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This week at Rodeo Realty: Valley Newsletter September 16-22!!!
Weekend Events: September 20-22
The last weekend of summer is here and the weather already knows! With L.A. getting into the Fall spirit, there is a bounty of fun to be had. Whether you’re wanting to go full fall fun or hang on to the last days of sunny season, we have you covered! Read our weekend round-up of fun things to do and discover your inner Angeleno!
Friday, September 20
Hello Kitty Friends Around the World Tour
Location: Chinatown LA Plaza Village
Celebrates Hello Kitty’s 45-year anniversary with a multi-room, sensory-rich, brilliant walk-through adventure! From September 20 through October 20 you’ll get to enjoy all things Hello Kitty. The 10,000-square-foot pop-up takes you aboard ‘Hello Kitty Air’ to virtually visit London, Paris, New York, Honolulu, and Tokyo.
Location: E.P. & L.P., Melrose Ave.
E.P. & L.P. along with Melrose Rooftop Theatre will host the 2nd annual Art Women Art Week series from September 15 – 21. The weeklong female-forward series is dedicated to highlighting women in the creative arts with a line-up of talks with female entrepreneurs, actors, producers & screenwriters paired with a curated movie screening.
Food Truck Fridays
Location: Pacific View Mall
The Pacific View Mall hosts gourmet food trucks every 3rd Friday of the month in the parking lot next to Trader Joe’s, along Mills Road. Hours are 5-9pm and event features over 20 food trucks, like Cousins Maine Lobster, The Underground Gourmet Food Truck, The Grilled Cheese Truck, Sweet Arleen’s, Steamy Bun Truck, etc.
Saturday, September 21
Location: Ford Theatres, Los Angeles
Olga Pericet comes to the Ford Theatres for a one-night-only flamenco performance that blends tradition with contemporary vision. Featuring award-winning flamenco dancer Olga Pericet audiences will be dazzled by the art of dance, right under the stars of one of LA’s best amphitheaters. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase.
Location: Various Locations
Over 10 L.A. County Museums Will Be Free For Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day. Participants include the Japanese American National Museum, the GRAMMY Museum, Autry Museum of the American West, USC Pacific Asia Museum, and more.
Ventura County Coastal Cleanup Day
Location: Various Locations
The mission of the Ventura Countywide Coalition for Coastal and Inland Waterways is ‘Promoting clean & healthier beaches, rivers and creeks, throughout Ventura County. Be one of 60,000 people to take part in the upcoming 35th Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day! Volunteers will remove debris from the coast, creeks, rivers, lakes and shorelines all around California protecting wildlife from harm while taking care of our environment.
Sunday, September 22
Roaring Twenties Speak Easy Party
Location: Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round
The Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round will be hosting a Roaring Twenties Speakeasy Party with a Vintage Cirque Sideshow. There will be a talented cast of eccentric performers along with other DJ entertainment and live music by Holy Crow Jazz Band. Other highlights include merry-go-round rides, strolling performers, cirque games, dance exhibitions, and more.
Location: Japan House
Japan House host Movie & Bites a combined screening and culinary event featuring a discussion, a screening of the acclaimed Japanese film “The Flavor of Green Tea Over Rice” (1952) by legendary filmmaker Yasujiro Ozu and bites of salmon ochazuke plus popcorn during the screening.
Malibu Lagoon Field Trips Hosted by Santa Monica Bay Audubon Society
Location: Malibu Lagoon
The Santa Monica Bay Audubon Society (SMBAS) hosts Malibu Lagoon Field Trips the 4th Sunday of every month. Adult Walk starts at 8:30 a.m. for 2-3 hrs. The group meets at the metal-shaded viewing area next to parking lot. SMBAS makes a special effort to make these monthly Malibu Lagoon walks attractive to first-time and beginner birdwatchers. Brings binoculars and cameras. Kids are welcome to attend and take part.
Home Tips: Prep Your Closet for Fall!
