Westside, and the Valley. Enjoy one of these premier dining destinations from our guide below, or all of them!

Valley

Sherman Oaks

Mistral

When: January 17 – January 31

Where: 13422 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks 91423

Dinner Menu: $35

Having opened our doors in 1988, Mistral has consistently been recognized as among the San Fernando Valley’s best restaurants. Set within an elegant French bistro, guests are welcomed by seasoned and experienced staff members all charged with the sole purpose to provide you and your guests with an unparalleled dining experience.

Calabasas

SUGARFISH by Sushi Nozawa

When: January 17 – January 31

Where: 4799 Commons Way, Calabasas 91302

Lunch Menu: $20

Dinner Menu: $39

SUGARFISH was created Kazunori and Tom Nozawa and the four other founding partners of the Sushi Nozawa Group. The legendary chef Kazunori Nozawa only served traditional-style sushi (i.e. no California rolls or spicy tuna rolls). His menu was only omakase (“leave it to the chef”).

Agoura Hills

Cafe Bizou

When: January 17 – January 31

Where: 30315 Canwood Street, Agoura Hills 91301

Dinner Menu: $29

At Café Bizou, they pride themselves in providing top quality service and delicious food in a family-friendly restaurant. Café Bizou Restaurant is the perfect setting for Business Meetings and Events, Family Reunions, Birthday celebrations or Rehearsal dinners.

Burbank

Castaway

When: January 17 – January 31

Where: 1250 E. Harvard Rd., Burbank 91501

Dinner Menu: $59

Cape Grim Steaks. Pasture Bird. Mishima Wagyu. These are some of our culinary stars. Castaway will offer seasonally-inspired cuisine with a steak-forward focus including interesting cuts from the world’s best butchers and dry-aged in our in-house aging room with a Himalayan salt wall.

Calabasas

Saddle Peak Lodge

When: January 17 – January 31

Where: 419 Cold Canyon Rd., Calabasas 91302

Dinner Menu: $59

Part roadhouse, Pony Express stop, hunting lodge, European auberge, perhaps even a hint of a bordello, Saddle Peak Lodge has been many things to many people in its long history. For 100 years—some say even more—Saddle Peak Lodge has been a place of enchantment, romance and great dining for generations of those who seek a unique experience.

Westside