Category: Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures, and when it comes to Chinese cuisine, the city offers a diverse and mouthwatering array of options. From traditional dishes to innovative fusion creations, these Chinese restaurants in Los Angeles promise a culinary journey like no other. Let’s explore the top Chinese eateries around town that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

1. Chengdu Taste

Location: 828 W Valley Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91803
Chengdu Taste, founded by Tony Xu, gained instant fame in LA for its fiery Chinese cuisine. Signature dishes like diced rabbit with a secret recipe and Sichuan-style mung bean jelly noodles are a must-try. A second location in Rowland Heights makes it accessible to even more food enthusiasts.

2. Xiaolongkan

Location: 46 West Valley Boulevard, Alhambra, California 91801
Xiaolongkan, a renowned Sichuan hot pot chain, has made its way to the United States, offering a spicy and flavorful hot pot experience. With all-you-can-eat offerings like chicken feet and spicy crawfish, it’s a paradise for spice lovers.

3. Yang’s Kitchen

Location: 112 West Main Street, Alhambra, California 91801
Yang’s Kitchen combines Chinese, Taiwanese, Japanese, and Californian influences to create a unique dining experience. With a commitment to sourcing local and sustainable ingredients, it’s a hip spot for both daytime and dinner delights.

4. T-Kebob

Location: 168 East Garvey Avenue, Monterey Park, California 91755
T-Kebob brings a Korean twist to Chinese barbecue skewers, offering a wide variety of meats, vegetables, and seafood. Open late until midnight, it’s the go-to place for those looking to savor skewer delights.

5. Jiang Nan Spring

Location: 910 East Main Street, Alhambra, California 91801
Specializing in Zhejiang cuisine, Jiang Nan Spring serves dishes made with an abundance of seafood and seasonal ingredients. Don’t miss out on their beggar’s chicken, a rare and intricate Chinese cuisine delicacy.

6. Southern Mini Town Restaurant

Location: 833 W Las Tunas Dr, San Gabriel, CA 91776
For authentic Shanghainese-style Chinese cuisine, head to Southern Mini Town. From potstickers to pan-fried bao and more, this restaurant offers a delightful taste of Shanghai.

7. Newport Seafood Restaurant

Location: 518 W Las Tunas Dr, San Gabriel, CA 91776
Newport Seafood is an institution in the San Gabriel Valley, known for its house-special lobster stir-fried with chiles, scallions, roe, and garlic. Enjoy a fusion of Chinese, Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Thai flavors.

8. Nature Pagoda

Location: 312 West Valley Boulevard, San Gabriel, California 91776
Nature Pagoda offers traditional Chinese medicinal cuisine, including clay pot rice and herbal teas. Try their clay pot rice dishes for a unique and healthy dining experience.

9. Auntie Kitchen

Location: 334 West Las Tunas Drive, San Gabriel, California 91776
Auntie Kitchen serves traditional Cantonese fare with generous portions and reasonable prices. Explore their extensive menu, featuring beef brisket noodles, wontons, and barbecue specialties.

10. Kim Ky

Location: 1108 South San Gabriel Boulevard, San Gabriel, California 91776
Kim Ky is a beloved Chiu Chow restaurant known for its customizable noodle soups. With various noodles and broths to choose from, you can create your perfect bowl of comfort.

These Chinese restaurants in Los Angeles offer a diverse range of flavors and culinary experiences. Whether you’re in the mood for fiery Sichuan cuisine, traditional Cantonese dishes, or innovative fusion creations, the city’s dining scene has something to satisfy every palate. Explore these eateries and embark on a flavorful journey through Chinese cuisine in LA.

The dawn of a new year often brings with it the desire for change and improvement, and for luxury homeowners, integrating the latest smart home technology can redefine living spaces. In 2024, the focus is on seamlessly blending technology with comfort, security, and convenience, ensuring your house is not just a place of residence, but a futuristic haven.