Summer is coming to an end, and even though Californians don’t need to brace themselves for a cold season with plush sweaters and puffer coats, a new season comes a new wardrobe. Time to put away your denim shorts and sundresses. However, this does not mean cramming stained or unloved items into a box and stowing them away under your bed.
For clothes to look their best—and to ensure they last for seasons to come—it’s important to prep and store them the right way. Here, we’ve rounded up a few tips for sorting out the items you don’t want, cleaning the ones you do, storing them in a way that won’t ruin them, and unpacking your in-season wardrobe no matter what time of year it is.
Follow these tips to seamlessly transition your wardrobe from warm weather to cold and back again.
Spruce Up Your Shoes
Be vigilant with your shoes. Mucky sandals will rub off on other items and packing away smelly sneakers is a recipe for disaster. Use a soft bristle brush to rub off any caked on dirt, then clean the shoes with detergent and water, baby wipes, or with a cleaner made specifically for the material. Check the brand’s website as most provide detailed cleaning instructions.
Donate, Recycle, or Resell Unwanted Items
While it’s still fresh in your mind, sort out the old or unwanted items. Not loving that shirt or bathing suit anymore? Find a new home for it. Clothing free of stains, holes, or rips can be donated or sold. “I am very passionate about peer-to-peer resale markets such as OfferUp that allow you to sell the items you are no longer using to your local community,” says Caitlin Rose Roberts, founder of Minimize With Purpose and master certified KonMari consultant. “You never regret letting go of an item when you know it has gone to a good home!” The rest can be dropped off at textile recyclers—if your local community doesn’t have one, H&M and other stores will take them off your hands, and some might even give you a discount on future purchases. In any case, you should wash and remove stains beforehand. Once you’ve gone through your collection, you’ll most likely have a lot less to store.
Store Clothing in a Dry, Dark Space
Storing your out-of-season clothes in a clean, unused suitcase is a great use of space, as is sticking them in attractive storage containers on the upper shelves of your closet. In order to prevent delicate dresses and blouses from getting crushed, hang them in a single garment bag to keep them protected and contained. “Never store the item in a dry-cleaning bag as they trap in moisture,” says Roberts.
Unpack In-Season Clothes
If you didn’t do a thorough review of your winter wardrobe last year, do it before putting the clothes back in your closet. Check for stains and tears, and determine whether someone else might get more use out of the items. Roberts recommends Marie Kondo’s “spark-joy” test to make sure you are keeping items for the right reason. If you’re cramming your coats and boots back into your closet, it might be time to give something up.
L.A. Eats: New Bites to Try This Fall!
One of the great joys in L.A. is the bevy of dining options. And since there are always new choices sprouting up, we thought we’d narrow down the selection. From savory Mediterranean to spicy wings and everything in between, check out some new bites this fall! Your taste buds will thank you!!
Twozone Chicken
Location: 3516 W 8th St., Los Angeles, Koreatown
South Korea’s Twozone Chicken opened its first stateside location in Koreatown. The fried chicken specialist is best known for its plethora of flavors. These tasty options include cajun, wasabi, and honey butter. The hotspot encourages patrons to mix and match flavors according to taste preferences.
Azay
Location: 226 E 1st St., Los Angeles-Little Tokyo
Fans of the now-closed Maison Akira in Pasadena can experience chef Akira Hirose’s cooking once again at Azay. A casual eatery, Azay serves French and Japanese breakfast and lunch. Come in before 11 a.m. for a traditional Japanese breakfast of broiled fish, rice, miso soup, pickles, and an omelette.
Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen
Location: Lake Balboa—7600 Balboa Blvd., Los Angeles.
Saffron serves up fast-casual Mediterranean fare. Diners can build their own pita sandwiches, tacos, or salad bowls with chicken, beef, or falafel. For a meal experience that is sure to invigorate the senses, Saffron is worth the trek to Lake Balboa.
Roji Bakery
Location: Mid-City—807 S La Brea Ave., Los Angeles.
Roji originated in Kumamoto, Japan, but found an equal amount if success in Mid City. With loaves of milk bread, lovely pastries, and plenty of coffee on offer, this place is perfect for mornings and afternoon pick-me-ups.
What The Cluck
Location: West Hollywood— 807 S La Brea Ave., Los Angeles.
Poached chicken is served alongside broth-cooked rice at What The Cluck. A staple in many Asian countries this spot shares the Thai tradition of khao man gai with WeHo denizens. The first location opened in San Francisco. Hone in on the skin-on organic chicken, livers, and poached egg served with rice and plenty of the restaurant’s signature sauce.
Bianca Bakery
Location: Culver City—8850 Washington Blvd.
Bianca Bakery has transformed the Platform into an inviting spot to gather, caffeinate, and luxuriate. Find freshly baked bread, carefully made cakes, sweet and savory pastries. Or chose a smattering of savories like open-faced sandwiches on hand.
Hot Motha Clucker
Location: Hollywood— 1708 N. Las Palmas, Los Angeles
The Nashville hot chicken trend shows no sign of slowing down. New to the touristy district is Hot Motha Clucker, which promises an “extreme chicken experience.” One of the restaurant’s best-sellers are cheesy fries topped with chopped chicken tenders.
Vox Burger
Location: Fairfax—519 N Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles.
Vow Burger is a socially conscious restaurant venture. There mission is to make a positive impact by serving an entirely meat-free menu. The result of your visit is a donation of a meal for every meal purchased.
Mon Petit Poulet
Location: Downtown—541 South Spring St., Los Angeles.
Mon Petit Poulet keeps its menu simple, offering only organic roasted chickens and a handful of sides including rice, potatoes, and a baguette. Chicken flavor “profiles” include thyme, rosemary, oranges, figs, and olives.
Pillow Talk
Location: Pasadena—526 S Lake Ave.
Check out Pillow Talk for coffee, pastries, and fanciful fruity trifles served in metal tins on South Lake Avenue. Signature beverages include a pineapple Americano and an ice tiramisu.
Ela Greek Eats
Location: Venice—307 Lincoln Blvd.
Ela Greek Eats serves fast-casual fare in a brightly lit room on Lincoln Boulevard. The menu is easy to navigate with salads, gyros, dips, as well as more traditional Greek offerings like moussaka. Most dishes are served with a choice of lamb, chicken, steak, salmon, or tuna, which means there’s something for everyone.
KoJa Kitchen
Location: Downtown—611 West 7th St., Los Angeles.
San Francisco-based KoJa Kitchen brings its Korean-Japanese burgers to the city of stars. Served with crispy garlic rice buns is a foodie dream in the heart of downtown. This is the 15th location for Alan Tsai and Hiep Lien, and the first in LA proper.
Rice Guy
Location: Larchmont—615 N. Western Ave., Los Angeles.
The Filipino food movement shows no sign of slowing down. Rice Guys serves up rice bowls gussied up with an array of Pinoy proteins including grilled pork belly, coconut-poached chicken thighs, and glazed adobo chicken wings.
Early Haunts for Fall
You’ve likely noticed the festive displays at the store. You may have a neighbor whose already decorated their lawn. If these things have happened to you, you know what that means. It’s almost the best time of the year! We’re talking about fall of course! From terrifying frights to not so scary haunts, L.A. kicks off scare season early. So why shouldn’t you? Check out our round-up of ghoulish attractions taking place now through October. Just don’t wait too long, Halloween will creep up on you before you know it!
Halloween Horror Nights
Location: Universal Studios Hollywood – 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City 91608
Face your darkest fears in Southern California’s scariest, most intense event – Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights. The movie studio that invented the horror genre dares you to enter all-new immersive worlds of living, breathing icons from the most twisted imaginations in film and television. Halloween Horror Nights will be open on select nights from September 13 to November 2.