Advanced Home Security Solutions

Security is paramount in any luxury home, and modern technology offers some of the most sophisticated systems available. Facial recognition technology, motion sensors, and remote monitoring are now standard in high-end security systems. These technologies offer peace of mind, knowing that your home is protected by the latest advancements in security.

Intelligent Climate Control

Smart thermostats have evolved beyond basic temperature control. Today’s systems learn your preferences and adjust settings to ensure optimal comfort at all times. Imagine your house intuitively knowing when to adjust the heating or cooling, or even the lighting, based on the time of day or the weather outside. This not only enhances comfort but also contributes to energy efficiency.

A Revolution in Kitchen Convenience

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, and in luxury properties, it’s also a hub of innovation. High-tech kitchens in 2024 feature appliances that can be controlled via smartphone, voice-activated assistants, and even AI-driven culinary gadgets. These advancements transform cooking from a chore into a delightful experience, blending convenience with luxury.

Whole-Home Automation

Imagine controlling every aspect of your house from a single device. Lighting, entertainment systems, window treatments, and even irrigation systems can now be controlled through smart home hubs. Integration platforms like Apple HomeKit, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa allow homeowners to manage all these aspects through voice commands or a simple app, making home management effortlessly elegant.

The Rise of Wellness Technology

Luxury abodes now also focus on the wellness of their occupants. Technologies that purify air, control humidity, and even lighting systems designed to regulate circadian rhythms are becoming more prevalent. These features contribute to a living environment that not only looks good but also promotes the health and wellbeing of its residents.

Energy Management Systems

In an era where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, smart energy management systems are essential in luxury homes. These systems monitor and manage energy usage, ensuring that your home is as efficient as it is comfortable. From smart meters to solar panel integrations, these systems help reduce your carbon footprint while keeping your home running smoothly.

In conclusion, the integration of smart technology in luxury abodes is about enhancing the quality of life. The latest trends for 2024 focus on security, comfort, convenience, wellness, and sustainability, ensuring that your home is not just a living space, but a forward-thinking, intelligent environment. By adopting these technologies, you step into a future where your home is a sanctuary of both luxury and innovation.

Whether you’re vegan or craving a simple healthy meal, our list of the best plant-based bites around town is sure to cure your cravings. Read on for the best vegan spots that are 100% plant-based around town!

LOS ANGELES

CROSSROADS KITCHEN

Location: 8284 Melrose Ave | Los Angeles 

When it comes to the best vegan restaurants in L.A., it’s hard to top Crossroads Kitchen. Open since 2013; the plant-based menu offers stunning creations you would genuinely be surprised are vegan. We recommend the Artichoke Oysters as a starter, with the Spaghetti Carbonera for a main dish worth remembering.

HONEYBEE BURGER

Location: 1820 N Vermont Ave | Los Angeles

Bite into a burger that’s grilled to perfection and 100% meat-free. That’s what you can expect at Honeybee Burger, the vegan fast food stop in Los Feliz. Enjoy your burger with a side of sweet potato fries and a shake for a classic off-the-grill lunch with a healthy twist.

SHOJIN

Location: 333 S Alameda St Suite310 | Los Angeles

If you are in the mood for sushi or ramen, Shojin in Little Tokyo is one of the best vegan restaurants for Japanese food. Get your serving of their baked “crab” hand roll, or enjoy a hearty kabocha squash ramen. 

WESTSIDE AND BEACH COMMUNITIES

DE BUENA PLANTA

Location: 1118 Abbot Kinney Blvd | Venice

If you happen to be a fan of Butcher’s Daughter in Venice, the popular spot has a great vegan option for you! De Buena Planta opened in the past year and has quickly risen to be one of the best vegan restaurants on the West Side. From gorgeous cocktails to delicious cauliflower and mushroom tacos, what more do you need? Go ahead and indulge; it’s healthy! 

PLANT POWER FAST FOOD

Location: 5095 Pacific Coast Hwy | Long Beach

With a California coastal menu that’s equal parts pretty and delicious, Plant Power Fast Food in Long Beach has been fast to reach a top spot on our list. Along with the convenience of a drive-through for those on the go, Plant Power offers breakfast and lunch options to help you power through the day. Enjoy house-made burger patties and a horchata milkshake that will have you coming back for more! 

PLANT FOOD + WINE

Location: 1009 Abbot Kinney Blvd | Venice

Abbott Kinney has no shortage of healthy dining options, vegan and otherwise. At the top of that list is Plant Food + Wine. The restaurant offers Vegan fare so good you’ll forget it is all plant-based. Focused on locally sourced ingredients, P.F.W.’s’ menu brings together a rich array of tasty options. 

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

H.O.P.E.

Location: 11943 Ventura Blvd. | Studio City

Healthy Organix Positive Eating is what you will find at H.O.P.E. and also what their acronym means. It’s both eclectic and enchanting, with a delicious and vast menu offering Asian specialties and even a few Mexican dishes. Enjoy burgers, wraps, and more for a vegan dining spot to suit any appetite.

O’CADO RESTAURANT

Location: 14568 Ventura Blvd | Sherman Oaks

Offering plant-based fusion with sustainable Wine, craft beer, and cocktails, O’cado serves as a perfect choice for an enjoyable evening out. The food offering ranges between Latin, Mediterranean, and American for culture-infused bites to delight your taste buds.

VEGGIE GRILL

Location: 16542 Ventura Blvd., Encino

Open from the early afternoon through the evening, Veggie Grill makes for the perfect stop if you search for a casual lunch or dinner option. When it comes to the best vegan restaurants in the Valley, Veggie Grill has plenty to offer that lads it on our list. While it may be a chain restaurant, the quality remains consistent in everything from the Far East Bowl to the Meatball Sandwich.

CONEJO VALLEY

NATURAL CAFE

Location: Westlake Village

Fresh, quirky, and tasty are just a few of the ways we would describe Natural Cafe. The Westlake Village vegan spot has an almost endless list of plant-based options to enjoy. We recommend the Buddha Burrito or Portobella Mushroom sandwich for a mealing that’s both filling and delicious!

INN OF THE SEVENTH RAY

Location: Topanga Canyon

When searching for a spot that offers both zen and quality food, Inn of the Seventh Ray is just as it sounds. A picture of tranquility in Topanga Canyon, the restaurant is tucked away from the street hustle and bustle and nestled in the canyon alongside a flowing creek. Stop by for lunch, brunch, or dinner for a day at one of Conejo Valley’s best vegan restaurants. And for those seeking a healthy kombucha boost, they have no shortage of in-house specialties to boost the mind, body, and soul.

SAGE PLANT-BASED BISTRO

Location: Agoura Hills

A casual plant-based neighborhood eatery, Sage Plant-Based Bistro offers its best to Conejo Valley and indeed delivers. You’ll find plenty to enjoy at this delicious vegan gem, from the tasty Buffalo Cauliflower Wings to the Jackfruit Stuffed Avocado.

Planning a holiday gathering can be quite overwhelming. You want people to come together for a memorable intimate event in your home. You want everyone to have fun. And, you likely want everything to be on point and perfect. Stylish, elegant, and with a luxurious edge, these tips will help to make your party a success. Read on for our tips on the perfect way to host your holiday soiree and stay safe this season!

Have a Theme

Hosting a themed party gives you plenty of ways to get creative with décor, dress codes, and sometimes even food. It also helps guests to fully embrace the jovial mood of your holiday celebration.

A Winter Wonderland theme can be classy and sleek, with your home decorated in all white and silver and guests dressing in white. Hang paper snowflakes for added effect.

The weather may be warm in Southern California but an Apres Ski theme brings all the fun of the slopes to your home. Guests can dress in cozy casuals and you can add rustic chalet-like touches to your home. Tartan rugs, faux fur throws, flickering candles, wooden accessories, and decorations made from pine sprigs and pinecones all help to set the scene.