Fright Fest
Location: Six Flags Magic Mountain – 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia 91355
Taking place on select nights from September 14 – November 3, Fright Fest offers terrifying haunted mazes, roaming zombies, the scariest clowns on the planet and spooky shows – leaving no tombstone unturned to bring the ultimate sensory overload for every range of fear. As if that weren’t enough, Six Flags has added a “twisted” element to some of their monster coasters by turning off the lights, leaving riders to face their fears in the dark.
HAUS OF CREEP
Location: Row DTLA – 777 S. Alameda Street, Los Angeles 90021
Presented by Just Fix It Productions, Creep L.A. returns to Row DTLA this Halloween season, welcoming all into the dark heart of Downtown LA with their fifth installment: HAUS OF CREEP. The 75-minute multi-sensory exhibit brings guests into the world of Creep L.A., a darkly satirical and terrifying send-up of social media-driven culture. HAUS OF CREEP sets out to remind us that art is alive, and it can’t be restricted to a little square photo without dangerous consequences. Sept 13-Nov. 3
Paramount Pictures After Dark
Location: Paramount Pictures Studios – 5555 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles 90038
One of Paramount Pictures popular Studio Tours, the After Dark Tour gets a seasonal twist with Tales from the Other Side, a 2.5-hour walking tour that takes guests through the legendary backlot and cavernous soundstages. The tour includes a welcome champagne toast, exclusive access to Hollywood Forever Cemetery, and gourmet popcorn and movie candy hosted in an eerie location. No through Nov. 3
Dark Harbor
Location: Queen Mary – 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach 90802
It’s all hands on deck for Dark Harbor at the Queen Mary – 23 select nights featuring the Captain, Scary Mary and over 200 monsters haunting six terrifying mazes, nightly live entertainment, secret bars and exciting rides. A monstrous freak wave has hit the legendary Queen Mary, causing the ship to nearly capsize. The Captain and the crew are hard at work trying to salvage the ship after the Rogue wave…Or are they? Sept 26-Nov. 2
Los Angeles Haunted Hayride
Location: Griffith Park Old Zoo – 4730 Crystal Springs Dr., Los Angeles 90027
Taking place on Saturday, September 28 to Saturday, November 2, the 11th annual Haunted Hayride features a completely reimagined experience, including an expanded lineup of attractions and a unified theme for the very first time. This year’s Haunted Hayride will transform the Griffith Park grounds into Midnight Falls, an eerie and mysterious village set in 1985, where time stands still and it is always Halloween.
Halloween Time
Spirit away for a frightfully delightful good time—from costumed Character encounters to themed attractions, creepy eats, bewitching entertainment and more! September 6 through October 31, 2019. Enjoy ghoulish fun like the Happiest Haunts tour and your time at the happiest place on earth spooktacular!
Knott’s Scary Farm
Location: Knott’s Berry Farm Amusement Park
Knott’s Scary Farm is the largest and most haunting Halloween experience in Southern California. Experience unimaginable scares and innovative thrills that can’t be found anywhere else. The fully transformed theme park features uniquely haunted mazes and attractions. That along with sinister shows and more than 1,000 horrifying creatures lurking in every corner of the park. This Halloween event has all the ingredients of a truly terrifying nightmare. But unlike most dreams, Knott’s Scary Farm is a nightmare you can’t wake up from — which makes it the thing to do for this Scare Season. Taking place Sept 19 through Nov. 2, go if you dare!
Jimmy Heckenberg’s Donald Simon Estate Listing Featured in Real Deal
The Son of famed philanthropist Norton Simon List his BH Home and Real Deal gives an inside scoop.
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (September 17, 2019)
As reported previously, Jimmy Heckenberg hold’s the listing to the lavish estate of Donald Simon, son of famed philanthropist Norton Simon. Real Deal featured the estate in a recent article highlighting the $42 million dollar home.
Designed by Peter Choate, the property is around 2-1/2 acres and sits nestled on the grounds of the L.A. Country Club. A once in a generation chance to own a home at this location or of this caliber. The 10,6000 square foot mansion is an entertainers dream with features like a tennis court and sprawling resort style pool.