These are just two examples; come up with your own fabulous theme based on your and your invitees’ interests.

Offer a Seasonal Drink

As well as your regular selection of party wines, beers, spirits, and soft drinks, include a seasonal talking-point beverage to get everyone in the holiday mood. It could be as simple as a large pot of spiced mulled wine or glasses of eggnog, or you could whip up large pitchers of a delicious festive cocktail. Imagine how well White Christmas Margaritas, Cranberry Mimosas, Santa Clausmopolitans, or similar would go down with dinner. Bonus points if you have a bartender at your holiday soiree to prepare your party’s signature cocktail on request!

Include Some Games

Although (all being well) your guests will be enjoy eating and drinking and the conversation will (hopefully!) be flowing, a couple of planned activities help to keep everyone engaged and amused. Aim for activities that are fairly easy to pick up and that appeal to a wide audience.

Classic card games, such as canasta and gin rummy, can be a good option, as could traditional party games like charades, bingo, or a lively quiz. If your guests are fairly lively, you could even consider more physical activities, like a limbo contest … performed to holiday tunes. A youthful group may love a pinata.

In keeping with the holiday cheer, an easy activity is a guessing game, while blindfolded. Have a selection of holiday-scented candles (think cinnamon, chestnut, pine, and similar) and guests should try to identify each fragrance.

Sweeten the Mood

Whether you’ve planned a formal sit-down meal or a buffet table laden with delicious nibbles, a mouth-watering skillet chocolate chip cookie can be an impressive crowd-pleaser.

Easy to make and even easier to eat, spread chocolate chip cookies (either homemade or store-bought) across the bottom of a skillet and bake for a few minutes. The cookies should merge into one large pan of deliciousness. Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce and top with a large blob of vanilla ice cream.

Another chocolatey delight that can be tailored to individual tastes is a chocolate fountain. Prepare trays of strawberries, chopped fruit, marshmallows, and pieces of fudge and let the melted deliciousness flow.

Sing Holiday Karaoke

Inject even more seasonal joy into your holiday soiree with a spot of holiday karaoke. Guests can take turns with the mic, on anything from carols and traditional holiday songs.

Popular choices include “Let it Snow” by Dean Martin, “Last Christmas” by Wham, “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” by NSYNC, “Run Rudolph Run” by Chuck Berry, “Hallelujah” by Alexandra Burke, and “Mistletoe” by Justin Bieber.

If karaoke really wouldn’t match your group, how about a holiday name that tunes game instead?

Dial into the latest news in the world of tech and media. From Spotify wrapped to Tesla’s Cybertruck and more, we have you covered. Check out this week’s blog for tech news you won’t want to miss!!

Spotify Wrapped 2023: Discover Your ‘Sound Town’ Through Your Music Preferences

Spotify Wrapped 2023 is now available, presenting users with a comprehensive breakdown of their music preferences, including top artists, songs, and podcasts. In a new twist, Spotify introduces a “sound town” concept, assigning users a city based on their listening habits. The Wrapped experience also includes a “me in 2023” feature, linking listening patterns to one of 12 characters crafted by Spotify. Additional enhancements feature peak listening months for top artists and a creative design for the top five genres, represented as sandwich ingredients. For artists and podcasters, Spotify offers a Wrapped experience showcasing their most popular content. Furthermore, Spotify plans Wrapped listening parties, allowing select artists to engage with fans, stream top tracks, sell merch, and more. The presence of Spotify’s AI DJ guides users through their Wrapped stats, providing commentary on favorite artists, genres, and songs, with this experience available for the first week of accessing 2023 Wrapped data.