The interior of the home brims with beautiful wood high-beamed ceilings, designer wall coverings and wrought iron chandeliers. The style of the estate comes as no surprise to those familiar with Choate’s work. As noted by Real Deal, Peter Choate has “worked for celebrities like Sharon Stone and Mel Brooks”.
Donald Simon has been the longtime owner of the luxury digs, designed in 1987. His father, Industrialist and Philanthropist Norton Simon,, was the driving force behind LACMA, among other things known to L.A.
To view this listing, click here.
To read the Real Deal’s Feature on the Donald Simon Estate, click here.
About Jimmy Heckenberg
Jimmy Heckenberg is well recognized in Beverly Hills and the entire Westside for his top producing Heckenberg Realty Group Sales Team. Jimmy will make the buying and selling of real estate as cost effective as possible while maintaining the highest level of service. This applies whether you are a first-time home buyer, existing home buyer or investor. He will provide you with accurate and up-to-date real estate market information, skilled analysis and sound real estate advice. He continually explores new ideas and technology in order to make the selling and buying of real estate faster, less costly, stress free and simple.
Out & About: San Fernando Valley
Whether you call the Valley home or you reside just over the hill, SFV has a lot to offer. The area is bustling with hidden gems and things to do! Rather than opt for you usual routine, why not take sometime to discover something new? Read through the round-up of ways to enjoy your time in SFV from food to fun and discover your inner Angeleno!
Asanebo
11941 Ventura Blvd., Studio City 91604-2607
Like most sushi restaurants in Studio City, Asanebo is located in a nondescript strip mall on Ventura Boulevard. Inside the warm, comforting dining room, you’ll find both traditional and innovative, fusion-style Japanese cuisine, where the omakase, or chef’s choice, is recommended. Thankfully, there are three different tiers so there’s some flexibility. Named the 2014 Zagat Guide’s top food pick in Los Angeles, Asanebo is a dining gem that’s not to be missed.
The Brady Bunch House
One of the most famous houses in television history can be found at 11217 Dilling Street in Studio City – with civilians living inside. The Brady Bunch began shooting in 1969, and exterior shots of the house were used for 115 episodes. A newly widowed Louise Weddington Carson lived in the house at the time, and set designers attached a phony window to make it look like the two-story structure to match the interior set design. The house was revisited for a couple sequel projects, such as A Very Brady Christmas and The Bradys, a dramatic series on CBS. A fence and new shrubbery somewhat masks its immortalized TV image, but the house will forever live on in reruns of The Brady Bunch.
Eclectica Vintage
5663 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood 91601
There are some great vintage shops in the San Fernando Valley, but Eclectica Vintage is your go-to whether you’re looking for a bike, furniture, clothing, camera or other classic decorative items. With past experience at local studios as set designers, owners Mike Lis and Ron Lis will help you find anything you might need. Just be sure to bring cash for your purchases.
The Great Wall of Los Angeles
12920 W Oxnard St, Valley Glen 91401
At 2,754 feet, The Great Wall of Los Angeles is one of the longest murals in the world, located on Coldwater Canyon between Burbank Boulevard and Oxnard Street. The half-mile-long mural is regarded as one of the city’s most successful depictions and examples of ethnic and cultural cooperation, conceived by Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC) founder, Judith Baca as part of a beautification project in the area. The Great Wall of Los Angeles was begun in 1974 and completed five summers later, involving over 400 employed youth and their families from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, as well as artists, oral historians, ethnologists, scholars and community members. Each year was dedicated to depicting a different decade in California history from the viewpoint of different ethnic minorities. Ongoing maintenance efforts are made through donations and grant funding.
Iliad Bookshop
5400 Cahuenga Blvd., North Hollywood 91601
So-named because the original location was next to Odyssey Video, the Iliad Bookshop offers over 125,000 titles at its home on Cahuenga Boulevard in North Hollywood, where the 20-year-old bookstore has been located since 2006. Specializing in used books, Iliad Bookshop buys and sells hundreds of books daily and even has a table of bargain books for less than $2 each. There are also rare books for sale, and autographed first editions can run for hundreds – sometimes thousands – of dollars. Regulars are often found scouring its shelves for hidden treasures. The hardest part of a visit to the Iliad is leaving without spending several hours there.
Japanese Garden
6100 Woodley Ave., Van Nuys 91406
Constructed over a three-year period and dedicated in 1984, the Japanese Garden at Woodley Park in Van Nuys is an oasis of serenity designed by Dr. Koichi Kawana. Ranked tenth out of 300 public Japanese gardens by the Journal of Japanese Gardening, it’s a treasure of the San Fernando Valley complete with a Zen meditation garden, Three Buddhas arrangement of stones, chisen (wet strolling garden with waterfalls), Shoin Building, Crane Island and a Weeping Willow Tree.
Lake Balboa
6300 Balboa Blvd., Van Nuys 91406
In 2007, a large part of Van Nuys was renamed the Lake Balboa district. Shortly after, in 2008, the district’s 80-acre Anthony C. Beilenson Park, formerly Balboa Park, received a million-dollar revamp in the form of a Maritime-themed Universally Accessible Playground, interactive drum play area, and more. Lifeguards are on-site at Lake Balboa, which is located in the park, making it an attractive place for boating and fishing. There are also barbecue pits and picnic tables, ensuring your entire family a whole day of activities. And if you’re visiting at the right time of year, you’ll get to enjoy a stroll around the lake with cherry blossom trees in full bloom. But at all times, don’t forget to enjoy the miles of trails that line the park, which branch off from the trail around the lake. Keep an eye out for nearby bike rentals.
Sako’s Mediterranean Cuisine
6736 Corbin Ave, Reseda 91335
You don’t visit Sako’s Mediterranean Cuisine in Reseda for the decor, but for their outstanding Armenian dishes. Open since 2002, Sako’s has the same name as it did upon opening, although its current owners, John and Ani Panosian, have owned the restaurant since about 2006. The kebabs are quite special and luscious, and if you go with Sako’s Special, the Iskender Kebab, you’ll be treated to a wonderfully seasoned ground beef sirloin sliced straight from the spit. Thick yogurt, browned butter and fresh tomato sauce accent the dish beautifully. Of course, you’ll also find standbys like hummus, baba ghanouj and tabouleh on the menu – all served with warm pitas – but adventurers will love the Mediterranean spice treasure hunt all the way down the menu.
Tonga Hut
Part of the unmatched charm of this Tiki Bar is that this little hideaway – and much of the current decor – dates all the way back to 1958, when it was opened by brothers Ace and Ed Libby at the height of the mid-century Tiki craze. After a period of being run down, the bar was thankfully restored to its former Tiki glory in 2005. Now, the original fountains are running, there’s new, period-appropriate artwork, and vintage, eclectic tunes in the jukebox. If you’re a local barfly, you can join The Loyal Order of the Drooling Bastard by ordering every drink in the Grog Log (which runs over 80 drinks deep) within a year. Whether you want a $2 PBR or a classic 1934 Zombie made according to Don the Beachcomber’s original recipe, the Tonga Hut is your Valley watering hole.
Vitello’s
4349 Tujunga Ave., Studio City
The restaurant known as Vitello’s has changed hands a couple times since Sal Vitello, a baker from New York, opened the restaurant in Tujunga Village. The Rat Pack was known to hang out here, with many industry types swinging by for a plate of pasta and a drink, thanks to its proximity to the CBS Studios Radford Studios Lot and the Universal City soundstages. You’ll have good reason to stop by too, thanks to the contemporary food and drink menu. Gone are the canned tomato sauces and overcooked pasta, and here to stay are fresh seasonal ingredients and al dente pasta. Check the Upstairs at Vitello’s calendar for live performances on select nights, including jazz and stand-up comedy by special guests like Dana Carvey and Arsenio Hall.
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.