Elon Musk Presents First Tesla Cybertrucks to Customers at Delivery Event

After a four-year journey marked by delays, the Tesla Cybertruck has finally made its debut. Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, is overseeing a delivery event at the company’s Austin, Texas factory, scheduled for 12 PM PT / 2 PM CT / 3 PM ET. The event will witness the delivery of Cybertrucks to ten customers, and Tesla is anticipated to reveal updated specifications, pricing, and more details about the vehicle. Originally slated for production in late 2021, delays ensued due to supply chain challenges and manufacturing complexities. Although production is gradually increasing, only a limited number of Cybertrucks are expected to be manufactured initially. Prototype versions of the uniquely designed and divisive Cybertruck have been generating excitement throughout the year, with features like the distinctive windshield wiper adding to the anticipation surrounding the vehicle.

WhatsApp now lets you hide your locked chats behind a secret code

WhatsApp is enhancing privacy features by introducing a new method to conceal locked chats from casual observers. Instead of displaying the locked chats folder alongside regular conversations, users can now hide these chats behind a personalized secret code. This code, which can include letters, numbers, special characters, and emojis, is entered into the WhatsApp search bar to access the locked chats. This added layer of security aims to prevent others from realizing the existence of a locked chat folder on your phone. WhatsApp also allows users to opt for their locked chats to appear in the chat list if preferred. Initially introduced in May, locked chats enable users to secure conversations in a folder accessible only through fingerprint, face scan, or password. In addition to the secret code feature, WhatsApp now allows users to lock a chat by long-pressing on the conversation instead of navigating to the chat’s settings. Meta is gradually rolling out the secret codes, with global availability expected in the coming months.

Expanding its presence in the streaming realm, TikTok introduces new artist accounts

TikTok has launched artist accounts, enabling musicians to access tools that enhance fan outreach and engagement. The Music tab, a key feature, organizes artists’ catalogs and automatically adds new music to facilitate fan discovery. Additional features, such as “Behind the Song,” offer fans insights into the creative process and inspiration behind the music. Artist accounts also provide ways for musicians to promote their work, allowing them to pin a preferred post to the top of the discovery page and utilize tags like “Artist” for verification. Another tag, “New Release,” enables musicians to spotlight upcoming tracks before and after their release. These additions draw parallels with features seen on platforms like Spotify, aligning with TikTok’s broader push into streaming, evident with the earlier launch of TikTok Music, its subscription-driven streaming service. The recent “Add to Music app” feature further facilitates the integration of TikTok songs into users’ Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music playlists. Paul Hourican, TikTok’s global head of music partnerships and programming, expressed the platform’s commitment to empowering artists and enhancing fan connections through these new features.

Voicemod introduces the capability to generate and share personalized AI voices

Voicemod has introduced new features allowing users to effortlessly create and share their own customized AI voices. Popular among streamers and gamers, Voicemod’s AI voice-changing program previously offered over 100 options, including fantasy characters and celebrity voices. With the update, users can utilize the AI Voice Creator to craft unique synthetic voices. They can choose from various genders, ages, and tones. The Voicelab functionality enables fine-tuning of synthetic voices by adjusting pitch, volume, frequency, and adding audio effects. These creations can be shared on Community Voices, fostering a collaborative platform for user-generated voices. Jaime Bosch, Voicemod CEO, highlights the tool’s capacity to generate entirely new AI-powered voices. Given the non-copyrightable nature of voices, Voicemod’s approach minimizes legal concerns. Likewise, this contributes to the growing landscape of AI voice technology. Voicemod is compatible with both macOS and Windows 10 and 11.

Sam Altman officially resumes the role of CEO as Microsoft joins the board at OpenAI

Sam Altman officially reassumes the position of OpenAI’s CEO, as Microsoft secures a non-voting observer seat on the nonprofit board. The deal, announced after Thanksgiving, brings Altman back to the helm. Three of the four board members involved in Altman’s earlier dismissal have now departed. The current board comprises Bret Taylor (Chair), Larry Summers, and Adam D’Angelo. Microsoft’s addition as a non-voting observer allows greater visibility into OpenAI’s operations without influencing significant decisions. The observer seat aims to strengthen collaboration between the entities. The memo emphasizes the organization’s commitment to its mission and gratitude for employee resilience during the challenging period.